Nicotine induced alterations on reproductive organs of female rats under protein deficient condition

Nicotine causes decrement in body weight, reduction in ovarian and uterine weight, irregularity in estrous cycle and histological damage in ovary and uterus in rats maintained on normal (18% casein) and protein restricted diet (5% casein). The degree of nicotine toxicity increases in protein inadequacy.

Differential deletions of chromosome 3p are associated with the development of uterine cervical carcinoma in Indian patients

BACKGROUND

Deletions in chromosome 3 occur frequently in uterine cervical carcinoma (CA-CX). The common consensus regions deleted during CA-CX development are not well defined, and have not been correlated with tumour progression.

AIMS

To define specific regions of chromosome 3 deleted during development of CA-CX and to correlate these with clinicopathological data.

METHODS

Deletion mapping of chromosome 3 was done in seven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and 43 primary CA-CX samples using 20 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers.

RESULTS

Deletions of chromosome 3 were significantly associated with tumour progression. High frequencies (33-53%) of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) were found in 3p26.1, 3p22.3, 3p21.2, and 3p13, suggesting the location of putative tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) in these regions. Among these four regions, deletions in 3p21.2 were suggested to occur early during CA-CX development. A significant correlation was found between LOH at 3p26.1 and 3p22.3 with tumour progression from stage I/IIB to stage III/IV. No association was found with the highly deleted regions and human papillomavirus positivity, parity, or menopausal status. Microsatellite size alteration was seen in only seven of the samples. However, rare biallelic alterations were seen in and around the highly deleted regions. Loss of normal copy of chromosome 3 and interstitial alterations in chromosome 3p were seen in some samples.

CONCLUSION

These four regions on chromosome 3p may be differentially deleted during specific stages of CA-CX development. The putative TSGs located in these regions may have a cumulative effect on tumour progression.

Role of L-lysine HCl in immunopotentiation towards development of suitable tuberculosis vaccination

L-Lysine HCl is being proposed to be a possible biocompatible adjuvant to enhance immune response by virtue of its probable non-specific bridging action and cellular proliferation properties. This proposal has been tried to be substantiated by carrying out experimentation where L-lysine HCl has been used as an adjuvant (various groups based on mode of application and frequency of booster dose were designed) in tuberculosis vaccination experiments with heat killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG). Antibody titre has been followed in all the experiments as a measure of immune response. Amongst the various groups designed, group 1A (L-lysine HCl was given at a separate site as that of the antigen; lysine booster was given to this group intermittently, i.e. lysine given on 0th, 7th, 14th, 21st days of immunization) came out as the stand-alone leader. This mode and frequency of application was then compared with a group which received a standard adjuvant, viz. alhydrogel. Results were obtained which showed the following order in terms of decreasing antibody titre: alhydrogel group > lysine group > control group. Considering the biocompatible nature of lysine in comparison with the reportedly hazardous nature of alum adjuvants, we propose L-lysine HCl as a probable adjuvant in vaccination.

Effect of ischaemia & aglycaemia on the synaptic transmission in neonatal rat spinal cord in vitro

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

In vitro models of anoxia have revealed severe changes in neuronal functions after ischaemia but not after aglycaemia, although hypoglycaemia produced severe neuronal dysfunctions sometimes leading to coma. The present study was therefore undertaken to examine and compare the effects of aglycaemia with that of ischaemia on synaptic transmission in vitro.

METHODS

Spinal cord from the neonatal rat was isolated, hemisected and placed in a chamber perfused with standard physiological solution. The stimulation of a dorsal root elicited monosynaptic (MSR) and polysynaptic (PSR) reflex potentials in the segmental ventral root. The effects of suprefusing glucose free medium (aglycaemia) and superfusing glucose free and O2 free medium (ischaemia) were examined on these reflexes.

