Multi-omics analysis identifies potential microbial and metabolite diagnostic biomarkers of bacterial vaginosis

BACKGROUND

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common clinical manifestation of a perturbed vaginal ecology associated with adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes if left untreated. The existing diagnostic modalities are either cumbersome or require skilled expertise, warranting alternate tests. Application of machine-learning tools to heterogeneous and high-dimensional multi-omics datasets finds promising potential in data integration and may aid biomarker discovery.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of the microbiome and metabolome-derived biomarkers in BV diagnosis. Interpretable machine-learning algorithms were used to evaluate the utility of an integrated-omics-derived classification model.

METHODS

Vaginal samples obtained from reproductive-age group women with (n = 40) and without BV (n = 40) were subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and LC-MS-based metabolomics. The vaginal microbiome and metabolome were characterized, and machine-learning analysis was performed to build a classification model using biomarkers with the highest diagnostic accuracy.

RESULTS

Microbiome-based diagnostic model exhibited a ROC-AUC (10-fold CV) of 0.84 ± 0.21 and accuracy of 0.79 ± 0.18, and important features were Aerococcus spp., Mycoplasma hominis, Sneathia spp., Lactobacillus spp., Prevotella spp., Gardnerella spp. and Fannyhessea vaginae. The metabolome-derived model displayed superior performance with a ROC-AUC of 0.97 ± 0.07 and an accuracy of 0.92 ± 0.08. Beta-leucine, methylimidazole acetaldehyde, dimethylethanolamine, L-arginine and beta cortol were among key predictive metabolites for BV. A predictive model combining both microbial and metabolite features exhibited a high ROC-AUC of 0.97 ± 0.07 and accuracy of 0.94 ± 0.08 with diagnostic performance only slightly superior to the metabolite-based model.

CONCLUSION

Application of machine-learning tools to multi-omics datasets aid biomarker discovery with high predictive performance. Metabolome-derived classification models were observed to have superior diagnostic performance in predicting BV than microbiome-based biomarkers.

Drug induced liver injury - a 2023 update

Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) constitutes hepatic damage attributed to drug exposure. DILI may be categorized as hepatocellular, cholestatic or mixed and might also involve immune responses. When DILI occurs in dose-dependent manner, it is referred to as intrinsic, while if the injury occurs spontaneously, it is termed as idiosyncratic. This review predominately focused on idiosyncratic liver injury. The established molecular mechanisms for DILI include (1) mitochondria dysfunction, (2) increased reactive oxygen species levels, (3) presence of elevated apoptosis and necrosis, (4) and bile duct injuries associated with immune mediated pathways. However, it should be emphasized that the underlying mechanisms responsible for DILI are still unknown. Prevention strategies are critical as incidences occur frequently, and treatment options are limited once the injury has developed. The aim of this review was to utilize retrospective cohort studies from across the globe to gain insight into epidemiological patterns. This review considers (1) what is currently known regarding the mechanisms underlying DILI, (2) discusses potential risk factors and (3) implications of the coronavirus pandemic on DILI presentation and research. Future perspectives are also considered and discussed and include potential new biomarkers, causality assessment and reporting methods.

Design and manufacture of one-size-fits-all healthcare face shields for the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shortage of personal protective equipment, PPE, which resulted in non-certified PPE being used by healthcare staffs. These would not provide the appropriate protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Together with the local NHS Trust (University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) NHS Foundation Trust) and a local small and medium enterprise (SME), Riverside Medical Packaging Ltd, the University of Derby (UoD) developed test protocols for PPE with a one-size-fits-all concept. Building on best practice in reviewing the literature and current design requirements, key design parameters were identified such as a minimum strap width and comfort level for healthcare related Face Shield. Two strap headbands made from fabric and elastomer with linear stiffness of 44.1 ± 0.3 N/m and 149.1 ± 3.1 N/m respectively were tested with respect to fit and comfort on small and large arc-shaped models. There was an exponential change in pressure from the side to the middle of the strap headbands. The high stiffness of the elastomer in a radial set-up influenced the pressure exerted on a wearer's head when the elastomer strap was used. Meanwhile the coefficient of friction between the fabric strap and arc-shaped model influenced the pressure exerted when a fabric strap was used. The ergonomics of the designed Face Shields supported the one-size-fits-all concept, whereby various gender and head circumferences were considered. The findings in this paper will promote new standards in the design of PPE with a one-size-fits-all target.

A Comparative Study of Zinc Oxide Nanotoxicity on Reproductive Potential of an Earthworm in Natural and Artificial Substrates

The toxic impacts of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on reproductive potential of the earthworm, Eisenia fetida were studied in relation to varying temperature and pH in natural (NS) and artificial substrate (AS). The ZnO NPs decreased cocoon production, hatching and rate of reproduction as a function of increasing concentration, temperature and exposure period. The gradation of temperature and pH to get a better reproductive potential was found to be [Formula: see text]C and [Formula: see text], respectively. Cocoon production was higher in NS than the AS. It may be due to sufficient food availability in NS. Survival of adult worms was decreased with increase in ZnO NPs and exposure period. The rate of reproduction was significantly higher in NS as compared to AS at [Formula: see text]C. The present findings suggested that ZnO NPs retard the reproductive potential of E. fetida and may also be hazardous to pedoecosystem and fauna living there in. Temperature of [Formula: see text]C, pH 6.5 and NS as vermibed were the most suitable conditions to maintain worthy rate of reproduction and reduce ZnO NPs toxicity.

Interleukin-1 gene cluster variants in hemodialysis patients with end stage renal disease: An association and meta-analysis

We evaluated whether polymorphisms in interleukin (IL-1) gene cluster (IL-1 alpha [IL-1A], IL-1 beta [IL-1B], and IL-1 receptor antagonist [IL-1RN]) are associated with end stage renal disease (ESRD). A total of 258 ESRD patients and 569 ethnicity matched controls were examined for IL-1 gene cluster. These were genotyped for five single-nucleotide gene polymorphisms in the IL-1A, IL-1B and IL-1RN genes and a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the IL-1RN. The IL-1B − 3953 and IL-1RN + 8006 polymorphism frequencies were significantly different between the two groups. At IL-1B, the T allele of − 3953C/T was increased among ESRD (P = 0.0001). A logistic regression model demonstrated that two repeat (240 base pair [bp]) of the IL-1Ra VNTR polymorphism was associated with ESRD (P = 0.0001). The C/C/C/C/C/1 haplotype was more prevalent in ESRD = 0.007). No linkage disequilibrium (LD) was observed between six loci of IL-1 gene. We further conducted a meta-analysis of existing studies and found that there is a strong association of IL-1 RN VNTR 86 bp repeat polymorphism with susceptibility to ESRD (odds ratio = 2.04, 95% confidence interval = 1.48-2.82; P = 0.000). IL-1B − 5887, +8006 and the IL-1RN VNTR polymorphisms have been implicated as potential risk factors for ESRD. The meta-analysis showed a strong association of IL-1RN 86 bp VNTR polymorphism with susceptibility to ESRD.

