South Asian Journal of Experimental Biology

Single Cell RNA Sequencing: An Emerging Tool in the Field of Plant Research

Arijita Hazarika, Dr. Porismita Hazarika, Dr. Jayanta Barukial — Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cells that appear phenotypically identical can exhibit significant differences in behavior throughout their lifespan. The advent of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology represents a significant advancement in the exploration of RNA transcript heterogeneity and complexity at the individual cell level. High-throughput transcriptomics techniques, particularly single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), have revolutionized the examination of transcriptional activity in response to developmental and environmental stimuli. Currently, the application of single-cell gene expression analyses in plants remains limited. This limitation is largely attributed to the presence of the plant cell wall, which poses challenges for the separation and acquisition of individual cells. The current body of research on single-cell gene expression in plants has predominantly focused on a relatively small sample size. However, there is a growing acknowledgment of the significant advantages that large-scale single-cell transcriptome analyses could offer in the field of plant biology. Future directions include the integration of scRNA-seq with large-scale genetic screening to deepen insights into stress-response gene expression and the underlying molecular mechanisms in plants. For the present study genuine search engines including Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate and other credible online resources were considered. The primary aim of this review is to inform future researchers about the potential of scRNA seq and the limitations of this technique in the field of plant research. Additionally, it encompasses recent studies on specific crop plants and their findings, which will be beneficial for future researchers to understand the prevailing trends in the field of plant biology.

Antihyperglycemic effects of hydro-ethanolic extract of Coldenia procumbens in Streptozotocin induced diabetic male albino rat

Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In recent times, several synthetic drugs are available in the market to treat diabetes mellitus but none can completely cure without any side effects. Indian conventional medicine system recommended herbal therapy for the treatment of different human ailments including diabetes mellitus. In present study, hydro-ethanolic extract of whole plant of Coldenia procumbens L. was found to have potent antidiabetogenic activity that reduces fasting blood glucose level in Streptozotocin induced diabetic male Albino rat. Plant extract was administered orally by gavage at the dose of 20 mg/0.5 ml distilled water/100 gm body weight/day and 30 mg/0.5 ml distilled water/100 gm body weight/day for 14 days resulted a significant diminution of blood glucose level after 14 days. On the other hand the plant supplementation build a significant elevation of glycogen content in liver and diminution of GOT and GPT activities in liver, kidney and blood serum. STZ induced male albino rat showed damage in liver, kidney and pancreas which were recovered after the treatment of Coldenia procumbens L. for 14 days. All the described effects produced by the plant extract were compared with standard antidiabetic drug, Glibenclamide. The findings demonstrate that Coldenia procumbens L. has potential antidiabetogenic efficacy to manage type-I diabetes mellitus.

Effect of cypermethrin on induction and inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450 isoforms CYP1A, CYP2B, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 in Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus)

Dawa Bhutia, Joydeb Pal — Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, has dramatically increased as a substitute for organochlorine and organophosphate insecticides because of their low environmental persistence. However, its high toxicity to aquatic species like fish is manyfold compared to mammals and birds and is a subject of concern. Cytochrome P450 (CYP 450) is a diverse family of Phase I enzymes that catalyse the metabolism of xenobiotics that enter the body and play a vital role in detoxification as the first line of defense against xenobiotics. The current study explores the ability of several hepatic CYP 450 isoforms to metabolise cypermethrin in fish, Clarias batrachus administered with 1/3 sub-lethal concentration (1.9 μg/L) of LC50 value calculated in the laboratory for a period of 5, 10 and 15 days. The liver somatic index (LSI), total microsomal protein content, and total CYP 450 content were also analysed. All treated groups had a slight increase in LSI, while all treated groups had considerably higher levels of total microsomal protein and total CYP 450 content (p<0.05; p<0.01). All three treatment groups experienced a significant (p<0.01) increase in CYP1A-mediated EROD activity. When compared to the control, the CYP2E1-mediated aniline hydroxylase activity (p<0.05) and the CYP2B-mediated N, N-dimethylaniline demethylase activity (p<0.05; p<0.01) significantly increased in the 10 and 15-day treatment groups, respectively. All of the treated groups showed a significant (p<0.05; p<0.01) decrease in CYP3A4-mediated erythromycin demethylase activity when compared to the control. According to these findings, CYP1A was the most sensitive isoform that was investigated and has potential use as a biomarker compared to other isoforms. Cypermethrins severe toxicity to fish has also been linked to its suppression of CYP3A4, a prominent isoform responsible for xenobiotic metabolism in birds and mammals. Since CYP 450 isoforms are crucial regulatory enzymes, changes brought on by pyrethroids may significantly affect the physiological fitness of aquatic organisms.

