Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seed extract modulates biochemical and histomorphological changes in therapeutic model of high-fat diet-fed ovariectomized rats

This study investigates the therapeutic effect of petroleum ether fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (PE-TFG) seed extract in ovariectomized rats fed with high-fat diet. Rats were randomly grouped into sham ovariectomy (S.OVX), ovariectomy + high-fat diet (OVX + HFD), and treatment groups. The blood samples were collected, and lipid profile, glucose, hepatic markers, and inflammatory markers were estimated. Liver, kidney, and common carotid artery were isolated for histopathological observations. Liver samples were tested for antioxidant, oxidative stress markers, mRNA expression of adiponectin, and PPAR-γ. PE-TFG treatment significantly decreased total cholesterol (18%), LDL (20%), hepatic markers (28%), leptin (17%), TNF-α (21%), and increased mRNA expression of adiponectin and PPAR-γ. There was also micro- and macro-hepatic steatosis, inflammation in the liver, deteriorated tubules in the kidney, and increased tunica intima and media thickness of the common carotid artery. These pathological alterations were reversed with PE-TFG administration. This impact might be linked to phytoestrogens and other components in PE-TFG such as diosgenin, phenols, and flavonoids.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03707-8.

Bilateral variation in the branching pattern of the subclavian artery: an unusual finding with clinical implications

Abstract The subclavian artery is a significant branch of the aortic arch. We present a rare case of a bilateral variation in the branching pattern of the subclavian artery, observed in an adult male cadaver aged 70 years. On both the sides of the neck, all the branches of the subclavian artery took their origin from its first part. There was a rare occurrence of a cervicodorsoscapular trunk, which gave rise to superficial cervical, suprascapular, and dorsal scapular arteries. The same branching pattern was observed on the left side of the neck, with the presence of another cervicodorsoscapular trunk. Thyrocervical trunk and transverse cervical artery were both absent from the cervical region bilaterally. The inferior thyroid artery was a direct branch from the subclavian artery. Knowledge regarding variations of the subclavian artery is very important as lateral cervical region arteries are important for flap harvesting in plastic and reconstruction surgery. Preoperative radiologic evaluation of pedicles might help in choosing the optimal flap design, prevent ischemic complications, and help to improve overall treatment outcomes.

Modulation of inflammatory markers by petroleum ether fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seed extract in ovariectomized rats

This study evaluates the modulation of inflammatory markers by petroleum ether fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (PE-TFG) seed extract in ovariectomized rats. The HPTLC method was used for standardization and to quantify the diosgenin in PE-TFG. For testing PE-TFG in rats, the total duration of treatment was 12-weeks, and the rats were sacrificed on week 12. The tissue samples such as blood, liver, heart, and aorta were isolated for testing inflammatory markers such as adiponectin, leptin, PPAR-γ, TNF-α, lipid profile, hepatic markers, antioxidants, and oxidative stress markers. The PE-TFG treatment decreased the elevation of total cholesterol, triglyceride, AST, and ALT. Upon PE-TFG treatment, there was a significant increase in adiponectin and PPAR-γ mRNA expression. Leptin and TNF-α were normal after treatment with PE-TFG seed extract. Further, micro-steatosis of hepatocytes marked glomerular hypertrophy in the kidney and increased thickness of tunica intima and media of common carotid artery was reversed after treatment with PE-TFG. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Trigonella foenum-graecum L. is a curative plant used to treat inflammatory conditions like diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, arthritis, cancer, and digestive disorders. In our study, PE-TFG supplementation has a protective effect on OVX-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, mRNA expression of adiponectin and PPAR-γ, hepatic steatosis, and decreased thickness of tunica intima and media of common carotid artery.

