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Background: Neonatal electrocardiogram (ECG) screening can potentially identify congenital long QT syndrome and other heart diseases. Early identification is likely to reduce mortality. A barrier is the difficulty in obtaining a 12‑lead ECG in an infant. We aimed to assess the feasibility of using a single lead ECG recorded with a handheld device (Eko DUO) in neonates. Methods: This cross‑sectional study included neonates in the first 3 days of life. We recorded a single‑lead ECG using the Eko DUO. Time from the beginning of recording until a satisfactory recording was measured with a stopwatch and reported as mean and standard deviation. We reported the ratio of interpretable recordings and the proportion of those with any abnormalities. Results: The mean time for recording was 198.1 ± 94.7 s. The total number of interpretable recordings was 63% (n = 63). Of the interpretable recordings, one neonate was found to have tachycardia (1.6%). Conclusions: Neonatal ECG screening using Eko DUO is feasible. However, the fidelity of the recorded ECG is suboptimal. While most of the ECGs were interpretable for rate and rhythm, QT interval measurement was not possible in most neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article extensively explores the influence of NF-κB1 gene polymorphism on a diverse range of health issues. The NF-κB pathway, a crucial controller of immune response, is closely associated with numerous disease mechanisms. The NF-kB1 gene has undergone significant genetic changes, and these changes have shown strong connections with the onset and development of numerous disorders. This article investigates the intricate relationship between mutations in the NF-kB1 gene and a wide range of disorders through a thorough study of the literature. These conditions encompass inflammatory disorders, cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and various other medical ailments. The notable discoveries emphasized within this review underscore the essential role of NF-κB1 gene polymorphism in the development of a range of diseases. Furthermore, these discoveries have important ramifications that could help develop more specialized, successful treatment approaches. To sum up, this work sheds light on the different ways in which NF-kB1 gene variation influences the progression of disorders and highlights the urgent need for more research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic infection is one of the prime causes for morbidity and mortality of ducks in India. Ducks have the habit of wading through the water resources especially paddy fields and feeding on snail which favours occurrence of various parasites. Among the parasites, lice infestation affects growth and productivity of ducks by way of irritation. Lice are well adapted as external parasites and usually are more a nuisance than a threat to their hosts. A nomadic farmer from Mannargudi area of Cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu, India who had a flock of 1600 ducks reported continuous death of 700 ducks within a period of one month and brought a dead duck to Dept. of Veterinary Pathology for postmortem examination. Examination of entire body of duck prior to necropsy revealed the presence of live lice in the hairs around the junction of beak and head. About 7 lice specimens were collected and brought to Dept. of Veterinary Parasitology for identification. The lice specimens were processed and identified as Anatoecus dentatus based on the presence of ‘tin opener’ shaped effracter in the male genitalia. This is the first report of occurrence of these lice in ducks from Southern India.

Chronic bronchitis (CB) is an inflammatory disease and is characterized by bronchial tube irritation. The bronchial tube irritation can result in the accumulation of mucus. CB is a part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, causing blockage of airflow and thereby problems in breathing. Cigarette smoking is of utmost importance in causing CB. Besides pollution of air and the working environment can also play a key role. The study aimed to assess and create the awareness about CB among dental students and practitioners. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among dental students utilizing an online review entry called "Google forms." A total of 100 people were assessed using a structured questionnaire comprising 15 questions. The analysis of the result was done using the SPSS software of version 23. It has been shown that 78% of them are aware of CB. 75% of them responded that passive smokers were mostly affected by CB. Within the study limits, it was found that males who participated had increased awareness when compared to the females. The survey results showed that most of the participants were aware about CB but not its clinical features, oral manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaempferia galanga rhizome (KGR) is a