Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is a private university located in&nbsp;Tamil Nadu, India. Founded in 1984, as Vellore Engineering College, the institution offers 20 undergraduate, 34 postgraduate, four integrated and four research programs. It has campuses in Vellore, Amravati, Bhopal and Chennai.

VIT is one of the top ranked private universities in India according to NIRF, THE and QS Rankings.&nbsp;Govt. of India has recognized&nbsp;VIT, Vellore as an&nbsp;Institution of Eminence. This has allowed VIT to take independent quality initiatives and move up in world ranking.

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VIT University

Department of Bio-Medical Sciences

Background: Drug development strategies for treating COVID-19 focus on actives that either physically block angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptors (viral entry point), or those, which inactivate viral proteases like 3CLpro or RdRp, inside the infected host cells. Objectives: The objective of the present study is to virtually screen phytochemicals for both these purposes. Methods: Molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) and multiple sequence alignment were employed. Results: All the screened phytochemical actives showed negative binding energies with their respective targets, attesting good complex stabilities. Among each set of ten actives, for blocking ACE-2 receptors and for inactivation of 3CLpro and RdRp, DichamanetinACE-2, Glabrene-3CLpro and Naringenin-RdRp complexes were most stable, with binding energies of-9.8,-9.11 and-7.7 Kcal/mol respectively. MDS studies of these representative actives and their complexes, also attested to complex stabilities. Multiple sequence alignment analysis of nine significant amino acid residues of the Homo sapiens ACE-2 receptor, with nine different species, showed conservation of several residues. Conclusion: A set of phytochemicals actives can block ACE-2 receptors and prevent the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host endothelial cells. Two other sets of actives can inactivate viral 3CLpro and RdRp enzymes and prevent replication of SARS-CoV-2 inside host cells. They all can hence be further explored for the control of COVID-19. © 2021, Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India. All rights reserved.

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Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research

Therapeutic phytochemical actives for potential control of SARS-CoV-2

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic condition that affects women in their reproductive age by altering the ovarian hormone levels, leading to infertility. Increased inflammation, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, irregular menses and infertility are the causes of morbidity when PCOS is the disease in question. PCOS is considered a multifactorial disease resulting from the disruption of multiple signalling pathways. Hence, the mono-targeted drugs are hardly adequate and conventional therapeutic strategies provide only palliative care. Studies show that the consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) regulates menstrual cycle, decrease testosterone and insulin levels and improve metabolic health. This could favourably affect diabetes and infertility. In recent years, the fibrillin-3 gene has been linked to PCOS. Fibrillins along with the molecules in the extracellular matrix modulate the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signalling. So, mutations in the fibrillin-3 gene could cause TGF-β dysregulation, which might further contribute to PCOS pathogenesis. Therefore, the current study aimed to understand whether PUFAs could manage PCOS via the TGF-β pathway and function as a therapeutic agent for PCOS and its complications. To understand this, we have focused on the involvement of TGF-β in PCOS pathogenesis, discussed the effect of PUFA on hormones, insulin resistance, inflammation, obesity, adiponectin and cardiovascular conditions. Using PUFAs to target TGF-β or its receptor molecules to modulate the TGF-β production might function as a treatment option for PCOS. PUFA therapy could be a good alternative, supportive medication for PCOS.

Life Sciences

Can polyunsaturated fatty acids regulate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome via TGF-β signalling?

In the current scenario, the word waste management holds much importance in every individual's life. Pollution and the generation of vast waste quantities with no proper waste management process have become one of humanity's biggest threats. This review article provides a complete review of the innovative technologies currently employed to handle and dispose of the waste successfully. This work aims to include the different solid, liquid, gaseous and radioactive waste management processes. The novel and improved plasma gasification concepts, transmutation, incineration, bio-refineries, microbial fuel cells (MFC) have been thoroughly explained. In addition, some new techniques like Mr. Trash Wheel and the Smart bin approach provide much hope of adequately managing waste. The work's novelty lies in adopting several successful methods of various countries for waste disposal and management. To incorporate or improve India'sIndia's same techniques and processes, we have to tackle the ever-increasing waste disposal problems and find economic and eco-friendly ways of waste management.

Journal of Environmental Management

A review on modern and smart technologies for efficient waste disposal and management

The discovery and development of isoform-selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor is a challenging task because of the sequence homology among HDAC enzymes. In the present work, novel tetrahydro benzo[b]thiophene-3-carbonitrile based benzamides were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as HDAC inhibitors. Pharmacophore modeling was our main design strategy, and two novel series of tetrahydro benzo[b]thiophene-3-carbonitrile derivatives with piperidine linker (series 1) and piperazine linker (series 2) were identified as HDAC inhibitors. Among all the synthesised compounds, 9h with 4-(aminomethyl) piperidine linker and 14n with piperazine linker demonstrated good activity against human HDAC1 and HDAC6, respectively. Both the compounds also exhibited good antiproliferative activity against several human cancer cell lines. Both these compounds (9h and 14n) also induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in U937 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. Overall, for the first time, this research discovered potent isoform-selective HDAC inhibitors using cyclic linker instead of the aliphatic chain and aromatic ring system, which were reported in known HDAC inhibitors. © 2021 Elsevier Inc.

