Levels Of Various Biochemical Parameters Research Articles

UV-spectrophotometric and spectroscopic observed Vachellia nilotica and Nigella sativa formulations regularized the histopathological and biochemical parameters during wound contraction.

Diabetes mellitus causes impaired diabetic wounds which is linked to a number of pathological alterations that impede the healing of wounds. In the current research, Swiss albino mice were given alloxan monohydrate to induce diabetes and excision wounds of approximately 6 mm using biopsy punch. The diabetic wounds were treated with various biomaterials including Vachellia nilotica extract (VN), Nigella sativa extract (NS), V. nilotica nanoparticles (VNNPs) and N. sativa nanoparticles (NSNPs). Their effects were determined by evaluating the percent wound contraction, healing time, and histopathological analysis. The serum level of various biochemical parameters that is, pro-inflammatory cytokines, Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) were also determined. VNNPs group provided the best outcomes, with wound contraction 100% on 12th day. According to histopathological examination, VNNPs group reduced inflammation and encouraged the formation of blood vessels, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. VNNPs group significantly alleviated the serum level of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are, TNF-α (19.4 ± 1.5 pg/mL), IL-6 (13.8 ± 0.6 pg/mL), and IL-8 (24.8 ± 1.2 pg/mL) as compared with the diabetic mice. The serum level of MMP2 (248.2 ± 7.9 pg/mL), MMP7 (316 ± 5.2 pg/mL), and MMP9 (167.8 ± 12.1 pg/mL) in the same group VNNPs were also observed much less than the diabetic mice. The serum level of TIMPs (176.8 ± 2.9 pg/mL) in the VNNPs group was increased maximally with respect to diabetic mice. It is concluded that nanoparticles and biomaterials possess healing properties and have the ability to repair the chronic/diabetic wound. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: UV-spectrophotometric and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy observation for functional group analysis and possible linkage between conjugates Optimization of the histopathological and biochemical markers after application of the formulations Microscopic analysis of epithelial tissues for evaluation of healing mechanisms Speedy contraction of wounds as the alleviation of the inflammatory and necrotic factors.

Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) a traditional food medicine protects the kidney from the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats

The nutritional seeds from Macrotyloma uniflorum (MU) were studied for their unexplored beneficial effect in kidney diseases. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the MU seed for its nephroprotective efficacy against cisplatininduced nephrotoxicity in an animal model. The nephroprotective potential for the Macrotyloma uniflorum seed extract (MUSE) was evaluated in albino rats (250 and 500 mg/kg; p.o.) for 10 days. At the end of the study, the nephroprotective effect was assessed based on the levels of various biochemical parameters of serum, urine, and kidney tissue. The GC-MS analyses of extract confirmed the antioxidant phytochemical constituents responsible for the nephroprotective activity. The MUSE treatment at 250 and 500 mg/kg p.o. showed a significant reduction in the levels of blood urea nitrogen (p<0.05), serum creatinine (p<0.01), serum urea (p<0.001), restore the urine volume (p<0.01), and urine creatinine (p<0.01) as compared to the negative control (cisplatin-injected rats). Subsequently, the abnormal conditions of creatinine clearance (p<0.05) and serum albumin (p<0.05) were restored to normal. For respective doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg p.o, the superoxide dismutase activity increased (p<0.05) to 82.91 and 98.8 U/g whilst the glutathione level significantly increased (p<0.01) to 36.24 and 46.17 µg/mg. Similarly, the catalase activity was significantly improved (p<0.001) to 485.9 and 573.5 µM/g with a significant reduction (p<0.001) in the level of the malondialdehyde to 84.56 and 68.56 nM/mg, respectively for low and high doses. The histopathology of kidney tissues confirmed the pronounced nephroprotection effect of MUSE against the cisplatin-induced injuries like tubular necrosis, hyaline cast, and vascular congestions. The major constituents found in GC-MS were inositol, ethyl alpha-d-glucopyranoside, n- hexadecanoic acid, 9, 12-octadecadienoic aci, 3-betastigmast-5-en-3-ol, Vitamin E, and stigmasterol. The results indicate the promising nephroprotective potential of Macrotyloma uniflorum seeds in nephrotoxicity induced rats, and the efficacy was comparable with vitamin E.

