Pharmacology - Research Publications

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Protocols in apoptosis identification and affirmation
(Elsevier, 2020-10-16T00:00:00) Jamwal, Sumit; Kumar, Puneet; Kakkar, Vandita; Kumari, Parina; Chahal, Simerjeet Kaur
Protocols are set of predefined written procedural documents that offer guidance or specifications for performing the experiments and its implementation. They are an essential component of good laboratory practice (GLP) and good clinical practice (GCP) regulations that establish the study�s rationale, objectives, design, and planned analyses of the results, as well as the conditions under which these procedures will be carried out. In addition to detailed procedures, protocols often include information on safety precautions, the calculation of results, and reporting standards, including statistical analysis and rules for predefining and documenting excluded data to avoid bias. The protocol is the heart of every experiment. It is the plan; it is a critical document for everyone involved in the conduct of the procedure�Rebecca Kush, President of CDISC Different protocols are available which provide signaling pathways of introduction to �Programmed cell death� which called �Apoptosis�. The course of programmed cell death or �Apoptosis� is generally regarded as a typical element of the human health and disease state. Normal homeostasis is sustained throughout by maintaining balance between cell death and cell division. Apoptosis is phenomenon that involves specific activation of death-signaling pathways leading to the removal of cells from tissue. The individual morphological features of apoptosis include cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, membrane blebbing, and formation of apoptotic bodies. Inapt apoptosis is a key factor in many diseased conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, I-R injury, and many more. In addition, the area of apoptosis research is growing at an alarming rate and till date vast research has been made on the clarification and analysis of the cell cycle mechanisms and signaling pathways regulating cell cycle. The aptitude to detect and quantify apoptosis and to understand its biochemistry related to regulatory genes and proteins is highly crucial for biomedical research. This chapter is an attempt to highlight various basic as well as advanced tools and techniques (like immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assay, in-situ end-labeling techniques in conjunction with standard flow cytometry) used in area of apoptosis research in addition to focus on protocols used in qualitative and quantitative determination of apoptosis to be followed during preclinical and clinical phase of drug development. The use of aforementioned techniques for apoptosis quantification will enable clinical investigators to accurately assess apoptosis in context of various diseases. � 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Is highly expressed ACE 2 in pregnant women �a curse� in times of COVID-19 pandemic?
(Elsevier Inc., 2020-10-28T00:00:00) Dhaundiyal, Ankit; Kumari, Puja; Jawalekar, Snehal Sainath; Chauhan, Gaurav; Kalra, Sourav; Navik, Umashanker
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2) is a membrane-bound enzyme that cleaves angiotensin II (Ang II) into angiotensin (1�7). It also serves as an important binding site for SARS-CoV-2, thereby, facilitating viral entry into target host cells. ACE 2 is abundantly present in the intestine, kidney, heart, lungs, and fetal tissues. Fetal ACE 2 is involved in myocardium growth, lungs and brain development. ACE 2 is highly expressed in pregnant women to compensate preeclampsia by modulating angiotensin (1�7) which binds to the Mas receptor, having vasodilator action and maintain fluid homeostasis. There are reports available on Zika, H1N1 and SARS-CoV where these viruses have shown to produce fetal defects but very little is known about SARS-CoV-2 involvement in pregnancy, but it might have the potential to interact with fetal ACE 2 and enhance COVID-19 transmission to the fetus, leading to fetal morbidity and mortality. This review sheds light on a path of SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk in pregnancy and its possible link with fetal ACE 2. � 2020 Elsevier Inc.
