Genetic susceptibility to Tardive Dyskinesia in chronic schizophrenia subjects: I. Association of CYP1A2 gene polymorphism

Understanding the pharmacogenetic basis of developing iatrogenic disorders such as Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) has significant clinical implications. CYP1A2, an inducible gene of the cytochrome P450 family of genes, has been suggested to contribute to the metabolism of typical antipsychotics in subjects with schizophrenia on long-term treatment, and has been considered as a potential candidate gene for development of TD. In this study, we have investigated the significance of CYP1A2 gene polymorphisms in TD susceptibility among chronic schizophrenia sufferers (n=335) from north India. TD was diagnosed in approximately 29% (96/335) of these subjects. Of the 96 TD positives, 28 had been treated with typical antipsychotics alone, 23 with atypical antipsychotics alone and 45 patients had received both classes of drugs during the course of their illness. Out of the six SNPs tested, CYP1A2(*)2, (*)4, (*)5, (*)6 were found to be monomorphic in our population. CYP1A2(*)1C and CYP1A2(*)1F were polymorphic and were analyzed in the study sample. Since these two allelic variants lead to lesser inducibility among smokers, the smoking status of TD patients was also considered for all subsequent analysis. We observed increased severity of TD among TD-Y smokers, who were carriers of CYP1A2(*)1C (G>A) variant allele and had received only typical antipsychotic drugs (F(1,8)=9.203, P=0.016). No significant association of CYP1A2(*)1F with TD was observed irrespective of the class of drug they received or their smoking status. However, we found a significant association of CYP1A2(*)1F with schizophrenia (chi(2)=6.572, df=2, P=0.037).

Chemopreventive potential of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract in murine carcinogenesis model systems

Numerous laboratory studies reveal that various naturally occurring dietary substances can modify the patho-physiological process of various metabolic disorders and can be an effective preventive strategy for various diseases, including cancer. Indian Neem tree, Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (family: Meliaceae), contains at least 35 biologically active principles and is widely grown all over the tropics. The effect of two different doses (250 and 500 mg per kilogram body weight) of 80% ethanolic extract of the leaves of Azadirachta indica were examined on drug metabolizing Phase-I and Phase-II enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, glutathione content, lactate dehydrogenase, and lipid peroxidation in the liver of 7-week-old Swiss albino mice. Also anticarcinogenic potential of Azadirachta indica leaf extract was studied adopting protocol of benzo(a)pyrene-induced fore-stomach and 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin papillomagenesis. Our primary findings reveal its potential to induce only the Phase-II enzyme activity associated mainly with carcinogen detoxification in liver of mice. The hepatic glutathione S-transferase (P < 0.005) and DT-diaphorase specific activities (P < 0.01) were elevated above basal level. With reference to antioxidant enzymes the investigated doses were effective in increasing the hepatic glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities significantly (from P < 0.005 to P < 0.001). Reduced glutathione measured as non-protein sulphydryl was found to be significantly elevated in liver (P < 0.005) and in extrahepatic organs (from P < 0.005 to P < 0.001) examined in our study. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and DT-diaphorase (DTD) showed a dose-dependent increase in extrahepatic organs. Chemopreventive response was measured by the average number of papillomas per mouse, as well as percentage of tumor-bearing animals. There was a significant inhibition of tumor burden, in both the tumor model system studied (from P < 0.005 to P < 0.001). Tumor incidence was also reduced by both the doses of Azadirachta indica extract.

Modulation of antioxidant potential in liver of mice by kernel oil of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) and its lack of tumour promoting ability in DMBA induced skin papillomagenesis

Cashew nut shell oil has been reported to possess tumour promoting property. Therefore an attempt has been made to study the modulatory effect of cashew nut (Anlacardium occidentale) kernel oil on antioxidant potential in liver of Swiss albino mice and also to see whether it has tumour promoting ability like the shell oil. The animals were treated orally with two doses (50 and 100 microl/animal/day) of kernel oil of cashew nut for 10 days. The kernel oil was found to enhance the specific activities of SOD, catalase, GST, methylglyoxalase I and levels of GSH. These results suggested that cashew nut kernel oil had an ability to increase the antioxidant status of animals. The decreased level of lipid peroxidation supported this possibility. The tumour promoting property of the kernel oil was also examined and found that cashew nut kernel oil did not exhibit any solitary carcinogenic activity.

