Indian Journal of Physiology and Allied Sciences

Ameliorative role of phytochemical against smokeless tobacco products (STP) induced gastrointestinal health: An overview

2024-08-07T14:13:51+00:00

Background: Medicinal plants include phytochemicals that help treat a variety of illnesses, including those affecting the digestive system. Gutkha and other smokeless tobacco products can harm the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and mouth. Aims and Objectives: Citrus Medica, Clove, Fennel, Ginger, and Andrographis are among the phytochemicals that may lessen the effects of STP on the GI system, according to studies. This review aims to determine how these medicinal herbs can help avoid GI issues brought on by STP. Materials &methods: We conducted this instructive study using several online resources, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus journal listings, were used to perform this instructive study. We began by summarizing the numerous forms of STP and its general health concerns in light of the various medicinal herbs that are particularly effective in preventing health damage associated with STP. Results: Several tobacco-specific nitrosamine components (NNN, NNK, TSNA, etc.) found in various ST product types induce cancer in various bodily organs and are the source of several organ-specific (GI system) illnesses. Medicinal plants have a powerful effect on the digestive system. Conclusion: According to the study’s findings, STP affects the entire gastrointestinal system and individual organs, and most plant-based bioactive substances can effectively prevent these harms. Keywords: Tobacco, Nicotine, GI tract, Medicinal plants, Phytocompounds

Coexisting with artificial intelligence in the classroom

2024-11-25T21:03:55+00:00

Ambros and Ruvkun together sense the antisense

2025-03-29T11:46:22+00:00

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2024 for discovering microRNAs (miRNAs) and their fundamental role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. The discovery, stemming from studies on heterochronic genes in Caenorhabditis elegans, revealed a class of small, non-coding RNA molecules that fine-tune gene expression by cleaving target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) or inhibiting their translation. To understand the importance of their contribution to Physiology or Medicine, the article touched upon the biogenesis and mechanism of action of miRNAs, highlighting their crucial involvement in diverse biological processes, including development, differentiation, and cellular homeostasis. Furthermore, it discusses the implications of miRNA dysregulation in various human diseases, such as cancer, and explores their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The synergistic collaboration between Ambros and Ruvkun, initiated during their postdoctoral fellowships, exemplifies the power of collaborative scientific inquiry and has profoundly impacted our understanding of molecular biology and gene regulation, opening new avenues for future research and medical applications.

Effect of yoga therapy on selected physiological and psychological parameters of sports persons

2024-09-18T04:57:01+00:00

Background: Elevated levels of physiological and psychological stress harm the sports player’s performance during competition. Practicing yoga has been shown to reduce anxiety and keep the physiological parameters within normal ranges. The present study investigates the impact of yogic practice (4 weeks) on the selected physiological parameters and pre-competition anxiety level of a sports player before a competition. Methods: 120 Male Inter-University players (19–26 years) from basketball, volleyball, and handball games at HNB Garhwal University, Uttarakhand, was recruited as the experimental group (n = 60), and the Control group (n = 60). Pre- and post-intervention anxiety levels and physiological parameters like VC (VC), resting heart rate (RHR), and blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were recorded. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and dependent t-tests (paired ‘t’ test) were applied for the statistical analysis and the significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Significant lower post-intervention values of VC, RHR, SBP, DBP, and anxiety scores were observed in the experimental groups of all three types of sportspersons in comparison to their pre-intervention values. However, there was no pre- and post-intervention difference in the control groups of all the recruited sportspersons. Discussion: Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that a four-week yogic intervention is beneficial for controlling anxiety, and it has a positive significant effect on selected cardio-respiratory parameters of the sports persons.

A cross-sectional study on the impact of caloric restriction on cognitive performance of young and aged males: Role of physical activity

2024-10-29T08:45:31+00:00

Background: Stress is an acknowledged part of normal aging. Lifestyle choices can influence age-related declines in cognition. It has been discovered that caloric restriction protects aging processes and downregulates normal aging by lowering stress. This study assessed the effects of caloric restriction (CR) and physical activity (PA) on age-related cognitive changes. Methods: From the low-income and middle-income healthy population, 236 males with ages ranging from 20 to 35 years and 300 males with ages ranging from 55 to 70 years were selected. Information was obtained about socioeconomic status, health status, physical activity level (PAL), cognitive function as assessed by the Mini-Cog and 6 CIT, and calorie intake through the completion of questionnaires. Results: When comparing the elderly group to the younger members of the same calorie group, the AP diet (at-par i.e. diet consumed in an amount equal to the energy needed for 24 hours) reduced cognitive function. The CR diet enhanced the patients’ cognitive abilities more in the younger group than in the older one. Regardless of age or caloric intake, subjects’ cognition was positively affected by high PAL relative to low PAL. Conclusion: (a) Both young people on a CR diet and elderly people on an AP diet have enhanced cognitive capacities. (b) Regardless of calorie consumption, high PAL, as opposed to low PAL, improves cognition in both young and old populations.

