Biology subjects

Rafique, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Rafique, S..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2020

An assessment of efficacy of Iodine complex (Renessans) against SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primates (Rhesus macaque)

Renessans is an iodine complex which has proven in vitro antiviral activity including Anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. The present study was designed to determine its efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in monkeys (Rhesus macaque). A total of 14 monkeys were divided into four groups: A) Prophylactic group (n=03), (B) Treatment group (n=03), (C) infection control group (n=04) and (D) negative control group (n=04) and were housed in BSL-3 Animal facility while group D was housed at another animal house. Group A was administered with Renessans @ 2.85 mg/7 kg from 5 days prior to the infection to 08 days post infections (DPI). Group B was administered with Renessans from 03-08 DPI @ 2.85 mg/7 kg. Group C was administered with WIF only. The infection @ 2 x 106 TCID of SARS-CoV-2 was given to all group monkeys through intranasal and oral route under anesthesia. Nasal swab samples (at different times) and fecal matter on daily basis were collected for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 through real-time quantitative PCR. Three monkeys (one from each of group A, B and C) were euthanized at 07 DPI to determine the gross pathological lesions and SARS-CoV-2 detection from internal tissues. Nasal swabs from all the monkeys from group A, B and C were positive for SARS-CoV-2 at 02 and 07 DPI (Day 05 of treatment). At 14 DPI, all (100%) nasal swabs from group A were negative for SARS-CoV-2 while 50% and 100% were positive from group B and C, respectively. At 21 DPI, monkeys from group B were negative and all in group C were still positive for SARS-CoV-2. Similarly, fecal matter of monkeys in group A and B was returned negative in significantly lesser time as compared to monkeys from infection control group. Based on these research findings it is concluded that the Renessans has in-vivo SARS-CoV-2 activity and may result in early clearance of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, a clinical trial of the drug in COVID-19 patients may reveal its anti-COVID-19 potential.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Characterization of plasma membrane proteins from maize roots (Zea mays L.) under multiple abiotic stresses using LC-MS/MS technique

The aim of this study was to understand the response of maize inbred plants showing tolerance when exposed to various abiotic stresses (drought x low-N and waterlogging x low-N stress) simultaneously. The plants under stress expressed higher photosynthetic efficiency, increase in plant height, leaf area, and were able to maintain relatively high leaf relative water content and less decrease in morphological parameters. Therefore, to understand the processes controlling the tolerance to various stresses we analyzed maize roots plasma membranes proteome of treated plants only using LC-MS/MS techniques. The large number of proteins (295) were identified which were mainly trans membrane proteins, low abundance proteins, and root specific proteins. Further, a few proteins were selected like high-affinity Nitrate transporter, NR enzyme, PEP carboxylase, and Glutamine synthetase proteins their induction were validated by qRT-PCR approach in control and treated plants. The qRT-PCR results indicated the gene of all four proteins were expressed in treated and control plants. We concluded the high-affinity nitrate transporter proteins might represent the executive part of the protective response that plays a significant role in low-N stress tolerance. The presence of other major proteins like kinases, stress-responsive TFs, calmodulin, aquaporins, stress-related proteins, and many more proteins and their interaction with nitrate transporter proteins and their role can be validated only after comparing it with control samples.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2020

An in vitro assessment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of oral preparations of iodine complexes (RENESSANS)

Since the emergence of CoVID-19 pandemic in China in late 2019, scientists are striving hard to explore non-toxic, viable anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds or medicines. We determined In Vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of oral formulations (syrup and capsule) of an Iodine-complex (Renessans). A monolayer of vero cells were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the presence and absence of different concentrations (equivalent to 50, 05 and 0.5 g/ml of I2) of Renessans. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of each of the formulation was assessed in the form of cell survival, SARS-CoV-2-specific cytopathic effect (CPE) and genome quantization. With varying concentrations of syrup and capsule, a varying rate of inhibition of CPE, cells survival and virus replication was observed. Compared to 0.5 g/ml concentration of Renessans syrup, 5 and 50 g/ml showed comparable results where there was a 100% cell survival, no CPEs and a negligible viral replication ({Delta}CT= 0.11 and 0.13, respectively). This study indicates that Renessans, containing iodine, may have potential activity against SARS-CoV-2 which needs to be further investigated in human clinical trials.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Comparative metabolic profile of maize genotypes reveals the tolerance mechanism associated under combined stresses.

Drought, heat, high temperature, waterlogging, low-N stress, and salinity are the major environmental constraints that limit plant productivity. In tropical regions maize grown during the summer rainy season, and often faces irregular rains patterns, which causes drought, and waterlogging simultaneously along with low-N stress and thus affects crop growth and development. The two maize genotypes CML49 and CML100 were subjected to combination of abiotic stresses concurrently (drought and low-N / waterlogging and low-N). Metabolic profiling of leaf and roots of two genotypes was completed using GC-MS technique. The aim of study to reveal the differential response of metabolites in two maize genotypes under combination of stresses and to understand the tolerance mechanism. The results of un-targeted metabolites analysis show, the accumulated metabolites of tolerant genotype (CML49) in response to combined abiotic stresses were related to defense, antioxidants, signaling and some metabolites indirectly involved in nitrogen restoration of the maize plant. Alternatively, some metabolites of sensitive genotype (CML100) were regulated in response to defense, while other metabolites were involved in membrane disruption and also as the signaling antagonist. Therefore, the present study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of tolerance under various stresses of maize plants, that governed on the regulation of cell wall remodeling, maintain metabolic homeostasis, defense against the pathogen, proper signaling, and restore growth under stress conditions.

plant biology↗