Browsing by Author "Rashmi Singh"

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An antioxidant ameliorates allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting HDAC 1 via HIF-1α/VEGF axis suppression in mice
(Nature Research, 2023) Ramiya Islam; D. Dash; Rashmi Singh
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are novel class of drugs as they are involved in post translational modification of several proteins involved in signaling pathways related to asthma. HDACi have been reported to elicit protective effects on asthma but the signaling pathways associated with it have not been investigated much. Recently, we have demonstrated that intranasal administrations of Pan-HDAC inhibitors, sodium butyrate and curcumin, which have effectively reduced asthma severity via HDAC1 inhibition in Ovalbumin induced mouse model. Present study aimed to investigate possible pathways by which curcumin and sodium butyrate may minimize asthma pathogenesis via HDAC 1 inhibition. Balb/c mice were exposed (sensitized and challenged) with Ovalbumin to establish allergic asthma model followed by pretreatment of curcumin (5 mg/kg) and sodium butyrate (50 mg/kg) through intranasal route. Effects of curcumin and sodium butyrate on HIF-1α/VEGF signaling through activation of PI3K/Akt axis has been investigated using protein expressions followed by chromatin immunoprecipitation of BCL2 and CCL2 against HDAC1. Molecular docking analysis was also performed to investigate effects of curcumin and butyrate on mucus hypersecretion, goblet cell hyperplasia and airway hyperresponsiveness. Augmented expressions of HDAC-1, HIF-1α, VEGF, p-Akt and p-PI3K were observed in asthmatic group which was suppressed in both the treatments. NRF-2 level was significantly restored by curcumin and butyrate treatments. Protein expressions of p-p38, IL-5 and mRNA expressions of GATA-3 were also reduced in curcumin and butyrate treatment groups. Our findings suggest that curcumin and sodium butyrate may attenuate airway inflammation via down regulation of p-Akt/p-PI3K/HIF-1α/VEGF axis. © 2023, The Author(s).
Antibiotic potential of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) against Sclerotium rolfsii
(2012) Amitabh Singh; Sudarshan Maurya; Rashmi Singh; U.P. Singh
High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of culture filtrates of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and medium of inhibitory zone of interaction of Sclerotium rolfsii with PGPR, viz. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens 4, Pseudomonas fluorescens 4 (new) and Pseudomonas sp. varied from sample to sample. In all the culture filtrates of PGPRs, P. aeruginosa had nine phenolic acids in which ferulic acid (14.52 μg/ml) was maximum followed by other phenolic acids. However, the culture filtrates of P. fluorescens 4 had six phenolic acids with maximum ferulic acid (20.54 μg/ml) followed by indole acetic acid (IAA), caffeic, salicylic, o-coumeric acid and cinnamic acids. However, P. fluorescens 4 culture filtrate had seven phenolic acids in which salicylic acid was maximum (18.03 μg) followed by IAA, caffeic, vanillic, ferulic, o-coumeric and cinnamic acids. Pseudomonas sp. also showed eight phenolic acids where caffeic acid (2.75 μg) was maximum followed by trace amounts of ferulic, salicylic, IAA, vanillic, cinnamic, o-coumeric and tannic acids. The analysis of antibiosis zone of PGPRs showed fairly rich phenolic acids. A total of nine phenolic acids were detected in which caffeic acid was maximum (29.14 μg/g) followed by gallic (17.64 μg/g) and vanillic (3.52 μg/g) acids but others were in traces. In P. aeruginosa, antibiosis zone had seven phenolic acids where IAA was maximum (3.48 μg/g) followed by o-coumeric acid (2.08 μg/g), others were in traces. The medium of antibiosis zone of P. fluorescens 4 and P. fluorescens 4 new had eight phenolic acids in which IAA was maximum with other phenolic acids in traces. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Antifungal activity of ethanolic extract of Archu (Rheum emodi) on powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) and its role in the induction of resistance in balsam (Impatiens balsamania)
(2010) S. Maurya; Rashmi Singh; U.P. Singh
Rheum emodi, vernacularly known as Archu, is one of the important high altitude medicinal plants widely distributed in Himalayan regions. Though widely used in Ayurveda for curing various human diseases, its use in plant diseases is limited. Ethanolic extract of Rheum rhizome was assayed against spore germination of Alternaria solani, Heliminthosporium penniseti and Curvularia palliscens. The inhibition of spore germination was concentration dependent. Maximum inhibition was obtained at 4000 and 5000 ppm followed by 3000, 2000 and 1000 ppm. However, the extract was highly effective in the pre-inoculation treatment against powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) of balsam (Impatiens balsamania) under field conditions. High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of balsam leaves showed increased synthesis of phenolic acids, which has been correlated with induced resistance in inhibiting the disease intensity of balsam powdery mildew. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.
