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The collagen type I alpha 1 ( COL1A1, OMIM #120,150) gene, encoding the alpha-1 chain of type I collagen (UniProt #P02452), plays a key role in life-homeostasis due to its remarkable involvement in collagen synthesis. It is a promising candidate gene implicated in the pathogenesis of cervical insufficiency (CI). This study aimed to identify genetic variations within the COL1A1 gene that contribute to the development of CI. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplicon sequencing were implemented for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detection (+ 1245G/T, SP1 rs1800012), which revealed wild-type sequence for targeted SNPs in enrolled proband indicated negative results regarding COL1A1 gene involvement for current form of CI. It allows further investigation of other closely connected genes probed in this study. Computational approaches viz. Protein-protein interaction (PPI), gene ontology (GO), and pathway participation were used to identify the crucial hub genes and signaling pathways for COL1A1 and CI. Using the Yet Another Scientific Artificial Reality Application (YASARA) software, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation with the oxytocin (CID 439,302), estradiol (CID 129,728,744), progesterone (CID 5994) and hydroxyprogesterone (CID 150,788) were done. Interactive bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the COL1A1 and more than 10 collagen sister genes had a strong connection with CI. In sum, the findings of this study provide insights into a modus operandi that can be utilized to illuminate the path toward studying sister genes and smooth diagnosis of CI. These findings have implications for understanding the foundational process of the condition and potentially developing screening, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing interests., (© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Purpose: Neonatal skin care practices guided by personal experience and preferences might be substantially different across different hospital settings. The aim of this consensus recommendation is to provide clinical practice guidance to healthcare practitioners on evidence-based neonatal skin care practices from delivery-to-discharge, in hospital settings., Patients and Methods: A Scientific Advisory Board meeting on "Evidence-based Neonatal Skin Care Practices and Protocols" was held in December 2020 with an expert panel comprising neonatologists, pediatricians, obstetricians and gynecologists and pediatric dermatologist. Comprehensive literature search was performed up to 23 March 2021 using PubMed and Google Scholar to retrieve relevant evidence., Results: Recommendations were developed on critical aspects of skin care in healthy full-term neonates including cleansing at birth, skin-to-skin care, cord care, diaper area care, initial and routine bathing, cleansers and emollients use, and criteria to choose appropriate skin care products. Recommendations include inclusion of skin assessment in routine neonatal care, first bath timing after cardio-respiratory and thermal stabilization, 6-24 hours after birth; bathing with water alone or adding a mild liquid cleanser could be considered appropriate as it does not impact the developing skin barrier; use of emollients is recommended for neonates with higher risk of development of eczema to maintain and enhance skin barrier function and integrity; and inclusion of skin care advice in neonatal discharge checklist. Importance of rigorous quality control, high-quality clinical trials for assessment of baby products, usage of products that are formulated appropriately for newborns, and full label transparency for baby products were highlighted. The panel identified gaps in literature and discussed the scope for future research., Conclusion: These recommendations may help to standardize evidence-based skin care for healthy full-term neonates in Indian hospital settings to improve the quality of care that neonates receive in hospital and facilitate improvement in overall neonatal health outcomes., Competing Interests: Priti Thakor and Ankita Pandita are employees of JNTL Consumer Health (India) Pvt Ltd. Dr Ankita Pandita reports the advisory board was conducted by JNTL Consumer Health (India) Pvt Ltd. All other authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2023 Gupta et al.)

CRISPR/Cas9, once discovered as an adaptive immune system in bacteria, has emerged as a disruptive technology in the field of genetic engineering. Technological advancements in the recent past has enhanced the applicability of CRISPR/Cas9 tool for gene editing, gene therapies, developmental studies and mutational analysis in various model organisms. Zebrafish, one of the excellent animal models, is preferred for conducting CRISPR/Cas9 studies to assess the functional implication of specific genes of interest. CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene editing techniques, such as, knock-out and knock-in approaches, provide evidences to identify the role of different genes through loss-of-function studies. Also, CRISPR/Cas9 has been proved to be an efficient tool for designing disease models for gene expression studies based on phenotypic screening. The present chapter provides an overview of CRISPR/Cas9 mechanism, different strategies for DNA modifications and gene function analysis, highlighting the translational applications for future prospects, such as screening of drug toxicity and efficacy., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Viral vectors based gene therapy is often compromised by adverse immunological reactions raising safety concerns. Hence, improved design and development of non-viral vectors with strong regulatory regions is desired. We describe the design of a non-viral mammalian expression vector in which the primary transgene (a truncated dystrophin gene linked with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)) named microdystrophin delR4-R23/delCT (MD1) is under the transcriptional control of elements of desmin locus control region (DES-LCR). The designed vector, named as DES-LCR/MD1-EGFP, was constructed by cloning two fragments into the pBluescript backbone. Fragment 1 contains DES-LCR enhancer and DES-LCR promoter region while fragment 2 contains MD1 transgene and reporter EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) gene separated by linker P2A (2A peptide). This vector design provides a framework for strong regulation with non-viral features. This design forms the foundation for application in conditions linked to multisystem diseases., (© 2020 Biomedical Informatics.)

Locus control regions (LCRs), cis -acting, noncoding regulatory elements with strong transcription-enhancing activity, are conserved in sequence and organization, and exhibit strict gene-specific expression. LCRs have been reported and studied in several mammalian gene systems, signifying that they play an important role in eukaryotic gene expression control. Their highly regulated, stable, and precise levels of expression have made them a strong candidate for use in gene therapy vectors. In this study, we attempted to determine the unique signatures of human LCRs by analyzing a data set of LCR sequences for the presence of motifs through systematic bioinformatics approach. Using web-based regulatory sequence analysis tools (RSAT), motif-based analysis was performed. Detected significant motifs were analyzed further for their identity using Tomtom tool. RSAT analysis revealed that significant motifs are existent within the LCRs. Identity analysis using Tomtom showed that detected significant motifs were comparable with known transcription factor (TF) binding sites and the top scoring motifs belong to zinc finger-containing proteins, an important group of proteins involved in a variety of cellular activities. Correspondence to segment of known motif indicates the biological relevance of the detected motifs. Motif-based analysis is valuable for analyzing the various characteristics of sequences, notably TF binding models in this study. Owning to their unique expression control abilities, LCRs form an important component of integrating vectors, therefore identification of unique signatures present within LCR sequences will be instrumental in the design of new generation of regulatory elements containing LCR sequences.

