Impact of functional IL-18 polymorphisms on genetic predisposition and diverse clinical manifestations of the disease in Indian SLE patients

Several studies have demonstrated associations between interleukin-18 polymorphisms and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus in different populations except one of Indian origin. We therefore investigated for the influence of interleukin-18 (-1297T/C, -607A/C, -137G/C; + 105A/C) polymorphisms on genetic susceptibility and clinical expression of the disease in Indian systemic lupus erythematosus patients. A total of 200 systemic lupus erythematosus patients and 201 controls were recruited. Genotyping of interleukin-18 polymorphisms were performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Serum interleukin-18 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Interleukin-18 (-1297T/C; -137G/C) polymorphisms showed significant association with genetic susceptibility to the disease in our systemic lupus erythematosus cohort. Stratification analysis revealed -1297CC and -1297C associated with renal involvement (odds ratio = 3.4, correcting p value = 0.0207), (odds ratio = 2.0, correcting p value = 0.0054) respectively. Additionally, -1297C allele frequency was significantly increased in patients with anti-nucleosome antibody (odds ratio = 2.1, correcting p value = 0.0301). Haplotype analysis showed CC haplotype strongly associated with serositis (odds ratio = 9.1, correcting p values = 0.0009) and neurologic involvement (odds ratio = 9.3, correcting p value = 0.0018). We reported a 2.7-fold increase in serum interleukin-18 levels in patients (511.5 ± 242.3 pg/ml) compared to controls (189.4 ± 80.8 pg/ml) ( p < 0.0001). Furthermore, interleukin-18 levels were positively correlated with disease activity ( r = 0.548, p = 0.0001) and renal involvement in the patients with lupus nephritis ( r = 0.569, p < 0.0001). In summary, interleukin-18 polymorphisms elucidated in this study appear to confer genetic susceptibility to the disease and are associated with renal, serositis and neurologic involvement in Indian systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Growth and liver histology of Channa punctatus exposed to a common biofertilizer

Mustard oil cake (MOC) is widely used as biofertilizer in the field of agriculture and aquaculture. Channa punctatus was exposed to 0.42 g.L^-1 sublethal concentration for 4, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Due to such exposure, body growth and histological changes in liver were observed. It was revealed that weight, length and breadth of fish were gradually increased with the days of exposure in compare to control fish, whereas, liver showed an increase in sinusoidal space and lipidosis during early days, followed by a recovery from the stress of MOC on the 28th day.

Ovarian steroid hormone secretion activity examined after supplementation of green tea extract

This study aimed at examining the secretion activity of steroid hormones progesterone and 17beta-estradiol by porcine ovarian granulosa cells after addition of green tea extract. Granulosa cells were incubated with green tea extract (at doses of 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 microg.ml(-1). Another set of cells were incubated with green tea extract at the above doses along with additional supplementation of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) at 10 microg.ml(-1). Release of hormones by granulosa cells was assessed by EIA after 24 h exposure. Secretion of steroid hormones was not affected either by green tea extract alone or after FSH supplementation with green tea extract. Results indicate that ovarian steroidogenesis is not affected by green tea under conditions used in the experiment.

Molecular Modeling and Dynamics Simulation Analysis of KATNAL1 for Identification of Novel Inhibitor of Sperm Maturation

BACKGROUND

Hormone based birth control often causes various side effects. A recent study revealed that temporary infertility without changing hormone levels can be attained by inhibiting Katanin p60 ATPase-containing subunit A-like 1 protein (KATNAL1) which is critical for sperm maturation in the testes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at attaining the most energetically stable three dimensional (3D) structure of KATNAL1 protein using comparative modeling followed by screening of a ligand library of known natural spermicidal compounds for their binding affinity with KATNAL1. This in turn may inhibit the development of mature sperm in the seminiferous epithelium.

METHOD

A series of computational techniques were used for building the 3D structure of KATNAL1 which was further optimized by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. For revealing the ATP binding mode of KATNAL1, docking study was carried out using the optimized model obtained from the MD simulation. The docking study was also employed to test the binding efficiency of the ligand library.

RESULTS

Molecular docking study confirmed the ATP binding of KATNAL1 with various hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions. Binding efficiency of the ligand library suggested that calotropin, a cardenolide of Calotropis procera showed the highest binding efficiency against the target protein without toxicity. MD simulation of the docked complex validated the results of the docking study.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the ATP binding mode of KATNAL1 and identified calotropin as a potential lead molecule against it showing high binding efficiency with good bioavailability and no mutagenicity. Further in vitro and in vivo bioassay of calotropin could facilitate the development of novel non-hormonal male-specific contraceptive in near future.