An Assessment of Biochemical biomarkers alterations in COVID-19 patients

COVID-19 (coronavirus disorder 2019) is a sickness as a result of a virulent virus named SARS-CoV-2 and turned into discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Objectives: To evaluate the most common biochemical parameters those are increased in COVID-19 positive patients and ultimately can be used as a diagnostic marker for the evaluation and staging of disease. Methods: This study included 200 COVID-positive patients confirmed with PCR. The clinical profile was recorded from various conventional laboratories. Data was analyzed statistically by applying sample t test to the data. Results: Total 200 patients were included in the study. Increased levels of various biochemical parameters have been found including ferritin, CRP and d- dimmer. D-dimer was elevated in 99.5 percent (n = 199) whereas 0.5 percent (n = 1) were normal and ferritin was elevated in 65.5 percent (n = 131) and was normal in 32.5 percent (n = 65). CRP was elevated in 81.5% (n=163) patients. Variations was also seen in Electrolytes like potassium was elevated in 53 % (n=106) and was low value in 8% (n= 16) while it remained normal in normal in 39% (n= 78). Sodium ions were high in 25.5% (n=51), reduced in 37.5% (n = 75) while 375 (n=74) were normal. Chloride was elevated in 32.5% reduced in 26% while it was normal in 41.5%. The metrics that remained normal were: urea (96.5%), creatinine (66.5%), total bilirubin (84%), platelets (86.5%), and TLC (73%). Ferritin, CRP and d-dimmer had a p value lower than 0.05 showing significant results. Conclusion: This study concluded that some parameters particularly d-dimer, ferritin, C reactive protein were considered to be predictive markers for the initial diagnose of COVID-19.

Serum Lipids in COVID-19

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic still remains as an evolving condition. The available literature suggested that the level of various biochemical parameters was found to be associated with severity of the infection and can be used as markers of severity in patients with COVID-19. However, speculation for association of hypolipidemia with COVID-19 severity was also postulated. Hence, present study is conducted to find association of lipid profile with the severity of the disease. Materials and methods: A case–control study was carried out in the months of August to October 2020 in Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. Cases included 103 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-positive admitted patients (52 with moderate disease and 51 with severe disease), whereas control included 100 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR-negative patients visiting outpatient clinic of Department of Respiratory Medicine of the hospital. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values of participants were evaluated and compared among severe COVID-19 cases and controls as well as in moderate and severe COVID-19 diseased. Results: Among 103 patients, 52 patients had moderate disease and 51 had severe COVID-19 on admission. The mean serum total cholesterol level in cases was 145 ± 64.21 and 161.43 ± 43.48 mg/dL in controls (P = 0.035). Mean serum triglyceride level was 167.22 ± 99.04 mg/dL in COVID-19 cases and 141.73 ± 71.76 mg/dL in control (P = 0.037). Mean serum LDL-C level was 93.77 ± 38.68 mg/dL in cases and 110.74 ± 43.11 mg/dL in control (P = 0.004). Mean serum HDL-C level was 29.61 ± 11.71 mg/dL in cases and 42.35 ± 13.87 mg/dL in control population (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Hypolipidemia was found to be significantly associated with COVID-19 infection in the current study. There was no statistically significant difference found in patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 in this small group study.

Therapeutic interventions of remdesivir in diabetic and nondiabetic COVID-19 patients: A prospective observational study conducted on Pakistani population.

We aimed to investigate the interventions of remdesivir in both diabetic and nondiabetic individuals who were suffering from a severe infection of novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between therapeutic effectiveness of remdesivir and complications of diabetes mellitus by observing the recovery period among diabetic and nondiabetic patients associated with COVID‐19 infection. A total of 850 COVID‐19 patients were recruited for this study, out of which 48% were diabetic and 52% were nondiabetics. The results of this study indicated that nondiabetic individuals administered with remdesivir recovered from COVID‐19 within 10 days showing a 95% confidence interval (p < 0.01), while the diabetic individuals recovered in 15 days. Nondiabetic patients administered with remdesivir exhibited higher chances of clinical improvement at 15th day than those who were associated with diabetes. Remdesivir administration improved the levels of various biochemical parameters, such as C‐reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, d‐Dimer, and ferritin both in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. However, a significant improvement (p < 0.01) was seen in the level of biochemical parameters among nondiabetic patients as compared to that of diabetic patients administered with remdesivir treatment. In the end, it was concluded that remdesivir could be considered as a possible therapeutic agent in the treatment of COVID‐19 both in diabetic and nondiabetic situations. However, diabetic patients showed a delayed recovery as compared with that of nondiabetic patients, in which the recovery rate was high.

