Biomedical subjects

P Misra

Publications and source records attributed to P Misra.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

PMT13, a pyrimidone analogue of thiazolidinedione improves insulin resistance-associated disorders in animal models of type 2 diabetes.

AIM: To evaluate the antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic potential of a novel thiazolidinedione, PMT13, in different animal models of insulin resistance. METHODS: PPAR transactivation study was performed in HEK293T cells using ligand binding domains of PPARalpha, gamma and delta. Insulin-resistant db/db and ob/ob mice were treated orally with different doses of PMT13 at 0.3-10 mg/kg/day for 15 and 14 days respectively. Zucker fa/fa rats were treated with 3 mg/kg (p.o.) dose of the compound. Plasma glucose, triglyceride, free fatty acid and insulin levels were measured. Liver glucose 6-phosphatase (G6-Ptase) and adipose lipoprotein lipase activity was measured in treated mice. Isolated rat aortic preparations preconstricted with phenylephrine were used to study the vascular relaxation potential of PMT13 in presence of insulin. A 28-day oral toxicity study was performed in Wistar rats. RESULTS: PMT13 showed similar PPARgamma activation as rosiglitazone, but failed to show any activity against PPARalpha or PPARdelta. In obese and diabetic db/db and ob/ob mice, PMT13 showed better reduction in plasma glucose, triglyceride and insulin levels than rosiglitazone and an improvement in glucose tolerance. In insulin-resistant Zucker fa/fa rat model, PMT13 treatment showed better reduction in plasma triglyceride, free fatty acid and insulin levels than that of rosiglitazone. Treated mice showed decreased G6-Ptase activity in liver. The LPL activity was increased in post-heparin plasma and epididymal fat of treated db/db mice. In an isolated, precontracted rat aortic preparation, PMT13 treatment significantly increased insulin-induced relaxation. A 28-day oral toxicity study in rats showed no treatment-related adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Our studies indicate that PMT13 is a potent activator of PPARgamma with antidiabetic, hypolipidaemic and insulin-sensitizing properties. Additionally, PMT13 inhibited liver G6-Ptase activity and increased lipoprotein lipase activity. It showed improvement in insulin-induced vasorelaxation. The compound also showed a good safety margin. Therefore, PMT13 can be a potential drug candidate for future development.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

(-)3-[4-[2-(Phenoxazin-10-yl)ethoxy]phenyl]-2-ethoxypropanoic acid [(-)DRF 2725]: a dual PPAR agonist with potent antihyperglycemic and lipid modulating activity.

(-)DRF 2725 (6) is a phenoxazine analogue of phenyl propanoic acid. Compound 6 showed interesting dual activation of PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma. In insulin resistant db/db mice, 6 showed better reduction of plasma glucose and triglyceride levels as compared to rosiglitazone. Compound 6 has also shown good oral bioavailability and impressive pharmacokinetic characteristics. Our study indicates that 6 has great potential as a drug for diabetes and dyslipidemia.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Microwave induced synthesis and antibacterial activity of cephalosporin derivatives using solid support.

Reaction of 7-amino-3-[5'-methyl-1',3',4'-thiadiazol-2'-ylthiomethyl]cephalo-sporanic acid with heterocyclic amines using basic alumina under microwave irradiation (MWI) afforded new cephalosporin analogs in shorter reaction time with improved yield as compared to conventional heating. All the synthesised compounds were tested for their in vitro antibacterial activity, using cefotaxime and cephalothin as reference drugs. All compounds showed significant in vitro antibacterial activity against E. herbicola, P. vulgaries, and Z. mobilis.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2001

Microwave assisted solid support synthesis of novel 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazepines as potent antimicrobial agents.

An environmentally benign and economic synthesis of 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazepines is described from readily accessible substituted 2-mercapto-1-amino triazoles and substituted chalcones on basic alumina that are accelerated by exposure to microwaves. The reaction time has been brought down from hours to seconds with improved yield as compared to conventional heating. The method reported herein is devoid of the hazards of solution phase reactions. All the synthesised compounds were tested for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity. Some compounds showed significant antimicrobial properties. The best activity was observed with compounds 3a, 3c, 4a and 4d.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2000

Involvement of a natural transport system in the process of efflux-mediated drug resistance in Mycobacterium smegmatis.