Antifungal efficacy of some ethyl acetate extract fractions of Cyperus rotundus rhizomes against spore germination of some fungi
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2011) Amitabh Singh; S. Maurya; Rashmi Singh; U.P. Singh
Plant products play an important role as safe and ecofriendly method in controlling various plant diseases. Ethyl acetate fractions of Cyperus rotundus rhizomes have been found highly effective against some species of Alternaria (A. alternata, A. brassicola, A. solani, Alternaria chearanthi), Colletotrichum (C. musae, Colletotrichum sp.), Curvularia (C. lunata, C. maculans, C. pallescens, C. pennisetti), Helminthosporium (H. pennissetti, H. spiciferum, H. echinoclova and Heterosporium colocasiae) in vitro. A. brassisicola was highly sensitive to all the fractions at all the concentrations. Fractions 4-7 inhibited complete spore germination at 2000 and 3000 μg/ml as compared to control. However, 100% spore germination inhibition was found in Colletotrichum species in all the fractions at 2000 and 3000 μg/ml but at lower concentrations 50-60% spore germination and 90% reduction of germ tube elongation were observed. Curvularia species was highly sensitive to all concentrations of all the fractions as 50-100% spore germination inhibition was recorded at 500 μg/ml dose. Some species of Helminthosporium were sensitive at 3000 μg/ml in some fractions but other test fractions showed least efficacy. Fractions 4-7 were 100% inhibitory for H. colocasiae. Germ tube elongation was also affected by 60-90%. The germ tube branching and their elongation were affected in almost all species at 30 to 95%. The high efficacy of ethyl acetate fractions of rhizomes of C. rotundus against some fungi indicates that they can be very well tried under field conditions against some important plant diseases as an ecofriendly method of plant disease control. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Author Correction: An antioxidant ameliorates allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting HDAC 1 via HIF-1α/VEGF axis suppression in mice (Scientific Reports, (2023), 13, 1, (9637), 10.1038/s41598-023-36678-0)
(Nature Research, 2023) Ramiya Islam; D. Dash; Rashmi Singh
In the original version of this Article Rashmi Singh was incorrectly affiliated with ‘Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India’. The correct affiliation is listed below. Department of Zoology, MMV, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India. The original Article has been corrected. © 2023, The Author(s).
