Browsing by Author "Brahma N. Singh"

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A global perspective on a new paradigm shift in bio-based meat alternatives for healthy diet
(Elsevier Ltd, 2023) Akanksha Rai; Vivek K. Sharma; Minaxi Sharma; Shiv M. Singh; Brahma N. Singh; Anita Pandey; Quang D. Nguyen; Vijai Kumar Gupta
A meat analogue is a casserole in which the primary ingredient is something other than meat. It goes by various other names, such as meat substitute, fake meat, alternative meat, and imitation meat. Consumers growing interest in improving their diets and the future of the planet have contributed to the move towards meat substitutes. This change is due to the growing popularity of low-fat and low-calorie diets, the rise of flexitarians, the spread of animal diseases, the loss of natural resources, and the need to cut down on carbon emissions, which lead to greenhouse effects. Plant-based meat, cultured meat, algal protein-based meat, and insect-based meat substitutes are available on the market with qualities like appearance and flavor similar to those of traditional meat. Novel ingredients like mycoprotein and soybean leg haemoglobin are mixed in with the more traditional soy proteins, cereals, green peas, etc. Plant-based meat is currently more popular in the West, but the growing interest in this product in Asian markets indicates the industry in this region will expand rapidly in the near future. Future growth in the food sector can be anticipated from technologies like lab-grown meat and its equivalents that do not require livestock breeding. Insect-based products also hold great potential as a new source of protein for human consumption. However, product safety and quality should be considered along with other factors such as marketability and affordability. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd
Antioxidant and anti-quorum sensing activities of green pod of Acacia nilotica L.
(2009) Brahma N. Singh; B.R. Singh; R.L. Singh; D. Prakash; B.K. Sarma; H.B. Singh
The antioxidant and anti-quorum sensing activities of eight extracts were studied in green pods of Acacia nilotica. The specific phenolic compositions and their quantifications were performed by HPLC and MS/MS, which showed that the HEF (pH 4) was higher in gallic acid, ellagic acid, epicatechin, rutin, and GTs. In order to find antioxidant potential of various extracts, their activities were studied for TPC, AOA, FRSA, RP, inhibition of LPO, FIC activity, HO{radical dot} and O2{radical dot} - scavenging activities. Among them HEF (pH 4) has shown potent antioxidant activity. HEF (pH 4) was also found effective in protecting plasmid DNA and HAS protein oxidation induced by HO{radical dot}. Pre-treatment of HEF (pH 4) at 75 and 150 mg/kg body weight for 6 days caused a significant increase in the levels of CAT and SOD and decrease in the level of MDA content in liver, lungs, kidneys and blood when compared to CCl4-intoxicated rats. Eventually, the extracts were also screened for anti-QS activity. Of these extracts two showed QS inhibition: HEF (pH 4) and HCE. The results obtained strongly indicate that green pod of A. nilotica are important source of natural antioxidants. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Bactericidal, quorum quenching and anti-biofilm nanofactories: a new niche for nanotechnologists
(Taylor and Francis Ltd, 2017) Brahma N. Singh; Prateeksha; Dalip K. Upreti; Braj Raj Singh; Tom Defoirdt; Vijai K. Gupta; Ana Olivia De Souza; Harikesh Bahadur Singh; João C. M. Barreira; Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira; Khabat Vahabi
Despite several conventional potent antibacterial therapies, bacterial infections pose a significant threat to human health because they are emerging as the leading cause of death worldwide. Due to the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, there is a pressing demand to discover novel approaches for developing more effective therapies to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial strains and biofilm-associated infections. Therefore, attention has been especially devoted to a new and emerging branch of science “nanotechnology” to design non-conventional antimicrobial chemotherapies. A range of nanomaterials and nano-sized carriers for conventional antimicrobial agents have fully justified their potential to combat bacterial diseases by reducing cell viability, by attenuating quorum sensing, and by inhibiting/or eradicating biofilms. This communication summarizes emerging nano-antimicrobial therapies in treating bacterial infections, particularly using antibacterial, quorum quenching, and anti-biofilm nanomaterials as new approaches to tackle the current challenges in combating infectious diseases. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Biotic stress management in agricultural crops using microbial consortium
(Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 2013) Akansha Jain; Akanksha Singh; Brahma N. Singh; Surendra Singh; R.S. Upadhyay; B.K. Sarma; H.B. Singh
Microbial populations have functional roles within communities where interactions among distinct microorganisms will permit their survival. Therefore, it is suggested to device mixed inoculants that may interact synergistically, with different or complementary mode of action, so that increased disease resistance is provided and under certain stresses we can assume that atleast one is functional. The mechanisms responsible for this biocontrol activity include competition for nutrients, niche exclusion, induced systemic resistance (ISR), and the production of anti-microbial metabolites. Therefore, seeing the success stories of mixed inoculants (combination of microorganisms that interact synergistically) over single bioinoculant, consortiums are being currently devised for crop management. The extreme complexity of interactions occurring is highlighted, and some potential areas and shortcomings required to overcome for future researches in this area are discussed briefly. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013. All rights are reserved.