RESULTS

Superfusion of aglycaemic solution did not alter the magnitude of MSR or PSR in the first 15 min and subsequently there was a time-dependent depression of the reflexes (P < 0.05). The ischaemic solution depressed the reflexes in a time-dependent manner from the very beginning. The 50 per cent depression of the reflexes occurred around 25 and 15 min, for aglycaemia and ischaemia, respectively. In the presence of Mg2+, the aglycaemia-induced depression of MSR was completely blocked but the ischaemic response was attenuated partially as the reflex was abolished by 80 min.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate that the aglycaemia and ischaemia depressed the synaptic transmission to the same extent though there were differences in their onset and progress. Aglycaemia involves N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent (Mg2+ sensitive) mechanism, while ischaemia-induced depression involves other mechanisms in addition to NMDA.

Association of deletion in the chromosomal 8p21.3-23 region with the development of invasive head & neck squamous cell carcinoma in Indian patients

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Deletions in chromosome 8 (chr.8) have been shown to be necessary for the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Attempts have been made in this study to detect the minimal deleted region in chr.8 associated with the development of HNSCC in Indian patients and to study the association of clinicopathological features with the progression of the disease.

METHODS

The deletion mapping of chr.8 was done in samples from 10 primary dysplastic lesions and 43 invasive squamous cell carcinomas from the head and neck region of Indian patients to detect allelic alterations (deletion or size alteration) using 12 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. The association of the highly deleted region was correlated with the tumour node metastasis (TNM) stages, nodal involvement, tobacco habit and human papilloma virus (HPV) infection of the samples.

RESULTS

High frequency (49%) of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was seen within 13.12 megabase (Mb) region of chromosomal 8p21.3-23 region in the HNSCC samples, whereas the dysplastic samples did not show any allelic alterations in this region. The highest frequency (17%) of microsatellite size alterations (MA) was observed in the chr.8p22 region. The loss of short arm or normal copy of chr.8 and rare bi-allelic alterations were seen in the stage II-IV tumours (939, 5184, 2772, 1319 and 598) irrespective of their primary sites. The highly deleted region did not show any significant association with any of the clinical parameters. However, HPV infection was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the differentiation grades and overall allelic alterations (LOH/MA) of the samples.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that the 13.12 Mb deleted region in the chromosomal 8p21.3-23 region could harbour candidate tumour suppressor gene(s) (TSGs) associated with the progression anti invasion of HNSCC tumours in Indian patients.

Cholangiocarcinoma presenting with recurrent venous thrombosis

A 38 years female presented with three episodes of venous thrombosis over one year--first in left femoral vein, next in splenic vein causing haematemesis and malena and lastly in inferior vena cava causing Budd-Chiari syndrome. During third episode, endoscopic cholangiopancreatography and guided biopsy established a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma at the mid portion of common bile duct. The disease was far advanced with cervical lymph node metastasis.

Sequential deletions in both arms of chromosome 9 are associated with the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in Indian patients

In the deletion mapping of chromosome (chr) 9 in head and neck lesions of the Indian patient population by microsatellite markers, we have identified four discrete areas (D1-D4) with high loss of heterozygosities (LOHs) viz. 9p24-p23 (D1), 9p22-p21 (D2), 9q11-q13 (D3) and 9q22.3 (D4) regions. The deletions in D2 and D4 regions were suggested to be essential for the development of dysplastic lesions of head and neck, whereas the deletions in D1 and D3 regions were responsible for progression of the dysplastic lesions to early invasive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The microsatellite size alterations (MAs) were observed in the chromosomal 9pter-p23, 9p22-p21(D2), 9q13 and 9q21.1-q21.2 regions with gradual increase during progression of the tumor. Additional chromosomal alterations like loss of normal copy of chr.9 and biallelic alterations were also seen in our samples. There is a correlation between HPV infection with TNM stages, histopathological grades and LOHs at D1 and D4 regions. Whereas tobacco habit is associated with the occurrence of LOHs at D1 and LOHs / MAs at D2 region.

