Modulating role of pheromonal cues from oestrus-specific urine on 3-methylcholanthrene-induced male reproductive toxicity.

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants that contribute to endocrine/gonadal disruption. This study was designed to investigate the endocrine modulating role of pheromones in alleviating the reproductive toxic effects of 3-MC (3-methylcholanthrene), one of the common PAHs, in rat model. The rats were injected intraperitoneally with 3-MC at a dose of 25 mg kg(-1) BW.

Antioxidant mediated ameliorative steroidogenesis by Commelina benghalensis L. and Cissus quadrangularis L. against quinalphos induced male reproductive toxicity.

Quinalphos (QP) is speculated to cause endocrine disruption through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by oxidative stress (OS). Exposure of QP decreased testosterone level considerably which resulted in reduced viable sperms in mice. The QP induced toxicity is initiated by the formation of free radicals as it is evidenced from the increased Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and diminution of antioxidant enzymes in testicular tissue.

Antimicrobial activity of Leucas aspera engineered silver nanoparticles against Aeromonas hydrophila in infected Catla catla.

This research describes green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing Leucas aspera. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and inductively coupled plasmon optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). UV-vis analysis proved the wavelength of the sample to be 429 nm, resembling the surface resonance peak (SPR) specific for AgNPs.

Increased squalene concentrations in the clitoral gland during the estrous cycle in rats: an estrus-indicating scent mark?

Squalene in the rat clitoral gland is reported to be semi-volatile and may serve as a chemo-signal. The objective was to determine squalene concentrations in the clitoral gland throughout the reproductive cycle. Clitoral glands were extracted with dichloromethane; 23 compounds were identified with Gas Chromatography linked Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Spermidine may decrease ER stress in pancreatic beta cells and may reduce apoptosis via activating AMPK dependent autophagy pathway.

The risk for diabetes increases with increasing BMI<25. Insulin resistance is the key factor for type 2 diabetes; studies revealed that endoplasmic reticulum stress is the main factor behind this disease. With increase in ER stress, pancreatic beta cells start to undergo apoptosis, leading to a decline in the pancreatic beta cell population.