Influence of traditional medicines on the activity of keratinocytes in wound healing: an in-vitro study

Natural medicinal systems such as Ayurveda and folk medicine has remedies for wound management. However, the exact cellular and extracellular mechanisms involved in the healing process and its influence on keratinocytes is less discussed. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of certain natural wound healing medicines on the biology of the keratinocytes/HaCaT cells. Test materials such as honey (H), ghee (G), aqueous extracts of roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) and leaves of Nerium indicum (NI) were considered. The HaCaT cells were treated with the test materials singly and in combinations (H+G, all combined [Tot]) for a specific period (24, 48, and 72 hours). The cells were then subjected to cytotoxicity/proliferation and migration/scratch assays. All the test materials, except NI, were non-cytotoxic and showed increased cell proliferation at variable concentrations. Significant observations were made in the groups treated with honey (100 µg/ml at 48 hours, P<0.05; 1,000 µg/ml at 72 hours, P<0.05), GG (all concentrations at 48 hours, P<0.05; 750 µg/ml at 72 hours, P<0.05), H+G (250 µg/ml at 24 hours, P<0.001; 500 µg/ml at 48 and 72 hours, P<0.05), and Tot (50 µg/ml at 24, 48 and 72 hours, P<0.01). In the in-vitro wound healing assay, all the treated groups showed significant migration and narrowing of the scratch area by 24 and 48 hours (P<0.001) compared to control. The results obtained from the present study signifies the positive influence of these natural wound healing compounds on keratinocytes/HaCaT cells.

Additional Muscle Slip of Bicipital Aponeurosis and its Anomalous Relationship with the Median Cubital Vein

The cubital region of the arm is a common site for recording blood pressure, taking blood for analysis and administering intravenous therapy and blood transfusions. During the routine dissection of a 70-year-old male cadaver at the Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India, in 2015, it was observed that the aponeurotic insertion of the biceps brachii muscle divided into two slips. The medial slip fused normally with the deep fascia of the forearm, while flexor carpi radialis muscle fibres originated from the lateral slip. There was also a single vein in the forearm, the cephalic vein, which bifurcated to form the median cubital vein and the cephalic vein proper. The median cubital vein, further reinforced by the radial vein, passed deep to the two slips of the bicipital aponeurosis and then continued as the basilic vein. During venepuncture, medical practitioners should be aware of potential cubital fossa variations which could lead to nerve entrapment syndromes.

Effects of Lead in Various Preparatory Stages of Nagabhasma on Function and Histopathology of Cornu Ammonis of Hippocampus

INTRODUCTION

Heavy metals are frequently used in the preparations of traditional/folk medicines. One such preparation in Ayurveda is Nagabhasma, in which lead is the main ingredient. Lead is non-essential element to the human body and is known toxic substance to many organ systems. However, it is claimed that, the highly toxic metallic lead will be converted into health beneficial organo-metallic compound when raw lead is subjected to various traditional methods of purification during preparation as mentioned in the ancient medicinal system.

AIM

The present study is designed to evaluate the effect of such detoxification of lead in various stages of authentically prepared Nagabhasma on the learning and memory.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using half of the human equivalent doses of traditionally prepared Nagabhasma, at intermittent stages of its preparation were fed orally to healthy Wistar rats for 30 days. After treatment, the immediate effect and residual effect after 2 months was evaluated by subjecting them to passive avoidance test. Then rats were sacrificed and hippocampus was collected for histopathological evaluation.

RESULTS

Pure lead treated animals showed deficit in learning and memory which is indicated by spending more time in the dark compartment in passive avoidance test. However, animals treated with stage 1 to 4 Nagabhasma showed gradual increase in the memory and learning. This observation is substantiated by the findings of the histopathology of the Cornu Ammonis (CA) region of hippocampus.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate that, the metallic toxicity of the lead used in the preparation of bhasma was gradually decreased from stage 1 to stage 4 of preparation. Therefore, the traditional way of preparing the metallic bhasma is very critical in eliminating the possible health hazardous metallic lead toxicity.