Eugenol and its related compounds are major active constituents of essential oils and have been extensively used as food flavoring agents with significant lipid peroxidation inhibition activity, highlighting the importance of understanding detailed molecular mechanisms behind their interactions with lipid bilayer. For this, we studied antioxidant activity of essential oils rich extract of Cinnamomum tamala leaves and molecular dynamics simulations of eugenol, isoeugenol, methyleugenol, acetyleugenol and eugenol oxide in POPC and PLPC lipid bilayers. All the compounds penetrated into bilayer however, isoeugenol showed highest affinity for the pure POPC and PLPC bilayers with lowest free energy profiles, formed more H-bonds with bilayer oxygen atoms and more pronounced changes in area per lipid and thickness of the bilayer, thus more efficient for scavenging radicals coming from outside as well as centrally located lipid peroxyl radicals. These molecular interactions rationalize the difference in inhibition activities of lipid peroxidation by eugenol and its related compounds., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Bisphenol A (BPA), a phenyl ring containing synthetic xenoestrogen, is widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and as a non-polymer additive to other plastics. Food is considered as the main source of exposure to BPA as it leaches out from food containers as well as surface coatings. It causes toxicity in the liver, kidney, brain, and other organs by initiating the process of lipid peroxidation. The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the effect of BPA on steroidogenesis and its amelioration by quercetin. Inbred Swiss strain male albino mice were orally administered with 80, 120 and 240 mg per kg body weight per day of BPA for 45 days. The results revealed that BPA causes significant ( p < 0.05) and dose-dependent changes in the body weight and biochemical parameters like protein, cholesterol and lipid contents as well as activities of 3β-and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in the testis of mice. It was also found to significantly reduce the testosterone level in serum. Oral administration of quercetin (30, 60 and 90 mg per kg body weight per day) along with a high dose of BPA (240 mg per kg body weight per day) for 45 days caused significant amelioration in the body weight and steroidogenesis as compared to the BPA alone treated group. The effect was dose-dependent. This amelioration in BPA-induced toxicity might be due to the antioxidative properties of quercetin. The reduction in the function of enzymes was confirmed by in silico bindings. BPA and quercetin show competitive binding with steroidogenic enzymes as well as binding with each other. This could be a possible mechanism to reduce the toxic effect of BPA which has been supported by molecular dynamics simulations for molecular level recognition with structural insights.

Hepatic fibrosis is an important outcome of chronic liver injury and results in excess synthesis and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Phyllanthin (PLN) isolated from Phyllanthus amarus exhibits strong antioxidative property and protects HepG2 cells from carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced experimental toxicity. The present study reports the antifibrotic potential of PLN. The in vivo inhibitory effect of PLN on CCl4-mediated lipid peroxidation and important profibrotic mediator transforming growth factor β1 and on predominant ECM components collagen and fibronectin were also studied. The results show that PLN acts by suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α and prevents activation of nuclear factor-κB in hepatic tissue. Our study highlights the molecular mechanism responsible for the antifibrotic efficacy of PLN., (© The Author(s) 2014.)

Objective: To compare the impact of postnatal lactational counseling on the weight gain and frequency of mixed feeding in full term neonates., Design: Observational study., Setting: Mother-infant pairs were observed in the maternity section of a multispecialty general hospital in Mumbai during two time periods., Participants: 260 mothers who delivered a full term, healthy, appropriate for gestational age neonate with birth weight >2.2 kg., Methods: Between 18 November, 2007 and 4 March, 2008, 126 mothers received unstructured verbal encouragement to maintain breastfeeding from the maternity staff. From 1 June, 2008 to 16 December, 2008, 134 mothers were counseled about breastfeeding by the pediatric residents and nurses with the help of charts, literature and verbal advice. They were supervised and helped during the first feed and subsequently until discharge., Main Outcome Measures: Weight gain (g/kg/day) of neonate at 28 days of life., Results: The mean (SD) weight gain was significantly higher in the counseled group in comparison to historical control group [9.2 (4.5) g/kg/d vs. 7.9 (5.1) g/kg/d; P=0.03]. Mixed feeding occurred less frequently in [RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13, 0.98; P=0.046] the counseled group (5/134) as compared to control group (13/126)., Conclusions: Postnatal lactational counseling leads to higher weight gain, and lesser chances of mixed feeding in the neonatal period.

Context: Dolichos biflorus sensu auct non L. (Fabaceae) is widely used for the treatment of kidney stones, leucorrhoea, urinary disorders, and menstrual troubles, and is known for its antioxidant activity., Objectives: To evaluate the preventive effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Dolichos biflorus seeds (DBE) in ethylene glycol induced nephrolithiasis., Materials and Methods: In vitro antioxidative capacity of DBE was estimated in terms of reducing power, superoxide radical, 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, and nitric oxide scavenging activity. A validated HPLC method was used for standardization using quercetin as a marker. Adult female Wistar rats were administered with DBE (150 and 300 mg/kg body weight/day) along with ethylene glycol (0.75%, v/v) for 28 d. The various biochemical parameters were measured in urine, serum, and kidney followed by histochemistry., Results: Ethylene glycol caused a significant increase in calcium, oxalate, phosphate, and total protein in urine as well as in kidney whereas decrease in calcium, sodium, and magnesium in serum was observed (p < 0.001). Ethylene glycol also caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and concurrent decrease in activities of antioxidant enzymes in kidney (p < 0.001). However, the seed extract of D. biflorus caused significant restoration of all these parameters (p < 0.001). Histopathological and histochemical studies also showed the reduced calcifications in kidney of seed extract treated rats., Discussion and Conclusion: These results indicated that seeds of D. biflorus have significant prophylactic effect in preventing the nephrolithiasis, which might be due to the antioxidant activity of the active compounds of the plant.

