Reduced synovial inflammation and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases explicates anti-osteoarthritis activity of polyherbal formulations.

Objectives: Current osteoarthritis (OA) research experiences an incline toward Ayurveda to attain a complete cure without notable adverse effects. Ayurveda uses natural products, which are known to perform the multi-faceted role, a much demanding approach for OA management. However, lack of scientific evidence is a major drawback hindering their wider use.

Maternal one carbon metabolism through increased oxidative stress and disturbed angiogenesis can influence placental apoptosis in preeclampsia.

Adequate maternal nutrition is critical for a healthy pregnancy outcome and poor maternal nutrition is known to be associated with pregnancy complications like preeclampsia. We have earlier demonstrated that there is an imbalance in the levels of micronutrients (folate and vitamin B) along with low levels of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) and high homocysteine levels in women with preeclampsia. Homocysteine is known to be involved in the formation of free radicals leading to increased oxidative stress.

Matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinases -9 (MMP-9) are differentially expressed in different regions of normal and preeclampsia placentae.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling during human placentation and parturition and have been shown to be associated with oxidative stress. Placental regional changes in oxygen availability and oxidative stress indices may influence regional differences in expression of MMPs. This study examines the protein and mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in different regions of the placenta in normotensive control (NC) women and women with preeclampsia (PE).

Correlation of Serum Adiponectin and Leptin levels in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Introduction: Indian phenotype includes higher waist circumference despite lower body mass index, thereby making Indians more prone to diabetes and its complications.

Aim: The present study aimed to analyze the serum levels of adiponectin and leptin in the participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity and their correlation with hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Materials And Methods: In the study, 50 diabetics and 50 controls aged between 40 and 60 years were included in the study.

Triphala, Regulates Adipogenesis through Modulation of Expression of Adipogenic Genes in 3T3-L1 Cell Line.

Background: Triphala, an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation, is used for the treatment of various diseases including obesity.

Objective: The present study was planned to evaluate the anti-adipogenic potential of aqueous extract of Triphala (TP) using 3T3-L1 adipocyte cell line model.

Methods: The effect of aqueous extract of Triphala (TP) was tested on the viability of 3T3- L1 cells by MTT assay.

Distribution of Fatty Acids and Lipids During Pregnancy.

Maternal fatty acid and lipid metabolism undergoes changes during pregnancy to facilitate fetal growth and development. Different types of fatty acids have different roles in maintaining a successful pregnancy and they are incorporated into different forms of lipids for the purpose of storage and transport. This chapter aims to provide an understanding of the distribution and metabolism of fatty acids and lipids in the maternal, placental, and fetal compartments.

Co-circulation of all the four dengue virus serotypes and detection of a novel clade of DENV-4 (genotype I) virus in Pune, India during 2016 season.

Dengue is the most common mosquito-borne viral infection in tropical and sub-tropical countries. In recent years, India has reported increased incidences of concurrent infection with multiple serotypes of dengue viruses (DENV). In the present study, we have characterized DENV circulating during a single season of 2016 in Pune, India.

Adiponectin: A potential therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome.

Adiponectin is an important adipocytokine secreted chiefly by fat containing adipocytes, and plays a crucial role in glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress. Alterations in adiponectin levels have been shown to directly affect lipid and glucose metabolism that further increase the synthesis of lipids, free fatty acids and inflammatory cytokines. Changes in adiponectin levels also contribute to insulin resistance, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.

Altered Kinetics Properties of Erythrocyte Lactate Dehydrogenase in Type II Diabetic Patients and Its Implications for Lactic Acidosis.

Recent studies have been noted that the erythrocytes from Type II diabetic patients show significantly altered structural and functional characteristics along with the changed intracellular concentrations of glycolytic intermediates. More recent studies from our laboratory have shown that the activities of enzymes of glycolytic pathway changed significantly in RBCs from Type II diabetic patients. In particular the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased significantly.

Improving Salt Tolerance of Chickpea Using Modern Genomics Tools and Molecular Breeding.

Introduction: The high protein value, essential minerals, dietary fibre and notable ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen make chickpea a highly remunerative crop, particularly in low-input food production systems. Of the variety of constraints challenging chickpea productivity worldwide, salinity remains of prime concern owing to the intrinsic sensitivity of the crop. In view of the projected expansion of chickpea into arable and salt-stressed land by 2050, increasing attention is being placed on improving the salt tolerance of this crop.

Isolation, BODIPY Labeling and Uptake of Exosomes in Hepatic Stellate Cells.

Exosomes have emerged as an important mediator of intercellular communication. They are present in extracellular milieu and therefore, easily accessible by neighboring or distant cells. They carry mRNA, microRNAs and proteins within their vesicles and once internalized by recipient cells; they can modulate multiple signaling pathways with pleiotropic effects from inducing antiviral state to disease progression.

Cinnamaldehyde, Cinnamic Acid, and Cinnamyl Alcohol, the Bioactives of Exhibit HDAC8 Inhibitory Activity: An and Study.