Blocking μ-opioid receptor by naltrexone exaggerates oxidative stress and airway inflammation via the MAPkinase pathway in a murine model of asthma
(Elsevier Inc., 2024) Vinita Pandey; Vandana Yadav; Atul Srivastava; Pratikkumar Gaglani; Rashmi Singh; Subhashini
Opioids regulate various physiological and pathophysiological functions, including cell proliferation, immune function, obesity, and neurodegenerative disorders. They have been used for centuries as a treatment for severe pain, binding to opioid receptors a specific G protein-coupled receptor. Common opioids, like β-endorphin, [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO), and dynorphins, have analgesic effects. The use of a potent antagonist, like naltrexone hydrochloride, to block the effects of mu Opioid Receptor (μOR) may result in the withdrawal of physiological effects and could potentially impact immune responses in many diseases including respiratory disease. Asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, bronchoconstriction, chest tightness, stress generation and release of various cytokines. Airway inflammation leads recruitment and activation of immune cells releasing mediators, including opioids, which may modulate inflammatory response by binding to their respective receptors. The study aims to explore the role of μOR antagonist (naltrexone) in regulating asthma pathophysiology, as the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses in asthma remains unclear. Balb/c mice were sensitized intranasally by 1% TDI and challenged with 2.5% TDI. Naltrexone hydrochloride (1 mg/kg body weight) was administered through intraperitoneal route 1 h before TDI induction. Blocking μOR by naltrexone exacerbates airway inflammation by recruiting inflammatory cells (lymphocytes and neutrophils), enhancing intracellular Reactive oxygen species in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and inflammatory mediator (histamine, Eosinophil peroxidase and neutrophil elastase) in lungs. Naltrexone administration modulated inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A), and enhanced IgE and CRP levels. Naltrexone administration also increased the expression of NF-κB, and phosphorylated p-P38, p-Erk, p-JNK and NF-κB by inhibiting the μOR. Docking study revealed good binding affinity of naltrexone with μOR compared to δ and κ receptors. In future it might elucidate potential therapeutic against many respiratory pathological disorders. In conclusion, μOR blocking by naltrexone regulates and implicates inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and lung physiology. © 2023 Elsevier Inc.
Cell signaling pathways in allergic asthma
(Elsevier, 2024) Payal Singh; Ramiya Islam; Rashmi Singh
Asthma is an inflammatory disease associated with several airway anomalies including structural alteration. These abnormalities include augmented release of a variety of factors responsible for activation of signal transduction pathways within cells. These pathways are connected by signaling molecules and cross-talk with each other, which is central to the progression of asthma. As per earlier reports, the expressions of several proteins are augmented in the airways, including cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. Various inflammatory signaling proteins, including protein kinase C (PKC), growth factor tyrosine kinase receptors, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)/reactive oxygen species (ROS), PI3K/Akt, MAPKs, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), activator protein-1 (AP-1), and other molecules involved in signal transduction, regulate the pace of the asthmatic response. These signaling molecules are responsible for airway inflammation along with structural alterations (remodeling) by altering the cytoplasmic proteins. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Combination Therapy with Curcumin Alone Plus Piperine Ameliorates Ovalbumin-Induced Chronic Asthma in Mice
(Springer New York LLC, 2018) Preeti S. Chauhan; Anju Jaiswal; Subhashini; Rashmi Singh