Chronic injury to liver triggers synthesis of extracellular matrix components resulting in progressive fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) transduces its signal by binding to TGF-β type 1 receptor kinase or activin like kinase (ALK5) receptor and mediates hepatic fibrosis by increasing the transcription of downstream entities such as collagen via Smad2 and Smad3. The present study was carried out to investigate the mechanism by which phyllanthin, a hepatoprotective lignin isolated from the plant Phyllanthus amarus (P. amarus) exerts its anti-fibrotic effect. The inhibitory role of phyllanthin on ALK5 was first analyzed using molecular docking experiments. Phyllanthin was found to effectively bind to serine (Ser) 280 at the active site of ALK5 by forming hydrogen bonds. The in vivo protective effect of phyllanthin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis was established by studying the protein expressions of TGF-β1, ALK5 and Smad2 and 3 and by determining various biochemical and histopathological parameters. Phyllanthin was found to exert its anti-fibrotic effect by down-regulating TGF signaling pathway via ALK5 and Smad2 and 3 inhibition.

Quercetin (3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxy flavone) is a potent antioxidant found in various fruits and vegetables. The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the mitigatory effect of quercetin on the damage caused by bisphenol A (BPA; 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane), a well-known xenoestrogen, on liver and kidney of mice. Swiss strain adult male albino mice were orally administered with 120 and 240 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day BPA with or without quercetin (60 mg/kg bw/day) for 30 days. On the completion of the treatment period, animals were killed; organs were isolated and used for the study. Results revealed that oral administration of BPA for 30 days caused significant and dose-dependent decrease in body weight. Absolute and relative organ weights, total lipid and cholesterol contents were significantly increased in liver and kidney of mice when compared with vehicle control. BPA treatment also caused, when compared with vehicle control, a statistically significant reductions in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase as well as in glutathione and total ascorbic acid contents; however, significant increase was found in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Histopathological studies revealed hepatocellular necrosis, cytoplasmic vacuolization and decrease in hepatocellular compactness in liver as well as distortion of the tubules, increased vacuolization, necrosis and disorganization of glomerulus in the kidney of BPA-treated mice. All these effects were dose-dependent. Co-treatment with quercetin (60 mg/kg bw) and BPA (low dose and high dose) alleviates the changes in body weight, as well as absolute and relative organ weights of mice. It also ameliorates the oxidative stress created by BPA by lowering MDA levels and by increasing enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants as well as it brings back the normal histoarchitecture of liver and kidney of mice. The present results revealed that graded doses of BPA caused oxidative damage in liver and kidney of mice, which is mitigated by quercetin., (© The Author(s) 2012.)

Context: Bergenia ciliata Haw. (Saxifragaceae) is widely used in traditional medicines for renal disorders including kidney stones, inflammation and also well known for its antioxidant activity. Use of traditional herbs proved to be an important strategy for the management of kidney stones by modulating the oxidative stress imposed by calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis., Objectives: To evaluate the antinephrolithiatic and antioxidative activity of B. ciliata rhizomes as a preventive agent on ethylene glycol (EG)-induced nephrolithiasis., Materials and Methods: The hydro-methanol extract (30:70, v/v) of B. ciliata rhizomes was orally administrated simultaneously at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight/day, to adult female Wistar rats for 28 d along with EG (0.75%, v/v) in drinking water. The results were compared to a parallel study conducted with marketed polyherbal drug cystone under identical dosage conditions. The biochemical parameters were measured in urine, serum and kidney followed by histochemistry. A validated HPLC method was used for standardization using gallic acid as a marker., Results: EG caused a significant increase in calcium, oxalate and phosphate levels in urine and kidney and concurrent decrease in calcium, sodium and magnesium in serum (p<0.001). EG also caused an increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in activities of antioxidative enzymes in kidney. Co-treatment with B. ciliata rhizomes extract caused restoration of all these parameters (p<0.001). Histochemical studies showed reduced calcifications with extract treatment., Conclusion: B. ciliata has a significant prophylactic effect in preventing the nephrolithiasis, which might be mediated through antioxidant activity of these active compounds.