Assessment of Lifestyle Practices and Nutritional Status among Undergraduate Medical Students

Background and Objectives: Overweight and obesity are not only the biggest problem among the middle-aged but also among children, teenagers and young adults. Early detection of the factors causing obesity, in turn, helps in the prevention of its complications. The objectives of the study were to assess the various lifestyle practices among medical students and to correlate the relationship between the nutritional status and biochemical parameters.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional - study was conducted on MBBS students studying at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), Mandya, Karnataka, India. Self-administered questionnaires were given to the students followed by the recording of their anthropometric measurements. Nutritional status was assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI). Fasting blood sample was collected from the student and analysed the biochemical parameters.&#x0D; Results: Out of 325 students, 48.9% were male students and 51.1% were female students. It was found that a higher percentage of female students (53%) was on a balanced diet as compared to male students (47.2%). The daily consumption of fruits and vegetables were less amongst students of both genders. Mean values of Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C) were higher among male students as compared to female students. Mean values of few biochemical parameters like FBS, TC, TG and LDL-C were higher amongst obese students along with a corresponding decrease in High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C).&#x0D; Conclusion: Our study showed that unhealthy dietary and lifestyle practices were associated with increased levels of various biochemical parameters and it was more common amongst male students. Increased biochemical parameters like FBS, TC, TG and LDL-C with the corresponding decrease in HDL-C is an alarming sign for increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease among the younger age group.

Long-term treatment with finasteride induces apoptosis and pathological changes in female mice.

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of alopecia, and it affects humans of both genders. Finasteride is a type II selective 5α-reductase inhibitor that is administered orally to treat androgenetic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia in human males. However, its effect on the vital organs of females is unknown. This study was designed to investigate the effects of finasteride on the vital organs such as liver, kidney, and heart of female mice. To study the prospective effects of finasteride, female mice were orally administered two doses of finasteride (0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg) once daily for 35 days, and serum levels of various biochemical parameters and histopathology of various organs were examined. The results showed that serum levels of alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased by both high- and low-dose finasteride, whereas cholesterol was significantly increased by the high dose only. Creatine kinase was significantly increased by the high and low doses, whereas glucose was significantly decreased by both doses. Histopathological analysis and DNA damage assays showed that finasteride has adverse effects within both the short and the long periods in female mice. In addition, the proapoptotic genes Bax and caspase-3 were significantly increased by high dose finasteride, whereas the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 was significantly decreased by the low and high doses. In conclusion, finasteride is not currently approved for therapeutic use in females, and the findings in this study suggest caution in any future consideration of such use.

Cr–induced cellular injury and necrosis in Glycine max L.: Biochemical mechanism of oxidative damage in chloroplast

Chromium-induced toxicity and mechanisms of cell death involved in plants are yet to be fully elucidated. To understand the events of these processes, the stress response of the soybean plant using trivalent and hexavalent chromium compounds, namely, basic chromium sulphate (BCS) and potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) was investigated. The leaf surface morphology for stomatal aperture, wax deposition and presence of trichomes for chromium accumulation was examined by SEM-EDAX and light microscopy. The leaf mesophyll cell integrity was identified by trypan blue staining; chlorophyll autofluorescence, ROS generation and mitochondrial function were studied by fluorescence microscopy using different dyes. Isolated chloroplasts were analysed for micronutrients and total chromium content by AAS. Elevated Cr level and decreased Fe, Cu and Zn content in chloroplast revealed the active transportation of highly soluble Cr6+ species resulting in poor absorption of micronutrients. Cr accumulation as Cr(V) in chloroplast was noticed at g = 1.98 of electron paramagnetic resonance signal. Plants grown in Cr(VI) amended soil showed chemical modification of biological macromolecules in the chloroplast as observed from fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectra; the chloroplast DNA damage was confirmed by DAPI staining. Cr(VI)-treated plants showed significant reduction in the levels of various biochemical parameters. The results altogether clearly indicate that Cr(VI)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production leads to oxidative stress-associated changes in the organelles, particularly in chloroplast, resulting in cell death.