Chrysophanol: A natural anthraquinone with multifaceted biotherapeutic potential
(MDPI AG, 2019) Prateeksha; Mohd Aslam Yusuf; Brahma N. Singh; Surya Sudheer; Ravindra N. Kharwar; Saba Siddiqui; Ahmed M. Abdel-Azeem; Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto; Kavya Dashora; Vijai K. Gupta
Chrysophanol is a unique anthraquinone having broad-spectrum therapeutic potential along with ecological importance. It is the first polyketide that has been reported to be biosynthesized in an organism-specific manner. The traditional Chinese and Korean medicinal systems provide evidence of the beneficial effects of chrysophanol on human health. The global distribution of chrysophanol encountered in two domains of life (bacteria and eukaryota) has motivated researchers to critically evaluate the properties of this compound. A plethora of literature is available on the pharmacological properties of chrysophanol, which include anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, and antimicrobial activities. However, the pharmacokinetics and toxicity studies on chrysophanol demand further investigations for it to be used as a drug. This is the first comprehensive review on the natural sources, biosynthetic pathways, and pharmacology of chrysophanol. Here we reviewed recent advancements made on the pharmacokinetics of the chrysophanol. Additionally, we have highlighted the knowledge gaps of its mechanism of action against diseases and toxicity aspects. © 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Coating with Microbial Hydrophobins: A Novel Approach to Develop Smart Drug Nanoparticles
(Elsevier Ltd, 2018) Brahma N. Singh; Braj R. Singh; Vijai K. Gupta; Ravindra N. Kharwar; Lorenzo Pecoraro
Microbial hydrophobin (MH)-based surface coating is emerging as a novel protein engineering approach for drug nanoparticles to enhance the solubility and stability of therapeutic agents. These hydrophobins are amphiphilic proteins that can form self-assembled monolayers on hydrophobic materials and can coat nanoparticles for efficient drug delivery. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd
Lagerstroemia speciosa fruit extract modulates quorum sensing-controlled virulence factor Production and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(2012) Brahma N. Singh; H.B. Singh; Akanksha Singh; Braj R. Singh; Aradhana Mishra; C.S. Nautiyal
Lagerstroemia speciosa (Lythraceae) is a south-east Asian tree more commonly known as 'Jarul'. Research on health benefits suggests that the L. speciosa plant contains phytomolecules that may have antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties. However, antimicrobial activities have not been reported for this plant. The ability of L. speciosa fruit extract (LSFE) to antagonize cell-tocell communication, expression of virulence genes and factors, and biofilm formation was evaluated in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAO1. Our results suggested that LSFE caused downregulation of quorum sensing (QS)-related genes (las and rhl) and their respective signalling molecules, N-acylhomoserine lactones, without affecting the growth of P. aeruginosa PAO1. Significant inhibition of virulence factors: LasA protease, LasB elastase, and pyoverdin production, was also recorded. Application of LSFE to P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms increased bacterial susceptibility to tobramycin. These data suggest a possible role for quorum-quenching mechanisms unrelated to static or cidal effects, and also suggest that L. speciosa could serve as a cost-effective source in the development of new QS-based antibacterial drugs. © 2012 SGM Printed in Great Britain.