Chemomodulatory action of Brassica compestris (var sarason) on hepatic carcinogen metabolizing enzymes, antioxidant profiles and lipid peroxidation

The effect of two different doses (400 and 800 mg/kg body wt/day for 15 days) of a 95% ethanolic extract of the seeds of Brassica compestris (var sarason) was examined on carcinogen metabolizing phase-I and phase-II enzymes,antioxidant enzymes and glutathione content and lipid peroxidation in the liver of Swiss albino mice. Positive control mice were treated with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Significant elevation in the levels of cytochrome p450 (p<0,.05), cytochrome b5 (p < 0.05) glutathione s-transferase (p<0.01), DT-diaphorase (p<0.05), superoxide dismutase (p<0.01), catalase (p < 0.001) and reduced glutathione (p<0.001) was noted in the group treated with 800 mg/kg body wt. of Brassica extract in comparison with the negative control group. Brassica compestris acted as a bifunctional inducer since it induced both phase - I and phase - H enzyme systems. Since phase-I and phase-II enzymes are considered to be reliable markers for evaluating the chemoprevention efficacy of particular test materials,these findings are suggestive of potential chemopreventive roles for Brassica seed extract.

Cancer preventive potential of Momordica charantia L. against benzo(a)pyrene induced fore-stomach tumourigenesis in murine model system

Bitter melon ( Momordica charantia Linnaeus) fruit extract was tested against 3,4 benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] induced forestomach papillomagenesis in Swiss albino mice. Extract of M. charantia in two concentrations, 2.5 and 5% of standard mice feed was used for the short-term and long-term studies. A significant decrease in tumour burden was observed in short and long-term treatment. Also, total tumour incidence reduced to 83.33% with 2.5% dose and 90.90% with 5% dose in short term treatment, while in long-term treatment tumor incidence decreased to 76.92% with 2.5% dose and 69.23% with 5% dose of M. charantia. The possible mechanism involved in the cancer chemoprevention has also been discussed.

Self-Introduction of Foreign Body into Urinary Bladder

A 142-cm knotted electric cable was removed cystoscopically from a 12-year-old girl. Psychiatric evaluation revealed normal childhood curiosity and inquisitiveness and no pathological mental process. Both a urologist and a psychiatrist need to be involved in the management of such patients.

Chemomodulatory efficacy of basil leaf (Ocimum basilicum) on drug metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes, and on carcinogen-induced skin and forestomach papillomagenesis

Basil or sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is cultivated throughout India and is known for its medicinal value. The effects of doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of hydroalcoholic extract (80% ethanol, 20% water) of the fresh leaves of Ocimum basilicum on xenobiotic metabolizing Phase I and Phase II enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, Glutathione content, Lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in the liver of 8-9 weeks old Swiss albino mice were examined. Furthermore, the anticarcinogenic potential of basil leaf extract was studied, using the model of Benzo(a)pyrene-induced forestomach and 7,12 dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-initiated skin papillomagenesis. The hepatic glutathione S-transferase and DT-diaphorase specific activities were elevated above basal level by basil leaf treatment (from p < 0.005 to p < 0.001). Basil leaf extract was very effective in elevating antioxidant enzyme response by increasing significantly the hepatic glutathione reductase (GR) (p < 0.005), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.05), and catalase activities (p < 0.005). Reduced glutathione (GSH), the major intracellular antioxidant, showed a significant elevation in the liver (p < 0.005) and also in all the extrahepatic organs (from p < 0.05 to p < 0.005). In the forestomach, kidney and lung, glutathione S-transferase and DT-diaphorase levels were augmented significantly, varying from p < 0.01 to p < 0.001. There were significant decreases in lipid peroxidation and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Chemopreventive response was evident from the reduced tumor burden (the average number of papillomas/mouse, p < 0.005 to p < 0.001), as well as from the reduced percentage of tumor bearing-animals. Basil leaf, as deduced from the results, augmented mainly the Phase II enzyme activity that is associated with detoxification of xenobiotics, while inhibiting the Phase I enzyme activity. There was an induction in antioxidant level that correlates with the significant reduction of lipid peroxidation and lactate dehydrogenase formation. Moreover, Basil leaf extract was highly effective in inhibiting carcinogen-induced tumor incidence in both the tumor models at peri-initiational level.

Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray studies of Mycobacterium tuberculosis RRF

The ribosome recycling factor from Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been crystallized. The monoclinic crystals, with 52.5% solvent content, contain one protein molecule in the asymmetric unit.

