Showkat Ahmad Bhat

A Review on Pharmacological Properties of Zingerone (4-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone)

Humans have been using natural products for medicinal use for ages. Natural products of therapeutic importance are compounds derived from plants, animals, or any microorganism. Ginger is also one of the most commonly used condiments and a natural drug in vogue. It is a traditional medicine, having some active ingredients used for the treatment of numerous diseases. During recent research on ginger, various ingredients like zingerone, shogaol, and paradol have been obtained from it. Zingerone (4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone) is a nontoxic and inexpensive compound with varied pharmacological activities. It is the least pungent component of Zingiber officinale. Zingerone is absent in fresh ginger but cooking or heating transforms gingerol to zingerone. Zingerone closely related to vanillin from vanilla and eugenol from clove. Zingerone has potent anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antilipolytic, antidiarrhoeic, antispasmodic, and so forth properties. Besides, it displays the property of enhancing growth and immune stimulation. It behaves as appetite stimulant, anxiolytic, antithrombotic, radiation protective, and antimicrobial. Also, it inhibits the reactive nitrogen species which are important in causing Alzheimers disease and many other disorders. This review is written to shed light on the various pharmacological properties of zingerone and its role in alleviating numerous human and animal diseases.

Relationship of udder and teat conformation with intra-mammary infection in crossbred cows under hot-humid climate.

Aim: The present study was aimed to investigate the relationship of udder shape, teat-end shape, teat length, and teat diameter with intra-mammary infection in Jersey crossbred cows under hot-humid climate. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 lactating Jersey crossbred cows were evaluated for udder shape (pendulous/regular) and teat-end shape (flat/inverted/pointed) by visual examination, while teat length and teat diameter were measured using vernier caliper. Monthly milk sampling was done for 4 months of duration. Few quarters were found as blind or non-functional and so, a total of 366 quarter wise milk samples were collected at the monthly interval and subjected to somatic cell count (SCC) microscopically. The data on SCC were transformed into log scale and analyzed. Results: There was a significant (p<0.01) effect of udder shape and teat-end shape on SCC level. The mean SCC level for pendulous udder was significantly (p<0.05) higher as compared to the regular shaped udder. Similarly, significantly (p<0.05) a higher level of mean SCC was found in flat teat-end shape. A significant (p<0.01) correlation was found between SCC and teat length as well as teat diameter. Conclusion: In conclusion, pendulous udder, flat and inverted teat-end, very long and thick teat were more susceptible to intra-mammary infection in Jersey crossbred cows and these traits must be considered accordingly while selecting dairy animals for future milk production.

Zingerone (4-(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)butan-2-one) ameliorates renal function via controlling oxidative burst and inflammation in experimental diabetic nephropathy

Abstract Development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is directly linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. In this context, inflammatory and oxidative markers have gained much attention as targets for therapeutic intervention. We studied the effect of zingerone in a streptozotocin/high fat diet (STZ/HFD)-induced type 2 diabetic Wistar rat model. Zingerone also known as vanillyl acetone is a pharmacologically active compound present usually in dry ginger. STZ/HFD caused excessive increase in ROS and inflammation in experimental animals. The treatment with zingerone markedly abrogated ROS levels, inhibited the NF-кB activation and considerably reduced level of other downstream inflammatory molecules (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), furthermore, zingerone treatment improved renal functioning by significantly decreasing the levels of kidney toxicity markers KIM-1, BUN, creatinine, and LDH and suppressed TGF-β. Collectively, these findings indicate that zingerone treatment improved renal function by anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting the efficacy of zingerone in the treatment of DN.

Relationship of prepartum udder and teat measurements with subsequent milk production traits in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes

Aim: This study was conducted to find out the relationship of prepartum udder and teat measurements with subsequent milk production traits in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 Nili-Ravi buffalo heifers were selected from Buffalo Farm, Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Regional Station- Bir Dosanjh, Nabha, Patiala, Punjab. The udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder depth, teat length (TL), teat diameter (TD), and teat distances were measured at fortnightly interval from 60 days prepartum until calving. After calving, 60 days total milk yield (TDMY), peak yield (PY), and days taken to attain PY (DPY) were also recorded. The correlation coefficients of various prepartum udder and teat measurements since 60 days prepartum to calving with 60 days TDMY, PY, and DPY were calculated to find out the relationship between the traits in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Results: The result envisaged that all udder and teat measurements were increased gradually toward the date of calving in primiparous buffaloes. The UL, UW, left fore (LF) and right rear (RR)TL, RRTD, and the distance between LF to left rear (LR) teat were positively correlated with 60 days TDMY. The UL and UW depicted positive but nonsignificant correlation with PY. Fore TLs showed positive correlation where as TDs and teat distances had a negative correlation with the DPY in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Conclusion: It was concluded that milk production performance could be assessed on the basis of prepartum udder and teat measurements in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

Effect of infrared lamps to ameliorate cold stress in Vrindavani calves.

