Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2013"

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Studies on remating behaviour in the Drosophila bipectinata species complex: Intra- and interspecific variations
(2013) Akanksha Singh; Bashisth N. Singh
Intra- and interspecific variations in female and male remating frequency, latency, and duration of copulation in first and second matings were analyzed in four species of the Drosophila bipectinata complex, employing four strains of each species i.e. D. bipectinata, D. parabipectinata, D. malerkotliana and D. pseudoananassae. Chi-square test revealed significant intraspecific variation in the number of remated females and males in D. malerkotliana and D. bipectinata, whereas D. parabipectinata showed insignificant intraspecific variations in number of remated females and males. D. pseudoananassae showed significant intraspecific variation in the number of remated females, but the frequency of remating was least. One way ANOVA depicted significant intraspecific variation in female and male remating time in D. bipectinata and D. parabipectinata. D. bipectinata took the shortest time to remate and the duration of copulation in first mating was longest. However, D. pseudoananassae exhibited the longest remating time and long duration of copulation in first mating. Results of t-test depicted that all four species exhibited shorter duration of copulation in second mating as compared to the first. Our study puts D. bipectinata and D. pseudoananassae at two extremes, and D. parabipectinata and D. malerkotliana at an intermediate position in a hierarchy of remating behaviours. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
Diabetic nephropathy: Causes and managements
(Bentham Science Publishers, 2013) Yamini B. Tripathi; Durgavati Yadav
Uncontrolled diabetic patients often develop diabetic nephropathy (DN). Since, it involves different molecular pathways, such as polyol pathway, protein kinase - C (PKC) activation, inflammatory and oxidative stress etc., and so multi-targeted drugs would be required for its management. Although, combination therapies with various conventional medicines are already in use, but herbal preparations are being preferred as adjuvant therapy, because of their multi targeted drug action due to the presence of natural cocktail of various secondary metabolites. This review describes pathogenesis of DN, possible approaches for its management and information about recent patents and bio-products, which are in pipe line of drug development. © 2013 Bentham Science Publishers.
Effect of folic acid in prenatal alcohol induced behavioral impairment in Swiss albino mice
(2013) Uttam Shrestha; Mandavi Singh
Background: Alcohol is a potent teratogen inducing oxidative stress as well as a massive wave of apoptosis in the developing brain as well as oxidative stress. It affects brain including cerebellum, hippocampus and cerebral cortex resulting into motor and cognitive deficits. Alcohol depletes folic acid from the body which is essential for synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein during cell division and proved to prevent many brain related malformations. Purpose: The objective of the present study was to study whether folic acid reduces behavioral impairments that were induced by prenatal exposure to ethanol in mice. Methods: Pregnant mice were divided into different experimental groups. Group I termed as control receiving distilled water, group II received ethanol, group III ethanol and folic acid and group IV folic acid only from gestational days 6 to 15. The dams were allowed to deliver their offspring naturally and until weaning the pups remained with their natural mothers. At the age of 8-9 weeks, they were subjected to battery of various behavioral tests. Results: The alcohol exposed dams showed decreased motor activity in open field test and decreased exploration and increased anxiety in elevated maze test as compared to controls. Folic acid administration reduced the intensity of these effects of alcohol in mice. Conclusion: The exposure to alcohol in utero produces long lasting effect on the developing pharmacological character of brain affecting postnatal behavioral expression which may be reduced by prenatal folic acid administration.