Neuroprotective effect of nerolidol in traumatic brain injury associated behavioural comorbidities in rats
(Oxford University Press, 2020-11-26T00:00:00) Kaur, Amandeep; Jaiswal, Gagandeep; Brar, Jasdeep; Kumar, Puneet
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an insult to the brain from an external mechanical force, leading to temporary/permanent secondary injuries, i.e. impairment of cognitive, physical, and psycho-social functions with altered consciousness. The leading mechanism responsible for neuronal damage following TBI is an increase in oxidative reactions initiated by free radicals generated by the injury along with various other mechanisms. Nerolidol is reported to have potent antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory properties. The present study was designed to explore the neuroprotective effect of nerolidol in weight-drop-induced TBI in rats. Animals were injured on the 1st day by dropping a free-falling weight of 200 gm from a height of 1 m through a guide pipe onto the exposed skull. After 14 days of injury, nerolidol (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment was given for the next 14 days. Locomotor activity and motor coordination were evaluated using an actophotometer and rotarod, respectively. Cognitive impairment was observed through the Morris Water Maze and Object Recognition Test. On the 29th day, animals were sacrificed, and their brains were collected for the biochemical estimation. The weight drop model significantly decreased locomotor activity, motor coordination, increased Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, oxidative stress, and induced cognitive deficits in TBI rats. Nerolidol significantly improved locomotor activity, reversed motor incoordination and cognitive impairment, and reduced the AChE activity and oxidative/nitrosative stress. The present study demonstrates the promising neuroprotective effects of nerolidol, which might improve the quality of life of TBI patients. � 2021 The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.
Neuroprotection through G-CSF: recent advances and future viewpoints
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2021-01-02T00:00:00) Rahi, Vikrant; Jamwal, Sumit; Kumar, Puneet
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), a member of the cytokine family of hematopoietic growth factors, is 19.6�kDa glycoprotein which is responsible for the proliferation, maturation, differentiation, and survival of neutrophilic granulocyte lineage. Apart from its proven clinical application to treat chemotherapy-associated neutropenia, recent pre-clinical studies have highlighted the neuroprotective roles of G-CSF i.e., mobilization of haemopoietic stem cells, anti-apoptotic, neuronal differentiation, angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory in animal models of neurological disorders. G-CSF is expressed by numerous cell types including neuronal, immune and endothelial cells. G-CSF is released in autocrine manner and binds to its receptor G-CSF-R which further activates numerous signaling transduction pathways including PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT and MAP kinase, and thereby promote neuronal survival, proliferation, differentiation, mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The expression of G-CSF receptors (G-CSF-R) in the different brain regions and their upregulation in response to neuronal insult indicates the autocrine protective signaling mechanism of G-CSF by inhibition of apoptosis, inflammation, and stimulation of neurogenesis. These observed neuroprotective effects of G-CSF makes it an attractive target to mitigate neurodegeneration associated with neurological disorders. The objective of the review is to highlight and summarize recent updates on G-CSF as a therapeutically versatile neuroprotective agent along with mechanisms of action as well as possible clinical applications in neurodegenerative disorders including AD, PD and HD. � 2021, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences.
Animal models of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2021-01-15T00:00:00) Rahi, Vikrant; Kumar, Puneet
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by three primary symptoms hyperactivity, attention deficit, and impulsiveness, observed in both children and adults. In childhood, this disorder is more common in boys than in girls, and at least 75% will continue to suffer from the disorder until adulthood. Individuals with ADHD generally have poor academic, occupational, and social functioning resulting from developmentally inappropriate levels of hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as impaired ability to maintain attention on motivationally relevant tasks. Very few drugs available in clinical practice altogether abolish the symptoms of ADHD, therefore, to find new drugs and target it is essential to understand the neuropathological, neurochemical, and genetic alterations that lead to the progression of ADHD. With this contrast, an animal study is the best approach because animal models provide relatively fast invasive manipulation, rigorous hypothesis testing, as well as it provides a better angle to understand the pathological mechanisms involved in disease progression. Moreover, animal models, especially for ADHD, serve with good predictive validity would allow the assessment and development of new therapeutic interventions, with this aim, the present review collect the various animal models on a single platform so that the research can select an appropriate model to pursue his study. � 2021 International Society for Developmental Neuroscience
The beneficial effect of rice bran extract against rotenone-induced experimental parkinson�s disease in rats
