Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry最新文献

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), once recognized as a harmful gas, is now emerging as a very significant biological substance with great emphasis on neuroprotection and neuromodulation. It has several functions within the nervous system, placing its physiological activities, biochemical characteristics as well as therapeutic possibilities to their proper perspective. Endogenously produced by cystathione beta-synthase (CBS), cystathione gamma-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) enzymes, H₂S is a unique naturally occurring substance that contains multiple biological activities; it is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic. Such activity allows H₂S to reduce oxidative stress, which limits mechanisms of cell death and prevents disruption of mitochondria and thus neuronal injury. H₂S can also be regarded as a neuromodulator because it interacts with and affects the glutamatergic, dopaminergic and GABAergic systems at the synaptic level as well as on neurotransmitter systems and synapse dynamics. It modulates synaptic transmission and its plasticity which is essential for cognitive as well as motor activities and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects which are helpful in the progress of the neurodegenerative condition. Recently gathered some evidence emphasizes as well the possible use of H₂S in therapeutic interventions in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke. In the models of Alzheimer's disease, H₂S is able to reduce the toxicity of amyloid-beta peptides and improve cognitive performance. In Parkinson's disease, it protects dopaminergic neurons and reduces the severity of motor deficits. Moreover, H₂S provides protection in ischemic stroke models through decrease of reactive oxygen species and inflammation. Clinical practice with H₂S-based therapies seems to have certain hurdles even if preclinical results are promising. Aside from stabilizing H₂S in a biologically active form, developing a delivery system for H₂S appears a challenge as well. This review will attempt to summarize the existing studies on H₂S as neuroprotective and neuromodulatory agents, and their avenues of future use and development.

Cancer remains one of the most pressing global health concerns, ranking as the second leading cause of death worldwide. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of cancer, making antioxidants a critical area of research in cancer prevention and treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of fruit-derived antioxidants and their potential therapeutic applications in combating cancer. In particular, it looks at how bioactive compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, and essential vitamins found in fruits help to neutralize reactive oxygen species, control gene activity, and stop tumors from spreading and growing. The review brings together new studies from the lab, on animals, and with people that show how fruit-derived antioxidants can help fight cancer, how they change important cellular pathways, and how they might work better when combined with other treatments. Furthermore, it discusses challenges related to bioavailability, standardization, and clinical translation, underscoring the need for more robust clinical trials. This review shows how important it is to include antioxidants from fruits in dietary guidelines and move forward with targeted research into their therapeutic use in cancer management. It does this by looking at the current evidence and pointing out research gaps.

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Research has shown that endothelial dysfunction due to low nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability is one of the primary causes of preeclampsia (PE). Variations in the eNOS gene may be implicated in reducing NO levels. This study examined the relationship between eNOS gene variations and NO and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in preeclamptic women and their neonates in Bangladesh. This study compared 100 healthy pregnant women (controls) with 82 preeclampsia-diagnosed women and their newborns. PCR-RFLP was used to detect eNOS gene variants, while spectrophotometric methods were used to measure NO and MDA levels in plasma. The maternal eNOS gene variant rs2070744 exhibited a significant relationship with PE risk, particularly under the dominant model and allele frequency scrutiny. Similarly, the neonatal eNOS gene variant rs2070744 exhibited a robust association with PE risk across various genetic models. The case‒control comparison of the genotypic distribution of NO and MDA in the studied subjects revealed that although PE mothers with TT genotypes had significantly lower NO levels than did the controls, the neonates of PE mothers with TT and CC genotypes showed a significant decrease in NO levels compared to their control groups. Moreover, the PE group and their neonates with the TT and CT genotypes had significantly greater MDA levels than did the control group. These findings illuminate the profound influence of eNOS gene variants on preeclampsia onset, suggesting a potential mechanism involving altered NO production via heightened oxidative stress among affected mothers and neonates. Consequently, screening for eNOS variants and estimating NO levels in pregnant women could offer early identification of those predisposed to PE, thus enabling timely interventions.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12291-024-01264-2.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common form of endocrinopathy of women. Several studies have investigated the association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T polymorphism with PCOS risk but the results are contradictory. So, the aim of the present study was to carry out a meta-analysis of a published case control studies to find out exact association between MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism and PCOS susceptibility. Pubmed, Springer link, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases were searched for case-control studies. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used as association measure and meta-analysis was performed using MIX and MetaAnalyst programs. Meta-analysis of 24 studies showed strong significant association between C677T polymorphism and PCOS risk (OR: T vs. C = 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.38, p = 0.03; OR: TT vs. CC = 1.37, 95% CI 1.0-1.89, p = 0.04; OR: TT + CT vs. CC = 1.31, 95% CI 1.07-1.62, p = 0.008; OR: CT vs. CC = 1.31, 95% CI 1.04-1.62, p = 0.02 and OR: TT vs. CT + CC = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.82-1.47, p = 0.04). In subgroup analysis, MTHFR C677T polymorphism is significantly associated with PCOS risk with Asian individuals but in Caucasian population MTHFR C677T polymorphism was not significantly associated with PCOS risk. In conclusion, C677T polymorphism is a risk factor for PCOS.

