Browsing by Author "Asha Kumari"

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Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: Abundance, Interaction with Plants and Potential Biological Applications
(Springer, 2020) Manoj Parihar; Manoj Chitara; Priyanaka Khati; Asha Kumari; Pankaj Kumar Mishra; Amitava Rakshit; Kiran Rana; Vijay Singh Meena; Ashish Kumar Singh; Mahipal Choudhary; Jaideep Kumar Bisht; Hanuman Ram; Arunava Pattanayak; Gopal Tiwari; Surendra Singh Jatav
Beneficial microbes associated with plant roots play an important role to achieve higher agriculture production for burgeoning population in sustainable way. Among various microbes, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi interaction with higher land plants is unique as they occupy position both inside and outside of roots. AM fungi as a natural symbionts of land plants provide various ecological services, in particular by improving plant water and nutrition availability, soil health and fertility, alleviating stress condition and wasteland management. Mycorrhizae as a broader group of fungi include seven types of members, i.e. arbuscular, ecto, ectendo, arbutoid, monotropoid, ericoid and orchidaceous, while arbuscular and ectomycorrhizae are the most abundant and ubiquitous. In this chapter, we focus on AM fungi and provide an overview on mycorrhizal interaction, benefits, processes, production development and potential application domain under various conditions. Along with recent advances in AM fungi role under various stress condition, reclamation of problematic wastelands and production aspects, we also discuss about the basic features of AM fungi with past developments to provide an overall glimpse of this plant-fungal interaction. In spite of its growing trends, AM fungi’s current application and market sharing are far below to full potential. Regarding this, current challenges, constraints and strategies for future road map to overcome these problems are also discussed briefly. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020.
Curcumin inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia and airway inflammation through modulation of sequential release of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and TGF-β1) in murine model
(Birkhauser Verlag AG, 2017) Asha Kumari; D. Dash; Rashmi Singh
Objective: Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a major component of turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory potential. Present study investigates sequential release of inflammatory mediators post LPS challenge (10 mg/kg,i.p.) causing lung inflammation and its modulation by curcumin through different routes (20 mg/kg, i.p and 10 mg/kg, i.n.) in murine model. Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, i.p) was used as standard drug. Methods: Lung Inflammation was evaluated by histopathological analysis, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity followed by inflammatory cell count and total protein content measurements in bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF). Reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrite and TNF-α levels were measured as markers of endotoxin shock at different time points (1–72 h). The mRNA expression of transforming growth factors-β1 (TGF-β1), iNOS and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) were measured followed by Masson’s trichrome staining and hydroxyproline levels as collagen deposition marker leading to fibrotic changes in lungs. Results: We found that LPS-induced lung inflammation and injury was maximum 24-h post LPS challenge shown by MPO and histological analysis which was further supported by elevated nitrite and ROS levels whereas TNF-α level was highest after 1 h. Endotoxin-induced mortality was significantly reduced in curcumin (i.p) pretreatment groups up to 72-h post LPS challenge. Significant inhibition in mRNA expression of iNOS, TGF-β1 and TNF-α level was noted after curcumin treatment along with lowered MPO activity, inflammatory cell count, ROS, nitrite levels and collagen deposition in lungs. Conclusion: Our results suggest that higher endotoxin dose causes inflammatory mediator release in chronological order which tend to increase with time and reached maximum after 24-h post-endotoxin (LPS) exposure. Intraperitoneal route of curcumin administration was better in modulating inflammatory mediator release in early phase as compared to intranasal route of administration. It can be used as supplementary therapeutic intervention at early stage of endotoxemia, having fewer side effects. © 2017, Springer International Publishing.
Impact of Nanoparticles on Human Health and Environment
(CRC Press, 2023) Sadhna Chauhan; Payal Chakraborty; Chandan Maharana; Neha Singh; Asha Kumari
The advent of a new genre of services and consumer products across many fields is only one way in which nanotechnology has altered the face of the world. The usage of materials with dimension aspects in the nano-range has prompted concerns about worker, consumer, and environmental safety despite their distinct benefits and vast range of uses in the home and industrial sectors. Nanoparticles can affect people and the environment via interactions through a variety of processes because of their tiny size and other new physiochemical properties. Additionally, the features of nanoparticles that determine their toxicity are explored, as well as potential methods by which nanoparticles can enter the human body. There is an urgent requirement to introduce the methodologies that can evaluate the lethal effect of nanoparticles on humans as well as the environment because there is very little information available pertaining to long-term vulnerability to humans. Additionally, methods for reducing human exposure to harmful nanoparticles, including hazard identification and risk assessment, successes, shortcomings, and upcoming difficulties of toxicological investigations including nanoparticles are also discussed in this chapter. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Parul Chaudhary, Anuj Chaudhary, Ashok Kumar Nadda, and Priyanka Khati; individual chapters, the contributors.
