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Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Male infertility is a global public health concern. Teratozoospermia is a qualitative anomaly of spermatozoa morphology, contributing significantly to male infertility, whereas azoospermia is the complete absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Thus, there is a serious need for unveiling the common origin and/or connection between both of these diseases, if any. This study aims to identify common potential biomarker genes of these two diseases via an in silico approach using a meta-analysis of microarray data. In this study, a differential expression analysis of genes was performed on four publicly available RNA microarray datasets, two each from teratozoospermia (GSE6872 and GSE6967) and azoospermia (GSE145467 and GSE25518). From the analysis, 118 DEGs were found to be common to teratozoospermia and azoospermia, and, interestingly, sperm autoantigenic protein 17 (SPA17) was found to possess the highest fold change value among all the DEGs (9.471), while coiled-coil domain-containing 90B (CCDC90B) and coiled-coil domain-containing 91 (CCDC91) genes were found to be common among three of analyses, i.e., Network Analyst, ExAtlas, and GEO2R. This observation indicates that SPA17, CCDC90B, and CCDC91 genes might have significant roles to play as potential biomarkers for teratozoospermia and azoospermia. Thus, our study opens a new window of research in this area and can provide an important theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of both these diseases.

Cigarette smoking has become one of the most common addictions in context to the present scenario of tobacco consumption. Comprising of nearly 7000 chemicals, cigarette smoke have both free radicals and oxidizing agents in both smoke tar and gas phase, both of which can cause oxidative stress in human health. Long time smoking causes decreased serum immunoglobulin level but increased level of auto– antibodies. During chronic oxidative stress resulting from cigarette smoking, cells secrete mucus and increased viscosity of mucus in airways makes it susceptible to bacterial infection. Furthermore, chronic exposure of lungs to tobacco smoke causes unfolded protein response, ER stress and altered ceramide metabolism. Apart from the above mentioned facts, Cigarette smoking can also cause senescence resulting in abnormal wound healing that exaggerates pathogenesis of COPD. Although there are several management therapies available for COPD management, but the permanent cellular damages due to smoking are irreparable and results in disease exaggeration and suffering.

Publisher Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. Copyright: Copyright 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved. Endometriosis is characterized by unwanted growth of endometrial tissue in different locations of the female reproductive tract. It may lead to recurrent pregnancy loss, which is one of the worst curses for the reproductive age group of human populations around the world. Thus, there is an urgent need for unveiling any common source of origin of both these diseases and con-nections, if any. Herein, we aimed to identify common potential biomarker genes of these two diseases via in silico approach using meta‐analysis of microarray data. Datasets were selected for the study based on certain exclusion criteria. Those datasets were subjected to comparative meta‐anal-yses for the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), that are common to both diag-noses. The DEGs were then subjected to protein‐protein networking and subsequent functional enrichment analyses for unveiling their role/function in connecting two diseases. From the analyses, 120 DEGs are reported to be significant out of which four genes have been found to be prominent. These include the CTNNB1, HNRNPAB, SNRPF and TWIST2 genes. The significantly enriched pathways based on the above‐mentioned genes are mainly centered on signaling and developmental events. These findings could significantly elucidate the underlying molecular events in endometri-osis‐based recurrent miscarriages.

Among Asian populations, including that of the Indian subcontinent, herbal remedies have been practiced since ancient times for the management of many complex diseases, including andrological problems. The efficacy of herbal medicines has largely been attributed to the synergistic interactions of the individual components because they are used mostly as whole extracts. In recent times, investigative studies have been taken up to validate the clinical efficacy and safety of individual herbal extracts, discrete chemical ingredients as well as their active principles apart from elucidating their mechanism of action in the management of such disorders. In this chapter, we discuss various pharmacological effects of three such herbs Ginkgo biloba, Curcuma longa, and Camellia sinensis that may be useful in the management of a wide array of andrological disorders such as male infertility, hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. We have also attempted to provide their potential molecular mechanisms of action, to have a better understanding of how these herbal medicines exert their effects. Supplementation of G. biloba, C. longa, and C. sinensis has the potential to reduce oxidative stress levels and may uplift the health of reproductively compromised men posing as low-cost alternatives. By combining these herbs with lifestyle modification and standard medical treatment, the clinician may be able to maximize the chances of restoring normal reproductive functioning in such men. We have summarized the outcomes of already published reports on G. biloba, C. longa, and C. sinensis; however, not carried out any dose-response relationship or toxicological study. As such, more clinical intervention trials are needed to elucidate the exact mechanism of action of these herbs in humans. Carefully designed dose-response human studies may be able to incorporate G. biloba, C. longa, and C. sinensis as potential alternatives in the clinical management of andrological problems.