(Bentham Science Publishers, 2021-02-12T00:00:00) Kumar, Sachin; Kumar, Puneet
Background: Neurodegenerative diseases have become an increasing cause of various disabilities worldwide, followed by aging, including Parkinson�s disease (PD). Parkinson�s disease is a degenerative brain disorder distinguished by growing motor & non-motor failure due to the de-generation of medium-sized spiked neurons in the striatum region. Rotenone is often employed to originate the animal model of PD. It is a powerful blocker of mitochondrial complex-I, mitochon-drial electron transport chain that reliably produces Parkinsonism-like symptoms in rats. Rice bran (RB) is very rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and nutritionally beneficial compounds, such as ?-oryzanol, tocopherols, and tocotrienols and sterols are believed to have favorable out-comes on oxidative stress & mitochondrial function. Objective: The present study has been designed to explore RB extract�s effect against rotenone-in-duced neurotoxicity in rats. Methods: In the present study, Rotenone (2 mg/kg, s.c) was administered systemically for 28 days. The hexane extract of RB was prepared using Soxhlation. Hexane extract (250 & 500 mg/kg) was administered per oral for 28 days in rotenone-treated groups. Behavioral parameters (grip strength, motor coordination, locomotion, and catalepsy) were conducted on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th day. Animals were sacrificed on the 29th day for biochemical estimation in the striatum and cortex. Results: This study demonstrates significant alteration in behavioral parameters, oxidative burden (increased lipid peroxidation, nitrite concentration, and decreased glutathione, catalase, SOD) in rotenone-treated animals. Administration of hexane extract of RB prevented the behavioral, biochemical alterations induced by rotenone. The current research has been sketched to inspect RB ex-tract�s effect against rotenone-developed neurotoxicity in rats. Conclusion: The findings support that PD is associated with impairments in motor activity. The results also suggest that the nutraceutical rice bran that contains ?-oryzanol, Vitamin-E, ferulic acid etc., may underlie the adjuvant susceptibility towards rotenone-induced PD in experimental rats. � 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.
Can bilirubin nanomedicine become a hope for the management of COVID-19?
(Churchill Livingstone, 2021-02-15T00:00:00) Khurana, Isha; Allawadhi, Prince; Khurana, Amit; Srivastava, Amit Kumar; Navik, Umashanker; Banothu, Anil Kumar; Bharani, Kala Kumar
Bilirubin has been proven to possess significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral activities. Recently, it has been postulated as a metabolic hormone. Further, moderately higher levels of bilirubin are positively associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity. However, due to poor solubility the therapeutic delivery of bilirubin remains a challenge. Nanotechnology offers unique advantages which may be exploited for improved delivery of bilirubin to the target organ with reduced risk of systemic toxicity. Herein, we postulate the use of intravenous administration or inhalational delivery of bilirubin nanomedicine (BNM) to combat systemic dysfunctions associated with COVID-19, owing to the remarkable preclinical efficacy and optimistic results of various clinical studies of bilirubin in non-communicable disorders. BNM may be used to harness the proven preclinical pharmacological efficacy of bilirubin against COVID-19 related systemic complications. � 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Novel pharmacological approaches for diabetic complications
(Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 2021-03-24T00:00:00) Arora, Anchal; Navik, Uma Shanker; Jaiswal, Aiswarya; Kaur, Prabhsharan; Kumar, Puneet
Diabetes is a chronic illness characterized by uncontrolled hyperglycemia, disturbances in carbohydrate, and lipid and protein metabolism due to impaired function of insulin-secreting pancreatic ?-cell, insulin action or both. If not treated on time diabetes patients are more prone to developing secondary complications such as microvascular complications, including nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, diabetic foot, dermopathy, and macrovascular complications like coronary arteries disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke and cardiomyopathy. This increases the co-morbidity and mortality rate among diabetes patients. Therefore, hyperglycemia management could be of profound clinical significance to reduce the rate of complications of diabetes. Further, hyperglycemia results in the activation of multiple abnormal signaling pathways that poses more complex diabetes pathology resulting in end-organ damage. Traditionally, the available approved therapy, such as insulin and sulphonylureas, possesses side effects such as weight gain and hypoglycaemic shock. Therefore developing a novel therapy for targeting complex pathways for mitigating diabetes complications is highly appreciable. Hence, this chapter aims to discuss the novel therapeutic approaches for treating diabetes complications with their mechanism of action. � 2021 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Emerging role of non?coding RNA in health and disease
(Springer, 2021-04-21T00:00:00) Bhatti, Gurjit Kaur; Khullar, Naina; Sidhu, Inderpal Singh; Navik, Uma Shanker; Reddy, Arubala P.; Reddy, P. Hemachandra; Bhatti, Jasvinder Singh