Modulatory influence of Brassica compestris Linn var sarson on phase-II carcinogen metabolizing enzymes and glutathione levels in mice

The present study reports the modulatory influence of 95% ethanolic extract from the seeds of B. compestris on the activity of phase-II enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase (GST), DT-diaphorase (DTD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) level in the skin, lung, kidney and forestomach of the mouse. Oral treatment with the seed extract at 800 mg/kg body wt. for 15 days significantly elevated GST in lung and forestomach and DT-diaphorase in forestomach and skin and GSH level in lung, kidney forestomach and skin. The lower dose 400 mg/kg body wt was effective only in inducing GST and DT-diaphorase activity in forestomach and reduced glutathione level in lung. The findings suggest that B. compestris seed extract may block or suppress the events associated with chemical carcinogenesis at least in part, by inducing metabolic detoxification of the carcinogen.

Prenatal diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the portal vein associated with right atrial isomerism

We report the prenatal diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the portal system in a 20-week fetus with right atrial isomerism. The apex of the fetal heart pointed to the left, the fetal stomach was on the right, there was a common atrioventricular valve, the left ventricle was small and the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava were on the left side; all these features were suggestive of right atrial isomerism. An anomalous vein was connected to the portal vein which ascended above the diaphragm and ended in a confluence of pulmonary veins, posterior to the common atrium. Color Doppler imaging helped confirm the diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. The prenatal findings were confirmed on autopsy.

Modulatory effect of henna leaf (Lawsonia inermis) on drug metabolising phase I and phase II enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation and chemically induced skin and forestomach papillomagenesis in mice

Henna leaf (Lawsonia inermis), commonly known as Mehndi is cultivated throughout India and is a very popular natural dye to color hand and hair. It is an integral part of indigenous culture, and is also known for its medicinal value. The effect of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of 80% ethanolic extract of the fresh leaves of Lawsonia inermis were examined on drug metabolizing phase-I and phase-II enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, glutathione content, lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in the liver of 7 weeks old Swiss albino mice. Also anticarcinogenic potential of Henna leaf extract was studied adopting the protocol of benzo(a)pyrene induced forestomach and 7,12 dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-initiated and croton oil-promoted skin papillomagenesis. Our primary findings reveal the 'duel-acting' nature of henna leaf as deduced from its potential to induce only the phase-II enzyme activity, associated mainly with carcinogen detoxification in liver of mice and inhibit the phase I enzyme activities. The hepatic glutathione S-transferase and DT-diaphorase specific activities were elevated above basal (p < 0.005) level by Lawsonia inermis extract treatment. With reference to antioxidant enzymes the investigated doses were effective in increasing the hepatic glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities significantly (from p < 0.05 to p < 0.005) at both the dose levels. Reduced glutathione (GSH) measured as non-protein sulphydryl was found to be significantly elevated in liver (p < 0.005) and in all the extrahepatic organs studied (from p < 0.05 to p < 0.005). Among the extrahepatic organs examined (forestomach, kidney and lung) glutathione S-transferase and DT-diaphorase level were increased in a dose independent manner (from p < 0.05 to p < 0.005). Chemopreventive response was measured by the average number of papillomas per mouse (tumor burden) as well as percentage of tumor bearing animals and tumor multiplicity. There was a significant inhibition of tumor burden in both the tumor model systems studied (from p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Tumor incidence was also reduced by both the doses used in our experiment in both the model systems.

Radiosensitizing effects of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil

Radiosensitization by neem oil was studied using Balbc/3T3 cells and SCID cells. Neem oil enhanced the radiosensitivity of the cells when applied both during and after x-irradiation under aerobic conditions. Neem oil completely inhibited the repair of sublethal damage and potentially lethal damage repair in Balbc/3T3 cells. The cytofluorimeter data show that neem oil treatment before and after x-irradiation reduced the G(2) + M phase, thus inhibiting the expression of the radiation induced arrest of cells in the G(2) phase of the cell cycle. However, SCIK cells (derived from the SCID mouse), deficient in DSB repair, treated with neem oil did not show any enhancement in the radiosensitivity. There was no effect of neem oil on SLD repair or its inhibition in SCIK cells. These results suggest that neem oil enhanced the radiosensitivity of cells by interacting with residual damage after x-irradiation, thereby converting the sublethal damage or potentially lethal damage into lethal damage, inhibiting the double-strand break repair or reducing the G(2) phase of the cell cycle.

In vivo deterioration of tibial baseplate locking mechanisms in contemporary modular total knee components

BACKGROUND

The results of recent studies documenting the backside wear of polyethylene inserts retrieved from total knee implants call into question the stability of the locking mechanisms of modular tibial components. Wear of the metal tibial baseplate suggests that the capture mechanisms of some modular fixed-bearing tibial components do not adequately restrict in vivo motion of the insert. The purposes of this study were (1) to present a method for evaluating locking-mechanism stability and (2) to investigate the stability of modular tibial components after an interval in vivo.