PECTORO-EPICONDYLARIS: A RARE EXTENSION OF THE PECTORALIS MAJOR MUSCLE. Pectoro-epicondilaris: Una rara extensión del músculo pectoral mayor

El músculo pectoral mayor es propenso a varias incongruencias morfológicas. Diferentes deslizamien-tos musculares son comunes entre ellos. Sin embargo, durante la disección rutinaria de un cadáver masculino de 55 años por estudiantes de pregrado, se encontró una variante rara de la extensión tendinosa del músculo pectoral mayor. Surgía de la lámina profunda del tendón muscular bilaminar cerca de su inserción en el húmero. En su camino a unirse al tabique intermuscular medial del brazo y finalmente al epicóndilo medial del húmero, cruzó todas las estructuras en la parte delantera del brazo de lateral a medial. Considerando la extensión tendinosa de forma proximal, no se observó formación muscular separada. Esta variante de deslizamiento puede ser nombrada como músculo pectoral epicondilario. El conocimiento de esta variación particular puede ser de especial interés para los radiólogos y médicos en procedimien-tos tales como transformación de músculo, trasplante de tendón y uso en los colgajos miocutáneos durante cirugías reconstructivas. The pectoralis major muscle is prone to various morphological incongruities. Variant muscular slips are common among them. However during routine dissection for undergraduate students in a 55-year-old male cadaver, a rare variation of the tendinous extension of the pectoralis major muscle was found. It was arising from the deep lamina of the muscular bilaminar tendon close to its insertion to the humerus.  On its way to be attached to the medial intermuscular septum of the arm and finally to the medial epicondyle of the humerus, it crossed all the structures in the front of the arm from lateral to medial. Tracing this tendinous extension slip proximally, no separate muscular extension was observed. this variant slip may be named as pectoro-epicondylaris muscle. The know-ledge of this particular variation could be of special interest to radiologists and clinicians in procedures such as muscle transformation, tendon transplantation and use of myo-cutaneous flaps during reconstructive surgeries.

ORIGIN OF THE FACIAL ARTERY FROM THE LINGUAL-FACIAL TRUNK AND ITS COURSE THROUGH THE SUBMANDIBULAR SALIVARY GLAND: A CASE REPORT. Origen de la arteria facial desde el tronco lingual-facial y su curso a través de la glándula salival submandibular: informe

La disección cuidadosa del tercio posterior de la parte superficial de la glándula salival submandibular es uno de los pasos quirúrgicos esenciales en la extirpación endoscópica glandular, evitando daños en la arteria facial. Un buen conocimiento de la poco común relación entre la arteria facial y la glándula salival submandibular es de vital importancia para llevar a cabo de forma eficiente y segura la extirpación de la glándula submandibular. Las variaciones del patrón de ramificación de la arteria facial son bien conocidas y han sido expuestas en el pasado. Sin embargo, las variaciones en su origen y trayectoria son poco frecuentes. Durante una rutinaria disección de cabeza y cuello para los estudiantes universitarios de Medicina, observamos la inusual trayectoria de la arteria facial en el triángulo digástrico derecho en un cadáver de un varón de origen indio de aproximadamente 60 años. La arteria facial derecha se originó de la común lingual-facial del tronco por encima del nivel del asta mayor del hueso hioides, y luego atravesar a través de la sustancia de la parte superficial de la glándula submandibular, sin la formación de un bucle. Después la arteria entraba en la cara por el ángulo anteroinferior del masetero. A continuación, en su trayectoria intraglandular, esta arteria mostraba pequeñas ramificaciones glandulares.  Careful dissection of the posterior one third of the superficial part of the submandibular salivary gland is one of the essential surgical steps in endoscopic glandular excision, to avoid injury to the facial artery. A sound knowledge of unusual relationship of the facial artery with the submandibular salivary gland is essentially important to perform the safe and efficient submandibular gland excision. Different types of variations in the branching pattern of the facial artery have been reported in the past. However, variations in the origin and course of the facial artery are very rare. During the routine head and neck dissection for the medical undergraduate students, we observed an unusual course of the facial artery in the right digastric triangle of an approximately 60-year-old male cadaver of Indian origin. The right facial artery originated from the common lingual-facial trunk above the level of the greater horn of the hyoid bone, and then it traversed through the substance of superficial part of the submandibular salivary gland without forming a loop. Then this artery entered the face at the antero-inferior angle of the masseter. Further, in its intraglandular course this artery gave few small glandular branches

