Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (IJEB)

Editorial Board

Arvind Meena — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Solvent-tolerant DNase-producing gram-negative bacteria: Isolation characterisation and optimisation

Pranali Mahajan, Akshat Singh, Seema Sambrani — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Solvent-tolerant microbes are an upcoming group of microorganisms capable of surviving and functioning in environments rich in organic solvents. Their enzymes are highly stable in the presence of organic solvents and are designed to mediate cellular and metabolic processes in an environment rich in solvents. Among these, DNases (Deoxyribonucleases) have gained significant attention for their diverse applications in molecular biology, diagnostics, and therapeutics due to their ability to degrade DNA. They are used in genomic DNA removal, biofilm disruption, and in the treatment of diseases such as cystic fibrosis and autoimmune disorders. The discovery of solvent-tolerant DNases with high thermal and pH stability enhances their potential for industrial applications, particularly in non-aqueous or extreme environments. This study focuses on isolating and characterising novel organic and aliphatic solvent tolerant bacteria producing DNase from the unique ecosystem of the Arabian Sea coast in India. These strains were screened for DNase activity using DNase plates and DPA test. Molecular identification of the strains was done by MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy and 16s rRNA sequencing. The ammonium sulfate precipitation method was used to purify and characterise the enzyme. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the purified enzyme with a molecular weight of 31kDa displayed maximum activity at 70°C and pH 9, sustaining good viability and activity in an environment of organic solvents such as diethyl ether, petroleum ether and methanol. Optimisation studies involving different carbon/nitrogen sources, pH, temperature, metal ions, and salt concentrations further enhanced enzyme production and stability. These findings underscore the significance of marine extremophiles as sources of industrially relevant enzymes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of DNase activity in aliphatic solvent-rich environments, with promising implications for biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications.

Identifying modulators of Synphilin-1 an AMPK modulator for potential therapeutic benefits

Erica WM Marboh, Kripamoy Aguan — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Diabetes, Obesity, Non-alcoholic fatty acid liver and cancer, are some of the metabolic disorders of great concern worldwide. Although dietary habits and lifestyle play important roles in mitigating these health concerns. Nevertheless, the role of cellular regulators which act as molecular switches might provide us better understanding on the molecular trajectory of diseases alleviation. The human body is a complex system made up of diverse biomolecules that execute different biological processes or functions. While performing a biological function or process, biomolecules like proteins or enzymes may work closely with one another to either facilitate or put a brakes on each′s performance. For example, it has been shown that Synphilin-1, a metabolic regulator, interacts with AMPK the well-known master metabolic regulator, and that this interaction enhances the activation of AMPK. The identification of modulators (activators/ inhibitors) of AMPK has significantly shed light on their potent role in alleviation of metabolic diseases. What effect will the modulators of a metabolic regulator companion bring forth? An activated AMPK is a double-edged sword. Can we strike a new interest in identifying activators/inhibitors of the master regulator companion Synphilin-1? In this scoping review, we discuss on the structure, functions, and interplay between the two cellular regulators (AMPK and Synphilin-1), the role of plant metabolites/compounds as potent modulators and the approach available in identifying protein-metabolite interaction with an aim at providing contributory insights towards discovering modulators of protein Synphilin-1. The articles for compiling in this review were retrieved from databases like PubMed and Google Scholar. The 3D image of proteins was retrieved from databases Uniprot and RCSB PDB.

Dexmedetomidine inhibits inflammation and angiogenesis and alleviates esophageal cancer progression through ITGA6/PI3K/AKT pathway

Peisen Zhang, Yafen Zeng, Zhendong Sun, Yuyan Bai , Yilin Zhou, Hefan He — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Esophageal cancer (EC) is an aggressive malignancy with high mortality and poor prognosis worldwide. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) shows anticancer potential but its effects on this disease are unknown. This study aims to investigate the role and mechanism of DEX in esophageal cancer through the ITGA6/ PI3K/AKT pathway. In vitro results indicated that DEX dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of EC cells, while promoting apoptosis. DEX significantly reduced the secretion and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and downregulated the expression of angiogenesis-related factors. Mechanistic studies revealed that DEX significantly downregulated the expression of ITGA6 in EC cells and inhibited the phosphorylation activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Overexpression of ITGA6 partially reversed the inhibitory effects of DEX on the malignant progression, inflammatory response, and angiogenesis of EC cells, while inhibition of ITGA6 enhanced the antitumor effects of DEX. In vivo results were highly consistent with the in vitro findings, further confirming the antitumor effects of DEX. DEX inhibits the ITGA6/PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby suppressing the inflammatory response and angiogenesis, ultimately alleviating the progression of EC.