Microbe-fabricated nanoparticles as potent biomaterials for efficient food preservation
(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Akanksha Rai; Vivek K. Sharma; Akansha Jain; Minaxi Sharma; Ashok Pandey; Harikesh B. Singh; Vijai K. Gupta; Brahma N. Singh
In recent years, cutting-edge nanotechnology research has revolutionized several facets of the food business, including food processing, packaging, transportation, preservation, and functioning. Nanotechnology has beginning to loom large in the food business as the industry's demand for biogenic nanomaterial grows. The intracellular and extracellular synthesis of metal, metal oxide, and other essential NPs has recently been explored in a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, yeasts, microalgae, and viruses. These microbes produce a variety extracellular material, exopolysaccharides, enzymes, and secondary metabolites which play key roles in synthesizing as well as stabilizing the nanoparticle (NPs). Furthermore, genetic engineering techniques can help them to improve their capacity to generate NPs more efficiently. As a result, using microorganisms to manufacture NPs is unique and has a promising future. Microbial-mediated synthesis of NPs has lately been popular as a more environmentally friendly alternative to physical and chemical methods of nanomaterial synthesis, which require higher prices, more energy consumption, and more complex reaction conditions, as well as a potentially dangerous environmental impact. It is critical to consider regulatory measures implemented at all stages of the process, from production through refining, packaging, preservation, and storage, when producing bionanomaterials derived from culturable microbes for efficient food preservation. The current review discusses the synthesis, mechanism of action, and possible food preservation uses of microbial mediated NPs, which can assist to minimize food deterioration from the inside out while also ensuring that food is safe and free of contaminants. Despite the numerous benefits, there are looming debates concerning their usage in food items, particularly regarding its aggregation in human bodies and other risks to the environment. Other applications and impacts of these microbe-fabricated NPs in the context of future food preservation prospects connected with regulatory problems and potential hazards are highlighted. © 2022
Microbial engineering biotechnologies
(Elsevier Inc., 2019) Brahma N. Singh; Akhilesh S. Raghubanshi; Mattheos Koffas; Vijai Kumar Gupta
[No abstract available]
Mycofabricated biosilver nanoparticles interrupt Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing systems
(Nature Publishing Group, 2015) Braj R. Singh; Brahma N. Singh; Akanksha Singh; Wasi Khan; Alim H. Naqvi; Harikesh B. Singh
Quorum sensing (QS) is a chemical communication process that Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses to regulate virulence and biofilm formation. Disabling of QS is an emerging approach for combating its pathogenicity. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely applied as antimicrobial agents against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi, but not for the attenuation of bacterial QS. Here we mycofabricated AgNPs (mfAgNPs) using metabolites of soil fungus Rhizopus arrhizus BRS-07 and tested their effect on QS-regulated virulence and biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa. Transcriptional studies demonstrated that mfAgNPs reduced the levels of LasIR-RhlIR. Treatment of mfAgNPs inhibited biofilm formation, production of several virulence factors (e.g. LasA protease, LasB elastrase, pyocyanin, pyoverdin, pyochelin, rhamnolipid, and alginate) and reduced AHLs production. Further genes quantification analyses revealed that mfAgNPs significantly down-regulated QS-regulated genes, specifically those encoded to the secretion of virulence factors. The results clearly indicated the anti-virulence property of mfAgNPs by inhibiting P. aeruginosa QS signaling.
