Endocrine disrupting chemical Bisphenol A and its potential effects on female health.

Background And Aim: A large number of chemical compounds with endocrine-disrupting activity have been documented. These chemicals are ubiquitous and widely used in many products of our daily lives. Bisphenol A (BPA) is among the most common Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC) that has been used for many years in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.

and Gene Polymorphisms and Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Relation to Disease Susceptibility in Kashmiri Children.

is one of the most widely investigated in relation to gene polymorphism. This study analyzed the relationship between and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and potential risk factors in the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Kashmiri children. We recruited 300 cases and 600 controls for genotyping and risk factors assessment.

Promoter hypermethylation regulates vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression in colorectal cancer-A study from Kashmir valley.

Background: Colorectal carcinogenesis (CRC) is a multistep process, involving both genetic and epigenetic modifications of genes involved in diverse pathways ranging from tumor suppression to DNA mismatch repair.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to assess the role of promoter methylation of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, a transcription factor with myriad biological functions, in relation to its expression and clinicopathological parameters.

Methods: Tissue specimens were taken from a total of 75 colorectal cancer cases paired with their normal surrounding epithelium and analyzed by Real-time RT-PCR for assessing the expression profile and MS-PCR for analyzing the promoter methylation status of the VDR gene.

Role of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, CRP), biochemical and hematological parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of Kashmir, India.

Type II Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial disease and a leading cause of premature deaths. Inflammatory cytokines are reported that they have potential to enhance insulin resistance and hence T2DM. Assessment of immunological profile in T2DM patients of Kashmir valley is unclear.

Deciphering the Nature of Caffeic Acid to Inhibit the HSA Aggregation Induced by Glyoxal.

Background: Under certain circumstances, the path for protein folding deviates and attains an alternative path forming misfolded states, which are the key precursors for protein aggregation. Protein aggregation is associated with variety of diseases and leads to the cytotoxicity. These protein aggregate related diseases have been untreated so far.

Elucidating Critical Proteinopathic Mechanisms and Potential Drug Targets in Neurodegeneration.

Neurodegeneration entails progressive loss of neuronal structure as well as function leading to cognitive failure, apathy, anxiety, irregular body movements, mood swing and ageing. Proteomic dysregulation is considered the key factor for neurodegeneration. Mechanisms involving deregulated processing of proteins such as amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomerization; tau hyperphosphorylation, prion misfolding; α-synuclein accumulation/lewy body formation, chaperone deregulation, acetylcholine depletion, adenosine 2A (A2A) receptor hyperactivation, secretase deregulation, leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutation and mitochondrial proteinopathies have deeper implications in neurodegenerative disorders.

Assessment of PON1 activity and circulating TF levels in relation to BMI, testosterone, HOMA-IR, HDL-C, LDL-C, CHO, SOD activity and TAC in women with PCOS: An observational study.

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrinopathy among premenopausal women associated with hyperandrogenism, obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and inflammation. Oxidative stress is an important component of cardio-metabolic risk seen in PCOS.

Material And Methods: A total of 95 women with PCOS and 95 healthy controls were included in this observational study.

Modern Computational Strategies for Designing Drugs to Curb Human Diseases: A Prospect.

Drug discovery is an exhaustive and time-consuming process involving numerous stages like target identification, validation, lead optimization, preclinical trials, clinical trials and finally postmarketing vigilance for drug safety. The application of computer-aided drug designing (CADD) is an indispensable approach for developing safe and effective drugs. Previous methods based on combinatorial chemistry (CC) and high throughput screening (HTS) consumed a lot of time as well as expenditure.

Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Hyperglycemia by Rheum spiciformis in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats and Characterization of Isolated Compound.

This study evaluates the ameliorative potential of Rheum spiciformis methanolic (RS-MeOH) extract in reducing oxidative stress and hyperglycemia in albino rats along with characterization of possible therapeutic compound(s). Groups treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg bw plant extract (RS-MeOH ) decrease blood glucose levels from 359.9±8.

Exploring Proteomic Drug Targets, Therapeutic Strategies and Protein - Protein Interactions in Cancer: Mechanistic View.

Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) drive major signalling cascades and play critical role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and trafficking. Deregulated PPIs are implicated in multiple malignancies and represent the critical targets for treating cancer. Herein, we discuss the key protein-protein interacting domains implicated in cancer notably PDZ, SH2, SH3, LIM, PTB, SAM and PH.

Hepatoprotective Potential of Elsholtzia densa Against Acute and Chronic Models of Liver Damage in Wistar Rats.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Elsholtzia densa against experimentally induced acute (CCl) and chronic (paracetamol) liver injury in albino wistar rats. Activity was measured by monitoring the serum levels of ALT, ALP AST and LDH, total protein levels, bilirubin and albumin. The results of the CCl and paracetamol-induced liver toxicity experiments showed that the rats treated with the methanolic extract of Elsholtzia densa exhibited a significant decrease in biochemical parameters as well as the proteins, which were all elevated in the CCl and paracetamol group.

