Fluorescent labelling of ribonucleosides at 2'-terminus; comparative fluorescence studies

In case of RNA's, multiple labelling can be achieved by exploiting the available 2'-OH position of sugar moiety of nucleosides. N-protected nucleoside viz. cytidine has been prepared using a selective photolabile group i.e. 2-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl. After protection of 5',3'-OH with 1,1,3,3,-tetraisopropyl disiloxyl group, 2'-OH was selectively activated by using N,N'-carbonyl diimidazole (CDI) and subsequently condensed with dansyl amide. After usual deprotection step comparative fluorescence studies of the monomer were carried out using different solvents/buffers.

Study on curcumin-oligonucleotide conjugate as a probable anticancer agent: its hybridisation with telomere target sequence 5'-GGGATTGGGATT-3'

Curcumin-oligonucleotide conjugate was synthesised by attaching diglycyl conjugate of curcumin to 12-mer complementary telomere sequence 5'-AATCCCAATCCC-3'. An enhanced Tm of 6 degrees C was found, showing high affinity for the target strand. This may be exploited for the suppression of cancer i.e. by blocking the expression of telomere sequence [GGGATT]n repeats.

Synthesis of terminally labelled RNA sequences: fluorescence and hybridisation study of RNA-DNA duplexes

A stable and suitably labelled DNA-RNA hybrid, resistant to RNAse degradation has been prepared by hybridising the RNA sequence carrying methoxy group at 2'-position of ribose moiety in adenosines and labelled with dansyl group attached via a linker at the terminal uridyl unit. Study may be useful in sequencing and targeting specific viral sequences.

Prophylactic potential of autoclaved Leishmania donovani with BCG against experimental visceral leishmaniasis

The prophylactic efficacy of autoclaved Leishmania donovani (ALD) and autoclaved L. major (ALM)--a heterologous vaccine developed against cutaneous leishmaniasis (used as a reference vaccine), along with BCG--was evaluated against L. donovani in hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Animals were immunized with triple doses (21 days apart) of either ALD or ALM (1.0 mg) with or without BCG (0.1 mg) and challenged 21 days later with 1 x 10(6) L. donovani amastigotes intracardially. Animals immunized with ALM + BCG and ALD + BCG yielded 94.3% and 86.1% parasite inhibition respectively in comparison to the BCG only and unvaccinated controls. Fifty and 33.3% of the vaccinated animals (ALM + BCG and ALD + BCG respectively) were completely devoid of parasites when tested on day 45 post-challenge (p.c.) and survived till the experiment was terminated. The mean survival of ALM + BCG and ALD + BCG groups (animals harbouring parasites) was longest (168 and 139 days respectively). No significant increase in anti-leishmanial antibody level (ELISA) was noticed in ALD + BCG and ALM + BCG groups whereas it increased progressively in the rest of the experimental groups. The lymphoproliferative responses to PHA and Con A, of the 2 vaccinated groups were comparable to that of normal controls on day 45 p.c. The study suggests that ALD along with BCG can offer substantial protection against visceral leishmaniasis in hamsters.

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study of soleus muscle in non-obese healthy and Type 2 diabetic Asian Northern Indian males: high intramyocellular lipid content correlates with excess body fat and abdominal obesity

AIMS

Intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) appears to be important in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Correlation of IMCL content of soleus muscle with insulin sensitivity has been reported in the Caucasian population. In the present study, IMCL content was estimated in the soleus muscle of both non-obese healthy males and Type 2 diabetic males, and correlated with the anthropometric parameters, blood glucose, plasma lipids, and insulin resistance in Asian Indians from North India.

METHODS

Twenty males (Type 2 diabetes mellitus 10; healthy controls 10) with body mass index (BMI) <or= 25 kg/m2 were recruited in the study. In both healthy and diabetic groups, five subjects had percentage body fat (%BF) <or= 25, and other five subjects had percentage BF > 25. The following were assessed in all subjects: body composition, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, insulin levels, insulin resistance by homeostasis model assessment, and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) study of the soleus muscle.