Investigation on Tc tuned nano particles of magnetic oxides for hyperthermia applications

Superparamagnetic as well as fine ferrimagnetic particles such as Fe3O4, have been extensively used in magnetic field induced localized hyperthermia for the treatment of cancer. The magnetic materials with Curie temperature (Tc) between 42 and 50 degrees C, with sufficient biocompatibility are the best candidates for effective treatment such that during therapy it acts as in vivo temperature control switch and thus over heating could be avoided. Ultrafine particles of substituted ferrite Co(1-a)Zn(a)Fe2O4 and substituted yttrium-iron garnet Y3Fe(5-x)Al(x)O12 have been prepared through microwave refluxing and citrate-gel route respectively. Single-phase compounds were obtained with particle size below 100 nm. In order to make these magnetic nano particles biocompatible, we have attempted to coat these above said composition by alumina. The coating of alumina was done by hydrolysis method. The coating of hydrous aluminium oxide has been done over the magnetic particles by aging the preformed solid particles in the solution of aluminium sulfate and formamide at elevated temperatures. In vitro study is carried out to verify the innocuousness of coated materials towards cells. In vitro biocompatibility study has been carried out by cell culture method for a period of three days using human WBC cell lines. Study of cell counts and SEM images indicates the cells viability/growth. The in vitro experiments show that the coated materials are biocompatible.

Role of plant metabolites in toxic liver injury

Aphanamixis polystachya is a traditional medicinal plant of the Meliaceae family in India. A crude ethanolic extract of the leaf of this plant shows a beneficial effect on toxic liver injury. Its antihepatotoxic activity was evaluated on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in a rat model. The assessment of hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by measuring the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum total bilirubin and albumin and histology of the liver. The crude leaf extract significantly inhibits the enhanced ASAT, ALAT, ALP, ACP and LDH activities released from the CCl4-intoxicated animals. It also ameliorated the depressed value of serum albumin and the enhanced value of total bilirubin in plasma caused by CCl4 intoxication. The study showed that the crude ethanolic extract from A. polystachya leaves provided protection against acute carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage.

An overview of multicentric training workshops for public health professionals on reproductive and child health programme in India

The major emphasis of Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) programme in India is delivery of client-oriented, demand driven and broader ranges of high quality, safe and effective services for children, adolescents, mothers and reproductive age group population at large. Increased client satisfaction is considered as main determinant for improved acceptance of the services. Thus, well trained and motivated health personnel are necessary to deal with highly sensitive, personal health issues of the clients, like contraception, abortion, infertility services etc. The Indian Public Health Association organized total 10 workshops in several places of India (A total 322 members, composed of Medical Administrators (54.7%), Faculty members of Medical Colleges (24.5%), Sociologist and Nutritionists (13.9%) and also public health personnel (6.9%) participated in the workshop). Learning objectives and lesson plans etc. were formulated. Accordingly the contents were incorporated in a module, validated and pretested. The training sessions were conducted by briefing, discussion, group exercise and VIPP method and were evaluated by semi structured. The pre/post assessment schedule and scored scale of feedback from participantsAE were used for evaluation. The pre-post assessment scores revealed wide variations of mean score among the participants of several places. Significant post workshop improvement of knowledge was quite evident, with few exceptions. The group variants of pre and post score of results was considered to be due to heterogeneous groups of participants. Review of objectivity and quality of the questionnaire were felt as necessary.

Intracellular trafficking pathway of newly synthesized CD1b molecules

The intracellular trafficking of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules has evolved to support their function in peptide antigen presentation optimally. We have analyzed the intracellular trafficking of newly synthesized human CD1b, a lipid antigen-presenting molecule, to understand how this relates to its antigen-presenting function. Nascent CD1b was transported rapidly to the cell surface after leaving the Golgi, and then entered the endocytic system by internalization via AP-2-dependent sorting at the plasma membrane. A second sorting event, possibly involving AP-3 complexes, led to prominent accumulation of CD1b in MHC class II compartments (MIICs). Functional studies demonstrated the importance of nascent CD1b for the efficient presentation of a foreign lipid antigen. Therefore, the intracellular trafficking of nascent CD1b via the cell surface to reach MIICs may allow the efficient sampling of lipid antigens present in endocytic compartments.