METHODS

We measured the anteroposterior and mediolateral motion between the polyethylene insert and the tibial tray in a variety of modular total knee tibial components. A uniaxial mechanical testing machine was used to evaluate the stability of ten unimplanted components (control group), fifteen implants obtained from patients who were undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty (revision group), and fifteen devices retrieved post mortem (autopsy group). We applied loads along the anteroposterior and mediolateral axes of the tibial component and recorded the maximum insert displacement that occurred. From this value, we calculated an insert-motion index, the magnitude of a two-dimensional vector that represented the total motion in the transverse plane.

RESULTS

For the control group, the mean insert-motion index was 64 +/- 13 microm (range, 6 to 157 microm); for the revision group, it was 341 +/- 51 microm (range, 104 to 718 microm); and for the autopsy group, it was 380 +/- 45 microm (range, 122 to 657 microm). The insert-motion index for the control group was significantly lower than that for the revision group (p = 0.001) or autopsy group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Motion between the polyethylene insert and the metal baseplate in contemporary modular tibial designs increases after a period of in vivo loading.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Although there are several advantages to the use of modular tibial components, these advantages must be weighed against the disadvantage of backside wear debris secondary to motion of the modular insert. Debris from backside wear combined with wear from the articular side might account for the increasing prevalence of osteolysis since modular components have become widely used.

Chemomodulation of carcinogen metabolising enzymes, antioxidant profiles and skin and forestomach papillomagenesis by Spirulina platensis

Numerous reports have revealed an inverse association between consumption of some selective natural products and risk of developing cancer. In the present study the effect of 250 and 500 mg/kg body wt. of Spirulina was examined on drug metabolising phase I and phase II enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, glutathione content, lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in the liver of 7-week-old Swiss albino mice. The implications of these biochemical alterations have been further evaluated adopting the protocol of benzo(a)pyrene induced forestomach and 7,12 dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) initiated and croton oil promoted skin papillomagenesis. Our primary findings reveal the 'Monofunctional' nature of Spirulina as deduced from its potential to induce only the phase II enzyme activities associated mainly with carcinogen detoxification. The glutathione S-transferase and DT-diaphorase specific activities were induced in hepatic and all the extrahepatic organs examined (lung, kidney and forestomach) by Spirulina pretreatment (significance level being from p < 0.05 to p < 0.005) except for the low dose treatment in forestomach. With reference to antioxidant enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione were increased significantly by both the chosen doses of Spirulina from p < 0.01 to p < 0.005. Chemopreventive response was quantitated by the average number of papillomas per effective mouse (tumor burden) as well as percentage of tumor bearing animals. There was a significant inhibition of tumor burden as well as tumor incidence in both the tumor model systems studied. In the skin tumor studies tumor burden was reduced from 4.86 to 1.20 and 1.15 by the low and high dose treatment respectively. In stomach tumor studies tumor burden was 2.05 and 1.73 by the low and high doses of Spirulina treatment against 3.73 that of control.

Modulatory influence of Andrographis paniculata on mouse hepatic and extrahepatic carcinogen metabolizing enzymes and antioxidant status

The effects of two doses (50 and 100 mg/kg body wt/day for 14 days) of an 80% hydroalcohol extract of Andrographis paniculata and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) were examined on drug metabolizing enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, glutathione content, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lipid peroxidation in the liver of Swiss albino mice (6-8 weeks old). The effect of the extract and BHA were also examined on lung, kidney and forestomach for the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), DT-diaphorase (DTD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. A significant increase in the levels of acid soluble sulphydryl (-SH) content, cytochrome P450, cytochrome P450 reductase, cytochrome b5 reductase, GST, DTD and SOD were observed at both dose levels of extract treatment while catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase (GR) showed significant increases only at the higher dose in the liver. Both Andrographis treated groups showed a significant decrease in activity of LDH and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. BHA treated mice showed a significant increase in the levels of cytochrome b(5), GST, DTD, -SH content, GR and catalase in liver; while LDH and MDA levels were reduced significantly compared with their control values. In the lung, SOD, catalase and DTD, in the kidney catalase, DTD and GST, and in the forestomach SOD and DTD showed a significant increase at both dose levels of treatment. In BHA treated mice GST, DTD and catalase were significantly induced in the lung and along with these enzymes SOD was also induced in the kidney. In the case of the forestomach of BHA treated mice GST, DTD and SOD were enhanced significantly. These findings indicate the chemopreventive potential of Andrographis paniculata against chemotoxicity including carcinogenicity.