Effect of direct loading of phytoestrogens into the calcium phosphate scaffold on osteoporotic bone tissue regeneration

3D porous calcium deficient hydroxyapatite scaffolds with phytoestrogens were fabricated for osteoporotic bone tissue regeneration through a combination of 3D printing techniques and cement chemistry as a room temperature process.

Thyroid Hormone-Induced Changes in Cytoplasmic and Mitochondrial Proteins of a Teleost

The effect of triiodothyronine (T3) on the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial protein contents were studied in the liver and skeletal muscle of a freshwater teleost. The fish exposed to thiouracil for 28 days showed 1.5-2 times reduction in the total protein contents of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial fractions. A single injection of T3 to thiouracil exposed fish caused the earliest induction in the liver and skeletal muscle mitochondrial protein and the skeletal muscle cytoplasmic protein at 12 hr of lapses. However, the initial induction in the cytoplasmic protein of the liver was observed at 3 hr after T3 treatment. The maximum inductions (1.5-3.2 fold) in the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial proteins of the liver and skeletal muscle were obtained at 1 8 -2 4 hr following hormonal administration. Thereafter, the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial protein contents of both the tissues declined to their control levels within 3 6 - 4 8 hr of T3 injection which reflected the half-life and turnover period of the induced proteins. These T3 dependent inductions in the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial proteins of the liver (1 .4 -3 .2 fold) and skeletal muscle (1.8 -2.7 fold) were inhibited by actinomycin D and cycloheximide indicating T3-induced de novo synthesis of the proteins. The induction in the cytoplasmic protein (3 fold) was almost double to that of the mitochondrial protein (1.6 fold) suggesting more synthesis of protein molecules in the cytoplasm for cellular and subcellular activities.

Acclimation of brackish water pearl spot (Etroplus suratensis) to various salinities: relative changes in abundance of branchial Na(+)/K (+)-ATPase and Na (+)/K (+)/2Cl (-) co-transporter in relation to osmoregulatory parameters

The present study was conducted to elucidate the osmoregulatory ability of the fish pearl spot (Etroplus suratensis) to know the scope of this species for aquaculture under various salinities. Juvenile pearl spot were divided into three groups and acclimated to freshwater (FW), brackish water (BW) or seawater (SW) for 15 days. The fish exhibited effective salinity tolerance under osmotic challenges. Although the plasma osmolality and Na(+), K(+) and Cl(-) levels increased with the increasing salinities, the parameters remained within the physiological range. The muscle water contents were constant among FW-, BW- and SW-acclimated fish. Two Na+/K+-ATPase α-isoforms (NKA α) were expressed in gills during acclimation in FW, BW and SW. Abundance of one isoform was up-regulated in response to seawater acclimation, suggesting its role in ion secretion similar to NKA α1b, while expression of another isoform was simultaneously up-regulated in response to both FW and SW acclimation, suggesting the presence of isoforms switching phenomenon during acclimation to different salinities. Nevertheless, NKA enzyme activities in the gills of the SW and FW individuals were higher (p < 0.05) than in BW counterparts. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase immunoreactive (NKA-IR) cells were mainly distributed in the interlamellar region of the gill filaments in FW groups and in the apical portion of the filaments in BW and SW groups. The number of NKA-IR cells in the gills of the FW-acclimated fish was almost similar to that of SW individuals, which exceeded that of the BW individuals. The NKA-IR cells of BW and SW were bigger in size than their FW counterparts. Besides, the relative abundance of branchial Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) co-transporter showed stronger evidence in favor of involvement of this protein in hypo-osmoregulation, requiring ion secretion by the chloride cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the wide salinity tolerance of E. suratensis involving differential activation of ion transporters and thereby suggesting its potential as candidate for fish farming under different external salinities.

Impact of alphamethrin on biochemical parameters of Channa punctatus

Impact of alphamethrin (synthetic pyrethroid) on profiles of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), catalase (CAT), DNA, RNA and protein in liver, brain, gill and skeletal muscle of the freshwater food fish Channa punctatus were investigated. Exposure of sublethal concentration of alphamethrin (0.018 ppm for 14 days) increased the activity of LDH in liver (1.8 fold), brain (1.4 fold), gill(1.6 fold), and skeletal muscle (2.2 fold) of the fish. However, it significantly decreased the activity of CAT in the tissues of liver (54%), skeletal muscle (52%), gill (51%) and brain (49%) of the fish. Similarly, DNA (skeletal muscle (36%), liver (30%), brain (28%) and gill (25%)) RNA (liver (42%), brain (32%), gill (35%) and skeletal muscle (45%)) and protein content (45%), brain (42%), gill (36%), and skeletal muscle (27%)) declined in different tissues of the fish exposed to alphamethrin. Maximum increase in the level of LDH was in skeletal muscle (2.2 fold) and minimum in brain (1.4 fold). Maximum reduction in CAT profile was in liver (54%), and minimum in brain (49%). Declines in DNA was maximum in skeletal muscle (36%) and minimum in gill (25%) whereas RNA and protein content were maximum in liver (42% and 45% respectively) and minimum in skeletal muscle (45% and 27% respectively). Alphamethrin was toxic to the freshwater fish due to its inducing effect on anaerobic enzyme (LDH) and inhibitory effect on antioxidant enzyme (CAT), DNA, RNA and protein. This reflected alphamethrin associated increase in anaerobiosis and decrease in oxidative defense and impairment in protein synthesizing capacity of C. punctatus. Further, induction in LDH and reduction in CAT and protein profile may be used as biomarker of alphamethrin toxicity in fish.