Oxytocin promotes invasiveness in endometriotic cells via miR-34a and miR-145: Influence of matrix metalloprotease-2

2025-01-27T10:46:49+00:00

Background: Endometriosis, a benign gynecological disease causing pain and infertility, rarely culminates into ovarian cancer. While its cause remains unclear, hormonal dysregulation plays a key role. Oxytocin is upregulated in the disease besides altered matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and microRNAs (miRs) that contribute to cellular invasion. Altered levels of miR-34a/miR-145 are reported in endometriosis and a link between oxytocin and miRNAs has also been observed in human myometrium. Hypothesis: Increased oxytocin might be responsible for cellular invasiveness due to reduced levels of miR-34a and miR-145 which is linked to high levels of MMP-2 activity in endometriotic cell lines. Materials and Methods: We used zymography and immunoblotting to assess MMP-2 expression and activity respectively in SK-OV-3 cells treated with mimics or inhibitors of miR-34a/miR-145 in the presence or absence of oxytocin. Invasion, migration, and EMT markers were also evaluated under similar treatments as well as oxytocin alone in SK-OV-3 and End1/E6E7 cells. Results: MMP-2 activity and expression slightly decreased with miR-34a and miR-145 treatment without oxytocin but increased with the addition of oxytocin. Oxytocin dose-dependently enhanced invasion and migration, while miRNA mimics reduced both, which were significantly induced by the addition of oxytocin. Oxytocin also increased n-cadherin and vimentin while reducing e-cadherin in the miRNA mimic group. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that oxytocin induces cellular invasion and migration via downregulating miR-34a and miR-145 during endometriosis progression.

Prevalence of anemia among college-going female students of Berhampore in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, India: A comprehensive study to explore the contributing factors

2025-01-18T14:12:13+00:00

Background: Anemia poses a remarkable health challenge worldwide, especially for reproductive-age women in India. The NFHS-4 reported that approximately 63% of reproductive-age women in West Bengal are affected by anemia. In Berhampore town, there is limited evidence concerning the prevalence of anemia and its contributing factors among reproductive-age women. Objectives: This work aimed to find out the notable gap in anemia research among college-going reproductive-age women (18–23 years) of Berhampore Girls’ College, West Bengal, India. The objectives were to explore the prevalence of anemia and its contributing factors. Methods: This study was conducted on 90 volunteers. Sociodemographic background, economic status, educational qualification of parents, food habits, and anthropometric parameters were analyzed. Anemic patients were screened based on blood hemoglobin concentration. The statistical analysis was carried out using standard statistical tools. Results: This study indicates that 75.55% of female students are anemic, and, the prevalence of anemia is higher (86.36%) among the rural population. The sociodemographic background, economic condition, parents’ education, and food habits are very poor compared to urban women. However, the anthropometric variables were not correlated with anemia in either of the populations. Conclusion: Anemia is more prevalent in rural populations possibly due to their poor socio-economic condition and insufficient food intake. Improving education, economic stability, and access to nutritious foods may help to combat the rising prevalence of anemia in rural areas.

Protective effect of hydro-methanolic extract of Abroma augusta leaves in diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction in albino rat

2025-02-19T07:10:34+00:00

Objective: To evaluate the protective efficacy of Abroma augusta leaf extract on testicular impairment in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Methods: Eighteen normoglycemic male albino rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, STZ-induced (40 mg/kg body weight) diabetic group, and hydro-methanolic extract of leaves of A augusta (HMAA) treated group (200 mg/kg body weight) and 42 days of treatment were followed. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin levels (HbA1C) were elevated, but hepatic hexokinase activities and serum insulin levels significantly decreased in the diabetic group. Sperm count, viability, motility, testicular Δ5, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD activities, and serum testosterone levels were also reduced in diabetic rats. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and protein expression patterns in the testis were diminished significantly. At the same time, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and conjugated diene levels were elevated significantly in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Results: Fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels were significantly decreased towards the control level after the treatment of HMAA to the diabetic group due to significant recovery of serum insulin level and restoration of pancreatic cell number and islets size. Spermatogenic markers were significantly recovered after HMAA treatment due to recovery of tunning of the pituitary-gonadal axis as well as serum testosterone level. HMAA also has potent antioxidant properties that significantly restore testicular oxidative stress markers. Conclusion: The HMAA has significant corrective efficacy in diabetes-induced testicular disorders.

