Prakriti-based research: Good reporting practices.

The recent advances in the fields of genomics, personalized medicine, and Ayurveda have motivated many researchers to look at the relationship between Prakriti (phenotype-based Ayurveda constitution) and various objective biological parameters. As a result, a number of studies reporting such a relationship have made their way into mainstream scholarly journals. However, when it comes to the protocols that these workers follow to identify one's Prakriti, there are several issues that are yet to be resolved.

Altered development and function of the placental regions in preeclampsia and its association with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The placenta is an essential organ formed during pregnancy that mainly transfers nutrients from the mother to the fetus. Nutrients taken up by the placenta are required for its own growth and development and to optimize fetal growth. Hence, placental function is an important determinant of pregnancy outcome.

Maternal supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients reduces cardiometabolic variables in pregnancy induced hypertension rats.

Aims: Reports indicate that during pregnancy hypertension is known to have long term adverse effects both in the mother and offspring. However, the effect of maternal micronutrient supplementation on this association of in utero exposure and risk of non-communicable diseases in the later life remains unclear. The present study examines the effect of maternal micronutrient and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation either individual or in combination on cardiometabolic risk factors both in the mother and offspring using an animal model of hypertension.

Amarkand: A comprehensive review on its ethnopharmacology, nutritional aspects, and taxonomy.

In India, the term "Amarkand" is commonly used for around 30 different plant species belonging to genus Eulophia (Orchidaceae). This single local name Amarkand to different taxonomical species creates uncertainty about its ethnomedical and nutritional claims. In the present article, we have reviewed available literature regarding ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, taxonomy, nutritional, and pharmacological studies of different Amarkand species.

Dietary flaxseed oil and fish oil ameliorates renal oxidative stress, protein glycation, and inflammation in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats.

Protective and prophylactic effects of omega-3 fatty acids on oxidative stress and inflammation are well known. We assessed beneficial effects of flaxseed oil and fish oil on streptozotocin (65 mg/kg; i.p.

Hepatoprotective effect of withanolide-rich fraction in acetaminophen-intoxicated rat: decisive role of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-II and iNOS.

Context: Overdose of acetaminophen (APAP) is common in humans and is often associated with hepatic damage. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) shows multiple pharmacological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.

Increased oxidative stress from early pregnancy in women who develop preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disorder, defined as new onset of maternal hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Our earlier study has shown increased maternal oxidative stress at delivery to be associated with poor birth outcome in PE. However, these results were observed when the pathology had progressed and may have been secondary to the effects of the disorder.

Maternal Fatty Acids and Their Association with Birth Outcome: A Prospective Study.

Maternal nutrition, especially LCPUFA, is an important factor in determining fetal growth and development. Our earlier cross sectional study reports lower docosahexanoic acid (DHA) levels at the time of delivery in mothers delivering low birth weight (LBW) babies. This study was undertaken to examine the role of the maternal omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid profile across the gestation in fetal growth.

Novel insights into the effect of vitamin B₁₂ and omega-3 fatty acids on brain function.

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders which are characterized by cognitive decline is increasing at an alarming rate and account for a significant proportion of the global disease burden. Evidences from human and animal studies indicate that neurocognitive development is influenced by various environmental factors including nutrition. It has been established that nutrition affects the brain throughout life.

Supplementation of maternal omega-3 fatty acids to pregnancy induced hypertension Wistar rats improves IL10 and VEGF levels.

Objectives: Our recent study demonstrates the beneficial effect of a combined supplementation of vitamin B12, folic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid in reducing the severity of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). It is also known to be associated with angiogenic imbalance and inflammation. The current study examines whether the individual/combined supplementation of folic acid, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid during pregnancy can ameliorate the inflammatory markers and restore the angiogenic balance in a rat model of PIH.

Anti-fatigue effect of Amarkand on endurance exercise capacity in rats.

Background: Amarkand tubers are routinely used by many Indian tribes as a specialized food for health and longevity but so far there is no scientific evidence for their activities. Taxonomically, Amarkand belong to genera Eulophia and Dioscorea.

Methods: In this communication, comparative antifatigue potential of Amarkand was analyzed using forced swimming model in rats and evaluated using biomarkers of physical fatigue.

Association of Fasting Plasma Glucose and Serum Lipids in Type 2 Diabetics.

Dyslipidemia is a significant morbidity associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. The present study was undertaken to assess the lipid profile of type 2 diabetic and age-gender matched healthy subjects and its association, if any, with fasting plasma glucose. Clinically diagnosed diabetic subjects were recruited for the study.

Differential regional fatty acid distribution in normotensive and preeclampsia placenta.

Background: Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are biologically active fatty acids which regulate placental angiogenesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Abnormalities in these aspects have been associated with preeclampsia (PE). Further, placenta has a heterogeneous structure with differential vascularization across different regions.

Reduced Maternal Erythrocyte Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Exist in Early Pregnancy in Preeclampsia.