Mapping of the candidate tumor suppressor genes' loci on human chromosome 3 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of an Indian patient population

The candidate tumor suppressor genes' (TSG) loci on human chromosome 3 (chr.3) were mapped in six dysplastic lesions and 51 primary squamous cell carcinoma from head and neck region of an Indian patient population by using 20 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. The two chromosomal regions 3p12-13 and 3p21.2-22 have shown the highest losses of heterozygosity (LOHs) of 34.6-38% and 37-46%, respectively with statistically significant clinical correlation's with tobacco habit, positive lymph node and tumor stages. In addition, high frequencies of microsatellite size alterations (MAs) of 16.2-28.5% and 23.8-28.2% were observed in the chromosomal 3p11-13 and 3p21.2-22 regions, respectively, with significant above-mentioned clinical correlation only in the 3p11-13 region. In the dysplastic lesions, the prevalence of LOHs compared to the MAs had indicated that LOHs might be the early events. Five tumors at stage-III/IV seemed to have lost an entire normal copy of chr.3. It was of particular note that 17% (10/57) of the samples showed rare bi-allelic alterations mainly in and around the high LOHs regions. Thus, (1) the gradual increase of LOHs/MAs during progression of the tumor, (2) high frequencies of MAs, (3) rare bi-allelic alterations in and around high LOHs regions and (4) loss of wild type chr.3 in the later stages of tumor development have suggested that such alterations might provide selective growth advantage to the tumors. Also, we propose from our data that the high LOHs regions (3p12-13 and 3p21.2-22) could harbour putative TSG(s), responsible for the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Role of alphavbeta3 integrin receptors in breast tumor

The intriguing problem of tumor metastasis involves adhesion of the metastatic cells via the integrin group of cell surface receptors to the ECM proteins of the basement membrane. Modulation of integrin family of cell surface receptors is believed to be associated with stages of tumor metastasis. In this present study, results obtained indicate that alphavbeta3 vitronectin receptors may play an important role in the malignant behaviour of human breast tumor. Alphavbeta3 integrin receptors can modulate the activity of collagenase enzyme and thereby the invasive property of breast tumor cells.

Sebaceous carcinoma of the nasal vestibule

Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare disease arising from holocrine adnexal components of the skin. Fewer than 400 cases have been reported worldwide and only about 19 are from the nose. We present a sebaceous cancer of the nasal vestibule in a patient who, with adequate excision, is disease-free after two years.

Replication arrests during a single round of replication of the Escherichia coli chromosome in the absence of DnaC activity

We used a flow cytometric assay to determine the frequency of replication fork arrests during a round of chromosome replication in Escherichia coli. After synchronized initiation from oriC in a dnaC(Ts) strain, non-permissive conditions were imposed, such that active DnaC was not available during elongation. Under these conditions, about 18% of the cells failed to complete chromosome replication. The sites of replication arrests were random and occurred on either arm of the bidirectionally replicating chromosome, as stalled forks accumulated at the terminus from both directions. The forks at the terminal Ter sites disappeared in the absence of Tus protein, as the active forks could then pass through the terminus to reach the arrest site, and the unfinished rounds of replication would be completed without DnaC. In a dnaC2(Ts)rep double mutant, almost all cells failed to complete chromosome replication in the absence of DnaC activity. As inactivation of Rep helicase (the rep gene product) has been shown to cause frequent replication arrests inducing double-strand breaks (DSBs) in a replicating chromosome, DnaC activity appears to be essential for replication restart from DSBs during elongation.

High affinity association of myo-inositol trisphosphates with phytase and its effect upon the catalytic potential of the enzyme

A neutral phytase from germinating mung bean (Vigna radiata) seeds dephosphorylates myo-inositol hexakisphosphate sequentially to myo-inositol. The enzyme also binds with higher affinity to myo-inositol trisphosphates (1,4,5), (2,4,5), and (1,3,4) isomers without catalysis. The high affinity complex elicits Ca(2+) mobilization in vitro from microsomes/vacuoles via the formation of a ternary complex with the receptor for Ins(1,4,5)P(3). As a sequel to our previous report, we have carried out a detailed characterization of the two sites and examined the mutual interactions between them. Presaturation of the high affinity site leads to an increase in the affinity of the enzyme for phytic acid and its rate of dephosphorylation as well. From the products of limited tryptic cleavage of phytase, two peptides, each with one activity, have been isolated. The larger peptide ( approximately 66 kDa) contains the catalytic site, and the smaller peptide ( approximately 5 kDa) has the high affinity myo-inositol trisphosphate-binding site. The interaction between the dual activities of phytase has been observed also at the level of the two peptides. A sequence homology search using N-terminal 12 amino acid residues of the 5-kDa fragment has revealed significant homology with the Homer class of proteins implicated in signaling pathways involving metabotropic glutamate receptor and myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor. These results indicate a second role of phytase in Ca(2+) mobilization during germination of mung been seed via a salvage pathway that involves allosteric activation by myo-inositol trisphosphate.