Cell culture techniques are the vital basis for the majority of experimental cancer research. Targeting cancer cells metabolism is one of the key strategies for controlling the growth of cancer cells. D-Mannoheptulose (MH) (as Phytotherapy) a specific inhibitor, belonging to hexokinase category, to inhibit glycolysis pathway and Doxorubicin (DXR) (as Chemotherapy) has cytotoxic activity against cancer cells and anti-cancer effects by inducing apoptosis. Evaluating the effect of D-Mannoheptulose and Doxorubicin on the normal and breast cancer cell line by determining their anti-tumor activities. Cell culture of normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) and MCF-7 cell line were achieved by using Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) and RPMI-1640 Medium. D-Mannoheptulose, and Doxorubicin stock and diluted solutions were prepared by using phosphate buffer saline (PBS), and dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) respectively. HMECs and MCF7 cell line were treated with MH, and DXR, cytotoxicity ratio was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). The findings of study indicated a substantial increase in the cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects of MH and DXR depending on the concentration gradient against breast cancer cell lines and IC50 values, while on the other hand, there was no significant cytotoxic effect on normal cells. Results of the study revealed that MH, DXR, can result in inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cell lines. This behaviour was mainly due to the increase in cytotoxicity through inhibiting the glycolysis pathway thereby resulting in apoptosis. This further lead to the decrease in HK activity and hence pyruvate as well as ATP amount. Overall, DXR and MH treatment display effective cytotoxic effects against the studied breast cancer cell lines.

Aging is an inevitable, multifaceted biological process characterized by the progressive decline of physiological functions, ultimately leading to increased susceptibility to chronic diseases and mortality. A combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, including dietary habits, exposure to pollutants, and ultraviolet radiation, influence this natural phenomenon. The consequences of aging manifest as various health complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, malignancies, and visible signs like dermal dryness and wrinkles. An imbalance between the body's antioxidant defenses and the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species leads to oxidative stress, which is a key part of the aging process. This imbalance induces cellular damage, apoptosis, and tissue dysfunction, accelerating age-related decline. Antioxidants, both endogenous and exogenous, play a pivotal role in mitigating oxidative stress by scavenging harmful free radicals. Micronutrients from food, such as certain vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, have gotten a lot of attention as exogenous antioxidants that may slow down or fix age-related problems. This review synthesizes findings from comprehensive literature searches on platforms such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, encompassing studies published between 2018 and mid-2024. It looks into the biochemical roles and cell mechanisms that these micronutrients use to fight oxidative stress and support healthy aging. Micronutrients that are high in antioxidants, like vitamins A, C, and E; essential trace minerals, like zinc, copper, and selenium; and phytochemicals, like flavonoids, curcumin, and resveratrol, can help restore the body's oxidative balance. But, even though they seem to have good effects, there isn't enough solid scientific evidence to support the use of these micronutrients as anti-aging agents on their own. This review talks about how eating antioxidant-rich foods every day might be a safer and more long-lasting way to help people live longer and lessen the effects of age-related problems.

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Investigating the impact of liposomal Cisplatin on oral cancer cell line seeks to optimize drug delivery efficiency, decrease systemic toxicity, and amplify cytotoxicity specifically against malignant cells. Cisplatin was encapsulated within liposomal nanoparticles through thin-film hydration and extrusion methodologies. The physical and chemical characteristics of the nanoparticles, including zeta potential, size, drug load, and polydispersity index (PDI), were examined to evaluate their properties. The release of the drug was studied in a simulated body fluid environment in vitro. The stability of the nanoparticles was evaluated over a period of 45 days under normal bodily conditions. Ultimately, the liposomal formulations' efficacy was assessed in comparison to free drugs through cell viability assays conducted on the human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line CAL 27. The liposomal nanoparticles developed exhibited a favorable size range of 170 nm, a zeta potential of - 30 mV, and a low PDI of under 0.19, demonstrating uniform particle sizes. The encapsulation efficiencies were about % 90, and the drug loading capacities were sufficient. The in vitro release profiles displayed a sustained release pattern over 72 h. The liposomal formulations showed improved stability, with no notable changes in physicochemical properties throughout the study period. Cytotoxicity evaluations revealed that the liposomal Cisplatin formulation exhibited a remarkably higher cytotoxic effect on an oral cancer cell line relative to the unencapsulated drug. This research showcases the promise of liposomal formulations in optimizing the clinical efficacy of oral cancer treatments under superior drug delivery, diminished toxicity, and augmented cytotoxicity.