Identification of a novel heterozygous mutation in exon 50 of the COL1A1 gene causing osteogenesis imperfecta

A 19-year-old woman was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). She had sustained numerous low-trauma fractures throughout her childhood, including a recent pelvic fracture (superior and inferior ramus) following a low-impact fall. She had the classical blue sclerae, and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) bone scanning confirmed low bone mass for her age in the lumbar spine (Z-score was −2.6). However, despite these classical clinical features, the diagnosis of OI had not been entertained throughout the whole of her childhood. Sequencing of her genomic DNA revealed that she was heterozygous for the c.3880_3883dup mutation in exon 50 of the COL1A1 gene. This mutation is predicted to result in a frameshift at p.Thr1295, and truncating stop codon 3 amino acids downstream. To our knowledge, this mutation has not previously been reported in OI.

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene I/D polymorphism with steroid responsiveness in childhood nephrotic syndrome

The aim of the study was to study the distribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism, and its association with steroid responsiveness in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). One hundred twenty-five children with INS were classified into two groups: steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS: n = 90) and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS: n=35). The control group consisted of 150 unrelated healthy children. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leucocytes by the standard salting-out method. ACE genotyping was performed and ACE genotypes DD, ID, and II were compared between different groups. The frequency distribution of the DD genotype was significantly increased in children with INS compared to control subjects (P = 0.0012) while the difference was not significant (P = 0.071) between SSNS and control subjects. The frequency distribution of the DD genotype was significantly high in the SRNS group compared to control subjects (P < 0.0001). The distribution of the DD genotype was high in SRNS compared to SSNS group patients (P = 0.016). In conclusion, the presence of the DD genotype may predict risk for steroid resistance in childhood INS.

Glucose oscillations, more than constant high glucose, induce p53 activation and a metabolic memory in human endothelial cells

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Damage persists in HUVECs exposed to a constant high glucose concentration long after glucose normalisation, a phenomenon termed 'metabolic memory'. Evaluation of the effects of exposure of HUVECs to oscillating high glucose on the induction of markers of oxidative stress and DNA damage (phospho-γ-histone H2AX and PKCδ) and onset of metabolic memory, and the possible role of the tumour suppressor transcriptional factor p53 is of pivotal interest.

METHODS

HUVECs were incubated for 3 weeks in 5 or 25 mmol/l glucose or oscillating glucose (24 h in 5 mmol/l glucose followed by 24 h in 25 mmol/l glucose) or for 1 week in constant 5 mmol/l glucose after being exposed for 2 weeks to continuous 25 mmol/l high glucose or oscillating glucose. Transcriptional activity of p53 was also evaluated in the first 24 h after high glucose exposure.

RESULTS

High constant glucose upregulated phospho-γ-histone H2AX and protein kinase C (PKC)δ compared with control. Oscillating glucose was even more effective than both normal and constant high glucose. Both constant and oscillating glucose resulted in a memory effect, which was more pronounced in the oscillating condition. Transcriptional activity of p53 peaked 6 h after glucose exposure, showing a predicted oscillatory behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Exposure to oscillating glucose was more deleterious than constant high glucose and induced a metabolic memory after glucose normalisation. Hyperactivation of p53 during glucose oscillation might be due to the absence of consistent feedback inhibition during each glucose spike and might account for the worse outcome of this condition.

Reparation of chlorpyrifos-induced impairment by thyroxine and vitamin C in fish

The organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos significantly decreased the specific activities of catalase (CAT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in brain, liver, gill and skeletal muscle of the freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. It may be due to binding of the pesticide or its metabolite(s) with the enzyme molecules or affecting the synthesis and/or degradation of the enzymes. RNA and protein content also declined significantly in different tissues of the fish in response to chlorpyrifos, which may be due to alterations in turnover of macromolecules involved in protein synthesis. Administration of thyroxine (T4) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) separately or conjointly to chlorpyrifos-exposed fish brought CAT, LDH, RNA and protein up to their control levels. The protective effect may be attributed to hormone, vitamin and pesticide interaction. Therefore, chlorpyrifos-induced impairment in antioxidative, anaerobic and protein synthesizing capacity can be repaired by ascorbic acid and T4 in fish.

Formulation and In Vitro evaluation of pH sensitive oil entrapped polymeric blended gellan gum buoyant beads of clarithromycin

BACKGROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

A gastroretentive pH sensitive system has been a frontier approach to release the drug in controlled manner in stomach and duodenum. The aim of this study was to develop buoyant beads of gellan based, wherein, the oil was entrapped, blended with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or carbopol 934 in order to evaluate its potential for targeted sustained delivery of clarithromycin in the gastric region.

METHODS

Buoyant beads of gellan was developed by inotropic gelation technique using calcium carbonate as gas forming agent and the drug polymer dispersion was emulsified with mineral oil. The oil was entrapped and blended with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or carbopol 934. The developed beads were evaluated in terms of diameter,% floating, encapsulation efficiency, In vitro drug release, In vivo gastric residence efficacy and clarithromycine concentration in the mucosa of the experimental animal model.

RESULTS

The scanning electron microscope photograph indicated that the prepared beads were spherical in shape and buoyancy, encapsulation efficiency and drug content obtained from all batches were satisfactory. Particle size and percentage buoyancy of the gel beads increased by raising the concentration of calcium carbonate. The formulation exhibited sustained release profile and was best fitted in the Peppas model with n<0.45. Subsequent coating of microbeads exhibited zero-order sustained pattern of the drug release up to 8 hrs. Batch B(4) showed comparatively better residence and the drug concentration in the gastric mucosa of the treated animals.

CONCLUSION

The result provides evidence that the prepared optimized formulation may be used effectively for pH sensitive gastric targeted antibiotic such as clarithromycin.

Genetic association of phase I and phase II detoxification genes with recurrent miscarriages among North Indian women

Allelic variants of the detoxification genes that have impaired biotransformation functions may increase susceptibility to reproductive toxicity leading to endometriosis, recurrent miscarriage (RM) or poor pregnancy outcome. In the present study, we have investigated CYP1A1, CYP2D6, GSTT1, GSTP1 and GSTM1, which are involved in the phase I and phase II detoxification systems, in relation to their role in the etiology of unexplained RMs. In a case-control study, we have investigated 200 females with RM and 300 age and ethnically matched healthy controls with successful reproductive history from North India. The frequencies of phase I wild-type genotypes of CYP1A1 and CYP2D6 in RM cases were 0.56 and 0.60, whereas in controls these were 0.68 and 0.65, respectively (both P < 0.05). The GSTM1 null-genotype frequencies were 0.66 and 0.84 among RM cases and controls, respectively, the GSTT1 null-genotype frequencies were 0.52 and 0.45 (P < 0.005) and the GSTP1 variant allele frequencies were 0.23 and 0.20, respectively. In conclusion, we observed significant protective effects of phase I wild-type genotypes and association of the GSTT1 null genotype with RM. Through combined analyses we have highlighted the importance of the balance of phase I/phase II detoxification systems, in the etiology of RM.