Beneficial effects of increased lysozyme levels in Alzheimer's disease modelled in Drosophila melanogaster

Genetic polymorphisms of immune genes that associate with higher risk to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) have led to an increased research interest on the involvement of the immune system in AD pathogenesis. A link between amyloid pathology and immune gene expression was suggested in a genome‐wide gene expression study of transgenic amyloid mouse models. In this study, the gene expression of lysozyme, a major player in the innate immune system, was found to be increased in a comparable pattern as the amyloid pathology developed in transgenic mouse models of AD. A similar pattern was seen at protein levels of lysozyme in human AD brain and CSF, but this lysozyme pattern was not seen in a tau transgenic mouse model. Lysozyme was demonstrated to be beneficial for different Drosophila melanogaster models of AD. In flies that expressed Aβ_1‐42 or AβPP together with BACE1 in the eyes, the rough eye phenotype indicative of toxicity was completely rescued by coexpression of lysozyme. In Drosophila flies bearing the Aβ_1‐42 variant with the Arctic gene mutation, lysozyme increased the fly survival and decreased locomotor dysfunction dose dependently. An interaction between lysozyme and Aβ_1‐42 in the Drosophila eye was discovered. We propose that the increased levels of lysozyme, seen in mouse models of AD and in human AD cases, were triggered by Aβ_1‐42 and caused a beneficial effect by binding of lysozyme to toxic species of Aβ_1‐42, which prevented these from exerting their toxic effects. These results emphasize the possibility of lysozyme as biomarker and therapeutic target for AD.

Data collection using open access technology in multicentre operational research involving patient interviews

Conducting multicentre operational research is challenging due to issues related to the logistics of travel, training, supervision, monitoring and troubleshooting support. This is even more burdensome in resource-constrained settings and if the research includes patient interviews. In this article, we describe an innovative model that uses open access tools such as Dropbox, TeamViewer and CamScanner for efficient, quality-assured data collection in an ongoing multicentre operational research study involving record review and patient interviews. The tools used for data collection have been shared for adaptation and use by other researchers.

Impact of high cholesterol in a Parkinson's disease model: Prevention of lysosomal leakage versus stimulation of α-synuclein aggregation

Parkinson's disease is characterized by accumulation of intraneuronal cytoplasmic inclusions, Lewy bodies, which mainly consist of aggregated α-synuclein. Controversies exist as to whether high blood cholesterol is a risk factor for the development of the disease and whether statin treatment could have a protective effect. Using a model system of BE(2)-M17 neuroblastoma cells treated with the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺), we found that MPP⁺-induced cell death was accompanied by cholesterol accumulation in a lysosomal-like pattern in pre-apoptotic cells. To study the effects of lysosomal cholesterol accumulation, we increased lysosomal cholesterol through pre-treatment with U18666A and found delayed leakage of lysosomal contents into the cytosol, which reduced cell death. This suggests that increased lysosomal cholesterol is a stress response mechanism to protect lysosomal membrane integrity in response to early apoptotic stress. However, high cholesterol also stimulated the accumulation of α-synuclein. Treatment with the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin reduced MPP⁺-induced cell death by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species, but did not prevent lysosomal cholesterol increase nor affect α-synuclein accumulation. Our study indicates a dual role of high cholesterol in Parkinson's disease, in which it acts both as a protector against lysosomal membrane permeabilization and as a stimulator of α-synuclein accumulation.

Comparative efficacy of deltamethrin and chlorpyriphos in bovine ticks in and around Jabalpur

Efficacy of chlorpyriphos (Classic*20, 20% EC) and deltamethrin (Butox^®, 1.25% EC) was assessed by spraying these drugs on cattle and buffaloes which were naturally infested with ticks at the concentration of 2.5 and 2 ml/l, respectively. Results of the study demonstrated the prolonged effect of chlorpyriphos when compared with deltamethrin. Moreover, residual effect of chlorpyriphos remained even after 14 days of treatment with 28.57% animals showing reinfestation, while in deltamethrin treated animals; the tick number started increasing after 14th day of treatment with 50% animals showing reinfestation on 14th day post-treatment.

Estimation of Skin to Subarachnoid Space Depth: An Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

In a patient, the skin to Subarachnoid Space Depth (SSD) varies considerably at different levels of the spinal cord. It also varies from patient to patient at the same vertebral level as per age, sex and Body Mass Index (BMI). Estimation of the skin to SSD reduces complications related to spinal anaesthesia.

