Curcumin-Mediated Reversal of p15 Gene Promoter Methylation: Implication in Anti-Neoplastic Action against Acute Lymphoid Leukaemia Cell Line

Curcumin has been documented to exert anticancer effects by interacting with altered proliferative and apoptotic pathways in cancer models. In this study, we evaluated the potential of curcumin to reverse promoter methylation of the p15 gene in Raji cells and its ability to induce apoptosis and genomic instability. Anti-neoplastic action of curcumin showed an augmentation in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. Subsequently, curcumin- exposed Raji cells showed structural abnormalities in chromosomes. These observations suggest that curcumin also causes ROS-mediated apoptosis and genomic instability. The treatment of Raji cell line with 10 μM curcumin caused hypomethylation of the p15 promoter after six days. Hypomethylation of p15 was further found to be favoured by downregulation of DNA methyltransferase 1 after 10 μM curcumin treatment for six days. Methylation-specific PCR suggested demethylation of the p15 promoter. Demethylation was further validated by DNA sequencing. Reverse-transcription PCR demonstrated that treatment with curcumin (10 μM) for six days led to the up-regulation of p15 and down-regulation of DNA methyltransferase 1. Furthermore, curcumin- mediated reversal of p15 promoter methylation might be potentiated by down-regulation of DNA methyltransferase 1 expression, which was supported by cell cycle analysis. Furthermore, curcumin acts as a double-pronged agent, as it caused apoptosis and promoter hypomethylation in Raji cells.

Morphometric analysis and anatomical variations of infraorbital foramen: a study in adult North Indian population

PURPOSE

Various studies have been conducted on morphometric variations of infraorbital foramen to provide data to surgeons for nerve block in infraorbital region. This study aims to analyse the anatomical variations by comparing various morphometric measurements of infraorbital foramen in dry skulls of adult North Indian population. This study becomes relevant in the present study group as very scant data is available about the variations and morphometric measurements in Indian population. The data thus collected can be standardized and become useful for the surgeons working in this area of face.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted on 75 dry adult human skulls, which were a part of Department of Anatomy, used for teaching purposes in medical colleges. Straight distance of the Infraorbital foramen from the infraorbital rim, supraorbital foramen and sagittal plane was measured. The position of the infraorbital foramen was determined in relation to maxillary teeth and supraorbital foramen. The data thus obtained was analysed.

RESULTS

The distance of infraorbital foramen from infraorbital rim, supraorbital foramen, sagittal plane in the present study was found to be 6.71 ± 1.11 mm, 42.02 ± 4.31 mm and 31.94 ± 4.88 mm respectively. The position of infraorbital foramen was lateral in relation to supraorbital foramen (in 88% of cases). Infraorbital foramen was above the 1st premolar tooth in most of the cases. Accessory infraorbital foramen was found in 11.2% cases (double foramen).

CONCLUSION

The data thus obtained will perhaps be helpful to the surgeons in identifying the extent of the operative field thereby reducing procedural risks.

Effects of ultraviolet light disinfection on tetracycline-resistant bacteria in wastewater effluents

The ubiquitous use of antibiotics has led to an increasing number of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, including strains that are multidrug-resistant, pathogenic, or both. There is also evidence to suggest that antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) spread to the environment, humans, and animals through wastewater effluents. The overall objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection on antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Wastewater effluent samples from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Texas were evaluated for differences in tetracycline-resistant bacteria before and after UV treatment. The effects of photoreactivation or dark repair on the reactivation of bacteria present in WWTP effluent after UV disinfection were also examined. Culture-based methods were used to characterize viable heterotrophic, tetracycline-resistant heterotrophic, Escherichia coli, and tetracycline-resistant E. coli bacteria present before and after UV treatment. UV disinfection was found to be as effective at reducing concentrations of resistant heterotrophs and E. coli, as it was at reducing total bacterial concentrations. The lowest survival ratio following UV disinfection was observed in tetracycline-resistant E. coli showing particular susceptibility to UV treatment. Photoreactivation and dark repair rates were found to be comparable to each other for all bacterial populations.

Thermogravimetric Studies on Bimetallic Dithiocarbamate Complexes

Thermogravimetric (TG) studies have been carried out for some bimetallic dithiocarbamate complexes of the type ZnML4 and NiM′L′4 [M = Co(II), Cu(II); M′ = Zn(II), Hg(II); L = N-methylcyclohexyldithiocarbamate; L′ = N-ethylcyclohexyldithiocarbamate]. From TG curves, the order, apparent activation energy and apparent activation entropy for the thermal decomposition reaction have been calculated. The thermal stabilities have been correlated with the structures of the complexes on the basis of hard and soft acid base (HSAB) theory.

