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Pharmacological activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (NRF2) provides protection against several environmental diseases by inhibiting oxidative and inflammatory injury. Besides high in protein and minerals, Moringa oleifera leaves contain several bioactive compounds, predominantly isothiocyanate moringin and polyphenols, which are potent inducers of NRF2. Hence, M. oleifera leaves represent a valuable food source that could be developed as a functional food for targeting NRF2 signaling. In the current study, we have developed a palatable M. oleifera leaf preparation (henceforth referred as ME-D) that showed reproducibly a high potential to activate NRF2. Treatment of BEAS-2B cells with ME-D significantly increased NRF2-regulated antioxidant genes (NQO1, HMOX1) and total GSH levels. In the presence of brusatol (a NRF2 inhibitor), ME-D-induced increase in NQO1 expression was significantly diminished. Pre-treatment of cells with ME-D mitigated reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity induced by pro-oxidants. Furthermore, ME-D pre-treatment markedly inhibited nitric oxide production, secretory IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and transcriptional expression of Nos2, Il-6, and Tnf-α in macrophages exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Biochemical profiling by LC-HRMS revealed glucomoringin, moringin, and several polyphenols in ME-D. Oral administration of ME-D significantly increased NRF2-regulated antioxidant genes in the small intestine, liver, and lungs. Lastly, prophylactic administration of ME-D significantly mitigated lung inflammation in mice exposed to particulate matter for 3-days or 3-months. In conclusion, we have developed a pharmacologically active standardized palatable preparation of M. oleifera leaves as a functional food to activate NRF2 signaling, which can be consumed as a beverage (hot soup) or freeze-dried powder for reducing the risk from environmental respiratory disease.

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Using particulate matter (PM) mass as exposure metric does not reveal the intrinsic PM chemical characteristics or toxic potential, which is crucial for monitoring the sources of emission causing adverse health effects and developing risk mitigating strategies. Oxidative stress and ensuing lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the lung are crucial underlying mechanisms of action by which PM drives cardiorespiratory disease. In the current study, we have postulated and demonstrated that the intrinsic potential of PM to elicit LPO, defined as "LPO index" as a novel approach for characterizing oxidative potential of PM (PMOP) and predicting biological toxicity. First, we exposed unsaturated phosphatidylcholine (PC), an abundant phospholipid in the cell membrane, pulmonary surfactant, and lipoproteins to PM and analyzed the total burden of LPO byproducts generated as a measure of LPO index using a LPO reporter dye, BODIPY-C11. PM exposure resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in LPO. Second, we developed a novel method to expose the captured serum apoB100 lipoprotein particles to PM or its constituents and assessed the levels of specific oxidized-phospholipid on apoB100 particles by immunoassay using E06 monoclonal antibody (mab) that recognizes only PC containing oxidized-phospholipids (Ox-PCs). The immunoassay was highly sensitive to evaluate the PM LPO index and was modifiable by metal quenchers and exogenous antioxidant and radical quenchers. Third, to prove the pathophysiological relevance of Ox-PCs, we found that PM exposure generates Ox-PCs in mice lungs, pulmonary surfactant and lung cells. Fourth, we observed that treatment of macrophages with BAL fluid from PM exposed mice or PM-exposed pulmonary surfactant stimulated IL-6 production, which was abrogated by neutralization of Ox-PCs by mab E06 suggesting that Ox-PCs in lungs are proinflammatory. Overall, our study suggests that Ox-PCs as a probe of PM LPO index is a biologically relevant pathogenic biomarker and has a high value for evaluating PMOP.

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The relationship between air pollution exposure and haematology remains controversial. Evidences in the effect of trace organic air pollutants and in the impact of such exposure on lipid and protein levels are scarce. This work investigated the health effects of medium-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution on both haematological and biochemical indices in animal models. Two groups of albino mice (Mus musculus) were exposed to ambient air polluted by vehicle exhaust for three and six months, and one group was kept as control. Results found significant depletions (p < 0.05) in red blood cells, packed cell volume, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and total cholesterol after air pollution exposure. On the contrary, significant elevations (p < 0.05) were observed in platelet, lymphocytes, and serum albumin compared to control condition. Correlation data suggested that significant changes in blood parameters may be altered by the synergistic effect of several organic and inorganic air pollutants.