stemless, sweet-smelling, enduring, and rhizomatous monocotyledonous plant of the ginger family also called sand ginger or kencur. lt possesses many pharmacological effects and the goal of this study is to use several solvent solutions to determine the antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential of KGR. By observing KGR's alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase inhibitory activity, the in vitro diabetic activity was assessed. The in vitro cancer preventive action was evaluated by doing the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl test. The outcomes of the study showed increase in dose-dependent percentage of inhibition in α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity for both extract and standard ranging from 100 to 500 μg/ml. The current review proposes that the concentrate of KGR could be utilized for the treatment of diabetes mellitus as well with respect to dealing with the oxidative stress-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the traditional plants used in Siddha medicine is Kabasura Kudineer Chooranam. It is said to possess antiaging, life-strengthening, and disease-preventing activities that have an enormous influence on health care. It has significant therapeutic potential and ethnobotanical significance. The aim of this study is to investigate the antidiabetic activity of Kabasura Kudineer Chooranam. The antidiabetic potential of Kabasura Kudineer Chooranam was determined in vitro using established methods such as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase activity. We used one-way ANOVA to see the statistical difference among the groups. The significance thresholds were considered at the P < 0.05 level. In comparison with the healthy group, the extract showed a significant antidiabetic effect. The proportion of inhibition increased as the concentrations increased. Previous studies established the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, antiasthmatic, immunomodulatory, and antipyretic effects of Kabasura Kudineer or Choornam. The current findings demonstrated that the Chooranam has good antidiabetic action at a significant concentration. Plant-based products have recently proven to be effective and economical antidiabetic items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balo's disease is an uncommon central nervous system disorder causing demyelination and is a form of multiple sclerosis. Concentric sclerosis, leukoencephalitis periaxialis concentrica, is also known as Balo's disease. Concentric sclerosis signalizes the bands of intact myelin and alternating rings of myelin loss present in several parts of the brainstem and brain. The present study aimed to assess and create awareness about Balo's disease among dental undergraduates. The study included an online survey about the knowledge and awareness of Balo's disease among dental students. A questionnaire was prepared, uploaded, and distributed in an online portal. The latest software version of SPSS was used to analyze the collected data. Descriptive statistical analysis and Chi-square test were done, and the P value was calculated. The survey showed that 54.55% of males and 45.45% of females participated in this survey. Most of the respondents (87.88%) knew about Balo's disease, whereas only 12.12% of participants were not aware of the disease. It was found that most of dental students are aware of Balo's disease. The study also showed that male respondents are more aware than the females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of one or more extra X chromosomes in a male causes Klinefelter Syndrome (KS). KS affects 1 in 500-1 in 1000 men, while about half remain undiagnosed. KS is characterized by huge stature, increase in arm length, the feminine distribution of adipose tissues (including gynecomastia), less or pubic hair, infertility, hypotonia, reduced size of penis and less than average verbal IQ, struggle in learning and requirements for less specified speech therapy. KS is a primary testicular insufficiency with high levels of gonadotropin caused by a lack of pituitary gland feedback. The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and awareness of the KS among the dental students. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students of a private dental hospital. To evaluate the knowledge and awareness of the participants about KS, a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 10 questions was prepared. Percentage analysis and frequency analysis and percentage analysis were performed. A Chi-square test was done to assess the correlation using the SPSS software. In our study, most of the participants were aware of the KS. They also knew that the KS is caused due to the additional X chromosome. We would like to conclude that the dental students were much aware about the Klinefelter and they also had a thorough knowledge about it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outer cuticle, middle cortex, and