Impact of iron deficiency on hemoglobin A2% in obligate β-thalassemia heterozygotes

INTRODUCTION

The potential impact of concomitant iron deficiency on hemoglobin A2 (HbA2)-based identification of β-thalassemia trait (βTT) is a worrisome issue for screening laboratories. This is especially true for resource-constrained settings where iron deficiency is widespread and molecular confirmatory tests for borderline low HbA2 values may be unavailable.

METHODS

Obligate βTT carrier individuals (n = 752) were identified during screening studies on the parents of thalassemia major patients. HbA2%, complete blood counts and serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation were studied. Iron-deficient individuals (n = 135) with normal range HbA2% were taken as controls.

RESULTS

Concomitant iron deficiency (defined as ferritin ≤15 ng/mL and/or transferrin saturation ≤15%) was present in 20.7% (156/752) βTT cases, that is, 33.3% females (122/366) and 8.8% males with βTT (34/386). Mean HbA2 in iron-replete βTT was 5.4 ± 0.8 (range 3.1-7.9) and in iron-deficient βTT was 5.4 ± 0.9 (range 3.3-7.6). HbA2 < 4.0% was found in 23/752 (3.1%) βTT: 13/595 iron-replete (2.2%) and 10/157 (6.4%) iron-deficient βTT individuals. However, five of the 10 iron-deficient βTT cases carried the silent CAP+1 (A>C) β-thalassemia allele accounting for the borderline HbA2%. On a separate analysis, all five severely anemic βTT (Hb < 80 g/L) and 16/17 βTT with severe hypoferritinemia (<5 ng/mL) had HbA2 > 4.5%. The single case with serum ferritin 4.8 ng/mL and HbA2 3.3% showed a CAP+1 (A>C) mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

Iron deficiency was prevalent among north Indian βTT individuals, especially women. After adjusting for other causes of low HbA2 in βTT, iron deficiency, even when very severe, was very unlikely to interfere significantly with HbA2-based identification of βTT.

Aspergilloma coexisting with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a rare occurrence

Fungal ball (mycetoma/aspergilloma) is a saprophytic fungal infection that colonizes pre-existing lung cavities. Reported literature suggests its development in cystic lesions/cavitation associated with tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, bronchiectasis, lung abscess, and cavitating neoplasm to name a few. Coexistence of aspergilloma with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has not been reported in literature so far, to the best of our knowledge. We hereby report the case of a 55-year-old female with IPF having fungal ball.

Candidates for twin chiral bands in 102Rh

Excited states in 102Rh, populated in the fusion-evaporation reaction Zr94(11B,3n)102Rh at a beam energy of 36 MeV, were studied using the Indian National Gamma Array spectrometer at Inter University Accelerator Center, New Delhi. The angular correlations and the electromagnetic character of some of the gamma-ray transitions observed were investigated in detail. A new chiral candidate sister band was found. Lifetimes of exited states in both chiral candidate bands of 102Rh were measured for the first time in the A∼100 mass region by means of the Doppler-shift attenuation technique. The derived reduced transition probabilities are compared to the predictions of the two quasiparticles plus triaxial rotor model. Both experimental results and calculations do not support the presence of static chirality in 102Rh.

Macrodystrophia lipomatosis : a rare congenital anomaly

Macrodystrophia Lipomatosis is rare congenital hamartomatous enlargement of soft tissue components leading to gigantism of single, multiple digits or entire limb. Clinical findings are recognised as early as in neonatal period to late adulthood. Patients usually present for either cosmetic corrections or mechanical problems. We report a case of 8 year old female with progressive increase in size of left 2nd and 3rd toes. X-ray findings show congenital focal enlargement of soft tissues and bones of 2nd and 3rd toes and adjacent metatarsals. Clinical and radiological features of our patient points out towards this uncommon condition. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i4.13465 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 04 October ’13 Page 442-444

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and orocecal transit time in patients of inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) consists of Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). These two conditions share many common features-diarrhea, bloody stools, weight loss, abdominal pain, fever and fatigue. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is frequent in patients with CD but it has not been studied in UC Indian patients.

AIM

The study was planned to measure orocecal transit time (OCTT) and SIBO in UC and CD patients.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-seven patients of IBD (95 UC and 42 CD) and 115 healthy controls were enrolled. OCTT and SIBO were measured by lactulose and glucose hydrogen breath test respectively. Concentration of hydrogen and methane were measured by SC microlyser from Quintron, USA.

RESULTS

Mean±standard deviation (SD) of OCTT in patients of IBD was significantly higher as compared to controls. Furthermore, OCTT was significantly higher in CD patients as compared to UC patients. It was also observed that occurrence of SIBO was significantly higher in IBD patients as compared to controls. The occurrence of SIBO in CD (45.2%) was significantly higher as compared to patients in UC (17.8%) group. Percentage of methane positive IBD patients (2.9%) was significantly lower as compared to methane positive controls (24.4%).

CONCLUSION

OCTT was significantly delayed in IBD patients as compared to controls and in CD patients as compared to UC patients. OCTT was significantly higher in SIBO positive IBD patients as compared to SIBO negative patients. Thus, we can suggest that delayed OCTT would have been the cause of increased SIBO in these patients.