Human diseases have always been a significant turf of concern since the origin of mankind. It is cardinal to know the cause, treatment, and cure for every disease condition. With the advent and advancement in technology, the molecular arena at the microscopic level to study the mechanism, progression, and therapy is more rational and authentic pave than a macroscopic approach. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have now emerged as indispensable players in the diagnosis, development, and therapeutics of every abnormality concerning physiology, pathology, genetics, epigenetics, oncology, and developmental diseases. This is a comprehensive attempt to collate all the existing and proven strategies, techniques, mechanisms of genetic disorders including Silver Russell Syndrome, Fascio- scapula humeral muscular dystrophy, cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, cardiac fibrosis, hypertension, etc.), neurodegenerative diseases (Spino-cerebral ataxia type 7, Spino-cerebral ataxia type 8, Spinal muscular atrophy, Opitz-Kaveggia syndrome, etc.) cancers (cervix, breast, lung cancer, etc.), and infectious diseases (viral) studied so far. This article encompasses discovery, biogenesis, classification, and evolutionary prospects of the existence of this junk RNA along with the integrated networks involving chromatin remodelling, dosage compensation, genome imprinting, splicing regulation, post-translational regulation and proteomics. In conclusion, all the major human diseases are discussed with a facilitated technology transfer, advancements, loopholes, and tentative future research prospects have also been proposed. � 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Decorin as a possible strategy for the amelioration of COVID-19
(Churchill Livingstone, 2021-05-20T00:00:00) Allawadhi, Prince; Singh, Vishakha; Khurana, Isha; Rawat, Pushkar Singh; Renushe, Akshata Patangrao; Khurana, Amit; Navik, Umashanker; Allwadhi, Sachin; Kumar Karlapudi, Satish; Banothu, Anil Kumar; Bharani, Kala Kumar
Coronavirus pandemic has emerged as an extraordinary healthcare crisis in modern times. The SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus has high transmission rate, is more aggressive and virulent in comparison to previously known coronaviruses. It primarily attacks the respiratory system by inducing cytokine storm that causes systemic inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis. Decorin is a pluripotent molecule belonging to a leucine rich proteoglycan group that exerts critical role in extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly and regulates cell growth, adhesion, proliferation, inflammation, and fibrogenesis. Interestingly, decorin has potent anti-inflammatory, cytokine inhibitory, and anti-fibrillogenesis effects which make it a potential drug candidate against the COVID-19 related complications especially in the context of lung fibrosis. Herein, we postulate that owing to its distinctive pharmacological actions and immunomodulatory effect, decorin can be a promising preclinical therapeutic agent for the therapy of COVID-19. � 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Role of vitamins and minerals as immunity boosters in COVID-19
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2021-06-10T00:00:00) Kumar, Puneet; Kumar, Mandeep; Bedi, Onkar; Gupta, Manisha; Kumar, Sachin; Jaiswal, Gagandeep; Rahi, Vikrant; Yedke, Narhari Gangaram; Bijalwan, Anjali; Sharma, Shubham; Jamwal, Sumit
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) known as coronavirus disease (COVID-19), emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. On March 11, 2020, it was declared a global pandemic. As the world grapples with COVID-19 and the paucity of clinically meaningful therapies, attention has been shifted to modalities that may aid in immune system strengthening. Taking into consideration that the COVID-19 infection strongly affects the immune system via multiple inflammatory responses, pharmaceutical companies are working to develop targeted drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19. A balanced nutritional diet may play an essential role in maintaining general wellbeing by controlling chronic infectious diseases. A balanced diet including vitamin A, B, C, D, E, and K, and some micronutrients such as zinc, sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphorus may be beneficial in various infectious diseases. This study aimed to discuss and present recent data regarding the role of vitamins and minerals in the treatment of COVID-19. A deficiency of these vitamins and minerals in the plasma concentration may lead to a reduction in the good performance of the immune system, which is one of the constituents that lead to a poor immune state. This is a narrative review concerning the features of the COVID-19 and data related to the usage of vitamins and minerals as preventive measures to decrease the morbidity and mortality rate in patients with COVID-19. � 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Signaling Pathways in Lung Cancer
(Springer Nature, 2021-07-02T00:00:00) Bhatti, Gurjit Kaur; Pahwa, Paras; Gupta, Anshika; Navik, Umashanker; Bhatti, Jasvinder Singh
Recent knowledge of the role of signaling pathways and their underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of several diseases may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies. In the recent time, several drug molecules have been developed which target the cell signaling pathways and may be used in combination with other standard therapies for the synergistic effects in reducing the lung cancer pathophysiology across the world. Further, some of predictive biomarkers have been identified. The current chapter deals with the involvement of signaling pathways in the development of lung cancer and further new therapeutic approaches that intend to pave the way for the development of improved clinical treatment of lung cancer. � The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.