Nanocurcumin Potently Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-Induced Cytokine Storm by Deactivation of MAPK/NF-κB Signaling in Epithelial Cells
(American Chemical Society, 2022) Vivek K. Sharma; None Prateeksha; Shailendra P. Singh; Brahma N. Singh; Chandana V. Rao; Saroj K. Barik
Interleukin-mediated deep cytokine storm, an aggressive inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 virus infection in COVID-19 patients, is correlated directly with lung injury, multi-organ failure, and poor prognosis of severe COVID-19 patients. Curcumin (CUR), a phenolic antioxidant compound obtained from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), is well-known for its strong anti-inflammatory activity. However, its in vivo efficacy is constrained due to poor bioavailability. Herein, we report that CUR-encapsulated polysaccharide nanoparticles (CUR-PS-NPs) potently inhibit the release of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors associated with damage of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (CoV2-SP)-stimulated liver Huh7.5 and lung A549 epithelial cells. Treatment with CUR-PS-NPs effectively attenuated the interaction of ACE2 and CoV2-SP. The effects of CUR-PS-NPs were linked to reduced NF-κB/MAPK signaling which in turn decreased CoV2-SP-mediated phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, p42/44 MAPK, and p65/NF-κB as well as nuclear p65/NF-κB expression. The findings of the study strongly indicate that organic NPs of CUR can be used to control hyper-inflammatory responses and prevent lung and liver injuries associated with CoV2-SP-mediated cytokine storm. © 2022 American Chemical Society
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis bioactive extract ameliorates LPS-induced inflammation through the inhibition of NF-κB signalling pathway
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd, 2024) Vivek K. Sharma; Prateeksha Prateeksha; Shailendra P. Singh; Chandana V. Rao; Brahma N. Singh
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. is a mythical plant used in traditional Indian medicinal systems for the treatment of inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, and pain-related responses. However, its bioactive compounds and underlying mechanism of action have not been fully elucidated. Aim of the study: This investigation aimed to study the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of the bioactive extract of N. arbor-tristis (NATE), both in vitro and in vivo, elucidate the possible mechanism of action, and determine its chemicals. Materials and methods: We studied the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of NATE on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, paw-ear edema, and acetic acid-induced pain in rats and analysed its chemical components using Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometric (LC-ESI-MS). Results: NATE efficiently reduced the production of various inflammatory mediators and factors, such as free radicals, lipid peroxidation, nitrous oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and IL-10, as well as their corresponding mRNA expression in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells (p < 0.001). Furthermore, NATE inhibited the activation of a key signaling pathway, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), as it caused a decrease in the degradation of inhibitor of kB alpha (IkBa). Administration of NATE significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema (p < 0.001), TPA-induced ear edema, and the production of inflammatory factors (p < 0.01). NATE revealed anti-nociceptive impacts in acetic acid-induced writhing and tail immersion experiments (p < 0.001) as well as no toxicity signs. A total of six compounds, namely iridoid glycoside (6,7-di-O-benzonylnyctanthoside), arborsides A, arborsides C, betulinic acid, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, and kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, were characterized through the examination of their mass spectra in correlation with those documented in a database of mass spectra. Conclusions: The present study furnishes scientific corroboration of the inhibitory potency of N. arbor-tristis as a promising herbal treatment for inflammation and pain responses without toxicity, offering a scientific basis for future drug development strategies aimed at ameliorating inflammatory diseases. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.
