007208   Nag N;Halder S;Chaudhuri R;Adhikary S; Mazumder S (Biochemistry Dep, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: smbioc@gmail.com) : Role of bilirubin as antioxidant in neonatal jaundice and effect of ethanolic extract of sweet lime peel on experimentally induced jaundice in rat. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 73-8.

Bilirubin above a threshold level is toxic to human system and is excreted in urinary and through gastrointestinal tract. The role of bilirubin as antioxidant is debatable. This paper aims at elucidating the role of bilirubin as an antioxidant in neonatal jaundice patients. It is observed that bilirubin up to 6 mg/dl in blood acts as an antioxidant and above 12.5 mg/dl is strongly prooxidant. Phototherapy is the accepted therapeutic management of neonatal jaundice and has been shown to enhance the oxidative stress. Approaches have been taken to formulate a herbal medication which will reduce bilirubin level in the neonates without inducing additional damages. The ethanolic extract of sweet lime peel, administered orally at a dose of 72 μg is found to reduce the oxidative stress in erythrocytes of phenylhydrazine-induced jaundiced rats treated with phototherapy.

007207   Mukherji A;Janbandhu V C;Kumar V (Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, Email: vijay@icgeb.res.in) : HBx protein modulates PI3K/Akt pathway to overcome genotoxic stress-induced destabilization of cyclin D1 and arrest of cell cycle. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 37-44.

Growth arrest represents an innate barrier to carcinogenesis. DNA damage and replicational stress are known to induce growth arrest and apoptotic death to avert genomic instability and consequently carcinogenesis. In this study, working on the genotoxic stress induced by hydroxyurea and methylmethanesulfone, we observed a growth arrest at G1/S-phase that was mediated by destabilization of cyclin D1. The growth arrest was independent of the stability of cdc25A and preceded transcriptional up-regulation of p21^waf1. Cyclin D1 destabilization involved its phosphorylation by GSK-3b at threonine-286, since overexpression of the kinase-dead mutant of GSK-3b or cyclin D1^T286A mutant conferred stability to cyclin D1. Further, overexpression of cyclin D1^T286A also helped in bypassing G1/S phase growth arrest. We also observed a rapid inactivation of Akt/PKB kinase in the presence of hydroxyurea. Enforced expression of the constitutively active Akt or viral oncoprotein HBx (Hepatitis B virus X protein) was sufficient to overcome growth arrest, independent of ATR signaling and stabilized cyclin D1. Thus, the present work not only establishes cyclin D1 to be a novel mediator of genotoxic stress signaling, but also explains how a deregulated mitogenic signaling or a viral oncoprotein can help bypass growth arrest.

007206   Maurya P K;Rizvi S I (Biochemistry Dep, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002, Email: rzv@rediffmail.com) : Alterations in plasma nitric oxide during aging in humans. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 130-2.

Nitric oxide (NO) is relatively harmless, but along with superoxide radical becomes precursor of many toxic species, such as peroxy and hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxynitrite. In the present study, we determined plasma NO as a function of human age and correlated NO levels with total antioxidant capacity of the plasma. Results showed significant increase in NO level as a function of human age and plasma NO level positively correlated with total antioxidant potential. Increased NO may contribute to the development of oxidative stress during aging.

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007205   Mandal G;Sarkar A;Saha P;Singh N;Shyam Sundar;Chatterjee M (Pharmacology Dep, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, 244B Acharya JC Bose Road, Kolkata-700 020, Email: ilatim@vsnl.net) : Functionality of drug efflux pumps in antimonial resistant Leishmania donovani field isolates. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 86-92.

The recent upsurge of antimony (Sb) resistance is a major impediment to successful chemotherapy of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Mechanisms involved in antimony resistance have demonstrated an upregulation of drug efflux pumps; however, the biological role drug efflux pumps in clinical isolates remains to be substantiated. Thus, in this study, the functionality of drug efflux pumps was measured in promastigotes and axenic amastigotes isolated from VL patients, who were either Sb-sensitive (AG83, 2001 and MC9) or resistant (NS2, 41 and GE1) using rhodamine123 as a substrate for multidrug resistant (MDR) pumps and calcein as a substrate for multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRP) respectively; their specificity was confirmed using established blockers. Sb-resistant (Sb-R) isolates accumulated higher amounts of R123, as compared to Sb-sensitive (Sb-S) isolates. Verapamil, a MDR inhibitor failed to alter R123 accumulation, suggesting absence of classical MDR activity. In Sb-R isolates, both promastigotes and axenic amastigotes accumulated significantly lower amounts of calcein than Sb-S isolates and probenecid, an established pan MRP blocker, marginally increased calcein accumulation. Depletion of ATP dramatically increased calcein accumulation primarily in Sb-R isolates, indicating existence of a MRP-like pump, which was more active in Sb-R isolates. In conclusion, our data suggested that overfunctioning of a MRP-like pump contributed towards generation of Sb-R phenotype in L. donovani field isolates.

007204   Lyle N;Bhattacharyya D;Sur T K;Munshi S;Paul S;Chatterjee S;Gomes A (Pharmacology Dep, Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education & Research, 244-B, A. J. C. Bose Road, Kolkata-700 020, Email: lyle.nazmun@gmail.com) : Stress modulating antioxidant effect of Nardostachys jatamansi. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 93-8.

The rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi, the plant commonly known as Jatamansi have been described in Ayurveda for their soothing and sedative action on the central nervous system. In the present study, the anti-stress effect of hydro-ethanolic extract (70%) of N. jatamansi (NJE) was evaluated in reference to its antioxidant property. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: na‹ve, stressed, and T-200 and T-500 stressed with oral pre-treatment of NJE 200 and 500 mg/kg, respectively. Restraint of rats in metallic chambers for 4 h at 4°C was followed by sacrifice and assessment of stress-induced alterations in biochemical parameters, incidence and severity of ulcers. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and NO levels in stomach and LPO, NO levels and catalase activity in brain, plasma corticosterone level and adrenal ascorbic acid were measured. In vitro antioxidant activity of NJE was studied by measuring the free radical scavenging activity. NJE showed potent antioxidant activity and significantly reversed the stress-induced elevation of LPO and NO levels and decrease in catalase activity in the brain. It inhibited the incidence of gastric ulcerations and reversed the alterations in biochemical parameters/markers of stress-induced gastric ulceration. NJE also significantly altered stress-induced increase in adrenal and spleen weights and decrease in level of ascorbic acid in adrenal gland. Elevation of plasma corticosterone level was negated dose- dependently. The findings suggest that the NJE possesses significant anti-stress activity, which may be due to its antioxidant activity.