Rotational bands in 113Sb
(American Physical Society, 2013) P. Banerjee; S. Ganguly; M.K. Pradhan; H.P. Sharma; S. Muralithar; R.P. Singh; R.K. Bhowmik
Rotational bands in 113Sb, populated in the reaction 100Mo(19F,6n) at a beam energy of 105 MeV, have been studied. Two previously reported strongly coupled high-K bands have been extended and a new sequence of five states, linked to the positive-parity high-K band through interband transitions, is proposed. A comparison of the experimental B(M1)/B(E2) ratios for the latter band with the predictions of the geometrical model of Dönau-Frauendorf suggests that the states are axially symmetric with a moderate quadrupole deformation of β2=0.20. Present directional correlation orientation and γ-ray polarization studies indicate that the negative-parity states built upon the 3045 keV isomeric level involve a high-Ω πh11/2 orbital and have an oblate shape. Mean lifetimes for eight states belonging to the prolate-deformed πh 11/2 band have been measured from Doppler shift attenuation data. The results suggest a large average quadrupole deformation of β2=0. 32±0.03 for states up to 10217 keV. The decrease of the B(E2) rates for the 9063- and 10217 keV states may be interpreted as a signature of band termination at high spin. © 2013 American Physical Society.
Biodetoxification of high amounts of malachite green by a multifunctional strain of Pseudomonas mendocina and its ability to metabolize dye adsorbed chicken feathers
(2013) Venkatesh Chaturvedi; Khushboo Bhange; Renu Bhatt; Pradeep Verma
Malachite green (MG) is a highly toxic, and recalcitrant tri-phenyl methane dye, which can be adsorbed on surface of chicken feathers, a non toxic poultry waste. This interaction can affect metabolism of chicken feathers by microbes in the environment. In this study, decolorization/degradation of MG and metabolism of MG adsorbed chicken feathers by Pseudomonas mendocina strain PM2 has been evaluated. Decolorization of different concentrations of MG by strain PM2 was studied. Degradation of MG was studied by UV-vis/FTIR analysis. Enzyme activities of selected enzymes were evaluated in order to ascertain their role in MG degradation. Microbial/phytotoxocity studies on MG and its degraded metabolites were carried out to confirm detoxification of MG after degradation. MG was adsorbed on surface of chicken feathers and its toxicity on strain PM2 and MG sensitive strain of Bacillus subtilis MTCC 441 was evaluated. Metabolism of native and MG adsorbed chicken feathers by strain PM2 and MTCC 441 was studied. Results showed that strain PM2 could decolorize up to 1800 mg/L MG. UV-vis/FTIR studies indicated degradation of MG by strain PM2. Assay of enzyme activity indicated involvement of MG reductase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase during degradation. Microbial/phytotoxicity study confirmed biodetoxification of MG after degradation. MG adsorbed chicken feathers were toxic to MTCC 441 and non toxic to strain PM2. Further, strain PM2 was able to metabolize MG adsorbed chicken feathers whereas MTCC 441 could not metabolize MG adsorbed chicken feathers. This study clearly indicates that MG adsorbed chicken feathers are difficult to be metabolized by MG sensitive strains. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Safety profile assessment and efficacy of chemically characterized Cinnamomum glaucescens essential oil against storage fungi, insect, aflatoxin secretion and as antioxidant
(2013) Bhanu Prakash; Priyanka Singh; Shilpee Yadav; S.C. Singh; N.K. Dubey
The study explores the efficacy of Cinnamomum glaucescens essential oil (EO) as insecticidal, antifungal, antiaflatoxin and antioxidant agent so as to recommend its application as plant based preservatives for food commodities. The study reports the chemical characterization of C. glaucescens oil and its 100% insecticidal activity against insect pest Callosobruchus chinensis on 12h exposure and 98.74% oviposition deterrency at 0.15μl/ml. The EO significantly inhibited growth and aflatoxin production by toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus LHP-10 at 4.5 and 3.5μl/ml respectively. EO also showed appreciable antioxidant activity (IC50 value=15.1μl/ml), non phytotoxic nature on chickpea seed germination and in vivo potential as fumigant in food system providing 71.07% protection of chickpea samples from fungal contamination and 100% antifeedant activity against the insect invasion. The EO exhibited non-mammalian toxicity showing high LD50 (3971.34μl/kg) during oral toxicity on mice. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
Phytochemicals and antioxidative enzymes defence mechanism on occurrence of yellow vein mosaic disease of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata)
(Springer Verlag, 2013) Namrata Jaiswal; M. Singh; R.S. Dubey; V. Venkataramanappa; D. Datta
Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) samples showing yellow vein mosaic disease in Varanasi region were identified with begomovirus infection using PCR amplification. A sequencing analysis of the full genome revealed that it is a strain of Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (GenBank ID. FJ931537). Phytochemical composition and antioxidative enzyme levels were compared in infected and healthy plants. The study revealed that the amount of total protein declined in the infected leaves but elevated up to 135 % in the fruits of infected plants, whereas vitamin C and antioxidants declined in infected leaves as well as fruits. There was substantial increase in total phenol content in leaves (72 %) and fruits (300 %) of infected plants. In infected samples, substantial increase in activities of superoxide dismutases (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) was observed as compared to the uninfected control plants. The native PAGE showed alterations in the intensities of isozyme bands in the infected plants. The APX, GPX, CAT, SOD and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) bands were intense in the infected plants, whereas the GR isozyme showed reduced intensity in diseased plants. © The Author(s) 2012.