Exploring the role of L-tartaric acid in ovarian cancer: Pyroptosis and inflammation as key targets

Xiaoyan Dai, Zhenkun Wang, Fang Luo, Maohua Xie, Fang Jing, Wei Dai — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies, and treatment options for it are limited. L-tartaric acid, an organic compound from natural resources, especially grapes, has shown potential anticancer properties but remains underexplored in ovarian carcinoma. The present study was designed to investigate its effects on A2780 ovarian cancer cells, with a focus on cell cycle control, pyroptosis, autophagy, and inflammation. Cells were treated with different concentrations of L-tartaric acid, and viability was assessed using MTT assays. Expressions of CCND1, CCNE1, GSDMD, GSDME, MAP1LC3B, ATG5, IL1B, and IL6 were determined by RT-qPCR, while IL-1β and IL-6 protein levels were measured using ELISA. L-tartaric acid significantly reduced cell viability (P< 0.05) and downregulated CCND1 and CCNE1, indicating G1 phase arrest. GSDMD and GSDME expression, as well as IL-1β and IL-6 secretion, were also decreased, whereas autophagy-related genes (MAP1LC3B, ATG5) remained unchanged. These findings raise the possibility that L-tartaric acid may exhibit cytostatic and anti-inflammatory activities against ovarian carcinoma cells, likely by inhibition of pyroptosis-involved inflammatory pathways. The findings support further investigation of L-tartaric acid as a candidate compound for ovarian cancer therapy.

Melatonin agonist tasimelteon ameliorates traumatic brain injury induced liver damage in a dose-dependent manner by enhancing IL-10 expressions

Ozlem Ozmen, Halil Asci, Orhan Berk Imeci, Melda Sahin — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a prevalent neurological disorder with significant morbidity and mortality rates, often leading to systemic inflammatory responses and secondary organ damage. Among the organs affected, the liver is particularly vulnerable, with the inflammatory process following TBI impairing liver function and worsening disease progression. Despite existing treatments, there remains a need for effective therapies to mitigate organ damage in the aftermath of TBI. Melatonin, a neurohormone known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has shown potential as a therapeutic agent for reducing such damage. Tasimelteon (TASI), a melatonin agonist, binds to melatonin receptors and exhibits similar biological effects. However, limited research exists on the protective effects of TASI against TBI-induced liver damage, and its potential dose-dependency remains unclear.This study aimed to investigate the impact of TASI on the inflammatory response in traumatic secondary liver injury (TSLI) induced by TBI, specifically evaluating the role of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 levels. Forty Wistar Albino male rats were divided into four groups: sham, TSLI (trauma induced by dropping a 50 g weight from a height of 80 cm to create 0.2 N severity according to Newton's law), TASI-1 (TSLI+TASI 1 mg/kg, ip) and TASI-10 (TSLI+TASI 10 mg/kg, IP). After 48 hours, rats were sacrificed under anesthesia and the liver tissues were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. The TSLI group exhibited moderate hyperemia, mild hemorrhages, inflammatory cell infiltrations, and necrosis, along with increased IL-1β, TNF-α, and decreased IL-10 expression levels compared to the sham group. Treatment with TASI significantly reversed these findings in both TASI-treated groups. Our results suggest that TASI, a melatonin agonist, effectively attenuates inflammatory liver damage induced by TBI in a dose-dependent manner by increasing IL-10 levels. However, these positive effects should be further explored in future studies.

Time restricted feeding attenuates metabolic dysregulation and demonstrates legacy effect in high fat diet rat model

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530

The global rise in obesity, particularly in developing countries, has become a critical public health concern due to its strong association with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. The limited long-term efficacy of current nutritional and pharmaceutical therapies underscores the need for durable, efficient approaches that address underlying circadian disturbances and metabolic disorders. Core circadian genes like Per1 and Bmal1, which control daily cycles of fat absorption, storage, and the metabolism of glucose, lipids, and cholesterol, are disrupted in obesity. A promising lifestyle modification that synchronises food intake with circadian rhythms and may enhance metabolic outcomes is time-restricted feeding (TRF). This study sought to understand how TRF affects metabolic profiles and gene expression in obese Wistar rats at the physiological and molecular levels. Fifteen rats were split into two groups: an experimental group (n=9) that was rendered obese by a high-fat diet (HFD; ad libitum) for two months, and a control group (n=6) that was fed a chow diet for six months. Six of the obese rats were converted to TRF (12-hour fasting from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am, followed by 12-hour HFD access) for three months, while three were put down for baseline evaluations. The findings revealed that, in comparison to controls, HFD-fed rats had significantly higher blood glucose and body weight (P=0.0263, P=0.0089), lower levels of melatonin and insulin (P=0.006), lower HDL, and higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and LDL. The TRF intervention increased insulin, melatonin, TC, and HDL while decreasing body weight, blood glucose, TG, and LDL. Significantly, TRF exhibited circadian modulation by modulating the expression of Per1 and Bmal1, and its metabolic benefits continued even after the return to ad libitum feeding. These results imply that TRF is a workable, non-pharmacological method of reducing metabolic and circadian disruptions associated with obesity, deserving of more research as a human preventive and treatment approach.

