Showing papers by "Central Drug Research Institute published in 1998"
TL;DR: The in vivo effects of curcumin, a natural product obtained from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, on wound healing in rats and guinea pigs are evaluated.
Abstract: Tissue repair and wound healing are complex processes that involve inflammation, granulation, and remodeling of the tissue. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo effects of curcumin (difeurloylmethane), a natural product obtained from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa on wound healing in rats and guinea pigs. We observed faster wound closure of punch wounds in curcumin-treated animals in comparison with untreated controls. Biopsies of the wound showed reepithelialization of the epidermis and increased migration of various cells including myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, and macrophages in the wound bed. Multiple areas within the dermis showed extensive neovascularization, and Masson's Trichrome staining showed greater collagen deposition in curcumin-treated wounds. Immunohistochemical localization of transforming growth factor-β1 showed an increase in curcumin-treated wounds as compared with untreated wounds. In situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction analysis also showed an increase in the mRNA transcripts of transforming growth factor-β1 and fibronectin in curcumin-treated wounds. Because transforming growth factor-β1 is known to enhance wound healing, it may be possible that transforming growth factor-β1 plays an important role in the enhancement of wound healing by curcumin.
333 citations
TL;DR: Spermatozoa with the greatest glycolytic potential and the lowest TCA cycle activity appear to be 'programmed' to utilise exclusively glucose/fructose for energy, whereas spermatocytes with comparatively greater glycoleytic activity have an intermediate dependence on lactate and are therefore able to utilises lactate, pyruvate, or both, while retaining a better ability to utilising glucose.
Abstract: A study was undertaken to estimate the activities of the key enzymes of glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in purified rat spermatocytes and spermatids, which have been shown to die in glucose-containing medium and require lactate/pyruvate for maintaining normal ATP concentrations. The aim was to elucidate the changes in the glycolytic and oxidative potential of germ cells undergoing meiosis. Pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids from adult rat testis were purified to approximately 90% purity by trypsin digestion followed by a combination of centrifugal elutriation and Percoll density gradient centrifugation. After the purity and viability of these cells had been established, their contents of hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and LDH-X of glycolysis, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase of the pentose phosphate pathway and citrate synthase, aconitase, malate dehydrogenase and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase of the TCA cycle were estimated. These enzymes were also estimated in epididymal spermatozoa for comparison with the testicular germ cells. The results indicate greater activity of glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathway enzymes in spermatocytes than in spermatids, which exhibited greater activity of TCA cycle enzymes than the former. The difference in activity was statistically significant for most of the enzymes studied. In contrast, spermatozoa exhibited markedly greater activity of glycolytic enzymes and significantly lower activity of pentose phosphate pathway and TCA cycle enzymes than did the testicular germ cells. We conclude that the unusual dependence of spermatids exclusively on lactate may be due to their lower glycolytic potential, whereas spermatocytes with comparatively greater glycolytic activity have an intermediate dependence on lactate and are therefore able to utilise lactate, pyruvate, or both, while retaining a better ability to utilise glucose. Spermatozoa with the greatest glycolytic potential and the lowest TCA cycle activity appear to be 'programmed' to utilise exclusively glucose/fructose for energy.
124 citations
TL;DR: In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed for 24 patients with pyogenic brain abscesses to examine the consistency of the spectral patterns and to observe the changes in metabolites with treatment, and it was concluded that spectral patterns for brainAbscesses are consistent and specific and can assist in the noninvasive diagnosis of abscesss.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed for 24 patients with pyogenic brain abscesses, to examine the consistency of the spectral patterns and to observe the changes in metabolites with treatment. METHODS: Localized proton spectra were obtained from 4- to 8-ml volumes in the abscesses, using stimulated echo acquisition mode and spin echo sequences. Twenty-two patients were treated with combined surgical and medical therapy, and two patients were treated conservatively. High-resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed for 15 samples of abscesses obtained from these patients, to confirm the assignments of resonances seen in vivo. Postaspiration studies were performed for 12 patients treated with combined medical and surgical therapy and 2 patients treated medically. RESULTS: Lactate and amino acids were seen in spectra for all patients, irrespective of the time of spectroscopy after the onset of combined medical and surgical therapy. Acetate and pyruvate disappeared after 1 week of combined treatment. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that spectral patterns for brain abscesses are consistent and specific and can assist in the noninvasive diagnosis of abscesses. Responses to combined treatment could be monitored by showing the changes in metabolite patterns in serial spectroscopic studies.