Intranasal Curcumin Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice
(Springer New York LLC, 2015) Asha Kumari; Namitosh Tyagi; D. Dash; Rashmi Singh
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is one of the most powerful proinflammatory factor and can induce acute pulmonary inflammation even lung injury after inhalation or systemic administration. LPS induces sepsis and multiple organ damage. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a major component of turmeric, exhibits protection against LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI). We aimed to investigate effects of intranasal curcumin on LPS-induced ALI in mice where curcumin (10 mg/kg, intranasal (i.n.) was given an hour before LPS exposure. After 24 h of intranasal LPS instillation, a marked increase in neutrophil recruitment and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was noted which were significantly ameliorated in curcumin treatment group. Oxidative stress markers like nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) level and evans blue capillary leakage assay also revealed suppression after curcumin treatment; interestingly, levels of anti-oxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were upregulated. Inflammatory cytokine, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level was significantly attenuated by curcumin. Hence, intranasal curcumin could be a novel therapeutic strategy for LPS-induced ALI by directly targeting the lungs and enhancing anti-oxidant levels. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York.
Intranasal curcumin protects against LPS-induced airway remodeling by modulating toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and matrixmetalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression via affecting MAP kinases in mouse model
(Birkhauser Verlag AG, 2019) Asha Kumari; D.K. Singh; D. Dash; Rashmi Singh
Objective: Bacterial infections can exacerbate asthmatic inflammation depending on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) composition, the outermost component of cell wall, its exposure timings as well as host’s immune status. In present study, Balb/c mice were exposed to antigen (ovalbumin) and LPS simultaneously to establish an asthmatic model. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), well known for its anti-inflammatory potential, was administered through intranasal route 1 h before LPS and OVA (ovalbumin) exposure to evaluate its efficacy against airway structural changes. Methods: Inflammatory cell infiltration in lungs was measured by flow cytometry and further eosinophils were especially measured by immunofluorescence detection of major basic protein (MBP) as marker of eosinophilc granule protein. We also measured reactive oxygen species (ROS) in BALF by spectrofluorometry. MMP-9 activity was evaluated by gelatin zymography and mRNA expressions of MMP-9, TIMP-1, TGF-β1, IL-13, Collagen-1 and TLR-4 were measured in lungs. Protein expression of MAP kinases (P-ERK, P-JNK, P-p38), TLR-4, Cox-2, Lox-5 and Eotaxin was measured by western blotting. Hydroxyproline level and masson’s trichrome staining were used to evaluate collagen deposition in lung. Results: Exposure to LPS (0.1 µg) exacerbates airway inflammation and induces structural changes in lungs by enhanced ROS production, collagen deposition, expression of genes involved in airway remodeling and activation of MAP kinases pathway enzymes. Intranasal curcumin pretreatment had significantly suppressed inflammatory mediators and airway remodeling proteins. Conclusion: Our results strongly suggest that intranasal curcumin effectively protects LPS-induced airway inflammation and structural changes by modulating genes involved in airway remodeling in safer way; hence, it can be considered as supplementary alternative towards asthma treatments. © 2018, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure differently affects allergic asthma exacerbations and its amelioration by intranasal curcumin in mice
(Academic Press, 2015) Asha Kumari; D. Dash; Rashmi Singh
Aim: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is ubiquitous in the environment and can therefore, exacerbate allergic responses. Studies have suggested immunoregulatory effects of LPS according to route, dose and stage of exposure. Present study has examined whether dose and stage of LPS exposure (during sensitization and challenge with OVA) exacerbates airway inflammations, antigen specific-IgE level, histamine release, Th1/Th2 cytokine response. Further, anti-asthmatic potential of curcumin, through intranasal route has been evaluated for the first time in LPS induced airway inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged mouse asthma model. Methods: Balb/c mice were first sensitized with OVA on 1st and 8th day and exposed to two LPS doses (0.1/1.0. μg) separately on 2nd day and then further exposed to LPS with OVA-aerosol (from 9 to 14. day). Further, lower LPS dose (0.1. μg) was chosen for OVA exposed mouse model of asthma exacerbation study. Intranasal curcumin was administered from 9th to 14th day before every LPS exposure. Results: Exposure to LPS (0.1. μg) exacerbates airway inflammations in terms of IgE level, Th2-cytokine response (IL-4 and IL-5), histamine release, EPO and MPO activities and oxidative stress. Intranasal curcumin has effectively ameliorated airway exacerbations whereas dexamethasone, a known glucocorticosteroid, was not promising as compared to intranasal curcumin. Conclusion: Schedule and dose of LPS exposure determines asthma exacerbations and intranasal curcumin could be better immunomodulatory agent in LPS exposed asthma exacerbations. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