inner medulla make up hair, which is an epidermal outgrowth. Hair is resilient under harsh natural conditions, thus it is frequently collected at crime scenes, making human hair analysis important in the forensic sciences field. It aids in the formation of a triangle connecting a crime scene, a victim, and a culprit. The aim of this study is to observe the microscopic structure of male and female human hair. Samples of hair specimens from males and females were collected. The materials used were ethanol to degrease and a stereomicroscope to observe the structural differences between the male and female hair samples. The comparison between male and female hair is done on the grounds of color, shaft profiles, the proximal and distal ends of the hair, cuticle, and surface texture, and the other found characters. This study of comparison between male and female hair specimens revealed that the hair color at the distal end is found to be brown for females while it is completely black in that of males, and the surface texture of males is found to have some irregularities while there are no irregularities in female. This study can be concluded that the structural comparison between male and female hair specimens can be used as evidence for forensic analysis at crime scenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hair is a feature that is only found in mammals. In all species, it is an epidermal protrusion composed of an outer cuticle, middle cortex, and inner medulla. Hair's primary purpose in mammals is to aid with thermoregulation. Every domestic animal species has a distinct hair pattern that can be used in forensic investigations. The aim of the present study is to observe the different animal hairs under stereomicroscope for forensic analysis. Hair is a unique characteristic seen only in mammals. It is an epidermal protrusion composed of an outer cuticle, middle cortex, and inner medulla in all species. The primary function of hair in animals is to aid with thermoregulation. Every domestic animal species has a specific hair pattern that forensic investigators can employ. The shaft profile was straight in all the animal hairs. In the proximal end, the root was absent because the hair was cut from the respective animals. Cuticles were absent in all the hair strands. The surface texture was smooth in dog hair, rough and spiculated in cat hair, and coarse in horse and rat hair. Microscopic examination of hairs reveals morphological distinctions that allow animal hairs from different species to be distinguished. In forensic investigations, microscopic examinations of various animal hairs are useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For nearly a century, hairs of animals and humans were employed in forensic research. It is found to be stable in certain environments, and thus, they are frequently retrieved at scenes of crime, and it is important to verify whether they are either human or animal. The present research was done at comparing the morphological differences among human hair and animal hair using a stereomicroscope. Samples of hair forming the outer coat of some autochthonous domestic and human remnants were evaluated in this study. Long strands of guard hair shaft were investigated by stereomicroscope accordingly. Microphotographs were taken in an iPad camera. The microscopic characteristics of cat hair samples showed the presence of small spikes on the surface, whereas the human hair sample showed a smooth appearance with no irregularities. The microscopic analyses of the human hair sample and cat hair sample under stereomicroscope suggest hair samples can be used as forensic evidence in crime scene investigation. The comparison of both the hair samples was done, and the differences were significantly evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rosmarinusofficinalis consist of many medicinal values like for the treatment of disorders associated with nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, menstrual, hepatic and reproductive systems. The main aim is to synthesize silver nanoparticles using Rosmarinusofficinalisleaf extract and to study the anti-cancer and apoptosis induction on prostate cancer cell line Materials and method: The plant was collected, pressed and was made into powder. The prostate cancer cell line was purchased and was subcultured in the laboratory. The cell line and different concentrations of drugs were subjected to MTT assay and an IC-50 value was found. The prostate cancer cells RNA were isolated and were under gene expression. The RNA was made into cDNA using reverse transcriptase which was then subjected to real time polymerase chain reaction for specific genes which promotes anti-cancer and apoptosis induction. Results: The analysis of MTT assay showed that the IC-50 where only 50 percent of the cell was alive to certain concentrations of dosage of the drug used. In this study, it was found out that 200 microgram of concentration was enough