98 citations
TL;DR: The proteins which were down regulated in chronic wounds may be used in the management of wounds and exploited as targets for therapeutic development.
89 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an unprecedented coupling reaction of heteroatom-containing tripyrranes leads to the formation of core-modified sapphyrins 1 and 2, which self-assemble in the solid state to form supramolecular ladders.
Abstract: An unprecedented coupling reaction of heteroatom-containing tripyrranes leads to the formation of core-modified sapphyrins 1 and 2, which self-assemble in the solid state to form supramolecular ladders. Weak C-H⋅⋅⋅S and C-H⋅⋅⋅Se hydrogen-bonding interactions in addition to C-H⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bonds are responsible for the observed structures.
88 citations
TL;DR: Results obtained have shown alterations in the antioxidant status following ulceration, indicating that free radicals seems to be associated with the pylorus ligation induced ulcers in rats.
66 citations
TL;DR: The refolding/reconstitution studies showed that the salt-induced partially folded tetrameric intermediate shows significantly higher efficiency of refolding or reconstitution as compared to alkaline-denatured catalase in the absence of salts.
Abstract: We have studied the alkaline unfolding of bovine liver catalase and its dependence on ionic strength by enzymic activity measurements and a combination of optical methods like circular dichroism, fluorescence and absorption spectroscopies. Under conditions of high pH (11.5) and low ionic strength, the native tetrameric enzyme dissociates into monomers with complete loss of enzymic activity and a significant loss of α-helical content. Increase in ionic strength by addition of salts like potassium chloride and sodium sulphate resulted in folding of alkaline-unfolded enzyme by association of monomers to tetramer but with significantly different structural properties compared to native enzyme. The salt-induced tetrameric intermediate is characterized by a significant exposure of the buried hydrophobic clusters and significantly reduced α-helical content compared to the native enzyme. The refolding/reconstitution studies showed that the salt-induced partially folded tetrameric intermediate shows significantly higher efficiency of refolding/reconstitution as compared to alkaline-denatured catalase in the absence of salts. These studies suggest that folding of multimeric enzymes proceeds probably through the hydrophobic collapse of partially folded multimeric intermediate with exposed hydrophobic clusters.
58 citations
TL;DR: It is now evident that various forms of TPs were created by proteolytic cleavage of larger proteins during isolation and cDNA clones have been isolated for three alternatively spliced mRNAs that encodes three distinct human T cell TPs.
Abstract: Splenopentin (SP-5, Arg-Lys-Glu-Val-Tyr) and thymopentin (TP-5, Arg-Lys-Asp-Val-Tyr) are synthetic immunomodulating peptides corresponding to the region 32-34 of a splenic product called splenin (SP) and the thymic hormone thymopoietin (TP), respectively. TP was originally isolated as a 5-kDa (49-amino acids) protein from bovine thymus while studying effects of the thymic extracts on neuromuscular transmission and was subsequently observed to affect T cell differentiation and function. TP I and II are two closely related polypeptides isolated from bovine thymus. A radioimmunoassay for TP revealed a crossreaction with a product found in spleen and lymph node. This product, named splenin, differs from TP only in position 34, aspartic acid for bovine TP and glutamic acid for bovine splenin and it was called TP III as well. Synthetic pentapeptides (TP-5) and (SP-5), reproduce the biological activities of TP and SP, respectively. It is now evident that various forms of TPs were created by proteolytic cleavage of larger proteins during isolation. cDNA clones have been isolated for three alternatively spliced mRNAs that encodes three distinct human T cell TPs. The immunomodulatory properties of TP, SP, TP-5, SP-5 and some of their synthetic analogs reported in the literature have been briefly reviewed.
57 citations
TL;DR: Severity of weakness and denervation on EMG are most useful for predicting the outcome of ATM at 6 months although in early stage motor and somatosensory evoked potentials may be used instead of EMG.
