Saptadip Samanta

Any toxicity initially damages the hepatic system, followed by renal dysfunction. Previously, it was established that carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) intoxication severely damaged hepatocytes. Moreover, CCl₄-mediated toxicity significantly impacted immune functions and influenced the inflammatory response, with mitochondrial dysfunction. The present study focused on the levels of inflammatory markers and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as the protective role of BHA and BHT. In the present study, hepatorenal dysfunction was developed in experimental rats by applying a subcutaneous injection of CCl₄ with a dose of 230 mg/kg bwt/rat/day. The level of immune toxicity was determined by measuring C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, 12, TNF-α, IL-10, and TGF-β in CCl4 intoxicated group and pretreated BHA and BHT groups. ROS generation and MMP were also measured in hepatic and renal cells using flow cytometric technique. The level of toxicity was determined by a significant increase of CRP (407.29%), IL-6 (525.65%), IL-12 (1026.54%), and TNF-α (1007.33%) in CCl₄ intoxicated group, while IL-10 and TGF-β were significantly decreased 84.65% and 66.36%, respectively. CCl₄ intoxication caused decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and high levels of intracellular ROS generation. Pretreatment with BHA (0.5 mg/kg/bwt) and BHT (0.8 mg/kg/bwt) significantly (pp<0.05) reduced inflammatory markers in the CCl4-treated group, restored mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased intracellular ROS levels. BHA and BHT treatment could restrict the higher concentration of pro-inflammatory markers by scavenging ROS. Therefore, the study suggested that supplementation of BHA and BHT could be an alternative treatment for preventing hepatorenal dysfunctions.

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In the present study, frozen semen straw were collected from the bull semen bank and performed routine semen analysis. We also studied different biochemical parameters of seminal fluid, including ROS generation and DNA fragmentation. Average viability and motility of sperm showed within 77% and 27%, respectively, which is not satisfactory. Biochemical constituents like glucose, fructose, total protein, cholesterol, and others varied among the different breeds, and there was no superiority among the breeds. The results of different electrolyte concentrations were closely associated among the different breeds that protected the sperm from osmotic lysis. Aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase activity were mostly better in exotic and crossbred breeds than in pure indigenous breeds. Antioxidant profile and oxidative stress (OS) were also studied. The results indicated that antioxidant enzyme (catalase, GPx) activity and reduced glutathione content were high in the crossbred variety. However, lipid peroxidation rate was high in the Gir breed. Flowcytometry study revealed that the ROS generation level was very high, and the rate of DNA fragmentation was around 50%, which indicated the loss of 50% of sperm due to ROS. In conclusion, it could be said that cryopreservation decreases sperm viability, motility, and increases ROS that is detrimental to sperm survival.

There is a complex relationship between circadian rhythm dysfunctions and various psychiatric disorders. Circadian (~24 h) rhythms indicate the rhythmic change of different physiological activities in relation to the environmental light-dark cycle. Shift work, light exposure at night, and chronic and acute jet lag affect circadian rhythm that have a negative impact on psychological functions, and behaviors. Additionally, professional stress, mental instability, and social disintegration influence psychiatric disorders. PubMed/MEDLINE, Springer Nature, Science Direct (Elsevier), Wiley Online, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar databases were searched to collect relevant articles. Circadian rhythm disruption causes impaired neurotransmitter release, impaired melatonin and cortisol rhythm, metabolic dysfunctions, neuroinflammation, and neural apoptosis; collectively these factors influence the development of psychiatric disorders. Circadian dysfunction also alters the expression of several clock control genes in the mesolimbic areas that are associated with pathologies of psychiatric disorders. Additionally, chronotherapy and applications of anti-psychotic medicine can improve psychiatric diseases. This review focuses on the effects of circadian clock dysfunction on the vulnerability of psychiatric disorders and the implications of chronotherapy.

A specific type of beta-adrenergic receptor was discovered in the decade of 1980s and subsequently recognized as a new type of beta-adrenergic receptor, called beta₃-adrenoceptor (β₃-AR). β₃-AR expresses in different tissues, including adipose tissue, gall bladder, stomach, small intestine, cardiac myocytes, urinary bladder, and brain. Structurally, β₃-AR is very similar to β₁- and β₂-AR and belongs to a G-protein coupled receptor that uses cAMP as an intracellular second messenger. Alternatively, it also activates the NO-cGMP cascade. Stimulation of the β₃-AR increases lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation, energy expenditure, and insulin action, leading to anti-obesity and anti-diabetic activity. Moreover, β₃-AR differentially regulates the myocardial contraction and relaxes the urinary bladder to balance the cardiac activity and delay the micturition reflex, respectively. In recent years, this receptor has served as an attractive target for the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, and overactive bladder syndrome. Several β₃-AR agonists are in the emerging stage that can exert novel pharmacological benefits in different therapeutic areas. The present review focuses on the structure, signaling, physiological, and metabolic activities of β₃-AR. Additionally, therapeutic approaches of β₃-AR have also been considered.

Gut microbiota are an essential community for human health. They produce different bioactive components and short-chain fatty acids for physiological benefits. Intestinal flora elicits an immune response and maintains a balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines during the inflammatory response. The intricate relationship between the activities of gut microbes and brain functions creates the gut–brain axis. Microbial metabolites of the gut reach the brain through blood and lymphatic circulation. The bioactive components from gut microorganisms regulate oxidative stress, cytokine profiles, neuroinflammation, apoptotic reactions and neurodegeneration. Dysbiosis alters the activity of gut microbiota, which causes gastrointestinal disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome and cancers. Probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp.) have different health promotional effects and exhibit a significant role in immunomodulation. These bacteria display some protective role against various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) belongs to the albuminoid protein family and is considered as the fetal analog of serum albumin. This plasma protein is initially synthesized in the fetal liver and yolk sac and shows a maximum peak near the end of the first trimester. Later, concentrations begin to decline prenatally and drop precipitously after birth. This protein has three key ligand-binding pockets for interactions with various biomolecules. It contains multiple phosphorylation and acetylation sites for the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological states. High serum AFP titer is an established biomarker for yolk sac, embryonal and hepatocellular carcinoma. The present review critically analyzes the chemical nature, receptors, clinical implications, and therapeutic aspects of AFP, underpinning the development of different types of cancer.

Modern civilization has flourished after the invention of electricity and eclectic lights for getting illumination at night. Initially, artificial light was a blessing for the civilization and mankind. Later, artificial-light-at-night (ALAN) appears as a serious problem in our modern world. Rapid urbanization and industrialization are the major causes of light pollution. Indeed, artificial light has several benefits, but it has negative impacts on the entire living system, including humans. Nighttime light exposure disrupts circadian clock activities and deregulates many rhythmic behaviors (sleep, hormone secretion, and others). Insects, fishes, frogs, turtles, birds, nocturnal mammals (bats and rats), and humans are facing serious problems. Light pollution alters behavioral functions, physical and physiological activities, feeding and nesting behavior, migration, and reproductive functions in different animals. Shift work, night work, and lit areas in the streets and residential areas make a serious issue for human exposure and may cause several pathologies. Thus ALAN affects entire ecosystems, and the present review focuses on the effects of light pollution on the different living systems.