to reduce 50 percent of cells in a cell culture. The genes caspase 3 and caspase 9 were analyzed and showed significant increase at 200 microgram of the drug Rosmarinusofficinalis. Conclusion: Rosmarinusofficinalis has a significant role in controlling prostate cancer cell line proliferation by upregulating the gene expression. The results showed that R.officinalis exert cytotoxic activity on prostate cancer cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: B.serrata is commonly known as Indian olibanum, it is mainly used in the production of Indian frankincense. B.serrata is used for many other purposes including asthma diabetes. The medicinal plant Boswelliaserrata has great potential for treating cancer. Since many cancer therapies have their origins in natural ingredients, this study aims to explore the anti-tumorigenic effect of B.serrata using KB cell line. Materials and methods: Seed of B.serrata was collected and extraction was done. Then the extract was added to the culture and the oral cancer cells were obtained from Pune. The cultured oral cells were incubated in a CO2 incubator. Treated oral cancer cell sample was done MTT assay and gene expression analysis. Result: The collected data from MTT assay and gene expression analysis tabulated using SPSS software. MTT assay results showed gradual decrease in cell viability with increase in concentration of Boswelliaserrata and the gene expression showed up regulation of caspase 3 and 9 expression. Conclusion: From the study, Boswelliaserrata has a significant effect on anti-tumorigenic activity; this might be due to the active bio components present in Boswelliaserrata extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bixaorellanais a species of tree in the family Bixaceae. The common usage of Bixaorellana include antipyretic, aphrodisiac, anti diarrhoeal, antidiabetic and insect repellant. HepG2 is an immortal cell line used as a model system for studies of liver metabolism and toxicity of xenobiotics, detection of environmental and dietary cytotoxic and genotoxic agents, understanding hepatocarcinogenesis and for drug targeting studies. The main aim of this study is to prepare Bixaorellana bark extract and to determine the cytotoxic effects of the extract on HepG2 cell line. Materials and Methods: The Bixaorellana bark extract was made using Soxhlet extraction and concentrated using Rotary evaporator. The cell viability of HepG2 cells was measured using MTT Assay. Then the gene expression analysis of the HepG2 cells was done by RNA isolation, complementary DNA synthesis followed by Real time PCR to analyze the anticancer activity. Results: As the concentration level increases, the cell viability dose dependently decreases. By modulating the expression of apoptotic signaling molecules, the drug was able to inhibit the proliferation of the cancer cells. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that bark extracts of Bixaorellanawere cytotoxic against BCl 2 mRNA and BCl-xL mRNA induced apoptosis on the human cells. Active components were probably responsible for anticancer activity. MTT assay showed that as the concentration of treated Bixaorellana bark extract increases, the cancer cell viability decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: One of the most prevalent malignant tumors is osteosarcoma. The use of herbal medicines that can suppress or kill cancer cells through their antioxidant properties is growing in popularity nowadays as a result of the numerous negative effects of cancer medications. Different parts of M.emarginata have been mentioned to be therapeutically used as diuretic and neuralgia. The main aim of this study is to find out an antiproliferative activity of M.emarginataleaf extract on SAOS 2 cell line Materials and Methods: The Merremia emarginata(burm.F.) leaf were soxhlet extracted. Cultured Saos Cells were stimulated with various concentrations of M.emarginata(burm.F.) leaf extracts. To dissolve the formazan formed from MTT, the cells were resuspended in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The inhibitory rate of cell growth was calculated. mRNA expression levels were examined using real-time PCR. Results: As the concentration of leaf extract increases from 50µg/ml to 200µg/ml the cell viability is significantly decreased. Bcl2 and Bclxl expression were significantly negatively correlated with higher concentration of Saos -2 cells treated with M.emarginata. Conclusion: The study revealed that M.emarginatahas a significant role in controlling bone cancer cell proliferation by upregulating caspase 3 mRNA and down regulating the gene expression of Bcl 2 and Bcl xl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cancer, one of the most researched diseases worldwide, researches is being done to develop new technology and more effective treatments. Still, there are many gaps in the cancer treatments that are now on the market that have a negative impact on patients' health in the form of