Various Cellular and Molecular Axis Involved in the Pathogenesis of Asthma
(Springer Nature, 2021-07-02T00:00:00) Bhatti, Gurjit Kaur; Khurana, Amit; Garabadu, Debapriya; Gupta, Prashant; Jawalekar, Snehal Sainath; Bhatti, Jasvinder Singh; Navik, Umashanker
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease described by impaired lung function, airway hyperresponsiveness, episodic wheezing, and dyspnea. Asthma prevalence has risen drastically, and it is estimated that more than 339 million individuals worldwide had asthma with marked heterogeneity in pathophysiology and etiology. Several factors involved in the progression and development of asthma include allergens, pollutants, obesity, viruses, antigens, and many more, eliciting strong inflammatory and immune responses, causing airflow obstruction, and tightening of respiratory smooth muscle causing the characteristic asthma symptoms. Multiple complex molecular pathways are involved in asthma pathophysiologies such as immunoglobulin E, cytokines, nitric oxide, dendritic cells, leukotrienes, oxidative stress, and inflammatory infiltrate of mast cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, innate immunity, and many more. The current chapter focuses on illustrating the various molecular pathways that contribute to asthma development and its progression. � The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.
Rhino-orbital-cerebral-mucormycosis in COVID-19: A systematic review
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2021-08-18T00:00:00) Bhattacharyya, Anusuya; Sarma, Phulen; Sharma, Dibya; Das, Karuna; Kaur, Hardeep; Prajapat, Manisha; Kumar, Subodh; Bansal, Seema; Prakash, Ajay; Avti, Pramod; Thota, Prasad; Reddy, Dibbanti; Gautam, Bhaswati; Medhi, Bikash
Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, parallel opportunistic infections have also been emerging as another disease spectrum. Among all these opportunistic infection, mucormycosis has become a matter of concern with its rapid increase of cases with rapid spread as compared to pre-COVID-19 era. Cases have been reported in post-COVID-19-related immune suppression along with the presence of comorbidity which adds on the deadly outcome. There is no systematic review addressing the issue of COVID-19-Associated mucormycosis. This is the first systematic review of published studies of mucormycosis associated with COVID-19. The aim was to analyze the real scenario of the disease statement including all the published studies from first November 2019 to 30th June to analyze the contemporary epidemiology, clinical manifestations, risk factor, prognosis, and treatment outcome of COVID-19 associated rhino-orbito-cerebral-mucormycosis. A comprehensive literature search was done in following databases, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and EMBASE using keywords mucormycosis, rhino orbital cerebral mucormycosis, COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2 (from November 01, 2019 to June 30, 2021). Our study shows that, while corticosteroids have proved to be lifesaving in severe to critical COVID-19 patients, its indiscriminate use has come with its price of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis epidemic, especially in India especially in patients with preexisting diabetes mellitus with higher mortality. Corticosteroid use should be monitored and all COVID-19 patients should be closely evaluated/monitored for sequelae of immunosuppression following treatment. � 2021 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
Antinociceptive activity of standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri in different pain models of zebrafish
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd, 2021-08-19T00:00:00) Sharma, Mahima; Gupta, Pankaj Kumar; Gupta, Pankaj; Garabadu, Debapriya
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Bacopa monnieri L. (Scrophulariaceae) is commonly known as Brahmi and traditionally used as a neuroprotective herbal medicine. Recently, Bacopa monnieri exhibited significant therapeutic activity against animal model of neuropathic pain. However, the therapeutic potential of methanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri in experimental animal model is yet to establish. Aim of the study: The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-nociceptive potential of standardized methanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri in experimental adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of pain. Materials and methods: The methanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri (BME) was standardized to bacoside-A using chromatographic method. Subsequently, BME (0.75, 1.25 and 5.0 mg/ml) was evaluated for anti-nociceptive activity using adult zebrafish model. Results: Standardized BME showed antioxidant effect through radical quenching activity in in vitro study. BME at 1.25 mg/ml significantly decreased the nociceptive effect induced by different noxious agents like acetic acid where as BME at 2.5 mg/ml exhibited significant antinociceptive activity against glutamate, formalin, capsaicin, cinnamaldehyde when compared to control and sham group animals. Conclusion: BME exerted antinociceptive activity in adult zebrafish. It could be presumed that BME may involve glutamatergic receptor, ASIC and TRP channel activity in its anti-nociceptive effect. BME could be considered as a potential therapeutic option in the management of pain. � 2021 Elsevier B.V.