Oxidative DNA damage protective activity, antioxidant and anti-quorum sensing potentials of Moringa oleifera
(2009) Brahma N. Singh; B.R. Singh; R.L. Singh; D. Prakash; R. Dhakarey; G. Upadhyay; H.B. Singh
The aqueous extract of leaf (LE), fruit (FE) and seed (SE) of Moringa oleifera was assessed to examine the ability to inhibit the oxidative DNA damage, antioxidant and anti-quorum sensing (QS) potentials. It was found that these extracts could significantly inhibit the OH{radical dot}-dependent damage of pUC18 plasmid DNA and also inhibit synergistically with trolox, with an activity sequence of LE > FE > SE. HPLC and MS/MS analysis was carried out, which showed the presence of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, kaempferol, quercetin and vanillin. The LE was with comparatively higher total phenolics content (105.04 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g), total flavonoids content (31.28 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g), and ascorbic acid content (106.95 mg/100 g) and showed better antioxidant activity (85.77%), anti-radical power (74.3), reducing power (1.1 ascorbic acid equivalents (ASE)/ml), inhibition of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, OH{radical dot}-induced deoxyribose degradation, and scavenging power of superoxide anion and nitric oxide radicals than did the FE, SE and standard α-tocopherol. Eventually, LE and FE were found to inhibit violacein production, a QS-regulated behavior in Chromobacterium violaceum 12472. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Plant polyphenols for prevention and therapy of liver cancer
(Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 2011) Brahma N. Singh; Braj R. Singh; Shi W. Jiang; Harikesh B. Singh
Primary liver cancer, mainly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence of HCC is increasing worldwide; the overall survival of patients with HCC is grim because most patients are diagnosed late, when curative treatment is not possible and is the direct cause of about 1 million deaths annually. Chronic infection with hepatitis B viruses, toxic industrial chemicals, food additives (N-nitrosodiethylamine; NDEA), fungal toxins (aflatoxins), air, water pollutants and chronic heavy alcohol use leading to cirrhosis of the liver remain the most important causes. The great challenge in cancer prevention and control is how to manage those who have already been exposed to carcinogens, such as individuals who are HBsAg carriers and have long-term aflatoxin and NDEA exposure. The development of tumor markers that can detect HCC at even earlier stages is essential. In recent years, clinically useful tumor markers for HCC diagnosis have included α-fetoprotein (AFP), a fucosylated variant of the AFP glycoprotein which has a high affinity to the sugar chain of lens culinaris (AFPL3), des- γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) glypican-3 (GPC3) golgi protein 73 (GP73), growth factors or cytokines, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10, γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and α-L -fucosidase (AFU) etc. Chemoprevention has been proposed as the good tool to target these high-risk populations. Among various identified chemopreventive agents, plant polyphenols have been shown to be safe and high effective in inhibition of carcinogen-induced mutagenesis and tumorigenesis in bioassays and animal models for different target organ sites. The compounds derived from the plants are of considerable interest among oncologists. Many plant-derived, plant polyphenols have been studied for their chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties against human HCC, including green tea polyphenols, genistein (found in soy), apigenin (celery, parsley), luteolin (broccoli), quercetin (onions), kaempferol (broccoli, grapefruits), curcumin (turmeric), etc. The more we will discuss their involved molecular mechanisms and cellular targets, the better we could utilize these "natural gifts" for the prevention and treatment of HCC. Furthermore, better understanding of their structure-activity relationships will guide synthesis of analog compounds with improved bio-availability, stability, potency and specificity. In this article, for the sake of better understanding, the effective plant polyphenols against HCC will also be discussed, with more emphases on the basic conceptions of phenolics with strong antioxidant activity. ©2011 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.