side effects. A better approach to treat this awful disease is to use herbal drugs made from medicinal plants. Since ancient times, different illnesses have been treated with the well-known Ayurvedic medicinal plant Withania somnifera L. Dunal (Solanaceae). The aim of this study is to analyze the anti-cancer activity of With aniasomnifera against human liver cancer cells. Materials and methods: Withania somnifera root powder was extracted as viscous mass by undergoing soxhlet extraction and then rotary evaporation. After culturing of HepG2 cells and treatment with the extract, it was subjected to MTT assay and Real time PCR to identify the anti-cancer activity. Results: MTT assay showed that as the concentration of treated W.somnifera ethanolic extract increases, the cancer cell viability decreases. As the concentration of the extract increased, the cell viability decreased. The W.sominifera performed by altering the expression of the apoptotic signaling molecules Bcl 2 and BclXl to suppress the growth of cancer cells. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Withaniasomnifera down regulating the expression of Bcl 2 and Bcl XL mRNA on human liver cancer cells and induced apoptosis of the cells. The most effective anticancer substances are found in W.somnifera, which also induces apoptosis without causing any negative side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most predominant type of oral cancer which has a poor prognosis, with 5-year survival rates less than 50%. Clinical characteristics such as tumor position, TNM classification and method of treatment, as well as histological grades have all been studied as OSCC prognostic factors but evaluating the genetic expression is the evolving trend in early diagnosis. Aim: To compare the gene expression of TGF-ß-1, GSK3, Pi3 kinase in OSCC and normal tissue samples and to correlate the expression levels of these molecules with the pathological grading and survival in OSCC patients. Also to understand the role of GSK3 in Pi3 kinase pathway and TGF-ß signaling pathway in OSCC progression thereby attempting targeted therapy in OSCC patients. Materials and Methods: 10 OSCC samples as well as normal healthy samples were collected and RNA isolation was done using RNA easy kit from Qiagen (Valencia, CA), and thensubjected to cDNA synthesis using Human TGF-ß1, Human GSK3ß and Human Pi3 kinase primers. Real time PCR was performed using gene specific primers at 40 cycles. The results were retrieved, tabulated and analyzed. Results: The current research results revealed that there were up regulation of mRNA expression in GSK3, TGF ß-1 and Pi3 kinase in OSCC patients than in healthy individuals. On comparison, Pi3 kinase showed highest mRNA expression levels than GSK3 and TGF ß-1. Conclusion: The expression of GSK3 and its role in activation of Pi3 kinase pathway plays a crucial role in progression of oral cancer and targeting GSK3ßcould be a novel and targeted approach for treating OSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methotrexate is a stable derivative of aminopterin, a folate antimetabolite. Despite the widespread use of methotrexate, the clinical application of methotrexate is limited and restricted by the occurrence of hepatotoxicity. An important medicinal plant, Capparis decidua contains multiple pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Objectives: This study investigated the protective effect of C. decidua against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity, focusing on its ability to attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway which have not been studied earlier. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six female Wistar rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups. Rats were treated with C. decidua orally with doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days following a single dose of MTX injection (20 mg/kg, i. p). Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were assessed in hepatic tissue. mRNA expression of, NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1 β), and IL 6 was carried using real-time polymerase chain reaction in hepatic tissue. Results: Results showed that methotrexate administration significantly increased AST, ALT, and ALP levels. It has also increased MDA levels indicating lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidants levels of SOD and CAT levels. Treatment with C. decidua significantly diminished the hepatotoxic effects of methotrexate which was seen in a significant decrease in AST, ALT, ALP, MDA levels, significant increase in SOD and CAT levels. Methotrexate provoked hepatic NF-κB phosphorylation and increased mRNA abundance of TNF-α, IL-1 β, and IL-6 expression. Conclusion: These findings suggest that C. decidua prevents methotrexate hepatotoxicity through suppression of NF-κB signaling pathway, attenuating oxidative damage, inflammation, and cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Back