Bioorganic Chemistry

Discovery of novel tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carbonitriles as histone deacetylase inhibitors

Aim: This study aimed to elucidate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on oxidative stress (OS), antioxidant enzymes, free radicals and cytokines in the pancreas of T1DM rats. Methods: Two-month-old Wistar rats were assigned to the control (CON), CON + GSPE (CON + PA), diabetics (STZ, 60 mg/kg b.w.), diabetes + GSPE (STZ + PA), diabetes + insulin (STZ + INS, 3 U/day) and diabetics + GSPE and INS (STZ + INS + PA) groups. GSPE (75 mg/kg b.w.) was administered daily either alone or with INS for 8 weeks. Results: Glutathione was lowest in diabetics while it increased in the STZ + INS + PA (p <.001) group, similar to catalase activity (p <.05). Hydrogen peroxide, superoxide and lipid peroxidation increased with iNOS, TNF-α and IL-1β in the diabetic pancreases, while GSPE decreased (p <.001). Further, reduced β-cells/islet number was improved in diabetics (p <.001) with treatment. Conclusion: This study suggests that GSPE with INS is effective in minimising OS and pancreatic degeneration in T1DM rats. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract suppresses oxidative stress in the rat pancreas of type-1 diabetes

Aim: The aim of the present study was to synthesize a castor oil-based matrix (COBM) for preparing a castor oil-based agro-formulation with cartap hydrochloride for controlling Xanthomonas oryzae, a rice pathogen. Methodology: Physio-chemical analysis of castor oil and constituents of fatty acid methyl esters were carried out by standard methods. Castor oil base matrix, with standardised ratio of oil: alkyl polyglucoside emulsifier (Simulgreen), was first synthesised, then ultrasonicated for size reduction and further tested for its stability. It was also characterised by thermal analysis and by optical microscopy. This base matrix and cartap hydrochloride were used to prepare an agro formulation. The activity of this agro formulation, against Xanthomonas oryzae (GenBank Accession number-VITXO MK547277.1), previously isolated from an agricultural paddy field in Vellore district (12.9165°N, 79.1325°E), was studied by well diffusion method using standard protocols. Results: Physio-chemical analysis revealed favourable characteristics for castor oil. Thermal analysis and optical polarised microscopic studies showed the presence of liquid crystals in the formulated base matrix. Its agro-formulation with cartap hydrochloride showed 22 mm zone of inhibition against the isolated Xanthomonas oryzae. However, aqueous solution of cartap hydrochloride showed a 13 mm zone of inhibition only, when tested at a similar concentration (2000 ppm), by well diffusion studies. Interpretation: The liquid crystal containing base matrix facilitated slow and sustained release of cartap hydrochloride from the castor oil-based agroformulation to achieve good activity against Xanthomonas oryzae. © Triveni Enterprises.

Journal of Environmental Biology

A sustainable castor oil-based agro formulation with cartap hydrochloride for potential control of pathogenic Xanthomonas oryzae in Oryza sativa L.

Introduction: Vanillin, chemically known as 4-hydroxy 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde is a white crystalline phenolic aldehyde and it is a commonly used flavouring agent. Vanillin is used as a flavouring agent in food and beverages as it contains an aromatic fla-vour. It also has applications in the pharmaceuticals and cosmetic industry. It is the second most expensive compound because growing vanilla seed pods is labour-intensive and it is estimated that only 0.2% of the global demand for vanillin is met by natural sources and the other relied source is a chemical synthesis that lacks efficacy. Hence an alternative approach is the production of vanillin by microbial bioconversion. Objective: The present study aims to produce vanillin from lignin extracted from agricultural waste by bio-conversion using Bacillus sp. Methods: Lignin was extracted by acid/alkali hydrolysis from sugarcane bagasse and coconut husk. It was further quantified and confirmed by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. The lignin thus obtained was used to produce vanillin by microbial conversion using Bacillus sp. It was quantified and confirmed by FTIR. Results: The yield of vanillin obtained was 0.7 mg/ml by spectrophotometric analysis. Conclusion: The bioconversion of lignin to vanillin is tremendously advantageous as it is efficient, cost-effective and ecologi-cally safe. © IJCRR.

International Journal of Current Research and Review

Bio-conversion of lignin extracted from sugarcane bagasse and coconut husk to vanillin by bacillus sp.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a major endocrine disorder, affects the reproductive function of a woman, along with an association with metabolic conditions like insulin resistance and inflammation. The inflammatory nature of PCOS is much debated over, owing to numerous cases of elevation in cytokine levels. Studies have shown the beneficiary effect of Gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA) in reducing inflammation related to many conditions such as atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, arterial disease, obesity and even PCOS. The study aims at assessing the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the ovary and Peri-ovarian adipose tissue (POAT) of the Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) induced PCOS rat model. Further, this study also evaluates the effect of γ-linolenic Acid (GLA) on these cytokines in POAT. Female Wistar rats were subcutaneously injected with 60 mg/kg DHEA daily for 28 days. These PCOS-induced rats were then orally administered with 50 mg/kg GLA for 14 days. The gene expression of cytokines was assessed by Real Time-PCR. The study showed an increase in the expression of cytokines in the ovary and POAT of the DHEA group. This suggests the role of ovarian adipose in adding to the pro-inflammatory state of PCOS. Moreover, the administration of GLA to the PCOS-induced rats resulted in a reduction of cytokine expression from the POAT, indicating that the compound was successful in reducing the associated inflammation. The study throws light on the possibility of using GLA as a supplementary or naturalistic alternative in ameliorating ovarian adipose-associated inflammation that accompanies PCOS.