Role of non-HLA genetic variants in end-stage renal disease

Cytokines and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of primary kidney disease and progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Cytokine secretion is reported to be dependent on the single nucleotide polymorphisms located in the cytokine genes. The role of different polymorphisms in cytokines and ICAM genes as probable susceptibility factors for ESRD has been explored in the present study. The study was conducted on 258 ESRD patients and on ethnically matched 569 controls. Individuals were genotyped for interleukin (IL)-6 (G174C), IL-4 (C590T), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) (-G308A and -G238A) and ICAM-1 (A469G) gene polymorphisms using standard polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism-based method. We observed significant difference in the genotype frequencies of the TNF-alpha-308AA [P = 0.001; odds ratios (OR) = 7.61, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 2.1-27.9] and TNF-alpha-238AA (P = 0.001; OR = 5.8, 95% CI = 2.2-15.1). Furthermore, C allele of IL-6 -G174C and G allele of ICAM-1 A469G were significantly different in ESRD patients when compared with controls (P = 0.0001; OR = 5.5, 95% CI = 3.9-7.7 and P < 0.0001; OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 3.1-4.7). For the IL-4 C590T polymorphism, although the homozygous mutant genotype (TT) was not found to be significantly associated with ESRD, a statistically significant association with T allele (P = 0.008) was observed. Furthermore, combined analysis showed a higher risk in ESRD patients with high IL-4- and low IL-6-producing genotypes, low IL-4- and low IL-6-producing genotypes and high-producing genotype of TNF-alpha (308 and 238) with the increased risk of 6.47-, 3.7- and 3.3-fold, respectively. Our results suggest that IL-6, IL-4, TNF-alpha and ICAM gene polymorphisms are implicated in ESRD.

Mesofaunal biodiversity and its importance in Thar desert

Soil animals are considered as important contributors to soil fertility However, there is paucity of such information for harsh climatic conditions. Therefore, the below ground faunal density and frequency have been studied in relation to physicochemical properties of soil in Thar desert. The selected soil systems were Vigna radiata--Cuminum cyminum, grassland, flower garden and Zizyphus mauritiana. Acari and other soil arthropods exhibited seasonal variation in their populations. There were two population peaks, one in February/March and other in August/September. The highest population was in flower garden, whereas lowest was in Z. mauritiana field. It clearly indicates that the soil fauna population develops in different degrees. The relative density showed that the acarines were more prevalent in comparison to other soil arthropods. The prostigmatids exhibited maximum relative density in comparison to cryptostigmatids and mesostigmatids in all fields. Pauropus showed higher relative density among all other soil arthropods. Acari had higher frequency of occurrence, while the other soil arthropods indicated lower frequency of occurrence in all systems. The highest frequency of occurrence was recorded in July/August and the lowest in May/June. The soil temperature, moisture, organic carbon, total nitrogen and carbon/nitrogen ratio varied significantly throughout the year The fluctuations in physicochemical characteristics of soil greatly influenced below ground faunal density in different fields. A highly significant and positive correlation was obtained among different soil fauna groups. Faunal population showed a significant positive correlation with soil moisture, organic carbon and total nitrogen. The abiotic factors such as temperature, pH and C/N ratio showed negative correlation with moisture, organic carbon and total nitrogen. However, moisture, organic carbon and total nitrogen had positive correlation among themselves. The present study suggests that the plantation may be done for improvement of physicochemical and biological health of soil on a sustainable basis in desert.

Fauna-associated changes in chemical and biochemical properties of soil

OBJECTIVE

To study the impacts of abundance of woodlice, termites, and mites on some functional aspects of soil in order to elucidate the specific role of soil fauna in improving soil fertility in desert.

METHODS

Fauna-rich sites were selected as experimental sites and adjacent areas were taken as control. Soil samples were collected from both sites. Soil respiration was measured at both sites. The soil samples were sent to laboratory, their chemical and biochemical properties were analyzed.

RESULTS

Woodlice showed 25% decrease in organic carbon and organic matter as compared to control site. Whereas termites and mites showed 58% and 16% decrease in organic carbon and organic matter. In contrast, available nitrogen (nitrate and ammonical both) and phosphorus exhibited 2-fold and 1.2-fold increase, respectively. Soil respiration and dehydrogenase activity at the sites rich in woodlice, termites and mites produced 2.5-, 3.5- and 2-fold increases, respectively as compared to their control values. Fauna-associated increase in these biological parameters clearly reflected fauna-induced microbial activity in soil. Maximum decrease in organic carbon and increase in nitrate-nitrogen and ammonical-nitrogen, available phosphorus, soil respiration and dehydrogenase activity were produced by termites and minimum by mites reflecting termite as an efficient soil improver in desert environment.

CONCLUSION

The soil fauna-associated changes in chemical (organic carbon, nitrate-nitrogen, ammonical-nitrogen, phosphorus) and biochemical (soil respiration, dehydrogenase activity) properties of soil improve soil health and help in conservation of desert pedoecosystem.

Impact of land use practices on faunal abundance, nutrient dynamics and biochemical properties of desert pedoecosystem

Increased dependence of resource-poor rural communities on soils of low inherent fertility are the major problem of desert agroecosystem. Agrisilviculture practices may help to conserve the soil biota for maintaining essential soil properties and processes in harsh climate. Therefore, the impacts of different land use systems on faunal density, nutrient dynamics and biochemical properties of soil were studied in agrisilviculture system of Indian desert. The selected fields had trees (Zizyphus mauritiana, Prosopis cineraria, Acacia nilotica) and crops (Cuminum cyminum, Brassica nigra, Triticum aestivum) in different combinations. Populations of Acari, Myriapoda, Coleoptera, Collembola, other soil arthropods and total soil fauna showed significant changes with respect to different land use practices and tree species, indicating a strong relation between above and below ground biodiversity. The Coleoptera exhibited greatest association with all agrisilviculture fields. The Z. mauritiana system indicated highest facilitative effects (RTE value) on all groups of soil fauna. Soil temperature, moisture, organic carbon, nitrate- and ammonical-nitrogen, available phosphorus, soil respiration and dehydrogenase activity were greater under tree than that of tree plus cropping system. It showed accumulation of nitrate-nitrogen in tree field and more utilization by crops in cultivated lands. Positive and significant correlation among organic carbon, nitrate- and ammonical-nitrogen, phosphorus, soil respiration and dehydrogenase activity clearly reflects increase in soil nutrients with the increase in microbial and other biotic activity. P. cineraria field was the best pedoecosystem, while C. cyminum was the best winter crop for cultivation in desert agroforestry system for soil biological health and soil sustainability. The increase in organic carbon, soil nutrients and microbial activity is associated with the increase in soil faunal population which reflect role of soil fauna in fertility building. This suggests that strategies may be developed for nurturing fertility-building soil fauna and managing degraded pedoecosystem in desert just by adopting suitable agricultural practices.