ground: India has a huge resource of livestock and stands first globally in milk production, but reemergence of diseases like foot and mouth disease (FMD) causes a great concern and economic losses to the farmers. Three serotypes of FMD virus (O, A and Asia 1) are prevalent and serotype O was responsible for 80 per cent of confirmed outbreaks /cases in India. The highest incidence of the disease was seen in Southern region (31.5%) and during the month of September. Highest number of outbreaks (201) occurred in Tamil Nadu in the year 2007-08 caused by serotype O virus. FMD causes very high morbidity and mortality rate among young animals and the mortality rate is generally low in adult animals and seen with manifestation of infection limited to epithelial sites. However, In the present study an unusually high mortality among adult cattle due to FMD, complicated with Mannheimia hemolytica infection with specific myocardial lesions were discussed in several outbreaks of FMD in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: Outbreaks of FMD occurred in various districts of Tamil Nadu during the period of October to December in the year 2013 causing large scale mortality among adult cross bred (Jersey cross and Holstein Friesian cross) cows, heifers and calves and detailed disease investigations were carried out. Samples were collected from ailing animals and dead animals for laboratory confirmation of the disease. The collected samples were subjected to isolation of bacteria, serology and molecular confirmation of the virus. Result: Affected animals showed characteristic lesions of FMD with multiple, focal to coalescing ulcers and erosions covered with shreds of epithelium and fibrin on the dorsum and lateral margins of the tongue, dental pad, hard palate, mucosa of lips and gums. Samples of vesicular fluid, oral and tongue epithelium and heart confirmed the presence of FMD type 'O' virus based on sandwich ELISA and multiplex PCR. Cultural examination of bacteriological samples revealed presence of Mannheimia hemolytica which was further confirmed by multiplex PCR. Out of 83 serum sample collected, 45 sera were positive for FMD by LPB ELISA, while 32 serum samples were positive for FMD by DIVA test. The sudden deaths among adult cattle and heifers during the FMD outbreak might be attributed to the severe myocarditis and the disease was controlled by following appropriate treatment and preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco chewing is one of the known risk factors for oral cancer and it is widely consumed by residents of India. The present study was aimed at assessing the free and total sialic acid in the saliva and compared among smokers and tobacco chewers. In order to quantify the total and free sialic acid concentration in saliva, A total of 20 patients (n=20) were selected from the department of oral medicine and radiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, and divided two different groups. Group-I served as smokers while Group-II served as tobacco chewers. The sialic acid concentrations were measured by standard biochemical methods and data obtained were statistically analyzed using spectrophotometer. Results of the present study showed that the total sialic acid concentration was found to be higher in the tobacco chewers (14.78±1.20 mg/dl) compared to smokers (9.23±0.56 mg/dl). Similarly, free sialic acid concentration was also significantly higher in the tobacco chewers (25.25±1.82mg/dl) than smokers (16.65±1.37). In both the groups studied, the free sialic acid concentration was higher in tobacco chewers (Group-II) than the total free sialic acid (Group-I). Our present finding indicates that the free sialic and total sialic acid levels are higher in group B (Tobacco Chewers) than group A (Smokers). Our present findings clearly show that salivary total and free sialic acid levels were significantly higher in the tobacco chewers when compared to the people who are having smoking habits which could be due to the carcinogenic effect of smokeless tobacco (Tobacco chewers). It is concluded from the present findings that measurement of total and free sialic acid in saliva may be useful in early detection of oral cancer progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial, and complex disease resulting from a long-term positive energy balance, involving both genetic and environmental factors. It acts as a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, and in the past decade, it is emerging as a global problem. The need of the hour is to develop natural remedies to treat obesity. Aim: The present study was aimed to assess the hypolipidemic properties of Aloe vera. Methods: Oral effective dose of Aloe vera (0.3 ml/kg. b.wt) was administered to high-fat-fed female Swiss albino mice for 30 days orally. Results: Aloe vera significantly reduced the blood glucose level, lipid profile, and C-reactive protein in high-fat diet-fed rats. Conclusion: In the present study, we