A Comparison Between Phorbol 12 Myristate 13 Acetate and Phorbol 12, 13 Dibutyrate in Human Melanocyte Culture

INTRODUCTION

Melanocyte culture is an integral part of the studies of skin biology and cosmetic applications. After the introduction of selective medium for the culture of human melanocyte using Phorbol 12-myristate13-acetate (PMA) in 1982, a lot of methods of culturing were tried but till date PMA is a preferred mitogen because of its cost effectiveness compared to growth factors. We have tried to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of another phorbol ester, Phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu) in melanocyte culture because of its less hydrophobic nature compared to PMA. This property minimizes the trace amount of mitogen in cell culture after washing off and hence does not interfere in other biological assays.

AIM

To evaluate the differences in the melanocyte survival rate, morphology and mitotic index when grown in media supplemented with PMA and PDBu.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Foreskins were collected from children undergoing circumcision. Epidermal cells were isolated from foreskin and cultured using PMA and PDBu. Melanocytes in culture were monitored for the better establishment and documented. In proliferative assay, melanocytes were treated with PMA and PDBu for 24, 48 and 72 hours and proliferation was measured using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay method.

RESULTS

When cultured, melanocytes acquired proliferative status and bipolar morphology quicker in PDBu medium than in PMA medium. Keratinocytes survived as contamination in PMA medium whereas PDBu medium had minimal keratinocytes. MTT assay showed that PDBu has higher proliferative induction capacity than PMA. In even lower concentration of PDBu in medium, melanocytes survived till 72 hours without significant cell loss in compared to PMA medium.

CONCLUSION

PDBu can be a valuable replacement for PMA in human melanocyte culture. Higher proliferation induction, unfavourable to keratinocyte survival and less hydrophobicity make PDBu a promising alternative for quicker establishment of pure human melanocyte cultures especially in cosmetic in vitro experimental dermatology.

Rare variations in the Origin, Branching Pattern and Course of the Celiac Trunk: Report of Two Cases

Multiple anomalies in the celiac arterial system presents as rare vascular malformations, depicting deviations of the normal vascular developmental pattern. We found a common left gastro-phrenic trunk and a hepato-spleno-mesenteric trunk arising separately from the abdominal aorta in one cadaver. We also found a common hepatic artery and a gastro-splenic trunk arising individually from the abdominal aorta in another cadaver. Even though many variations in the celiac trunk have been described earlier, the complex variations described here are not mentioned and classified by earlier literature. Knowledge of such variations has significance in the surgical and invasive arterial radiological procedures in the upper abdomen.

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Silorane and Methacrylate based Dental Composites using Human Gingival Fibroblasts

AIM

The effects of leached substances from the restorative dental materials may induce local and systemic adverse effects. Thus the biological and toxic properties of the restorative dental materials must be compatible with the oral tissues or with general health. Therefore, the need for biocompatible restorative dental material implies the necessity of toxicity testing. It was the purpose of this investigation to determine and compare the possible toxic effect of silorane based composite (Filtek P90) on human gingival fibroblast (HGF) in vitro using cytotoxicity measuring parameters (MTT assay) in comparison with its methacrylate counterpart (Z100) for their viability, proliferation rate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fresh healthy biopsy specimens of human gingival tissue of patients were obtained. For HGF, cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium and grown to sub confluent monolayers. After attaining confluence, cells were treated with different doses of the Filtek P90 or Z 100 for different time point. HGF cells were observed for their proliferation, viability by MTT assay.