RESULTS

IMCL content was approximately two times higher in Type 2 diabetic males compared with healthy males (P < 0.05). Amongst healthy males, IMCL content was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in subjects with percentage BF > 25 compared with subjects with percentage BF or= 25. Similarly, IMCL content was high in subjects with waist-hip ratio (WHR) > 0.95 compared with subjects with WHR <or= 0.95. In healthy males but not in diabetic males, positive significant correlation of IMCL content of soleus muscle was observed with waist circumference (r = 0.73, P < 0.05) and WHR (r = 0.71, P < 0.05). However, IMCL content did not correlate significantly to insulin resistance in both the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

1H MRS study of soleus muscle in a small sample of non-obese Asian Indians showed higher IMCL content in Type 2 diabetics compared with healthy subjects. Non-obese healthy male subjects having high percentage BF and WHR also had high IMCL content, and it significantly correlated to waist circumference and WHR. However, lack of relationship of IMCL content with insulin resistance in Asian Indians needs further study.

Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis of body fat & body mass index in dyslipidaemic Asian Indians

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Optimal limit of body mass index (BMI) for Asian Indians remains to be defined. In this study, we describe the anthropometric and lipid profiles and determine the appropriate cut-offs of BMI for defining obesity in dyslipidaemic patients.

METHODS

Correlations were carried out between lipid profile and anthropometric variables in 217 dyslipidaemic Asian Indians and the data were compared to those of 123 healthy historical controls. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was carried out to determine the appropriate cut-offs of BMI for defining obesity taking the percentage of body fat (% BF) as the standard.

RESULTS

Dyslipidaemic patients had high waist-hip ratio (W-HR) and percentage of BF. The prevalence of obesity as measured by percentage of BF was significantly (P < 0.05) higher as compared to obesity defined by the BMI cut-off. W-HR was the most important independent predictor (odds ratio: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.02-7.83) of atherogenic dyslipidaemia on multivariate logistic regression analysis. On ROC curve analysis the suggested appropriate cut-offs of BMI were; males 24.0 kg/m2 (sensitivity, 74.7%, and specificity, 79.7%), and females 23.0 kg/m2 (sensitivity, 85.7% and specificity, 62.5%). According to the suggested lower limits of BMI, an additional 15 per cent dyslipidaemic patients will be diagnosed as obese.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The observations in dyslipidaemic Asian Indians suggest high prevalence rates of generalized and abdominal obesity, and that high values of W-HR alone predisposes to atherogenic dyslipidaemia. Further, obesity may be optimally defined by a lower cut-off of BMI. The revised criteria for the BMI-based diagnosis of obesity will lead to a more rational management of dyslipidaemia in Asian Indians.

Anthropometry and body composition in northern Asian Indian patients with type 2 diabetes: receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis of body mass index with percentage body fat as standard

AIMS

To determine the anthropometric profile and appropriate cut off of body mass index (BMI) to define obesity in Asian Indians with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Three hundred and eighty T2DM patients (213 males and 167 females) in northern India were subjected to anthropometric and body fat analysis (derived from skinfold thickness). The latter was considered as "standard" for defining obesity. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves were drawn for males and females to determine the appropriate limits of BMI to define obesity.

RESULTS

Mean values of percentage of body fat (%BF) were 40.2 +/- 6.2% and 29.4 +/- 7.1% in females and males, respectively. Of particular note, substantial percentage of patients had high values of waist-hip ratio (W-HR) [males > 0.95 (53.9%), and females > 0.80 (88.6%)] indicating significant abdominal obesity, and high % BF [males > 25 % BF (73.2%), females > 30% BF (92.2%)] indicating generalized obesity as well. Significantly higher prevalence of obesity was observed in both males (p < 0.001) and females (p < 0.001) when estimated by %BF (males > 25%, females > 30%), as compared to BMI (> 25 kg/m2 in both males and females). ROC curve analysis showed that with %BF taken as the 'standard' for determining obesity, sensitivity and specificity of BMI of > 25 kg/m2 were low. For BMI > 22 kg/m2 in males and > 23 kg/m2 in females, sensitivity increased and there was decrease in overall misclassification.