The present prospective study examines proportions of maternal erythrocyte fatty acids across gestation and their association with cord erythrocyte fatty acids in normotensive control (NC) and preeclamptic pregnancies. We hypothesize that maternal fatty acid status in early pregnancy influences fetal fatty acid stores in preeclampsia. 137 NC women and 58 women with preeclampsia were included in this study.

Evaluation of the bioavailability of major withanolides of Withania somnifera using an in vitro absorption model system.

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, shows several pharmacological properties which are attributed mainly to the withanolides present in the root. The efficacy of medicinally active withanolides constituents depends on the absorption and transportation through the intestinal epithelium.

Increased homocysteine levels exist in women with preeclampsia from early pregnancy.

Objective: The present prospective study examines the levels of maternal plasma folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine in normotensive control (NC) women and women with preeclampsia (PE) from early pregnancy till delivery.

Methods: The present study includes 126 NC and 62 PE women. Maternal blood was collected at 3 time points during pregnancy (T1 = 16th-20th weeks, T2 = 26th-30th weeks and T3 = at delivery).

Evaluation of subacute toxicity of methanolic/aqueous preparation of aerial parts of O. sanctum in Wistar rats: Clinical, haematological, biochemical and histopathological studies.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Ocimum sanctum, commonly known as Holy Basil or Tulsi has been used in Ayurveda as a demulcent, stimulant, expectorant; in the treatment of bronchitis, skin infections, malaria, diarrhoea, dysentery, arthritis, gastric and inflammatory disorders. We have previously shown that methanolic/aqueous extract of O. sanctum did not induce genotoxicity and other toxic effects in acute oral toxicity study.

Alpha-linolenic acid regulates Cox2/VEGF/MAP kinase pathway and decreases the expression of HPV oncoproteins E6/E7 through restoration of p53 and Rb expression in human cervical cancer cell lines.

Cervical cancer represents the largest cause of mortality in women worldwide. In our previous report, we have shown how alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, regulated the growth of cervical cancer cells. The present study aimed to explore mechanistic details for the anticancer activity of ALA in cervical cancer cell lines, SiHa and HeLa.

Maternal nerve growth factor levels during pregnancy in women with preeclampsia: A longitudinal study.

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. Improper development of the placenta due to altered angiogenesis is the main culprit in PE. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is an angiogenic factor which is expressed and localized in the placenta.

Differential Ratios of Omega Fatty Acids (AA/EPA+DHA) Modulate Growth, Lipid Peroxidation and Expression of Tumor Regulatory MARBPs in Breast Cancer Cell Lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231.

Omega 3 (n3) and Omega 6 (n6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been reported to exhibit opposing roles in cancer progression. Our objective was to determine whether different ratios of n6/n3 (AA/EPA+DHA) FAs could modulate the cell viability, lipid peroxidation, total cellular fatty acid composition and expression of tumor regulatory Matrix Attachment Region binding proteins (MARBPs) in breast cancer cell lines and in non-cancerous, MCF10A cells. Low ratios of n6/n3 (1:2.

Regional changes of placental vascularization in preeclampsia: a review.

Preeclampsia is characterized by vascular dysfunction and results in maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The placenta plays a critical role in the growth and development of the fetus, and recent studies indicate that placental architecture, oxygen availability, and oxidative stress indices vary across different regions of the placenta. Our earlier studies have reported altered maternal angiogenesis and differential placental gene expression and methylation patterns of angiogenic factors in women with preeclampsia when compared with normotensive women.

Beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 supplementation on brain docosahexaenoic acid, brain derived neurotrophic factor, and cognitive performance in the second-generation Wistar rats.

In vegetarian population, vitamin B12 deficiency coexists with suboptimal levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies indicate a need for supplementation/fortification of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce the risk of brain disorders. We have described the effects of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on brain development in F1 generation animals.

Effects of commonly used antidiabetic drugs on antioxidant enzymes and liver function test markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects - pilot study.

Objective: The present study analyzed the effects of antidiabetic drugs on antioxidant enzymes and liver function test (LFT) markers and their association with homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in type 2 diabetic subjects.

Methods: We assessed healthy and diabetic subjects (100 each). Diabetic subjects were divided based on treatment with only metformin, metformin in combination with other antidiabetic drugs and insulin in combination with other antidiabetic drugs.

Neurotrophin levels in different regions of the placenta and their association with birth outcome and blood pressure.

Introduction: Our recent study in preeclampsia indicates differential oxidative stress in various regions of the placenta. Oxidative stress is known to influence neurotrophin levels. We therefore hypothesize that placental regional differences in oxidative stress will also lead to differences in neurotrophin levels.

Inflammatory response of cultured rat synoviocytes challenged with synovial fluid from osteoarthritis patients correlates with their radiographic grading: a pilot study.

The inflammatory nature of synovial fluid (SF) of varying grade osteoarthritis (OA) patients was estimated by measuring pro-inflammatory factors and through a unique cell-challenge experiment. SF samples were collected from six OA and one non-OA patient; spanning Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grades were analyzed for interlukin-1-beta (IL-1β), nitric oxide (NO) and its derivatives, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG). Levels of IL-1β, NO, and GAG in SF did not correlate with KL grades of the patients studied.