Effects of of habitats and pesticides on aerobic capacity and survival of soil fauna

OBJECTIVE

Faunal health is largely dependent on their soil environment and available litter quality. So the effects of different soil habitats and pesticides on citrate synthase (CS) activity of soil fauna and its population were studied.

METHODS

The soil animals were collected from different pedoecosystems for habitat study. Whereas Vigna radiata based system was selected for pesticidal observations. The field was divided into five equal plots for control and treatment of gamma-BHC, quinalphos, carbaryl and cypermethrin. Soil fauna was collected by quadrat method and extracted by Tullgren funnel. Individuals of a species having similar sizes were collected for the estimation of CS activity. They were homogenized and fractions were obtained by differential centrifugation. The activity of CS was assayed spectrophotometrically.

RESULTS

Citrate synthase (CS) activity of beetle (Rasphytus fregi), woodlouse (Porcellio laevis) and centipede (Scolopendra morsitans) varied significantly with respect to changes in different soil habitats. Though the CS activity of R. fregi, P. laevis, and S. morsitans differed among themselves but the highest activity of CS in these animals was in V. radiata and lowest in A. nilotica based pedoecosystem. The aerobic capacity of centipede was maximum followed by woodlouse and beetle. The treatment of gamma-BHC, quinalphos, carbaryl and cypermethrin significantly reduced the CS activity of these animals. Gamma-BHC showed maximum reduction in CS activity indicating highly toxic effect of organochlorine on aerobic metabolism of soil fauna. However, minimum reduction was observed in response to carbaryl (in beetle) or cypermethrin (in woodlouse/centipede) leading to impairment of aerobic capacity. The differences in pesticide effects might be assigned to the differences in chemical nature of pesticides and their interactions with below-ground fauna. Treatment of gamma-BHC and quinalphos reduced the population of Acari, Coleoptera, Collembola, other arthropods as well as total soil fauna. Acari was least affected by gamma-BHC and maximally affected (72%) in response to quinalphos. The effect of gamma-BHC was fairly similar on Coleoptera, Collembola, other arthropod and total soil fauna suggesting almost similar sensitivity to this pesticide. Likewise, quinalphos was similarly effective on Collemobola and other soil arthropods. Application of carbaryl decreased Acari and Coleoptera population but increased Collembola, other arthropods and total faunal populations. However, application of cypermethrin significantly reduced the population of Acari, Coleoptera, Collembola and total soil fauna and increased the population of other soil arthropods. In both the cases, acarine population was least affected.

CONCLUSION

The observations show the habitat-specific variation in aerobic capacity of soil fauna. However, pesticide-dependent loss in population might be due to impairment of aerobic capacity of soil inhabiting animals in desert.

Temperature related seasonal changes in Golgi complex of brain, heart and intestine of a teleost

Impact of temperature related seasonal changes in density of Golgi complex were studied in brain, heart and intestine of the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus). The density of Golgi complex was more in these organs of the fish acclimatized to a lower temperature (20 degrees C) than that to a higher temperature (29 degrees C). This suggests that lower temperature induces secretory activity in cells to cope up with the changes in surrounding environment. It could be a kind of histophysiological adaptation in poikilothermic animal.

Biodiversity of earthworm resources of arid environment

Biodiversity of earthworms was studied in arid zone of Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. A total nine species of earthworms were recorded from different pedoecosystems of desert environment. These species were Pontoscolex corethrurus, Amynthas morrisi, Metaphire posthuma, Lampito mauritii, Perionyx sansibaricus, Ocnerodrilus occidentalis, Dichogaster bolaui, Octochaetona paliensis and Ramiella bishambari. They belonged to the families Glossoscolicidae, Megascolicidae, Ocnerodrilidae and Octochaetidae. The species P. sansibaricus, O. paliensis and P. corethrurus were reported for the first time from Rajasthan. The earthworm fauna of Jodhpur district were either exotic peregrine or native peregrine. Exotic species like A. morrisi and M. posthuma, and native peregrine species like L. mauritii were widely distributed in arid region. They appear to be better adapted to withstand drought conditions, as they have enteronephric meronephridia and excrete their urine into the guts for conservation of water in their bodies.

Pathway-specific response to cortisol in the metabolism of catfish

Cortisol produced biochemical pathway-specific effects on metabolic enzymes and other macromolecules in the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus. Injection of cortisol increased 1.6-fold activity of citrate synthase (CS) in brain, liver and skeletal muscle of the fish over vehicle-injected control, while administration of metyrapone (a cortisol synthesis inhibitor) reduced CS activity by 52%. Cortisol treatment of metyrapone-treated fish induced CS activity by approximately 2.5-fold, which was blocked after administration of actinomycin D or cycloheximide. This shows de novo synthesis of CS to enhance aerobic capacity of fish. In contrast the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased in response to metyrapone and decreased after administration of cortisol in all the three tissues. The cortisol-mediated decrease in G6-PDH and LDH activities reflects reduction in biosynthetic and anaerobic capacity of fish. Administration of metyrapone significantly increased RNA/DNA ratio and protein but cortisol decreased these macromolecular contents in brain, liver and skeletal muscle. It shows cortisol-induced decrease in protein synthesis capacity of fish. The present study suggests that cortisol-induces catabolic and aerobic but inhibits anabolic and anaerobic processes in freshwater catfish. The cortisol-dependent metabolic responses may also be associated with the permissive effect of cortisol on other hormone(s) in fish.

