Diabetic neuropathic cachexia in a young female

A 42-year-old lady, a known diabetic presented with generalized body ache, severe burning sensation over her lower limbs, loss of weight (approximately 8 kg), loss of appetite, nausea, frequent vomiting, and altered bowel habits without history of fever or pain abdomen. Symmetrical wasting was noted in all limbs with bilateral proximal muscle weakness, particularly of lower limbs. Ankle jerks were absent with symmetrically decreased reflexes. nerve conduction velocity (NCV) revealed symmetrical distal axonal and demyelinating type of sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Hematological and gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy were excluded. Patient responded to antidepressants.

Evolving adrenal insufficiency

INTRODUCTION

Tuberculosis is the most common cause of Addison's disease in India. The exact status of adrenal reserve in tuberculosis is still an enigma and recovery of adrenal function is unpredictable.

OBJECTIVE

We report a case with a pre-Addisonian state and unchanged adrenal size after 1 year treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 31-year patient with adrenal tuberculosis was diagnosed and treated with anti tubercular drugs (ATDs) and steroid.

RESULTS

A 31-year male, presented with fever and weight loss for 3½ months with anorexia, nausea, hyperpigmentation of skin, and buccal mucosa and weakness with past h/o adequately treated pulmonary tuberculosis at 3 years of age. On examination, the patient was anemic. A non-tender, firm right (Rt.) submandibular lymphnode was palpable. Investigations revealed: High erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), negative HIV, and sputum for acid fast bacilli (AFB). Initial cortisol was high but subsequently became low with negative short synacthin test (SST). Computed tomography showed bilateral (B/L) enlarged hypodense adrenal mass with inconclusive fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and negative AFB culture. Rt. submandibular lymph node FNAC showed caseating granuloma. ATDs and steroids were started, the lymphadenopathy regressed and symptoms subsided. However, after 1 year of treatment steroid withdrawal failed and adrenal size remained the same.

CONCLUSION

The adrenal has considerable capacity to regenerate during active infection and ultimately become normal or smaller in size. However, in the case reported here, they failed to regress. Reversal of adrenal function following ATD is a controversial issue. Some studies have shown normalization following therapy, while others have contradicted it similar to the finding in our case.

De morseir syndrome presenting as ambiguous genitalia

BACKGROUND

A 10-year-old boy presented with genital ambiguity, poor linear growth, and delayed milestones. The aim and to highlight that although rare but congenital, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism may rarely present as ambiguity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patient was found to have bilateral cryptorchidism with proximal penile hypospadias, microphallus with a proportionate dwarfism with mildly delayed bone age, and karyotype 46XY. Euthyroid with normal steroid axis, growth hormone insufficient as suggested by auxology, low IGF1, and poor response to clonidine stimulation. MRI brain shows hypoplastic corpus callosum, hypoplastic anterior pituitary, and ectopic posterior pituitary bright spot.

RESULTS

The patient underwent laparoscopic removal of right intrabdominal testis and orchidoplexy was performed on the left one. Testicular biopsy revealed no malignancy and growth hormone replacement was initiated. The patient awaits definitive repair of hypospadias.

CONCLUSION

As a provisional diagnosis of combined growth hormone and gonadotropin deficiency, most probable diagnosis is septo-optic dysplasia or de moseir syndrome leading to genital ambiguity.

2-Methyl-3-(4-methylphenyl)-5,6-diphenyl-2,3-dihydropyrazine

In the title mol­ecule, C₂₄H₂₂N₂, four atoms (N—C—C—N) of the heterocyclic ring, with their attached H atoms, and all atoms of the methyl group, are disordered over two positions; the site-occupancy factor of the major component is 0.713 (6). The major disorder component of the heterocyclic ring adopts a half-chair conformation, with all substituents equatorial. The benzene ring adjacent to the methyl group forms dihedral angles of 79.68 (11) and 80.92 (11)° with the phenyl rings; the dihedral angle between adjacent phenyl rings is 59.10 (11)°. The crystal structure features three C—H⋯π inter­actions.

2-Ethyl-3,5,6-triphenylpyrazine

In the title mol­ecule, C₂₄H₂₀N₂, the pyrazine ring is significantly distorted from planarity, presumably due to steric crowding, and its conformation is well described as a flattened twist-boat. The benzene ring adjacent to the ethyl group forms dihedral angles of 53.79 (13) and 85.47 (12)° with the other benzene rings; the dihedral angle between adjacent benzene rings is 57.90 (12)°. The ethyl group is disordered over two positions; the site-occupancy factor of the major component is 0.546 (4). No hydrogen bonds are found in the crystal structure.