RESULTS

The results of the cytotoxicity assay showed that, the percentage of viable cells was very good in the first 24h and marginally decreased in the next 48h period in all groups. However, the proliferation rate was never below 84% in all the groups, at any given concentration. Filtek P90 and Z100 treated cells exhibited insignificant decrease in the cell proliferation both in 24h and 48h exposure when compared to significant decrease in the cell survival rate in the positive control (Mitomycin C 250 μg/ml).) Comparison of the toxicity between Filtek P90 and Z100 in 24h & 48h separately showed that there was no significant difference (p<0.05) between these two composites in 24h and 48h' time period at all concentrations of the composites.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, the new silorane based restorative composite showed comparable cytotoxic characteristics to clinically successful dimethacrylate composites suggesting the non-toxic nature in the oral environment and hence contributing to clinical success of these new restorative materials.

A study on the human pancreaticobiliary duct system and ampulla region with their clinical considerations

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to present the variations of the pancreatic duct system and hepatopancreatic ampulla so that an awareness of these variations may help in surgical planning and prevention of ductal injury.

METHODS

Forty human pancreatic specimens were used to study the duct pattern of the pancreas and the formation and mode of termination of the pancreatic ducts. Also, the patency of the main pancreatic ducts, length of the hepatopancreatic ampulla, and length of the main pancreatic duct were measured.

RESULTS

The main pancreatic duct was patent in 37 out of 40 specimens, 2 specimens showed the embryonic type of the duct system, and one had the duct obliterated at its duodenal end. The mode of termination of the main pancreatic and common pancreatic ducts was divided into four types. Seventy-five percent specimens belonged to type I, followed by type II in 22.5 % and type III in 2.5 % of specimens. The length of the main pancreatic duct ranged from 11 to 21.2 cm, the average being 17.3 cm, and the length of the hepatopancreatic ampulla varied from 1 to 10 mm (1 to 2 mm-5 %, 3 to 8 mm-55 %, and more than 8 mm in 15 % of specimens), and it was absent in 25 %.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of these anomalies may help in surgical planning and prevention of undue ductal injury.

Variations in the pulmonary venous ostium in the left atrium and its clinical importance

INTRODUCTION

During early embryonic development, absorption of pulmonary venous network by the left primitive atrial chamber results in opening of four pulmonary veins which drain independently into its chamber. The extent of absorption and hence, the number of pulmonary veins which open into the left atrium, may vary. As only few studies have been done, which have shown such variations, the present study was done to evaluate the possible variations in the pulmonary veins which opened into the left atrium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty formalin fixed adult cadaveric hearts were studied for variations in the opening of the pulmonary veins into left atrium.

RESULTS

Our results showed that 68% of the hearts which were studied, showed usual pattern of 2 pulmonary veins on either side, while remaining 32 % hearts showed variations in the number of pulmonary veins which opened. Twelve percent of the hearts showed 2 left and 3 right pulmonary veins, 14% of hearts showed 2 left and 1 right veins, 4% hearts showed 1 left and 2 right veins and 2% hearts showed 1 left and 4 right pulmonary veins opening into the left atrium.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge on such variations gains significance in isolation for radiofrequency ablation as a treatment for atrial fibrillation.

Analysis of the morphometry and variations in the extensor digitorum brevis muscle: an anatomic guide for muscle flap and tendon transfer surgical dissection

The extensor digitorum brevis muscle (EDB) is a practical option for use as an island flap or free flap when reconstructing soft tissue defects in the ankle as well as in the entire lower limb. It is frequently used to correct crossover toe deformity and other painful toe disorders. We evaluated the morphometry of the EDB in 44 formalin-fixed limbs. Length and width of the muscles were measured. Surface area was calculated as the product of length and width of the muscle. The length of each tendon was also measured from its origin to the point of distal attachment. Presence of any additional tendons was noted. Mean length, width, and surface area of the muscle were 7.39±0.71 cm, 4.1±0.37 cm, and 30.5±4.78 cm(2) on the right side and 7.2±0.84 cm, 3.9±0.37 cm, and 28.4±5.35 cm(2) on the left side, respectively. Morphometry of the tendons revealed that the tendon of the great toe had the highest mean length (9.5 cm) and the tendon of the fourth toe had the lowest mean length (6.3 cm). Four of the limbs studied (9.09%) had only three tendons. Three of the limbs studied (6.81%) had five tendons, and in one exceptional case (2.27%), six tendons were detected. These observations have significant value and are applicable to plastic and orthopedic surgery.