Sex-specific metabolic changes in the annual reproductive cycle of a freshwater catfish

Sex-specific enzymatic and other biochemical changes were studied in the annual reproductive cycle of the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus. Citrate synthase (CS) activity of brain, liver and skeletal muscle was maximum in spawning and minimum in postspawning showing a sharp decline in aerobic capacity after spawning. Similar CS activity in remaining phases of the annual reproductive cycle reflects similar energy need during regressed, preparatory and prespawning phases. Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PDH) activity declined in spawning and postspawning indicating a possible decrease in lipid and nucleic acid syntheses. The subsequent increase in G6-PDH activity with onset of resting and maintenance of the increased level throughout preparatory and prespawning phases shows restoration of biosynthetic activity. Higher activity of G6-PDH in female than male may be to satisfy a greater biosynthetic need of female reproduction and breeding. The decreased RNA content of tissues showed reduction in protein synthesis capacity during spawning and subsequent increase through postspawning until resting phase. The RNA content of brain and liver was higher in female than male during preparatory and prespawning, which may be associated with higher protein synthesis requirement of female for preparation of reproductive activities. The requirement based sex related changes in metabolism of catfish may be enzyme, tissue or reproductive phase-specific.

Comparative studies on biomass production, life cycles and composting efficiency of Eisenia fetida (Savigny) and Lampito mauritii (Kinberg)

Comparative studies were performed to evaluate composting potential, biomass growth and biology of a non-native (Eisenia fetida) and an endemic (Lampito mauritii) species of earthworm in the semiarid environment of Jodhpur district of Rajasthan in India. Earthworms were reared in a mixed bedding material comprised of biogas slurry, cowdung, wheat straw, leaflitter, sawdust and kitchen waste. The percentage of organic carbon of the culture bedding material declined upto 105 days with E. fetida and 120 with L. mauritii. The percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium increased as a function of the vermicomposting period. In contrast, C/N and C/P ratios decreased day by day. Both species were effective for decomposition and mineralization of mixed bedding in the semiarid environment. A comparative assessment of biomass growth of E. fetida and L. mauritii was done under controlled laboratory conditions. The optimum temperature, moisture content and pH for E. fetida were 25 degrees C, 70% and 6.5, respectively. However, the optimum temperature, moisture content and pH for growth and development of L. mauritii were 30 degrees C, 60% and 7.5, respectively. The biology and reproductive rates of both species were also studied in the laboratory using mixed bedding. Cocoon production was higher for E. fetida than L. mauritii. The net reproductive rate was 9 per month in the case of E. fetida and 1 per month for L. mauritii. Fertilized eggs of E. fetida and L. mauritii developed into adults within 4 and 5 1/4 months, respectively. These observations indicate E. fetida may be a more efficient breeder than L. mauritii in the desert region of Rajasthan.

Fenvalerate-induced changes in a catfish, Clarias batrachus: metabolic enzymes, RNA and protein

We studied the effects of a sublethal concentration of pyrethroid insecticide fenvalerate on metabolic enzymes, RNA and protein of brain, liver and skeletal muscle of the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus. Exposure to fenvalerate gradually decreased the activity of citrate synthase (CS), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in brain, liver and skeletal muscle up to 21 days. The maximum decrease in enzyme activity was 23-47%. Withdrawal of fenvalerate from the medium for 21 days restored enzyme activity to their control level in all three tissues. RNA and protein content in brain, liver and skeletal muscle decreased significantly with exposure of fenvalerate up to 21 days. The maximum decrease in RNA and protein was 22-32%. Withdrawal of fenvalerate from the medium for 21 days restored the RNA and protein contents to control levels. The present study suggests that fenvalerate impairs cellular metabolism and its biochemical effects are reversible after withdrawal of fenvalerate.

Camptothecin induced mitochondrial dysfunction leading to programmed cell death in unicellular hemoflagellate Leishmania donovani

The parasites of the order kinetoplastidae including Leishmania spp. emerge from most ancient phylogenic branches of unicellular eukaryotic lineages. In their life cycle, topoisomerase I plays a significant role in carrying out vital cellular processes. Camptothecin (CPT), an inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase I, induces programmed cell death (PCD) both in the amastigotes and promastigotes form of L. donovani parasites. CPT-induced cellular dysfunction in L. donovani promastigotes is characterized by several cytoplasmic and nuclear features of apoptosis. CPT inhibits cellular respiration that results in mitochondrial hyperpolarization taking place by oligomycin-sensitive F0-F1 ATPase-like protein in leishmanial cells. During the early phase of activation, there is an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cells, which causes subsequent elevation in the level of lipid peroxidation and decrease in reducing equivalents like GSH. Endogenous ROS formation and lipid peroxidation cause eventual loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, cytochrome c is released into the cytosol in a manner independent of involvement of CED3/CPP32 group of proteases and unlike mammalian cells it is insensitive to cyclosporin A. These events are followed by activation of both CED3/CPP32 and ICE group of proteases in PCD of Leishmania. Taken together, our study indicates that different biochemical events leading to apoptosis in leishmanial cells provide information that could be exploited to develop newer potential therapeutic targets.

Decomposition of kitchen waste amended with cow manure using an epigeic species (Eisenia fetida) and an anecic species (Lampito mauritii)

An epigeic (surface dweller) earthworm species Eisenia fetida and an anecic (deep burrower) earthworm species Lampito mauritii have been tested for decomposition of kitchen waste plus cow dung. Chemical analyses of worm-worked substrates by both species showed g/kg increases in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and decreases in C/N and C/P ratios after 150 days of vermicomposting. However, organic carbon matter showed reduction in their amounts for 3-4 months and afterwards slightly increased up to 150 days. E. fetida produced 0.27%, 156%, 41% and 38% increases in organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as well as 61% and 29% decreases in C/N and C/P ratios as compared to control after 150 days of earthworm inoculation. In contrast, L. mauritii produced 14%, 102%, 33% and 42% increases in organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as 43% and 14% decreases in C/N and C/P ratios as compared to control after 150 days of earthworm activity. There was moderate mineralization and faster decomposition by E. fetida in comparison to moderate mineralization and moderate decomposition by L. mauritii. The average numbers of cocoons and adults produced were greater by E. fetida than by L. mauritii after 150 days. These results indicate E. fetida may be a better adapted species for decomposition of kitchen waste plus cow dung under tropical conditions.

Seasonal changes in population of some selected earthworm species and soil nutrients in cultivated agroecosystem

Studies were conducted on population dynamics of Metaphire posthuma, Lampito mauritii and Dichogaster bolaui in cultivated pedoecosystem of desert region of Rajasthan. The populations of aclitellate and clitellate M. posthuma, L. mauritii and D. bolaui were maximum in rainy season and minimum in summer season. The abundant population of these worms were found during the months of July to October. The species M. posthuma breed throughout the year except in extreme summer but L. mauritii breed twice in a year in the field. However, D. bolaui breed once in a year. Among these earthworm species D. bolaui with relative density of 44.2% was the most dominant species in cultivated land while L. mauritii and M. posthuma contributed 33.3% and 22.5% of density, respectively. The total population of earthworms showed significant positive correlation with different soil nutrients.