CONCLUSIONS

The data of current study suggest strikingly high prevalence of abdominal obesity, and generalized obesity as determined by %BF in T2DM patients, and that cut offs for defining obesity by BMI are lower than the suggested limit of 25 kg/m2. Revised definition of obesity using lower cut off of BMI, or based on %BF in northern Asian Indian T2DM patients will lead to a more rational application of dietary restriction, lifestyle measures, and use of metformin.

Non-obese hyperlipidemic Asian northern Indian males have adverse anthropometric profile

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hyperlipidemia is commonly ascribed to obesity. We studied the association of anthropometric profile and nutrient intake with hyperlipidemia in non-obese Asian Indian males.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a case-control study, non-diabetic, non-obese males with body mass index (BMI) < 25 Kg/m2 having primary hyperlipidemia (n = 50) were compared with healthy normolipidemic males (BMI < 25 Kg/m2, n = 50). In this study, BMI (p < 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (p < 0.001), waist/hip ratio (p < 0.01), skinfolds (p < 0.001), sum of four skinfolds (p < 0.001), and percentage of body fat (%BF) (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in hyperlipidemic subjects as compared to normolipidemic controls. High %BF (> 25%) was observed in 26% of hyperlipidemic subjects and in 8% normolipidemic controls (p < 0.01). Using analysis of covariance (after adjusting for BMI), WC (p < 0.001), %BF (p < 0.01) and %BF/BMI ratio (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the hyperlipidemic subjects. Intakes of total calories, total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, dietary fiber, vitamin E and n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratio were statistically comparable between the two groups. In hyperlipidemic subjects biceps skinfold correlated negatively to levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.28, p < 0.05) and serum triglycerides correlated positively to intakes of carbohydrate (r = 0.31, p < 0.05), and dietary n-3 fatty acids (r = 0.34, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperlipidemic Asian Indian males, defined as "non-obese" based on BMI, had adverse profile of anthropometric parameters and excess %BF as compared to normolipidemic males. Therefore, while dealing with hyperlipidemic Asian Indians, physicians should consider anthropometric parameters (WC), %BF, and %BF/BMI ratio in addition to BMI in the clinical assessment.

Cullen's sign in amoebic liver abscess

A 45 year old woman presented with pain in her right upper abdomen and fever. Ultrasound of her abdomen showed a large liver abscess with subhepatic collection. She had Cullen's sign. The liver abscess was managed by percutaneous catheter drainage.

Syntheses and anthelmintic activity of alkyl 5(6)-(substituted carbamoyl)- and 5(6)-(disubstituted carbamoyl)benzimidazole-2-carbamates and related compounds

A number of alkyl 5(6)-(substituted-carbamoyl)- and 5(6)-(disubstituted-carbamoyl)benzimidazole-2-carbamates and related compounds have been synthesized, and their anthelmintic activity against various intestinal helminths of experimental animals have been evaluated. A large percentage of the compounds synthesized showed noteworthy activity against Ancylostoma ceylanicum and at higher doses against Hymenolepsis nana infections. Compared to the alkyl 5(6)-(substituted-carbamoyl)benzimidazole-2-carbamates, the disubstituted carbamoyl analogues were found to exhibit better anthelmintic activity. The most active compound of the series, namely, methyl 5(6)-[(N-2-pyridylpiperazino)carbamoyl]benzimidazole-2-carbamate (90), has been screened against intestinal helminths in higher animals and as a micro- and macrofilaricidal agent. Compound 90 has been identified as a broad-spectrum anthelmintic agent. Compound 90 has been identified as a broad-spectrum anthelmintic in view of its efficacy against A. ceylanicum (hamsters and dogs), H. nana (rats), Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (rats), Syphacia obvelata (mice), A. tubaeformis (cat), Toxocara spp. (cat), and Litomosoides carinii (cotton rat).