Impact of PGPR Consortium on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Growth and Bioremediation in Contaminated Soils of Patna, India

Rajeev Ranjan, Pushpanjali Khare, Adya — Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a vital staple crop feeding over 50% of the global population, yet its production in Bihar, India, is hampered by low productivity and heavy metal contamination in soils, posing health risks. Excessive use of synthetic fertilizers exacerbates soil degradation and heavy metal accumulation, necessitating sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the efficacy of a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) consortium—Klebsiella pasteurii (PGPR1) and Enterobacter hormaechei (PGPR2) —on rice growth and bioremediation in contaminated soils of Patna. Soil samples from three rice fields (Khairatali, Maner, Patna City) were analyzed for heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cd) using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) before and after PGPR treatment. A pot experiment assessed seed germination and growth parameters in sterilized soils inoculated with the consortium. Results showed a significant reduction in heavy metal concentrations post-treatment (e.g., Fe: 16.54 to 8.44 mg/L in Khairatali; Cd: 0.52 to 0.28 mg/L in Patna City). Seed germination increased from 55% (control) to 74% (treated), with Khairatali soil exhibiting the highest rate (90.68%). Growth parameters improved markedly, including seedling height (76%, 28.09 cm), root length (61%, 11.68 cm), and root dry weight (75%, 9.96 mg/plant) compared to controls. Statistical analysis (ANOVA, p < 0.001) confirmed these enhancements. The PGPR consortium offers a promising biofertilizer for improving rice productivity and soil health in contaminated regions of Patna, Bihar.

Assessment of Prescription Trends and Quantifying Medication Appropriateness in Geriatric Stroke Patients

Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In order to ensure sensible drug use, prescription pattern studies are crucial, especially for elderly stroke patients who are more likely to experience adverse events, polypharmacy, and drug interactions. This prospective observational study, conducted over six months in a tertiary care hospital, 120 stroke cases (≥65 years) were examined to evaluate prescription trends, medication burden, and compliance with WHO prescribing guidelines. 72.5% of the patients experienced an ischemic stroke, and 27.5% experienced a hemorrhagic stroke; the frequency was higher in men (60%). Ages 65 to 70 were the most affected (56.6%). Seizures (22.5%) and pneumonia (13.3%) were the predominant complications, while the most common risk factors were hypertension (85%), alcohol use (65%), and diabetes (33.3%). According to chi-square analysis, 45% of patients were in the hospital for 6–10 days, and there was a significant correlation between the kind of stroke and length of stay (p < 0.05). The most commonly prescribed medications were pantoprazole (67.5%), atorvastatin (88.3%), and aspirin (97.5%). Single antiplatelet therapy (66.6%) was chosen over combination therapy (33.3%). Although 94.93% of medications met the Essential Drug List, WHO prescribing indicators revealed polypharmacy (8.07 pharmaceuticals per prescription), low generic prescribing (48.43%), and high injection use (36.82%), all of which significantly deviated from WHO guidelines (p < 0.001). Excessive polypharmacy and irregular prescribing patterns were noted in spite of adherence to stroke treatment recommendations. Improving therapeutic safety and patient outcomes in this high-risk population requires optimizing pharmaceutical use through deprescribing tactics, medication reconciliation, and pharmacist involvement.