Alterations in Urinary Microalbumin and Serum Antioxidants in Sickle Cell Disease

ABSTRACT Changes in the level of various biochemical parameters play a significant role in the physiopathology of sickle cell disease (SCD). The aim of this study is to determine the level of urinary micoalbumin and plasma level of ascorbic acid and uric acid in subjects suffering from sickle cell anemia. A total of 30 subjects consisting of both males and females whose age range varied from 10 to 30 years were included in the study. The urinary albumin/creatinine ratio invariably increased in all studied subjects as compared with the control subjects. The level of ascorbic acid in the plasma significantly declined in SCD subjects when compared with that of control subjects (p &lt; 0.05). Also, the decrease in level of uric acid in plasma of SCD patients was significant as compared with the control subjects. Significant changes in these biochemical parameters thus could be used as reliable markers in nephropathy in sickle cell patients and thus in the management of the disease. How to cite this article Patra PK, Khodiar PK, Sahu D, Sahu GK. Alterations in Urinary Microalbumin and Serum Antioxidants in Sickle Cell Disease. Indian J Med Biochem 2016;20(1):1-5.

The relationship between epicardial fat tissue thickness and visceral adipose tissue in lean patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is related to metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular metabolic syndromes. This is particularly true for individuals with central and abdominal obesity because visceral abdominal adipose tissue (VAAT) and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) produce a large number of proinflammatory and proatherogenic cytokines. The present study aimed to determine whether there are changes in VAAT and EAT levels which were considered as indirect predictors for subclinical atherosclerosis in lean patients with PCOS.MethodsThe clinical and demographic characteristics of 35 patients with PCOS and 38 healthy control subjects were recorded for the present study. Additionally, the serum levels of various biochemical parameters were measured and EAT levels were assessed using 2D-transthoracic echocardiography.ResultsThere were no significant differences in mean age (p = 0.056) or mean body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.446) between the patient and control groups. However, the body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, amount of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue, and VAAT thickness were higher in the PCOS patient group than in the control group. The amounts of EAT in the patient and control groups were similar (p = 0.384). EAT was correlated with BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, and hip circumference but not with any biochemical metabolic parameters including the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index or the levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. However, there was a small positive correlation between the amounts of VAAT and EAT. VAAT was directly correlated with body fat parameters such as BMI, fat mass, and abdominal subcutaneous adipose thickness and inversely correlated with the HDL cholesterol level.ConclusionsThe present study found that increased abdominal adipose tissue in patients with PCOS was associated with atherosclerosis. Additionally, EAT may aid in the determination of the risk of atherosclerosis in patients with PCOS because it is easily measured.

Hepatoprotection by active fractions from Desmostachya bipinnata stapf (L.) against tamoxifen-induced hepatotoxicity.

Objective:The aim was to evaluate the effect of the polyphenolic fraction of Desmostachya bipinnata Stapf (PFDB) (Poaceae) on tamoxifen (TAM)-induced liver damage in female Sprague-Dawley rats.Materials and Methods:The roots of Desmostachya bipinnata were extracted in 70% methanol, and the polyphenolic fraction was isolated. Protection of BRL3A cells against ethanol-induced damage was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by oral administration of TAM (45 mg/kg/day) for 21 days. The PFDB was administered to experimental animals at two selected doses (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) during the treatment. The serum levels of various biochemical parameters and the antioxidant enzymes were examined by standard procedures.Results:A dose-dependent increase in percentage viability was observed when ethanol-exposed BRL3A cells were treated with PFDB. Both the treatment groups upon pretreatment with PFDB exhibited a significant (P ≤ 0.05) protective effect by lowering serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, cholesterol, urea, uric acid, bilirubin and creatinin levels and improving protein level in serum in dose-dependent manner, which was comparable to that of silymarin group. In addition, PFDB prevented elevation of reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in the TAM-intoxicated rats in concentration-dependent manner and significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological reports, which showed the attenuation of hepatocellular necrosis.Conclusions:The results of this study strongly indicate that the polyphenolic fraction of the plant roots has a potent hepatoprotective action against TAM-induced hepatic damage in rats.