Background: The altered expression of histone deacetylase family member 8 (HDAC8) has been found to be linked with various cancers, thereby making its selective inhibition a potential strategy in cancer therapy. Recently, plant secondary metabolites, particularly phenolic compounds, have been shown to possess HDAC inhibitory activity.

Objective: In the present work, we have evaluated the potential of cinnamaldehyde (CAL), cinnamic acid (CA), and cinnamyl alcohol (CALC) (bioactives of Cinnamomum) as well as aqueous cinnamon extract (ACE), to inhibit HDAC8 activity in vitro and .

Maternal Micronutrients, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Gene Expression of Angiogenic and Inflammatory Markers in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Rats.

Background And Aims: Preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy and is associated with inflammation and altered angiogenesis. The present study examines the effect of micronutrient and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (individual, as well as combined) on genes involved in inflammation and angiogenesis, as well as global DNA methylation levels in a pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) rat model.

Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six dietary groups: control, PIH (Pregnancy induced hypertension) Induced; PIH Induced with micronutrient supplements with vitamin B (PIHB), folate (PIHF), omega-3 fatty acid (PIHO), and combined supplementation (PIHC) (micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids).

Investigating the expression of MMPs and TIMPs in preterm placenta and role of CpG methylation in regulating MMP-9 expression.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) are crucial to the processes of normal labor and parturition. We have previously reported aberrant protein levels of MMPs in placenta of women delivering preterm as compared to term. In this study, we examine the mRNA levels of MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9) and TIMPs (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) in the placenta from women delivering preterm as compared with term and further study the promoter DNA methylation of the MMP-9 gene in a sub-sample of term and preterm placentae.

Maternal long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status and pregnancy complications.

Maternal nutrition plays a crucial role in influencing fetal growth and birth outcome. Any nutritional insult starting several weeks before pregnancy and during critical periods of gestation is known to influence fetal development and increase the risk for diseases during later life. Literature suggests that chronic adult diseases may have their origin during early life - a concept referred to as Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) which states that adverse exposures early in life "program" risks for later chronic disorders.

HPLC, NMR based chemical profiling and biological characterisation of Indian propolis.

The present study aimed to investigate chemical profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Indian Melifera propolis (IMP) samples collected from 13 different states. Chemical characterisation of ethanolic extracts of IMP (EEMP) samples was carried out by using HPLC and HNMR spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of EEMP samples was measured by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assay.

Experiential documentation of Trimad for its anti-obesity potential: A survey of Ayurvedic physicians from Pune city.

Background: Trimad is an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation consisting of tubers of Mustaka (Cyperus rotundus), fruits of Vidanga (Embelia ribes) and roots of Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica). It is recommended in Ayurveda for the management of obesity. However, there is no documented evidence about its safety and efficacy.

VEGF and VEGFR1 levels in different regions of the normal and preeclampsia placentae.

Altered placental angiogenesis is implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. We have earlier reported placental regional differences in oxidative stress markers and neurotrophins. Oxidative stress and neurotrophins are reported to regulate angiogenesis.

Adjuvantation of Pulmonary-Administered Influenza Vaccine with GPI-0100 Primarily Stimulates Antibody Production and Memory B Cell Proliferation.

Adjuvants are key components in vaccines, they help in reducing the required antigen dose but also modulate the phenotype of the induced immune response. We previously showed that GPI-0100, a saponin-derived adjuvant, enhances antigen-specific mucosal and systemic antibody responses to influenza subunit and whole inactivated influenza virus (WIV) vaccine administered via the pulmonary route. However, the impact of the GPI-0100 dose on immune stimulation and the immune mechanisms stimulated by GPI-0100 along with antigen are poorly understood.

Hypermethylated CpG sites in the MTR gene promoter in preterm placenta.

Aim: Altered maternal one-carbon metabolism influences placental DNA methylation patterns and 'programs' the fetus for noncommunicable diseases in adult life.

Experimental Procedures: Levels of plasma folate, vitamin B, homocysteine, mRNA and protein levels of MTHFR and MTR enzymes in placenta were compared among women delivering preterm (n = 83) and term (n = 75). MTR promoter CpG methylation was undertaken.

Gender dependent effects of fasting blood glucose levels and disease duration on biochemical markers in type 2 diabetics: A pilot study.

Aim: The impact of fasting blood glucose levels (FBG) and disease duration on type 2 diabetes in Indian population is still unclear. The present study examines gender-dependent effects of FBG and disease duration on lipid profile, adipocytokines and related biochemical parameters in diabetic individuals.

Methods: Type 2 diabetic individuals (n=100) were classified depending on FBG: patients with normal FBG (Glucose<126mg/dl) and patients with high FBG (Glucose≥126mg/dl); and disease duration: ≥0-≤3yr, >3-≤7yr, >7yr.

Sex-specific differences and developmental programming for diseases in later life.

Epidemiological data indicate that developmental programming of various non-communicable diseases (NCDs) occurs as a consequence of altered maternal metabolic and physiological status due to a number of environmental insults during pregnancy. Sex-specific differences have also been reported in most NCDs. Evidence suggests that beginning from conception, the maternal and neonatal metabolic environment, including hormones, contributes to sex-specific placental development.