AIM

To measure the skin to SSD in the Indian population and to find a formula for predicting this depth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred adult patients belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologist class I and II, undergoing surgery using spinal anaesthesia in various surgical specialities of Gauhati Medical College were selected by systemic sampling for this prospective, observational study. Patients were divided into three groups: Group M containing male patients, Group F containing non-pregnant female patients, and Group PF containing pregnant female's patients. SSD was measured after performing lumbar puncture. The relationship between SSD and patient characteristics were studied, correlated and statistical analysis was used to find a formula for predicting the skin to SSD. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 21.0, Chicago, IL, USA). One-way ANOVA with post-hoc(Bonferroni correction factor) analysis was applied to compare the three groups. Multivariate analysis was done for the covariates followed by a multivariate regression analysis to evaluate the covariates influencing SSD for each group separately.

RESULTS

Mean SSD was 4.37±0.31cm in the overall population. SSD in adult males was 4.49±0.19cm which was significantly longer than that observed in female's 4.18±0.39cm which was comparable with SSD in parturient 4.43±0.19 cm. The formula for predicting the skin to SSD in the male population was 1.718+0.077×BMI+0.632×Height, in nonpregnant female population was 1.828+0.077×BMI+0.018×Height+0.007×Age and 0.748+0.209×BMI+4.703×Height-0.054×weight in parturient females, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Skin to SSD correlated with the BMI in all the patients in our study.

SAR11 bacteria linked to ocean anoxia and nitrogen loss

Bacteria of the SAR11 clade constitute up to one half of all microbial cells in the oxygen-rich surface ocean. SAR11 bacteria are also abundant in oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), where oxygen falls below detection and anaerobic microbes have vital roles in converting bioavailable nitrogen to N2 gas. Anaerobic metabolism has not yet been observed in SAR11, and it remains unknown how these bacteria contribute to OMZ biogeochemical cycling. Here, genomic analysis of single cells from the world's largest OMZ revealed previously uncharacterized SAR11 lineages with adaptations for life without oxygen, including genes for respiratory nitrate reductases (Nar). SAR11 nar genes were experimentally verified to encode proteins catalysing the nitrite-producing first step of denitrification and constituted ~40% of OMZ nar transcripts, with transcription peaking in the anoxic zone of maximum nitrate reduction activity. These results link SAR11 to pathways of ocean nitrogen loss, redefining the ecological niche of Earth's most abundant organismal group.

Public Expenditure Decentralization in Developing Countries

The objective of this paper is to investigate the extent of public expenditure decentralization among developing countries, and to identify its determinants. Using data compiled from international agency sources, and from primary sources, it is shown that fiscal decentralization has gone significantly farther in developed than in developing countries. The use of factor analysis and regression analysis indicates three general explanations for the wide variation in fiscal decentralization among countries. The public expenditure share of subnational governments appears to be greater where the level of economic development is higher, in countries with larger populations, and in countries whose central government budgets carry less of a defense burden. The results also suggest that where central governments mobilize more resources through the revenue system, the subnational government's share of expenditures may be lower—taxes are more likely to stick where they hit than to be passed through as grants to local governments.

Does father-child conflict mediate the association between fathers' postnatal depressive symptoms and children's adjustment problems at 7 years old?

BACKGROUND

Paternal depressive symptoms are associated with children's emotional and behavioural problems, which may be mediated by negative parenting. But there is no research on the influence of paternal depressive symptoms on children's emotion regulation and limited literature investigating fathers' parenting as a mediator in the pathway between paternal depressive symptoms and children's externalizing and internalizing problems. We aimed to investigate the mediating role of father-child conflict (at 3 years) in the association between postnatal paternal depressive symptoms (at 9 months) and children's emotional and behavioural problems (at 7 years) (aim 1). We also examined whether mediation pathways were more pronounced for boys or for girls (aim 2).

METHOD

Secondary data analysis was conducted on the Millennium Cohort Study, when children were 9 months, 3 years and 7 years old (n = 3520). Main study variables were measured by self-report questionnaires. Fathers completed the Rutter Scale (depressive symptoms) and the Parent-Child Relationship Questionnaire (father-child conflict), while mothers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Social Behaviour Questionnaire (child emotional and behavioural problems, emotion regulation). We used structural equation modelling to estimate direct, indirect and total effects of paternal depressive symptoms on child outcomes, mediated by father-child conflict whilst adjusting for relevant covariates (maternal depressive symptoms, child temperament, marital conflict, and socio-economic factors such as poverty indicator and fathers' education level). Multi-group and interaction analysis was then conducted to determine the differential effect by gender of the association between paternal depressive symptoms on child outcomes via father-child conflict.