A rare congenital anomaly of the pancreas: a cadaveric case report

CONTEXT

The pancreas is formed by ventral and dorsal pancreatic buds which arise from the endodermal lining of the gut. When the duodenum rotates to the right, the ventral pancreatic bud migrates dorsally and finally come and lie below the dorsal pancreatic bud. The developmental errors in the rotation of these components lead to annular pancreas.

CASE REPORT

We report a rare type of the incomplete annular pancreas around the contents of right free margin of lesser omentum. There was an extra pancreatic mass situated horizontally immediately above the superior border of the pancreas, situated behind the lesser omentum. The right end of this mass extended into the epiploic foramen and incompletely encircled the portal vein, bile duct and hepatic artery proper from behind. The left end of the extra pancreatic mass was extended towards the lesser curvature of the stomach. Further, this mass completely surrounded the origin of three branches of the celiac trunk. Its right end was found to be continuous with the head of the pancreas, close to the pylorus. Histology of the extra pancreatic mass revealed the presence of normal pancreatic tissue.

CONCLUSION

preoperative diagnosis of this rare anomaly is of clinical importance during surgeries involving the contents of right free margin of lesser omentum and epiploic foramen.

A rare case of craniofacial morphology with absent face and neck structures, with its review

The development of the head and the face requires an intimate interaction between two mesenchymal populations, a paraxial mesoderm and neural crest cells for the morphogenesis of the musculoskeletal components of the calvaria, the face and the branchial regions. The disruptions in these interactions can cause foetal fatalities or congenital craniofacial anomalies. We are describing a rarest case with a craniofacial malformation, who was born with complete absence of the facial skeleton and the neck structures, a set of well developed ears in their normal locations and eyelids at the junction between the head and the thorax.

Accessory liver lobe attached to the wall of the gallbladder: a cadaveric case report

Accessory liver lobe is found incidentally during laparoscopy, laparotomy or autopsy performed for unrelated reasons. The occurrence of accessory liver lobe attached to the gallbladder is reported rarely in the literature. During regular dissection classes, we came across an accessory liver lobe in the wall of the gallbladder in an adult male cadaver. On its left, it was connected to the quadrate lobe by a short fold of peritoneum. On the right, it was attached to the wall of the gallbladder. The fragment was triangular in shape, and was 20 mm in length, 11 mm in width and 6 mm thick. The histology of the fragment revealed the unusual architecture of hepatic tissue with the absence of the classical hexagonal lobule pattern. Cords of hepatocytes surrounding the central vein, with an absence of portal canals, were observed. There were branches of hepatic artery, portal vein and hepatic duct in its peritoneal fold. Smooth muscle fibers were also observed along its attachment on the wall of the gallbladder. Awareness of the incidence of accessory liver lobe in the wall of the gallbladder is of clinical importance during the diagnosis and treatment of gallstones.

Bifurcated plantaris with rare relations to the neurovascular bundle in the popliteal fossa

The plantaris muscle (PM) is a vestigial muscle in human. The PM arises as a small muscular belly from the lateral condyle of the femur and then its long tendon inserts into the calcaneum or blends with the tendocalcaneus. There are many reports to describe the variations in the origin, nature of muscle, course of the tendon, and insertion of PM. However, here we report a case of a rare and unreported variation of PM with one common origin and two muscle bellies with peculiar relations with the neurovascular bundle in the popliteal fossa. Although its anatomical functions are insignificant, its tendon is useful as a graft in various reconstructive surgeries and variation in this muscle and its relation to nearby neurovascular bundle may be of clinical interest. Therefore, the present variation is worth considering in predicting uncommon neurovascular entrapment in the leg and may also be useful in various surgical procedures in the region of the knee joint.

