Manodeep Chakraborty

Introduction/Objective: Nephrolithiasis is a complex kidney disease characterized by the development of kidney stones. Evidence is emerging that exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in these processes. The present review briefs the role of exosomal miRNAs in stone pathogenesis in the kidney and their possible diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Methods: A narrative review was performed on exosomal miRNAs involved in calcium oxalate crystal formation and calcium and oxalate metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, renal injury, renal fibrosis, and immune responses in nephrolithiasis. Results: Multiple miRNA molecules were found to be linked to various components of stone formation and renal damage that were present in the exosomes. Monkeys with hypercalciuria and calcium oxalate stone formation showed an association with miR-148b-5p, and monkeys with inflammatory and cellular stress responses showed an association with miR-223-3p and miR-93-3p. A role for miR-21 and miR-214 in renal fibrosis and tissue injury was suggested. In contrast, miR-20b-3p, miR-186-5p and miR-374a-5p had the potential to exert protective actions by regulating inflammatory and injury-related pathways. Discussion: The role of exosomal miRNAs in nephrolithiasis could be involved in several path-ways and may be used as non-invasive, stable biomarkers. However, the challenges of exosome isolation and miRNA detection methods, experimental models, and limited clinical validation studies remain a great hurdle. Conclusion: Exosomal miRNAs are promising molecular regulators and potential biomarkers in nephrolithiasis. The diagnostic and therapeutic value of these must be further investigated through mechanistic and clinical studies.

Background: Tupistra nutans, commonly known as Nakima in the Sikkim region of India, is a fascinating plant species with potential medicinal and culinary uses. It belongs to the family Asparagaceae. Main body: It’s native to the Eastern Himalayas and is prized for its distinctive appearance and nutritional value.Recent research has identified Tupistra nutans is having potential phyto constituents such as Unsaturated fatty acids, Vitamin E, Diosgenin, Linoleic acid and Palmitoleic acid. Tupistra nutans is a unique plant with a distinctive appearance. It is a perennial herb with a rhizomatous root system. The Leaves are large, strap-shaped and can reach up to 1–2 m in length. They are dark green, glossy and arranged in a basal rosette. The Inflorescence is a unique, club-shaped inflorescence which bears numerous small, tubular flowers. The Colour can vary but is often a striking yellow or orange. The Fruits are berry-like fruits that are typically red or orange when ripe. Traditionally Tupistra nutans has Culinary Use like the inflorescence is a popular vegetable, often cooked in curries or stir-fries. It is prized for its unique texture and flavour, often compared to button mushrooms. The Medicinal Use in pain relief, blood sugar regulation, anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant properties and anti-diabetic properties. Conclusion: While scientific research is still in its early stages, the plant’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties warrant further exploration. By understanding and harnessing the power of this indigenous plant, we can unlock its potential for sustainable development, healthcare, and culinary innovation.

Neuropathic pain is a type of pain resulting from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is a serious complication of cancer treatment, often occurring in a dose-dependent manner. CIPN is a sensory neuropathic syndrome characterized by motor and autonomic alterations of varying intensity and duration. The lack of effective treatment options for CIPN makes it a significant clinical challenge. A variety of chemotherapeutic agents can contribute to the development of CIPN, including vinca alkaloids, platinum-based antineoplastic agents, epothilones (ixabepilone), proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib), taxanes, and immunomodulatory drugs (thalidomide), along with the genetic factors. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes, such as CEP72 and EPHA, have been linked to increased susceptibility to CIPN. The treatment options for CIPN are limited and often require careful consideration due to potential side effects and patient comorbidities. Pharmacological interventions, such as anticonvulsants, gabapentin, and pregabalin, are commonly used to manage neuropathic pain. Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and nortriptyline can be effective, but their use may be limited due to side effects. In severe cases, opioids may be considered, but they should be used cautiously due to the risk of addiction and other adverse effects. The lidocaine or capsaicin creams and patches can provide localized pain relief. The non-pharmacological interventions like physical therapy can help improve strength, balance, and mobility. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and spinal cord stimulation are invasive procedures that may be considered for severe, intractable pain. Complementary therapies and cognitive-behavioural therapy can help patients cope with pain and improve their quality of life.

The advancement in therapy has provided a dramatic improvement in the rate of recovery among cancer patients. However, this improved survival is also associated with enhanced risks for cardiovascular manifestations, including hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart failure. The cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy is a life-threatening consequence that restricts the use of several chemotherapy drugs in clinical practice. This article addresses the prevalence of cardiotoxicity mediated by commonly used chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic agents. The role of susceptible genes and radiation therapy in the occurrence of cardiotoxicity is also reviewed. This review also emphasizes the protective role of antioxidants and future perspectives in anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicities.

Lead is one of the earliest heavy metals discovered by human. The widespread use of lead has led to manifold rise in the occurrence of free lead in biological systems and the inert environment. The liver is the critical organ after long-term occupational or environmental exposure to lead and excessive exposure may cause severe hepatotoxic effects. The lead induced hepatotoxicity study was carried out in adult male wister albino rats. Rat doses of Ellagic acid were selected as 50mg/kg and 25mg/kg through oral route. After acclimatization, the animals were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8 animals in each and received normal saline, lead acetate, high and low doses of ellagic acid along with lead acetate respectively for 28 days. Serum enzymes such as AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and lipid levels were measured by semi-autoanalyser. Antioxidants like SOD, Catalase, TBARS and GSH activity were measured in liver tissue homogenate. Remaining livers were subjected for histological examination. Observed results suggested dose dependent beneficial effects for EA against lead acetate induced hepatotoxicity and it was concluded that EA exhibited dose-dependent protection against lead induced hepatoxicity.

Objective: Curcumin is a well-established cardioprotective phytoconstituent, but the poor bioavailability associated with it is always a matter of therapeutic challenge. The present study was undertaken to increase the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin by combining with bio-enhancer like piperine against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Rats ( n = 8) were treated with curcumin (200 mg/kg, p.o.) alone and different dose combination of curcumin (100, 50, 25 mg/kg, p.o.) and piperine (20 mg/kg, p.o.) for 10 days. All the treated groups were subjected to CP (200 mg/kg, i.p.) toxicity on day 1. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, the effects were evaluated by changes in electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters, serum biomarkers, lipid profile, tissue antioxidants, and histopathological examination. Serum and tissue homogenate parameters were measured by semi-autoanalyzer and spectrophotometer, respectively. Results obtained were assessed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey–Karmer multiple comparison test. Results: Incorporation of piperine with the doses of 50 and 25 mg/kg with curcumin exhibited significant beneficial effect compared to curcumin alone-treated group. The best effective group was a combination of curcumin 50 mg/kg with piperine 20 mg/kg which showed extremely significant ( P < 0.001) decrease and increase in ECG and serum biomarker level, respectively, and moderate significant ( P < 0.01) decrease in lipid profile, antioxidant levels, and histopathological score, compared to curcumin alone-treated group. Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that a novel dose combination of curcumin (50 mg/kg) with piperine (20 mg/kg) exhibited profound cardioprotection compared to curcumin (200 mg/kg) alone-treated group.