1-[4-(4-Isopropylphenyl)-6-methyl-2-sulfanylidene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-5-yl]ethanone

In the title mol­ecule, C₁₆H₂₀N₂OS, the heterocyclic ring adopts a slightly distorted flattened boat conformation, and the plane through the four coplanar atoms makes a dihedral angle of 86.98 (6)° with the benzene ring. The thione, acetyl and methyl groups lie on the opposite side of the heterocyclic mean plane to the isopropylphenyl group which has an axial orientation. A weak intra­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bond is observed. In the crystal, molecules are linked via N—H⋯O, N—H⋯S and C—H⋯S hydrogen bonds.

1-[4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methyl-2-sulfanylidene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-5-yl]ethanone

In the title mol­ecule, C₁₃H₁₃FN₂OS, the heterocyclic ring adopts a slightly distorted flattened boat conformation, and the plane through the four coplanar atoms makes a dihedral angle of 87.45 (14)° with the benzene ring. The thione, acetyl and methyl groups lie on the opposite side of the heterocyclic mean plane to the fluorophenyl group, which has an axial orientation. N—H⋯O, N—H⋯S, C—H⋯F and C—H⋯O inter­molecular hydrogen bonds and a weak C—H⋯π inter­action involving the benzene ring are found in the crystal structure.

Wernicke's encephalopathy with visual loss in a patient with hyperemesis gravidarum

OBJECTIVE

We describe a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy associated with visual loss that was caused by hyperemesis gravidarum.

METHODS

A 25 year old lady in her 20th week of her pregnancy consulted us. She had history of nausea and vomiting for 3 months with resultant weight loss. She now presented with sub-acute onset of visual loss in both her eyes, and gait disturbance with unsteadiness. Upon ophthalmologic examination she was found to have a visual acuity of 6/60 in both eyes; abduction restriction, nystagmus and retinal hemorrhages and macular oedema in both eyes. She also had truncal, stance and gait ataxia.

RESULTS

She was treated with parenteral thiamine and her visual loss reversed and her ataxia improved dramatically. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain with diffusion weighted imaging showed findings consistent with Wernicke's Encephalopathy.

CONCLUSION

Wernicke's Encephalopathy can occur in many hitherto under-recognised clinical scenarios associated with inadequate oral intake like hyperemesis gravidarum, after gastric bypass surgeries and those on total parenteral nutrition. Visual loss is increasingly being recognized as the additional, reversible feature of Wernicke's Encephalopathy. The changes that occur on MRI brain, especially on the diffusion weighted images, are characteristic and considered diagnostic of Wernicke's Encephalopathy.

Effect of α-tocopherol on salivary reactive oxygen species and trace elements in oral submucous fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic debilitating disease and a well-recognized, potentially malignant condition of the oral cavity associated with betel quid chewing. Betel quid chewing is a popular oral habit in India and shows strong association in the incidence of OSMF. The objective of the study was to determine the levels of trace elements, pro-oxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in saliva of betel quid chewers and OSMF patients, which may help in the diagnosis of cancer progression in the oral cavity.

METHODS

A total of 35 cases of OSMF and 35 cases of healthy individuals were included in the present study. The salivary status of ROS, pro-oxidants and some trace elements was studied in OSMF patients and normal healthy individuals.

RESULTS

The levels of lipid peroxides (P < 0.001), conjugated dienes (P < 0.01), hydroxyl radicals (P < 0.01), superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05), copper (P < 0.05), calcium (P < 0.01), magnesium (NS), potassium (P < 0.05) and iron (P < 0.05) in OSMF patients were elevated when compared with normal healthy individuals. The levels of hydrogen peroxide (P < 0.05) and sodium (P < 0.01) in OSMF patients were found to be decreased when compared with control subjects. A significant alteration was noticed after supplementing with α-tocopherol in oral precancerous patients.

CONCLUSION

These parameters may help in the detection of the severity of oral diseases.

2-(2-Chlorophenyl)-3-methyl-5,6-diphenyl-2,3-dihydropyrazine

In the title mol­ecule, C₂₃H₁₉ClN₂, the heterocyclic ring adopts a screw-boat conformation, with all substituents equatorial. The benzene ring at position 2 makes dihedral angles of 77.88 (12) and 76.31 (12)° with the phenyl rings at positions 5 and 6, respectively. The dihedral angle between the phenyl rings at positions 5 and 6 is 70.05 (10)°. The Cl atom is disordered over two positions with occupancy factors of 0.946 (5) and 0.054 (5). In the crystal, C—H⋯π inter­actions are found.