Allergic asthma is an inflammatory condition accompanied by inflammation as well as oxidative stress. Supplementation of an anti-inflammatory agent having antioxidant properties may have therapeutic effects against this disease. Over the recent decades, the interest in combination therapy as new alternative medication has increased and it offers numerous benefits along with noticeable lack of toxicity as well as side effects. In this study, protective effects of curcumin alone and in combination with piperine were evaluated in mouse model of allergic asthma. Balb/c mice were sensitized on days 0, 7, and 14 and challenged from days 16–30 on alternate days with ovalbumin (OVA). Mice were pretreated with curcumin (Cur; 10 and 20 mg/kg) and piperine (Pip; 5 mg/kg) alone and in combination via the intraperitoneal route on days 16–30 and compared with intranasal curcumin (5 mg/kg) treatment. Blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lungs were collected after mice were sacrificed on day 31st. Mice immunized with OVA have shown significant increase in airway inflammation and oxidative stress as determined by oxidative stress markers. A significant suppression was observed with all the treatments, but intranasal curcumin treatment group has shown maximum suppression. So, among all the treatment strategies utilized, intranasal curcumin administration was most appropriate in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress and possesses therapeutic potential against allergic asthma. Present study may prove the possibility of development of curcumin nasal drops towards treatment of allergic asthma. © 2018, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Comparative evaluation of two intranasal forms of Curcumin: Quantitation and impact on mouse model of asthma
(Elsevier B.V., 2023) Payal Singh; Ruchi Chawla; Ajai Kumar Pandey; J.K. Mishra; Rashmi Singh
Aim of the study: Present study aimed to investigate impact of two different intranasal forms of curcumin on mouse model of asthma and detection of its absorption after different time points of administration. Since the systemic bioavailability of curcumin is very low, therefore, intranasal route of administration has been explored here where systemic absorption of two intranasal forms of curcumin was evaluated. Materials and methods: To explore the possibilities of its absorption and role in amelioration of asthma, two intranasal forms of curcumin, nasal drop and aerosol were administered to control and asthmatic mice. Blood plasma and lungs were collected at different time points of curcumin administration. Separation was done by using isocratic reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Airway inflammation and oxidative stress parameters like SOD, Catalase, ROS, lipid peroxidation, and total inflammatory cell recruitments were analyzed to study efficacy of two intranasal forms of curcumin. Results: Maximum absorption was noted at 3 hrs of different intranasal forms of curcumin, administration, i.e., nasal drop (1.93 ± 0.050 plasma, 2.87 ± 0.26 in lungs) and aerosol form of curcumin where better absorption was noted in aerosol form as compared to nasal drop (Lungs 3.08 ± 0.12 aerosol, 2.05 ± 0.020 nasal drop) at 1 h. Both, curcumin aerosol and nasal drops were effective in ameliorating oxidative stress (p < 0.05) associated with asthma in mice model. The present study may pave the way towards the development of intranasal curcumin as complementary medication because of its better absorption in plasma and lungs. © 2023 The Author(s)
Comparative structural and vibrational studies of 6-amino purine (Guanine) and its radical species using density functional theory
(2011) Rashmi Singh; M. Kumar; P. Singh; R.A. Yadav
Guanine (G) is one of the most important nucleic acid bases (NAB) occurring in both DNA and RNA. In addition to being the largest NAB, it has also the most complex tautomeric equilibria. It is very important to understand the properties of the guanine base of DNA as thoroughly as possible since it is the most frequently involved site in the processes of mutation and cancer. The equilibrium geometries, APT charges, fundamental vibrational frequencies along with their corresponding intensities in IR spectrum, Raman activities and depolarization ratios of the Raman bands for the neutral and its radical species (G, G +, G -) of the guanine molecule were computed by density functional B3LYP method with 6-311++G (d, p) basis sets using Gaussian- 03 software. The thermodynamic functions of the title compounds were also performed at the same basis sets. The calculations predicted the G molecule as well as the radical anionic species of G to possess planar structures with C1 point group symmetry whereas the radical cationic species of G possesses Cs point group symmetry. The properties of the radical cations that are generated from the neutral neleobase molecules during the certain processes helps in understanding the nuclei acids in different environments and conditions. The radical anions are intermediates in a numbers of chemical reactions. Therefore data of their structures are useful for studying the mechanism and kinetics.
