Maintaining the genetic integrity of laboratory rodents is essential for achieving reliable and reproducible results in biomedical experiments. Genetic variations among laboratory animals can lead to flawed results, highlighting the importance of rigorous quality control testing. Among various genetic markers, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common and provide a dependable method for genetic monitoring due to their precision and stability. These markers support efficient, cost-effective, and high-throughput genotyping strategies. This study aims to standardize SNP detection as a genetic monitoring tool in laboratory rodents using the Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS) PCR. Genomic DNA was isolated from ten mouse strains: A/J, BALB/c, C3H/J, CD-1, C57BL/6, DBA/2, FVB/ NJ, Swiss Webster, Swiss/Bare, and BDF1. The DNA was obtained from tail tissue samples using the phenol–chloroform extraction technique, followed by quantification with a Nanodrop spectrophotometer. DNA quality was assessed through agarose gel electrophoresis. SNP markers were chosen based on polymorphisms from the Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI) database, and primers were designed using the PRIMER1 tool. We optimized PCR conditions by systematically varying parameters like DNA concentration, PCR cycles, annealing temperature, Taq mix concentration, and reaction volume. We achieved reproducible amplification for selected SNP markers through methodical optimization, with 10 of the 19 tested markers yielding clear allele distinction across strains. The ARMS PCR approach provided straightforward, reliable genotyping without requiring restriction enzyme digestion or complex data interpretation. Our findings demonstrate that ARMS PCR can be a cost-effective tool for genetic monitoring in laboratory colonies. Future work will involve sequencing amplified products to confirm allele assignments and validate the method’s accuracy.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely used as a food additive worldwide and the safety of MSG has always been a matter of concern. This study was conducted to assess the effect of MSG on foetal development using zebrafish embryos. Zebrafish embryos were collected from the spawning group of a male: female ratio of 1:2. Fertilized embryos in the blastula stage were transferred into 24-well plates and kept at 26.5 ±1°C. MSG in the concentration of 300 mg/L, which was then serially two-fold diluted to 150 mg/L, 75 mg/L, 37.5 mg/L, 18.75 mg/L, 9.38 mg/L, 4.687 mg/L, 2.34 mg/L, was used for treatment, and the control wells contained 2mL of RO water. Observations were recorded 24, 48, 72, and 96 h post-fertilization. MSG induced toxicity, mainly delayed development, reduced melanin pigmentation, and pericardial edema in zebrafish embryos at concentrations of 100 mg/L and above. MSG caused a retarded growth from 24 h to 72 h, but growth by 96 h could recover the developmental delay. Hatching was delayed in the treatment group, and by 96h, all surviving embryos had hatched. Overall, it can be concluded that these developmental defects may be due to oxidative stress and neurotoxic effects of glutamate at concentrations above 100 mg/L. Thus, MSG is toxic to developing embryos and can delay growth and metabolism in a concentration-dependent manner.

Chronic inflammatory muscle pain represents a significant clinical challenge with limited therapeutic options. This study investigates the modulatory effects of zingerone, a bioactive compound derived from ginger (Zingiber officinale), on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling pathways in the chronic myalgia model. Using an integrated approach combining in vivo, in vitro, and in silico analyses, we demonstrate that zingerone significantly attenuates inflammatory muscle pain. In vivo studies using carrageenan-induced muscle inflammation in rats showed a substantial reduction in pain behaviors and inflammatory markers following zingerone administration (20-40 mg/kg). In vitro experiments revealed zingerone’s inhibitory effects on PGE2 production in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking simulations identified key binding interactions between zingerone and the PGE2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme active site, with a predicted binding affinity of -4.8 and -6.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Zingerone treatment significantly modulated the PGE2/COX-2 signaling pathway, further supporting its anti-inflammatory properties. These findings suggest that zingerone represents a promising natural therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory muscle pain conditions through its targeted inhibition of PGE2-mediated inflammatory cascades

Environmental enrichment of home cages has a positive effect on animal wellbeing as well as the quality of research. Laboratory mice although separated from their wild ancestors still show natural instincts. It is interesting to observe whether the laboratory mice build a better complex nest with the naturalistic material in comparison to commercially available, processed or commonly used nesting material. Therefore, we have tested the nest-building characteristics of the laboratory mice provided with crinkled paper (P), jute (Corchorus olitorius) (J), coconut coir (C) or, jute-coir blend (JC). We observed that nest of mice with “J” scored higher than “JC” and “P”. Mice preferred naturalistic fibrous material above commercially available crinkled paper. It built a better stable nest using jute and preferred to stay in jute for most of the time (mainly 70% in night time and 42% in daytime) and showed very less preference for crinkled paper. The nest made out of jute was also proved to be stable for up to 14 days, suggesting its use in experiments that warrant the mice to be kept undisturbed for two weeks. Mice did not show any undesirable behaviour due to any of the nesting material used in this experiment. Jute is of low cost, easy to handle, and can be used as environmental enrichment for laboratory mice.

Costus pictus, commonly referred to as the “insulin plant,” has gained interest for its antidiabetic and organ-protective properties. The objective of the study was to evaluate the claim of C. pictus leaf extract on glycaemic control, organ weights, feed intake, and biochemical parameters in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group 1 – Normal Control; Group 2 – Diabetic Untreated; Group 3 – Diabetic + Low-Dose C. pictus (50 mg/kg); and Group 4 – Diabetic + High-Dose C. pictus (250 mg/kg). The study was conducted as a therapeutic trial. Body weight, feed intake, organ weights, and serum biomarkers including glucose, liver enzymes, renal parameters, lipids, and proteins were monitored over six weeks. Statistical comparisons were performed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. Diabetic control rats showed significant hyperglycaemia, organomegaly (notably in liver, kidney, and testis), and elevations in SGPT, ALP, urea, creatinine, and cholesterol. Treatment with C. pictus significantly reduced glucose levels by 33–37%, improved feed intake patterns, and restored liver, kidney, and testis weights toward normal. Highdose treatment exhibited superior efficacy in lowering SGPT (by 76.5 U/L), ALP (by 267 U/L), urea (by 35.2 mg/dL), and creatinine (by 0.29 mg/dL). Both low and high doses of C. pictus significantly improved serum albumin and total protein levels, with high dose showing greater therapeutic benefits. C. pictus effectively ameliorates hyperglycaemia and associated hepatic and renal dysfunctions in diabetic rats, with high-dose treatment providing enhanced benefits. These findings support its potential as a plant-based adjunct in diabetes management.