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We report the synthesis and characterization of two series of novel triphenylene–anthraquinone-based symmetric discotic liquid crystalline trimers. These triads were prepared using microwave dielectric heating. Conventional heating under similar reaction conditions failed to produce desired products. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first donor–acceptor–donor triads in which all the three components represent discotic mesogenic moieties. Chemical structures of these discotic oligomers have been characterized by spectral techniques and elemental analysis. The thermotropic liquid crystalline properties of these donor–acceptor–donor triads were investigated by polarizing optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. They exhibit a columnar mesophase over a wide range of temperature. The columnar hexagonal mesophase structure of these discotic oligomers has been elucidated with the help of X-ray diffraction studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid hormones have pervasive effects on growth and development in the fetus, child, and adolescent regulating calorigenesis and metabolic rate throughout the life. The study was made to investigate the levels of free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) of euthyroid subjects. The study included 713 male and 2633 female euthyroid subjects of RIMS, Jharkhand, India during December 2013 to November 2014. It has been found that free triiodothyronine level (p=0.000) varies remarkably among different age group and gender, free thyroxine level (p=0.999) remains almost unaltered throughout all decades of life and TSH level (p=0.000) decreases with age. The levels of free T3, free T4 and TSH have significant effects among gender with age. It is therefore concluded that there should be separate reference range among individuals so that the higher level of hormones in the early decades and the lower level in the older decade cannot be interpreted as abnormal results and under prediction and over prediction of results can be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disease of impaired glucose utilization and a major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The pathogenesis of both diseases shares common risk factors and mechanisms, and both are significant contributors to global morbidity and mortality. Supplements of natural products for T2D mellitus (T2DM) and CVD can be seen as a potential preventive and effective therapeutic strategy., Aim: To critically evaluate the therapeutic potential of natural products in T2D and coronary artery disease (CAD)., Methods: By using specific keywords, we strategically searched the PubMed database. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched as the primary focus that examined the effect of natural products on glycemic control, oxidative stress, and antioxidant levels. We focused on outcomes such as low blood glucose levels, adjustment on markers of oxidative stress and antioxidants. After screening full-length papers, we included 9 RCTs in our review that met our inclusion criteria., Results: In the literature search on the database, we found that various natural products like plant secondary metabolites play a diverse role in the management of CAD. American ginseng, sesame oil and cocoa flavanols proved effective in lowering blood glucose levels and controlling blood pressure, which are key factors in managing T2DM and CVD. In diabetic patients Melissa officinalis effectively reduce inflammation and shows diabetes prevention. Both fish oil and flaxseed oil reduced insulin levels and inflammatory markers, suggesting benefits for both conditions. The lipid profile and endothelial function were enhanced by Nigella sativa oil and Terminalia chebula , which is significant for the management of cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM. Additionally Bilberry extract also showed promise for improving glycemic control in patients with T2DM., Conclusion: The high level of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic properties found in natural products makes them promising therapeutic options for the management of CAD, with the potential benefit of lowering the risk of CAD., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest to disclose., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

In the present study root extracts of Schleichera oleosa were prepared and analysed for hydroxyl radical scavenging potential in different in vitro models, such as deoxyribose degradation (site-specific and non-site specific) and plasmid nicking assays. The extracts were found to have profound effects in both assays by scavenging of hydroxyl radicals. The extracts were also assessed for in vitro cytotoxicity in a sulphorhodamine B dye assay against a panel of cell lines representing different types of human cancers and tissues, wherein the methanol, ethyl acetate and water extracts were found to effectively inhibit the growth of selective cell lines. The results of the present study suggests the presence of antioxidant constituents in the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the roots of S. oleosa, results which are in concurrence with preliminary ¹H NMR and IR studies that suggest the presence of polyphenolic compounds.

In this study, the apoptosis-inducing effect of an alcoholic extract from Erythrina suberosa stem bark (ESB) was investigated using human promyelocytic leukemia HL60 cells. Cell viability was estimated by MTT assay. We found that the ESB inhibited cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. A series of well-documented morphological changes, such as cell shrinkage, condensation of nuclear chromatin, and nuclear fragmentation, were observed by fluorescence microscopy. The gold standard scanning electron micrographs showed apoptotic bodies and formation of blebs. Cell cycle analysis showed a significant increase in Sub G(0) population of cells above 50 μg/ml. ESB treatment resulted in a dose-dependent increase in annexin V positive cells. Increase in intracellular ROS production up to sixfold was detected in ESB-treated HL60 cells by DCFH-DA assay. Dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential of intact cells accompanied by increase in cytosolic cytochrome c was observed, which was followed by activation of caspase-9 and -3 but not caspase-8. DNA fragmentation analysis revealed typical ladders as early as 18 h indicative of caspase-3 role in the apoptotic pathway. The overall results suggest that ESB induces mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway in HL60 cells and might have therapeutic value against human leukemia.

We investigated the apoptosis inducing effect of essential oil (EO) from aerial parts of Ocimumviride in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (COLO 205 cell line). The COLO 205 cells were exposed to 0.0125-0.1 microl/ml of EO for 24, 48 and 72h. Growth inhibition was determined by sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assay. Double staining with acridine orange and ethidium bromide for nuclear changes was performed. Cell cycle analysis and change in mitochondrial membrane potential was quantified by flow cytometry. Subsequently, using annexin V/PI assay, the proportion of cells actively undergoing apoptosis was determined. Changes in DNA were observed by DNA ladder assay. Eventually the surface morphology of apoptotic cells was studied by scanning electron microscopy. EO is cytotoxic to COLO 205 cells in dose and time-dependent manner, as is evident by SRB assay. This observed cell death was due to apoptosis, as established by annexin V/PI assay, DNA ladder formation and scanning electron microscopy. Our results reveal that EO has apoptosis inducing effect against COLO 205 cells in vitro and is a promising candidate for further anti-cancer study., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)