A new loop suture tie-over technique for skin graft dressings

Skin grafting is a well established technique for reconstructing areas of skin loss or excision in the hand. Traditional tie-over sutures often require operator assistance, do not allow adequate control when knotting and may cause unnecessary trauma to the graft when removed. We describe a new looped suture tie-over technique to secure and fix the graft dressings that is simple, quick, allows better knot-tying control and can be removed atraumatically.

Case report. Orbital metastasis from gall bladder carcinoma

Clinical presentation of an extraabdominal metastasis from carcinoma of the gall bladder is rare. Orbital metastasis from gall bladder carcinoma has not been previously reported. We report a case of a 40-year-old woman who developed orbital metastasis from carcinoma of the gall bladder.

Alteration of a sequence with homology to human endogenous retrovirus (HERV-K) in primary human glioma: implications for viral repeat mediated rearrangement

We had earlier demonstrated that a comparison of DNA fingerprinting profiles of tumor and corresponding normal DNA from the same patient by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis can readily demonstrate alterations in tumor DNA [Gene 206 (1998) 45 and J. Neuro Oncol. 48 (2000) 1]. These alterations could be used to identify changes in tumor DNA where the prior identity of the locus was not known. In this study, we report the identification, cloning and characterization of a RAPD amplified fragment which was lost in a glioma, a grade IV glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Comparison of the RAPD profile of tumor and corresponding leucocyte DNA revealed several differences between the two. These included a band of 443 bases, which was demonstrated in the normal, but not in tumor DNA. On sequencing, this band was found to be homologous with a group of SINE sequences, which are probably derived from the human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K). Homology search also reveals that HERV-K-derived sequences are interspersed, amongst others, in the tumor suppressor gene BRCA2 and the DNA repair gene XRCC1. Of particular interest is the inverted repeat pattern of HERV-derived sequences in the genes. While not demonstrating a cause effect relationship, this highlights the possible role of such virus-derived sequences in gene inactivation by recombination during tumorigenesis.

Characterization of the tryptophan residues of Escherechia coli alkaline phosphatase by phosphorescence and optically detected magnetic resonance spectroscopy

The phosphorescence and zero field optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) of the tryptophan (Trp) residues of alkaline phosphatase from Escherechia coli are examined. Each Trp is resolved optically and identified with the aid of the W220Y mutant and the terbium complex of the apoenzyme. Trp(109), known from earlier work to be the source of room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP), emits a highly resolved low-temperature phosphorescence (LTP) spectrum and has the narrowest ODMR bands observed thus far from any protein site, revealing a uniquely homogeneous local environment. The decay kinetics of Trp(109) at 1.2 K reveals that the major triplet population (70%) undergoes inefficient crystallike spin-lattice relaxation by direct interaction with lattice phonons, the remainder being relaxed efficiently by local disorder modes. The latter population is smaller than is typical for protein sites, suggesting an unusual degree of local rigidity and order consistent with the long-lived RTP. Trp(220) emits a broader LTP spectrum originating to the blue of Trp(109). It has typically broad ODMR bands consistent with local heterogeneity. The LTP of Trp(268) has an ill-defined origin blue shifted relative to Trp(220) and ODMR frequencies consistent with a greater degree of solvent exposure. Trp(268) has noticeable dispersion of its decay kinetics, consistent with quenching at the triplet level by a nearby disulfide residue.

