Mukhtar Ahmed

Human Protein Reference Database—2009 update

Human Protein Reference Database (HPRD—http://www.hprd.org/), initially described in 2003, is a database of curated proteomic information pertaining to human proteins. We have recently added a number of new features in HPRD. These include PhosphoMotif Finder, which allows users to find the presence of over 320 experimentally verified phosphorylation motifs in proteins of interest. Another new feature is a protein distributed annotation system—Human Proteinpedia (http://www.humanproteinpedia.org/)—through which laboratories can submit their data, which is mapped onto protein entries in HPRD. Over 75 laboratories involved in proteomics research have already participated in this effort by submitting data for over 15 000 human proteins. The submitted data includes mass spectrometry and protein microarray-derived data, among other data types. Finally, HPRD is also linked to a compendium of human signaling pathways developed by our group, NetPath (http://www.netpath.org/), which currently contains annotations for several cancer and immune signaling pathways. Since the last update, more than 5500 new protein sequences have been added, making HPRD a comprehensive resource for studying the human proteome.

Reversible anti-fertility effect of benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on sperm parameters and fructose content in rats.

Treatment of albino rats with a benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves (250 mg/kg body weight) for 48 d decreased total sperm count, sperm motility, and forward velocity. The percentage of abnormal sperm increased in caudal epididymal fluid, and the fructose content decreased in the caudal plasma of the epididymis and the seminal vesicles. The results suggest that such effects are due to androgen deprivation, caused by the anti-androgenic property of O. sanctum leaves. The effect was reversible because all parameters returned to normal 2 wk after the withdrawal of treatment.

RAPID: Resource of Asian Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases

Availability of a freely accessible, dynamic and integrated database for primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) is important both for researchers as well as clinicians. To build a PID informational platform and also as a part of action to initiate a network of PID research in Asia, we have constructed a web-based compendium of molecular alterations in PID, named Resource of Asian Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (RAPID), which is available as a worldwide web resource at http://rapid.rcai.riken.jp/. It hosts information on sequence variations and expression at the mRNA and protein levels of all genes reported to be involved in PID patients. The main objective of this database is to provide detailed information pertaining to genes and proteins involved in primary immunodeficiency diseases along with other relevant information about protein–protein interactions, mouse studies and microarray gene-expression profiles in various organs and cells of the immune system. RAPID also hosts a tool, mutation viewer, to predict deleterious and novel mutations and also to obtain mutation-based 3D structures for PID genes. Thus, information contained in this database should help physicians and other biomedical investigators to further investigate the role of these molecules in PID.

Sperm parameters changes induced by Azadirachta indica in albino rats.

Azadirachta indica treatment for 48 days In albino rats resulted in a decrease in the total sperm count, sperm motility, and forward velocity. The percentage of abnormal sperm increased and the fructose content of caudal semen of the epididymis decreased. The observations suggest that these effects are probably due to an androgen deficiency, caused by the anti-androgenic property of the leaves of A. indica, thereby affecting the physiological maturation of sperm.

Azadirachta indica adversely affects sperm parameters and fructose levels in vas deferens fluid of albino rats.

Azadirachta indica treatment for 24 days in albino rats resulted in a decrease in the total sperm count, sperm motility, and forward velocity in vas deferens fluid. The percentage of abnormal sperm increased and the fructose content decreased. As diminished levels of fructose parallel androgen deficiency, we conclude that reduced androgen levels resulting from the anti-androgenic property of A. indica leaves probably influences the physiological maturation of sperm.

Reversible histoarchitecture study of testis and cauda epididymis and changes in cauda epididymal epithelial cell types on treatment with benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves in albino rats

In the present study, an attempt has been made to assess whether the effect of benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on the ultrastructural changes in the epithelial cells of the cauda epididymis, its subsequent recovery in the seminiferous epithelium and fertility of male albino rats. Wistar strain male albino rats were orally administered benzene extract of 250 mg/kg body weight of O. sanctum leaves followed by subsequent recovery maintaining suitable controls for 48 days. Results indicate decrease in the weights of testis, epididymis and seminal vesicles. Other accessory organs were not affected. Total count, cell and nuclei diameters of germ cells and Leydig cells were reduced. Cauda epididymis exhibited significant reduction in epithelial height and nuclei diameter of epithelial cells. Cells showed vacuolization with exhibit of signs of degeneration. Ultra study revealed that, in general, the cauda epididymis was affected and in particular, the principal, clear and basal cells were highly disturbed. Further, there was decrease in the size of lipid droplets, mitochondria, Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum and accumulation of lysosomal bodies. Fertility performance test showed no implantation in female rats mated with O. sanctum treated rats. Moreover, their recovery after withdrawal of treatment was observed suggesting that the effect of the treatment is transient and reversible. A recovery period resulted in normal spermatogenesis and fertility, suggesting reversible antispermatogenic and antifertility effects of the plant.

Dose dependent effect of benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on cauda epididymal spermatozoa of albino rats

SUMMARY An attempt has been made to assess whether the dose dependent effect of benzene extract ofOcimum sanctum leaves on the morphological changes in the cauda epididymal spermatozoa andsperm parameters in male albino rats. Scanning Electron Microscope observations illustrate thedisturbance in plasma membrane as well as acrosomal membrane. Most of the sperms appearmorphologically abnormal in the mid region of the tail; there is formation of balloon likecytoplasmic droplet. Sperm parametric study exhibits decrease in the total sperm count, spermmotility, forward velocity and increase in the percentage of abnormal sperms in dose dependentmanner on treatment benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves. The results suggest that theeffects may have resulted from a general disturbance in the proteins and alteration in caudaepididymal milieu probably due to androgen deficiency consequent upon antiandrogenicproperty of Ocimum sanctum leaves.Key words: Ocimum sanctum; Cauda epididymis; Spermatozoa; Scanning Electron Microscope;Albino rats

Effect of benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on cauda epididymis of albino rats

In the present study, an attempt has been made to assess the effect of benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on ultrastructural changes in epithelial cells of the cauda epididymis and fertility of male albino rats. Wistar strain male albino rats were orally administered 250 mg/kg body weight of O. sanctum leaves followed by maintaining suitable controls for 48 days. The results indicate, in cauda epididymis, a significant reduction in epithelial height and nuclei diameter of epithelial cells. Cells showed vacuolization exhibiting of signs of degeneration. An ultra study revealed that, in general, the cauda epididymis was affected and in particular, the principal, clear and basal cells were highly disturbed. Further, the size of lipid droplets, mitochondria, Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum decreased, with an accumulation of lysosomal bodies. The fertility performance test showed no implantation in female rats mated with O. sanctum-treated male rats. The results suggest a probable dwindling of an androgen status/direct effect on the above observations.