The present investigation was an attempt to elucidate oxidative stress induced by bisphenol A on erythrocytes and its amelioration by green tea extract. For this, venous blood samples from healthy human adults were collected in EDTA vials and used for preparation of erythrocytes suspension. When erythrocyte suspensions were treated with different concentrations of BPA/H2O2, a dose-dependent increase in hemolysis occurred. Similarly, when erythrocytes suspensions were treated with either different concentrations of H2O2 (0.05-0.25 mM) along with BPA (50 μg/mL) or 0.05 mM H2O2 along with different concentrations of BPA (50-250 μg/mL), dose-dependent significant increase in hemolysis occurred. The effect of BPA and H2O2 was found to be additive. For the confirmation, binding capacity of bisphenol A with erythrocyte proteins (hemoglobin, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) was inspected using molecular docking tool, which showed presence of various hydrogen bonds of BPA with the proteins. The present data clearly indicates that BPA causes oxidative stress in a similar way as H2O2 . Concurrent addition of different concentrations (10-50 μg/mL) of green tea extract to reaction mixture containing high dose of bisphenol A (250 μg/mL) caused concentration-dependent amelioration in bisphenol A-induced hemolysis. The effect was significant (P < 0.05). It is concluded that BPA-induced oxidative stress could be significantly mitigated by green tea extract.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an extract obtained from the rhizomes of Bergenia ciliata (Saxifragaceae) on the inhibition of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystallisation in vitro., Materials and Methods: A hydro-alcoholic extract (30:70, v/v) of rhizomes of B. ciliata was prepared at different concentrations (1-10 mg/mL). The crystallisation of CaOx monohydrate (COM) was induced in a synthetic urine system. The nucleation and aggregation of COM crystals were measured using spectrophotometric methods. The rates of nucleation and aggregation were evaluated by comparing the slope of the turbidity of a control system with that of one exposed to the extract. The results were compared with a parallel study conducted with a marketed poly-herbal combination, Cystone, under identical concentrations. Crystals generated in the urine were also analysed by light microscopy. Statistical differences and percentage inhibitions were calculated and assessed., Results: The extract of B. ciliata was significantly more effective in inhibiting the nucleation and aggregation of COM crystals in a dose-dependent manner than was Cystone. Moreover, the extract induced more CaOx dihydrate crystals, with a significant reduction in the number and size of COM crystals., Conclusion: An extract of the traditional herb B. ciliata has an excellent inhibitory activity on crystalluria and therefore might be beneficial in dissolving urinary stones. However, further study in animal models of urolithiasis is needed to evaluate its potential anti-urolithiatic activity.

This article describes antioxidative and cytoprotective property of andrographolide, a major active component of the plant Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata). High yields (2.7%) of andrographolide was isolated from the aerial parts of this plant via silica column chromatography. The purity of the compound was determined by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The structure was elucidated using techniques such as UV-visible spectrophotometry, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR), (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance ((13)C NMR) and mass spectral analysis and the data obtained were comparable with reported results. It was observed that andrographolide exhibited significant antioxidative property (IC50 = 3.2 µg/ml) by its ability to scavenge a stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as compared to known antioxidants like ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) and the plant extract. The cytoprotective role of andrographolide against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) toxicity in human hepatoma HepG2 cell line was assessed using trypan blue exclusion test, 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, by estimation of various leakage enzymes and by measuring the glutathione levels. The recovery obtained for andrographolide treatment in the presence of CCl4 was two-fold compared to A. paniculata extract for all other related biochemical parameters investigated. The results of the study indicate that andrographolide is a potent inhibitor of CCl4-mediated lipid peroxidation.

Background: Aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus and are potent inducers of hepatotoxicity., Objective: The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of black tea infusion on aflatoxin-induced hepatotoxicity in male mice., Methods: A 2% black tea infusion in drinking water was prepared and orally administered along with aflatoxin (750 and 1500 μg/kg body weight) for 30 days. Morphological investigation, body weight and organ weight calculations and histopathological analysis were carried out. Serum hepatic marker enzymes namely alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were estimated., Results: The results clearly indicated that aflatoxin treatment for 30 days caused significant dose-dependent reduction in body weight and increase in liver weight. The activities of ALT and AST were found to be elevated while protein content was found to be decreased in aflatoxin-treated mice as compared to vehicle control. Histopathological analysis showed hepatocellular necrosis and cytoplasmic vacuolization along with fatty infiltration in toxin-treated animals. Results revealed significant (p < 0.05) restoration of aflatoxin-induced damages in body weight, organ weight, serum chemistry and histopathological features in aflatoxin plus black tea infusion administered mice in a dose dependant manner., Conclusion: It is concluded from the present study that supplementation of black tea infusion can be beneficial in positively modulating aflatoxin-induced alterations in liver.

Prime focus of the present investigation was to evaluate hepatoprotective potency of Ocimum sanctum (O. sanctum) aqueous extract against butyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid (butylparaben) toxicity in mice. Oral treatment of butylparaben (1320 mg/kg b.w./day) to mice for 30 days resulted in significant (p < 0.05) elevation in hepatic lipid peroxidation, which could be due to significant (p < 0.05) reduction in non-enzymatic (glutathione and total ascorbic acid) antioxidant contents and enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione transferase) antioxidants activities. Co-treatment of O. sanctum extracts in three different doses (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg b.w./day) resulted in significant (p < 0.05) reduction in butylparaben-induced hepatic changes. Oral administration of O. sanctum with butylparaben resulted in dose-dependent and significant (p < 0.05) reduction in lipid peroxidation as compared to butylparaben alone treated group. Similarly, all three doses of O. sanctum reduced butylparaben-induced changes in non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. The effect was significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependent. All three doses of O. sanctum ameliorated butylparaben-induced changes, showing maximum protection at 300 mg/kg b.w./day dose. Results of present study indicate that butylparaben-induced hepatotoxicity involves its ability to induce oxidative stress, whereas antihepatotoxic effect of O. sanctum was mainly due to its antioxidative potency.

Aflatoxin belongs to the class of naturally occurring mycotoxins, food contaminants having potent carcinogenicity. We have evaluated the ameliorative role of black tea extract on aflatoxin-induced biochemical changes in the liver of albino male mice. Adult male mice were orally administered with 750 and 1500 pg of aflatoxin in 0.2 mL olive oil/kg b.w./day for 30 days. Oral administration of aflatoxin caused, as compared with controls, significant, dose-dependent reduction in DNA, RNA, protein and glycogen contents; however, cholesterol content and phsphorylase activity were significantly increased. Black tea is one of the most potent antioxidants containing numerous bioactive phytonurtients having therapeutic applications. Aflatoxin-induced changes in the liver of mice were significantly ameliorated on co-treatment of black tea extract (2% infusion in water).

Present study focuses on the evaluation of butyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid (butylparaben CAS No: 94-26-8) exerted hepatotoxicity in mice. Oral administration of three different doses of butylparaben (40, 20 and 13.33 mg/0.2 mL olive oil/kg b.w./day) for 30 days has resulted in marked increase in lipid peroxidation. The effect was dose-dependent. Biochemical analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependant reduction in non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione and ascorbic acid content. Significant (p < 0.05) reduction in enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase were also observed in butylparaben treated groups as compared to control. Our findings prove that the oxidative stress induced by butylparaben plays the central role in the toxicity.