Coverage of Maternal Care Services in the state of West Bengal

Evaluation of the Coverage of Maternal Care Services was conducted during the year 1999 in the entire State of West Bengal, Urban poor localities of randomly selected three Municipal Corporation areas and 'high-risk' urban wards or villages of West Bengal that had reported AFP cases in 1998. It was observed that mothers who had three or more antenatal check-ups varied between 54% to 82% in different study areas. Tetanus Toxoid coverage varied between 83.5% to 93.4% being lowest in high-risk areas. Only a very small section of mothers (12.7% to 23.7%) consumed 100 or more Iron and Folic acid tablets during pregnancy. 'Danger Signs' of pregnancy were informed to only 21.1% to 38.2% of the pregnant mothers. Proportion of home deliveries varied between 16.7% (Calcutta) to as high as 72.7% (high-risk areas). Deliveries conducted by untrained personnel were 60.8% in high risk areas, 38.1% in State clusters and between 14.2% to 29.4% in the three urban areas. Vast majority of mothers (78.8% to 88.4%) received no post-natal check-up.

RecA-mediated rescue of Escherichia coli strains with replication forks arrested at the terminus

The recombinational rescue of chromosome replication was investigated in Escherichia coli strains with the unidirectional origin oriR1, from the plasmid R1, integrated within oriC in clockwise (intR1(CW)) or counterclockwise (intR1(CC)) orientations. Only the intR1(CC) strain, with replication forks arrested at the terminus, required RecA for survival. Unlike the strains with RecA-dependent replication known so far, the intR1(CC) strain did not require RecBCD, RecF, RecG, RecJ, RuvAB, or SOS activation for viability. The overall levels of degradation of replicating chromosomes caused by inactivation of RecA were similar in oriC and intR1(CC) strains. In the intR1(CC) strain, RecA was also needed to maintain the integrity of the chromosome when the unidirectional replication forks were blocked at the terminus. This was consistent with suppression of the RecA dependence of the intR1(CC) strain by inactivating Tus, the protein needed to block replication forks at Ter sites. Thus, RecA is essential during asymmetric chromosome replication for the stable maintenance of the forks arrested at the terminus and for their eventual passage across the termination barrier(s) independently of the SOS and some of the major recombination pathways.

Insulin alone can lead to a withdrawal of meiotic arrest in the carp oocyte

Meiotic arrest of oocyte in an Indian carp, Labeo rohita Ham. has been found for the first time to be withdrawn by insulin only. Addition of insulin to oocytes in vitro caused germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), one of the first visual markers to determine initiation of the final maturational process. Under the influence of insulin the germinal vesicle (GV) of the oocyte migrated towards the animal pole, reached the micropyle and then dissolved (GVBD). By using different concentrations of insulin i.e., 0.063, 0.63, 6.3 and 12.6 mM, optimum amount required was found to be 6.3 mM. Induction of GVBD by insulin could be blocked by cycloheximide (Chx), a translation inhibitor, while actinomycin D (AcD) had no effect suggesting non-involvement of transcriptional activity in this process. Addition of the maturation-inducing steroid 17alpha,20beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) stimulated (P<0.01) GVBD of carp oocytes and its combination with insulin showed an additive effect. Gonadotropin (GtH) caused GVBD but its effect was greatly augmented by insulin. Our results demonstrate that not only can insulin alone induce GVBD in carp oocytes, but it also augments the stimulatory effect of DHP or IGF-I or GtH on GVBD. This information will be important in hormonal manipulation during induced breeding of carp.