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effect of infrared lamps to ameliorate cold stress in Vrindavani (Holstein Friesian × Brown Swiss × Jersey × Hariana) calves. Materials and Methods: For the present investigation, ten newborn Vrindavani calves were randomly divided into two groups (G1 and G2) of five each. The experiment was conducted from 2nd November to 8th February when the environmental temperature was at the lowest. The calves of G1 were provided with no additional protection while the calves of G2 were protected against the cold weather by providing heat using the infrared lamps. The body weight (kg) of the calves was recorded at weekly interval. The blood samples collected within 6 h of birth and then at fortnightly interval were analyzed for packed cell volume (PCV, %), hemoglobin (Hb, g/dl). Besides, the serum biochemical parameters, viz., Total serum protein (TSP, g/l), albumin (g/l), globulin (g/l), albumin globulin ratio (A:G) and important stress parameters, viz., triiodothyronine (T3, ng/ml), thyroxine (T4, ng/ml) and cortisol (ng/ml) were also estimated. Results: The calves of G2 showed higher body weight gain as compared to G1. The differences were found to be highly significant (p<0.01). The calves in G1 showed comparatively higher values of PCV and Hb and the differences were found to be significant (p<0.05) on 45th day for PCV and highly significant (p<0.01) on 60th day for PCV and on 45th day for Hb. The values of TSP and albumin were comparatively higher in calves of G1 as compared to G2 and the differences were highly significant (p<0.01) on 45th day for both TSP and albumin and significant (p<0.05) on 60th day for albumin. Significantly (p<0.01) higher values of cortisol and T4 were observed on 15 and 45th day in calves of G1 as compared to G2. The T3 levels were also found higher in calves of G1 than G2 and the differences were significant (p<0.05) on 15 and 30th day and highly significant (p<0.01) on 45th day of the study. Conclusion: Based on the results, it could be concluded that the infrared lamps are efficient in providing favorable microclimate and hence can be effectively used in calf shed to protect newborn calves from adverse conditions of winter and to improve their body growth performance.

Adipocytokines: unravelling the missing link in diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Adipose tissue composed of adipocytes, fibroblasts, immune cells, and various other cell types, once known as passive reservoir is now considered an endocrine organ secreting bioactive molecules including hormones now termed adipokines with various known and unknown endocrine functions in addition to regulating fat mass and nutrient homeostasis. Due to the dramatic rise in obesity and its metabolic sequelae during the past decades, adipose tissue gained tremendous scientific interest. Adipose tissue secretes variety of products known as ‘adipokines’, including leptin, adiponectin, resistin and visfatin, as well as cytokines and chemokines such as tumor necrosis factorAlpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. These adipokines helps in the regulation of hemostasis, blood pressure, lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. The release of these cytokines causes a chronic sub inflammatory state that could play a central role in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with obesity, together referred as metabolic syndrome [4]. This chronic low-grade inflammation causes increase in macrophage infiltration, leads to increased adipocyte secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules such as resistin, tumor necrosis factorAlpha, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) [4]. These adipocytokines can act as key regulators of response to insulin in peripheral tissues [5]. Their role in causing insulin resistance via various mechanisms involving the flux of in prooxidant and antioxidant state has been seen [6,7]. Adipokines have a great potential for clinical use as potential therapeutics for obesity, obesity related metabolic, cardiovascular and other diseases [8]. Several extracellular factors cause obesity, related adipocyte metabolism and macrophage infiltration. Interestingly, recent research provides increasing evidence of the importance of regulating adipocyte function, adipose tissue metabolism and inflammation. In this mini review, we will briefly highlight roles of various adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, resistin, TNF-α, and IL-6) in regulating insulin sensitivity and resistance. Main Body

Biochemical Profile and Genetic Polymorphism of MTHFRC677T in Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellituss

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine metabolic disorder and a leading cause of death worldwide Diabetes type-2 is a multicausal disease which develops slowly and in a stepwise order. Our study showed there was no significant difference in serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) and Tri glyceride (TG) of patients and controls (0.90±0.59 vs 1.15±0.39 p>0.05) and (1.19±0.70 vs 1.01±0.52 p>0.060) respectively. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) are significantly higher in patients than control group (4.09±1.14 vs 3.01±1.02 p<0.0002) and (4.21±1.28 vs 3.78±1.29 p<0.05). However, HDL/TC ratio is significantly higher in patients than controls (0.21±0.91 vs 0.30±0.99 p<0.05). Serum levels of all liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) analyzed are significantly higher in patients than controls (12.69±10.80 vs 4.95±2.66, p<0.0002), (15.99±10.70 vs 6.95±3.84, p<0.0002) and 68.29±27.78 vs 21.27±7.77, p<0.0001) respectively. On genetic level the role of MTHFR C677T polymorphisms our results showed 63% of the cases showed homozygous mutant condition. The allelic association of polymorphism of controls with cases was found to be significant (P=0.007). Homozygous mutant condition of MTHFRC677T gene was found to be certainly higher in Diabetes Mellitus 2 Cases of above 60 years of age (80%), than ages below 60 years and in controls (16.6%) and was significant as p=0.005, compared to below 60 years of age (33.3%) and in controls (0%) and association was insignificant as p=0.4667. Our data suggest that there is an important role of LDL, TC, HDL/TC, ALT, AST, and ALP in type-2 Diabetes, also gene polymorphisms of MTHFR C677T gene may act synergistically to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Effect of management system and season on semen freezability in Jakhrana bucks