Background: Phyllanthus amarus, a traditional herbal liver-protecting medicine, is known to contain an active ingredient phyllanthin. Many research studies and clinical trials performed in the past using this plant have given contentious results which clearly accentuates the need for the standardization of the extracts., Aim: In this study, P. amarus extract was standardized for phyllanthin content by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The preventive role of a standardized extract of P. amarus against CC14-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro using mice model and human hepatoma HepG2 cell line, respectively, was investigated., Methods: Phyllanthin was used as a marker phytochemical for the standardization of P. amarus extract. The extracts were verified for phyllanthin content by HPTLC and HPLC. Female mice were orally administered with CCl4 either with or without standardized P. amarus extract in three different doses. Similarly, the cytoprotective role of the standardized extract in vitro was studied in HepG2 cell line., Results: Oral administration of CCl4 resulted in increased oxidative stress, decreased antioxidative defense, and liver injury. Treatment with P. amarus along with CCl4 significantly mitigated the increase in activities of liver marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and bilirubin content. It also increased the antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense parameter levels. The results of the in vitro study conducted in HepG2 cells indicated that the hepatotoxin lowered 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (Mil) metabolism and increased the release of transaminases which were corrected with co-incubation with P. amarus., Conclusion: The study established a significant liver-protecting role of standardized P. amarus extract due to the presence of active ingredient phyllanthin.

The present investigation is an attempt to evaluate the effect of Bergenia ciliata extract on kidney of ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in adult female Wistar rats. The hydro-alcoholic extract of Bergenia ciliata/standard drug cystone were administrated simultaneously at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight/day, p.o. along with ethylene glycol (0.75% v/v) for 28 days. Significant changes were observed in body weight and absolute organ weight of ethylene glycol treated rats. Also histopathological results showed disrupted renal parenchyma, degenerative changes in glomeruli and focal calcification in glomerulo-tubular structures in ethylene glycol treated animals. Administration of Bergenia ciliata extract/cystone along with ethylene glycol showed significant protective effect in body weight and organ weight with few stray areas of calcifications in glomeruli. Moreover, Bergenia ciliata extract shows higher renoprotective index than cystone at the same dose level.

Background: Multiple marker accumulation impacts tumor progression and biologic phenotypes affect clinical outcome of patients with head and neck cancer. Hence, this study investigated a battery of molecular markers that may help to reflect biologic aggressiveness and predict prognosis., Methods: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Stat3, H-ras, c-myc, p53, cyclin D1, p16, Rb, Ki-67, and Bcl-2 were localized immunohistochemically in 135 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients to assess prognostic value., Results: In univariate analysis of total patients, p53, Stat3, and p16 predicted both relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). In Cox multivariate analysis, after adjusting for tumor size, nodal status, and lymphatic permeation, p53 was independently associated with RFS and OS, and p16 with RFS only. In only early-stage patients, in univariate analysis, nuclear Stat3 was significant for RFS and OS., Conclusion: Immunostaining of p53, p16, and Stat3 might serve as potential adjuncts in pathologic evaluation of oral tumors to predict risk of relapse.

The present study was an attempt to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidative property of Phyllanthus amarus (P. amarus) extract and phyllanthin. Phyllanthin, one of the active lignin present in this plant species was isolated from the aerial parts, by silica gel column chromatography employing gradient elution with hexane-ethyl acetate solvent mixture. It was obtained in high yields (1.23%), compared to reported procedures and the purity was ascertained by HPTLC and reversed-phase HPLC analysis. Characterization of phyllanthin was done by mp, UV-Visible spectrophotometry, elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral analysis. Free radical scavenging activity of P. amarus extract and phyllanthin was also examined using DPPH assay. The protective effect of P. amarus extract and phyllanthin was studied on CCl4-induced toxicity in human hepatoma HepG2 cell line. The results indicated that CCl4 treatment caused a significant decrease in cell viability. In addition, the toxin treatment initiated lipid peroxidation (LPO), caused leakage of enzymes like alanine transaminase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) with a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels. It was observed that phyllanthin effectively alleviated the changes induced by CCl4 in a concentration-dependent manner, with much smaller strengths as compared to P. amarus extract.

Liver disease has become a global concern worldwide. In absence of reliable liver protective drugs in modem medicine, a large number of medicinal preparations are recommended for the treatment of liver disorders as they are believed to be harmless based on their natural origin. The aim of the present study was to determine the hepatoprotective activity of Phyllanthus amarus plant extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4-induced liver damage in female mice. Carbon tetrachloride administration caused a significant increase in liver and serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP), while total protein content significantly decreased as compared to vehicle control. The effect was dose-dependent. Oral administration of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus along with carbon tetrachloride caused significant mitigation of CCl4-induced changes.

We have evaluated the ameliorative effect of ginger extract on paraben (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)-induced lipid peroxidation in the liver of mice. Adult female albino mice were orally administered with 2.25 or 4.50 mg of paraben in 0.2 mL olive/animal/day (67.5 and 135 mg/kg of body weight) for 30 days. The results revealed significantly higher (p < or = 0.05) lipid peroxidation in the liver of paraben-treated mice than that of controls. As compared with the controls, the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants: glutathione and ascorbic acid, as well as the enzymatic antioxidants: superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase were significantly (p < or = 0.05) lowered in the liver of paraben-treated mice. Oral administration of aqueous extract of Zinziber officinale (3 mg/animal/day) along with paraben for 30 days (Groups 6 and 7) caused significant (p < or = 0.05) amelioration in paraben-induced lipid peroxidation and increased significantly (p < or = 0.05) the activities of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase) and contents of non-enzymatic (glutathione and ascorbic acid) antioxidants in the liver of mice, as compared with those given paraben alone (Groups 4, 5). Thus, oral administration of aqueous extract of Zinziber officinale along with paraben significantly (p < or = 0.05) ameliorates paraben-induced lipid peroxidation in the liver of mice.