Curcumin and PCI-34051 combined treatment ameliorates inflammation and fibrosis by affecting MAP kinase pathway
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2023) Ramiya Islam; Rashmi Singh
Objective: Bronchoconstriction, along with inflammation and hyperresponsiveness is the characteristic feature associated with asthma, contributing to variable airflow obstruction, which manifests shortness of breath, cough and wheeze, etc. Histone deacetylases 8 (HDAC8) is the member of class I HDAC family and known to regulate microtubule integrity and muscle contraction. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of HDAC8 inhibition in murine model of asthma using Pan-HDAC inhibitor curcumin (CUR) and HDAC8-specific inhibitor PCI-34051 (PCI), alone and in combination. Materials and methods: To develop asthmatic mouse model, Balb/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). CUR (10 mg/kg, pre, post, alone and combined treatment) and PCI (0.5 mg/kg), were administered through intranasal (i.n) route, an hour before OVA aerosol challenge. Effects of HDAC8 inhibition by CUR and PCI pretreatments were evaluated in terms of inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis markers. Efficacy of curcumin post-treatment (CUR(p)) was also evaluated simultaneously. Results: Inflammatory cell recruitment, oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide), histamine and Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and expression of fibrosis markers including hydroxyproline, matrix metalloproteinases-9 and alpha smooth muscle actin (MMP-9 and α-SMA) were significantly reduced by CUR, CUR(p), PCI-alone and combined treatments. Protein expressions of HDAC8, Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) accompanied by MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) were significantly reduced by the treatments. Structural alterations were examined by histopathological analysis and linked with the fibrotic changes. Conclusions: Present study indicates protective effects of HDAC8 inhibition in asthma using HDAC8 using CUR and PCI alone or in combination, attenuates airway inflammation, fibrosis and remodeling; hence, bronchoconstriction was accompanied through modulation of MAP kinase pathway. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
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.
Curcumin inhibits paraquat induced lung inflammation and fibrosis by extracellular matrix modifications in mouse model
(Birkhauser Verlag AG, 2016) Namitosh Tyagi; D. Dash; Rashmi Singh
Objective: Paraquat (PQ), a potent herbicide can cause severe toxicity. We report here that fibroproliferation phase of acute lung injury (ALI) is initiated much earlier (within 48 h) after PQ intoxication than previously reported (after 2 weeks) and we aimed to study the protective effects of intranasal curcumin as new therapeutic strategy in mouse model. Methods: Mice (Park's strain) were divided into five experimental groups (I) control, received only saline (0.9 % NaCl) (II) PQ, mice intoxicated with PQ (50 mg/kg, i.p., single dose); (III) curcumin, treated with curcumin (5 mg/kg, i.n) an hour before PQ administration; (IV)Veh, DMSO (equal volume to curcumin) given an hour before PQ exposure; (V) DEXA, mice treated with dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, i.p) before an hour of PQ intoxication. After 48 h of the PQ exposure, all mice were sacrificed and samples were analyzed. Results: Pretreatment with intranasal curcumin (5 mg/kg) could modify the PQ-intoxication (50 mg/kg, i.p) induced structural remodeling of lung parenchyma at an early phase of acute lung injury. Significant increase in inflammatory cell count, reactive oxygen species and hydroxyproline levels were decreased after curcumin pretreatment (all p < 0.05). Histological examination and zymography results were also found consistent. Conclusion: Our results show that curcumin pretreatment decreased the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) and changed the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) after PQ intoxication. Single toxic dose of PQ has initiated fibroproliferation within 48 h and intranasal curcumin may prove as new therapeutic strategy for PQ induced ALI and fibroproliferation. © 2016, Springer International Publishing.