Biochemical, morphological, and yield responses of lady's finger plants to varying ratios of palm oil mill waste (decanter cake) application as a bio-fertilizer
(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2013) Asha Embrandiri; Rajeev Pratap Singh; Mahamad Hakimi Ibrahim
Background: Decanter cake is produced in large amounts, and its disposal is a major concern in palm-producing countries. Growth morphology and biochemical responses of lady's finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants grown on soil amended with different ratios of decanter cake (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) were investigated. Results: The soil pH decreased (unamended soil), whereas the electrical conductivity increased as compared with the control. There was a significant difference in ascorbic acid content with the increase in treatment ratio. Phenol content was however highest in 20% of the amendment (13.197 ± 0.36mg g-1). Conclusions: The results indicate that decanter cake amendments of up to 10% may be a probable substitute for inorganic fertilizers with respect to lady's finger (A. esculentus) plants due to high nutrient content, yield and biomass, as well as morphological characteristics. However, there were observable negative effects after 10% decanter cake amendment ratios. © 2013, Embrandiri et al.; licensee Springer.
Effect of organic nitrogen sources and biofertilizers on production potential and energy budgeting of rice (Oryza sativa)-based cropping systems
(Indian Society of Agronomy, 2013) S.K. Yadav; Subhash Babu; Y. Singh; G.S. Yadav; Kalyan Singh; Raghavendra Singh; Harvir Singh
A field experiment was conducted during 2005-06 and 2006-07 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to find out the effect of organic nitrogen sources and biofertilizers on system productivity and energy budgeting of rice (Oryza sativa L.)-based cropping system. Rice-potato [Solanum tubersoum (L.)]-onion [Allium cepa (L.)] system recorded significantly higher production efficiency (97.5 kg/ha/day), land-utilization efficiency (91.4%), economic efficiency (738/ha/day), energy input (61.08×103MJ/ha) and energy output (187.09×103MJ/ha). The lowest (39.4 × 103MJ/ ha) energy intensiveness was recorded in rice-table pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense)-cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cropping system. However, the organic nutrition with biofertilizers (Azotobacter and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria) had the highest rice-equivalent grain yield (35.3 t/ha), production efficiency (96.7kg/ha/ day), land utilization efficiency (89.8%), economic efficiency (803 ha/day) and energy-use efficiency (3.15) of system, followed by organic nitrogen sources alone (3.0). Recommended dose of N @100% through organic nitrogen sources alone was the next best treatment resulting in higher productivity and system efficiency. Rice-potato-onion cropping system was found most productive, profitable and energy efficient with application of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen through organic sources along with biofertilizers. © 2013, Indian Society of Agronomy. All rights reserved.
Chemical modification of poly (vinyl chloride) sheet with thiourea for cell study
(2013) Monika; R.R. Mishra; S. Jaiswal; G. Kapusetti; N. Misra
Plasticized poly (vinyl chloride) has been used as biomaterial to make medical equipment. An appropriate reaction situation by temperature at 60-85°C for the surface modification of PVC sheet with sodium thiourea has been investigated. Although, the use of a phase-transfer catalyst (Tetra butyl ammonium hydrogen sulphate-TBHAS) makes it feasible for the nucleophilic substitution reaction to take place, the morphology of the film is changed by the reaction, leading to a loss in both surface smoothness and transparency of the film. According to this study, the reaction with sodium thiourea occurs consistently through the sheets, and modified surface have antibacterial capacity. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.