1-(2-Naphth-yl)-3-phenyl-3-(4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-1,2,3-benzoselenadiazol-4-yl)propan-1-one

In the title compound, C(25)H(22)N(2)OSe, the fused six-membered cyclo-hexene ring of the 4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-1,2,3-benzoselenadiazole group adopts a near half-chair conformation and the five-membered 1,2,3-selenadiazole ring is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.004 Å). There are weak inter-molecular C-H⋯O and C-H⋯π inter-actions in the crystal structure. Inter-molecular π-π stacking is also observed between the naphthyl units, with a centroid-centroid distance of 3.529 (15) Å.

3-(4-Methyl-phen-yl)-1-phenyl-3-(4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-1,2,3-benzoselenadiazol-4-yl)propan-1-one

In the title compound, C(22)H(22)N(2)OSe, the fused six-membered ring of the 4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-benzo[d][1,2,3] selenadiazole group adopts a near to envelope (E form) conformation and the five-membered 1,2,3-selenadiazole ring is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0059 Å). In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are inter-linked through weak inter-molecular C-H⋯π inter-actions.

4-{(4-Chloro-phen-yl)[4-(4-methyl-phen-yl)-1,2,3-selenadiazol-5-yl]meth-yl}-4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-1,2,3-benzoselenadiazole

In the title compound, C(22)H(19)ClN(4)Se(2), the mean plane of the non-fused selenadiazole ring forms dihedral angles of 54.20 (16)° and 70.48 (11)°, respectively, with the essentially planar [maximum deviations of 0.025 (5) and 0.009 (2) Å, respectively] methyl-phenyl and chloro-phenyl substituents. The tetra-hydro-1,2,3-benzoselenadiazole group is disordered over two sets of sites with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.802 (5):0.198 (5). In the crystal, weak inter-molecular C-H⋯N inter-actions are observed.

Intramural metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of stomach

Intramural metastasis to the stomach (IMMS) from carcinoma esophagus, excluding direct invasion and spread to the stomach, is relatively uncommon. Diagnosis of IMMS is based on histological criteria, and it is associated with poor prognosis (Takubo et al. Cancer 65:1816-1819, 1990]. We report two patients of SCC oesophagus in whom intramural metastasis to stomach has occurred.

Spectral Analysis and Crystal Structures of 4-(4-Methylphenyl)-6-Phenyl-2,3,3a, 4-Tetrahydro-1H-Pyrido[3,2,1-jk]Carbazole and 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-6-Phenyl-2,3,3a, 4-Tetrahydro-1H-Pyrido[3,2,1-jk]Carbazole

The crystal structures of 4-(4-methylphenyl)-6-phenyl-2,3,3a,4-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,2,1-jk]carbazole (IIa) and 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-phenyl-2,3,3a,4-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,2,1-jk]carbazole (IIb) were elucidated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound (IIa), C₂₈H₂₅N, crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P-1, with a = 8.936(2) Å, b = 10.490(1) Å, c = 11.801(1) Å, α = 102.69(5)^°,  β = 103.27(3)^°, γ = 93.80(1)^°, and Z = 2. The compound (IIb), C₂₈H₂₅NO, crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/a, with a = 11.376(5) Å, b = 14.139(3) Å, c = 13.237(4) Å, β = 97.41(3)^°, and Z = 4. In both the structures, the pyrido ring adopts a twist boat conformation and the carbazole molecule has the twisted envelope structure with C3 and C13 at the flap. No classical hydrogen bonds are observed in the crystal structures. Details of the preparation, structures, and spectroscopic properties of the new compounds are discussed.

1-(6-Methyl-4-phenyl-2-sulfanylidene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-5-yl)ethanone

In the title compound, C₁₃H₁₄N₂OS, the heterocyclic ring adopts a flattened boat conformation with the plane through the four coplanar atoms making a dihedral angle of 86.90 (13)° with the phenyl ring, which adopts an axial orientation. The thionyl, acetyl and methyl groups all have equatorial orientations. Inter­molecular N—H⋯O, N—H⋯S and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds are found in the crystal structure.

5-Acetyl-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-thione

In the title mol­ecule, C₁₄H₁₆N₂O₂S, the heterocyclic ring adopts an envelope conformation with the plane through the five coplanar atoms making a dihedral angle of 88.99 (4)° with the benzene ring, which adopts an axial orientation. The thionyl, acetyl and methyl groups all have equatorial orientations. Inter­molecular N—H⋯S, N—H⋯O, C—H⋯O and C—H⋯S hydrogen bonds are found in the crystal structure.

