Testosterone in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide with more than 1.5 million deaths occurring annually. Males have been known to be more susceptible to tuberculosis than females. Sex hormones could be an important factor governing this gender bias. Here, we discuss the evidence that testosterone may be a crucial factor in male susceptibility to tuberculosis considering that testosterone impairs important factors which have a significant bearing on the outcome of tuberculosis. We also discuss possible underlying mechanisms through which testosterone modulates the immune response that is necessary for host resistance to tuberculosis. We discuss various models that have helped to uncover the role of testosterone in the outcome of infection by M. tuberculosis. Studying the role of testosterone on the various components that constitute the immune response to the disease have provided valuable insights into the sexual dichotomy observed in male bias in tuberculosis morbidity.

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Testosterone in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis

https://pubs.thesciencein.org/journal/index.php/cbl/article/view/253

Parul Shrivastava, Tamishraha Bagchi
Chemical Biology Letters

Resistin and visfatin: ‘connecting threads’ of immunity, energy modulations and male reproduction

Adipokines, mostly produced by white adipose tissues, have been established to be endocrine factors which are also essential in energy homeostasis. More recently, their contribution in fertility regulation has been recommended. Resistin as well as visfatin are unique adipocyte-derived signaling chemicals whose expressions enhance in advanced obesity and are implicated in insulin resistance as well as type-2 diabetes. They are also found to be immune modulators and may participate in aggravating inflammatory responses which may partly explain obesity-mediated systemic inflammation. They are yet much less explored adipokines with potential to regulate metabolic rate, immune homeostasis as well as fertility. These adipokines are shown to be expressed in the hypothalamus in an area in charge of energy balance. Evidence suggest that they can potentially affect the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis thereby modulating reproductive functions. They are also found to be expressed highly by the testes. In rodents, resistin and visfatin may positively modulate Leydig cell number and steroidogenesis. Additionally, visfatin exists in the human spermatozoa and may play role in the sperm maturation. However, reports on the impact of resistin and visfatin on human male fertility are inconsistent. In this article, we review the available literature on the role resistin and visfatin on male reproduction and integrate the mechanisms to discuss if they act as sensor for body energy dyshomeostatis and modulate male reproductive functions as per the metabolic status.

Immunoendocrine regulation of energy homeostasis and male reproduction

Human reproductive system involve a number of intricate complex interconnected physiological metabolic pathways and metabolites with involvement of overall health of different body organs. Overall health alterations mediated physiological conditions such as obesity, diabetes etc. bring about additional variations in expression and presence of metabolic constituents including kinases, hormones, proteins, peptides. The detailed analysis of various molecules like endocrine hormones, neuropeptides, immunity and inflammation associated kinases and proteins that have an end effect in cells and tissues, and might be playing a role in impacting male reproduction have been deliberated here. A deliberative collection of obesity and infertility related molecules including endocrine hormones, cytokines, adipokines, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, ghrelin, orexins, leptin, adropin, chemerin, along with diabetes and age related physiological impact analysis on male reproductive system have been included in this selective compilation. An in-depth understanding of changes and introduction of new intermediate molecules for regulation of physiological phenomena like energy homeostasis in obesity regulation and their interlinked associated impact on the male fertility potential would provide a reflection for possible development of new therapeutics.

Chemerin and male reproduction: ‘a tangled rope’ connecting metabolism and inflammation

Adipokines are peptides produced mainly by the fat tissue adipocytes and their levels are sensitive to alterations in metabolic state. While there is little known about the impact of adipokines on male reproductive control, both animal-based experimental data and clinical research suggest that they can influence numerous male fertility indices. Chemerin is a newly found adipokine which is generally recognized as a chemoattractant and chemokine. Chemerin has been correlated with inflammatory reactions and metabolic imbalances, as seen in various metabolic syndromes. A sex dimorphic chemerin expression pattern has also been shown with greater levels in men in comparison to women. Chemerin can thus be offered as a potential new candidate in the connection among metabolic disorders, inflammation and male reproduction. The present article explores the multidimensional metabolic and inflammatory roles of chemerin and discusses its impact upon the male reproduction.