The phosphate-specific transporter (Pst) in bacteria is a multi-subunit system which belongs to the ABC family of transporters. The gene forms part of an operon and it is involved in phosphate uptake in prokaryotes. Its import function is known to be operative only under conditions of phosphate starvation. However, we found overexpression of this transporter in a Mycobacterium smegmatis strain selected for ciprofloxacin resistance (CIPr) which was grown under conditions in which the phosphate-scavenging function of this operon was inoperative. In CIPr cells, active efflux of the drug plays a predominant role in conferring high levels of fluoroquinolone resistance. We therefore investigated the role of this transporter in the process of efflux-mediated drug resistance by inactivating the pst operon in the CIPr strain. Phenotypic characterization of the resulting strain, CIPrd, showed a striking reduction in the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin and in the drug extrusion profile as well. Genotype analysis, on the other hand, revealed partial disruption of the pst operon in CIPrd as a consequence of transporter gene amplification. Furthermore, disruption of this operon in wild-type cells resulted in hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin and other xenobiotics to which CIPr cells exhibited cross-resistance. Thus our results provide strong evidence that Pst is a natural membrane transport system that has the ability to promote drug efflux in addition to its phosphate-scavenging function in the CIPr strain.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

PubMed2000

Euglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of PAT5A: a unique thiazolidinedione with weak peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma activity.

The euglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of PAT5A, a novel pyridine analog of thiazolidinedione, have been evaluated in different animal models. Administration of PAT5A to db/db mice resulted in dose-dependent decreases in plasma glucose, triglyceride, and insulin levels, and an improved glucose tolerance. The glucose-lowering activity of PAT5A was better than that of troglitazone and comparable to that of rosiglitazone. In addition, PAT5A showed better lipid-lowering activity than troglitazone or rosiglitazone. A similar profile was seen in ob/ob mice. In high-fat-fed Sprague Dawley rats, PAT5A treatment reduced plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. An in vitro peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) transactivation assay in HEK-293 cells showed poor transactivation for PAT5A compared with rosiglitazone. PAT5A did not show any PPARalpha- or PPARdelta-activating properties. Ex vivo study in db/db mice treated with PAT5A showed decreased activity of liver glucose 6-phosphatase, a key enzyme in gluconeogenesis. A 28-day probe toxicity study in Wistar rats did not show any treatment-related alterations in hematologic and biochemical parameters, nor any macroscopic and microscopic changes in the vital organs, whereas rosiglitazone treatment increased liver and heart weights. Our results indicate that PAT5A is a potent insulin sensitizer and hypolipidemic compound with a weak PPARgamma activation potential. Both in vivo and in vitro results suggest that PAT5A improves glucose kinetics and lipid levels through mechanisms not related to PPAR activation.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Novel antidiabetic and hypolipidemic agents. 5. Hydroxyl versus benzyloxy containing chroman derivatives.

Several thiazolidinediones having chroman moieties were synthesized and evaluated for their euglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. Some of the analogues having an aminoalkyl group as a linker between the chroman ring and 4-[5-(2,4-dioxo-1, 3-thiazolidinyl)methyl]phenoxy moiety seem to be better than troglitazone. In vitro transactivation assays of PPARgamma have been carried out with these glitazones to understand their molecular mechanism. For the first time we have found that some of the unsaturated thiazolidinediones are superior to their saturated counterpart in the in vivo assay. A more potent thiazolidinedione analogue than troglitazone is reported. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that protection of the OH group in the chroman moiety leads to a decrease in metabolism, thereby resulting in a superior pharmacological profile.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Role of an ABC importer in mycobacterial drug resistance.