Rapid Genotypic Detection of rpoB and katG Gene Mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolates from Northern India as Determined by MAS-PCR
(2013) Anamika Gupta; Pradyot Prakash; Surya K. Singh; Shampa Anupurba
Background: There is a growing need to develop rapid laboratory research methods to counter the menace of drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases worldwide especially in developing countries. The present study was undertaken to investigate the type and frequency of rpoB and katG mutations in rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) resistant strains respectively of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) circulating in Northern India and to explore the utility of multiplex-allele-specific (MAS)-PCR assay for detection of drug-resistant MTB isolates in low resource set up. Methods: Phenotypic and genotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) was performed on 354 MTB isolates. Results: Mutation in rpoB gene was found most frequently at codons 531, 526 and 516 (59.83%, 45.29% and 22.22%, respectively). Further, combinations of 2-3 point mutations were also observed in 19.66% of RIF-resistant MTB strains. The frequency of mutations in katG gene was found at codon 315 among 82.95% of the INH-resistant MTB isolates. MAS-PCR detected rpoB and katG mutations in phenotypically resistant isolates with sensitivities of 93% and 83% respectively. Conclusion: MAS-PCR assays can be used for rapid detection of drug-resistant TB strains in routine diagnostic practice, enabling early administration of appropriate treatment regimens to the affected patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vitro assessment of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Salacia species - A comparative study
(2013) N. Subhasree; Shivapriya Shivakumar; Sandhiya; Aruna Agrawal; G.P. Dubey
Objective: The present work is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of Salacia oblonga, Salacia reticulata and Salacia roxburghii using different in vitro models e.g. radical scavenging activity using 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and Ferricthiocyante assay (FTC) and antibacterial activity against Eschericeae coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas auruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia. Method: Different concentrations of hydroalcoholic speices of three plants were prepared and tested for their antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity was seen by disc diffusion method. Results: It was seen that Salacia reticulata showed better antioxidant effect than the other two species and Salacia oblonga and Salacia reticulata showed better antibacterial activity. Conclusion: The study concludes that the hydroalcoholic extract of three Salacia species have antioxidant activity and Salacia oblonga and Salacia reticulate have antibacterial activity against the tested microorganisms.
Microbial Consortium-Induced Changes in Oxidative Stress Markers in Pea Plants Challenged with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
(2013) Akansha Jain; Akanksha Singh; Surendra Singh; Harikesh Bahadur Singh
The ability for rhizobacteria and fungus to act as bioprotectants via induced systemic resistance has been demonstrated, and considerable progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms of plant-biocontrol agent-pathogen interactions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PJHU15, Trichoderma harzianum TNHU27, and Bacillus subtilis BHHU100 from rhizospheric soils were used singly and in consortium and assessed on the basis of their ability to provide disease protection by relating changes in ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes in pea under the challenge of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Increased production of H2O2 24 h after pathogen challenge was observed and was 254.4 and 231.7-287.7 % higher in the triple consortium and singly treated plants, respectively, when compared to untreated challenged control plants. A similar increase in ascorbic acid content and ascorbate peroxidase activity was observed 24 and 48 h after pathogen challenge, respectively, whereas increased activities of catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase were observed 72 h after pathogen challenge. Similarly, lipid peroxidation reached a maximum at 72 h of pathogen challenge and was 61.2 and 11.2-32.1 % less in the triple consortium and singly treated plants, respectively, when compared to untreated challenged control plants. These findings suggest that the interaction of microorganisms in the rhizosphere enhanced protection from oxidative stress generated by pathogen attack through induction of antioxidant enzymes and improved reactive oxygen species management. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York.
