Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (IJEB)

Evaluation of the effects of angiotensin II and mitochondria transplantation on IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 cytokines in rat cardiomyoblast cells

Zehra Çiçek — 2026-01-07

Angiotensin II (Ang II) causes mitochondrial dysfunction in the cardiovascular system, which is one of the underlying causes of cardiovascular pathologies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ang II and mitochondria transplantation on the proliferation, apoptosis, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines of rat cardiomyoblasts (H9c2). Mitochondria were isolated from rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with a commercial kit. Total protein and ATP levels were measured. Ang II (0.1 µM) and Mitochondria (5 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL) cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT method. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and caspase-3 levels were measured with ELISA. It was determined that decreasing doses of Ang II starting from 10 µM increased cell proliferation. H9c2 proliferation increased in the group that received Ang II (0.1 µM)+Mitochondria (10 µg/mL) compared to Ang II (0.1 µM) group. IL-6 levels showed a partial decrease with Ang II alone (0.1 µM) compared to the control. In addition, with the combined application of Ang II (0.1 µM) + Mitochondria (5 µg/mL), IL-6 levels decreased compared to both Ang II alone (0.1 µM) and the control group. On the other hand, it was found that IL-10 levels increased, on the contrary. These results suggest that mitochondria transplantation MT may enhance anti-inflammatory activity by Ang II type-2 receptors and affect in various apoptotic and proliferative pathways. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between Ang II receptors and mitochondria on intracellular inflammatory signaling processes.

Protective role of intravenous macelignan against unilateral hind limb ischemia-reperfusion injury in a murine model

Levent Enver — 2026-01-07

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/RI) is a complex pathological process in which tissue damage caused by oxygen deprivation is further aggravated upon reoxygenation. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of macelignan in an experimental rat model of unilateral hind limb I/RI. Rats were divided into five experimental groups: control, sham, I/RI, and two treatment groups receiving intravenous macelignan either before ischemia (M1) or after ischemia (M2). Ischemia was induced by clamping the unilateral femoral artery for 3 hours, followed by a 3-hour reperfusion period. Macelignan was administered intravenously at a dose of 15 mg/kg: 60 minutes before ischemia in the M1 group and at the onset of reperfusion in the M2 group. Blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses.Significant differences were observed among the groups in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase-3 (P<0.05). Total antioxidant status (TAS) was significantly higher and total oxidant status (TOS) was significantly lower in the drug-treated groups compared to the I/RI group (P<0.05). Serum nitric oxide levels were significantly reduced in the M1 group (P=0.022). Tissue TOS and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels also differed significantly among the groups (p<0.001). Tissue caspase-3 levels were highest in the I/RI group and lowest in the drug-treated groups (P=0.006). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were significantly lower in the M2 group compared to the I/RI group (P=0.004). Our findings suggest that macelignan has a promising protective effect against I/RI induced musculoskeletal tissue damage in rats.

Protective role of Gramine and N-acetylcysteine against tramadol induced testicular toxicity in rats

Abhijit De — 2026-01-07

Testicular dysfunction poses a significant health concern, necessitating effective prevention strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. One potential cause of testicular toxicity is the misuse of libido-enhancing drugs, such as tramadol. To investigate protective approaches, this study involved thirty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into five groups. All groups received tramadol hydrochloride at a dose of 75 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection. Selected groups additionally received oral treatments of Gramine and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as protective agents over a specified period. Following treatment, comprehensive assessments were conducted. Serum biochemical and hormonal markers measured included nitric oxide, total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and androgen-binding protein (ABP). Testicular tissues were collected to evaluate sperm parameters: count, motility, and viability and tissue markers such as total protein, cholesterol, and albumin. Oxidative stress indicators, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation (LPO), were also analysed. Histological examinations assessed structural changes within the testes. Results demonstrated that high dose Gramine aided in restoring hormone levels, while NAC significantly (P<0.001) improved hormonal balance. The combined administration of Gramine and NAC yielded the most notable improvements in sperm quality and testicular tissue markers. Additionally, antioxidant defences were effectively normalised. These findings suggest that the combined use of Gramine and NAC holds promise as a therapeutic strategy to counteract tramadol-induced testicular damage.

Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using Vitex leucoxylon extracts: Analysis of anti-inflammatory activity

Vishnu Sravanthi M — 2026-01-07

In this investigation, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesised through an eco-friendly approach using aqueous leaf extracts of Vitex leucoxylon, and their anti-inflammatory activity was examined in vitro. The resulting nanoparticles underwent thorough physicochemical characterization employing UV–Vis spectrometry, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering. A sharp absorbance near 400 nm in the UV–Vis spectrum verified successful nanoparticle formation. FTIR analysis suggested that bioactive plant compounds played a crucial role in reducing and stabilizing the silver ions. Microscopy revealed that the particles were predominantly spherical with moderate uniformity, while crystallinity was affirmed by XRD. The particles ranged in size from approximately 10 to 80 nm, and DLS analysis revealed a dual-modal distribution with peaks around 75.9 nm and 274.5 nm, along with a zeta potential of–1.3 mV. The anti-inflammatory efficacy was validated using LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in MTT and nitric oxide assays, showing that AgNPs enhanced cell survival and reduced nitric oxide production more effectively than the crude extract. Molecular docking studies further revealed a strong interaction between AgNPs and the COX-2 enzyme, with a binding score of –8.2 kcal/mol. These results suggest that Vitex leucoxylon-based AgNPs hold promise as bioactive agents in anti-inflammatory therapy.

Differential metabolomic profiles of dormancy release in gladiolus corms stored for different durations at different temperatures

Eena Goyal — 2026-01-07

Dormancy is a perplexing phenomenon that remains to be thoroughly explored. Corm dormancy in gladiolus poses hindrance to year around production and adds to the cost of production. The present investigation of differential response of dormant corms to storage temperature and duration describes the macromolecular changes in corms as reflected by carbohydrates, protein content and protein profiling patterns under different storage temperatures and durations. The four varieties of gladiolus (Punjab Dawn, Punjab Glad 3, Punjab Lemon Delight and Punjab Glance) with different developmental cycles revealed significant differences between varieties in response to storage conditions (temperature and duration) and release of dormancy/ sprouting. The interconversion of carbohydrates namely total soluble sugars (TSS), sucrose, starch and alterations in total soluble protein content clout the dormancy release in corms of all varieties. Punjab Glance and Punjab Lemon Delight had greater mobilisation of starch and proteins to energy sources (TSS and sucrose) during storage as compared to Punjab Dawn and Punjab Glad 3 that was concomitant to their early sprouting. The results of SDS-PAGE analysis affirmed that different polypeptides are involved in various varieties, as some polypeptides appeared, some disappeared, or others increased or decreased in intensity. High molecular weight polypeptides ranging from 90-105 kDa were expressed in Punjab Glad 3 and Punjab Dawn whereas in corms of Punjab Lemon Delight and Punjab Glance, low molecular weight ranging from 15-25 and 30-50 kDa were expressed that could account for less storage duration requirement for dormancy release by Punjab Lemon Delight and Punjab Glance. Thus, it can be concluded that different varieties exhibit variation in their innate metabolic status, and storage temperature and duration differentially impact this innate metabolic cascade in corms for dormancy release.

Antiproliferative effect of green synthesised silver, copper and bimetallic Ag-Cu nanoparticles using Achyranthes aspera against human breast adenocarcinoma cancer cells in vitro