Trigonellafoenum graecum (fenugreek) seed powder improves glucose homeostasis in alloxan diabetic rat tissues by reversing the altered glycolytic, gluconeogenic and lipogenic enzymes

Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seed powder has been suggested to have potential antidiabetic effects. The effect of oral administration of Trigonella whole seed powder (5% in the diet) for 21 days on glycolytic, gluconeogenic and NADP-linked lipogenic enzymes were studied in liver and kidney tissues of alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Diabetic rats were characterised by a 4-fold higher blood glucose level and a 0.7-fold lower body weight compared to normal controls. The activities of the glycolytic enzymes were significantly lower in the diabetic liver and higher in the diabetic kidney. The activities of gluconeogenic enzymes were higher in both liver and kidney during diabetes, however the activities of the lipogenic enzymes were decreased in both tissues during diabetes. Trigonella seed powder treatment to diabetic rats for 21 days brought down the elevated fasting blood glucose levels to control levels. The altered enzyme activities were significantly restored to control values in both the liver and kidney after Trigonella seed powder treatment. The therapeutic role of Trigonella seed powder in type-1 diabetes as exemplified in this study can be attributed to the change of glucose and lipid metabolising enzyme activities to normal values, thus stabilizing glucose homeostasis in the liver and kidney. These biochemical effects exerted by Trigonella seeds make it a possible new therapeutic in type-1 diabetes.

Unusual DNA binding exhibited by synthetic distamycin analogues lacking the N-terminal amide unit under high salt conditions

The binding of three analogues of the minor-groove binding antiviral antibiotic distamycin (Dst) with double-stranded (ds)-DNA were monitored using ds-DNA melting temperature (Tm) measurements, ethidium bromide (EtBr) displacement assay, footprinting analysis and induced circular dichroism (ICD). These compounds contained 3-5 N-methyl-pyrrole-carboxamide units and lacked the N-terminal formamide unit present in Dst. These experiments suggested that the present analogues did not compromise their AT-specificity despite the deletion of the N-terminal formamide unit. The binding affinities, however, were significantly affected. Interestingly, the analogue with three N-methyl-pyrrole-carboxamide units exhibited an initial decrease in ICD at > 40 mM salt concentrations. This was followed by a pronounced recovery of ICD at > 1.6 M salt concentrations, a phenomenon hitherto not observed with any other DNA binding molecules. The pentapyrrole analogue exhibited the highest binding affinity with CT-DNA under normal (40 mM) salt conditions. However, it suffered maximum relative dissociation under high salt conditions and did not exhibit any recovery in ICD at higher NaCl concentrations. The analogues possessing four and five pyrrole rings exhibited intense ICD signals with poly d(GC) in the ligand absorption region in the presence of 40 mM NaCl, unlike the one with three pyrrole rings. These ICD signals were however, highly susceptible to changes in ionic strength. Thus subtle modifications in the ligand molecular structure can have dramatic effect on their DNA binding properties.

Synthesis, evaluation and structure-activity relationships of 5-alkyl-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-c] quinazoline, 2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolin-5(6H)-thiones and their oxo-analogues as new potential bronchodilators

With an aim to obtain potent bronchodilators, two series of 5-alkyl-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolines (Va-1), 2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolin-5-(6H)-thiones (VIIIa-d) and their oxo-analogues (IXa-d) have been designed. The compounds Va-1 were synthesized by two alternative routes. The former (Method A) based on the dehydrocyclization of 4-(1-hydroxyethyl)-aminoquinazoline (IV) and the latter (Method B) involves the usage of 2-aminobenzonitrile (VI) which on reaction with ethylenediamine leads to the formation of the key intermediate 2-(2-aminophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazoles (VII). Finally the intermediate VII on condensation with different acidanhydrides yielded the title compound V. In general method-A resulted the compound V in quantitatively higher yields. 2,3-Dihydroimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolin-5 (6H)-thiones (VIII) were obtained by condensing VII with carbon disulfide and a further oxidation of VIII gave their corresponding oxo-analogues (IX). The title compounds V, VIII and IX were evaluated for their bronchodilator activity using in vitro and in vivo (standard animal models) methods. All the test compounds exhibited bronchodilatory activity. The structure activity relationship studies indicated good correlation between the nature of the substituent and bronchodilatory activity. In the 5-alkyl substituted compounds V, a longer alkyl chain showed higher bronchodilatory activity. Compounds VIII and IX were found to be less potent and replacement of sulphur with oxygen showed no significant effect on the biological activity. The presence of halogens altered the biological activity in both the series. Among the compounds tested, 9-lodo-5-(n-propyl)-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline (VI) was found to be the most potent (percentage protection = 87.1%; relative activity = 1.1 compared to the standard aminophylline).