The Lys469glu/K469E Polymorphism of the Inflammatory Gene Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Lacks any Apparent Role in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Kashmiri Women: A Case Control Study.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), associated with a state of low grade chronic inflammation, depends on multiple genetic and environmental factors. Elevated levels of inflammatory markers including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) have been demonstrated in affected women. Recent evidence indicates a significant linkage between chromosome 19p13 loci and multifactorial diseases that have an inflammatory component.

Gene variants of and and the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia; outcome of a case control study from Kashmir, India.

Studies on associations of various polymorphisms in xenobiotic metabolizing genes with different cancers including acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) are mixed and inconclusive. The current study analyzed the relationship between polymorphisms of phase I xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, cytochromes P450 1A1 () and and childhood ALL in Kashmir, India. We recruited 200 confirmed ALL cases, and an equal number of controls, matched for sex, age and district of residence to the respective case.

Gentiana kurroo Royle attenuates the metabolic aberrations in diabetic rats; Swertiamarin, swertisin and lupeol being the possible bioactive principles.

Background Gentiana kuroo Royle is a medicinally important plant of north-western Himalayas used for various ailments. In the present study, the plant extracts were investigated for the antidiabetic effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods The impact of the extracts on serum glucose levels of diabetic rats was compared with reference drug - glibenclamide-treated diabetic rats.

Promoter Hypermethylation and Its Impact on Expression of MGMT Gene in the GIT Malignant Patients of Kashmiri Origin.

Epigenetic alterations, in addition to multiple gene abnormalities, are involved in the genesis and progression of human cancers. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancer is a major medical and economic burden worldwide. Aberrant methylation of CpG islands within promoter regions is associated with transcriptional inactivation of various tumor suppressor genes.

Anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory studies on LC-MS characterised methanol extract of Gentiana kurroo Royle.

Background: In ayurvedic traditional medicine Gentiana kurroo Royle (family; Gentianaceae) is used to treat several metabolic diseases. This plant is rich in various compounds belonging to flavonoids and glycosides. Till now little work has been carried out on immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential of this plant.

Diminished expression of & genes in gastric cancer in ethnic population of Kashmir.

Background: Cancer initiation and progression are accompanied by profound changes in DNA. DNA methylation that was the first epigenetic alterations identified in cancer. DNA hypermethylation at promoter sites is closely associated with down regulation of protein and as major participant in the development and progression of series of human tumors.

Efficacy of Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of against Pathogenic Bacterial and Fungal Strains.

Introduction: is a newly identified edible medicinal plant of genus . The plant is used to treat various diseases on traditional levels in Kashmir Valley, India.

Aim: To evaluate the phytochemical screening, antibacterial and antifungal potential of aqueous and methanolic extracts of , a traditionally used edible medicinal plant.

Association of Pro12Ala Polymorphism of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2) Gene with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Ethnic Kashmiri Population.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia associated with insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. T2DM is believed to be attributable to the combined effect of genetic and environmental factors. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2) is one of the main candidate genes that are implicated in T2DM.

Inflammation: A Multidimensional Insight on Natural Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutic Compounds.

Derailed inflammation causes severe damage to the normal tissues resulting in various pathological conditions such as auto-inflammatory disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Cure of inflammatory diseases is a big challenge. Medicinal herbs used traditionally represent the best option for obtaining effective anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

Polymorphism of Metastasis Suppressor Genes MKK4 and NME1 in Kashmiri Patients with Breast Cancer.

Genetic polymorphisms in metastatic suppressor genes like MKK4 and NME1 are not well studied in breast cancer. Hence, we analyzed the relationship between MKK4 and NME1 polymorphisms and breast cancer risk in Kashmir, India. The different genotypes of NME1 and MKK4 genes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism in 130 breast cancer cases and 200 age- and sex-matched controls.

Safety Evaluation of Unani Formulation: Capsule Shaqeeqa in Albino Wistar Rats.

Capsule Shaqeeqa, Unani formulation, is prescribed for the clinical treatment of diseases like sinusitis, headache, and migraine. The safety evaluation data of it is not available; in order to provide the safety data the present study was carried out. The study was carried out on four groups of rats (n = 5).

Gracilone, a new sesquiterpene lactone from Tanacetum gracile (Tansies).

The methanolic extract of the Tanacetum gracile afforded the isolation of new sesquiterpene lactone, named gracilone (1) along with four known compounds as 14α-taraxeran-3-one (2), 14α-taraxeran-3-ol (3), apigenin (4) and β-sitosterol (5). The structure of compound 1 was elucidated on the basis of 1D, 2D NMR and MS spectroscopic analysis. Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities of all compounds were evaluated, from which gracilone (1) showed a moderate antibacterial activity, while apigenin (4) showed comparatively more antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative tested strains.

Potential risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma due to nucleotide excision repair XPA and XPC gene variants and their interaction among themselves and with environmental factors.

The association of nucleotide excision repair (NER) gene polymorphisms with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is inconclusive. The aim of the current study was to assess the association of repair gene xeroderma pigmentosum A (XPA) (rs-1800975) and xeroderma pigmentosum C (XPC) (rs-2228000) polymorphisms with ESCC risk as well as modifying effects of environmental factors. The genotyping was done in 450 confirmed ESCC cases and equal number of individually matched controls by the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and direct sequencing methods.