Journal: Chemical Biology Letters

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https://pubs.thesciencein.org/journal/index.php/cbl/article/view/270

Orexins: the ‘multitasking’ neuropeptides in the energy metabolism and immune regulation of male reproduction

Orexins are hypothalamus-derived neuropeptides with versatile functions. The most explored domains of orexins’ functions are their influence on the central nervous system (CNS) implicated in the regulation of sleep/wakefulness cycle, food intake behavior, energy homeostasis, and cognitive processes. Orexins reportedly bear two isoforms, orexin-A (OXA) and orexin-B (OXB), that act via their specific G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), OX1R and OX2R. These peptides also play vital roles in various other peripheral organs where they regulate metabolism, neuroendocrine functions, blood pressure, as well as reproductive functions. Interestingly orexins also exhibit immuno-regulatory, anti-inflammatory properties and facilitate the mechanism of obesity resistance. Recent research has also shed light on significant role of orexins, in particular orexin A, in regulating reproductive functions in male since the Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, germ cells in various stages of the development, and even the epididymis and penis, manifest the OXA receptor. It will be intriguing to explore the properties of the orexins in reversing obesity, downregulation of inflammatory responses and mediation of male reproductive functions. The present article thus reviews these multitudinous properties of orexins and comprehends the possible connection among the behavioral, metabolic, anti-inflammatory functions of orexins with their roles in male reproduction.

Journal: Chemical Biology Letters

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https://pubs.thesciencein.org/journal/index.php/cbl/article/view/269

Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium bifidum reduces postprandial hyperglycaemia, inhibits α-glucosidase activity and improve histology of pancreatic islets in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria are generally accredited as potential anti-diabetic agents, but the mechanism of action is still not clear. This study aimed to investigate the result of administration of Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium bifidum on α-glucosidase enzyme, postprandial blood glucose level, and histological changes that occur in the pancreatic β-cells in streptozotocin (STZ (50 mg/kg body weight)) induced diabetic rats. The experimental diabetic rats were treated with a single dose of L. casei and B. bifidum alone and combination for 28 days. The diabetic animals of a positive control group were treated with the standard hypoglycaemic drug, acarbose (10mg/kg body weight). Maltose and starch tolerance tests were performed. Treatment demonstrated significant hypoglycemic activity, lower postprandial blood glucose levels induced by maltose and starch loading in diabetic rats. The results demonstrated that L. casei and B. bifidum had α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and can reduce blood glucose level observed from the maltose and starch tolerance test. Histological analysis showed treatment prevented the function of pancreatic islets and regenerate degenerated cells.

Journal: Chemical Biology Letters

Full text link: https://pubs.thesciencein.org/journal/index.php/cbl/article/view/268

Leptin in Energy homeostasis, Male reproduction, and Immune regulation

Discovery of leptin has changed the view of adipose tissue from energy storehouse to active neuroendocrine and immune organ. Adipokineleptin is a16 kDa amino acid protein, encoded by LEP gene, secreted by adipose tissue, and acts through leptin receptor which is a cytokine receptor. Leptin is a central regulator of energy homeostasis by regulating food intake, appetite, satiety and basal metabolism. Leptin acts at each level of hypothalamus pituitary gonadal axis (HPG) and has a key role in initiation, progression of pubertal events and sexual maturation. Leptin acts directly at testicular level and affects the spermatogenesis, sperm quality and capacitation thus have important role in male reproduction and fertility. Leptin receptors are present on every cell involved in innate and adaptive immunity and regulate the functions of these cells. Leptin acts as common link between energy homeostasis, reproduction, stress responses and immune system by modulating common complex neuronal circuits. Leptin is implicated in pathogenesis of multiple disorders like obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, male infertility and other chronic inflammatory disorders. Therapies based on modulating the functions of leptin can be the key area of research in future for treatment of these chronic disorders.