Abstract: Introduction – The role of clinical, MRI and neurophysiological parameters in predicting the outcome of acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is reported. Materials and methods – Thirty-one patients with ATM were subjected to clinical, MRI, somatosensory and motor evoked potential studies in both upper and lower limbs and concentric needle electromyography. The outcome was defined at the end of 6 months into poor (Barthel Index score <12) and good (<12). The relationship of various prognostic variables was evaluated by biserial correlation coefficient and stepwise discriminant analysis. Results – The mean age of the patients was 30.4 years and 7 were females. Fifteen patients had good and 16 had poor outcome. The variables significantly related to the outcome included severity of weakness, denervation on EMG and unrecordable central motor conduction time to tibialis anterior (CMCT-TA) and tibial somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs). Combination of severity of weakness and EMG had 90.3% predicting power. Addition of central sensory conduction time (CSCT) or central motor conduction time (CMCT) did not offer further advantage. Conclusion – Severity of weakness and denervation on EMG are most useful for predicting the outcome of ATM at 6 months although in early stage motor and somatosensory evoked potentials may be used instead of EMG.
49 citations
TL;DR: The study indicates that a combination of ALM + BCG may be a good candidate vaccine for exploiting against human Kala-azar.
Abstract: The protective potential of killed Leishmania major (ALM) along with BCG was evaluated against L. donovani in Indian langur monkeys in single and triple dose schedules. A delayed protection was observed in monkeys after a single dose schedule of ALM (3 mg)+BCG (3 mg) given intradermally 2 months before intravenous challenge with L. donovani. Triple dose schedule each of 1 mg ALM + 1 mg BCG was more effective. The status remained unchanged until the end of the experiment (approximately 8 months). The study indicates that a combination of ALM + BCG may be a good candidate vaccine for exploiting against human Kala-azar.
49 citations
TL;DR: The results presented in this paper suggest that the molten globule intermediate of proteins in the presence of high alcohols is due to alcohol-induced local folding rather than global folding of unfolded protein and hence is an off-pathway product and not a real folding intermediate.
TL;DR: An up-to-date review is presented covering all the available information concerning the isolation, discovery, synthesis, conformation, receptor binding characteristics, pharmacological properties and SAR studies of dynorphin A and related peptides.
TL;DR: There was inhibition of the Schultz-Dale response in sensitised guinea pig ileum, but the bronchospasm induced by histamine could not be antagonised or prevented by Picroliv, indicating the absence of a direct post-synaptic histamine receptor blocking activity.
TL;DR: Two diterpenes, andrographolide and neoandrographlide, isolated from the plant, were evaluated for their antiallergic activity and were found to be comparable to disodium cromoglycate.
Abstract: Andrographis paniculata is widely used in traditional remedies in India in a number of clinical conditions including allergic manifestations. Two diterpenes, andrographolide and neoandrographolide, isolated from the plant, were evaluated for their antiallergic activity. These were tested for anti-PCA (Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis) and mast cell stabilizing activities in rats. Significant anti-PCA activity was observed. The compounds also possessed mast cell stabilizing activity against compound 48/80 and in sensitized mast cells, against egg albumin induced degranulation. The activities were found to be comparable to disodium cromoglycate.
TL;DR: Picroliv, the standardized active principle from the plant Picrorhiza kurrooa showed significant curative activity in vitro in primary cultured rat hepatocytes against toxicity induced by thioacetamide, galactosamine, and carbon tetrachloride and warrant the use of this in vitro system as an alternative for in vivo assessment of hepatoprotective activity of new agents.
TL;DR: The rearrangements reported in the present study warrant serious consideration before implementing mycobacteria as recombinant vaccines.
TL;DR: It is felt that mf stage when used in in vitro test using motility and MTT assays as parameters would be useful in primary screening of new potential filaricides.
TL;DR: Results indicated a marked hepatoprotective effect of Picroliv in terms of biochemical markers, and a significant antileishmanial activity implying that it can be utilized as an adjunct to chemotherapy or in combination therapy of kala azar along with sodium stibogluconate, thus enhancing the efficacy of antileishesmanials.
TL;DR: In this article, the main ingredient of guggulip, an ayurvedic drug, was detected by HPLC on a C18 column using methanol, acetonitrile, buffer and tetrahydrofuran as a mobile phase.
TL;DR: Investigation of endothelial-derived reactive oxygen species and their interaction with nitric oxide during norepinephrine-induced contraction of rat aortic rings indicated the involvement of endothelium-derived hydrogen peroxide, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals in the NE-induced contractions.
TL;DR: Attenuation in the Ach induced NO release and augmentation in the superoxide radical generation seems to play an important role in the modulation of vasoreactivity following renal hypertension in rats.
