Indian Journal of Physiology and Allied Sciences

Evaluation of the water quality and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in selected fish species of Chaltia Bil, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India

Azahar Uddin — 2025-09-17

Background: Heavy metal contamination in the aquatic ecosystem poses severe ecological and health risks. The present study evaluates the water quality and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in two commercially important fish species (Labeo rohita and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) from Chaltia Bil, a significant wetland in Murshidabad, West Bengal. Materials and Methods: Water and fish samples were collected from Chaltia Bil in accordance with standard protocols outlined by the APHA (2023) and the FSSAI Lab Manual (2016). The concentrations of heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury, were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Physiological parameters, including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and nutrient levels, were also measured using standard protocols to assess overall water quality. Results: The findings indicate a significant bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish tissues, with a twelve-fold increase compared to water samples. Lead and arsenic were detected at concerning levels, exceeding WHO and FSSAI permissible limits. Physicochemical analysis revealed variations across sampling points, characterized by high BOD and COD, indicating the presence of organic pollution. Conclusion: The study underscores the urgent need for regular monitoring and mitigation measures to control heavy metal pollution in Chaltia Bil. The bioaccumulation of toxic metals in fish species poses substantial risks to aquatic life and human consumers.

Understanding the impact of product’s form on perceived pragmatic quality, hedonic quality, and purchase preferences of pocket water bottles

Subhankar Banerjee — 2025-09-17

Background: The user-experience of user-driven products can be perceived through Pragmatic and Hedonic quality. Pragmatic quality (PQ) is a product's practicality, ergonomic quality, and functionality. Hedonic quality (HQ) reflects a product's attractiveness, aesthetics, and novelty. Aim: The purpose is to find the differences between product purchase preference, and pragmatic and hedonic quality. Materials and Methods: 103 users were selected using stratified random sampling. A short-version User Experience Questionnaire(UEQ-S) was applied to quantify the Pragmatic and Hedonic quality of two 250-ml cylindrical and pear-shaped pocket water bottles. The purchase preference (PP) was assessed using an 11-point rating scale. Results: PQ, and PP were significantly(p<0.05) higher in cylindrical bottle and HQ was significantly(p<0.05) high in pear-shaped bottle. Male users perceived significantly(p<0.05) higher PQ in Cylindrical-bottle than the pear-shaped one. Female users perceived similar(p>0.05) PQ in both types of bottles. Both genders perceived higher(p<0.05) HQ in pear-shaped bottle than the cylindrical one. PP was significantly higher(p<0.05) for Cylindrical bottle than the pear-shaped bottle. Conclusion: Cylindrical-bottle has lesser HQ but higher PQ and purchase preference because of better efficiency, holding-ability, and usability. Hence, PQ is more important for user-driven products. Higher HQ does not confirm increased chances of purchase preference. HQ only adds extra ability to interact between consumers and products.

Resting lung function capacity in elite Manipuri distance runners

Ramananda Ningthoujam — 2025-09-17

Background: Regular endurance training results in physiological adaptations that improve lung function. This study investigates the resting lung function capacity of elite Manipuri distance runners to evaluate their pulmonary efficiency. Methods: An observational study involved 12 elite Manipuri distance runners (six males and six females). Resting spirometry measurements included forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), Tiffeneau-Pinelli Index (FEV1/FVC), peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Results: Male athletes exhibited significantly higher values of FVC, FEV1, PIFR, and PEFR than their female counterparts (p < 0.01). However, the FEV1/FVC ratio did not show a significant difference between the males and females. Comparisons with predicted values indicated no significant deviations, except for FEV1/FVC, which was noticeably higher than expected (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The spirometry values of elite Manipuri runners align with predicted norms, except for a higher-than-expected FEV1/FVC ratio, indicating superior airway efficiency.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha upregulates exosomal matrix metalloproteinase-9 secretion and aggravates metastatic phenotype in SKOV-3 cell line and patients with ovarian cancer

