Activation of GPR40 attenuates chronic inflammation induced impact on pancreatic β-cells health and function.

Background: Chronic inflammation-mediated β-cell apoptosis is known to decrease β-cell mass in diabetes leading to reduced insulin secretion. Exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines can stimulate apoptosis in pancreatic β-cells. The G protein coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) is implicated for glucose induced insulin secretion.

Production of cellulose by Aspergillus niger under submerged and solid state fermentation using coir waste as a substrate.

Aspergillus niger was used for cellulase production in submerged (SmF) and solid state fermentation (SSF). The maximum production of cellulase was obtained after 72 h of incubation in SSF and 96 h in Smf. The CMCase and FPase activities recorded in SSF were 8.

Oxidative and nitrosative stress in association with DNA damage in coronary heart disease.

Introduction: Oxidative and nitrosative stress caused by a disturbance in the homeostasis of pro-oxidants and antioxidants play a vital role in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD). Enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species may also affect the oxidation/nitration of biomolecules such as lipids, proteins and DNA. The present study was undertaken to estimate oxidative and nitrosative stress, and to evaluate oxidative DNA damage.

Phenotypic and plasmid pattern analysis of Staphylococcus epidermidis in bacterial keratitis.

Background: Staphylococcus epidermidis, a commensal of the conjunctival sac has been incriminated as the commonest etiological agent of bacterial keratitis. However, the pathogenic potential of this commensal organism is not clearly known.

Aim: To determine any phenotypic, molecular markers of S.