Phosphate specific transporter (Pst) in bacteria is involved in phosphate transport. Pst is a multisubunit system which belongs to the ABC family of transporters. The import function of this transporter is known to be operative at media phosphate concentrations below the millimolar range. However, we found amplification of this transporter in a laboratory generated ciprofloxacin resistant Mycobacterium smegmatis colony (CIPr) which was grown in a condition when phosphate scavenging function of this operon was inoperative. Our results therefore argue the role of this ABC importer in conferring high level of fluoroquinolone resistance in CIPr.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

PubMed1999

Studies on the euglycemic and hypolipidemic potentials of the novel indole analogue of thiazolidinedione, DRF 2189.

Euglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of a novel indole analogue of thiazolidinedione, DRF 2189 (CAS 172647-53-9), have been evaluated in different animal models. Compared to troglitazone (CAS 97322-87-7), DRF 2189 exhibited interesting plasma glucose and triglyceride lowering activity in genetically diabetic and obese db/db mice. It also produced a significant reduction in plasma glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol levels and improvement in oral glucose tolerance in another genetic mouse model, the ob/ob mice. In high-fat diet fed Sprague-Dawley rats, DRF 2189 treatment showed improvement in plasma lipid parameters. Like other thiazolidinediones, this compound also possesses peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) transactivation potential. In anaesthetized rat experiment, DRF 2189 produced a transient fall in blood pressure without any change in the ECG pattern. It showed non-specific smooth muscle relaxant activity against acetylcholine, histamine and potassium chloride induced contractions in isolated guinea pig ileum. A twenty-eight-day toxicity study in Wistar rats did not show any signs of treatment related adverse effects. The overall antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities of DRF 2189 are comparable with rosiglitazone (CAS 155141-29-0) and superior to troglitazone. In conclusion, results from these preclinical studies indicate that DRF 2189, a novel thiazolidinedione, has a marked potential for the management of type-2 diabetes.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Identification of an ABC transporter gene that exhibits mRNA level overexpression in fluoroquinolone-resistant Mycobacterium smegmatis.

We describe here the PCR amplification of a DNA fragment (mtp1) from Mycobacterium smegmatis using primers derived from consensus sequences of the ABC family of transporters. The fragment encodes amino acid sequences that exhibited significant homology with different ABC transporters. Amino acid sequence alignment of the full length gene with other transporters identified the ABC protein as the B-subunit of the phosphate specific transporter. Strikingly, a M. smegmatis colony which exhibited a high level of ciprofloxacin resistance showed mRNA level overexpression of mtp1. Thus this is the first report in any prokaryote indicating differential expression of an ABC transporter in a fluoroquinolone resistant colony.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

PubMed1998

The fluorinated quinolones.

Following the discovery of nalidixic acid in 1962, numerous structural modifications have been made to the quinolone nucleus to increase antimicrobial activity and improve pharmacokinetic performance. A major advance occurred during the 1980's with the discovery that a fluorine at position-6 conferred broad and potent antimicrobial activity, (e.g. norfloxacin) but still with relatively less activity for Gram-positive and antiaerobic organisms than Gram-negative bacteria. Subsequent developments produced quinolones with further improvements, predominantly in either solubility (e.g. ofloxacin), antimicrobial activity (e.g. ciprofloxacin) or prolonged serum half-life (e.g. pefloxacin). Recent modifications have attempted to achieve an optimal blend of favourable properties together with minimal potential for undesirable side-effects. The mode of action of quinolones is by blocking of the bacterial enzyme gyrase. This enzyme is responsible for the coiling and supercoiling of the DNA within the cell. When this enzyme is inhibited, DNA transcription, which results in protein synthesis, and DNA replication, which results in cell division, are inhibited. Improvements in antimicrobial activity combined with adequate blood and tissue concentrations do offer expectancy of enhanced therapeutic efficacy for new derivatives in those infections by organisms which are 'marginally' sensitive to currently used quinolones. The possibility of resistance emerging in these organisms during treatment should also be reduced.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

PubMed1996

Involvement of an efflux system in mediating high level of fluoroquinolone resistance in Mycobacterium smegmatis.