The antioxidative role of Aegle marmelos Linn. on colchicine induced experimental rat model of Alzheimer’s disease

2024-11-20T07:14:02+00:00

Antioxidant plays a crucial role in the management of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease. A number of Indian medicinal plants have been used in the traditional system of medicine (Ayurveda) for the management of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease. Some of these plants have already been reported to possess strong antioxidant activity. Aegle marmelos (AM) Linn., a fruit of common use, is rich in vit-E, beta-carotene, flavonoids and flavonols. The effect of chronic oral treatment of aqueous pulp extract of AM (250 mg/ kg B.W) was studied in Holtzman strain adult albino rats of both sexes. The behaviour study, antioxidant level Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Reduced glutathione level (GSH) and Lipid peroxidation level were studied in different brain areas such as Cerebral cortex (CC), Cerebellum (CB), Midbrain (MB), Caudate nucleus (CN) and Pons & Medulla (PM) in colchicine induced experimental Alzheimer rat model before and after treatment with AM. The result revealed that chronic treatment with AM pulp extract markedly increased the number of correct choices in radial Y arm maze task, significantly decreased Lipid peroxidation level, significantly increased SOD, CAT and Reduced glutathione level in the different parts of the brain. The present study demonstrated that the antioxidant property of AM property may be beneficial for the management of colchicine induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

Impact of an individualized hypocaloric, high-protein enteral nutrition protocol on clinical outcomes in critically Ill obese Indian patients: A pre-and post-intervention study

2024-10-02T08:01:42+00:00

Background: Current clinical nutrition guidelines for critically ill obese (CIO) patients rely on expert consensus and general ICU data, necessitating research into targeted approaches. This study evaluated the impact of an individualized hypocaloric, high-protein (HypocaloricHP) enteral nutrition (EN) protocol on clinical outcomes in CIO Indian patients. Methods: In this study, 104 mechanically ventilated CIO Indian patients (WHO-Asian Obese BMI classification) receiving EN were divided into the HypocaloricHP (n=52) and pre-implementation (n=52) groups. The HypocaloricHP protocol provided 20-25 calories/kg actual body weight (ABW) for BMI 25-29.9kg/m², 15-20 calories/kg ABW for BMI ≥30kg/m² and 1.5g protein/kg ideal body weight (IBW). The pre-implementation protocol provided 25-30 calories/kg adjusted body weight and 1.2-1.3g protein/kg IBW. Primary endpoints were mechanical ventilation (MV) days, ICU, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Results: The HypocaloricHP group received higher target calories and proteins. HypocaloricHP protocol significantly reduced MV days (6.8±4.3 vs. 9.5±5.4days; p=0.001), ICU LOS (9.7±3.6 vs. 15.5±8days; p=<0.001), and hospital LOS (14.9±6.6 vs. 20.4±10.8days; p=0.008). In-hospital mortality was lower in the HypocaloricHP group (13% vs. 29%; p=0.056). Conclusions: The HypocaloricHP EN protocol improved nutrition delivery and significantly reduced MV days, ICU stay, and hospital stay, with a trend toward lower in-hospital mortality in CIO Indian patients.

A clinical study on the role of constitutional remedies in the management of minor depressive disorder in young age group

2025-01-08T04:23:48+00:00

Background: Minor Depressive Disorder (MDD) is an alarming psychological condition affecting various age groups, including the young population. Symptoms include changes in appetite or weight, guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, diminished motivation, anxiety, sadness, and difficulty focusing. The study investigates the role of constitutional remedies in managing MDD among young adults. Methods: A non-randomized single-blind clinical study was conducted on 30 patients aged 18-35 who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were treated based on their constitutional makeup after case-taking and repertorization using the Synthesis Repertory. The outcome was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and data were analyzed with the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results:Constitutional prescribing played a significant role in managing MDD. The majority of cases (53.33%) were in the 18-21 age group. Males (63.33%) were more affected than females. Students comprised 86.67% of the study group. The most commonly prescribed remedy was Ignatia Amara (13.33%), followed by Nat Sulph and Nat Mur (each 10.00%). The mean score before treatment was 8.77, which dropped to 2.53 after treatment. A marked improvement was observed in 80% of patients.Conclusion:Constitutional homoeopathic remedies, particularly Ignatia Amara, Nat Sulph, and Nat Mur, are effective in managing Minor Depressive Disorder in young adults.

‘Brain rot’ – Unintended consequence of digital lifestyle?

2025-03-29T11:11:22+00:00

The growing colloquial concept of “brain rot” refers to a perceived decline in cognitive function and attention span caused by excessive digital content consumption. The current analysis explores how constant exposure to short-form content, instant gratification, algorithmic echo chambers, and “doomscrolling” may contribute to fragmented attention, diminished analytical skills, and increased vulnerability to misinformation. While acknowledging the benefits of accessing digital information, the potential for learned nonresponsiveness to sensory input and the suppression of emotional processing leading to cognitive decline has been emphasized. Symptoms associated with this phenomenon, such as poor memory, shorter attention spans, and impaired decision-making, are discussed concerning broader societal implications, including a less informed citizenry and difficulties in collective problem-solving. Finally, mindful digital habits, intellectual stimulation and a balanced relationship with technology were advocated to reduce potential adverse cognitive effects and harness the positive aspects of digitization. The recent acknowledgment of “brain rot” as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024 highlights the growing awareness and concern surrounding this issue.