http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67330 2026-10-12T15:28:15Z 2026-10-12T15:28:15Z Bahadur Choubey, Ranjeet Kumar Rai, Ambak http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67337 2026-03-02T09:08:36Z 2026-02-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Role of endogenous retroviruses in human immune disorders and simian evolution Authors: Bahadur Choubey, Ranjeet; Kumar Rai, Ambak Abstract: Various endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) have infiltrated the genomes of simians and humans as they evolved. Different types of ERVs have endogenised in the primates throughout their evolutionary journey and serve as crucial indicators in defining the phylogeny of their hosts. The ERVs also play a crucial role in various immune disorders through their active particles, such as the production of autoantigens in cases of autoimmunity-like scenarios. Instead of acting through their particles, some ERV sequences directly influence immunoregulatory genes. Furthermore, genetic variation in these ERV sequences regulates the linked genes and influences their evolutionary fitness. The CD5 and FABP7 genes are directly impacted by ERV sequences and are associated with leukaemia. ERV, linked to both of these genes, plays two distinct roles: it influences the immune system and determines phylogeny. By keeping these two genes in mind, this review has explored the ERVs-immunity axis, ERVs' role in Simian phylogeny, and their conclusive impact on human health. Page(s): 99-107

2026-02-01T00:00:00Z Pathikkal, Ajana Chegu Krishnamurthi, Madhubalaji Ravikumar, Neenu Claret Eugine, Amala Puthusseri, Bijesh Sankara Reddy Singam, Siva Mathew, Mathen Singh Chauhan, Vikas http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67336 2026-03-02T09:04:33Z 2026-02-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Ameliorative effects of Spirulina supplementation on high fat and micronutrient deficiency associated complications in wistar rats Authors: Pathikkal, Ajana; Chegu Krishnamurthi, Madhubalaji; Ravikumar, Neenu; Claret Eugine, Amala; Puthusseri, Bijesh; Sankara Reddy Singam, Siva; Mathew, Mathen; Singh Chauhan, Vikas Abstract: Dietary patterns characterised by excessive fat intake combined with inadequate micronutrient consumption are increasingly associated with metabolic disturbances, including obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and organ-level dysfunction. Although Spirulina is recognised for its nutrient density and metabolic benefits, its efficacy under the compounded stress of a high-fat diet and concurrent micronutrient deficiency has not been systematically evaluated. Addressing this gap is important for developing nutritional strategies relevant to real-world dietary imbalances. This study investigated the ameliorative effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira) supplementation in Wistar rats fed either a high-fat (HF) diet or a micronutrient-deficient high-fat diet (HFD). Rats were initially maintained on Control (AIN-93G), HF, or HFD diets for 90 days. Thereafter, HF and HFD groups were subdivided to receive either the same diet or the respective diet enriched with 6.5% Spirulina biomass for an additional 60 days. HF and HFD feeding resulted in significant body-weight gain, elevated fasting glucose levels, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and marked histopathological alterations in the liver, heart, kidney, and testis. Spirulina supplementation moderated body-weight gain, restored fasting glucose and oral glucose tolerance to control levels, and normalised lipid parameters in both HF- and HFD-fed rats. Histological analyses further confirmed substantial recovery of tissue morphology following Spirulina intervention. In summary, Spirulina supplementation effectively mitigated metabolic and histological impairments induced by combined high-fat intake and micronutrient deficiency. These findings highlight Spirulina’s potential as a functional dietary adjunct for managing complex, diet-induced metabolic disorders. Page(s): 108-117

2026-02-01T00:00:00Z Aksu Kılıçle, Pınar Asker, Hasan Yıldız Asker, Yağmır Karadağ Sarı, Ebru Yediel Aras, Şükran http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67335 2026-03-10T06:11:37Z 2026-02-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Effect of thymoquinone on micronucleus frequency and proinflammatory cytokine secretion in rat liver on high-fat cholesterol diet Authors: Aksu Kılıçle, Pınar; Asker, Hasan; Yıldız Asker, Yağmır; Karadağ Sarı, Ebru; Yediel Aras, Şükran Abstract: This study investigates the effects of thymoquinone on micronucleus frequency and proinflammatory cytokine secretion in the livers of rats fed high-fat diet with cholesterol. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, high-fat diet with cholesterol (CHFD), high-fat diet with cholesterol+thymoquinone (CHFD+T), and thymoquinone (TQ). Histopathological examination revealed hepatocyte vacuolization in the CHFD group. In the CHFD+T group, both hepatocyte vacuolization and mild portal fibrosis were observed, whereas the TQ group exhibited only sinusoidal dilatation. Immunohistochemical analysis showed severe immunoreactivity for IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the control group, while no such immunoreactivity was detected in the CHFD group. Additionally, in the thymoquinone-treated group, IL-6 and TNF-α displayed moderate immunoreactivity, whereas IL-1β was not observed. In terms of genotoxicity, the CHFD was found to increase the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs). However, thymoquinone treatment significantly reduced these elevated levels of MNPCEs. Furthermore, the ratio of polychromatic to normochromic erythrocytes (PCE/NCE), which was lowest in the CHFD group, increased following thymoquinone administration. These results suggest that, with appropriate timing and dosage, thymoquinone may be effective in mitigating liver and genotoxic damage induced by a high-fat diet with cholesterol. Page(s): 118-126

2026-02-01T00:00:00Z S Aboud, Fouzi A Al-Shaeri, Majed T Zari, Ali M M. Ali, Ehab A Almalki, Naif M Binothman, Najat http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67334 2026-03-02T08:58:14Z 2026-02-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Heterocyclic aromatic compounds from Artemisia judaica (L.) induced caspase-3 mediated apoptosis in metastatic breast cell lines Authors: S Aboud, Fouzi; A Al-Shaeri, Majed; T Zari, Ali; M M. Ali, Ehab; A Almalki, Naif; M Binothman, Najat Abstract: Chemoradiotherapeutic drugs remain a major clinical challenge for breast cancer patients due to their non-selective toxicity toward both malignant and healthy cells. The purpose of this study was to identify the aromatic organic compounds present in the ethanolic extract of Artemisia judaica (ArJ) and to evaluate their selective cytotoxic, oxidative-stress– mediated, and apoptosis-inducing effects against various breast cancer cell lines. In this study, several aromatic heterocycle compounds including benzamide, oxadiazine, benzofuran-carboxylic acid, and pyrimidine derivatives were identified in the ethanolic extract of ArJ using FT-IR and GC-MS spectral analysis. The cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities of the extract were assessed in normal human skin fibroblasts (HSF) and breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, T47D, and MDA-MB-231) following 24 and 48 hours of treatment. ArJ extract exhibited minimal toxicity toward HSF cells (IC50 = 123.9 ± 3.86 μg/mL; selectivity index > 2), whereas a pronounced, time-dependent cytotoxic effect was observed in the metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells, with IC50 values of 35.62 ± 2.29 μg/mL, 16.93 ± 2.17 μg/mL, and 9.76 ± 2.03 μg/mL at 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. Treatment with ArJ significantly increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and elevated caspase-3 activity, leading to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In contrast, doxorubicin induced higher necrotic cell death and demonstrated greater toxicity toward normal cells. These findings suggest that the aromatic organic compounds present in ArJ exert selective and potent anticancer effects particularly against metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells through a ROS-mediated, mitochondrial caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway, highlighting their potential as safer alternatives to conventional chemotherapeutics. Page(s): 127-140

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