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Plankton diversity and physico-chemical parameters are an important criterion for evaluating the suitability of water for irrigation and drinking purposes. In this study, we tried to assess zooplankton species richness, diversity and evenness to predict the state of Chickadevarayana canal water of Cauvery River according to physico-chemical parameters. A total of 51 taxa were recorded with 22 rotifers, 5 copepods, 6 cladocerans, 1 ostracoda and 17 protozoans. More number of zooplankton species were recorded in Darasaguppe (30) followed by Edmuri (26), Kennala (20), Pandavpura (19) and Gendehosahalli (16). Among the rotifers, Euchlanis sp. species was abundant (194). Acantholeberis curvirostris was predominant among cladocerans (970). Among copepods, numerical superiorities were found in the case Cyclops sp. Cypris sp. was recorded in the ostracoda. Centropyxis aculeate repeated abundance in protozoans (412). The water samples analyzed for temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, sulphate and nitrate did not indicate variation. The occurrence of Asplanchna herricki, Lacrymaria sp, Brachionus pala and Monostyla lunaris showed highest similarity of occurrence reaching above 90%. The study revealed that the presence of certain species like Monostyla, Lepadella, Leydigia, Keratella, Branchionus and Cypris species can be considered as a biological indicator for eutrophication.

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The paper highlights the fish diversity in major wetlands of Mysore district, Karnataka, India and its conservation status. Forty-five species of fishes belonging to 15 families, 31 genera have been identified. Fish species belonging to genus Puntius were more common in many of these lakes. However it was observed that the fish diversity was decreasing since last two years unprecedently mainly due to manifold human activities. Fish diversity in the lakes is becoming rare and about seven species were identified as endangered. Out of the 45 identified fishes, six fish species were identified as threatened species. Tork hudree, also known as Deccan mahseer and seven other species were identified as vulnerable fish species. Though there were 40 species of fish endemic to this region, their number decreased with introduction of more exotic species. Conservation of endemic fishes, propagation of endangered and threatened fishes should be therefore, undertaken to preserve and protect fish diversity in the wetlands of Mysore district.

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BACKGROUND: The exact pro-oxidant and antioxidant status in osteoarthritis patients is still not clear. To add a new insight to the question, changes in the erythrocyte lipid peroxidation products (MDA), levels of glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid and plasma vitamin E (nonenzymatic antioxidant parameters); and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase in erythrocytes and plasma glutathione - S - transferase (GST) were measured in patients with osteoarthritis. AIM: This work was undertaken to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients with osteoarthritis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was conducted in 20 patients and compared to controls. Levels of erythrocyte MDA, GSH, ascorbic acid, plasma vitamin E; and activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured in patients with osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Erythrocyte GSH was measured by the method of Beutler et al. Ascorbic acid levels were measured by the method of Tietz. Plasma vitamin E levels were measured by the method of Baker et al. MDA was determined as the measure of thio barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). SOD activity in the hemolysate was measured by the method of Misra and Fridovich. Activity of catalase was measured by the method of Beers and Sizer. GPX activity was measured as described by Paglia and Valentine in erythrocytes and Plasma GST activity was measured as described by Warholm et al. These parameters were measured in 20 patients and compared to controls. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis between group 1 (controls) and group 2 (patients) was performed by the student's t - test using the stat -view package. RESULTS: It was observed that there was a significant increase in erythrocyte MDA levels; SOD, GPX and plasma GST activities; and a significant decrease in erythrocyte GSH, ascorbic acid, plasma vitamin E levels and catalase activity in patients with osteoarthritis when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest higher oxygen-free radical production, evidenced by increased MDA and decreased GSH, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and catalase activity, support to the oxidative stress in osteoarthritis. The increased activities of antioxidant enzymes may be a compensatory regulation in response to increased oxidative stress.