Retromolar foramen and canal: a comprehensive review on its anatomy and clinical applications

The retromolar foramen (RMF) and retromolar canal (RMC) are the anatomical structures of the mandible located in retromolar fossa behind the third molar tooth. This foramen and canal contain neurovascular structures which provide accessory/additional innervation to the mandibular molars and the buccal area. These neurovascular contents of the canal gain more importance in medical and dental practice, because these elements are vulnerable to damage during placement of osteointegrated implants, endodontic treatment and sagittal split osteotomy surgeries and a detailed knowledge of this anatomical variation would be vital in understanding failed inferior alveolar nerve blockage, spread of infection and also metastasis. Although few studies have been conducted in the past showing the incidence and types in different population groups, a lacunae in comprehensive review of this structure is lacking. Though this variation posed challenging situations for the practicing surgeons, it has been quite neglected and the incidence of it is not well presented in all the textbooks. Hence, we made an attempt to provide a consolidated review regarding variations and clinical applications of the RMF and RMC.

Unilateral duplication of vas deferens: a cadaveric case report

Duplication of vas deferens is a rare congenital anomaly. All previously reported cases of this rare anomaly were identified during procedures such as orchiepexy, inguinal hernia repair, vasectomy, varicocoelectomy, and radical prostatectomy. Here, we report a case of unilateral duplicated vas deferens noted in an adult cadaver during regular dissection for medical students. The right spermatic cord contained 2 separate and completely developed cord-like structures. Both cords communicated separately with the tail of the epididymis. When traced cranially, both traversed the inguinal canal as content of the spermatic cord and finally fused at the level of the deep inguinal ring. No other variations were found in the testis or epididymis, and no variations were seen in the left spermatic cord. In addition, no associated renal abnormalities were noted.

A preliminary survey of the median artery in human cadavers of South Indian origin

BACKGROUND

The median artery is a transitory vessel that represents the arterial axis of the forearm during early embryonic life. It normally regresses in the second embryonic month. Its persistence in the human adult has been recorded in 2 different patterns: as a large, long vessel (palmar type) which reaches the hand; or as a small and short vessel (antebrachial type) which ends before reaching the wrist joint. The palmar type is of major clinical significance.

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to investigate the incidence and course of the palmar type of the median artery in South Indian cadavers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

25 upper limbs of South Indian cadavers were taken to study the median artery.

RESULTS

The occurrence of median artery was 8%; of which 4% was on the right side and the other 4% was on the left side. On both sides, the artery originated from the ulnar artery. On the right side, the artery was involved in the formation of superficial palmar arch, whereas the artery on the left side did not join the arch; it terminated as 1st and 2nd common palmar digital arteries.

CONCLUSION

Persistent median artery is closely related to the anterior interosseous nerve, it is possible that the artery may compress the anterior interosseous nerve and cause the anterior interosseous nerve syndrome (Fig. 2, Ref. 17).

Effect of Cissus quadrangularis Linn on the development of osteopenia induced by ovariectomy in rats

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to see the efficacy of petroleum ether extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) on development of osteopenia in ovariectomy induced Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The female Wistar rats were ovariectomized or Sham operated. The rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (40 mg/ kg b.w, i.p.), the ovaries were removed bilaterally. Sham-operation was performed in the same manner but only exposing the ovaries (sham operated (SHAM) group). A day later, the ovariectomized rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight animals each. The groups are 1. Sham operated (SHAM), 2. Ovariectomized (OVX), 3. Ovariectomized and treated with 25 mg/kg b.w of raloxifene (OVX+RAL), 4. Ovariectomized and treated with 500 mg/kg b.w of petroleum ether extract of CQ (OVX+CQ). The treatment continued for 30 days. At the end of the treatment, rats in all groups were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Before sacrifice, blood was collected for the estimation of serum ALP, TRAP, Calcium and hydroxyproline; where as the left femur was used for histomorphometrical analysis.

