Human skeletal muscle characteristics such as fiber type composition, fiber size and myonuclear content are widely studied in clinical and sports related contexts. Being aware of the methodological and biological variability of the characteristics is a critical aspect in study design and outcome interpretation, but comprehensive data on the variability of morphological features in human skeletal muscle is currently limited. Accordingly, in the present study, m. vastus lateralis biopsies (10 per subject) from young and healthy individuals, collected in a systematic manner, were analyzed for various characteristics using immunohistochemistry (n=7) and SDS-PAGE (n=25). None of the analyzed parameters; fiber type % (FT%), type I and II CSA (fCSA), percentage fiber type area (fCSA%), myosin heavy chain composition (MyHC%), type IIX content, myonuclear content or myonuclear domain varied in a systematic manner longitudinally along the muscle or between the two legs. The average within subject coefficient of variation for FT%, fCSA, fCSA%, and MyHC% ranged between 13-18%, but was only 5% for fiber specific myonuclear content, which reduced the variability for myonuclear domain size to 11-12%. Pure type IIX fibers and type IIX MyHC were randomly distributed and present in <24% of the analyzed samples, with the average content being 0.1 and 1.1%, respectively. In conclusion, leg or longitudinal orientation does not seem to be an important aspect to consider when investigating human vastus lateralis characteristics. However, single muscle biopsies should preferably not be used when studying fiber type and fiber size related aspects given the notable sample to sample variability.

Objective. The study was undertaken to evaluate the antidepressant activity of ethanolic extract of Ferula asafoetida oleo gum resins. Materials and Methods. Five groups of rats (180-200g) and mice (20-30g) of both genders, each group comprising six animals, were used (i.e., normal, positive control, standard, FAEE 200mg/kg, and FAEE 400mg/kg treated groups). Forced swimming test (FST), Tail suspension test (TST), Potentiation of Norepinephrine-Induced Toxicity (PNEIT), Haloperidol-Induced Catalepsy (HIC), and Reserpine-Induced Hypothermia (RIH), were used as the validate models of depression in rodents. The study was confirmed by brain monoamines estimation (i.e. Dopamine, Norepinephrine and 5-HT), MAO levels and invivo antioxidant studies (CAT and SOD). Results. FAEE treated animals showed a significant and dose dependent effect on a decrease in immobility time in FST, TST, and decrease in catalepsy time in HIC. FAEE and imipramine (15mg/kg) showed a significant increase in body temperature in RIH, and also showed a potent lethality in PNEIT. FAEE treated animals showed a significant increase in the levels of brain monoamines, in vivo antioxidants, and a significant decrease in MAO levels. Conclusion. Results of present study indicate that FAEE has potent antidepressant-like activity, and this effect may be due to the anti-oxidant property of Ferulic acid and umbelliferone, or may be due to neuroprotective activity of other major phytoconstituents, e.g. flavonoids, phenolic acids and polysulfide compounds. To identify the particular compound responsible for the antidepressant-like activity required further molecular level studies.

Objective. The study were undertaken to evaluate anti-fibrotic activity of ethanolic extract of Nelumbo nucifera seed (NNSEE) against doxorubicin and Unilateral Ureter Obstruction-induced renal fibrosis. Materials and method. Animals were divided into five groups with six animals in each group, i.e. Normal, Positive control, Standard (Pirfenidone 200mg/kg), Test-I (NNSEE 200mg/kg), and Test-II (NNSEE 400mg/kg). Renal fibrosis was developed by doxorubicin and UUO-induced methods. After induction of renal fibrosis, profibrotic responses in biochemical parameters were observed, e.g. BUN, serum creatinine levels were elevated, while total protein and GFR levels decreased. Antioxidant (SOD and CAT) levels are also attenuates and hyalinized glomeruli cells, damage to tubular cells were noted in histopathology, which are all responsible for the development of renal fibrosis. Results. The result showed that the anti-fibrotic activity of NNSEE at a dose of 200 and 400mg/kg b.wt was comparable with the standard treatment 200mg/kg b.wt of pirfenidone (anti-fibrotic drug). These data supplemented with histopathological studies of rat kidney sections. NNSEE had reversed all the manifestation of renal fibrosis. Conclusion. Results of the study indicate that the NNSEE has potent anti-fibrotic activity, as well as antioxidant property, in dose dependent manner that may be due to the presence of major phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, polyphenols.