Neurobiology of traumatic brain injury
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2021-09-06T00:00:00) Bagri, Kajal; Kumar, Puneet; Deshmukh, Rahul
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves structural damage to the brain regions causing death or disability in patients with lifelong sufferings. Accidental injuries to the brain, besides structural damage, if any, cause activation of various deleterious pathways leading to subsequent neuronal death and permanent dysfunction. However, immediate medical management/treatments could reduce the chances of disability and suffering to the patients. The objective of the current review is to review triggered molecular pathways following TBI and discuss possible targets that could restore brain functions. Understanding the pathologic process is always useful to device novel treatment strategies and may rescue the patient with TBI from death or associated co-morbidities. The current review significantly contributes to improve our understanding about the molecular pathways and neuronal death following TBI and helps us to provide possible targets that could be useful in the management/treatment of TBI. � 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Quercetin Exhibits ?7nAChR/Nrf2/HO-1-Mediated Neuroprotection Against STZ-Induced Mitochondrial Toxicity and Cognitive Impairments in Experimental Rodents
(Springer, 2021-09-23T00:00:00) Singh, Niraj Kumar; Garabadu, Debapriya
The objective of the present study was to investigate the ?7nAChR-mediated Nrf2-dependant protective activity against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced brain mitochondrial toxicity in Alzheimer�s disease (AD)-like rats. STZ (3�mg/kg) was injected through an intracerebroventricular route to induce AD-like dementia. Repeated Quercetin (50�mg/kg, i.p.) administration attenuated cognitive impairments in the STZ-challenged animals during Morris water-maze and Y-maze tests. Quercetin significantly mitigated the STZ-induced increase in cholinergic dysfunction, such as the increase in acetylcholinesterase activity, decrease in acetylcholine level, and activity of choline acetyltransferase, and increase in amyloid-beta aggregation and mitochondrial toxicity in respect of mitochondrial bioenergetics, integrity, and oxidative stress in memory-challenged rat hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and, amygdala. Further, Quercetin significantly attenuated STZ-induced reduction in the ?7nAChRs and HO-1 expression levels in the selected rat brain regions. On the contrary, trigonelline (10�mg/kg, i.p.) and methyllycaconitine (2�mg/kg; i.p.) abolished the neuroprotective effects of Quercetin against STZ-induced behavioral, molecular, and biochemical alterations in the AD-like animals. Hence, Quercetin exhibits ?7nAChR/Nrf2/HO-1-mediated neuroprotection against STZ-challenged AD-like animals. Thus, Quercetin could be considered as a potential therapeutic option in the management of AD. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] � 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Methionine as a double-edged sword in health and disease: Current perspective and future challenges
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd, 2021-10-25T00:00:00) Navik, Umashanker; Sheth, Vaibhav G.; Khurana, Amit; Jawalekar, Snehal Sainath; Allawadhi, Prince; Gaddam, Ravinder Reddy; Bhatti, Jasvinder Singh; Tikoo, Kulbhushan
Methionine is one of the essential amino acids and plays a vital role in various cellular processes. Reports advocate that methionine restriction and supplementation provide promising outcomes, and its regulation is critical for maintaining a healthy life. Dietary methionine restriction in houseflies and rodents has been proven to extend lifespan. Contrary to these findings, long-term dietary restriction of methionine leads to adverse events such as bone-related disorders, stunted growth, and hyperhomocysteinemia. Conversely, dietary supplementation of methionine improves hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, inflammation, fibrosis, and bone health. However, a high level of methionine intake shows adverse effects such as hyperhomocysteinemia, reduced body weight, and increased cholesterol levels. Therefore, dietary methionine in a safe dose could have medicinal values. Hence, this review is aimed to provide a snapshot of the dietary role and regulation of methionine in the modulation of health and age-related diseases. � 2021 Elsevier B.V.
