Anti-obesity effects of olivetol in adult zebrafish model induced by short-term high-fat diet

Obesity is a complex disease caused by various factors, and synthetic drugs used to treat it can have side effects. Natural compounds, such as olivetol, could be a promising alternative. Olivetol is a substance found in certain lichen species and has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. In this study, researchers conducted in-silico molecular docking studies and found that olivetol had significant binding affinity with receptors involved in obesity. They also investigated the effects of olivetol on a diet-induced obese zebrafish model and found that high doses of olivetol reduced excessive fat accumulation and triglyceride and lipid accumulation. The low dose of olivetol showed a significant reduction in liver enzymes' levels. However, the high dose of olivetol resulted in a significant increase in HMG-CoA levels. These results suggest that olivetol may be a promising anti-obesity agent for the treatment of hyperlipidemia-related disorders, but further research is necessary to understand its full effects on the body.

Exploring the contribution of pro-inflammatory cytokines to impaired wound healing in diabetes

Background

Impaired wound healing is the most common and significant complication of Diabetes. While most other complications of Diabetes have better treatment options, diabetic wounds remain a burden as they can cause pain and suffering in patients. Wound closure and repair are orchestrated by a sequence of events aided by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are dysregulated in cases of Diabetes, making the wound environment unfavorable for healing and delaying the wound healing processes. This concise review provides an overview of the dysregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and offers insights into better therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of review

Although many therapeutic approaches have been lined up nowadays to treat Diabetes, there are no proper treatment modalities proposed yet in treating diabetic wounds due to the lack of understanding about the role of inflammatory mediators, especially Pro-inflammatory mediators- Cytokines, in the process of Wound healing which we mainly focus on this review.

Recent findings

Although complications of Diabetes mellitus are most reported after years of diagnosis, the most severe critical complication is impaired Wound Healing among Diabetes patients. Even though Trauma, Peripheral Artery Disease, and Peripheral Neuropathy are the leading triggering factors for the development of ulcerations, the most significant issue contributing to the development of complicated cutaneous wounds is wound healing impairment. It may even end up with amputation. Newer therapeutic approaches such as incorporating the additives in the present dressing materials, which include antimicrobial molecules and immunomodulatory cytokines is of better therapeutic value.

Summary

The adoption of these technologies and the establishment of novel therapeutic interventions is difficult since there is a gap in terms of a complete understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level and the lack of data in terms of the assessment of safety and bioavailability differences in the individuals' patients. The target-specific pro-inflammatory cytokines-based therapies, either by upregulation or downregulation of them, will be helpful in the wound healing process and thereby enhances the Quality of life in patients, which is the goal of drug therapy.

Impact of nanocarrier aggregation on EPR-mediated tumor targeting

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of excipients on retaining the particle size of methotrexate (MTX) loaded chitosan nanocarriers (CsNP) during lyophilization, which relates to the ability to enlarge the particle size and target specific areas. The nanocarriers were prepared using the ionic gelation technique with tripolyphosphate as a crosslinker. Three lyophilized formulations were used: nanosuspension without Lyoprotectant (NF), with mannitol (NFM), and with sucrose (NFS). The lyophilized powder intended for injection (PI) was examined to assess changes in particle size, product integrity, and comparative biodistribution studies to evaluate targeting ability. After lyophilization, NFS was excluded from in-vivo studies due to the product melt-back phenomenon. The particle size of the NF lyophile significantly increased from 176 nm to 261 nm. In contrast, NFM restricted the nanocarrier size to 194 nm and exhibited excellent cake properties. FTIR, XRD, and SEM analysis revealed the transformation of mannitol into a stable β, δ polymorphic form. Biodistribution studies showed that the nanocarriers significantly increased MTX accumulation in tumor tissue (NF = 2.04 ± 0.27; NFM = 2.73 ± 0.19) compared to the marketed PI (1.45 ± 0.25 μg), but this effect was highly dependent on the particle size. Incorporating mannitol yielded positive results in restricting particle size and favoring successful tumor targeting. This study demonstrates the potential of chitosan nanocarriers as promising candidates for targeted tumor drug delivery and cancer treatment.

Psychiatric Manifestations of COVID-19: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019) occurs due to the highly contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It uses angiotensin-converting enzyme- 2 (ACE-2) as its primary receptor to enter the host cell. Recent reports suggest that this pathogen also has a large impact on the CNS alongside other organs. Various inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, and numerous metabolites, are poorly regulated during infection as well as in several psychiatric diseases, which leads to conditions of hypoxia and cytokine storm. The persistence of COVID-19 infection may also result in aggravation of the already present neuro-psychiatric symptoms in patients.

METHODS

We systematically searched various sources of journals and assessed the varied neurological routes of propagation and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 neurotoxicity, like ACE2-mediated neuroinvasion induced hypoxia and the cytokine storm syndrome. Several case studies were also referred to obtain a better idea of the current mental health scenario as a consequence of infection and inflammation due to SARS-CoV-2.