Aim: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of the management system (intensive and semi-intensive) and season (autumn and winter) on semen freezability in Jakhrana bucks. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 Jakhrana bucks of same body weight and age (BW=30 kg, age=1 year) were randomly allotted into two groups, viz., Group I (intensive system, 12 bucks) and Group II (semi-intensive system, 12 bucks). These two groups were statistically tested for their homogeneity with respect to age and BW. Semen was collected twice weekly using an artificial vagina during two seasons: autumn (September-November) and winter (December-February). A total of 240 semen samples (120 from each group and season) were evaluated for post-thaw motility (PTM), viability, abnormality, functional membrane integrity (hypo-osmotic swelling [HOS]) response and acrosomal integrity. Results: The mean values of PTM and acrosomal integrity of spermatozoa were significantly (p<0.01) higher in Group II as compared to Group I. The mean values of viability and abnormality were also differed significant (p<0.05) between groups. However, the mean values of HOS response were found non-significant (p>0.05) between groups. The season showed a significant effect on all parameters except viability and HOS response. The PTM and acrosomal integrity of spermatozoa were significantly (p<0.01) higher in winter as compared to autumn season. Abnormality of spermatozoa was significantly (p<0.05) lower in winter season. Conclusions: This study indicates that both management system and season influence semen freezability. The semen collected from bucks reared under the semi-intensive system and winter season showed better semen freezability characteristics.

Effect of Infrared Lamps to Ameliorate Morbidity and Mortality in Vrindavani Calves

The present study was carried out to determine the effect of Infrared lamps to ameliorate morbidity and mortality in Vrindavani calves. Ten newborn calves were randomly divided into two groups (G1 and G2) of five each. The calves of G1 were provided with no additional protection; however calves of G2 were protected against cold weather by using the Infrared lamps. The health status of calves was monitored daily both in the morning and evening. The blood samples collected within six hours of birth and then at fortnightly interval were analyzed for total leukocyte count (TLC, thousands/μl) and differential leukocyte count (DLC). The physiological parameters i.e. respiration rate (RR, breaths/min), heart rate (HR, beats/min) and rectal temperature (RT,°F) were recorded at weekly interval. The health performance was better in calves of G2 as compared to G1. The calves in G1 showed comparatively higher values of TLC and neutrophils and the differences were found significant (P<0.05) on 15th day for TLC and 15th and 45th day for neutrophils. The values of lymphocytes were found significantly (P<0.05) lower in calves of G1 than G2 on 15th and 45th day.The physiological parameters did not varied significantly between the groups except for RT which was most of the times significantly (P<0.05) lower in calves of G1 than G2. On the basis of the results, it could be concluded that the Infrared lamps are efficient in providing favourable microclimate and hence can be effectively used in calf shed to protect newborn calves from adverse conditions of winter.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Triple Therapy (Ramipril, Telmisartan, Hydrochlorothiazide) Vs Dual Anti Hypertensive Therapy (Ramipril or Telmisartan, Hydrochlorothiazide) in Stage 2 Hypertensive Patients

AIM To evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of ramipril 5mg plus hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg (R + HCTZ), telmisartan 40mg plus hydrochlorothiazide12.5mg (T + HCTZ) and ramipril 2.5mg plus telmisartan 20mg plus hydrochlorothiazide12.5mg (R + T + HCTZ) in patients with stage 2 hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective, open label, randomized comparative study was conducted to study the comparative efficacy and safety of R+HCTZ (group 1), T+HCTZ (group 2)and R+T+TCTZ (group3) in 88 patients with stage 2 hypertension without co-morbid conditions. Echocardiography was done to assess left ventricular function. Patients were followed up to 24 weeks and any ADR occurring in this period was recorded. RESULTS All the three treatment groups showed significant fall in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to the baseline scores (p<0.0001). Intergroup comparison did not reveal any significant difference. Total number of adverse drug events reported were 15. Group III had higher percentage ADRs. Dry cough (8) was most common ADR. The echocardiography parameters did not change from baseline values with all three treatment regimens. CONCLUSION All three medications were of equal efficacy in patients with stage 2 hypertension without co morbid conditions, failing to prove superiority over each other.