Objective: To investigate the effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced biochemical changes in testis of mice., Design: Controlled research laboratory study., Setting: Aflatoxin was obtained by growing Aspergillus parasiticus in SMKY liquid medium. Pure curcumin (97% purity) was purchased from Hi-Media Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India., Patient(s): Young inbred, Swiss strain male albino mice (Mus musculus), weighing approximately 37-40 g, were obtained from Cadila Health Care, Ahmedabad, India., Intervention(s): Aflatoxin was administered orally at 25 microg (low dose) and 50 microg (high dose)/0.2 mL olive oil/animal/day (750 and 1,500 microg/kg body weight), respectively, with and without curcumin for 45 days. On the 46th day the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Testis were removed and weighed. Homogenates were prepared for respective parameters such as protein, cholesterol, DNA, RNA, and 3beta- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity., Main Outcome Measure(s): Protein, cholesterol, DNA, RNA, 3beta- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity were measured immediately., Result(s): There was a dose-dependent effect of aflatoxin on testis of mice. Protein, cholesterol, DNA, RNA, and 3beta- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity were reduced significantly by the treatment of aflatoxin; cholesterol was increased. Treatment with curcumin along with aflatoxin ameliorates aflatoxin-induced biochemical changes in the testis of mice., Conclusion(s): Curcumin significantly ameliorates aflatoxin-induced biochemical changes in the testis of mice.

The purpose of our study was, to explore the possible ameliorating effects of black tea extract and quercetin, against bisphenol A-induced cytotoxicity. For this, human red blood corpuscles (RBC) were taken as the model. Blood samples collected in EDTA vials from healthy adults were used for preparation of RBC suspension. This suspension was treated with bisphenol A (0-150 microg/mL) with and without black tea extract or quercetin (0-200 microg/mL). The results showed that addition of bisphenol A causes concentration-dependent increase in rate of hemolysis. Addition of black tea extract or quercetin alone to RBC suspension did not cause any significant reduction. However, concurrent addition of bisphenol A (0-150 microg/mL) and black tea extract or quercetin caused concentration-dependent amelioration in bisphenol A-induced cytotoxicity.

The aim of present study is to investigate the ameliorative effect of black tea extract on gasoline and GM-10 induced toxicity in liver of mice. Eighty healthy male mice weighing 38-40 g approximately were divided into eight groups which included untreated control and various treated groups. Mice were treated with Gasoline 462 mg/kg/day and GM-10 low dose (206 mg/kg/day) and high dose (412 mg/kg/day) subcutaneously for 30 days. Black tea extract was given as 2 g/100 mL drinking water (2% w/v) instead of pure drinking water. All the animals were sacrificed on 31st day by cervical dislocation and livers were isolated and weighed. Parameters such as lipid peroxidation, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione and total ascorbic acid were studied. The results revealed dose-dependent toxicity of gasoline and GM-10 on liver. Administration of black tea extract ameliorates this toxicity of gasoline and GM-10 in liver of mice. This proves the effective ameliorative effect of black tea extract.

Objective: To investigate the ameliorative effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced toxicity in mice spermatozoa., Design: Prospective controlled animal study., Setting: University research laboratory., Patient(s): Young, inbred, Swiss-strain male albino mice (Mus musculus), weighing approximately 37 to 40 g, were obtained from Cadila Health Care, Ahmedabad, India., Intervention(s): Aflatoxin was orally administered in 25 (low dose) and 50 (high dose) microg/0.2 mL olive oil to each animal, each day (750 and 1500 microg/kg body weight), respectively, with and without curcumin for 45 days. On 46th day the animals were killed by cervical dislocation. The cauda epididymis were removed and weighed, then was teased in normal saline to obtain spermatozoa., Main Outcome Measure(s): Sperm count, viability, and motility were assessed immediately. Sperm semidried smears were prepared on slides and stained by Papanicolaou stain to study sperm morphologic features., Result(s): There was a dose-dependent spermicidal effect of aflatoxin. Sperm count, viability, and motility were statistically significantly reduced. Different morphologic abnormalities were encountered. Treatment with curcumin along with aflatoxin ameliorated aflatoxin-induced sperm count, immobilization, and viability, and improved the morphologic characteristics of the sperm., Conclusion(s): Curcumin has an ameliorative effect on sperm parameters and improves morphologic features of sperm in mice.

The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the ameliorative effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced changes in activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) in liver and kidney of mice. Aflatoxin was obtained by growing Aspergillus parasiticus in SMKY liquid medium. Pure curcumin (97% purity) was purchased from Hi-Media Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India. Young adult male albino mice were orally administered with low dose and high dose (750 and 1500 microg/kg body weight) aflatoxin with and without curcumin (2 mg/0.2 mLolive oil/animal/day) for 45 days. On 46th day the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and organs were removed to prepare homogenates for measuring changes in enzyme activities such as succinate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase. The results showed that in liver and kidney of mice activities of both the enzymes succinate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase were found to be reduced in the groups treated with low dose and high dose of aflatoxin, which were ameliorated by the treatment of curcumin along with aflatoxin in other groups. Thus, curcumin along with aflatoxin ameliorates aflatoxin-induced changes in succinate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase activities in liver and kidney of mice.

