Biotin metabolism defect - A case report

Defects in biotin metabolism are mainly associated with either the enzyme Biotinidase or Holocarboxylase synthetase. Defects in either enzymes depletes biotin utilization by the cells. Holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency is an inherited disorder in which the body is unable to use the vitamin biotin effectively. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. We present a case of a 9 year old girl with atypical symptomology as a case holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency, who demonstrated an increased excretion of propionic and methyl malonic acids, with her biotinidase activity being normal. She demonstrated remarkable improvement on biotin supplementation.     

Evaluation of oxidative stress, antioxidants and prolactin in infertile women

The objective of the study was to estimate the serum concentrations of oxidative stress markers-lipid hydroperoxide (MDA-Malondialdehyde), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), nitrite; and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) — a measure of total antioxidant capacity in serum. Serum nitrite levels were high in fertile women than in infertile women (p<0.001), whereas MDA was high in infertile women than in fertile group (p<0.018). On classifying the entire group of women with infertility based on the etiology, serum MDA and LDH levels were higher in women with infertility due to unexplained factor than in women with other causes contributing to infertility compared to controls (p<0.001, p<0.02). A positive correlation among serum prolactin and nitrite suggested that hyperprolactinemia could contribute to infertility by inducing oxidative damage. Serum FRAP levels showed no significant difference in the groups studied. Lipid peroxidation was high in women with unexplained infertility which may be due to hyperprolactinemia.     

STS: Adding Value to Research and Practice

This article introduces the Kumar and Chubin-edited collection, Science, Technology, and Society: A Sourcebook on Research and Practice (Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishing, New York). STS, a hybrid area of scholarship focuses on science-technology-society interactions, draws on the intellectual resources of scientists, educators, engineers, social scientists, and philosophers inside and outside academe. A dozen chapters examine STS trends, curriculum, teaching, learning, mentoring, advocacy, public policy, and issues for further research.     

Cartap and carbofuran induced alterations in serum lipid profile of Wistar rats

Wistar rats of 6–8 weeks in age weighing between 120–150 g were exposed to the fixed doses of each of the carbamate pesticides such as cartap (50% LD₅₀) and carbofuran (50% LD₅₀) as well as a combination of these two with 25% LD₅₀ of each for one week. The effect of treatments was studied in terms of serum lipid parameters such as high-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein. Treatment with individual doses of carbofuran (50% LD₅₀) and cartap (50 % LD₅₀) caused significant alterations in the levels of serum lipid parameters. The pesticides treatment resulted in marked decrease in the level of serum high-density lipoprotein where as that of other lipids got significantly elevated. Further, the rats exhibited relatively higher impact of pesticides when treated with the compounds in combination (25 % LD₅₀ of each). The results indicated that these compounds when used together may exert enhanced effect on the levels of serum lipids in rat.     

Hypoglycemic, lipid lowering and antioxidant activities in root extract of Anthocephalus indicus in alloxan induced diabetic rats

The present study was carried out to evaluate the hypoglycemic, lipid lowering and antioxidant activities in root extract of Anthocephalus indicus (A indicus) in alloxan inducd diabetic rats. Oral administration of ethanol extract of root (500mg/ kg body weight) for 21 days resulted in significant decrease in the levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, phospholipid and free fatty acids. Furthermore, the root extract (100–400μg) inhibited the generation of superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals, in both enzymic and non-enzymic systems, in vitro. The result of the present study demonstrated hypoglycemic, lipid lowering and antioxidant activities in root extract of A indicus, which could help in prevention of diabetic dyslipidemia and related diseases.