Susmita Saha — 2025-09-17

Background: Ovarian cancer is one of the most aggressive gynecologic malignancies, marked by high metastatic potential and poor prognosis. Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles secreted by tumor cells, have emerged as critical mediators of cancer progression by facilitating intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment. It is hypothesized that TNFα promotes the release of MMP-9-rich exosomes, contributing to ovarian cancer progression via EMT and immune modulation. Methods: We used the TNF-α-resistant, p53-mutated SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cell line to examine the effects of TNF-α stimulation on exosome secretion, MMP-9 content, and EMT-related changes. Exosome isolation was performed from cell culture supernatants and patient serum samples. MMP-9 content and activity were analyzed via zymography and immunoblotting. EMT markers and cytoskeletal morphology were assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Functional validation of patient-derived exosomes was carried out using THP-1 monocyte co-culture assays. Results: TNFα treatment significantly increased the secretion of exosomes from SKOV-3 cells and elevated the MMP-9 content in the conditioned media. Treated cells exhibited reduced E-cadherin expression and acquired a mesenchymal-like morphology, confirmed by phalloidin staining of the actin cytoskeleton. Exosomes isolated from ovarian cancer patient serum also showed elevated MMP-9 activity, supporting the in-vivo relevance of our in-vitro findings. Additionally, patient-derived exosomes were biologically active and capable of modulating immune responses in THP-1 monocytes. Conclusion: TNF-α may drive ovarian cancer progression by enhancing MMP-9-enriched exosome secretion, promoting EMT and immune modulation. Targeting this pathway could offer new therapeutic strategies.

Preliminary and quantitative chemical profiling of Pogostemon benghalensis leaf extracts: Phytochemical screening, quantification, and antioxidant activity

Sandhiya Udayakumar — 2025-09-17

Background: Bioactive components are present in Pogostemon benghalensis, which may include flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and terpenoids, and may serve as protective agents against numerous diseases. Objective: This study presents both preliminary and quantitative plant chemical profiling of P. benghalensis leaf extracts. Methods: A soxhlet apparatus extracted dried leaf materials using solvents such as water, methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and petroleum ether. Results: Initial phytochemical screening identified steroids, reducing sugars, sugars, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, catechins, flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids, and tannins. The highest quantitative phenolic content was observed in the methanol extract (15.56 mg GAE/g for 80 μL), and the highest flavonoid content was present in the methanol extract (23.00 ± 0.63mg QE/g for 80 μL). In FTIR, different solvents contain more functional groups in P. benghalensis leaf, including phenols, alkanes, amines, alkenes, carboxylic acid derivatives, arenes, aldehydes, and ketones. Conclusion: The leaf extracts demonstrated promising DPPH scavenging activity. This study will further focus on profiling the plant chemicals from P. benghalensis.

A comparative study of GC-MS analysis of aqueous-methanolic extract from the leaf and fruit of Morinda citrifolia (Noni)

Chaitali Kundu — 2025-09-17

Background: Morinda citrifolia (Noni) has been recognized as an important medicinal plant, used to treat various physiological disorders worldwide, and belongs to the family Rubiaceae. The Morinda citrifolia (Noni) is commonly known as Ach, Bartundi, Hurdi, and Surangi in Bengali. Traditionally, it is used for various purposes of food and medicine. The leaves and fruit of Morinda citrifolia consist of several nutrients and phytochemicals. Aims and objectives: The objective of the present study is to identify the phytocompounds from the aqueous-methanolic extract of the leaves and fruit of noni plants using GC-MS analysis. Materials and Methods: The Medicinal plant Morinda citrifolia was collected from the forest area of “Jungle-Mahal” of Bishnupur, Bankura district, West Bengal, India, in May to July in 2018. In the present study, the aqueous-methanolic extract of the fruit and leaves of Morinda citrifolia was analyzed by GC-MS, and the mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract were matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library. Results and Discussion: The aqueous-methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of Morinda citrifolia were analyzed by GC-MS to determine chemical constituents. GC-MS revealed the presence of seventeen different phytocompounds in the aqueous-methanolic extract of the leaf of Morinda citrifolia. The highest peak area of 20.83% for cyclohexane, 1–ethenyl–1–methyl–2,4–bis [1 –1-methylethenyl] – [1s- (1a`, 2a’,4a)] was identified in the leaf of Morinda citrifolia. The aqueous-methanolic fruit extract of Morinda citrifolia showed the presence of twenty-seven different phytocompounds. The highest peak area of undec–10–ynoic acid butyl ester, peak area percentage is 37.71%. The isolation of the probable bioactive compound from the leaves and fruit of Morinda citrifolia would be useful for finding some useful new drugs.