Nitric Oxide: A Dynamic Signaling Molecule Under Plant Stress
(wiley, 2022) Asha Kumari; Binny Sharma; Bansh Narayan Singh; Padmanabh Dwivedi
In plants, the gas nitrogen monoxide, commonly called nitric oxide (NO), has recently emerged as a key signaling molecule. In this chapter, we will look at the probable sources of endogenous NO, identify the biological processes that NO can mediate, and explain the downstream signaling systems that NO uses to exert its cellular effects. It is becoming increasingly important to devise methods for quantifying and releasing intracellular NO production. It is also necessary to classify the origins of NO synthesis. NO is often produced from radicals by nitrate enzyme (NR), and, though organic chemistry and medical specialty information indicate the presence of enzyme(s) similar to class NO synthase (NOS), the NOS genes are still unknown. NO exerts effects on a variety of functions in plants, including the production of defense-related genes and programmed necrobiosis, stomatal closure, seed germination, and root formation. Intracellular signaling responses to NO include the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, cyclic adenosine 5′-diphosphate ribose, and the increase of cytosolic metals. However, the specific organic chemistry and cellular nature of those reactions have not been determined in numerous situations. Priorities for analysis should include reliable quantification of downstream signaling molecules in NO-responsive cells, as well as biological study and modification of the enzymes involved in the production and degradation of those molecules. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physiological mechanisms and adaptation strategies of plants under nutrient deficiency and toxicity conditions
(Elsevier, 2021) Asha Kumari; Binny Sharma; Bansh Narayan Singh; Akash Hidangmayum; Hanuman Singh Jatav; Kailash Chandra; Rajesh Kumar Singhal; Eetela Sathyanarayana; Abhik Patra; Kiran Kumar Mohapatra
Presently, the world is suffering from the declining trend of crop yields globally, making food security a major challenge. The limited availability of arable land and water resources has made this challenge even bigger. Recent research-based studies depict that, in many developing countries, poor soil fertility, lower availability of mineral nutrients in soil, improper nutrient management, along with the lack of plant genotypes having high tolerance to nutrient deficiencies or toxicities are major constraints leading to food insecurity, malnutrition (i.e., micronutrient deficiencies), and degradation of ecosystem. It has been stated that 60% of our cultivated soils have growth-limiting problems with deficiencies and toxicities of available mineral nutrients. About 50% of the world population suffers from micronutrient deficiencies that make mineral nutrition studies a major promising area in meeting the global demand for sufficient food production with enhanced nutritional value. Integration of plant adaptation strategies in such soils using genetics and plant breeding and molecular biology is indispensable in developing plant genotypes with high genetic potential to acclimatize such nutrient-deficient and toxic soil conditions to translocate more micronutrients into edible plant parts such as cereal grains. Thus, plant nutrition research provides invaluable information, which is highly useful in elimination of these constraints, and leads to sustain the food security and well-being of humans without harming the environment. Keeping all these points in mind this chapter helps in understanding the mechanisms and strategies of plant in nutrient-deficient and toxic soil conditions. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Protective effects of intranasal curcumin on paraquot induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice
(Elsevier, 2014) Namitosh Tyagi; Asha Kumari; D. Dash; Rashmi Singh
Paraquot (PQ) is widely and commonly used as herbicide and has been reported to be hazardous as it causes lung injury. However, molecular mechanism underlying lung toxicity caused by PQ has not been elucidated. Curcumin, a known anti-inflammatory molecule derived from rhizomes of Curcuma longa has variety of pharmacological activities including free-radical scavenging properties but the protective effects of curcumin on PQ-induced acute lung injury (ALI) have not been studied. In this study, we aimed to study the effects of curcumin on ALI caused by PQ in male parke's strain mice which were challenged acutely by PQ (50. mg/kg, i.p.) with or without curcumin an hour before (5. mg/kg, i.n.) PQ intoxication. Lung specimens and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were isolated for pathological and biochemical analysis after 48. h of PQ exposure. Curcumin administration has significantly enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities. Lung wet/dry weight ratio, malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content, total cell number and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in BALF as well as neutrophil infiltration were attenuated by curcumin. Pathological studies also revealed that intranasal curcumin alleviate PQ-induced pulmonary damage and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO). These results suggest that intranasal curcumin may directly target lungs and curcumin inhalers may prove to be effective in PQ-induced ALI treatment in near future. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.