Various serological factors like CRP, anti-CCP, rheumatic factor (RF) are produced during the onset of the disease and are....

The Rabha tribe is a little known small endogamous population belonging to Indo-mongoloid group of north-eastern India. We have analyzed 16 KIR and 5 TLR gene polymorphisms in the Rabha population of northern West Bengal, India for the first time. The observed frequencies of the KIR genes (except framework and pseudogene loci) ranged between 0.26 (KIR2DS3) and 0.96 (KIR2DL1). Comparisons based on KIR polymorphism have revealed that although the Rabhas are of Indian origin the presence of mongoloid component in their gene pool cannot be denied. The frequencies of the 5 TLR genes ranged between 0.90 (TLR4) and 0.46 (TLR5). TLR variations found in the Rabhas may play a synergistic role in fighting against the bacterial invasions. Our results may contribute to the understanding of (1) genetic background and extent of genetic admixture in the Rabhas, (2) population migration events and (3) KIR-disease-TLR interactions.

The Indian Subcontinent exhibits extensive diversity in its culture, religion, ethnicity and linguistic heritage, which symbolizes extensive genetic variations within the populations. The highly polymorphic Killer cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) family plays an important role in tracing genetic differentiation in human population. In this study, we aimed to analyse the KIR gene polymorphism in the Bengali population of northern West Bengal, India. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the KIR gene polymorphism in the Bengalis of West Bengal, India. Herein, we have studied the distribution of 14 KIR genes (KIR3DL1-3DL3, KIR2DL1-2DL5, KIR2DS1-2DS5 AND KIR3DS1) and two pseudogenes (KIR3DP1 and 2DP1) in the Bengalis. Apart from the framework genes (KIR2DL4, 3DL2, 3DL3 and 3DP1), which are present in all the individuals, the gene frequencies of other KIR genes varied between 0.34 and 0.88. Moreover, upon comparing the KIR polymorphism of the Bengalis with the available published data of other world populations, it has been found that the Indo-European-speaking Bengalis from the region share both Dravidian and Indo-Aryan gene pool with considerable influences of mongoloid and European descents. Furthermore, evidences from previously published data on human leucocyte antigen and Y-chromosome haplogroup diversity support the view. Our results will help to understand the genetic background of the Bengali population, in illustrating the population migration events in the eastern and north-eastern part of India, in explaining the extensive genetic admixture amongst the different linguistic groups of the region and also in KIR-related disease researches.

Background Different methods available for extraction of human genomic DNA suffer from one or more drawbacks including low yield, compromised quality, cost, time consumption, use of toxic organic solvents, and many more. Herein, we aimed to develop a method to extract DNA from 500 μL of fresh or frozen human blood. Methods Five hundred microliters of fresh and frozen human blood samples were used for standardization of the extraction procedure. Absorbance at 260 and 280 nm, respectively, (A260 /A280 ) were estimated to check the quality and quantity of the extracted DNA sample. Qualitative assessment of the extracted DNA was checked by Polymerase Chain reaction and double digestion of the DNA sample. Results Our protocol resulted in average yield of 22±2.97 μg and 20.5±3.97 μg from 500 μL of fresh and frozen blood, respectively, which were comparable to many reference protocols and kits. Conclusion Besides yielding bulk amount of DNA, our protocol is rapid, economical, and avoids toxic organic solvents such as Phenol. Due to unaffected quality, the DNA is suitable for downstream applications. The protocol may also be useful for pursuing basic molecular researches in laboratories having limited funds.

Background Toll-like receptors are the mediators of the innate immune response to pathogens. In human, this gene family regulates the inflammatory pathways and is associated with the susceptibility to infection. Subjects and methods The distribution and the diversity patterns of TLR genes in Rajbanshi population (n = 85) who are the inhabitants of the Northern part of West Bengal, have been investigated in the present study. PCR-SSP was done for all the ten TLR genes. We have also constructed the phylogenetic tree principal component analysis and genetic distance for all the four populations. Results It has been observed that in Rajbanshi population, the frequency of TLR8 (0.894) is higher and the frequency of TLR2 (0.176) is very low. Dendrogram based analysis, as well as the PCA plot, documented the closeness of Rajbanshi and Gurkha population. However, Rabha is distantly related to Rajbanshi population though evidences suggest their emergence from the same East-Asian lineage. Genetic distances between Rajbanshi–Gurkha and Rajbanshi–Muslim are very much smaller than that of Rajbanshi–Rabha populations. Interpretations & conclusions Therefore, it may be concluded that Rajbanshi, Gurkha and Muslims are very much mixed populations and have genetic closeness due to exposure to similar environmental conditions. On the other hand, the Rabhas strictly follow the endogamy and are restricted to a particular region and therefore maintain considerable distances with the other three populations. The data showed some interesting observations which deviate the contemporary thought in respect to the population genetics.

