Rajani Mathur

Bio: Rajani Mathur is an academic researcher from Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. The author has contributed to research in topics: Insulin resistance & Fructose. The author has an hindex of 15, co-authored 42 publications receiving 746 citations. Previous affiliations of Rajani Mathur include University of Delhi & All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

Genistein ameliorates cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effects of genistein against cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ) (45 mg/kg body weight)-induced diabetic rats. genistein (300 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for 24 weeks to STZ-induced diabetic rats. The effects of genistein on blood glucose, % glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor (TNF- α), transforming growth factor (TGF-β1), and total antioxidant were studied. Ultrastructural and histopathological assessment of injury were also undertaken using transmission electron microscope. STZ-induced diabetes resulted in significant increase in the levels of blood glucose, HbA1c, C-reactive protein, TNF- α and TGF-β1, and a decline in total antioxidant reserve of the myocardium. Administration of genistein to diabetic rats resulted in a decrease in blood glucose (p < 0.001), % HbA1c (p < 0.0001), C-reactive protein (p < 0.001), and expression of TNF- α (p < 0.001) and TGF-β1 (p < 0.0001) proteins. In addition, genistein treatment results in augmentation of total antioxidant (p < 0.01) reserve of the hearts. The above findings were supported by histological as well as immunohistochemical localization of NF-κB (p65) in the heart. Genistein treatment ameliorated the ultrastructural degenerative changes in the cardiac tissues as compared to the diabetic control. The result demonstrates that genistein restored the integrity of the diabetic myocardium by virtue of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Bioactive compounds and bioactivities of ginger (zingiber officinale roscoe)

Abstract: Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a common and widely used spice. It is rich in various chemical constituents, including phenolic compounds, terpenes, polysaccharides, lipids, organic acids, and raw fibers. The health benefits of ginger are mainly attributed to its phenolic compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols. Accumulated investigations have demonstrated that ginger possesses multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, cardiovascular protective, respiratory protective, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antinausea, and antiemetic activities. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the bioactive compounds and bioactivities of ginger, and the mechanisms of action are also discussed. We hope that this updated review paper will attract more attention to ginger and its further applications, including its potential to be developed into functional foods or nutraceuticals for the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

UV-emitting upconversion-based TiO2 photosensitizing nanoplatform: near-infrared light mediated in vivo photodynamic therapy via mitochondria-involved apoptosis pathway.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising antitumor treatment that is based on the photosensitizers that inhibit cancer cells by yielding reactive oxygen species (ROS) after irradiation of light with specific wavelengths. As a potential photosensitizer, titanium dioxide (TiO2) exhibits minimal dark cytotoxicity and excellent ultraviolet (UV) light triggered cytotoxicity, but is challenged by the limited tissue penetration of UV light. Herein, a novel near-infrared (NIR) light activated photosensitizer for PDT based on TiO2-coated upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) core/shell nanocomposites (UCNPs@TiO2 NCs) is designed. NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+@NaGdF4:Yb3+ core/shell UCNPs can efficiently convert NIR light to UV emission that matches well with the absorption of TiO2 shells. The UCNPs@TiO2 NCs endocytosed by cancer cells are able to generate intracellular ROS under NIR irradiation, decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential to release cytochrome c into the cytosol and then activating caspase 3 to induce cancer ce...