The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the ameliorative effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced toxicity on serum and blood of mice. Aflatoxin was obtained by growing Aspergillus parasiticus in SMKY liquid medium. Pure curcumin (97% purity) was purchased from Hi-Media Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India. Young adult male albino mice were orally administered with low dose and high dose (750 and 1500 microg/kg body weight) with and without curcumin (2 mg/0.2 mL olive oil/animal/day) for 45 days. On 46th day the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. For serum parameters blood was collected in non-EDTA containing vails from heart of the dissected mice. Serum parameters are creatinine, protein, AST and ALT. The results revealed dose dependent increase in creatinine, AST and ALT and decrease in protein in serum parameters of mice. Treatment with curcumin along with aflatoxin ameliorates aflatoxin-induced changes in serum parameters.

The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the effect of aflatoxin on biochemical and histopathological changes in the epididymis of mice and its possible amelioration on pre-treatment with vitamin E. Adult male albino mice were orally administered with 25 and 50 mg of aflatoxin/animal/day (750 and 1500 mg/kg body weight) for 45 days. Epididymis was isolated and processed for biochemical analysis. As compared with the control, absolute and relative epididymal weights were significantly reduced in aflatoxin-treated mice. Aflatoxin treatment caused significant, dose-dependent reduction in protein and sialic acid contents in caput and cauda epididymis than that of vehicle control. While activities of succinic dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase were significantly reduced, acid phosphatase activity was significantly higher in caput and cauda epididymis of aflatoxin-treated mice than that of vehicle control. Pyknosis of epithelial cell nuclei, disorganization of epithelium, clumping of stereocilia and lumen devoid of sperms in caput and cauda epididymis were observed. Thus, pre-treatment with vitamin E (2 mg/0.2 mL olive oil/ animal/day) significantly ameliorated aflatoxin-induced changes, measured by biochemical and histopathological parameters.

The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the ameliorative effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney of mice. Aflatoxin was obtained by growing Aspergillus parasiticus in SMKY liquid medium. Pure curcumin (97% purity) was purchased from Hi-Media Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India. Young adult male albino mice were orally administered with low dose and high dose (750 and 1500 microg/kg body weight) with and without curcumin (2 mg/0.2 mL olive oil/animal/day) for 45 days. On 46th day the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Liver and kidney were removed and weighed. Homogenates were prepared for measuring lipid-peroxidation along with changes in catalase, superoixide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione-peroxidase and total ascorbic acid. The results revealed concentration dependent increase in lipid peroxidation along with reduction in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Treatment with curcumin along with aflatoxin ameliorates aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney of mice by ameliorating both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.

The present investigation is an attempt to evaluate the ameliorative effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced toxicity in liver and kidney of mice. Aflatoxin was obtained by growing Aspergillus parasiticus in SMKY liquid medium. 70 male mice were divided into 7 groups (37-40 g body weight) including untreated control, vehicle control (0.2 mL olive oil/animal/day), curcumin control (50 mg/kg body weight/animal), aflatoxin low dose and high dose (750 and 1500 mg/kg body weight). Other two groups were administered curcumin along with low dose aflatoxin and high dose aflatoxin. The treatment was given for 45 days. On 46th day the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Liver and kidney were removed and weighed. Homogenates were prepared and analyzed for DNA, RNA and protein content. The results revealed dose-dependent significant reduction in DNA, RNA and protein contents in the liver and kidney of mice. Oral administration of aflatoxin along with curcumin significantly ameliorates, as compared to aflatoxin alone treated groups, in all parameters. It is concluded that curcumin ameliorates aflatoxin-induced toxicity in liver and kidney of mice.

The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the possible ameliorative effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney and testis of mice in vitro. Tissues were collected from healthy Swiss strain male albino mice Mus musculus weighing 30-35 g. The homogenates were treated with aflatoxin (2-10 mg/mL) with and without curcumin (25-200 mg/mL). The results revealed that addition of aflatoxin (2-10 mg/mL) to homogenates caused significant increase in lipid-peroxidation which was maximal at 6 mg/mL aflatoxin concentration. However, concurrent addition of aflatoxin (6 mg/mL) and curcumin ((25-200 mg/mL) caused concentration-dependent amelioration in aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation.

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effect of paraben (p-hydroxybenzoic acid) on acidic, basic, and neutral proteins content, as well as carbohydrate and cholesterol contents in liver and kidney of mice. Adult female albino mice were orally administrated with 2.25 and 4.5 mg of paraben in 0.2 mL of olive/animal/day for thirty days. The results revealed dose dependent, significant reduction in acidic, basic, and neutral protein, carbohydrate contents and an increase in cholesterol content of the investigated liver and kidney. Oral administration of aqueous extract of Zinziber officinale (3 mg/animal/day) along with paraben for thirty days caused significant amelioration in all the protein types, carbohydrate and cholesterol of liver and kidney.

Oral administration of sodium fluoride (NaF, 6 and 12 mg/kg body weight/day) to Swiss strain male albino mice for 30 days caused significant dose-dependant reduction in the content of acidic, basic, neutral, and total protein in cerebral hemisphere, cerebellum and medulla oblongata region of brain. After 30 days of NaF treatment, followed by withdrawal of treatment for 30 days, partial but significant amelioration occurred. Administration of 2% black tea extract alone for 30 days did not cause any significant effect. However, concurrent administration of NaF and black tea extract for 30 days caused significant amelioration in all parameters studied.