Solubilisation and immunoprecipitation of rat striatal adenosine A(2A) receptors

In the present study, we have sought to solubilise adenosine A(2A) receptors from rat striatal membranes using a variety of different detergents. Of the detergents tested, 1% CHAPS (3-[(3-deoxycholic acid (cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate) yielded optimal conditions for solubilisation (in the presence of 3 mg/ml protein, 44% of receptor was solubilised, 50% of total protein was solubilised). An antipeptide antibody was raised against a 15 amino-acid sequence within the predicted third intracellular loop region of the human and rat adenosine A(2A) receptor. The antibody was coupled to protein A immobilised on sepharose CL-4B and used to immunoprecipitate adenosine A(2A) receptors from solubilised rat striatal preparations. Radioligand-binding studies were performed using the selective adenosine A(2) antagonist [(3)H]ZM 241385 (4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-fury1)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol). Using [(3)H]ZM 241385, the pharmacology of immunoprecipitated adenosine A(2A) receptors was composed to striatal membrane bound adenosine A(2A) receptors and detergent solubilised adenosine A(2A) receptors. [(3)H]ZM 241385 labelled a single saturable binding site with high affinity in all three preparations (membrane bound K(d) 2.7 nM+/-1.0; solubilised K(d) 1.9 nM+/-0.3; immunoprecipitated K(d) 2.2 nM+/-0.7). Additionally, all three assays confirmed a rank order of potency for displacers consistent with adenosine A(2A) receptor pharmacology: ZM 241385>KW 6002 ((E)-8-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethynyl]-1-3-diethyl-3,7-dihydro-7-methyl-1-purine 2,6 dione)>CGS 21680, (2-(4-(2 carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino)-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine)>DPCPX (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine). We conclude that we have solubilised and immunoprecipitated adenosine A(2A) receptors from rat striatum and that their pharmacology is consistent with native striatal adenosine A(2A) receptors.

The postauricular fascial flap as an adjunct to Mustardé and Furnas type otoplasty

Anterior riberation methods of otoplasty have been criticized because of the risk of anterior hematoma that can cause anterior skin necrosis, scarring, and even cartilage destruction caused by infection. As a result, cartilage-sparing otoplasty such as the Mustardé and Furnas types has been increasingly popular. However, postauricular suture extrusion may result, and recurrence rates of up to 25 percent have been recorded. In this study, cartilage-sparing otoplasty is refined by the addition of a postauricular fascial flap to reduce suture extrusion and recurrence rates. Fifty-one patients underwent otoplasty (45 bilateral, six unilateral). This technique involves the elevation of a fascial flap from the postauricular region. A new antihelical fold is then created by Mustardé sutures, and the conchal bowl is rotated by Furnas-type concha-mastoid sutures. The fascial flap is then advanced to cover the sutures with a supplementary vascularized layer to prevent suture extrusion. In addition, the advancement of the flap acts as a postauricular support to prevent recurrence. A natural-looking antihelical fold and helical rim is created by this technique. There were no hematomas. There was recurrence in eight ears (8 percent) in six patients. Two patients requested further surgery. No patients developed suture extrusion or granuloma. This is a simple and intrinsically safe procedure and does not cause irreparable complications such as anterior scarring or skin necrosis. The postauricular fascial flap seems to prevent suture extrusion. It may also help to reduce recurrence rates to acceptable levels.

High prevalence of diabetes, obesity and dyslipidaemia in urban slum population in northern India

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In this study, a prevalence survey of various atherosclerosis risk factors was carried out on hitherto poorly studied rural-urban migrants settled in urban slums in a large metropolitan city in northern India, with the aim of studying anthropometric and metabolic characteristics of this population in socio-economic transition.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional epidemiological descriptive study.

