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samples. Vitamin B12 levels were estimated for few samples from Assam and low B12 levels
were found in less than 7% of individuals. Parameters such as LDL, HDL, CRP, creatinine, total
protein, TG, cholesterol, homocysteine, cysteine, folate, holoTC and ferritin have to be estimated
for samples from Assam.

NUTRACEUTICALS FOR CARDIOPROTECTION

In a national mission to study the effects of nutraceuticals and nutritionals, Manikandan
Subramanian at IGIB is assessing the cardioprotective efficacy of various Punica granatum
(pomegranate) extracts provided by CSIR-IHBT in an animal model of atherosclerosis. APOE-/-
mice fed a western type diet (high fat,
high cholesterol diet) were used as a
murine model of atherosclerosis. These
mice were fed aqueous extract of
Pomegranate peel (200 mg/kg) by oral
gavage every day. Several physiological,
biochemical, and metabolic parameters
were analyzed including body weight,
food intake, blood glucose, insulin,
cholesterol, triglycerides, and
inflammatory cytokines. Pomegranate
peel extract (PPE)-fed mice
demonstrated no significant change in
body weight or food intake.
Interestingly, PPE fed mice had
significantly lower fasting blood glucose
and improved glucose tolerance. Also,
PPE-fed mice demonstrated a
significant decrease in plasma triglyceride levels. Systemic inflammatory parameters including
the expression of TNF-α, IL1β and IL10 were not altered. Initial analysis of atherosclerotic lesion
in the aortic root did not demonstrate significant differences in total lesion size.

ALLERGEN EPITOPES AND IMMUNOTHERAPY

The prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing worldwide with around 30-40% of the world
population being affected by some form of allergy. In India, 20-30% of the population is affected
by allergic disorders. Cockroaches are important indoor allergens and have emerged as an
important risk factor for the development of allergic asthma. Periplaneta americana is the
principle domiciliary species of cockroach predominant in tropical regions. Identification of
offending allergenic proteins is crucial for understanding the etiology of allergic reactions and is
of paramount importance for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Our laboratory has been previously identified major serine protease allergen Per a 10 from P.
americana. Our recent findings suggest a crucial role of protease activity of Per a 10 in mediating

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