Research Papers in Biochemistry

     Dr. Pawan Kumar Maurya (JNV Rae bareli) done B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Allahabad University. Presentaly working as Lecturer in Department of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida. (www.amity.edu)
     In 2009 till date, he has publshed 3 research papers. His current research area is Human Aging. We are publishing his 3 papers here for the referance. His Navodaya.Net user id is pawan_biochem

     1. Ascorbate Recycling by Erythrocytes During Aging in Humans
          Erythrocytes play a crucial role in recycling ascorbate in blood plasma. The erythrocyte ascorbate free radical (AFR) reductase is involved in the reduction of AFR to ascorbic acid (ASC) in the plasma. In the present study, we report an age-dependent increase in the activity of erythrocyte AFR reductase in humans that shows a significant positive correlation with the activity of plasma membrane redox system (PMRS). We explain the agedependent increase in erythrocyte ASC recycling on the basis of a compensatory/protective mechanism that operates to maintain the ASC level in plasma and thereby minimize oxidative stress during aging.

     2. Alterations in Plasma Nitric Acid During Aging in Humans
          Nitric oxide (NO) is relatively harmless, but along with superoxide radical becomes precursor of many toxic species, such as peroxy and hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxynitrite. In present study, we determined plasma NO as a function of human age and correlated NO levels with total antioxidant capacity of the plasma. Results showed significant increase in NO level as a function of human age and plasma NO level positively correlated with total antioxidant potential. Increased NO may contribute to the development of oxidative stress during aging.

     3. Role of L-ascorbic acid in the stability of human erythrocytes during aging
          Many epidemiological studies showed increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower incidence of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and alzheimer’s disease. Aging is associated with many changes in the erythrocyte and its membrane which contributes to former’s stability. A study was carried out on normal healthy subjects of both sexes between the age of 22-78 years. A significant (p < 0.001) increase in osmotic fragility as a function of human age is observed. A significant (p < 0.05) protective effect of L-ascorbic acid was observed at a concentration of 10-5M in all age groups. We hypothesize that increase in osmotic fragility during aging in humans may be due to decrease in stability of human erythrocyte and increase in oxidative stress.