A wild type strain of Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2 155 was serially adapted to 64 fold of minimal inhibitory concentration of an antimycobacterial agent, ciprofloxacin. This clone (CIPr) exhibited cross resistance to ofloxacin and ethidium bromide. The rate of drug efflux was accelerated in CIPr compared to the wild type strain. Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, enhanced the drug accumulation in CIPr by diminishing the efflux and thus reversed the resistant phenotype. Additionally, a missense mutation was detected in the quinolone resistance determining region of the DNA-gyrase A subunit of CIPr. Taken together, these results suggest that drug efflux plays a major role in conferring such a high level of resistance in CIPr, in addition to the mutation in the DNA-gyrase locus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Glutathione S-transferase 8-8 is localized in smooth muscle cells of rat aorta and is induced in an experimental model of atherosclerosis.

Allylamine (AA) is an electrophilic amine with a long history of experimental usage because of its extremely potent and relatively specific cardiovascular toxicity; it has been utilized in a variety of experimental models attempting to mimic human atherosclerotic lesions, myocardial infarction, and vascular injury. Even though the exact mechanisms by which AA causes vascular lesions remain unresolved, recent studies on the acute effects of AA exposure in rats strongly suggest that deamination to the aldehyde acrolein, oxidative stress, and the resultant increase in lipid peroxidation, generation of .OH radicals, and acute depletion of glutathione (GSH) may be some of the causative factors in AA-induced vascular lesions. Since glutathione S-transferase 8-8 (GST8-8) of rat belongs to a distinct subgroup of GST isozymes involved in the detoxification of products of lipid peroxidation, we designed studies to examine the effects of AA exposure on this GST isoform in rat aorta using Western blotting and immunohistochemical techniques. The results of these studies demonstrate that GST8-8 is expressed in rat aorta and is dramatically induced upon AA exposure. By immunohistochemistry, GST8-8 was localized in the smooth muscle cells of the vascular media which is believed to be the site of metabolism of AA. A significant increase in gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity and GST activity toward 4-hydroxynonenal and acrolein, which are preferred substrates of GST8-8, was seen as early as 3 days following AA treatment. Alterations in GSH and other GSH-related enzymes at 3 and 10 days support the concept that--upon AA exposure--aortic defense mechanisms respond early and induction of GSH biosynthesis and rat GST8-8 occur to alleviate the toxic effects of acrolein, a major, genotoxic product of AA metabolism. The presence of GST8-8 in the vasculature, which is constantly exposed to products of lipid peroxidation, and its induction by AA, suggest that GST8-8 plays a key role in protecting blood vessels against oxidative stress and hence, may be involved in the atherogenic process.

Allylamine↗

PubMed1995

Characterization of microbial communities in anaerobic bioreactors using molecular probes.

The microbial community structure of twenty-one single-phase and one two-phase full-scale anaerobic sewage sludge digesters was evaluated using oligonucleotide probes complementary to conserved tracts of the 16S rRNAs of phylogenetically defined groups of methanogens and sulfate-reducing bacteria. These probe results were interpreted in combination with results from traditional chemical analyses and metabolic activity assays. It was determined that methanogens in "healthy" mesophilic, single-phase sewage sludge digesters accounted for approximately 8-12% of the total community and that Methanosarcinales and Methanomicrobiales constituted the majority of the total methanogen population. Methanobacteriales and Methanococcales played a relatively minor role in the digesters. Phylogenetic groups of mesophilic, Gram-negative sulfate-reducing bacteria were consistently present at significant levels: Desulfovibrio and Desulfobulbus spp. were the dominant sulfate-reducing populations, Desulfobacter and Desulfobacterium spp. were present at lower levels, and Desulfosarcina, Desulfococcus, and Desulfobotulus spp. were absent. Sulfate reduction by one or more of these populations played a significant role in all digesters evaluated in this study. In addition, sulfate-reducing bacteria played a role in favoring methanogenesis by providing their substrates. The analysis of the two-phase digester indicated that true phase separation was not accomplished: significant levels of active methanogens were present in the first phase. It was determined that the dominant populations in the second phase were different from those in the single-phase digesters.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

PubMed1993

The sensory neuropathy of Friedreich's ataxia: an autopsy study of a case with prolonged survival.