In this study an attempt was made to establish the significance of a battery of molecular alterations and thereby identify risk predictors in oral carcinogenesis. For this purpose, EGFR, Stat3, H-ras, c-myc, p53, cyclin D1, p16, Rb, Ki-67 and Bcl-2 were localized immunohistochemically in normal mucosa (n=12), hyperplasia (n=35), dysplasia (n=25), early stage carcinoma (n=65) and advanced stage carcinoma (n=70). Deregulation occurred at an early stage and the number of alterations increased with disease progression. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the significant risk predictor for hyperplasia from normal mucosa was Ki-67 (OR=5.75, p=0.021); the significant risk predictors for dysplasia from hyperplasia were EGFR (OR=12.96, p=0.002), Stat3 (OR=17.16, p=0.0001), p16 (OR=5.50, p=0.039) and c-myc (OR=5.99, p=0.052); the significant risk predictors for early stage carcinoma from dysplasia were p53 (OR=6.63, p=0.0001) and Rb (OR=3.81, p=0.056); and the significant risk predictors for further progression were EGFR (OR=5.50, p=0.0001), Stat3 (OR=4.49, p=0.0001), H-ras (OR=4.05, p=0.001) and c-myc (OR=2.99, p=0.015). Cyclin D1 holds a key position linking upstream signaling pathways to cell cycle regulation. Gene products of the mitogenic signaling pathway play an equally significant role as cell cycle regulatory proteins in the hyperplasia-dysplasia-early-advanced-carcinoma sequence and together may provide a reference panel of markers for use in defining premalignant lesions and predicting the risk of malignant transformation and tumor progression.

The present investigation is an attempt to evaluate the possible ameliorative effect of turmeric extracts/curcumin on aflatoxin induced hemolysis in vitro. Blood samples were collected from healthy adult human beings (25-30 years old) in EDTA vials and were used for preparation of RBC suspension in saline. Saline suspension of RBC was treated with aflatoxin (0.5-2.0 microg/mL) with and without turmeric extracts/curcumin (1-100 microg/mL). The results revealed that addition of aflatoxin (0.5-2.0 microg/mL) to RBC suspension caused significant dose-dependent increase in the rate of hemolysis. However, concurrent addition of aflatoxin (2.0 microg/mL) and extracts of turmeric and curcumin caused concentration-dependent retardation in aflatoxin-induced hemolysis.

Antioxidative effect of aqueous extract of rhizome of Ginger (Zinziber officinale) was examined on p-hydroxybenzoic acid (paraben) induced lipid peroxidation. Addition of paraben (25-150 microg/mL) to liver and kidney homogenates significantly increases H2O2 induced lipid peroxidation in vitro. Effect was dose dependent up to 100 microg/mL concentration. An addition of aqueous extract of ginger significantly reduced paraben (100 microg/mL) induced lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney homogenates. The effect was concentration dependent.

Investigations were carried out on epididymal spermatozoa of male mice to study the effects of high dosages (100, 200 and 300 mg kg(-1) bwt) of aqueous Carica papaya seed extract. The results revealed a significant dosedependent suppression of cauda epididymal sperm motility coinciding with a decrease in sperm count and viability. When tested 45 days after the withdrawal of treatment, complete normalcy was restored, proving that the induced effects were transient.

Oral administration of 25 and 50 mg of aflatoxin in 0.2 mL olive oil/animal/day for 30 days caused dose-dependent and significantly higher lipid peroxidation in the kidney of aflatoxin-treated mice than in the controls. The levels of non-enzymatic antioxidant such as glutathione as well as the enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase were significantly lower in the kidney of aflatoxin-treated mice than in the controls. Black tea extract (2%) treatment significantly ameliorates aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation, which could be due to higher enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in the kidney of mice as compared with that given aflatoxin alone. These findings suggest that black tea extract treatment significantly ameliorates aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in the kidney of mice.

The present study sought to explore the occurrence of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (n=135) and its potential relationship with clinicopathological parameters and survival. Stat3 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. Cytoplasmic or nuclear localization of Stat3 was observed in 62% of patients, whereas only nuclear Stat3 expression was found in 44%. Stat3 positivity in early-stage patients was 45% compared to 79% in advanced-stage patients. However, early-stage Stat3-positive patients showed a gradual increase in staining intensity, with intense staining seen in 52% of the tumors compared to 18% in Stat3-positive advanced-stage patients, where a gradual decrease in intensity expression was observed (p=0.001). Stat3 showed a significant positive correlation with disease stage (p=0.001), nodal status (p=0.033) and tumor size (p=0.001). Multivariate survival analysis using the Cox proportional hazard regression model showed that nuclear Stat3 was a significant independent prognosticator for both relapse-free survival (p=0.014) and overall survival (p=0.042) in early-stage patients. Our results indicated that Stat3 activation is an early event in oral squamous cell carcinoma and represents a potential risk factor for poor prognosis in early-stage patients.

The present investigation is an attempt to examine the ameliorative effect of aqueous ginger extract on cytotoxicity induced by paraben (p-hydroxybenzoic acid) on red blood cells (RBC) in vitro. Blood samples collected in EDTA vials from healthy adult human beings (25-30 years) were used for preparation of RBC suspension in saline. The saline suspension of RBC was treated with paraben with and without ginger extracts. The results revealed that addition of paraben to RBC suspension caused significant increase in the rate of hemolysis. However, concurrent addition of paraben (150 microg/mL) and ginger extract caused significant concentration-dependent retardation in paraben-induced hemolysis. The decrease in hemolysis was almost dose-

We have evaluated the ameliorative effect of black tea extract on aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in the liver of mice. Adult male albino mice were orally administered with 25 and 50 microg of aflatoxin in 0.2 ml olive oil/animal/day for 30 days. Results revealed dose-dependent and significantly (p<0.05) higher lipid peroxidation in the liver of aflatoxin-treated mice than that of vehicle control. As compared with vehicle control, the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione and ascorbic acid, as well as the enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase were significantly (p<0.05) lowered in the liver of aflatoxin-treated mice. Oral administration of two percent aqueous black tea extract along with aflatoxin for 30 days (groups 6 and 7) caused significant (p<0.05) amelioration in aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation by increasing significantly (p<0.05) the activities of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase) and contents of non-enzymatic (glutathione and ascorbic acid) antioxidants in the liver of mice as compared with those given aflatoxin alone (groups 4 and 5). Thus, oral administration of black tea along with aflatoxin significantly (p<0.05) ameliorates aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in the liver of mice.