Journal: Chemical Biology Letters

Full text link: https://pubs.thesciencein.org/journal/index.php/cbl/article/view/266

An economic and efficient synthesis of acid-labile glycerol based β-thiopropionate esters for potential application in drug delivery

Acid labile linkers have been used widely for various biomedical applications with preferential applications in drug delivery. In this report, we have synthesized, glycerol based b-thiopropionate esters having an acid-labile β-thiopropionate linker with Michael addition reaction between hydrophobic thiol and hydrophilic tri-glycerol diacrylate. The solvent free reaction and purification by simply solvent extraction instead of any sophisticated chromatographic techniques provide an upper edge for their application in biomedical or other fields. These β-thiopropionate esters can potentially be used for the delivery and release of hydrophobic drugs at acidic sites particularly in cancer cells.

Journal Chemical Biology Letters

https://pubs.thesciencein.org/journal/index.php/cbl/article/view/159

Assessing the antimycobacterial activity of the bioactive fractions of the Indian medicinal plant – Justicia adhatoda L.

Justicia adhatoda L. is an Indian medicinal plant traditionally used to treat respiratory ailments in Ayurvedic and Unani medicines.  It is widespread in the Indian subcontinent. The plant leaves are known to have broad range of pharmacological activities including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antibacterial properties. Some studies have highlighted the antimicrobial effects of its major bioactive components like vasicine and vasicinone However, not much work has been done to explore the enormous benefits that the bioactive components might hold. Hence, in the present study, we explored the plant for its potential as an effective anti- mycobacterial agent. We aim to investigate the antimycobacterial effect of J. adhatoda L. plant leaf extracts on Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) and identify, and isolate th bioactive component(s) for the plant leaf extract. The isolated components were also analyzed further for their antimycobacterial activity in synergy with Isoniazid. The leaves of J. adhatoda L. were powdered and extracted with ethanol, water, ethyl acetate, and hexane and antimycobacterial activity was assessed by MABA. The ethanol extract showed >96% and 98% reduction in colony-forming units (CFU) at 100µg/ml on Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) respectively. Active phytoconstituent from ethanol extract was isolated and further fractionated via Prep-TLC. They were bioassayed against M. smegmatis and M. bovis (BCG) to study cytotoxicity, synergy, and external damage on the bacteria. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were carried out on treated bacilli to observe the external and internal cellular damage. The isolated fractions showed strong anti-mycobacterial activity, with low cytotoxicity and synergism when used with isoniazid. When subjected to electron microscopy, the fractions were found to adversely affect the cell wall and membrane of BCG, causing cytoplasmic leakage. Our study demonstrated that the active fractions isolated from J. adhatoda L. could be evaluated further for potentially effective anti-mycobacterial agents.

Chemical Biology Letters

Full text link: https://pubs.thesciencein.org/journal/index.php/cbl/article/view/247

Infections and Immunity

A special thematic issue meant to cover the various aspects of emerging infectious diseases, problems, and solutions to deal with possible infections of future.

Amidst the present pandemic, there has been a lot of talk about the role of immunity in handling the outbreak. A sudden surge of information on various aspects of immunity in infections has ignited curiosity and awareness among the common people about the role and scope of immunity.

The University of Delhi, Daulat Ram College ( https://dr.du.ac.in ) hosted a 3-day International Conference on “Infections and Immunity” on 8-10 Oct 2021 with aim towards a global collaboration between scientists, research scholars and students working on various aspects of immunology from different research organizations, medical institutions, NGOs, and reputed Universities, to share their ideas and discuss the solutions. The selected full length articles from speakers, participants and other scholars will be published in special thematic issue.

This special issue is meant to cover the various aspects of emerging infectious diseases, problems, and solutions to deal with possible infections of future. It will bring together the knowledge of the paradigms of infectious diseases and the recent researches related to this area including the role of both innate and acquired immunity. It also aims to explore the role of vaccine and the challenges in vaccine development against the infectious agents. The special issue will include articles on recent therapeutic and diagnostic tools in tackling infections, developments and challenges in vaccine and immunity with emphasis on most recent research findings.