5-Acetyl-4-(2-chloro-phen-yl)-6-methyl-3,4-dihydro-pyrimidine-2(1H)-thione

In the title mol­ecule, C₁₃H₁₃ClN₂OS, the heterocyclic ring adopts a flattened boat conformation with the plane through the four coplanar atoms making a dihedral angle of 85.6 (1)° with the benzene ring, which adopts an axial orientation. The thionyl, acetyl and methyl groups all have equatorial orientations. Inter­molecular N—H⋯O, N—H⋯S and C—H⋯S hydrogen bonds are found in the crystal structure. A weak C—H⋯π inter­action involving the benzene ring also occurs.

Effect of alpha-tocopherol on pro-oxidant and antioxidant enzyme status in radiation-treated oral squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

The relationships between alpha-tocopherol, pro-oxidant and antioxidant enzyme status, and radiation toxicity were studied in stage II, III, and IVA oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. The low levels of malondialdehyde and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes were correlated with decreased oxidative stress by alpha-tocopherol in oral cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of alpha-tocopherol on oxidant-antioxidant enzyme status in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included three groups with histologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma patients (untreated), and they were further divided into two groups, viz., one consisting of patients who underwent radiotherapy alone (radiotherapy was given at the dosage of 6000 cGy in five fractions per week for a period of 6 weeks); and the other group treated with radiotherapy plus alpha-tocopherol supplementation (alpha-tocopherol was supplemented at a dosage of 400 IU/day) for the entire period of radiotherapy.

RESULTS

A significant decrease ( P < 0.001) in malondialdehyde levels and increase in activities of antioxidant enzymes ( P < 0.001) in hemolysate were noticed in patients treated with radiotherapy and simultaneously supplemented with alpha-tocopherol when compared to radiation-treated patients.

CONCLUSION

It was seen that alpha-tocopherol played a role in protecting against the damage caused by irradiation in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with radiotherapy, by enhancing the antioxidant enzyme status and reducing the pro-oxidant status.

2-Methyl-3,5,6-triphenyl-2,3-dihydropyrazine

In the title mol­ecule, C₂₃H₂₀N₂, the heterocyclic ring adopts a screw-boat conformation, with all substituents equatorial. The phenyl ring at position 3 makes dihedral angles of 78.12 (15) and 72.67 (15)°, respectively, with the phenyl rings at positions 5 and 6; the dihedral angle between the phenyl rings at positions 5 and 6 is 67.32 (14)°. A C—H⋯π inter­action is present in the crystal structure.

5-Acetyl-4-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-6-methyl-3,4-dihydro-pyrimidine-2(1H)-thione

In the title mol­ecule, C₁₃H₁₃ClN₂OS, the heterocyclic ring adopts a flattened boat conformation, and the plane through the four coplanar atoms makes a dihedral angle of 87.92 (10)° with the benzene ring. The thione, acetyl and methyl groups have equatorial orientations with respect to the attached heterocyclic ring. The chloro­phenyl group has an axial orientation. Inter­molecular N—H⋯O, N—H⋯S and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds are found in the crystal structure.

2,3,5-Triphenylpyrazine

In the title mol­ecule, C₂₂H₁₆N₂, the pyrazine ring deviates very slightly from planarity [maximum deviation 0.044 (3) Å], tending towards a twist-boat conformation. The phenyl ring at position 3 makes dihedral angles of 64.0 (2) and 45.8 (2)°, respectively, with the phenyl rings at positions 2 and 5. The dihedral angle between the phenyl rings at positions 2 and 5 is 49.7 (2)°. A C—H⋯π inter­action is found in the crystal structure, but no classical hydrogen bonds form.

5-Acetyl-4-(4-methoxy-phen-yl)-6-methyl-3,4-dihydro-pyrimidin-2(1H)-one

In the title mol-ecule, C(14)H(16)N(2)O(3), the heterocyclic ring adopts a flattened boat conformation, and the plane through its four coplanar atoms makes a dihedral angle of 89.65 (7)° with the benzene ring. The non-H atoms of the carbonyl, acetyl and methyl groups are nearly coplanar with the attached heterocyclic ring. Inter-molecular N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are present in the crystal structure.