Elevated resistin levels are associated with inflammation in hemodialysis patients with failed renal allografts.

Resistin is an adipocytokine, associated with insulin resistance and inflammation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of serum resistin levels and other markers of inflammation in hemodialysis (HD) patients with failed renal allografts. Sixty-nine HD patients with failed renal allografts and 98 never transplanted (naive) HD patients and also 21 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum levels of various biochemical parameters as well as resistin, IL-6, TNF-α and hs-CRP as biochemical markers of inflammation, were measured. Serum resistin levels in patients with failed renal allografts (4.80 ± 2.06 ng/mL) were significantly higher than those of the naive HD patients (3.44 ± 1.48 ng/mL) and healthy controls (0.95 ± 0.38 ng/mL; p<0.001). Patients with failed transplants were also characterized by higher TNF-alpha levels (96.8 ± 131.3 pg/mL vs. 40.9 ± 25.4 pg/mL; p<0.001) and IL-6 levels (83.9 ± 150.9 pg/mL vs. 14.6 ± 14.4 pg/mL; p<0.001) as compared to naive HD patients. Serum hs-CRP levels in patients with failed renal allografts (9.33 ± 11.86 mg/L) were significantly higher than those of the naive HD patients (1.26 ± 1.71 mg/L) and healthy controls (2.12 ± 1.82 mg/L; p<0.001). Serum albumin levels in patients with failed transplants (3.84 ± 0.47 g/dL) were lower as compared to never transplanted HD patients (4.13 ± 0.33 g/dL) and healthy controls (4.53 ± 0.40 g/dL; p<0.001). There was a positive correlation between serum resistin and TNF-alpha levels (r = 0.486, p<0.001). Serum resistin levels are increased in HD patients with failed renal allografts very probably reflecting an allograft-induced chronic inflammatory state.

Effect of co-administration of CoQ10-loaded nanoparticles on the efficacy and cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles

The present study investigates the effects of the antioxidant and anticancer properties of CoQ10-NPs on the efficacy and toxicity of Dox. Cell culture experiments revealed a significantly higher cellular uptake of Dox- and CoQ10-NPs in MCF-7 cells, as compared to their free drug counterparts. Further, intracellular tracking demonstrated preferential localization of Dox-NPs in the vicinity of nucleus while that of CoQ10-NPs with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating organelles viz. mitochondria and lysosomes. Furthermore, an H2DCFDA assay was employed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of CoQ10 formulations for inhibiting Dox-induced ROS, which was found to be significantly higher in the case of CoQ10-NPs. The concentration and time dependent cytotoxicity of Dox- and CoQ10-NPs against MCF-7 cells was significantly higher, as compared to the respective free drug. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the Dox/CoQ10 combination was evaluated and the interaction was analyzed by median-effect analysis. The results revealed antagonism at early time points up to 48h, as compared to their individual treatments which reverted to synergism at 72h. The lowest combination index (CI) 0.24 was observed in the case of the NPs combination for the Dox : CoQ10 in a dose ratio of 1 : 50 at 72h, while it was only 0.86 in the case of the free drug combination, revealing strong synergism in the case of the NPs combination, as compared to the free drug counterparts. In order to resolve the duality observed in cell culture experiments, both the prophylactic (reflecting antioxidant potential) and therapeutic (reflecting cytotoxicity) anticancer efficacy of the CoQ10 formulations were evaluated. CoQ10-NPs showed promising results in both cases. Co-administration of CoQ10-NPs with Dox-NPs showed ~1.69-fold and 4-fold higher antitumor efficacy, as compared to the Dox-NPs alone (per oral) and Dox (i.v.), respectively. In addition, the co-administration of CoQ10-NPs completely abolished the cardiotoxicity of the Dox formulation when measured as a function of levels of various biochemical parameters and by histopathological studies. In a nutshell, the combination regimen could be fruitfully exploited to improve the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the cardiotoxicity of Dox.