investigated the anti-obesity properties of Aloe vera, an easily available herb in high-fat diet-fed rats. Hence, it is concluded from the present findings that Aloe vera could serve as one of the potential hypolipidemic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lupeol, a natural herbal drug, is abundant in edible vegetables, fruits, and also in medicinal plants. It has been shown to reduce hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in experimental model. Objectives: The present study aimed to identify the effects of lupeol on insulin-signaling molecules such as insulin receptor (IR) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein expression in cardiac tissue of Type-2 diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into four groups of six rats each. Group I: Control (vehicle treated-control rats were treated with olive oil); Group II: Diabetic (Type 2) rats; Group III: Diabetic rats treated with lupeol (25 mg/kg body weight/day) orally for 30 days; and Group IV: Diabetic rats treated with metformin (50 mg/kg body weight/day) orally for 30 days. At the end of the treatment, animals were anesthetized, and cardiac tissues were dissected out and used for the assessment of IR and GLUT4 protein expression. Results: Type-2 diabetic rats showed detrimental changes in the IR and GLUT protein expression in cardiac tissue when compared to control rats. Oral dose of lupeol (25 mg/kg b. wt) for 30 days effectively restored altered levels of IR and GLUT4 proteins in the cardiac tissue which were reduced by high-fat diet and sucrose-induced Type-2 diabetic rats. Conclusion: This study concludes that lupeol regulates glucose homeostasis in cardiac tissue through the activation of IR and GLUT4 proteins. However, studies on the effect of lupeol on insulin downstream signaling molecules in cardiac tissue need to be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lupeol is a triterpenoid, is found in vegetables such as white cabbage, pepper, cucumber, and tomato, in fruits such as olive, fig, mango, strawberry, and red grapes, and in medicinal plants. Objectives: The study aimed to identify the effects of lupeol on insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) and its phosphorylation (IRS-2Ser636) protein expression in liver tissue of Type-2 diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Lupeol was administered orally to Type-2 diabetic rats (25 mg/kg body weight) for a period of 30 days. After the treatment period, animals were anesthetized and liver from control and experimental animals was dissected out and used for the protein expression of IRS-2 and p-IRS-2Ser636. Results: In Type-2 diabetic animals, the protein expression of IRS-2 significantly reduced. Conversely, tyrosine phosphorylation IRS-2 (IRS-2Tyr636) was elevated in high-fat diet-induced Type-2 diabetic rats when compared with control. The lupeol administration to diabetic rats significantly restored the altered levels of IRS-2 proteins in the liver. Conclusion: It is concluded from the present findings that lupeol regulates insulin signaling molecules (IRS-2) as a result of increase in insulin sensitivity in Type-2 diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adipose tissue is the primary site of storage for excess energy as triglyceride and it helps in synthesizing a number of biologically active compounds that regulate metabolic homeostasis. Consumption of high dietary fat increases stored fat mass and is considered as a main risk factor for metabolic diseases. Beta-sitosterol (β-sitosterol) is a plant sterol. It has the similar chemical structure like cholesterol. Clinical and experimental studies have shown that β-sitosterol has anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic, anti-cancer, anti-arthritic, and hepatoprotective role. However, effect of β-sitosterol on insulin signaling molecules and glucose oxidation has not been explored. Hence in the present study we aimed to discover the protective role of β-sitosterol on the expression of insulin signaling molecules in the adipose tissue of high-fat diet and sucrose-induced type-2 diabetic experimental rats. Effect dose of β-sitosterol (20 mg/kg b.wt, orally for 30 days) was given to high fat diet and sucrose-induced type-2 diabetic rats to study its anti-diabetic activity. Results of the study showed that the treatment with β-sitosterol to diabetes-induced rats normalized the altered levels of blood glucose, serum insulin and testosterone, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, insulin receptor (IR), and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) proteins. Our present findings indicate that β-sitosterol improves glycemic control through activation of IR and GLUT4 in the adipose tissue of high fat and sucrose-induced type-2 diabetic rats. Insilico analysis also coincides with invivo results. Hence it is very clear that β-sitosterol can act as potent antidiabetic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]