RESULTS

Father-child conflict mediated the association between paternal depressive symptoms and emotion regulation problems [standardized indirect effect (SIE) 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.03 to -0.01, p < 0.001; standardized total effect (STE) 95% CI -0.05 to -0.01, p < 0.05] (aim 1). Father-child conflict mediated a larger proportion of the effect in boys (SIE 95% CI -0.03 to -0.01, p < 0.001; STE 95% CI -0.05 to 0.00, p = 0.063) than it did in girls (SIE 95% CI -0.02 to -0.01, p < 0.001; STE 95% CI -0.04 to 0.01, p = 0.216) (aim 2).

CONCLUSIONS

Father-child conflict may mediate the association between postnatal paternal depressive symptoms and children's emotion regulation problems. Paternal depressive symptoms and father-child conflict resolution may be potential targets in preventative interventions.

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein mediates tumor cell resistance to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the deadliest, distinct subtype of breast cancer. High expression of epidermal growth factor receptors [EGFR or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)] in IBC tumors has prompted trials of anti-EGFR/HER2 monoclonal antibodies to inhibit oncogenic signaling; however, de novo and acquired therapeutic resistance is common. Another critical function of these antibodies is to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), which enables immune effector cells to engage tumors and deliver granzymes, activating executioner caspases. We hypothesized that high expression of anti-apoptotic molecules in tumors would render them resistant to ADCC. Herein, we demonstrate that the most potent caspase inhibitor, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), overexpressed in IBC, drives resistance to ADCC mediated by cetuximab (anti-EGFR) and trastuzumab (anti-HER2). Overexpression of XIAP in parental IBC cell lines enhances resistance to ADCC; conversely, targeted downregulation of XIAP in ADCC-resistant IBC cells renders them sensitive. As hypothesized, this ADCC resistance is in part a result of the ability of XIAP to inhibit caspase activity; however, we also unexpectedly found that resistance was dependent on XIAP-mediated, caspase-independent suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, which otherwise occurs during ADCC. Transcriptome analysis supported these observations by revealing modulation of genes involved in immunosuppression and oxidative stress response in XIAP-overexpressing, ADCC-resistant cells. We conclude that XIAP is a critical modulator of ADCC responsiveness, operating through both caspase-dependent and -independent mechanisms. These results suggest that strategies targeting the effects of XIAP on caspase activation and ROS suppression have the potential to enhance the activity of monoclonal antibody-based immunotherapy.

Protective properties of lysozyme on β-amyloid pathology: implications for Alzheimer disease

The hallmarks of Alzheimer disease are amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles accompanied by signs of neuroinflammation. Lysozyme is a major player in the innate immune system and has recently been shown to prevent the aggregation of amyloid-β1-40 in vitro. In this study we found that patients with Alzheimer disease have increased lysozyme levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and lysozyme co-localized with amyloid-β in plaques. In Drosophila neuronal co-expression of lysozyme and amyloid-β1-42 reduced the formation of soluble and insoluble amyloid-β species, prolonged survival and improved the activity of amyloid-β1-42 transgenic flies. This suggests that lysozyme levels rise in Alzheimer disease as a compensatory response to amyloid-β increases and aggregation. In support of this, in vitro aggregation assays revealed that lysozyme associates with amyloid-β1-42 and alters its aggregation pathway to counteract the formation of toxic amyloid-β species. Overall, these studies establish a protective role for lysozyme against amyloid-β associated toxicities and identify increased lysozyme in patients with Alzheimer disease. Therefore, lysozyme has potential as a new biomarker as well as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer disease.

Effects of curcumin on crevicular levels of IL-1β and CCL28 in experimental gingivitis

BACKGROUND

Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to compare interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 28 (CCL28) levels following a topical application of curcumin (CRM), chlorhexidine (CHX) and chlorhexidine-metronidazole (CHX-MTZ) in an experimental gingivitis human model.

METHODS

Sixty systemically healthy selected subjects were randomly assigned to one of three topical antigingivitis gels. Each gel was applied twice daily for 10 minutes as the sole method of oral hygiene for 29 days on the test quadrant only. Modified gingival index (MGI), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) were assessed at baseline, 29 days and 60 days. Estimation of IL-1β and CCL28 levels in gingival crevicular fluid was done at baseline and at 29 days.

RESULTS

The increase of IL-1β in the CRM (14.52 ± 16.6 pg/ml) and CHX-MTZ (31.63 ± 15.96) groups was significantly less than that of the CHX group (70.55 ± 38.81). Similar results were also observed for CCL28 (CRM: 8.12 ± 8.78 pg/ml; CHX-MTZ: 12.81 ± 18.68; CHX: 41.15 ± 22.82). All groups had a significant increase in MGI, PI and BOP at 29 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-inflammatory potential of topical curcumin was similar to CHX-MTZ but superior to CHX in affecting IL-1β and CCL28 levels.