Curcumin Modulates Paraquat-Induced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition by Regulating Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) in A549 Cells
(Springer New York LLC, 2019) Namitosh Tyagi; D.K. Singh; D. Dash; Rashmi Singh
Paraquat (PQ), a widely used potent herbicide, generates superoxide anions and other free radicals, leading to severe toxicity and acute lung injury. PQ induces pulmonary fibrosis through epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) characterized by increased number of myofibroblasts. Time-dependent PQ-induced EMT has been evaluated in present investigation where intracellular ROS levels were significantly enhanced after 24 h of PQ intoxication. Anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin have been studied where alveolar epithelial cells (A549 cells) were incubated with curcumin (30 μΜ) for 1 and 3 h before PQ intoxication (700 μM). Western blot and immunocytochemistry studies revealed that pretreatment of A549 cells with curcumin for 3 h before PQ exposure has maintained E-cadherin expression and inhibited PQ induced α-smooth-muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) that seems to be involved in PQ-induced EMT was enhanced after PQ intoxication, but curcumin pretreatment has effectively inhibited its expression. Immunostaining studies have shown that curcumin pretreatment has significantly reduced matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expressions, which were elevated after PQ intoxication. These results demonstrate that curcumin can regulate PQ-induced EMT by regulating the expression of TGF-β. © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Erratum to Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate: Inflammation and arthritis [Life Sciences, 86, (2010), 907-918]
(2010) Rashmi Singh; Nahid Akhtar; Tariq M. Haqqi
[No abstract available]
Exploring the Entrepreneurial Climate and Attributes of Agripreneurs and its Determinants
(Indian Society of Extension Education, 2023) Sanjay Kumar Gupta; Manjeet Singh Nain; Rashmi Singh; Jyoti Ranjan Mishra; Anshu Lata
The entrepreneurial climate is a set of tangible and intangible factors that shape and create a climate for agripreneurship in a region or area. An attitude scale was developed with 44 items (36 items positive and 8 negatives) during 2022. It was administered to 120 agripreneurs of Uttar Pradesh and it was found that the majority of the factors namely institutional, psychological, cognitive, sociological, economical, and managerial were contributing significantly to creating and shaping the entrepreneurial climate. Among these major factors, managerial factors were contributing most prominently with the highest total mean score of 2.83. The possible relation between socio-personal, socio-psychological, and entrepreneurial variables was explored considering the various dimensions of entrepreneurial climate as dependent variables. It was found that the majority of characteristics was associated with entrepreneurial climate and was able to define to the extent of 62.30 per cent. © Indian Journal of Extension Education (http://www.iseeiari.org).
Force field calculations and reassigments of Raman and IR frequencies of pyrazine-N,N′-dioxide
(2007) R.A. Yadav; V. Mukherjee; Manoj Kumar; Rashmi Singh
Force field calculations have been carried out for the planar and non-planar modes of pyrazine-N,N′-O2 using the observed vibrational frequencies obtained from the IR and Raman spectral studies on pyrazine-N,N′-O2-h4 and pyrazine-N,N′-O2-d4 reported in the literature [D.A. Thornton, P.F.M. Verhoeven, G.M. Watkins, Herman O. Desseyn, Benjamin J. Van der Veken, Spectrochim. Acta 46A (1990) 1439]. The purpose of the present work is to determine force fields for the pyrazine-N,N′-O2 molecule and to present vibrational assignments for the observed IR and Raman frequencies to the fundamental modes, combination bands and overtones. The planar force field determined in the present case is expected to be better than that reported earlier [S. Szöke, G. Varsanyi, E. Baitz, Acta Chim. 53 (1967) 345] because of the inclusion of the observed frequencies due to pyrazine-N,N′-O2-d4 isotopomer. In addition, the non-planar force field for this molecule is reported for the first time. © 2006.
Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechi3-gallate: Inflammation and arthritis
(2010) Rashmi Singh; Nahid Akhtar; Tariq M. Haqqi
A number of factors including inflammation and oxidative stress are believed to play a role in the development of chronic joint diseases. Green tea has become a popular drink and is consumed throughout the world. Extracts of green tea and polyphenols present therein have been shown to inhibit the inflammatory responses in vitro in different cell types and the development of arthritis in animal model studies. There is considerable evidence that (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the predominant green tea polyphenol which mimic its effects, inhibits enzyme activities and signal transduction pathways that play important roles in inflammation and joint destruction in arthritis. After oral consumption EGCG become bioavailable and proteomic studies suggest that EGCG may directly interact with a large set of protein targets and alter the physiological response of the cells. Taken together these and other studies identify and support the use of EGCG as a possible chemopreventive agent with a potential to inhibit the development of arthritis. Here we review the biological effects of EGCG in an attempt to understand its pivotal molecular targets that directly affect the inflammation and joint destruction process for prevention and/or for the development of new therapeutics for arthritis in humans. © 2010 Elsevier Inc.
