Manipal University

About: Manipal University is a education organization based out in Manipal, Karnataka, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 9525 authors who have published 11207 publications receiving 110687 citations.

Dysregulation of mRNA Localization and Translation in Genetic Disease.

Abstract: RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) acting at various steps in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression play crucial roles in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity. Genetic mutations affecting several RBPs and associated factors lead to diverse neurological symptoms, as characterized by neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases, and can often be multisystemic diseases. We will highlight the physiological roles of a few specific proteins in molecular mechanisms of cytoplasmic mRNA regulation, and how these processes are dysregulated in genetic disease. Recent advances in computational biology and genomewide analysis, integrated with diverse experimental approaches and model systems, have provided new insights into conserved mechanisms and the shared pathobiology of mRNA dysregulation in disease. Progress has been made to understand the pathobiology of disease mechanisms for myotonic dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and fragile X syndrome, with broader implications for other RBP-associated genetic neurological diseases. This gained knowledge of underlying basic mechanisms has paved the way to the development of therapeutic strategies targeting disease mechanisms.

Effect of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiations (RF-EMR) on passive avoidance behaviour and hippocampal morphology in Wistar rats

Abstract: Introduction. The interaction of mobile phone radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) with the brain is a serious concern of our society. Objective. We evaluated the effect of RF-EMR from mobile phones on passive avoidance behaviour and hippocampal morphology in rats. Materials and methods. Healthy male albino Wistar rats were exposed to RF-EMR by giving 50 missed calls (within 1 hour) per day for 4 weeks, keeping a GSM (0.9 GHz/1.8 GHz) mobile phone in vibratory mode (no ring tone) in the cage. After the experimental period, passive avoidance behaviour and hippocampal morphology were studied. Results. Passive avoidance behaviour was significantly affected in mobile phone RF-EMR-exposed rats demonstrated as shorter entrance latency to the dark compartment when compared to the control rats. Marked morphological changes were also observed in the CA3 region of the hippocampus of the mobile phone-exposed rats in comparison to the control rats. Conclusion. Mobile phone RF-EMR exposure significantly altered the passive avoidance behaviour and hippocampal morphology in rats.

Antipyretic and analgesic effect of leaves of solanum melongena linn. in rodents

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the antipyretic and analgesic activity of dry residue of leaf juice of Solanum melongena. Methods: The preliminary phytochemical screening of the dry residue was carried out by chemical tests, spectrophotometric and thin layer chromatographic methods. Acute toxicity study was performed in mice after administration of the dry residue orally in graded doses (0.5-4 g/kg body weight). Antipyretic activity of dry residue of S. melongena (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg doses) was carried out on yeast induced pyrexia in rats. Analgesic activity of dry residue was evaluated in mice using the acetic acid induced writhing test at 100, 250 and 500 mglkg doses. Results: The preliminary phytochemical screening of the dry residue showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and steroids. In acute toxicity study, no mortality was observed at a dose as high as 4 g/kg. The dry residue of fresh juice produced significant antipyretic effect in a dose dependent manner and an appreciable antipyretic effect was noticed at 500 mglkg dose. A dose dependent analgesic activity was observed with S. melongena and significant effect was observed at 500 mg/kg dose. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the potential antipyretic and analgesic effect of S. melongena further supporting the claims by traditional medicine practitioners.