5-Acetyl-4-(2-chloro-phen-yl)-6-methyl-3,4-dihydro-pyrimidin-2(1H)-one

In the title mol-ecule, C(13)H(13)ClN(2)O(2), the heterocyclic ring adopts a flattened boat conformation with the plane through the four coplanar atoms making a dihedral angle of 89.16 (5)° with the benzene ring, which adopts an axial orientation. The carbonyl, acetyl and methyl groups each have an equatorial orientation. In the crystal structure, inter-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds lead to a tape motif. The H atoms of the methyl group at position 6 are disordered over two positions of opposite orientation.

Effects of radiation and alpha-tocopherol on saliva flow rate, amylase activity, total protein and electrolyte levels in oral cavity cancer

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to evaluate early and late effects of radiation and a-tocopherol on the secretion rate of saliva and on selected saliva salivary parameters in oral cavity cancer patients.

PATIENTS & METHODS

Eighty-nine histologically confirmed oral cavity cancer patients (OCC) were enrolled in the study. Resting whole saliva was collected before, during and at the end of the radiation therapy (RT) and simultaneous supplementation with alpha - tocopherol to the radiation treated patients (RT + AT).

RESULTS

Salivary flow rate, pH, amylase activity, total protein, sodium and potassium were analyzed. Increased pH, potassium and decreased flow rate, amylase activity, protein content and sodium were observed in 6 weeks of radiation treated patients when compared to OCC patients. A significant improvement of those parameters was observed on alpha - tocopherol supplementation in RT + AT patients.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation with alpha - tocopherol improves the salivary flow rate thereby, maintains salivary parameters.

Effect of vitamin E on protein bound carbhohydrate complexes in radiation treated oral squamous cell carcinoma patients

Serum glycoproteins were evaluated in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with radiotherapy and also the effect of vitamin E was studied. Cell surface glycoconjugates are important parameters in the detection of malignancy. Thus, the objective of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin E on glycoproteins in oral cavity cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. The study includes 26 age and sex matched normal healthy individuals and 26 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity. These patients were divided into two groups, one for radiotherapy alone (at a dosage of 6000 cGy in five fractions per week for a period of six weeks) and the other for radiotherapy plus vitamin E supplementation (at a dosage of 400 IU / day of vitamin E) for the entire period of radiotherapy. Levels of hexose, hexosamine, fucose and sialic acid were increased in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and a significant decrease was observed in radiation treated patients when compared to control. The levels of glycoconjugates were significantly decreased in radiation treated patients supplemented with vitamin E. This measurement may be useful in assessing disease progression and identifying patients resistant to therapy and a possible role of vitamin E on reduction in glycoconjugate levels of radiation treated oral squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Risk factors for esophageal cancer in Coimbatore, southern India: a hospital-based case-control study

BACKGROUND

Cancer of the esophagus is common in India. The risk factors predisposing to cancer in southern Indian patients are not known.

AIM

To determine the role of smoking, alcohol and their combination, and diet factors in the etiology of cancer of the esophagus.

METHODS

Risk factors like alcohol consumption, smoking, tobacco chewing, and pre-illness diet details in 90 patients with cancer of the esophagus were compared with those in age- and sex-matched control subjects.

RESULTS

The risk for esophageal cancer was 3.5 times higher with alcohol consumption, 2.5 times higher for tobacco users, and 2.8 times higher each for betel nut chewers and smokers. The calculated odds ratio for the social habits and diet factors was significant amongst cases of cancer esophagus.

CONCLUSION

Alcoholism, smoking, and chewing of tobacco are factors predisposing to esophageal cancer in southern India.

Modulatory effect of quercetin on azathioprine induced membrane changes in the mouse spleen

Modulatory effect of quercetin on azathioprine induced toxic changes was studied in spleen of experimental animals. Azathioprine treatment caused an increase in serum albumin/globin ratio and a decrease in total protein in spleen tissue. An increase in a membrane bound ATPases was also noted. Supplementation of quercetin with azathioprine increased the protein content and lowered the activities of membrane ATPase in spleen. There was a decrease in serum albumin globulin ratio. It was concluded that quercetin modulated the protein and membrane bound ATPase activities and protected the spleen from azathioprine induced membrane damage.

Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae in the dentigerous cystic fluid: an unusual presentation

An unexpected and unusual presence of Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae in the cystic fluid of a maxillary dentigerous cyst in an 8-year-old boy is being reported for the first time. This was an incidental finding during routine fine-needle aspiration cytological examination.