Sirisha Boyini — 2026-01-07

The green synthesis of metal nanoparticles utilising plant extract is an environmentally sustainable and economical approach for their production. The present study reports the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) AgNPs, CuNPs, and bimetallic Ag-CuNPs using aqueous stem extract of Achyranthes aspera and characterised using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectra, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The UV-Vis spectrum of the bimetallic Ag-CuNPs shows a strong peak at 400nm, and secondary peak at 540nm indicates the formation of nanoparticles. FTIR spectrum confirms the presence of phenolic groups, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which play a critical role in the reduction and stabilising the nanoparticles. SEM analysis revealed the bimetallic Ag-CuNPs exhibited both rod-like and spherical morphologies with size ranges from 124 to 198 nm. The XRD pattern showed characteristic peaks of 2θ at 16.51º, 20.92º, 26.68º, and 39.5º and corresponding crystal planes (111), (200), (220), and (400), indicating the face-centered cubic (FCC) and crystalline structure of the biosynthesised bimetallic Ag-CuNPs. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity assays against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines revealed a potent antiproliferative effect, with an IC₅₀ value of 55.28 ± 0.517 µg/mL, highlighting the therapeutic potential of Ag-Cu bimetallic nanoparticles.

Enhanced production of secondary metabolites by in vitro cell culture of Adansonia digitata (L.) using low-cost options

Ashwini Pujari — 2026-01-07

Adansonia digitata (L.), also known as African baobab, is known for the diverse types of secondary metabolites present in the bark, fruits and leaves. The present study aimed to establish a cost-effective plant cell suspension culture method for the production of secondary metabolites. Cell culture of A. digitata (L.) was established by a float culture method using a dried fibrous mesocarp of Luffa aegyptiaca Mill. (Luffa sponge), to support the growing cells in a liquid medium, and the possibility of production and enhancement of secondary metabolites was tested. Murashige Skoog medium with 2,4-D (0.5 mg/L) & BAP (0.5 mg/L) and incubation in dark at temperature of 30 ± 2°C was found to be optimum for the induction and growth of the callus. To allow the redifferentiation of callus cells and to optimise the production of secondary metabolites, an organic nitrogen supplement in the form of soybean flour (0.02 g/100mL) and blue-red LED (1350 lux for 16 hours was used as a light source. After 8 weeks of incubation, the redifferentiated callus cells were harvested and the presence of various phytochemicals in the cell extract was determined by qualitative analyses. The cultured cells were found to be capable of producing all the secondary metabolites produced by the leaves and bark of the tree. Quantitative estimation of alkaloids was carried out by HPLC with standard berberine. The alkaloid concentration in the cultured cells sample (with LED light and soy flour) was found to be 18.642 µg/g on a dry weight basis compared to the crude bark extract which contained 4.02 µg/g. The use of Luffa sponge, soybean flour, refined edible table sugar and LED light resulted in an affordable method for the production of plant secondary metabolites, which resulted in the reduction of the cost of 1L medium from ₹ 2170.9/- to ₹154.95/-

Assessment of fermented silkworm pupae as fish meal for rohu (Labeo rohita H.)

Sumalini Bora — 2026-01-07

A sixty-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate whether solid-state fermentation (SSF) could enhance the nutritional profile of silkworm pupae (SWP) for use as a potential aqua feed ingredient of rohu fingerlings. Seven iso-nitrogenous experimental diets were formulated with 40% crude protein, where fishmeal (FM) was replaced with fermented SWP at levels of 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%. Two additional diets were used as controls: one without SWP and another with 20% deoiled SWP (DSWP 20). Rohu fingerlings with an average initial weight of 5.16 ± 0.12 grams were stocked in tubs and fed twice daily at 5% of their body weight for 60 days. The results showed that fish fed a diet containing 30% fermented SWP meal exhibited the fastest growth, achieving a final weight of 11.22 ± 0.26 grams. This diet also demonstrated the highest specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) compared to the other groups. The improved growth performance may be attributed to the reduction of harmful substances in the SWP during the fermentation process, which enhanced the nutritional quality of the feed. Overall, the findings suggest that fermented SWP can be a valuable ingredient in aqua feed, particularly for rohu fingerlings. The successful replacement of FM with 30% fermented SWP meal in the diet resulted in better growth performance, indicating the potential of SWP as a sustainable and cost-effective feed ingredient. These results have implications for the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly aquaculture practices.

Editorial Board

Arvind Meena — 2026-01-07