Themes of special issue and associated Session of Conference are:

  • Infections: Bacterial, Viral and parasitic
  • Vaccine design and efficacy of immune system 
  • Immune system and cancer
  • Genomic surveillance of infection agents
  • Role of Artificial intelligence in disease treatment 
  • COVID-19 treatment and Management

Guest editors

Dr. Indrakant K. Singh,
Associate Professor, Zoology 
Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi

Dr. Rajesh Pandey
Associate Professor, (AcSIR)
Principal Scientist, (CSIR-IGIB), Delhi

Coordinated by
Dr. Jyoti Taneja
Zoology
Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, Delhi.

Dr. Sonika Sharma
Department of Zoology
Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, Delhi.

Articles

Genome-wide mutation/SNP analysis, biological characteristics, and Pan-India prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern

Nimita Kant, Shamashree Samanta, Ishika Panchal, Abhishek Pandey, Lagna Ghatak, Adyasha Rout, Jitendra Kumar Chaudhary
Chemical Biology Letters, 2022, 9(2), 331


Reverse vaccinology based in silico analysis of Epitope prediction in cya, lef and pagA genes from Bacillus anthracis against Anthrax infected species: An Immunoinformatics approach

Uma Bharathi Indrabalan, Suresh Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa, Mallikarjun S Beelagi, Sharanagouda S Patil, Chandan Shivamallu, Mohan Pappana, Raghavendra Amachawadi
Chemical Biology Letters, 2022, 9(2), 295


Revisiting Indian traditional practices and assessing their role in the development of Immunity towards COVID-19

Chandhana Prakash
Journal of Biomedical and Therapeutic Sciences, 2022, 9(1), 11-18.


Association of ABO blood group and antibody class with susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infection in Indian Population

Jyoti Taneja, Priya Bhardwaj, Sunita K Yadav, Daman Saluja
Journal of Integrated Science and Technology, 2022, 10(1), 24-28.


The COVID-19 havoc and clues from Sex disaggregated data in the Indian population

Divya Bajaj, Varunendra Singh Rawat, Kanika Malik, Neetu Kukreja Wadhwa
Journal of Integrated Science and Technology, 2022, 10(1), 29-38.


In silico study of phytochemicals for anticholinesterase activity as a potential drug target against Alzheimer’s disease

Tushar T Khandagale, Kuldeepkumar Singh, Sangeeta Sinha, Akshita Puri
Chemical Biology Letters, 2022, 9(2), 310.


Intravesical BCG immunotherapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer during COVID-19 pandemic: mutual impact and implications

Vanshika Lumb, Preeti Karwal
Chemical Biology Letters, 2022, 9(2), 267.


Association of gender, age, and comorbidities with COVID-19 infection in India

Sunita Kumari Yadav, Priya Bhardwaj, Praveen Gupta, Daman Saluja, Jyoti Taneja
Journal of Integrated Science and Technology, 2022, 10(2), 53-58.


Paraquat treatment modulates the stress erythropoiesis response in bone marrow and liver of splenectomized mice

Nitin Bhardwaj, Ashutosh Singh, Harish Chandra, Kartikey Kumar Gupta
Chemical Biology Letters, 2022, 9(2), 306.


A long term Cell Culture and Insect Extracts T.N.Bankar1 and  R.S.Pandit

Recommended for : JBTS / JIST


HIV infection and vaccine Dr. RAJNI ARORA SWAMI SHRADDHANAND COLLEGE, ALIPUR,  (UNIVERSITY OF DELHI), DELHI-110036

Recommended for : JBTS / JIST


Prevention and management of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus- 2 (SARS CoV-2) through endogenous Nitric Oxide production during Bhramari Pranayama- A review Chitra Chand,1 Dhananjoy Shaw,2* Vinod Kumar Katiyar3

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Participating Journals

Chemical Biology Letters

Journal of Biomedical and Therapeutic Sciences

Journal of Integrated Science and Technology