Endosulfan-mediated biochemical changes in the freshwater fish Clarias batrachus

OBJECTIVE

Endosulfan is an extremely toxic organochlorine pesticide to aquatic organisms which might be hampering fish health through impairment of metabolism sometimes leading to death. So an experimental protocol was designed to look at endosulfan effects on a number of selected biochemical endpoints as well as to develop a mechanistic understanding of biochemical effects of endosulfan in freshwater fish.

METHODS

The adult freshwater catfish Clarias batrachus were collected and acclimatized to laboratory condition for two weeks prior to experimentation. The toxicity bioassay test of commercial grade endosulfan (35% EC) was conducted for 21 days to determine its initial lethal concentration. The fish were exposed to sublethal concentration of endosulfan (0.06 mg/L) for 21 days. Pesticide-withdrawal experiments were also performed to study recovery. Protein synthesis inhibitors were injected to know the possible mechanism of recovery. The specimens of C. batrachus were sacrificed and brain, liver and caudal white skeletal muscle were removed. Tissues were homogenized and fractions were obtained by differential centrifugation. The activities of citrate synthase (CS), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PDH) and lactate dehydrogease (LDH) were assayed spectrophotometrically. Similarly, DNA, RNA and protein content were measured as per standard procedure.

RESULTS

The exposure of sublethal concentration of endosulfan decreased the activity of citrate synthase (CS) and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PDH) in the brain, liver and skeletal muscle of the freshwater catfish, C. batrachus. The brain lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was also reduced in response to endosulfan toxicity. The maximum reduction in activities of these enzyme was 34%-43%. Withdrawal of endosulfan restored the enzyme activity to control level in all the three tissues. The recovery in enzyme activity appears to be due to dissociation of endosulfan or its metabolite(s) from the enzyme molecules and/or fresh synthesis of enzymes. The treatment of actinomycin D or cycloheximide partially inhibited the withdrawal-dependent increase in enzyme activity. This substantiates de novo synthesis of enzyme during recovery period. Since the reduction in enzyme activity was more pronounced in response to actinomycin D, endosulfan might be inhibiting the transcription process. But endosulfan did not produce any significant effect on DNA content and RNA/DNA. However, the RNA and protein contents of brain, liver and skeletal muscle decreased significantly in tissues. The maximum decrease in RNA and protein was approximately 30%-37%. Withdrawal of endosulfan from the medium for 21 days restored the RNA, and protein contents nearly to their control levels. The treatment of actinomycin D or cycloheximide partially inhibited the withdrawal-dependent increase in these macromolecular contents. This effect was more pronounced in case of actinomycin D which again supports the possibility of endosulfan-induced inhibition at transcription level.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests endosulfan-induced impairment of metabolism in fish, which appeared to be due to inhibition of transcription at some unknown points.

Scaling effects on metabolism of a teleost

Scaling effects on citrate synthase (CS), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PDH), RNA. RNA/DNA ratio and protein contents of brain, liver and skeletal muscle were studied in a teleost, Clarias batrachus. The activity of white skeletal muscle CS decreased significantly as a function of increasing body mass of the fish. It shows that the fulfilment of energy demand in white skeletal muscle is not dependent on aerobic metabolism. The activity of liver G6-PDH decreased with the increasing body mass showing reduction in NADPH generation for lipogenic activity. However, increase in G6-PDH activity showed enhancement in reductive synthesis in skeletal muscle of the larger-sized individuals. A positive scaling of RNA, RNA/DNA ratio and protein contents reflects changes in macromolecular turnover for ATP-supplying enzymes and proteins.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) synthesis by recombinant Escherichia coli harbouring Streptomyces aureofaciens PHB biosynthesis genes: effect of various carbon and nitrogen sources

Recombinant Escherichia coli (ATCC:PTA-1579) harbouring poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) synthesising genes from Streptomyces aureofaciens NRRL 2209 accumulates PHB. Effects of different carbon and nitrogen sources on PHB accumulation by recombinant E. coli were studied. Among the carbon sources used glycerol, glucose, palm oil and ethanol supported PHB accumulation. No PHB accumulated in recombinant cells when sucrose or molasses were used as carbon source. Yeast extract, peptone, a combination of yeast extract and peptone, and corn steep liquor were used as nitrogen sources. The maximum PHB accumulation (60% of cell dry weight) was measured after 48 h of cell growth at 37 degrees C in a medium with glycerol as the sole carbon source, and yeast extract and peptone as nitrogen sources. Scanning electron microscopy of the PHB granules isolated from recombinant E. coli revealed these to be spherical in shape with a diameter ranging from 0.11 to 0.35 pm with the mean value of 0.23 +/- 0.06 pm.

Differential effects of thyroxine on metabolic enzymes and other macromolecules in a freshwater teleost

The effects of thyroxine (T(4)) on citrate synthase (CS), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), DNA, RNA, and protein of various tissues were studied to elucidate the hormonal control of metabolism in a freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus. T(4) did not produce any significant effect on DNA content of the fish. The CS, RNA, and protein contents of brain, liver, and skeletal muscle of the fish exposed to thiourea for 28 days decreased approximately 50-58% as compared to their levels in control individuals. Injection of T(4) to thiourea-exposed fish produced about three-fold increases in CS, RNA, and protein. These macromolecular inductions by T(4) were blocked by actinomycin D or cycloheximide. This suggests T(4)-induced de novo synthesis of macromolecules and stimulation of aerobic capacity. However, the activities of G6-PDH and LDH of brain, liver, and skeletal muscle of the fish exposed to thiourea increased two times that of the activities in control individuals. Administration of T(4) to thiourea-exposed fish reduced LDH and G6-PDH activities by about 64-74%, which reflects T(4)-dependent inhibition in anaerobic power and selective anabolic activities of the HMP pathway. These differential effects of T(4) on some metabolic enzymes and other important macromolecules may be to meet the other T(4)-induced responses in the freshwater catfish.