Atorvastatin in clinically-significant macular edema in diabetics with a normal lipid profile

INTRODUCTION

Lipid-lowering drugs preserve vision and reduce the risk of hard exudates in clinically-significant macular edema(CSME) in diabetics with an abnormal lipid profile. But their role in reducing CSME in diabetics with a normal lipid profile is not yet known.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of atorvastatin in CSME in diabetics with a normal lipid profile.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, randomized clinical trial was carried out. Thirty CSME patients with a normal lipid profile were randomly divided into Group A and B. Atorvastatin had been started in Group A four weeks prior to laser treatment. The main outcome measures were any improvement or deterioration in visual acuity and macular edema and hard exudates at six months follow-up.

STATISTICS

Both the groups were compared using unpaired t test for quantitative parameters and chi-square test for qualitative parameters. A p value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant.

RESULTS

Visual acuity, macular edema and hard exudates resolution was not significantly different in the two groups (P = 0.14, 0.62, 0.39 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Atorvastatin does not affect treatment outcome in CSME with a normal lipid profile over a short term follow-up.

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: the Army hospital experience

BACKGROUND

We analysed the results of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in various genetic disorders, bone marrow failures and haematological malignancies done from 2002 to 2010 at the Army Hospital, Research and Referral, Delhi.

METHODS

A total of 119 matched-related allogeneic- HSCTs (allo-HSCTs) were done in 114 patients (men 76, women 38) aged between 2 and 60 years. Peripheral blood stem cells (n=75) and bone marrow (n=43) were used as the source of stem cells.

RESULTS

The overall survival was 62.3% (71/114) at a median follow-up of 34 months. Graft versus host disease (GVHD) was seen in 42 (36.8%) patients; grade III/IV acute GVHD in 17 (15%) and chronic GVHD in 24 (21%) patients. There were 4 (3.5%) graft rejections and one nonengraftment. The overall mortality was 37.7% (n=43) and the main causes of death were GVHD (32%), infections (26%), relapse (23%) and regimen-related toxicity (11%).

CONCLUSION

Our results are comparable to published data in most disease conditions. With improvements in GVHD prophylaxis and better supportive care, we need to further reduce our mortality and morbidity.

Neuroprotective strategies for the treatment of inherited photoreceptor degeneration

Photoreceptor degeneration is the hallmark of several groups of inherited neurodegenerative diseases causing blindness in humans. These diseases are a major cause of visual handicap and to date no satisfactory treatment is available. Here, we briefly review different approaches for the treatment of photoreceptor degeneration, to then focus on neuroprotection. Up to date, translation of experimental neuroprotection into a clinical setting has faced major obstacles, which are in part due to an incomplete understanding of the regulation of pro-survival as well as neurodegenerative mechanisms. Previous approaches were often based on the hypothesis that photoreceptor cell death was governed by a single, apoptotic cell death mechanism. This perception has turned out too simple as recent work has demonstrated that photoreceptor cell death is governed by non-apoptotic mechanisms as well. Moreover, there is evidence, that several different destructive processes are executed in parallel. Briefly reviewing the complexity of degenerative mechanisms, this review discusses relevant pathways, options to target signaling cascades, final common denominators of cell death, and the interplay of events executing cell death. In particular, we focus on cGMP-signaling, epigenetic and proteolytic processes and the corresponding enzymatic activities that were recently shown to be causally related to retinal degeneration. Finally, we illustrate how a better understanding of destructive mechanisms may enable identification and validation of novel targets for neuroprotection, and allow development of next generation neuroprotective treatments as well as combination therapy.

Comparison of lactulose and glucose breath test for diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Validity of the lactulose breath test (LBT) to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been questioned. Therefore, a study was planned to compare LBT with glucose breath test (GBT) to diagnose SIBO in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and controls.

METHODS

175 diarrhea-predominant IBS patients and 150 apparently healthy controls were enrolled. IBS was diagnosed according to Rome II criteria. Breath samples were collected every 10 min up to 180 min. Breath H₂ and CH₄ were measured using an SC MicroLyzer. SIBO was positive with a sustained increase in breath H₂ or CH₄ or both ≥10 ppm over a baseline value within <90 min in case of LBT and within <120 min in GBT.

RESULTS

SIBO was positive in 60/175 (34.3%) patients by lactulose and in 11/175 (6.2%) patients by GBT. In controls, LBT was positive for SIBO in 45/150 (30%) patients and in 1/150 (0.66%) patients by GBT. Positive LBT for SIBO was not significantly different in patients and controls; while using GBT, SIBO was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in patients as compared to controls. By using GBT as gold standard for SIBO, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of LBT in IBS patients was 63.6, 67.7, 11.7 and 96.6% respectively.

CONCLUSION

LBT is not a good test to discriminate SIBO in IBS patients from controls.