Search

Aim: Functional food and their bioactive compounds have been considered as a new approach for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes and its complications. According to this approach current study was carried out as an elucidation of antidiabetic properties of Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius varieties of jute leaf (ethanolic extract) on nSTZ-induced type-2 diabetic rats. Methodology: The type-2 diabetic model rat was developed by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared STZ (90 mg/kg/10 ml) in sterile citrate buffer (0.1 M, pH 4.5) to rat pups (48 hour old). After three months, OGTT was performed to select diabetic (FSG > 6.5mmol/L and after 90 min of glucose load > 14 mmol/L) experimental rats. The rats were randomly divided into four groups [DWC, GT, Ext-1 and Ext-2 represent, diabetic water control, glybenclamide treated (20 mg/5 ml/kg body weight), C. capsularis treated and C. olitorius treated group (1.25 g/10 ml/kg body weight) respectively]. One group was kept with normal rats [normal water control, NWC]. The treatment was given once daily or 28 consecutive days. Fasting serum glucose, liver glycogen and lipid profile were estimated by using standard methods. Results: The results showed that Ext-1 and Ext-2 treated groups gradually decreased serum glucose level (7.15 ±0.67 to 5.94 ± 1.19 and 7.20 ± 0.93 to 5.28 ±1.03 respectively) and reducing effect by Ext-2 was significant (p=0.001). Both extract showed lower liver glycogen level compared with GT group [5.0±2.5 Vs 17.7±6.5 (Ext-1 vs GT) and 7.5±6.4 Vs 17.7±6.5 (Ext-2 vs GT)] and even Ext-1 manifested significant effect (p=0.05). Additionally, lipid profile estimation revealed no significant improvement by the consumption of both the extracts. Conclusion: On the basis of current investigations, it may be concluded that both variety of jute’s leaf demonstrated hypoglycemic properties in Type 2 diabetic model rats; further in-depth studies are recommended to explore the exact mechanism(s) of hypoglycemic effect.

Numerous enveloped viruses use specialized surface molecules called fusogens to enter host cells1. During virus replication, these fusogens decorate the host cells membrane enabling them the ability to fuse with neighboring cells, forming syncytia that the viruses use to propagate while evading the immune system. Many of these viruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), infect the brain and may cause serious neurological symptoms through mechanisms which remain poorly understood2–4. Here we show that expression of either the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein or p15 protein from the baboon orthoreovirus is sufficient to induce fusion between interconnected neurons, as well as between neurons and glial cells. This phenomenon is observed across species, from nematodes to mammals, including human embryonic stem cells-derived neurons and brain organoids. We show that fusion events are progressive, can occur between distant neurites, and lead to the formation of multicellular syncytia. Finally, we reveal that in addition to intracellular molecules, fusion events allow diffusion and movement of large organelles such as mitochondria between fused neurons. Our results provide important mechanistic insights into how SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses could affect the nervous system circuitries causing neurological symptoms.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex and heterogeneous disorder which in its most common manifestation arises from insulin resistance and later insulin insufficiency. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by impaired insulin sensitivity and diagnosed as hyperglycaemia. Because of its cardiovascular consequences, Type 2 diabetes represents one of the world's leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Drug discovery and development are required to produce better ways to prevent, treat and manage diabetes and its complications. Diabetes is a human, not an animal disease, so animals do not get Type 2 diabetes. However there are animal models which are variously suitable for the investigation of new agents for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. In this Review we have examined the various models that are available for the study of natural products with a focus on models (genetic, nutritional and spontaneous) for the metabolic abnormities of diabetes. These models are also relevant to the investigation of Western medicines for the treatment of diabetes. A suitable experimental model plays an important role in drug discovery for translational studies leading to increased understanding of the molecular basis and management of diabetes.

Turbidity imparts a great problem in water treatment. Moringa oleifera, Cicer arietinum, and Dolichos lablab were used as locally available natural coagulants in this study to reduce turbidity of synthetic water. The tests were carried out, using artificial turbid water with conventional jar test apparatus. Optimum mixing intensity and duration were determined. After dosing water-soluble extracts of Moringa oleifera, Cicer arietinum, and Dolichos lablab reduced turbidity to 5.9, 3.9, and 11.1 nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU), respectively, from 100 NTU and 5, 3.3, and 9.5, NTU, respectively, after dosing and filtration. Natural coagulants worked better with high, turbid, water compare to medium, or low, turbid, water. Highest turbidity reduction efficiency (95.89%) was found with Cicer arietinum. About 89 to 96% total coliform reduction were also found with natural coagulant treatment of turbid water. Using locally available natural coagulants, suitable, easier, and environment friendly options for water treatment were observed.