Histopathological and lipid changes in experimental colon cancer: effect of coconut kernal (Cocos nucifera Linn.) and (Capsicum annum Linn.) red chilli powder

Influence of coconut kernal and red chilli on the metabolism of lipids was studied in animals given 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). The average weight gain by the animals in the coconut kernal group was more than DMH and chilli treated groups. The concentration of cholesterol showed a decrease and phospholipids an increase in most of the tissues studied, of the kernal groups. The cholesterol-phospholipid ratio was found to be increased in most of the tissues of all experimental groups, when compared to control animals. HMG CoA reductase activity decreased in the high fat and most of the tissues of the kernal + DMH, kernal + chilli and kernal + chilli + DMH groups, while it increased in the DMH, chilli and chilli + DMH groups. Histopathological studies showed that coconut kernal supplemented animals had fewer papillae, lesser infiltration into the submucosa and lesser changes in the cytoplasm with decreased mitotic figures. Coconut kernal, thus reduced the mutagenic and carcinogenic effect of chilli and DMH respectively.

Role of redchilli (Capsaicin) in the formation of colonic carcinoma

The effect of feeding redchilli (Capsaicin) powder on the histopathological changes occurring in the colonic mucosa was studied in rats. These animals were compared with those treated with a colonic carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Animals fed with redchilli, dimethylhydrazine, dimethylhydrazine plus redchilli powder showed polyp and dysplasia, malignant tumour and malignant tumour with transitional area of dysplasia.

Effect of Cocos nucifera and red chilli on intestinal b-glucuronidase and mucinase activity in experimental colon cancer

Effect of Cocos nucifera and red chilli on intestinal B-glucuronidase and faecal mucinase activity, was studied in rats given 1 ,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) . The average weight gain by the animals given coconut kernel was more than the DMH and chilli treated groups. The activity of B-glucuronidase decreased in the kernel groups, in most of the tissues studied, as compared to the DMH and chilli treated groups. A similar pattern was observed in the case of mucinase. Morphological studies showed that the number of visible malignant tumours decreased in the colon and intestine of the animals, when their diet was supplemented with coconut kernel. Histopathological studies also showed that the animals had fewer papillae, lesser infiltration into the sub-mucosa and lesser changes in the cytoplasm with decreased mitotic figures, when kernel was included in the diet. Coconut kernel, thus reduced the mutagenic and carcinogenic effect of chilli and DMH respectively.

Influence of red chilli on lipids and bile acids in different tissues in experimental colon cancer

Effect of feeding red chilli on the levels of lipids, fecal bile acids and fecal sterols was studied in animals given 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). When the three experimental groups were compared with control, the levels of cholesterol increased while phospholipids and free fatty acids decreased or showed no alteration in most of the tissues studied. Cholesterol-phospholipid ratio was high in both DMH as well as in the chilli + DMH treated groups. Weekly assessment of bile acids and neutral sterols showed a significant increase in all the three experimental groups, when compared to the control rats. Morphological and histopathological studies show that there were a number of visible malignant tumors in the colon and intestine of all the three experimental animals.

Budd Chiari syndrome and pericaval filariasis

A young girl presented with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) with narrowing of the retrohepatic segment of inferior vena cava (VC). Dorsal cavoatrial bypass (DCAB) was unsuccessful due to thrombotic occlusion of the graft. A limited autopsy revealed occlusion of the retrohepatic segment of IVC and the terminal parts of the three major hepatic veins. Caval occlusion was just above the level of the superior hepatic veins, and caused by a transverse fibrous shelf. An adult filarial worm was found amidst pericaval fibrosis. Filariasis should be included as a possible aetiological factor in chronic BCS.

Electrophysiological studies in acute organophosphate poisoning

Electrophysiological studies in suicidal patients with organophosphate poisoning are reported. Patients often developed muscular weakness of variable severity owing to diplorisation block at nicotinic receptors. During such paralysis nerve conduction velocity and distal latencies were normal even in severely paralysed patients. The amplitude of the compound action potential was smaller than in controls and often showed a repetitive response. The amplitude tended to be lower in those more severely affected. On repetitive stimulation there was usually no decrement with three stimuli per second and only occasional decrement at 10 per second. At 30 Hz several cases showed a decrement even in the absence of paralysis. This response to repetitive stimuli is thus quite distinct from that seen in either myasthenia or Eaton Lambert syndrome. On three occasions after poisoning with dichlorovos there was first anticholinesterase insecticide poisoning and later delayed neurotoxicity as seen with triorthocresylphosphate. These cases showed all the features of a severe pure motor axonal degeneration neuropathy.