Abstract: Objectives:Present study was undertaken to investigate involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide radicals in the modulation of vasoreactivity in a model of renal hypertensionMethod:Hypertension was induced in the male Sprague Dawley rats by aortic banding just above the left kidney. Relaxation or contraction following cumulative addition of acetylcholine (Ach, 1 × 10-8to 1 x-5M) or phenylephrine (PE, 1 × 10-8to 1 × 10-5mol/1) was studied in the aortic rings obtained from sharn operated normotensive, hypertensive and captopril pretreated rats. Ach and PE responses were taken in the presence or absence of NO synthase inhibitor (L-NAME; 1 × 10-5and 1 × 10-4mol/1). Spontaneous release of NO from the aortic rings was evaluated by studying the inhibition of adenosine phosphate stundated platelet aggregation, while superoxide radcals were estunated by cytochrome c reduction methodResults:Ach induced vasorelaxation in PE precontracted rings was impaired followmg 8 wk alter aorbc bandmg, while spontaneous re...
TL;DR: A correlation between uterine luminal epithelial alkaline phosphatase activity and endometrial sensitivity is demonstrated and complete inhibition in enzyme activity in luminal and glandular epithelium following centchroman treatment might be related to altered permeability characteristics of epithelial cells.
TL;DR: This study is the first report on efficacy of antihistaminic agents for growth inhibition of pre-erythrocytic stages of any malaria parasite.
TL;DR: The model, thus, seems suitable for evaluation of potential anxiolytic agents and indicates the specificity of its anxiogenic response.
TL;DR: During a short survey of soil and mosquito breeding sites in Lucknow, India for potential mycopathogen from a period of August–October 1996, 11 species of fungi in 5 genera were isolated using live mosquito larvae as host, with high chitinolytic activities observed with A. flavus and A. ochraceus.
Abstract: During a short survey of soil and mosquito breeding sites in Lucknow, India for potential mycopathogen from a period of August–October 1996, 11 species of fungi in 5 genera were isolated using live mosquito larvae as host. Aspergillus flavus , A. fumigatus and Fusarium semitectum were the most frequently isolated species. Other fungi recorded were A. niger , A. ochraceus , A. terreus , A. versicolor , Geotrichum candidum , Penicillium verrucosum , Paecilomyces sp. and Fusarium sp. (Liseola/Elegans complex). Insect cell walls are known to contain chitin, so fungal isolates were tested for their chitinase activity on semi synthetic medium containing colloidal chitin. High chitinolytic activities were observed with A. flavus and A. ochraceus. Chitinase producers can be considered as potential pathogens. However, the higher incidence of F. semitectum could not be explained by inability to utilize chitin.
TL;DR: Crude ethanolic extract of seeds of Cichorium intybus and aerial parts of Guetterda andamanica, Memcylon lushingtonii, and Solanum crassypetalum and their fractions were evaluated for postcoital contraceptive efficacy in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats, and significant contraceptive activity was observed.
TL;DR: In this article, the immunostimulant activity profile of modified iridoid glycosides prepared from loganin, ketologanin and arbortristoside A was studied.
TL;DR: No two strains generated identical RAPD profiles with any of the 21 primers tested, and the UPGMA clustering of the strains seemingly reflected a certain relationship or non‐randomness in the infection of the patients with the strain of C.albicans vis‐a‐vis the immunocompromised status due to underlying disease.
Abstract: The opportunistic imperfect fungus Candida albicans causing life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients (ICP), especially in HIV-positive cases, is recognized to be one of the most important nosocomial pathogens in the recent decades. The extent of strain-to-strain variation within a species and its relationship to the ability of the organism to colonize or invade a specific group of patients or even a body site is, however, not well known. We have analysed 19 strains of C. albicans recovered from ICP at different locales and times, employing the RAPD technique. No two strains generated identical RAPD profiles with any of the 21 primers tested. Further, the UPGMA clustering of the strains seemingly reflected a certain relationship or nonrandomness in the infection of the patients with the strain of C. albicans vis-a-vis the immunocompromised status due to underlying disease such as diabetes, cancer, asthma and meningitis. These results may have a profound impact on the management of candidiasis, especially in the ICP.
TL;DR: Green fluorescent reporter system provides a convenient screen to test antimycobacterial compounds that are active in vitro and within infected macrophages and a good correlation was found between fluorescence and growth.
TL;DR: In this article, 1,3-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) has been found to effect condensation of two molecules of phenylacetic acids in the presence of dimethylaminopyridine leading to the formation of bisbenzyl ketones.