Inhibitory effect of ethanolic extracts of Sargassum confusum C. Agardh on atopic dermatitis in DNCB-stimulated mice

Ga-Eun Woo, Min-Ji Kim, Mi Jeong Jo, Sook-Young Lee, Dong-Hyun Ahn — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530

The present study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of an ethanolic extract of Sargassum confusum (SCEE) on acute atopic dermatitis (AD) using a murine model. AD-like symptoms were induced in BALB/c mice by repeated application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), followed by topical administration of SCEE. Clinical evaluation revealed that SCEE treatment significantly reduced dermatitis severity scores and white blood cell counts. Moreover, the levels of pro-inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, total IgE, and Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5) were markedly suppressed, while the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and interferon-γ were significantly elevated in both serum and splenocytes. These results suggest that SCEE may have therapeutic potential as a natural functional material for the prevention or treatment of atopic dermatitis through modulation of immune responses.

Antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase properties of Fragaria × ananassa and Actinidia deliciosa: A comparative study towards neuroprotective applications

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Neurodegenerative diseases pose a significant global health challenge, with oxidative stress, inflammation, and reduced cholinergic neurotransmission being key pathological mechanisms. While Fragaria × ananassa (strawberry) and Actinidia deliciosa (kiwifruit) are recognised for their health benefits, a direct comparative evaluation of their specific anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, a critical neuroprotective mechanism is currently lacking. This study comparatively evaluates the neuroprotective potential of these fruit extracts by examining their phytochemical profiles and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and AChE activities. Qualitative analysis confirmed a richer phytochemical profile in strawberry extract. However, kiwifruit consistently demonstrated consistently superior performance across the functional assays, showing greater total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and more potent anti-inflammatory effects (83% inhibition of hemolysis vs. 73% for strawberry). Critically, a significant finding was the prominent anti-AChE activity in both extracts, with kiwifruit exhibiting a highly potent inhibitory effect (75% inhibition), substantially surpassing the inhibition demonstrated by the strawberry extract (25% inhibition). These comparative results underscore that both fruits are valuable sources of neuroprotective compounds, with kiwifruit extract showing a distinct advantage in both antioxidant strength and specific anti-AChE potential, suggesting a promising application in managing

Structural binding interaction of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) with thyroxine binding globulin: Insights into thyroid signaling disruption

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) represent an important class of halogenated flame retardants incorporated into a variety of consumer products to slowdown the spread of fire and mitigate the damage to property and human life.They have widespread environmental presence attributed to their leach out from consumer products and persistent nature making them resistant to degradation. Multiple studies have highlighted the structural resemblance between PBDEs and thyroid hormones, allowing them to mimic thyroid hormone activity and potentially disrupt its function. Therefore, it becomes pertinent to investigate and gather more data on PBDE induced thyroid dysregulation and associated toxicological effects in humans. Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) regulates thyroid hormone metabolism and its distribution in body making it vital for controlling thyroid hormone homeostasis. The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular interactions of commonly detected PBDEs, BDE-100 and BDE-209 with in the TBG ligand binding pocket. These ligands underwent Schrodinger′s induced fit docking (IFD) along with structural binding analysis, which included molecular interaction evaluation and binding energy calculation. The analysis demonstrated that all the ligands were strongly bound within the TBG pocket, with a high degree of similarity in the TBG interacting residues between the specified PBDE ligands and the native TBG ligand, thyroxine. The calculated binding energy values for BDE-209 were higher than that of TBG native ligand, while BDE-100 values were somewhat lower but not significantly so.In conclusion, the results indicated that BDE-209 is more effective than BDE-100 in inhibiting the binding of thyroid hormones to TBG, though both PBDEs possess this ability. As a result, this could disrupt the circulatory transport of thyroid hormones and their availability at target sites, potentially causing thyroid dysregulation.

Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (IJEB)

Editorial Board

Contents

Solvent-tolerant DNase-producing gram-negative bacteria: Isolation characterisation and optimisation

Identifying modulators of Synphilin-1 an AMPK modulator for potential therapeutic benefits

Dexmedetomidine inhibits inflammation and angiogenesis and alleviates esophageal cancer progression through ITGA6/PI3K/AKT pathway

Exploring the role of L-tartaric acid in ovarian cancer: Pyroptosis and inflammation as key targets

Melatonin agonist tasimelteon ameliorates traumatic brain injury induced liver damage in a dose-dependent manner by enhancing IL-10 expressions

Time restricted feeding attenuates metabolic dysregulation and demonstrates legacy effect in high fat diet rat model

Inhibitory effect of ethanolic extracts of Sargassum confusum C. Agardh on atopic dermatitis in DNCB-stimulated mice

Antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase properties of Fragaria × ananassa and Actinidia deliciosa: A comparative study towards neuroprotective applications

Structural binding interaction of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) with thyroxine binding globulin: Insights into thyroid signaling disruption