CONCLUSION

Several risk factors for the causation of mental health issues during as well as after the infection include female gender, presence of necrosis, and pain in avascular regions. Most psychiatric disorders are directly associated with the socioeconomic and psychosocial changes that have occurred as a consequence of the pandemic. These psychiatric manifestations have only started to unravel, which calls for the development of faster means of diagnosis and integrated pharmacological and epidemiological studies to curb the growing rate of neuronal complications as well as mortality.

Duration of Seroprotection of the live attenuated SA-14-14-2 Japanese encephalitis vaccine in children in India

BACKGROUND

Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is a major public health concern in India and the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Virus is the most common cause of viral encephalitis in Asia affecting children under the age of 15 years. In India, despite the introduction of the JE vaccine (SA-14-14-2) in the immunization programme, JE continues to account for 15-20% of AES cases to date. The present study evaluates the immunogenicity of live attenuated SA-14-14-2 JE vaccine in terms of persistence of the humoral response after two doses.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 266 children belonging to one of the JE endemic regions of Uttar Pradesh, India. Blood samples were taken from children (2-10 years) and grouped according to the duration (in years) after two doses of the vaccine (five groups with a class interval of two years). Informed written consent was obtained from the parents/guardians. All the samples collected were tested for the presence of anti-JEV-specific IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and further confirmed by micro neutralization test (MNT) and immunofluorescence assays.

RESULTS

Of the 266 samples tested by ELISA for anti-JEV-specific IgG antibodies, 260 (97.74%) were negative and six (2.26%) were equivocal. The geometric mean immune status ratio across the five groups, 0-2 years (n = 59), 2-4 years (n = 73), 4-6 years (n = 65), 6-8 years (n = 48) and 8-10 years (n = 21) post two doses of SA-14-14-2 JE vaccine was 1.143, 1.059, 1.138, 1.075 and 1.130 respectively and the geometric mean titre (GMT) obtained from MNT across the five groups were 10.77, 8.400, 8.453, 9.517 and 9.674 respectively.

CONCLUSION

The study showed a decreasing trend of anti-JEV specific IgG antibody titers across the five groups based on the duration following two doses of SA-14-14-2 vaccine. The results emphasize the significance of booster doses of vaccine for children living in endemic areas.

Effect of Mobile Phone Radiation on Neurobehaviour: Possible Mechanisms from Preclinical Studies

Excessive usage of gadgets Emitting Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR), especially smartphones, by people of all age groups, and so forth chronic exposure to the radiation, were indeed sounding the alarm about a multitude of health risks. The nervous system was significantly affected, altering the brain and behavior of people and animals. Many preclinical experimental studies have been performed to uncover the pathways that lead to injury, but the results have been contradictory. A strategic search was conducted to identify studies published between 2011 and 2020, using electronic databases such as PubMed and Science Direct. Based on predefined criteria, studies were identified for study and assessed individually. All of the included studies were assessed for the risk of bias, and no study was found to be free of bias. In preclinical research, heterogenicity was detected in the exposure settings (EMF-RF type, MW, pulsed, SAR value, and length of exposure) after a thorough assessment of the studies included. Exposure to mobile phone radiation can produce oxidative stress, which can lead to the activation of apoptotic and necrotic pathways if not reversed in time. The available scientific literature is insufficient to draw particular conclusions, but the possibility of harmful impacts cannot be ruled out, according to the authors. There is a great need to restrict extensive investigations and instead conduct a systematic and complete blinded study with significant reproducibility and long-term research. This review intended to explain the potential mechanisms and risks associated with mobile phone radiation exposure.

Prospects of Combinatorial Approach Involving ICD Induction and Adenosine A2A Receptor Pathway Inhibition to Improve Cancer Immunotherapy

The purpose of this review is to discuss and summarize the prospects of combinatorial approach involving immunogenic cell death induction and immunosuppressive adenosine A2A receptor pathway inhibition in enhancing anti-tumor immunity. Majority of chemotherapeutic agents can elicit antitumor immunity and modulate the composition, density, function, and distribution of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs), to influence differential therapeutic responses and prognosis in cancer patients. Accumulating evidence indicates that the clinical success of these agents not only dependents on their cytotoxic activity but also by the enhancement of pre-existing immunity. Over expression of CD39 or CD73 enzymes has been implicated in limiting the ICD caused by chemotherapeutic agents like anthracyclines and oxaliplatin. Conversion of ATP released by chemotherapeutic drugs into adenosine dampens its capacity to attract antigen presenting cells including Dendritic Cells (DC) into the proximity of dying and dead cells. In addition, released adenosine exits potent immunosuppressive activities on different immune cells through A2A receptors in the TME and contributes to the resistance against chemotherapy. Resistance either intrinsic or acquired is the major hurdle for most of the therapeutic interventions. In order to enhance immunogenic cell death by chemotherapeutic agents, it has become clear that blockade of adenosine production or its signaling need to be specifically targeted as they represent highly resistant mechanisms. Given the prominent role of adenosine mediated immune suppression and resistance to ICD induction in TME, combination strategies that involve ICD induction and adenosine signaling blockade are further warranted.

