Association of CYP27B1 gene polymorphisms with pulmonary tuberculosis and vitamin D levels.

Background And Objectives: Genetic factors are reported to be connected with tuberculosis (TB) infection. Studies have shown that genetic variations in genes involved in the vitamin D pathway influence the levels of vitamin D found in the bloodstream (serum). Cyp27b1 (1α-hydroxylase) is an enzyme that activates the synthesis of bioactive vitamin D by hydroxylation of 25(OH)DThe in vitro studies reported rare gene variants of Cyp27b1 such as rs118204011 and rs118204012, associated with loss of Cyp27b1 function and lower serum vitamin D levels.

Neuroprotective potential of epigallo catechin-3-gallate in PC-12 cells.

Oxidative stress is a major player in aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Macromolecular damage occurs as a result of oxidative stress that affects the mitochondria. Mitochondrial damage leads to cell death by apoptosis or necrosis.

Mitochondrial alterations in aging rat brain: effective role of (-)-epigallo catechin gallate.

Aging is a multi-factorial process which involves deprivation in body's metabolism. Brain mitochondria are prone to oxidative damage owing to their high metabolic rate. The decline in antioxidant system during aging augments the neuronal damage to mitochondrial components like antioxidant system, Kreb's cycle enzymes and electron transport chain complexes.

Attenuation of senescence-induced oxidative exacerbations in aged rat brain by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate.

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon which involves free radicals and oxidative stress. Brain is more susceptible and vulnerable to oxidative damage due to its high-polyunsaturated fatty acid content and high rate of aerobic metabolism. Since the antioxidant defense system is diminished during aging, antioxidant supplementation might be a protective strategy against age-associated oxidative damage.

Repletion of antioxidant status by EGCG and retardation of oxidative damage induced macromolecular anomalies in aged rats.

Ageing is defined as the loss of ability to maintain cellular homeostasis of an organism associated with the free radical-elicited oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the key component of green tea catechins on attenuating the age associated oxidative perturbances by assessing the redox status in mitotic (liver) and post-mitotic (skeletal muscle) tissues of young and aged rats. From the results, we observed an increase in the marker for oxidative damage such as lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content in aged rats, when compared to young rats.

ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF LEAVES OF Memecylon umbellatum.

The present study includes antimicrobial activity of Memecylon umbellatum Alcoholic extract showed maximum antibacterial activity Staphylococcus aureus. (gram positive) and it also showed antibacterial activity against gram negative bacteria and also alcoholic extract alone showed slight antifungal activity.