007203   Luqman S;Ritesh Kumar;Kaushik S;Srivastava S; Darokar M P;Khanuja S P S (Genetic Resources and Biotechnology Div, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (Council of Scient, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow-226 015, Email: s.luqman@cimap.res.in) : Antioxidant potential of the root of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 122-5.

Vetiveria zizanioides, an aromatic plant commonly known as vetiver has been used for various ailments. The essential oil of vetiver root has been shown to possess antioxidant activity. However, antioxidant potential of spent root extract has not been reported. Hence, in the present study, ferric reducing, free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity of two genotypes namely KS1 and gulabi of V. zizanioides L. Nash root were investigated using in vitro assays - the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reducing power (RP). KS1 genotype showed higher FRAP values, DPPH inhibition, TPC and RP potential compared to gulabi and the antioxidant activity increased with the concentration of the extract (10-1000 μg/mL). A significant protective effect of cv KS1 (100 μg/mL) extract was also observed in reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations of erythrocytes subjected to oxidative stress by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The cv KS1 showed better antioxidant activity, compared to cv gulabi indicating the possibility of exploring the presence of different phytoconstituents in the two varieties.

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007202   Kuhad A;Bishnoi M;Chopra K (Pharmacology Research Lab, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Scie, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014) : Anti-nociceptive effect of duloxetine in mouse model of diabetic neuropathic pain Anurag Kuhad, Mahendra Bishnoi & Kanwaljit Chopra. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(3), 193-7.

The involvement of adenosinergic pathway in the anti-nociceptive effect of duloxetine, a balanced 5-HT/NE reuptake inhibitor, was evaluated in streptozotocin induced diabetic male albino mice of Laca strain. After four weeks of single injection of streptozotocin (200 mg/kg, ip), mice were tested in the tail immersion and hot-plate assays. Cerebral adenosine levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/PDA detector). Diabetic mice exhibited significant hyperalgesia along with increased plasma glucose, decreased body weights and reduced cerebral adenosine levels. Administration of duloxetine (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, ip) to diabetic mice produced dose-dependent anti-nociceptive effect in both tail-immersion and hot-plate assays. Adenosine levels were also significantly and dose-dependently increased by different doses of duloxetine. The results demonstrated the involvement of adenosinergic pathway in duloxetine mediated anti-hyperalgesia in diabetic neuropathic pain.

007201   Krishna Kishore R;Sudhakar D;Parthasarathy P R (Biochemistry Dep, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517502, Email: prparthasarathy85@yahoo.co.in) : Embryo protective effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit extract in adriamycin-induced oxidative stress. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 106-11.

The possible protective role of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit extract which has shown antioxidant capacity higher than that of red wine and green tea was evaluated against adriamycin-induced oxidative stress in chick embryos. Adriamycin (ADR), an anthracycline broad spectrum of chemotherapeutic drug is used for the treatment of variety of cancers; however, its prolonged use is limited by an irreversible, dose-dependant and progressive cardiomyopathy, hepatotoxicity and general toxicity to other organs in human beings, due to oxidative stress. The morphological changes (malformation of different organs), changes in body weight, volume of amniotic fluid (AF) and biochemical parameters of AF were studied after 24 and 48 h of incubation by comparing ADR alone and pomegranate fruit extract pretreated groups with their respective controls of 12 days old chick embryos. ADR alone at a dose of 70 mg/egg showed a significant dose versus time- dependent reduction in body weight, volume of AF. A dose-related increase in embryo gross morphological deformities and significant changes in the levels of biochemical parameters in AF were observed in ADR-treated group. These changes were significantly ameliorated to normal by pre-administration of pomegranate fruit extract at a dose of 200 μg/egg. Thus, the study demonstrated the embryo protective nature of pomegranate fruit extract against ADR-induced oxidative stress.

007200   Khaitan D;Dwarakanath B S (Radiation Biosciences Div, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Brig. S K Mazumdar Marg, Delhi-110054, Email: bsd@inmas.org) : Endogenous and induced oxidative stress in multi-cellular tumour spheroids: implications for improving tumour therapy. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 16-24.

The endogenous oxidative stress in tumours is determined by the status of mitochondrial, metabolic, oxygen (hypoxia) and inherent enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems, which influence tumour growth and respond to anticancer therapeutics. Induced oxidative stress is one of the important determinants of the outcome of treatment with certain chemotherapeutic drugs and ionizing radiation. The mild to moderate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have often been found to trigger prosurvival responses, thereby contributing to the resistance against therapy. The higher levels of ROS stimulate multiple death pathways viz. typical and atypical apoptosis, necrosis etc, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficiency. Therefore, approaches employing therapeutic agents that generate ROS efficiently in the tumour cells and enhance the antioxidant defense system in the normal cells could significantly enhance the therapeutic gain. Multi-cellular tumour spheroids (MCTS) offer an excellent in vitro system that mimics endogenous oxidative stress often observed in tumours, arising due to a number of factors (gradients of oxygen and nutrients, altered intercellular interaction and tumour necrosis factor), besides antioxidant defense systems similar to tumours in vivo. More importantly, MCTS resemble tumours in vivo with reference to the induced oxidative stress related responses, particularly following combinations of certain chemotherapeutic drugs and metabolic inhibitors and differs significantly from the responses in monolayer cultures. Therefore, MCTS appear to be excellent in vitro models, ideally suited for developing novel therapies that are based on the generation of oxidative stress in tumours. The present review provides a modest account on the utility of MCTS in understanding the role of oxidative stress in treatment-induced responses of tumours for designing therapies and therapeutics.

007199   Iyer A;Brown L (School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia, Email: l.brown@uq.edu.au) : Is mycophenolate more than just an immunosuppressant? - an overview. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 25-30.

