Hariom Kumar Sharma

Inflammatory markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the consequence of a persistent imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory immune mechanisms, leading to chronic inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine whether the high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and cytokines are elevated in RA patients and to investigate the relationship between these markers and disease activity in RA, measured by disease activity score 28 (DAS28). METHODS We studied 110 RA patients according to American College of Rheumatology revised criteria for RA, and 55 controls matched by age and sex. Serum levels of hs-CRP and cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were estimated and correlated with the DAS28. Serum hs-CRP was assayed immunoturbidimetrically and cytokines were analysed by commercially available ELISA kit. RESULTS We found that RA patients had significantly higher levels of serum hs-CRP (p<0.001), IL-6 (p<0.001), TNF-α (p<0.001), and IL-10 (p<0.01) as compared to healthy controls. hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α correlated positively (p<0.001) and IL-10 correlated negatively (p<0.01) with DAS28. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that RA patients have high levels of inflammatory markers, and these levels are correlated with the DAS28. These findings suggest a possible role of these markers in the pathogenesis of RA. Moreover, these biomarkers can be used as markers of disease activity in the diagnosis and treatment of RA.

SSR and morphological trait based population structure analysis of 130 diverse flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) accessions

A total of 130 flax accessions of diverse morphotypes and worldwide origin were assessed for genetic diversity and population structure using 11 morphological traits and microsatellite markers (15 gSSRs and 7 EST-SSRs). Analysis performed after classifying these accessions on the basis of plant height, branching pattern, seed size, Indian/foreign origin into six categories called sub-populations viz. fibre type exotic, fibre type indigenous, intermediate type exotic, intermediate type indigenous, linseed type exotic and linseed type indigenous. The study assessed different diversity indices, AMOVA, population structure and included a principal coordinate analysis based on different marker systems. The highest diversity was exhibited by gSSR markers (SI=0.46; He=0.31; P=85.11). AMOVA based on all markers explained significant difference among fibre type, intermediate type and linseed type populations of flax. In terms of variation explained by different markers, EST-SSR markers (12%) better differentiated flax populations compared to morphological (9%) and gSSR (6%) markers at P=0.01. The maximum Neis unbiased genetic distance (D=0.11) was observed between fibre type and linseed type exotic sub-populations based on EST-SSR markers. The combined structure analysis by using all markers grouped Indian fibre type accessions (63.4%) in a separate cluster along with the Indian intermediate type (48.7%), whereas Indian accessions (82.16%) of linseed type constituted an independent cluster. These findings were supported by the results of the principal coordinate analysis. Morphological markers employed in the study found complementary with microsatellite based markers in deciphering genetic diversity and population structure of the flax germplasm.

Late-acting self-incompatibility: a barrier to self-fertilization in sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.)

In search of causal factors underlying perceived allogamy in sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), we investigated the breeding system and pollen–pistil interaction. Floral biology study in the species established Fabaceae type hermaphrodite zygomorphic flower with dimorphic anthers. Study of the breeding system revealed preferential success of allogamy despite delayed autonomous selfing mechanism characteristically prevailing in the species. Pollen–pistil interaction study in selfed and crossed pistils revealed significant differences in pollen tube growth rates inside the pistil. Further, in self-pollinated pistils callose formation observed at and around nucellus cells suggesting the late-acting type of self-incompatibility mechanism in the species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scientific communication underscoring the prevalence of self-incompatibility mechanism in sunnhemp.

Towards Development of Hybrid Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) using Chemical Hybridizing Agent: Insight into AgroMorphological and Reproductive Response

Three male gametocides (maleic hydrazide, benzotriazole, surf excel detergent) were tested on tossa jute cv. JRO-204 for induction of male sterility in randomized block design with three replications. Effect of different treatments was assessed on different plant parts including morphological traits (seed yield and attributing traits) and reproductive parts (anther and stigma). Phytotoxic effects associated with different male gametocides were observed on different vegetative and reproductive parts. Visual toxic effects included stunted growth, leaf burning, delayed flower initiation and deformity of flower buds. Amongst different treatment maleic hydrazide induce more sterility with less phytotoxic effects on jute plant..

The genus Corchorus L. (Malvaceae) in India: species distribution and ethnobotany

Understanding phyto-geographical distribution pattern and ethnobotanical applications are critical for comprehensive conservation and utilisation of native plant genetic resources. Dearth of such scientific reports on Corchorus species in India seriously compromises inclusiveness, precision and penetration of national endeavour to conserve the valuable resources. In this context, an ecogeographical study conducted to analyse geographical distribution, ecological adaptation, species richness and ethnobotanical applications of the genus in the country. The study revealed pandemic distribution of the genus with differential habitat preferences. Combine geographical, edaphic and precipitation based distribution profile of Corchorus spp. demonstrated multilayer interactions between species and environment that led to their differential spatial distribution. The highest species concentration was found in Tamil Nadu followed by Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Complementarity analysis showed that the major diversity hotspots for the genus present in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Besides, wide spectrum ethnobotanical applications of the genus reflect their long association with prevailing ethnic communities across regions. Documentation of such time honoured traditional practices has special bearing on designing comprehensive conservation and management strategies. This information will help to prioritise both ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts for the genus particularly in ecologically vulnerable sites of India.

Combining Ability and Heterosis Study for Fibre Yield and Yield Attributing Characters in Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L)

Combining Ability and Heterosis Study for Fibre Yield and Yield Attributing Characters in Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L) Present study was carried out to estimate combining ability and heterosis for fibre yield and yield attributing characters among diverse tossa jute germplasm lines and in 21 F1 hybrids derived from 7 x 7 half diallel mating design. Analysis of variance revealed significance of parent’s vs hybrids for most of the characters indicating presence of heterosis. High gca effects for fibre yield, plant height and green weight was recorded by OIN-255. High significant sca effects for fibre yield were recorded in OMU-19 x OMU-27 (19.53**) and OIN-255 x OEX-32 (15.50* ) crosses. Variances for general combining ability and specific combining ability were significant for few characters indicating additive and non-additive gene actions for those characters. High standard heterosis for fibre yield was recorded by OMU-19 x OMU-27 (41.01**) and OIN-255 x OEX-32 (32.47* ) crosses. Genetic parameters indicated that plant height, green weight and stick weight were controlled by additive gene action and basal diameter and fibre yield controlled by nonadditive gene action.