Domestic preparation of Hygrophila spinosa (Kulekhara) decoction mitigates iron deficiency anemia and restores erythropoiesis in an experimental murine model

Anusua Singh — 2025-09-17

Background: The failure of the anemia eradication program and its inefficacy underscore the need for alternative therapeutic strategies, including herbal remedies. Objectives: This study evaluates the hematinic effects and erythropoiesis in iron deficiency anemia (IDA) of domestically prepared and consumed Hygrophila spinosa (Kulekhara) decoction (KKD). Methods: KKD was prepared by boiling the human equivalent dose in water till the volume was halved. An experimental IDA model was developed with the low-iron diet for a month. Once anemia was established, animals were divided into three groups, namely IDA receiving the vehicle only, IDA+Iron Supplement group with iron supplement, and IDA+KKD group receiving KKD for 2 weeks. After sacrificing, hematological parameters and iron indices were analyzed. The hematinic potential of KKD was assessed through immunophenotypic classification of bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors using Ter119 and CD71 markers. Results: Total hemoglobin concentration, plasma iron levels, and Ter119 and CD71 expression in bone marrow were reduced in IDA and restored significantly in iron supplementation and KKD treatment, with KKD showing better recovery than an iron supplement. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that Kulekhara decoction represents a promising alternative for managing iron deficiency anemia.

International collaborative/co-authored research publications from India – Recent trend from PubMed

Prasunpriya Nayak — 2025-09-17

Extensive research collaborations have been established globally, which are expected to produce internationally co-authored researchpublications. India has emerged as a key player, driven by its population, disease burden, pharmaceutical capacity, and policies. In theworld ranking, India’s research output reached third (2024). Reflecting its active role in addressing global health challenges, internationalcollaborations also grew from 18.92% (2010) to 24% (2022). These partnerships improved India’s research impact, with co-authoredpapers getting higher citations. Despite this, India’s collaboration rate still trails many nations. A comparison of year-wise internationallyshared publications in PubMed over the last 10 years is made to understand the recent trend. The study confirms the expected nonuniformity in the global partnership in publication. The reasons for co-authorship—whether for genuine or strategic reasons—arecomplex. Expertise in pharmaceuticals, a scientific approach to traditional medicine, and digital health positions enable India to bea key partner for low- and middle-income nations. At the same time, other factors might influence the partnership with developedcountries. Programs such as the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and the use of AI and IoT in healthcare demonstrate India’sleadership in developing scalable, culturally aware, and affordable health solutions. These developments emphasize India’s expandinginfluence in global health research and innovation.

Exercise as a preventive tool in the progression of hypertension to cardiovascular disease

Balaram Sutradhar — 2025-09-17

Hypertension (HTN) stands as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the foremost cause of both mortality and morbidity across the globe. Incorporating physical exercise into medical care is important and may aid in the treatment of hypertension and CVD. The frequency and intensity of exercise, particularly moderate levels of physical exercise, are closely linked to decreased adverse cardiovascular events associated with high blood pressure and enhanced health outcomes. After physical training the drop in blood pressure is much higher in hypertension patients, ranging from 6-7 mmHg. Additionally, it might stop or post pone the aging related rise in arterial stiffness. Engaging in physical activity can enhance insulin sensitivity, mitigate plasma dyslipidemia, return raised blood pressure to normal, reduce blood viscosity, encourage the generation of endothelial nitric oxide, and enhance leptin sensitivity.

Effects of yoga on epigenetics, and gene expression: Emerging evidence

Radhika Agarwal — 2025-09-17

Yoga is being used as a form of physical exercise and for stress management worldwide, with documented benefits. Recently, research has begun to explore its potential influence on epigenetics and gene expression. The interplay between yoga, gene expression, and epigenetic mechanisms is complex, with research increasingly suggesting that yoga may have profound effects on the molecular processes governing our health. It has been shown to influence molecular processes, including gene expression and epigenetic regulation, which may lead to potential clinical benefits. Various mind-body therapies (MBT) are found to epigenetically affect genes implicated in inflammation, stress, and distress, offering potential therapeutic benefits. Meditative practices have been shown to have a positive impact on stress-reduction pathways, which are known to be epigenetically sensitive, suggesting the importance of integrating these practices into mainstream medicine. Additionally, a yoga-based lifestyle intervention has been found to affect gene expression related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging. Furthermore, yoga practice has been shown to upregulate the expression of the Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, involved in critical metabolic processes, and has implications for various diseases. This perspective aims to synthesize current scientific evidence on how yoga might influence epigenetics and gene expression, thereby offering insights into its potential clinical benefits.