The development of immunosuppressant compounds, such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus was crucial to the success of transplant surgery and for treatment of autoimmune diseases. However, immunosuppressant therapy may increase the concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing oxidative damage such as an increased vascular damage. The major source of ROS in the vascular endothelial cells is NADPH oxidase. The subunit structure and function of this enzyme complex in vascular cells differs from that in phagocytic leucocytes. The enzyme subunits Nox1, Nox2 and Nox4 are only found in vascular cells. The GTP-dependent protein subunit Rac 1 needs to be activated for this enzyme to function. Inhibiting this protein subunit should reduce NADPH oxidase-induced oxidative stress. In the cardiovascular system, oxidative stress is observed as hypertension, hypertrophy, fibrosis, conduction abnormalities and endothelial dysfunction, as well as cardiac allograft vasculopathy in transplant patients. In contrast to cyclosporine and tacrolimus, the immunosuppressant mycophenolate inhibits the Rac 1 subunit thus inhibiting NADPH oxidase in the vasculature. This may reduce oxidative stress, prevent the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy, decrease the deterioration of vascular function and improve cardiovascular function chronically in transplant patients. This overview discusses whether this anti-oxidant immunosuppressive property could translate into a more general protective role for mycophenolate in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

007198   Habibi N;Suthar R K;Purohit S D (Plant Biotechnology Lab, Botany Dep, University College of Science, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur 313 001) : Role of PGRs and inhibitors in induction and control of somatic embryogenesis in Themeda quadrivalvis. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(3), 198-203.

Somatic embryogenesis could be achieved in Themeda quadrivalvis (Linn.) O. Ktze -fodder grass species on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D. Incorporation of putrescine in the medium stimulated embryogenesis, however its lower concentration stimulated production of non-regenerative callus. Other polyamines such as spermine and spermidine could not evoke similar response. Ascorbic acid used as antioxidant could not prevent browning in embryogenic cultures, however it stimulated embryogenesis. Inhibition of auxin polar transport by use of TIBA and HFCA reduced the embryogenic response significantly and produced distorted or abnormal embryos. Antiethylene substances such as AgNO₃ and CoCl₂ added in the medium adversely affected the process of embryogenesis and counteracting the stimulatory role of ethylene.

007197   Gupta R;Sharma M;Lakshmy R;Prabhakaran D; Srinath Reddy K (Cardiac Biochemistry Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029, Email: lakshmy_ram@yahoo.com) : Improved method of total antioxidant assay. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 126-9.

Commercially available analytical kits for the estimation of total antioxidant status are expensive and time-consuming. Most of the commercially available kits for total antioxidants estimation are based on the principle of suppression of ABTS radical cation formation by antioxidant in the serum sample. The method requires stringent assay conditions, like exact incubation time and the temperature (37°C) of the reaction and on an average not more than 40 samples can be analyzed on a day. Adapts the assay to a microplate, thereby allowing more number of samples to be analyzed per day. Further, the reagent volume required is one fourth than that for the original procedure thereby cutting cost. Thirty samples were analyzed by original method on spectrophotometer and our adapted microplate assay. The values of total antioxidant obtained by the two methods correlated well. Thus, total antioxidant can be estimated reliably using the microplate method.

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007196   Gerige S J;Ramjaneyulu (Microbiology Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh) : Antimicrobial activity of Melia dubia leaf volatile oil and camphene compound against skin pathogens. Int J Pl Sci 2007, 2(2), 166-8.

Chemical constituents of Melia dubia leaf volatile oil have been studied by GC-MS. The chemical compound "monoterpine camphene" shows the good antimicrobial activity that inhibits 78% of skin isolates at 250ml concentration, whereas the Melia dubia leaf volatile oil that contains 21.68 % of camphene as a major constituent, inhibits 88% of skin pathogens.

1 table, 9 ref

007195   Gautam S P;Ganjiwale R O;Yeole P G (NO, Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Borgaon (Meghe), Wardha, Email: sg_sadhna@rediffmail.com) : Hepatoprotective activity of Tecomella undulata leaves. Int J Green Pharm 2007, 1(3-4), 24-7.

Hepatoprotective activity of Tecomella undulata leaves extracts against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity was studied. Hepatotoxicity was induced in Albino rats by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ (0.7 ml/kg/day). Methanol and aqueous extracts of T undulata leaves were administered to the experimental rats (200 mg/kg/day, p.o.). The hepatoprotective effect of these extracts was evaluated by the assay of liver function biochemical parameters (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, serum total protein, bilirubin and cholesterol). In methanol extract treated animals, the toxic effect of CCl₄ was controlled significantly by restoration of the levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, serum total protein, total Bilirubin and cholesterol as compared to the normal and the standard drug Silymarin treated groups. Methanol extract of the leaves of T undulata possesses significant hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats as compare to other extracts.

1 table, 18 ref

007194   Gadham Setty S K;Mahamed A K;Lakshmi Devi K (Biochemistry Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur-515 003, Email: gsetty@rediffmail.com) : Cardioprotective and antilipidperoxidative effects of unripe fuit of Aegle marmelos (L.) against isoproterenol induced cardiac stress in rats. Int J Green Pharm 2007, 1(3-4), 13-15.

Study was undertaken to investigate the cardioprotective and antilipidperoxidative effect of aqueous extract of unripe fruits of Aegle marmelos (AMUFAEt) on isoproterenol (lPL) induced myocardial infarction in rats with respect to lipid metabolism, lipid peroxidation in serum. Aegle marmelos (L.) (Rutaceae) is popularly known as maredu in Telugu. The unripe or half ripe fruit has astringent and cardiotonic effects. A very little information on the cardioprotective effect of unripe fruit of Aegle marmelos is available and no biochemical basis related to cardioprotective effect is reported. Oral pre-treatment with A MUFAEt (150mg Kg^-1 day^-1 for 20 days) significantly prevented the isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction and maintained the rats at near normal status.

1 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

007193   Dubey V;Verma R C (Institute of Environment Management and Plant Sciences, Vikram University, Ujjain-456 010) : Shelf life and colonization of soil by clay based cyanobacterial inocula. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(3), 222-24.

Four heterocystous cyanobacteria, isolated from grasslands of Ujjain were selected to prepare the clay based inoculants. Inoculants were evaluated for shelf life in terms of the titer value at 6 month intervals for 24 months. For colonization by inoculants in natural grasslands, the clay based inocula were applied to the field at: 40, 80 and 120 kg/ha and their survival was estimated at different time interval. Fuller's earth based inoculants had showed 50-65% survival after two year storage. After showing an initial decline, the population of the inoculated cyanobacteria became stable after 3 months. The inoculated strains persisted in the soil for longer duration, even after four months, their population was about 10-70 times higher than that of the uninoculated plots.