Heavy metal contamination in the wastewater irrigated soil and bioaccumulation in cultivated vegetables: Assessment of human health risk
(Academic Press Inc., 2024) Rashmi Singh; Prince Kumar Singh; Parvati Madheshiya; Alok Kumar Khare; Supriya Tiwari
Heavy metal contamination in soil and accumulation in cultivated vegetables is currently an urgent ecological problem prevalent throughout the world. The study investigated the concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Pb) in irrigation water, soil, and vegetables grown in the vicinity of the industrial area of northern India. Furthermore, this study also assessed the health risk to the local population from consuming vegetables grown in metal-contaminated areas. In the present study, concentrations of all heavy metals in the soil remained within the acceptable limits stipulated by national standards, with the exception of Ni, which exceeded the prescribed threshold limit (Ni=75–100, Cu=135–270, Zn=300–600, Pb=250–500 µgg−1). The concentration of heavy metals in the vegetables was found maximum at the Lohta site followed by Ramnagar, Varuna, Dinapur, and Shivpur as compared to the control site (BHU). The highest concentration of Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Pb was found in Spinacia oleracea followed by Amaranthus grain, Mentha spicata, Abelmoschus esculentus, Solanum melongena, Lagenaria siceraria, Solanum lycopersicum, Momordica charantia, Luffa acutangula, and least in Phaseolus vulgaris. The higher metal content of these vegetables is further supported by an increase in the metal pollution index (MPI) of wastewater-irrigated soil. The maximum DIM (Daily intake of metals) was reported in S. oleracea (0.061 μg g−1/day), whereas the minimum for P. vulgaris (0.007 μg g−1/day). On the basis of health quotient (HQ) revealed that at the Lohta, Ramnagar, Varuna Dinapur sites, HQ values of Cr, Ni, Cu, and Pb were found greater than one (>1) for both children and adults on the consumption of all tested plants. The HQ value of all heavy metals except Zn indicated their contamination in the vegetables and their health risks to the local residents. As a result, continuous monitoring and source control should be conducted for heavy metals i.e., Cr, Ni, Zn, and Pb, to ensure the region's food quality and environmental security. © 2024 Elsevier Inc.
Heavy metal contamination through wastewater irrigation on the soil and vegetables: Impact on the nutrient content and health risks
(Gaurav Publications, 2024) Rashmi Singh; Shivani Gupta; Alok Kumar Khare; Supriya Tiwari
The use of wastewater irrigation may contribute to the metal accumulation, and reduction of nutrient level of vegetables, which would then have an adverse effect on human health. Therefore, in the present study we investigated heavy metals contamination and its impact on nutrient quality of vegetables and health risk. The study was conducted from the agricultural fields of Varanasi distinct during the period from March 2022 to June 2023 and all the laboratory work was carried in the department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University. Heavy metal concentrations in water, soil, and vegetable samples were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The physiochemical property (pH), daily intake of metal, metal pollution index and health quotient were also calculated according to the published protocols. All heavy metal were found in higher concentrations in the wastewater irrigated soil that control site. The Lohta site had the highest concentration of heavy metals in the vegetables, followed by Dinapur, and least at control site (BHU). The highest concentration of metals (Cu, Zn, and Pb) were found in the leafy vegetables (S. oleracea & A. esculentus) whereas lowest in fruity vegetables (P. vulgaris). The rise in the Metal Pollution Index (MPI) also provided evidence for the greater metal content of these vegetables. The S. oleracea was found to have the highest DIM (0.061 g/g) while P. vulgaris had the lowest (0.007 g/g). HQ values of these metals were found greater than one (>1) for both children and adults on the ingestion of the vegetables of wastewater irrigated sites. Further, nutrient contents (Na, Mg, Ca) were also declined in the vegetables of wastewater irrigated site when compared to control site. These findings suggest that the consumption of such vegetables leads to compromised health and might be associated with severe health risk in the human. © 2024, Gaurav Publications. All rights reserved.