Observations have been made on a patient with Friedreich's ataxia who died 52 years after the onset of symptoms. The pathology of the brain and spinal cord was typical of this disorder. Apart from loss of dorsal root ganglion cells, severe loss of secondary sensory neurons was observed, including the nucleus dorsalis in the spinal cord, the spinal and principal trigeminal nuclei and, in particular, the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus in the brain stem. Morphometric studies on the first sacral nerve root and on the sural nerve at levels from midthigh to ankle revealed a distally accentuated axonal loss that predominantly affected larger myelinated nerve fibres. Regenerative activity was seen, mainly in the spinal root and proximally in the sural nerve. Relative myelin thickness, assessed by a g ratios, tended to be reduced. As teased fibre studies showed only limited evidence of demyelination/remyelination and of axonal regeneration, this therefore suggests the presence of a hypomyelination. The results confirm the presence of a distal axonopathy and provide no evidence that this is preceded by axonal atrophy.

Axons↗

PubMed1992

Laser mediated release of dye from liposomes.

Liposomes made from phospholipids and containing sulforhodamine dye (1-50 mM) have been irradiated with nanosecond and picosecond laser pulses. Individual liposomes were locally heated by laser absorption of dye dimers during a single laser pulse, and heating was sufficient to release the liposome contents. The extent of dye release produced by a single laser pulse was shown to be quantitatively dependent on several interdependent variables, including dye concentration, liposome size, laser excitation parameters and initial temperature of the dye-liposome system. Fluorescence lifetime data having three components have been obtained and analyzed in terms of three dye environments. Quantitative estimates support a photo-induced thermal mechanism for liposome lysis and release of its contents. These results may be useful for laser induced delivery of therapeutic agents or other applications of lasers in biological systems.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗

PubMed1989

In vitro culture of erythrocytic stages, including gametocytes of Plasmodium berghei (NK 65 strain) using candle jar method and a newly designed continuous medium flow apparatus.

Three methods have been described for cultivation of erythrocytic stages, specially gametocytes of P. berghei NK65 strain, (1) by using vial candle jar where the cultures were subcultured by addition of fresh erythrocytes, (2) a newly designed simple and compact continuous medium flow apparatus, where medium was continuously perfused but fresh erythrocytes were not added and (3) where the subcultures were also done using simple and compact continuous medium flow apparatus for comparison. The maximum percentage of parasitized erythrocytes obtained by these methods was 24.3, 27.1 and 26.4% respectively. Parasites in vials could survive for more than 10 days with 3 to 4 subcultures with maximum 1.96% gametocytaemia. However, the gametocytaemia in continuous medium flow apparatus, where subcultures were not made reached 2.2% compared to that of 2.7% in this apparatus where subcultures were done. The asexual as well as sexual stages of this parasite survived for about 16-18 days in compact continuous medium flow apparatus, where at least 7 subcultures were done.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Further characterization of the keratinocyte somatomedin-C/insulin-like growth factor I (SM-C/IGF-I) receptor and the biological responsiveness of cultured keratinocytes to SM-C/IGF-I.

Somatomedin-C/insulin-like growth factor I (SM-C/IGF-I) binds to both cultured keratinocytes trypsinized to single-cell suspensions and fresh epidermal sheets derived from 1 M NaBr-treated 6-mm punch biopsies. A gradual increase of 1-4% in specific binding of SM-C/IGF-I to fresh epidermal sheets was observed during a 5-hour incubation period at 15 degrees C. The human keratinocyte SM-C/IGF-I receptor was isolated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after cross-linking with iodinated SM-C/IGF-I and migrated at 135,000 daltons under reducing conditions. Both a partially purified preparation of SM-C/IGF-I, as well as recombinant DNA-derived thr-59-SM-C/IGF-I (25-100 ng/ml), stimulated keratinocyte replication in a serum-free system, with an approximately equivalent effect as insulin (10 micrograms/ml). Since fibroblasts produce SM-C/IGF-I, our data suggest that some dermal-epidermal interactions in diseases such as psoriasis may be mediated, in part, by SM-C/IGF-I.

Cell Division↗