007192   Dhonde S M;Siraskar B D;Kulkarni A V;Kulkarni A S;Bingi S S (Pharmacology Dep, Padm Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune-411 018, Email: satishdhonde@gmail.com) : Haematinic activity of ethanolic extract of stem bark of Bauhinia variegata linn. Int J Green Pharm 2007, 1(3-4), 28-33.

The haematinic activity of an orally administered ethanolic extract of stem bark extract of Bauhinia Variegata Linn was studied on haemolytic anaemic rats. Anaemia was induced by an oral administration of phenylhydrazine for a period of8 days. Red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and pack cell volume were analysed as indices of anaemia. The mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin concentration were calculated accordingly. Phenylhydrazine induced a significant decrease (Pμ0.05) in the blood parameters indicating anaemia and also resulted to significant increase (Pμ0.05) in the mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell volume values, which are indicators of macrocytosis. Ethanolic extract of stem bark of Bauhinia Variegata Linn induced a significant (Pμ0.05) increase in the red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and pack cell volume which had been decreased by phenylhydrazine administration within one week of treatment. The presence of macrocytosis turn towards normal as the animals recovered from anaemic condition. The results suggested that Bauhinia Variegata Linn might have haematinic properties.

4 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

007191   Das S K;Varadhan S;Gupta G;Mukherjee S;Dhanya L;Rao D N;Vasudevan D M (Biochemistry Dep, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Elamakkara P.O. Cochin-682 026, Email: drsubirkdas@yahoo.co.in) : Time-dependent effects of ethanol on blood oxidative stress parameters and cytokines. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 116-21.

Alcohol consumption is implicated in the genesis of a spectrum of liver abnormalities, which are associated with a number of factors. In the present study, time-dependent effects of ethanol on cytokines (TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-g, VEGF-A and TGF-b1) in serum, and blood oxidative stress parameters such as reduced glutathione content, TBARS level and activities of GPx, GR, GST, catalase and SOD in 8-10 weeks-old male BALB/c mice have been investigated. Ethanol administered @1.6 g/kg body wt/day significantly increased the activities of liver marker enzymes AST, ALT and ALP. Serum nitrite levels and haemolysate TBARS level also increased, while total antioxidant status in serum and GSH content in whole blood hemolysate decreased from 4th week onwards of exposure. Inspite of the increased serum nitrite level and GST activity in the haemolysate, albumin level in serum, GPx and GR activities in haemolysate decreased after 12 weeks of exposure. Chronic ethanol treatment did not show any effect on IL-2, but IL-4 level was reduced and other cytokines such as IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-g, TGF-β1 and VEGF-A levels were increased significantly after 12 weeks. The study indicates a relationship between free radical generation and immune response, and suggests that ethanol-induced liver damage is associated with oxidative stress and immunological alterations in a time-dependent manner.

007190   Chaudhary I;Kathirvelan C;Tyagi A K (National Dairy Research Institute, , Karnal-132 001, Email: amrishtyagi1963@yahoo.com) : Anticancer property of milk. Indian Dairyman 2008, 60(5), 37-43.

About one third of all milk triacyglcerol contain one molecule of butyric acid, potent inhibitor of proliferation and inducer of differentiation and apoptosis in a wide range of neoplastic cell lines. All though butyrate produced by colonic fermentation is considered important for colon cancer protection and animal study suggest dietary butyrate may inhibit mammary tumourigenesis.

28 ref

007189   Chahal H S;Agrawal S S (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Govt Polytechnic College for Girls, Patiala-147 003, Email: chahalharmel@yahoo.co.in) : Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Gymnema sylvestre in experimental animal models. Int J Green Pharm 2007, 1(3-4), 44-6.

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the alcoholic extract of Gymnema sylvestre in experimental animal models, Gymnema sylvestre was evaluated for anti-inflammatory action by carrageenan induced rat paw edema. The analgesic activity was evaluated by Eddy's hot plate method and acetic acid induced writhing response in albino rats. The alcoholic extract of Gymnema sylvestre in doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg showed significant inhibition of paw edema but did not show any analgesic activity at both the dose levels. The present study indicates that Gymneya sylvestre has significant anti-inflammatory activity but no analgesic activity.

3 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

007188   Benli M;Yigit N;Geven F;Guney K;Bingol U (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey) : Antimicrobial activity of endemic Digitalis lamarckii Ivan from Turkey. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(3), 218-21.

Antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extracts of leaves and flowers of D. lamarckii Ivan, (Scophulariaceae), an endemic plant species of Turkey, was tested on ten bacterial and four yeast strains. Effective antibacterial activity was observed in four bacterial strains. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was calculated by use of liquid culture tests and in all the four effective bacterial strains, the MIC was found to be ≥199.5 mg/ml. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of B. subtilis, S. aureus, and L. monocytogenes was calculated to be ≥199.5 mg/ml, and MBC value for Shigella was calculated as ≥399 mg/ml.

007187   Awasthi P K;Dixit S C (NO, D.B.S. Degree College, Kanpur-208 006, Email: pramodawasthil@rediffmail.com) : Chemical compostions of Zingiber officinale rhizomes oil from Nepal. Int J Green Pharm 2007, 1(3-4), 20-3.

Hydrodistillation of rhizome of Zingiber officinale resulted in the isolation of 0.35% of oils (w/v) on fresh weight basis. GC and GC-MS analysis resulted in the identification of 59 constituents in rhizome comprising 85.6% of the oil, of which the major ones were borneol (16.6%), geraniol (10.8%), ar-curcumene (7.1%), and neral (5.9%).

1 table, 21 ref

007186   Asdaq S M B;Inamdar M N;Asad M (Pharmacology Dep, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, 5, Sarjapur Road, Koramangala, Bangalore-560 034) : Effect of conventional antihypertensive drugs on hypolipidemic action of garlic in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(3), 176-81.

Determines the possible alteration in hypolipidemic actions of garlic homogenate (GH) in presence of conventional antihypertensive drugs, propranolol (PRO), hydrochlorothiazide (HYD) and captopril (CAP). Albino rats fed with normal fat diet (NFD) or high fat diet (HFD) were treated with GH at three different doses (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) orally for 30 days or in combination with PRO (10 mg/kg, po), HYD (10 mg/kg, po) and CAP (30 mg/kg, po) during last 7 days of GH treatment. After the treatment, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride (TG) and HDL-cholesterol were measured in serum and antiatherogenic index was calculated. The result showed that moderate and high doses of GH possessed potential antiatherosclerotic property that was significantly attenuated by PRO and HYD. However, GH antihyperlipidemic activity was augmented by CAP. It was concluded that administration of PRO and HYD decrease the hypolipidemic effect of GH and administration of GH along with CAP augmented the hypolipidemic effect of GH in rats.