Role of AM fungi in growth promotion of high-value crops
(Elsevier, 2022) Manoj Parihar; Manoj Kumar Chitara; Hanuman Ram; Asha Kumari; Gopal Tiwari; Kiran Rana; Bisweswar Gorain; Utkarsh Kumar; Jaideep Kumar Bisht; Lakshmi Kant
In order to meet the food demands of burgeoning population, innovative and efficient management practices are required for sustainable agricultural production. The high value crops (HVCs) including vegetables, horticulture, fruit and field crops such as potato, cotton, sugarcane etc. not only strengthen the financial security of farmers but also ensure their food, fiber and nutritional availability. To improve the productivity of HVCs, use of beneficial microbial symbionts such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is very promising and eco-friendly approach. The AMF form association with most of the land plants including agricultural and HVCs. They provide numerous benefits to the plants including better availability of water and nutrients, alleviate various biotic and abiotic stresses and promote plant growth. However, AMF response in improving the plant performance depends upon several other aspects such as soil environment, AMF strains, plant genotypes, agricultural management practices etc. In this regard, future research must be towards optimization of AMF plant association, suitable inoculum production and application techniques and co-inoculation of AMF with other plant growth promoting bacteria. In the present chapter we will discuss the state-of-the-art of potential of AMF to improve the production of HVCs, its application in micro-propagation program, commercialization and future advancement for sustainable production system. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Role of compatible osmolytes in plant stress tolerance under the influence of phytohormones and mineral elements
(Elsevier, 2023) Payal Chakraborty; Asha Kumari
A significant environmental problem known as abiotic stress limits plant growth, productivity, and survival while also endangering the world's food supply and security. Plants create soluble compounds, known as osmolytes, in order to adjust to such a shifting environment. Osmolytes helps in the maintenance of homeostasis by maintaining cell turgor through osmotic adjustment and redox metabolism to remove excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and restores the cellular redox balance as well as guarding against osmotic stress and oxidative damage to the machinery of cells. Similar to this, phytohormone interaction is essential for plant survival in stressful situations because it activates signaling pathways. Osmolytes and hormonal cross-regulation set off a chain of events that fine-tune the physiological processes in plant design and support plant growth in less-than-ideal growth environments. Proline, glycine-betaine, polyamines, and sugars are the most prevalent osmolytes that are essential for osmoregulation. These substances maintain the osmotic differences between the cytosol and the cell's surrounds. By preventing the production of damaging ROS like hydroxyl ions, superoxide ions, hydrogen peroxide, and other free radicals, they also shield plant cells from oxidative stress. Phytohormones such as abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, cytokinins, ethylene, jasmonates, and salicylic acid further regulate the buildup of osmolytes. The mechanisms governing the phytohormone-mediated accumulation of osmolytes in plants under abiotic stressors must therefore be understood. The basic mechanisms of phytohormone-regulated osmolyte accumulation and their different activities in plants under stress are covered in this chapter. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Role of NLRP3 inflammasome in airway inflammation and fibrosis
(Bentham Science Publishers, 2024) Anju Jaiswal; Asha Kumari; Rashmi Singh
The NLRP3 inflammasome is a critical component of the innate immune system that mediates caspase-1 activation and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß/IL-18 in response to microbial infection and cellular damage. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3), one of the members of the NLR family, consists of NLRP3, the adaptor molecule, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase and recruitment domain (ASC) and an inflammatory caspase-1 that causes excessive inflammasome activation in respiratory diseases like asthma and could exacerbate the progression of asthma by considerably contributing to ECM accumulation and airway remodeling. NLRP3 is closely associated with airway inflammation and asthma exacerbations as endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) is one of its activators present in the environment. Asthma is a complex immunological and inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of airway inflammation, airway wall remodeling and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). Symptomatic attacks of asthma can be caused by a myriad of situations, including allergens, infections, and pollutants, which cause the rapid aggravation of respiratory problems. The presence of LPS in the environment is positively correlated with the incidence of asthma and allergic diseases. In this chapter, we summarize our current understanding of the mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by multiple signaling events in asthmatic exacerbations and their regulation. © 2024 Bentham Science Publishers. All rights reserved.