An innovative method of nonclinical efficacy and toxicological evaluation of recombinant Ty21a expressing HPV16 and 18 L1 proteins.

Advancement in technology led to development of live attenuated Ty21a as enteric vector for expression of foreign proteins. Such vector platform is inevitable for development of vaccine candidate against human papilloma virus (HPV), the etiological agent of cervical cancer with high prevalence in developing nations. The high risk HPVs like type 16 and 18 contributes to 70% of cervical cancer, hence Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), Hyderabad, India developed a recombinant HPV vaccine by introducing HPV 16 and 18 L1 protein coding genes into attenuated Ty21a vector.

Levels of Zinc Transporters mRNA Depending on Zinc Status and HIV-1 Tat Induced Inflammation in Muscle (Rhabdomyosarcoma) and Monocyte (THP-1) Cell Lines.

Monocytes and muscles demonstrate functionally contrasting behavior under conditions of zinc deficiency with relation to zinc storage system (muscle retain zinc in contrast to monocytes). We aimed to understand the effects of zinc status and HIV-1 Tat mediated inflammation on expression of zinc transporters in these types of cells. Expression of zinc transporters [ZnTs, ZIPs, and metallothionein (MT)] was quantified by qRT-PCR in RD, THP-1 cells separately and in co-cultured THP-1-RD cells.

Effect of lead exposure and nutritional iron-deficiency on immune response: A vaccine challenge study in rats.

The prevalence of iron (Fe) deficiency and subclinical lead (Pb) toxicity is high in developing countries like India, and information on their potential additive effects on immune responses is scant. The current study assessed immune parameters in dual Pb-exposed\Fe-deficient weanling SD rats. Rats were fed a control (CD) or Fe-deficient (ID) diet for 4 weeks and then evaluated for hemoglobin (Hb) and serum Fe status.

Evaluation of (indigenous drug) as oxidative stress down-regulator using serum-free explant culture system.

Context: The importance of phytochemicals/natural products as potential therapeutic agents in the present context is gaining a lot of importance. India with a rich heritage of such preparations needs evaluation as potent drugs. Explant culture system is a method, which is sensitive, reliable, reproducible and is capable of mimicking the conditions maintaining the tissue in sufficiently high level of integration.

Nutrition-pollution interaction: An emerging research area.

The impact of environmental pollution, especially chronic low exposures of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, etc.) on nutritional status and health of human and livestock, has become a cause of concern. It is established that malnutrition inhibits enzyme system, alters neurotransmitter levels, degenerate myelin, glial and neural elements, lowering of IQ scores as well as impairment of fine and gross motor coordination.

The effect of lead (Pb) exposure and iron (Fe) deficiency on intestinal lactobacilli, E. coli and yeast: A study in experimental rats.

Objective: The current study investigated the additive effect of oral lead (Pb) exposure and dietary iron (Fe) deficiency on intestinal lactobacilli, E. coli, and yeast in SD rats.

Methods: Weanling rats were fed on control diet (CD) or iron deficient diet (ID) for 4 weeks, followed by oral Pb exposure for another 4 weeks.

Lead and trace element levels in placenta, maternal and cord blood: a cross-sectional pilot study.

Aim: To determine lead (Pb) and trace element (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg) levels in placenta, maternal and cord blood; further, to assess the interactions between Pb and trace elements, if any.

Methods: A cluster of 'at term pregnant women' from rural and urban areas (n = 30 each, total n = 60) as well as their neonates after delivery were recruited. Maternal blood, heel prick neonatal blood, placenta and cord blood were collected at the time of parturition.

Lead and trace element levels in milk and blood of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Hyderabad, India.

The presence of lead (Pb) in milk and its interaction with trace elements is a serious health concern. Present study is aimed at determining Pb and trace element (Fe, Zn and Mg) levels in milk and blood/serum samples of lactating buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) living in a market-area (Group-A) and a dairy-experimental station (Group-B), Hyderabad, India. In addition, kidney and liver function tests were assessed.