East Indian sandalwood (Santalum album L.) oil confers neuroprotection and geroprotection in Caenorhabditis elegans via activating SKN-1/Nrf2 signaling pathway

East Indian Sandalwood Oil (EISO) has diverse beneficial effects and has been used for thousands of years in traditional folk-medicine for treatment of different human ailments. However, there has been no in-depth scientific investigation to decipher the neuroprotective and geroprotective mechanism of EISO and its principle components, α- and β-santalol. Hence the current study was undertaken to assess the protective effects of EISO, and α- and β-santalol against neurotoxic (6-OHDA/6-hydroxydopamine) and proteotoxic (α-synuclein) stresses in a Caenorhabditis elegans model. Initially, we found that EISO and its principle components exerted an excellent antioxidant and antiapoptotic activity as it was able to extend the lifespan, and inhibit the ROS generation, and germline cell apoptosis in 6-OHDA-intoxicated C. elegans. Further, we showed that supplementation of EISO, and α- and β-santalol reduced the 6-OHDA and α-synuclein-induced Parkinson's disease associated pathologies and improved the physiological functions. The genetic and reporter gene expression analysis revealed that an EISO, or α- and β-santalol-mediated protective effect does not appear to rely on DAF-2/DAF-16, but selectively regulates SKN-1 and its downstream targets involved in antioxidant defense and geroprotective processes. Together, our findings indicated that EISO and its principle components are worth exploring further as a candidate redox-based neuroprotectant for the prevention and management of age-related neurological disorders.

Assessment of long term status of sputum positive pulmonary TB patients successfully treated with short course chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Long term status of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients treated with short course chemotherapy (SCC) regimens remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical, bacteriological, radiological status and health related quality of life (HRQoL) of PTB patients 14-18 years after successful treatment with SCC.

METHODOLOGY

In a cross-sectional study, cured PTB patients treated during 1986-1990 at the Tuberculosis Research Centre (TRC) were investigated for their current health status including pulmonary function tests (PFT). The St Georges respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) was used to assess the HRQoL.

RESULTS

The mean period after treatment completion for the 363 eligible participants was 16.5 yrs (range 14-18 yrs., 84% coverage); 25 (7%) had been re-treated and 52 (14%) died. Among the investigated, 58 (29%) had persistent respiratory symptoms; 170 (86%) had radiological sequelae but none had active disease. Abnormal PFT was observed in 96 (65%) with predominantly restrictive type of disease in 66 (45%). The SGRQ scores for activity and impact were high implying impairment in HRQoL.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of long term status of cured PTB patients showed an impairment of lung functions and HRQoL highlighting the need to address these issues in the management of TB that may provide added value to patient care.

Redetermination of poly[μ-chlorido-hepta-chlorido-μ(3)-l-proline-μ(2)-l-proline-tetra-mercury(II)]

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Hg(4)Cl(8)(C(5)H(9)NO(2))(2)](n), consists of four HgCl(2) units and two L-proline ligands in the zwitterionic form. In each HgCl(2) unit, the Hg(II) ion is strongly bonded to two Cl atoms, and the Hg(II) ions in two of the HgCl(2) units are chelated by O atoms of two l-proline ligands, with one strong and one weak Hg-O bond. In the crystal structure, HgCl(2) and L-proline units are linked to form an extended chain along the a axis. The chain structure is further stabilized by N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, and the chains are arranged in layers parallel to the ab plane. The structure of the title compound was originally determined by Ehsan, Malik & Haider [(1996). J. Banglad. Acad. Sci.20, 175] but no three-dimensional coordinates are available.