SUBJECTS

A total of 532 subjects (170 males and 362 females) were included in the study (response rate approximately 40%).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, diabetes mellitus was recorded in 11.2% (95% CI 6.8-16.9) of males and 9.9% (95% CI 7.0-13.5) of females, the overall prevalence being 10.3% (95% CI 7.8-13.2). Based on body mass index (BMI), obesity was more prevalent in females (15.6%; 95% CI 10.7-22.3) than in males (13.3%; 95% CI 8.5-19.5). On the other hand, classifying obesity based on percentage body fat (%BF), 10.6% (95% CI 6.4-16.2) of males and 40.2% (95% CI 34.9-45.3) of females were obese. High waist-hip ratio (WHR) was observed in 9.4% (95% CI 5.4-14.8) of males and 51.1% (95% CI 45.8-56.3) of the females. All individual skinfolds and sum of skinfolds were significantly higher in females (P<0.001). In both males and females above 30 y of age, there was a steep increase in the prevalence of high WHR, and in females, %BF was very high (particularly in %BF quartile>30%). Furthermore, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were high in both males and females. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that for both males and females BMI, WHR and %BF were positive predictors of biochemical parameters, except for HDL-c, for which these parameters were negatively associated.

CONCLUSIONS

Appreciable prevalence of obesity, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, substantial increase in body fat, generalised and regional obesity in middle age, particularly in females, need immediate attention in terms of prevention and health education in such economically deprived populations.

Inhalable microparticles containing drug combinations to target alveolar macrophages for treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis

PURPOSE

Drug therapy of tuberculosis (TB) requires long-term oral administration of multiple drugs for curing as well as preventing and/ or combating multi-drug resistance. Persistent, high blood levels of antitubercular drugs resulting from prolonged oral administration of anti-TB drugs may be neither necessary nor sufficient to kill mycobacteria residing in macrophages (M4). Inhalable biodegradable microparticles containing two of the first-line anti-TB drugs, isoniazid (H), and rifampicin (R), were prepared and tested for (i) phagocytosis by mouse Mphi. (ii) administration as a dry powder inhalation to rats, and (iii) targeting alveolar Mphi with high drug doses when administered to rats.

METHODS

poly(D-L lactic acid) microparticles were prepared by emulsion methods and their drug content and size distribution determined. These were tested for uptake by murine Mphi in culture and resultant intracellular drug concentrations determined by high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Rats were administered an inhalation of microparticles using an inhalation chamber developed in the lab. The extent of microparticle delivery in vivo was examined by flow-cytometry. Drug concentrations in the blood and in alveolar Mphi were estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography after oral, vascular. intratracheal, and inhalation administration.

RESULTS

Inhalable microparticles could be prepared and were taken up by cultured Mphi. Large numbers of particles could be delivered to the bronchiopulmonary system through a 2-min exposure to fluidized particles. The intracellular drug concentrations resulting from vascular delivery of soluble drugs were found to be lower than those resulting from particle inhalation.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhalable microparticles containing multiple anti-TB drugs offer promises of dose and dosing-frequency reduction, toxicity alleviation, and targeting Mphi-resident persistent mycobacteria.

A study of the cellular response to orientated fibronectin material in healing extensor rat tendon

3D orientated fibronectin (Fn) mats have been used as biocompatible and biodegradeable scaffolds to provide orientated cues using contact guidance for cell migration/adhesion and deposition of extracellular matrix. We have implanted Fn scaffolds in an established rat tendon(partial tenotomy) injury model to test its efficacy and monitor the early cellular and inflammatory response. Tendons were harvested at 0, 6 h, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days for H&E, immunohistochemistry and TEM. Total cell counts within the window increased progressively with time with no significant differences between the Fn scaffolds and controls. CD45 (pan leukocyte) positive cell numbers peaked at 6 h and when expressed as a percentage of total cell counts as determined by H&E staining constituted 20% of the total cell number at 6 h but decreased to 5% of total number by 72 h. There were no significant differences in the inflammatory response between the control and implanted groups. Few CD44 (mesenchymal stem cell) positive cells identified had a surface location. A novel cell with long exaggerated cytoplasmic processes was identified by TEM. Our results show that the Fn scaffold did not degrade or elicit any untoward inflammatory response at the time points tested and has potential use in guiding the repair process.