Polyphenolics from various extracts/fractions of red onion (Allium cepa) peel with potent antioxidant and antimutagenic activities
(2009) Brahma N. Singh; B.R. Singh; R.L. Singh; D. Prakash; D.P. Singh; B.K. Sarma; G. Upadhyay; H.B. Singh
In order to determine antioxidant activity, the five extracts/fractions of red onion peel were studied for their total content of phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), antioxidant activity (AOA), free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), assayed by DPPH radical in the terms of anti-radical power (ARP) and reducing power (RP), expressed as ascorbic acid equivalents (ASE)/ml. High TPC (384.7 ± 5.0 mg GAE/g), TFC (165.2 ± 3.2 mg QE/g), AOA (97.4 ± 7.6%), ARP (75.3 ± 4.5) and RP (1.6 ± 0.3 ASE/ml) were found for the ethyl acetate (EA) fraction. EA fraction had markedly higher antioxidant capacity than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in preventive or scavenging capacities against FeCl3-induced lipid peroxidation, protein fragmentation, hydroxyl (site-specific and non-site-specific), superoxide anion and nitric oxide radicals. EA fraction also showed dose dependent antimutagenic activity by following the inhibition of tobacco-induced mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA102) and hydroxyl radical-induced nicking in plasmid pUC18 DNA. HPLC and MS/MS analysis showed the presence of ferulic, gallic, protocatechuic acids, quercetin and kaempferol. The large amount of polyphenols contained in EA fraction may cause its strong antioxidant and antimutagenic properties. This information shows that EA fraction of red onion peel can be used as natural antioxidant in nutraceutical preparations. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Potential chemoprevention of N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis by polyphenolics from Acacia nilotica bark
(2009) Brahma N. Singh; Braj R. Singh; B.K. Sarma; H.B. Singh
Chemopreventive potential of Acacia nilotica bark extract (ANBE) against single intraperitoneal injection of N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA, 200 mg/kg) followed by weekly subcutaneous injections of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4, 3 ml/kg) for 6 weeks induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats was studied. At 45 day after administration of NDEA, 100 and 200 mg/kg of ANBE were administered orally once daily for 10 weeks. The levels of liver injury and liver cancer markers such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), total bilirubin level (TBL), α-feto protein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were substantially increased following NDEA treatment. However, ANBE treatment reduced liver injury and restored liver cancer markers. ANBE also significantly prevented hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and reduced glutathione (GSH) in NDEA-treated rats which was dose dependent. Additionally, ANBE also increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes viz., catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in the liver of NDEA-administered rats. Eventually, ANBE also significantly improved body weight and prevented increase of relative liver weight due to NDEA treatment. Histological observations of liver tissues too correlated with the biochemical observations. HPLC analysis of ANBE showed the presence of gallic, protocatechuic, caffeic and ellagic acids, and also quercetin in ANBE. The results strongly support that A. nilotica bark prevents lipid peroxidation (LPO) and promote the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system during NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis which might be due to activities like scavenging of oxy radicals by the phytomolecules in ANBE. © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
ROS-mediated apoptotic cell death in prostate cancer LNCaP cells induced by biosurfactant stabilized CdS quantum dots
(2012) Braj R. Singh; Brahma N. Singh; W. Khan; H.B. Singh; A.H. Naqvi
Cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dots (QDs) have raised great attention because of their superior optical properties and wide utilization in biological and biomedical studies. However, little is known about the cell death mechanisms of CdS QDs in human cancer cells. This study was designed to investigate the possible mechanisms of apoptosis induced by biosurfactant stabilized CdS QDs (denoted as " bsCdS QDs" ) in human prostate cancer LNCaP cells. It was also noteworthy that apoptosis correlated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress and chromatin condensation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Results also showed involvement of caspases, Bcl-2 family proteins, heat shock protein 70, and a cell-cycle checkpoint protein p53 in apoptosis induction by bsCdS QDs in LNCaP cells. Moreover, pro-apoptotic protein Bax was upregulated and the anti-apoptotic proteins, survivin and NF-κB were downregulated in bsCdS QDs exposed cells. Protection of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against ROS clearly suggested the implication of ROS in hyper-activation of apoptosis and cell death. It is encouraging to conclude that biologically stabilized CdS QDs bear the potential of its applications in biomedicine, such as tumor therapy specifically by inducing caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death of human prostate cancer LNCaP cells. © 2012.