Quantum dots-multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanoconjugate-modified pencil graphite electrode for ultratrace analysis of hemoglobin in dilute human blood samples
(Elsevier B.V., 2013) Bhim Bali Prasad; Amrita Prasad; Mahavir Prasad Tiwari
A novel molecularly imprinted polymer, selective for human hemoglobin, was immobilized on the surface of CdS quantum dots-multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanoconjugate-modified pencil graphite electrode. The fabricated sensor was found to be water-compatible and biologically benign, since the molecular imprinting was exclusively carried out in water, without any protein denaturation and electrode fouling. Notably, the pencil graphite electrode modified with merely a nanoconjugate matrix might involve the onset possibilities of electrode passivation and protein denaturation. However, a polymer coating onto the nanoconjugate obviated such obstacle while evaluating human hemoglobin in an aqueous environment (pH 4.2). The quantification of the hemoglobin in the dilute whole blood samples varied in the linear range 27.8-444.0 ng mL-1; and the detection limit was obtained as 6.73 ng mL-1 (S/N=3), without any cross-reactivity and false-positives. The proposed sensor can be used as a cost effective sensor for hemoglobin, in clinical settings. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Estimation of parameters of generalized inverted exponential distribution for progressive type-II censored sample with binomial removals
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2013) Sanjay Kumar Singh; Umesh Singh; Manoj Kumar
We obtained the maximum likelihood and Bayes estimators of the parameters of the generalized inverted exponential distribution in case of the progressive type-II censoring scheme with binomial removals. Bayesian estimation procedure has been discussed under the consideration of the square error and general entropy loss functions while the model parameters follow the gamma prior distributions. The performances of the maximum likelihood and Bayes estimators are compared in terms of their risks through the simulation study. Further, we have also derived the expression of the expected experiment time to get a progressively censored sample with binomial removals, consisting of specified number of observations from generalized inverted exponential distribution. An illustrative example based on a real data set has also been given. © 2013 Sanjay Kumar Singh et al.
Crustal thickness mapping in Raipur-Katni area of Narmada-Son lineament in central India derived from 3D Euler deconvolution of magnetic data
(Indian Academy of Sciences, 2013) G.K. Ghosh; C.L. Singh
The Narmada-Son lineament (NSL) is one of the most prominent tectonic features which divides the Indian peninsula into two subcontinents, northern and southern India since Precambrian times. The area is seismically active and geologically complex with different geological formations. Magnetic data divides the area into two parts and more prominent magnetic highs are observed near Tikwa, Mau and Amarpur regions with 800, 600 and 400 nT, respectively due to the presence of the crystalline basement rock. Tectonic resettlement and lithological changes causes upwarpment of Mahakoshal rocks. In the present study, magnetic data interpretation is carried out for locating depth of causative body and delineating structural fault/dyke boundaries using Euler deconvolution technique. Most of the faults are oriented in the ENE-WSW direction; however, few more faults are identified which are oriented in the SE to NW direction. These fault patterns suggest that the area is exaggerated by tectonic turmoil and distressed both sedimentary to basement rocks isolating the area into numerous faulted blocks. The maximum depths (>4.5 km) observed at Katni and Umaria area and moderate depths (between 4.0 and 4.5 km) observed towards east of Katni, Ramnagar, Burwa and east of Umaria and Sarna area. © Indian Academy of Sciences.
Novel discrete symmetries in the general N = 2 supersymmetric quantum mechanical model
(Springer New York LLC, 2013) R. Kumar; R.P. Malik
In addition to the usual supersymmetric (SUSY) continuous symmetry transformations for the general N = 2 SUSY quantum mechanical model, we show the existence of a set of novel discrete symmetry transformations for the Lagrangian of the above SUSY quantum mechanical model. Out of all these discrete symmetry transformations, a unique discrete transformation corresponds to the Hodge duality operation of differential geometry and the above SUSY continuous symmetry transformations (and their anticommutator) provide the physical realizations of the de Rham cohomological operators of differential geometry. Thus, we provide a concrete proof of our earlier conjecture that any arbitrary N = 2 SUSY quantum mechanical model is an example of a Hodge theory where the cohomological operators find their physical realizations in the language of symmetry transformations of this theory. Possible physical implications of our present study are pointed out, too. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg and Società Italiana di Fisica.