Monitoring of Early Field Hepatic Tolerance to NNRTI-Based Regimens with Multiple Biochemical Parameters in Ivorian HIV-1-Infected Patients: A Pilot Study

Background: Multiple biochemical parameters related to cytolysis, cholestasis and/or liver failure, can be used to evaluate liver tolerance to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. what parameters are most suitable for monitoring early hepatic tolerance in the developing countries? Objective: to evaluate liver tolerance to NVP (nevirapine) or EFV (efavirenz)- based regimens during the first six months. Method: This is a preliminary prospective cohort study with 125 naive ivorian HIV1-infected patients, by observing the level of ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotrans- ferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase), and TBR (total bilirubin). Results: variable changes are noticed in the level of various biochemical parameters from M0 to M6. Nevertheless, we found that the values of these parameters studied fall within normal ranges except for GGT which showed an increased level with NVP-based regimen. Biological liver tolerance to NVP or EFV-based regimen was good at M3 and M6 during therapy. The percentage of patients who had elevated ALT activity had tripled with each ARV regimen from M3 to M6. We noticed a decrease in the median value of transaminases (ALT and AST) from M0 to M6. This decrease was statistically significant for patients on EFV-based regimen from M0 to M3 and from M0 to M6. The ALP enzymes were the least affected after initiation of therapy, regardless of the regimen taken. In general,we noticed an hepatotoxicity of grade 1 or 2, in the two ARV regimens. The hepatotoxicity of grade 3 or 4 were rare (only with transaminases and GGT). Conclusion: we suggest a study of longer duration involving more patients, probably limited to the monitoring of transaminases (ALT and AST) and GGT, due to the results more or less sensitive about them in our analysis.

Increased ACE and Decreased ACE2 Expression in Kidneys from Patients with IgA Nephropathy

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 forms angiotensin-1–7 which may protect kidney in a counterregulatory manner to angiotensin II. Recent studies revealed increased ACE and decreased ACE2 expression in kidneys of patients with diabetic nephropathy. However, these changes may not be specific for diabetic nephropathy. We studied ACE and ACE2 expression in patients with IgA nephropathy. Methods: Renal ACE and ACE2 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in 30 patients with IgA nephropathy and 21 healthy controls. Correlation between ACE and ACE2 expression and levels of various biochemical parameters was also assessed. Gene expression was also assessed in minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) and membranous nephropathy (MN) as disease controls. Results: Reduced ACE2 expression (p < 0.01) and increased ACE expression in glomeruli (p < 0.001), and reduced ACE2 expression in tubulointerstitium (p < 0.001) were observed in patients with IgA nephropathy compared to healthy controls, although the changes in ACE2 mRNA were not statistically significant. Reduced renal ACE2 expression was also found in MN but not in MCNS. Correlation between renal ACE and ACE2 expression and proteinuria was not observed in IgA nephropathy. Conclusion: IgA nephropathy is associated with increased ACE and decreased ACE2 expression in kidneys, as in diabetic nephropathy.

Antioxidant defense mechanism in hydroponically grown Zea mays seedlings under moderate lead stress

The present study was designed to study the process of stress adaptation in roots and shoot of Zea mays seedlings grown under hydroponic conditions during exposure to lead (Pb) (0–200 μM) for 1–7 d. The alterations in growth and in the level of various biochemical parameters were accessed vis-à-vis Pb accumulation. The accumulation of Pb increased in a concentration-duration-dependent manner, however its translocation from root to shoot was low. At the same time, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased with increasing Pb concentration. However, growth parameters, such as dry weight and root length did not show a significant decline to any of the Pb concentrations. In addition, the level of photosynthetic pigments decreased only upon exposure to high Pb concentrations. These results suggested an alleviation of the stress that was presumably being achieved by antioxidants viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as ascorbic acid (AsA), which increased linearly with increasing Pb levels and exposure time. However, the level of non-protein thiols (NP-SH) in roots, in general, showed a decline beyond 4 d that could be attributed to their consumption for the purpose of Pb detoxification. In conclusion, Zea mays can be used as an indicator species for Pb, and the various antioxidants might play a key role in the detoxification of Pb induced toxic effects.