Solid-state cultivation of Trichoderma harzianum NBRI-1055 for modulating natural antioxidants in soybean seed matrix
(Elsevier Ltd, 2010) Harikesh B. Singh; Brahma N. Singh; Satyendra P. Singh; Chandra S. Nautiyal
Trichoderma harzianum NBRI-1055 was used, as fungal candidate to enhance the antioxidant activities of soybean matrix by modulating polyphenolic substances during solid-state fermentation. Trichoderma-fermented soybean (TFS) and unfermented soybean (UFS) products were extracted with water (W) and methanol (M). Total phenolic content of TFS-W and TFS-M extracts were significantly higher than that of UFS-W and UFS-M extracts. The effectiveness of extracts for total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, lipid peroxidation, metal ions-chelation, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals scavenging properties in descending order was TSF-W > TSF-M > USF-M> UFS-W. TFS extracts demonstrated significant protection against oxidative DNA and protein damages caused by hydroxyl radicals. For the specific phenolics profile, HPLC analysis was performed, which showed that the TFS extracts were also higher in isoflavones, flavonoids and phenolic acids, suggesting that this strategy may help to enhance TFS as potential antioxidants for use in preparation of soy food products. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Tetrahydrocannabinols: potential cannabimimetic agents for cancer therapy
(Springer, 2023) Prateeksha Prateeksha; Vivek K. Sharma; Shiv M. Singh; Minaxi Sharma; Deepti Diwan; Abd El-Latif Hesham; Sanjay Guleria; Quang D. Nguyen; Vijai K. Gupta; Brahma N. Singh
Tetrahydrocannabinols (THCs) antagonize the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, whose signaling to the endocannabinoid system is essential for controlling cell survival and proliferation as well as psychoactive effects. Most tumor cells express a much higher level of CB1 and CB2; THCs have been investigated as potential cancer therapeutic due to their cannabimimetic properties. To date, THCs have been prescribed as palliative medicine to cancer patients but not as an anticancer modality. Growing evidence of preclinical research demonstrates that THCs reduce tumor progression by stimulating apoptosis and autophagy and inhibiting two significant hallmarks of cancer pathogenesis: metastasis and angiogenesis. However, the degree of their anticancer effects depends on the origin of the tumor site, the expression of cannabinoid receptors on tumor cells, and the dosages and types of THC. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the molecular processes that THCs target for their anticancer effects. It also emphasizes the substantial knowledge gaps that should be of concern in future studies. We also discuss the therapeutic effects of THCs and the problems that will need to be addressed in the future. Clarifying unanswered queries is a prerequisite to translating the THCs into an effective anticancer regime. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Trichoderma harzianum- mediated reprogramming of oxidative stress response in root apoplast of sunflower enhances defence against Rhizoctonia solani
(2011) Brahma N. Singh; Akanksha Singh; Satyendra P. Singh; Harikesh B. Singh
Trichoderma harzianum is an effective biocontrol agent against the devastating plant pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. Despite its wide application in agriculture, the mechanisms of biocontrol are not yet fully understood. Mycoparasitism and antibiosis are suggested, but may not be sole cause of disease reduction. In the present study, we investigated the role of oxidant-antioxidant metabolites in the root apoplast of sunflower challenged by R. solani in the presence/absence of T. harzianum NBRI-1055. Analysis of oxidative stress response revealed a reduction in hydroxyl radical concentration (<•OH; 3.6 times) at 9 days after pathogen inoculation (dapi), superoxide anion radical concentration (O2•- 4.1 times) at 8 dapi and hydrogen peroxide concentration (H2O2; 2.7 times) levels at 7 dapi in plants treated with spent maize-cob formulation of T. harzianum NBRI-1055 (MCFT), as compared to pathogen-inoculated plants. The protection afforded by the biocontrol agent was associated with the accumulation of the ROS gene network: the catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and ascorbate peroxidase (APx), maximum activity of CAT (11.0 times) was observed at 8 dapi, SOD (7.0 times) at 7 dapi, GPx (5.4 times) and APx (8.1 times) at 7 dapi in MCFT-treated plants challenged with the pathogen. This was further supported by the inhibition of lipid and protein oxidation in Trichoderma-inoculated plants. MCFT stimulated the accumulation of secondary metabolites of phenolic nature that increased up to five-fold and also exhibited strong antioxidant activity at 8 dapi, eventually leading to the systemic accumulation of phytoalexins. These results suggest that T. harzianum-mediated biocontrol may be related to alleviating R. solani-induced oxidative stress. © 2011 KNPV.