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The exact pro-oxidant and antioxidant status in pregnancy--induced hypertension patients is still not clear. To add a new insight to the question, changes in the erythrocyte lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde; MDA), levels of glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid and plasma vitamin E (non enzymatic antioxidant parameters) and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase in erythrocytes were studied in thirty five patients with pregnancy--induced hypertension and thirty five healthy pregnant normotensive cases. It was observed that there was a significant increase in erythrocyte MDA levels, activities of SOD, GPx and a significant decrease in erythrocyte GSH, ascorbic acid, plasma vitamin E levels and catalase activity in patients with pregnancy--induced hypertension when compared to controls. The results of our study have shown higher oxygen free radical production, evidenced by increased levels of MDA and decreased levels of GSH, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and Catalase activity supports the oxidative stress in pregnancy--induced hypertension. The increased activities of antioxidant enzymes may be a compensatory regulation in response to increased oxidative stress. The decreased concentrations of glutathione and antioxidant vitamin status supports the hypothesis that lipid peroxidation is an important causative factor in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

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There is a dearth of information regarding the changes in heart muscle metabolites induced by pesticides. In the present study, the gobiid fish, Glossogobius giuris, was exposed to sub lethal concentrations of (0.05, 0.25 and 0.5 ppm) organophosphorus pesticide, malathion for short duration (24 to 96 hr). The cardiac muscles showed maximum depletion of glycogen and cholesterol content during 72 and 96 hr after treatment with 0.5 ppm malathion. Whereas a slight fluctuation of protein and glycogen content was observed in low concentration (0.05 ppm) of malathion. The levels of protein showed a significant decrease at high concentration (0.5 ppm) when treated for longer duration (96 hr). The present study reports metabolic dysfunction in response to malathion toxicity in the fish.

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Three new lamellarin alkaloids, lamellarins gamma (1), alpha (2), and epsilon (3), along with eight known lamellarin alkaloids, lamellarins M (4), K (5), K-diacetate (6), K-triacetate (7), U (8), I (9), C-diacetate (10), and X-triacetate (11), have been isolated from the Indian ascidian Didemnum obscurum. The structures of 1-11 were established using standard spectroscopic techniques. The structure of lamellarin K-triacetate (7) was further confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The antioxidant properties of lamellarin gamma, lamellarin gamma-monoacetate, lamellarins K, U, and I, and lamellarin C-diacetate were evaluated.

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Oxygen free radicals have been implicated in the long-term complications of maintenance haemodialysis. Studies that have probed into the mechanisms of oxygen radical production have implicated the bio-incompatibility of dialysis membranes. Changes between the arterial (inlet) and venous (outlet) points of a dialyser may give a better picture of blood membrane interaction. There are very few studies on changes across the dialyser. Hence, it was planned to study the immediate changes that occur due to passage of blood through the dialyser. Changes between the arterial and venous ends of the dialyser after 1 h of dialysis were studied in four combinations of dialysate and membrane. There was a significant decrease in plasma vitamin E concentrations in all the groups during first-use dialysis. This was not observed with re-use dialysis. A decrease in plasma lipid peroxides was also observed in all the groups with both first and re-use dialysis. There was no significant difference in the parameters studied among the four types of dialysis. A less severe, reactive oxygen radical generation was observed with re-use of membranes.

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Chronic renal failure, characterised by two factors acting in opposite directions with respect to the serum thyroid homone levels was chosen for the study. Healthy controls, donors undergoing nephrectomy and renal transplant recipients were studied. In transplant recipients, presurgical levels of total thyroxine(TT4), free triiodothyronine(FT3) and free thyroxine(FT4) were lower than controls, and immediately after the release of arterial clamps, there was an upsurge of total triiodothyronine (TT3), TT4, FT3 and FT4 due to administered and/or endogeneously secreted catecholamines. The levels of the 7th day were comparable to the presurgical levels. The changes observed in donors and recipients were similar indicating that the hormonal changes observed are mostly due to surgical stress. Recovery in the hormonal status did not start in the first week of posttransplant period.

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