007185   Arif K;Ejaj A;Maroof A;Azmat A K;Arun C; Fatima N;Gatoo M A;Owais M (Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202 002, Email: owais_lakhnawi@yahoo.com) : Protective effect of liposomal formulation of tuftsin (a naturally occurring tetrapeptide) against cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 45-52.

Tuftsin, a naturally occurring tetrapeptide with a sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg was evaluated for its in vivo protective effect against cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice. The anticancer drug cyclophosphamide (CP) was administered intra-peritonially to induce mutagenic effect. The drug treatment caused significant increase in chromosomal aberrations, formation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE's), as well as oxidative stress and decrease in lipid peroxidation in liver of the animals. The pretreatment with tuftsin abolished such effects in dose-dependent manner and also increased mitotic index in the experimental animals. Results of the study validated chemo-preventive properties of tuftsin against CP-induced chromosomal mutations and cellular injury of liver by oxidative stress.

006246   Zafar U;Khan N;Afroz N;Hasan S A (NO, , 4/1121, Sir Syed Nagar, Aligarh-202 002, Email: uzmajalees@hotmail.com) : Clinicopathological study of non-neoplastic lesions of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(1), 26-9.

Analysis of cases presenting as mass in nasal cavity (NC), paranasal sinuses (PNS), and nasopharynx (NP) was done over a period of 7 years in Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh. A provisional diagnosis was made after clinical assessment and radiological investigations, but final diagnosis was made after histopathological examination. The incidence of masses in NC, PNS, and NP was 34.3 cases per year, non-neoplastic lesions constituted 60% of these cases and their incidence was 20.7 cases per year. All the cases were carefully examined histopathologically and it was found that the region was affected by a variety of non-neoplastic lesions. Among 240 cases, 145 were non-neoplastic and 95 were neoplastic The lesions in the decreasing order of frequency were - nasal polyp, rhinoscleroma, tuberculosis, fungal infection, fibrous dysplasia, ossifying fibroma, cysts, nasal glioma, and cemento-ossifying fibroma. NP was involved by a range of neoplastic lesions; however, no non-neoplastic lesion was seen in this region.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

006245   Varma N;Varma S (Hematology Dep, PGIMER, Chandigarh-160 012, Email: varmaneelam@yahoo.com) : Proliferative indices, cytogenetics, immunophenotye and other prognostic parameters in myelodysplastic syndromes. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(1), 97-101.

Thirty-five adult myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients were included in this study: 11 refractory anemia (RA), 4 RA with ring sideroblasts (RARS), 9 RA with excess of blasts (RAEB), 10 RAEB in transformation (RAEB-T) and 1 chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). The ranges of survival were 4-51 months, 40-59 months, 7-38 months, 5-24 months and 5 days, respectively. Three patients died and 3 showed disease progression during the course of the study. A composite analysis of proliferative indices, cytogenetics, immunophenotype and other conventional/novel prognostic parameters in the context of Indian MDS patients was performed. The proliferative indices (AgNOR and Ki 67 positivity), immunophenotypic markers, serum LDH and ferritin levels revealed wide variations and great overlap among different FAB subtypes. The scoring systems (Bournemouth, Dusseldorf and Goasguen) did not correlate with the prognosis and survival (p > 0.05). Clonal cytogenetic abnormalities were detected in 24/35 (68.57%) patients, +8, -5 and -7 being observed commonly. Cytogenetic abnormalities were more frequent in RAEB (88.8%), RAEB-T (80.0%) and RA (63.6%) subtypes of MDS. By Using Mufti's prognostic system and International prognostic scoring system (IPSS), a good positive correlation was found between low risk category and RARS with better survival as compared to other risk categories/FAB subtypes (p < 0.01). However, rest of the FAB subtypes were assigned into high, intermediate and low risk categories without any correlation with the survival and/or leukemic transformation. RARS subtype revealed itself as the better prognostic category according to the cytogenetic findings as well as Mufti's grading system. This was possible due to the longer follow up available for these patients (40-59).

6 tables, 21 ref

006244   Taneja S K;Singh K B (Zoology Dep, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014) : Beneficial effects of modified egg on oxidative stress in F₁- generation of metabolic syndrome-X induced Wistar rat. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(2), 104-12.

Congenital malformations of neonates are one of the adverse effects of diabetic pregnancy which can be prevented by supplementation of vitamin E and C. The survived neonates usually are at higher risk to diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases that may possibly be prevented through antioxidants administration. In view of this information, the efficacy of modified poultry egg enriched with optimum minerals, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids was studied on F₁-generation, which were made to survive by feeding them this modified egg to diabetic mothers of Wistar rats. The survived F₁-generation displayed hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension like their parents, evaluated after three months of the experiment. Their mineral status revealed a higher Zn and lower Cu, Mg and Mn levels in liver and kidney. Their lipid peroxidation products were however higher and the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione (reduced) and glucose -6 phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly lower. In the other group of F₁-generation, fed modified egg mixed diet, a significant reduction in the blood pressure, serum glucose, serum lipid profile, and the lipid peroxidation products, and a significant increase in the activities of enzymes per se with reversal of Zn, Cu, Mg and Mn levels closer to the control group were recorded. The data suggest that the modified egg can ameliorate the oxidative stress in F₁- generation of diabetic rats by improving the mineral status in their body.

006243   Swarnakumar N S;Thangaradjou T;Sivakumar K; Kannan L (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: swarnakumar_s@yahoo.co.in) : Distribution of total heterotrophic bacteria in the coastal wasters of the Great Nicobar with special reference to human pathogens. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2007, 30(5-6), 129-37.