Background The aim of the present study was to quantify the phytochemicals of Clerodendrum infortunatum root and correlate on the basis of phytochemicals present with other medicinal plants belonging to different families. Methods Various standard biochemical and spectrophotometric methods were employed to study the phytochemical status of the root of C. infortunatum. All the analysis was performed in multiple sets. Various statistical methods like principal component analysis, dendogram, Euclidean distance and correlation study were done to compare the phytochemical profile of C. infortunatum with different selected medicinal plants belonging to different families. Results Results indicated the presence of various phytochemicals like phenol, alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, thiamine, riboflavin, etc. Among the estimated phytochemicals, phenol had the highest quantity (65.59±1.26 mg/g) followed by lipid (27.51±0.23 mg/g) and tannin (16.40±0.07 mg/100 g). The phytochemical contents of C. infortunatum are much higher than those of the other reference plants. Conclusions It may be concluded from the present study that the root of C. infortunatum contains very high amount of phytochemicals which are chiefly responsible for various medicinal properties. Therefore, the presence of the bioactive compounds in high quantity may lead to the potent medicinal value of C. infortunatum root.

Human Major Histocompatibility Complex also known as Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system is an extended portion of human genome spanning a region of about 4000 Kb on the short arm of chromosome 6 between 6p21.31 and 6p21.32.1. This region contains a large number of polymorphic genes with variable expression and function which are arranged close together and are generally inherited as a haplotype. These genes have been grouped into different clusters based on their structural and functional characteristics namely: Class I, II and III. Due to their diploid nature, an individual inherits two alleles of each HLA loci, one each from either parent. Furthermore, due to very low recombination frequency (less than 1%), a complete set of alleles on the same chromosome is usually inherited as a haplotype. Approximately 150 billion or even more genotypic combinations are possible in the HLA system. According to Klein, such a polymorphism is not only advantageous for an individual, but also enhances the survivality of the species surrounded by plethora of pathogens.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the joints causing swelling, stiffness and pain which finally leads to substantial loss of functioning and mobility in its advanced stages. In the present study we have monitored important serological parameters of fifty RA patients and also have discussed the justification of using rat as a model for human RA researches by comparing their respective serological parameters. We have also evaluated the anti-arthritic roles of raw Aloe vera gel and its effects in rat model where arthritis was induced by using Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA). Three essential conclusive statements were derived from the study. Firstly, the six clinical parameters that we have selected for the study namely, RA factor, CRP, ASO, ESR, ceruloplasmin and serum creatinine were all essential for the differential diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis during its early and later stages, RA factor being the most sensitive of all parameters (92% sensitivity). Secondly, this study has supported the use of the rat as a model for designing therapeutic strategies against RA. Lastly, as evident from our study, Aloe vera extracts can be beneficial for the reduction of inflammatory edema and also for the reduction of ceruloplasmin in RA condition in rat model. However, further investigations are necessary for more refined therapeutic usage of Aloe vera for the treatment of RA in human.

Objective: Toll-like receptors are the pattern recognition receptors that recognize a diverse set of conserved pathogens. The receptors are also constantly under selection pressure because of the host antigen modifications. The present study focuses on how selection and mutation have modified the TLRs throughout the evolution in selected groups. Methods: We have selected the sequences of TLR2, 4 and 9 among Hominid group, Homo sapiens, Bubalus bubalis and Danio rerio in our analysis and analyzed different parameters like relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU), sequence divergence, amino acid composition and estimated evolutionary selection forces using Tajima’s test. Results: The phylogenetic assessment proved that positive selection influences TLR2 and TLR4, but neutral selection/balancing selection occurred in TLR9 which concluded from the Tajima's test. Synonymous codon usage described the selection of leucine and arginine in all the sequences which describe the structural similarities of TLRs. Values of nucleotide pairs and disparity index proved the close relationship of Hominid and Human between TLR2 and TLR4 and TLR9 where the distant relationship was found with Danio. It can be hypothesized that some of the codons may be best selected for binding with the antigens and it was selected in the genome and some were eliminated due to selection pressure. Conclusion: The present study aimed to substantiate the closeness of TLR2 and TLR4 due to their functional similarity but distant with TLR9 because of the different antigens they recognized in the endosome.