Anti – Androgenic Activity of Caesalpinia bonducella in Androgen-induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Rats

Aim:  Our goal was to use the androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) Testosterone Propionate (TP) to create a novel animal model to study polycystic ovaries. Materials and Methods: Thirty albino female Wistar rats weighing 200 – 250 g were split into five groups with six rats in each group. Group I was treated as standard control, Group II was treated as the PCOS induced group, Group III was treated as a standard group, Clomiphene citrate (20 mg per kg body weight), intraperitoneally (I.P) along with a 4 mg TP injection intramuscularly (I.M) in an oily solution, Group IV was treatment control group treated with a hydro-alcoholic extract of Caesalpinia bonducella (CBHAE) at a dose of 200 mg per kg body weight. Group V was given CBHAE at 400 mg per kg of body weight. Blood collected from animals examined for hormonal parameters and ovaries is subjected to histopathological studies.  Results: There was a fall in testosterone volume and an increase in the efflux of female hormone constituents, which improved the ovarian development and helped to regulate menses. Conclusion: Significantly lower levels of Testosterone were produced as a result of the extract, which also showed superior anti-androgenic properties. However, additional intervention is recommended in order to investigate the therapeutic effect of Caesalpinia bonducella seed in further detail.

Teleost Model as an Alternative in Parkinson's Disease

In the experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD), a well-known neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine or MPTP, pesticides like benomyl, paraquat,etc. are successfully used to induce a Parkinson's disease in human and nonhuman primates, which can be reversed by the drugs such as L-DOPA. A review on the alternative methods and alternative models in Parkinson's disease is documented here to understand their advantages and importance. Earlier researchers proved MPTP is effective in the goldfish, which reliably mirrors the neurochemical and behavioral changes caused by MPTP in the higher vertebrates. Gold fish brain has the "nucleus pars medialis," similar to the substanitia nigra of the human brain can be destructed by chemicals like MPTP, 6-hydroxydopamine and has selective protection by L-Dopa (Levodopa) and MAO-B (Monoamine oxidase B) inhibitors. In addition, zebrafish along with mice was successfully employed in the study of pesticides leading to neurodegeneration in PD. As the current animal models often couldn't replicate the true pathophysiology of idiopathic PD, alternative models have gained importance in the research. Upon having a glance at different models utilized in Parkinson's disease studies, one can get an idea on preferring alternative models, especially the zebra fish model in the study of neurodegenerative disorders.

Hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorus L. in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats

Objectives:

To study the effects of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower on serum glucose level in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Albino rats were divided into six groups of six animals each, three groups of normal animals receiving different treatments consisting of vehicle, aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower (100 mg/kg) and the standard antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg). The same treatment was given to the other three groups comprising alloxan induced diabetic animals. Fasting blood glucose level was estimated using the glucose oxidase method in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats, before and 2 h after the administration of drugs.

Results:

Parthenium hysterophorus L. showed significant reduction in blood glucose level in the diabetic (P<0.01) rats. However, the reduction in blood glucose level with aqueous extract was less than with the standard drug glibenclamide. The extract showed less hypoglycemic effect in fasted normal rats, (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

The study reveals that the active fraction of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower extract is very promising for developing standardized phytomedicine for diabetes mellitus.

Wound healing activity of Glycosmis arborea leaf extract in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Glycosmis arborea Roxb, syn. Glycosmis pentaphylla Retz, (Rutacea) is a shrub found all over India, have been used for the healing of wounds of livestock in Indian folk medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study provides a scientific evaluation for the wound healing potential of ethanolic extract of Glycosmis arborea leaves.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Excision and incision wounds were inflicted upon four groups containing six rats each. Group-1 was assigned as control (ointment base), Group-2 and Group-3 were treated with 5 and 10% EtOH extract ointment. Group-4 was treated with standard Nitrofurazone (0.2%) ointment. The parameters observed were percentage of wound contraction, epithelization period, tensile strength, hydroxyproline content. Ethanolic extract of Glycosmis arborea leaves was given orally at a dose of 200, 400mg/kg/day in dead space wound model.

RESULTS

Topical application of Glycosmis arborea ointment (10%) in excision wound model significantly (P<0.05) increased the percentage of wound contraction (96.91%) compared with control (60.27%) and decreased the epithelization time. The tensile strength significantly (P<0.05) increased in Group-3 at 560.33 ± 6.48g when compared to control at 319.17±6.16 g. Rats treated with Glycosmis arborea extract (400mg/kg) showed significant (P<0.05) increase in hydroxyproline content at 54.94 ± 0.96 mg/g when compared with control at 30.77±1.13 mg/g.

CONCLUSION

The ethanolic extract of Glycosmis arborea facilitated wound healing significantly, corroborating the folk medicinal use of this plant.