Qualitative and quantitative distribution of heterotrophic bacteria and human pathogens in different marine environs like mangroves, dead coral, live coral, seagrass, sandy beach and comparatively polluted areas of the Great Nicobar island was investigated. Of the 189 strains isolated, a total of 10 bacterial genera were identified with the dominance of Pseudomonas (22,5%) and Vibrio (17.5%). THB population density recorded in the study varied from 0.15 to 67 x 10³ CPU ml^-1 in the water samples and fluctuated between 0.01 and 15.47 x 10⁷ CPU g^-1 in the sediment samples. In the case of pathogenic forms, 8 species were found distributed in the different marine locations with varying population densities.

1 illus, 2 tables, 48 ref

006242   Sudhakar P;Latha P;Sreenivasulu Y;Bhaskar Reddy B V;Hemalatha T M;Balakrishna M;Raja Reddy K (NO, Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Regional Agricultural Resea, Tirupati-517 502) : Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus colonization and aflatoxin (AfB1) in peanut by methyleugenol. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(1), 63-7.

Methyleugenol is naturally occurring substance in oils and fruits and in various foods as flavoring agent. Effect of this methyleugenol in inhibiting A. flavus colonization and aflatoxin production on peanut pods and kernels has been studied. Spray of methyleugenol (0.5%) on peanut pods and kernels checked the colonization of A. flavus and aflatoxin synthesis. This chemical can be used as both prophylactic or post infection spray on peanut pods before storage. It is the first report on the inhibition of A.flavus by methyleugenol on peanut.

006241   Suchitha S;Vijaya B;Sunila R;Anuradha K; Savitha R (NO, , 892, I Block, Ist Cross, Rama Krishna Nagar, Mysore-570 022, Email: chiranya@dataone.in) : Sporotrichosis in Mysore: a case report to emphasize the role of histopathology. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(1), 45-6.

Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis is unusual in southern India. The diagnosis was made by histopathological examination which is purported to have poor sensitivity. The culture of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis. The pre-eminent role of a careful study of serial sections is emphasized.

^ccr2 illus, 7 ref

006240   Subba J R (NO, , 5th Mile, Tadong 737102, Sikkim) : Indigenous knowledge on bio-resources management for livelihood of the people of Sikkim. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2009, 8(1), 56-64.

Sikkim is not self-sufficient in food production due to limited land availability for cultivation and lower level of productivity affected by constraining mountain specificities such as inaccessibility, fragility and marginality. The people are rich in indigenous knowledge on bio-resources and supplemented their food from the wild plants and animals in the beginning. Now, fifteen types of indigenous farming systems have been identified, and these farming systems and wild boi-resource supplements have been described along with field verification study.

006239   Singh S;Srivastava A N;Tripathi P N (Zoology Dep, K S Saket P G College, Ayodhya, Faizabad-224 123, Email: antheraea@gmail.com) : Estimation of total LIPID content in cestode parasites of some vertebrate hosts. Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 227-9.

Deals with the quantitative estimation of total lipid contents in cestode parasites of some vertebrate hosts. The lipid content depends on the availability of total lipids in its environment- intestine of the host. The hosts selected are Mystus mystus and Gallus gallus. The study helps to establish a role of lipids in the host-parasite association.

1 illus, 1 table, 1 ref

006238   Singh M;Shin S (Centre for Biomedical Engineering, S G N Educational Foundation, #12, 3rd Street, Park Avenue, Velachery, Chennai-600 042) : Changes in erythrocyte aggregation and deformability in diabetes mellitus: a brief review. Indian J expl Biol 0000, 47(1), 7-15.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by varying or persistent hyperglycemia either due to insufficient production of insulin by pancreas or improper utilization of the glucose. Erythrocytes remain in hyperglycemic environment throughout their life span and thus are subjected to series of compositional changes, which in turn affect their flow properties through alteration of deformation at individual level and aggregation at collective level. This brief review summarizes the changes in biochemical parameters primarily contributing to the erythrocyte deformability and aggregation as measured by various techniques, of blood samples obtained from diabetic subjects. The significant changes in erythrocyte aggregation and deformability, in comparison with that of control subjects show the relevance of these measurements. These changes are further supported by in vivo observations of blood flow through microvessels. Finally the relevance of these in combination with other clinical parameters is suggested.

006237   Singh L;Singh L;Kumar P;Tripathi M K (NO, Doon (P G) Paramedical College, Dehradun-248 001) : Characterisation of microorganisms isolated from milk and milk products in states adjoining Uttar Pradesh. Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 187-90.

Milk samples A (boiled), B and D (unboiled) used directly without heat treatment showed bacterial contamination in Haridwar region. Likewise, samples M (unboiled) and N (boiled) collected from Dehradun and C and I (boiled) collected from Delhi showed bacterial growth on nutrient agar, Mac Conkey's agar, EMB agar, Mannitol salt agar and Bismuth sulphide agar. Besides, pasteurized milk samples, flavored milk and chocolates also showed microbial growth on above media. Both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria were recorded in contaminated samples. The nature of microorganisms differed in different samples. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing followed by minimal inhibitory concentration of the isolates showed that Norfloxacin and Chloramphenicol were highly sensitive against" bacterial isolates whereas Tetracycline and Erythromycin showed moderate sensitivity while the Ampicillin showed least sensitivity.

9 tables, 8 ref

006236   Shreedhara C S;Krupanidhi A M;Muralikrishna K S;Vagdevi H M;Vaidya V P (NO, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MAHE, Manipal-576 104) : Anti microbial and anthelmintic activities of Dodonaea viscosa seeds. Aryavaidyan 2008, 21(4), 221-4.

Petroleum ether (60-80øC), chloroform, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of seeds of Dodonaea viscosa were evaluated separately for antimicrobial and anthelmintic activity. Antimicrobial activity of all these extracts was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms by well diffusion method. Significant antimicrobial activity was observed for the petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts. Anthelmintic activity was evaluated on adult Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma using piperazine citrate as reference standard. Ethanolic extract was found to possess significant anthelmintic activity at the dose of 20 mg/ml. The results indicate that the petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts were more potent than the chloroform extract.

3 tables, 13 ref

006235   Sherwani R K;Rahman K;Akhtar K;Zaheer S; Hassan M J;Haider A (NO, , Gul-e-Rana, Nagla Road, Dodhpur, Aligarh-202 002, Email: drkhaliq81@yahoo.com) : Leiomycoma of scrotum. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(1), 72-3.