Exacerbation of brain pathology after partial restraint in hypertensive rats following SiO2 nanoparticles exposure at high ambient temperature
(Humana Press Inc., 2013) Hari S. Sharma; Dafin F. Muresanu; Ranjana Patnaik; Aruna Sharma
This investigation examines the possibility that exposure to silica dust of hypertensive individuals may exacerbate brain pathology and sensory motor dysfunction at high environmental temperature. Hypertension was produced in rats (200-250 g) by two-kidney one clip (2K1C) method, and in these animals, SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs; 50 to 60 nm) were administered at 50 mg/kg, i.p. daily for 1 week. On the 8th day, these rats were subjected to partial restraint in a Perspex box for 4 h either at room temperature (21 C) or at 33 C in a biological oxygen demand incubator (wind velocity, 2.6 cm/s; relative humidity, 65 to 67 %). In these animals, behavioral functions, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability to Evans blue albumin (EBA) and radioiodine ( [131]-Iodine), brain water content and neuronal injuries were determined. Hypertensive rats subjected to 4 h restraint at room temperature did not exhibit BBB dysfunction, brain edema, neural injury, or alterations in rotarod or inclined plane angle performances. However, when these hypertensive rats were subjected to restraint at 33 C, breakdown of the cortical BBB (EBA, +38 %; radioiodine, +56 %), brain water (+0.88 %), neuronal damages (+18 %), and behavioral impairment were exacerbated. Interestingly, SiO2 exposure to these rats further exacerbated BBB breakdown (EBA, 280 %; radioiodine, 350 %), brain edema (4 %), and neural injury (30 %) after identical restraint depending on the ambient temperature. SiO2 treatment also induced brain pathology and alteration in behavioral functions in normotensive rats after restraint at high temperature. These observations clearly show that hypertension significantly enhances restraint-induced brain pathology, and behavioral anomalies particularly at high ambient temperature and SiO 2 intoxication further exacerbated these brain pathologies and cognitive dysfunctions. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.
Effects of Cr-doping on structural and optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles
(2013) Shiv Kumar; S. Chatterjee; Anup K. Ghosh
The synthesis method, structural and optical properties of sol-gel derived Zn1-xCrxO(0≤x≤0.06) nanoparticles has been reported. Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction pattern shows that all the samples are in single phase having wurtzite structure. It also confirms that Cr-ions are well incorporated into host lattice without changing the wurtzite structure of ZnO host lattice. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy observations showed the nanocrystalline nature of the samples. UV-Vis measurements show that the band gap is blue shifted in lower Cr-concentration and red shifted in higher Cr-concentration. This may be attributed due to the Burstein-Moss effect that prevails throughout this range of doping and sp-d exchange interaction which plays a significant role for higher Cr-concentration. © 2013 American Institute of Physics.
Mucosal IgA & IL-1β in helicobacter pylori infection
(2013) Ragini Srivastava; Antara Kashyap; Mohan Kumar; Gopal Nath; Ashok Kumar Jain
Helicobacter pylori infection stimulates strong local inflammatory and specific IgA antibody production. The influence of antibodies on the bacterial colonization is not clear. Here, we have analysed the association between the mucosal IgA level and IL-1β in various manifestations of the infection seen endoscopically. Antral biopsies of 57 dyspeptic patients were taken for culture, histology and estimation of mucosal levels of anti-H. pylori IgA and IL-1β. Mean mucosal IgA level was higher in patients with normal mucosa compared to all other groups and lower IgA level was associated with higher bacterial density. IL-1β was higher in ulcer patients and suspicious malignancy group as compared to normal group and higher level of IL-1β was associated with higher grades of metaplasia. Present study indicates that local immunity seems to have a protective role against H. pylori infection and higher level of IL-1β induced by the pathogen may be associated with metaplasia and carcinogenesis. © 2012 Association of Clinical Biochemists of India.