Fenvalerate-induced macromolecular changes in the catfish, Clarias batrachus

The effects of sublethal concentration of fenvalerate on DNA, RNA, RNA/DNA ratio and protein contents were estimated in gill and kidney tissues of an air breathing fish, Clarias batrachus. Fenvalerate reduced the DNA content in gill, whereas it did not produce any significant effect on DNA in kidney. This tissue-specific change in DNA content may be due to differential effects of fenvalerate or its metabolite(s) on synthesis and/degradation of DNA in gill and kidney cells of the fish. RNA and protein contents declined substantially in both the tissues in response to fenvalerate treatment. However, RNA/DNA ratio remains unchanged. It indicates that decrease in protein content in response to fenvalerate treatment might have been brought about by reduce rate of translation of messenger (mRNA) without a decrease in concentration of ribosomes.

Scaling of some metabolic enzymes in liver of a freshwater teleost: an adaptive mechanism

The activities of mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (mMDH) and the total mitochondrial proteins increase as a function of body mass in the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus. It clearly indicates an increase in energy production in larger-sized individuals for various purposes including prey-predator interactions. The higher activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in larger fish may indicate more production of lactate for gluconeogenesis in the liver to meet emergency requirements of increased energy demand. However, the activity of cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (cMDH) decreases with the increasing body mass of the fish which reflects reduction in NADPH production and, in turn, reduced lipogenesis in liver of larger individuals. Thus, the present observations suggest an adaptive mechanism dealing with the higher energy budget, and reduced synthetic activities (lipogenesis) in the liver of larger-sized freshwater catfish. This type of biochemical scaling might be also supporting other metabolic pathways in order to adjust some physiological functions for survival in the aquatic environment.

Kinetics of thyroid hormone induced changes in liver and skeletal muscle enzymes of Clarias batrachus

Kinetics of triiodothyronine (T3) induced changes were studied in cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (cMDH), mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (mMDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of the liver and skeletal muscle of a catfish, Clarias batrachus. The rates of gradual inductions in the activities of all the three metabolic enzymes were faster in skeletal muscle than those of the liver. These time-dependent and tissue-specific inductions may be due to the possible differences in the rates of different enzymic syntheses. The maximum inductions in the activities of cMDH, mMDH and LDH were recorded around 19 hr after T3 treatment. Thereafter, the activities of all the enzymes gradually declined to their half levels within the next 12 hr which reflected the physiological half-life of these metabolic enzymes in the freshwater catfish.

Molecular weight of cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase, mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase of a freshwater catfish

The multiple molecular forms of cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (cMDH), mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (mMDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were studied in the liver and skeletal muscle of the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus. There were two electrophoretically distinguishable bands (AA and BB) of cMDH and mMDH which suggests that they are apparently encoded at two gene loci (A and B) in both the tissues. However, the presence of a single band (LDH-1) of LDH in liver and double bands (LDH-1 and LDH-2) in skeletal muscle in which LDH-2 was predominant reflects the differential expression of LDH genes in different metabolic tissues to meet the requirement of energy production. The AA isoform (74 kd) of liver cMDH was smaller than those of the AA form (110 kd) of skeletal muscle. In contrast, the BB isoform of liver (42 kd) and skeletal muscle (54 kd) were more or less similar in size. Unlike the case of cMDH, the molecular weight of AA isoform (115 kd) of liver mMDH was higher than those of the AA form (87 kd) of skeletal muscle. Whereas the molecular weight of BB isoform (58 kd) of liver was in proximity to the weight of BB form (44 kd) of skeletal muscle mMDH. The size of AA isoform (74 kd) of liver cMDH was smaller, while the AA isoform (110 kd) of skeletal muscle was larger as compared to AA form of mMDH in the liver (115 kd) and skeletal muscle (87 kd). But the size of BB isoform of both the isozymes was almost equal in these metabolic tissues.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biocatalysis made to order

Recombinant DNA technology is now being explored to engineer enzyme molecules. It has many far-reaching applications in biocatalytic processes of enzyme engineering. The facts have pursued certain important industrial, biomedical, and environmental problems. These current excitements are mainly focused on the basis of gene cloning and in vitro mutagenesis for overproduction and redesigning of enzymes, as well as their probable implications in industry, antibiotic research, and waste degradation.

Antagonistic effect of progesterone towards estradiol dipropionate-induced changes in glycogen content in uterus and vagina of P-mice

Estradiol dipropionate induces an increase (3-fold) in the uterine glycogen content and a decrease (4-fold) in the vaginal glycogen content of Parkes (P) mice. Progesterone antagonizes this estradiol dipropionate-induced response in both the uterine and vaginal tissue. The degree of this antagonism is more pronounced in the uterus than in the vagina.

Antagonistic effects of estradiol dipropionate and progesterone on the histology of the vagina and uterus of the mouse

Administration of estradiol dipropionate (20 micrograms/day; 7 days) to ovariectomized mice caused heavy epithelial proliferation and intense cornification in the vagina and cellular as well as glandular proliferation in uterine tissues. Endometrial hypertrophy with cystlike appearance of uterine glands was seen in response to a long-term (14 days) administration of estradiol dipropionate. Daily injection of progesterone (2 mg; 7 days) to ovariectomized mice resulted in desquamating mucosa, without any trace of vaginal cornification, and the presence of dense uterine connective tissue in the stromal region with typical uterine glands. However, treatment of estradiol depropionate in combination with progesterone at 1:100 dose ratio for 7 days produced vaginal histology similar to that in proestrus and uterine histology equivalent to the ovariectomized condition. The results revealed that progesterone antagonized the estrogenic effects and also that estradiol dipropionate antagonized the effects of progesterone. The effects of the two female sex steroids (estradiol dipropionate and progesterone) in vivo appeared to be more potent in the uterus than in the vagina.

Effect of estradiol dipropionate on uterine and vaginal glycogen content of Parkes (P) mice

Administration of estradiol dipropionate (20 micrograms/day: for 7 days) to ovariectomized (7 days) mice produced about three fold increase (180%) in uterine glycogen content while approximately four fold decrease (76%) in vaginal glycogen as compared to their control values. Differences in glycogen content after 7 and 14 days of ovariectomy were statistically insignificant in both the organs. Although estradiol dipropionate had a great effect on the glycogen content of uterus and vagina but this effect remained more or less unchanged after causing alteration in duration (7 and 14 days) of estradiol dipropionate treatment in relation to different time intervals (7 and 14 days) after ovariectomy. So there was no time dependent response in uterine and vaginal glycogen content after 7 days onwards either in relation to ovariectomy or estradiol dipropionate treatment. The opposite trend (increase in uterus and decrease in vagina) of glycogen content in response to estradiol dipropionate may be possibly due to a greater accumulation (than utilization) in uterus while greater consumption (than accumulation) in vagina.