Leiomyoma is a benign tumor of smooth muscles. Leiomyoma originating from the scrotum is a rare entity. Reports here a case of 50-year-old male who presented with a 4-cm lump in the left side of scrotum. Clinically, it was provisionally diagnosed as sebaceous cyst and was excised. The histopathology showed findings consistent with leiomyoma. There was no cytological atypia or mitosis. The final diagnosis of solitary leiomyoma of scrotum was given. The patient was followed up regularly and is doing fine for last 4 months.

^ccr3 illus, 6 ref

006234   Sherwani R K;Rahman K;Akhtar K;Siddiqui F A; Varshney B K;Sherwani M K A (Pathology Dep, J N Medical College, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh, Email: drkhaliq81@yahoo.com) : Malignant hemangiopericytoma in the gluteal region: a rare entility. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(1), 39-41.

Presents here a case of malignant hemangiopericytoma in a 40-year-old female who presented with a history of slowly growing mass in left gluteal region for about 1.5 years: She was evaluated and a mass of 10 x 7.5 x 5.5 cm³ was found on computed -tomography. The tumor was resected and was sent for histopathological evaluation. Grossly the tumor was encapsulated and on cut section it was nodular. Microscopy showed spindle cells forming cords and sheets separated by thin delicate stroma consisting largely of thin-walled vessels revealed by reticulin stain. Pleomorphism and mitotic figures were seen. It was diagnosed as a case of malignant hemangiopericytoma of gluteal region. The patient underwent radiotherapy and did apparently well. She is on regular follow-up because long-term follow-up is essential in all cases as recurrence can occur several years after treatment.

^ccr3 illus, 10 ref

006233   Sharma A;Dour P;Singh T N (Bacteriology Laboratory, PG Studies and Research in Biological Science, RD Univ, Jabalpur-482 001, Email: anjoo_1999@yahoo.com) : Prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase in environmental isolates of Enterobacter. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(1), 130-6.

Incidence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains and multidrug-resistant strains of Enterobacter spp. isolated from the 1312 km long river Narmada was investigated. Out of the 57 isolates of Enterobacter, 73.68% were found to be ESBL producers including the isolates of E. taylorae and isolates of E. agglomerans, which have been characterized for the first time. All the isolates were found susceptible to the antibiotic imipenem. AmpC gene was found in all the Enterobacter strains tested. AmpC β-lactamase-producing bacterial pathogens may cause major therapeutic failure if not detected and reported in time. It was seen that these enzymes are mainly chromosomally mediated along with several non-AmpC β-lactamase.

4 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

006232   Sarkar P D;Arora R K;Potey G G;Jagdish (Biochemistry Dep, N.S.C.B Medical College, Jabalpur) : Study of antioxidants in children suffering from Kwashiorkor residing in Indore district (M.P.). Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 199-205.

Kwashiorkor is a form of protein energy malnutrition characterized by edema. Most cases occur in developing nations where malnutrition and poverty are common. This study was done in 200 children (age 1-4 year) suffering from Kwashiorkor and compared with apparently healthy children. The antioxidants which were studied were zinc, vitamin A, copper, Iron, and was found that children suffering from Kwashiorkor have low levels of zinc, vitamin A, copper and iron, there levels were significantly reduced as compared to healthy children (P < 0.05).

5 tables, 50 ref

006231   Sarangthem B;Laishram S;Sharma A B;Konjengbam R;Debnath K (Pathology Dep, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal-785 004, Email: abarindras.yahoo.co.in) : Primary bilateral tubal adenocarcinoma associated with uterine leiomyomas. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(1), 32-3.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube is the least common primary malignant tumor of the female genital tract. Bilaterality is also rare. Often the diagnosis is mistaken for ovarian tumor or tubo-ovarian mass. A case of bilateral primary tubal adenocarcinoma of serous type associated with uterine leiomyomas, without evidence of metastasis occurring in a postmenopausal woman is being reported.

^ccr2 illus, 10 ref

006230   Santwani P M;Trivedi D P;Vachhani J H;Trivedi N J (NO, , C/3 Medical Campus, Behind G.G. Hospital, Jamanagar-361 008, Email: pravinasantwani@yahoo.co.in) : Coexistence of squamous cell carcinoma with dermoid cyst of ovary. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(1), 81-2.

A 40-year-old female presented with pain and enlargement of abdomen since last 6 months. A mass was felt over right iliac fossa. Ultrasonography showed partly cystic and solid area in mass arising from ovary. A tooth-like structure was also seen. Dermoid cyst was the diagnosis offered. Laparotomy was performed. Ovarian mass with hair, a tooth and putty-like material was present. Solid white area with thickened wall was found. Histopathology confirmed the findings of dermoid cyst and the thickened area showed squamous cell carcinoma with areas showing keratinous material and giant cell reaction which was also seen at the periphery of tumor areas. Left ovary was normal and no deposits of tumor were seen. Postoperative period was uneventful.

^ccr3 illus, 7 ref

006229   Rao S;Aarthi Rajkumar;Kuruvilla S (Pathology Dep, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Porur, Chennai-600 116, Email: drsarahkuruvilla@gmail.com) : Angiomatous meningioma: a diagnostic dilemma. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(1), 53-5.

Angiomatous meningioma accounts for 2.1% of all meningiomas. It has features of a typical benign meningioma with many small or large vascular channels which may predominate over its meningothelial elements. A series of three cases of angiomatous meningioma, which posed diagnostic difficulty to clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists is presented. All the three cases showed a tumor entirely composed of thin-walled vascular channels and cells with bland morphology in the background. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Presents series of three cases to highlight the histomorphological features of this uncommon variant of meningioma that could help in distinguishing it from hemangioblastoma and hemangiopericytoma.

^ccr2 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

006228   Ramesh M;Murugiah V;Gupta A K (Plant Biotechnology Dep, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai-625 021) : Efficient in vitro plant regeneration via leaf base segments of indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) . Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(1), 68-74.

A reliable and reproducible protocol has been developed for high frequency plant regeneration from 4-5 mm long leaf base segments of 4 days old in vitro germinated seedlings of indica rice (Oryza sativa) cultivar Rasi. The effect of age of seedlings, position of leaf base segments and optimum concentration of 2,4-D on callus induction frequency was investigated with a future aim to use leaf bases for biolistic and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation experiments. Friable, nodular and white to pale yellow embryogenic callus cultures (206 mg fresh weight /explant) were obtained from the first basal segments of rice seedlings on Linsmaier and Skoog (LS) medium supplemented with 2,4-D (11.3 μM) and 3.0 μM thiamine-HCL. Plant regeneration was achieved after the transfer of 54 days old embryogenic callus cultures to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with BAP (2.2 μM) and NAA (0.27 μM). In vitro regenerated plants with multiple shoots and roots transferred to sterile soil in growth chamber and maintained in greenhouse exhibited normal growth and were phenotypically similar to plants germinated from seeds.