Recent Advances in Molecular Pathways and Therapeutic Implications Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction for Alzheimer�s Disease
(Springer, 2021-11-02T00:00:00) Dhapola, Rishika; Sarma, Phulen; Medhi, Bikash; Prakash, Ajay; Reddy, Dibbanti HariKrishna
Alzheimer�s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder which leads to mental deterioration due to aberrant accretion of misfolded proteins in the brain. According to mitochondrial cascade hypothesis, mitochondrial dysfunction is majorly involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Many drugs targeting mitochondria to treat and prevent AD are in different phases of clinical trials for the evaluation of safety and efficacy as mitochondria are involved in various cellular and neuronal functions. Mitochondrial dynamics is regulated by fission and fusion processes mediated by dynamin-related protein (Drp1). Inner membrane fusion takes place by OPA1 and outer membrane fusion is facilitated by mitofusin1 and mitofusin2 (Mfn1/2). Excessive calcium release also impairs mitochondrial functions; to overcome this, calcium channel blockers like nilvadipine are used. Another process acting as a regulator of mitochondrial function is mitophagy which is involved in the removal of damaged and non-functional mitochondria however this process is also altered in AD due to mutations in Presenilin1 (PS1) and Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) gene. Mitochondrial dynamics is altered in AD which led to the discovery of various fission protein (like Drp1) inhibitors and drugs that promote fusion. Modulations in AMPK, SIRT1 and Akt pathways can also come out to be better therapeutic strategies as these pathways regulate functions of mitochondria. Oxidative phosphorylation is major generator of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) leading to mitochondrial damage; therefore reduction in production of ROS by using antioxidants like MitoQ, Curcumin and Vitamin Eis quiteeffective. � 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Biomedical applications of polysaccharide nanoparticles for chronic inflammatory disorders: Focus on rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and organ fibrosis
(Elsevier Ltd, 2021-11-22T00:00:00) Allawadhi, Prince; Singh, Vishakha; Govindaraj, Kannan; Khurana, Isha; Sarode, Lopmudra P.; Navik, Umashanker; Banothu, Anil Kumar; Weiskirchen, Ralf; Bharani, Kala Kumar; Khurana, Amit
Polysaccharides are biopolymers distinguished by their complex secondary structures executing various roles in microorganisms, plants, and animals. They are made up of long monomers of similar type or as a combination of other monomeric chains. Polysaccharides are considered superior as compared to other polymers due to their diversity in charge and size, biodegradability, abundance, bio-compatibility, and less toxicity. These natural polymers are widely used in designing of nanoparticles (NPs) which possess wide applications in therapeutics, diagnostics, delivery and protection of bioactive compounds or drugs. The side chain reactive groups of polysaccharides are advantageous for functionalization with nanoparticle-based conjugates or therapeutic agents such as small molecules, proteins, peptides and nucleic acids. Polysaccharide NPs show excellent pharmacokinetic and drug delivery properties, facilitate improved oral absorption, control the release of drugs, increases in vivo retention capability, targeted delivery, and exert synergistic effects. This review updates the usage of polysaccharides based NPs particularly cellulose, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, dextran, starch, cyclodextrins, pullulan, and their combinations with promising applications in diabetes, organ fibrosis and arthritis. � 2021 Elsevier Ltd