006227   Rai S;Sharma M;Naik R;Sinha R;Philipose R; Verghese R (Pathology Dep, Kasturba Medical College, Light House Hill Road, Mangalore-575 001, Email: sharadarai@yahoo.com) : Melanocytoma of cerebellum. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(1), 47-8.

Melanocytomas are rare melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system. Reports a rare case of melanocytoma in the cerebellum of a 35-year-old male patient. Computed tomography scan showed a cystic lesion with an enhancing solid component arising from the cerebellum. The lesion was resected and a histological diagnosis of melanocytoma of the cerebellum was made.

^ccr2 illus, 8 ref

006226   Preethi K C;Kuttan G;Kuttan R (Biochemistry Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur-680 555) : Anti-inflammatory activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis Linn. and its possible mechanism of action. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(2), 113-20.

Calendula officinalis flower extract possessed significant anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan and dextran-induced acute paw edema. Oral administration of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight Calendula extract produced significant inhibition (50.6 and 65.9% respectively) in paw edema of animals induced by carrageenan and 41.9 and 42.4% respectively with inflammation produced by dextran. In chronic anti-inflammatory model using formalin, administration of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight Calendula extract produced an inhibition of 32.9 and 62.3% respectively compared to controls. TNF-α production by macrophage culture treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was found to be significantly inhibited by Calendula extract. Moreover, increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ and acute phase protein, C- reactive protein (CRP) in mice produced by LPS injection were inhibited significantly by the extract. LPS induced cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) levels in mice spleen were also found to be inhibited by extract treatment. The results showed that potent anti-inflammatory response of C. officinalis extract may be mediated by the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and Cox-2 and subsequent prostaglandin synthesis.

006225   Pavithra L;Chattopadhyay S (National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Ganeshskhind, Pune-411 007) : Chromatin and cancer: reprogramming the chaos in the cell. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2007, 30(3-4), 71-82.

The distinct phenotype and behavior of cancer cells that differentiate them from their normal counterparts is attributed to gene regulation. In the recent years it has become increasingly evident that the chromatin forms a very crucial microcosmos for the celluIar activities, thus deciding the cell fate. Highlight the different modifications of chromatin components, their relation to the nascent DNA modifications and the end point of this interplay. This will address the normal regulatory pathways that are a part of chromatin and DNA modifications that help determining the epigenome. Also emphasiseS on how their perturbation leads to a chaotic microenvironment in the cell, leading to cancer.

4 illus, 108 ref

006224   Mulay K;Swain M;Jaiman S;Gowrishankar S (Anatomic Pathology Dep, Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad-500 033, Email: dr_swarnalata@rediffmail.com) : Gleason scoring of prostatic carcinoma: impact of a web-based tutorial on inter- and intra-observer variability. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(1), 22-5.

Total of 40 cases of prostatic adenocarcinomas were scored independently by four pathologists using the Gleason scoring system. After attending a web-based tutorial, the scoring was repeated by all. Consensus scores were obtained by simultaneous viewing of each case in a multihead microscope by all four pathologists. The scores were then compared. The pretutorial kappa (K) values ranged from 0.36 to 0.64 with an average of 0.459. After the tutorial, the K values ranged from 0.44 to 0.678 with the average K value increasing to 0.538, thus indicating an improvement in the agreement. The intraobserver agreement ranged from 0.435 to 0.788. We'conclude that web-based tutorials with emphasis on images developed by experts serve to achieve an uniformity in reporting.

5 tables, 21 ref

006223   Mathai A M;Naik R;Pai M R;Rai S;Baliga P (Pathology Dep, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore-575 001, Email: drrdn@hotmail.com) : Microwave histoprocessing versus conventional histoprocessing. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(1), 12-16.

Aim of the study is to compare the histologic quality of the microwave histoprocessing with that of conventional method and to determine its positive impact on turnaround times and reduction of costs of tissue processing. One hundred and eighty-five paired tissue sections from different organs were taken. Each tissue sections were of size of 15 mm x 10 mm x 3 mm and divided into two; one set as experimental group and the other as control group. The tissues in the experimental group were further divided into six groups and processed by vacuum-microwave method according to six protocols from I to VI. Other tissues in the control group were processed by the conventional method and compared. Overall, the quality of microscopic tissue from both the methods was identical. Microwave processing shortened the time of processing without compromising the overall quality of the histologic section and was cost-effective.

2 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

006222   Masihipour B;Navidpour S H;Taghavi Moghadam A (Razi Reference Lab of Scorpion (RRLS), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Ahvaz, Iran) : Thermal effects on hemolymph electrolytes in Odontobuthus pocock, 1897 (Scorpions : Buthidae). Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 191-3.

Odontobuthus scorpion belongs to Buthidae family and is extensively distributed in south provinces of Iran. Studied the amount of sodium( Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and copper (Cu) electrolytes in haemolymph in different thermal ranges. The estimated amount of each electrolyte was 280.41, 6.85, 10.82 and 31.82 mEq/L respectively. Statistical analysis considering environment temperature and sexes of scorpions showed that the changes in temperature has a significant effect (p < 0.001)on electrolyte content of haemolymph. While sexuality has no effect on electrolyte content. The scorpion fights increased environment temperature with increase of haemolymph osmotic pressure and in this case the most important electrolytes are sodium and potassium, which have a greater shares in this adjustment. Lethal temperature and water loss rates of scorpions indicate that these arthropodous are quite tolerant to hot dry desert conditions.

3 tables, 15 ref

006221   Mardi K;Sharma J (NO, , 12-A, Type V Quarters GAD Colony, Kasumpti, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Email: kavitamardi@yahoo.co.in) : Testicular retiform sertoli cell tumor: a problem in histopathologic diagnosis. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(1), 70-1.

A 9-year-old boy who presented with a left scrotal swelling was subsequently diagnosed as retiform sertoli cell tumor of testis which consisted entirely of retiform pattern. The case is reported in view of its rarity in this age group as well as its unique histologic appearance.

^ccr1 illus, 9 ref