RESULTS

The findings assessed on the basis of animal weight, morphology of femur, histomorphometry and biochemical analysis. As compared to SHAM group, OVX group animals showed a significant rise in serum ALP, TRAP and hydroxyproline levels at the end of 1 month following ovariectomy while no significant change was seen in the serum calcium levels. ALP and TRAP levels of OVX + RAL and OVX + CQ groups showed a further increase following administration of raloxifene and Cissus quadrangularis. The serum hydroxyproline content was found to be increased in the OVX + CQ compared to SHAM group. CQ significantly increased the thickness of both cortical (p <0.001) and trabecular bone (p <0.001).This action of CQ is comparable to action of Raloxifene. )These data suggest a strong anti-osteoporotic activity of CQ.

CONCLUSION

The results confirm, at least in part, for the use of Cissus quadrangularis in folk medicine to treat osteoporosis.

Chondrohumeralis and axillary arch of Langer: a rare combination of variant muscles with unique insertion

During routine dissection, we found a rare case of an aberrant muscular slip originating from the pectoralis major called as the "chondroepitrochlearis / thoracoepicondylaris / costohumeralis" and an anomalous slip from the latissimus dorsi called as "axillary arch of Langer / musculus dorsoepitrochlearis" in the same axilla. Interestingly, these two slips found to have a common insertion after arching superficial to the axillary neurovascular bundle, into the fascia covering the biceps brachi and to the lateral lip of the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus. Presence of combination of these two rare variant muscles and their unique insertion pattern has not been reported earlier. The knowledge of these muscle variations is important for the clinicians and physiotherapist for better diagnosis and treatment. Here in this report, in addition to the case presentation, we also discuss their clinical significance and the review of literature in detail.

Oncogenic BRAFV600E induces expression of neuronal differentiation marker MAP2 in melanoma cells by promoter demethylation and down-regulation of transcription repressor HES1

MAP2 is a neuron-specific microtubule-associated protein that binds and stabilizes dendritic microtubules. Previously, we showed that MAP2 expression is (a) activated in cutaneous primary melanoma and (b) inversely associated with melanoma tumor progression. We also showed that ectopic expression of MAP2 in metastatic melanoma cells inhibits cell growth by inducing mitotic spindle defects and apoptosis. However, molecular mechanisms of regulation of MAP2 gene expression in melanoma are not understood. Here, we show that in melanoma cells MAP2 expression is induced by the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-cytidine, and MAP2 promoter is progressively methylated during melanoma progression, indicating that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in silencing of MAP2 in melanoma. In support of this, methylation of MAP2 promoter DNA in vitro inhibits its activity. Because MAP2 promoter activity levels in melanoma cell lines also correlated with activating mutation in BRAF, a gene that is highly expressed in neurons, we hypothesized that BRAF signaling is involved in MAP2 expression. We show that hyperactivation of BRAF-MEK signaling activates MAP2 expression in melanoma cells by two independent mechanisms, promoter demethylation or down-regulation of neuronal transcription repressor HES1. Our data suggest that BRAF oncogene levels can regulate melanoma neuronal differentiation and tumor progression.

Calcium homeostasis in human melanocytes: role of transient receptor potential melastatin 1 (TRPM1) and its regulation by ultraviolet light

Transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) is a subfamily of ion channels that are involved in sensing taste, ambient temperature, low pH, osmolarity, and chemical ligands. Melastatin 1/TRPM1, the founding member, was originally identified as melanoma metastasis suppressor based on its expression in normal pigment cells in the skin and the eye but not in aggressive, metastasis-competent melanomas. The role of TRPM1 and its regulation in normal melanocytes and in melanoma progression is not understood. Here, we studied the relationship of TRPM1 expression to growth and differentiation of human epidermal melanocytes. TRPM1 expression and intracellular Ca(2+) levels are significantly lower in rapidly proliferating melanocytes compared to the slow growing, differentiated melanocytes. We show that lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of TRPM1 results in reduced intracellular Ca(2+) and decreased Ca(2+) uptake suggesting a role for TRPM1 in Ca(2+) homeostasis in melanocytes. TRPM1 knockdown also resulted in a decrease in tyrosinase activity and intracellular melanin pigment. Expression of the tumor suppressor p53 by transfection or induction of endogenous p53 by ultraviolet B radiation caused repression of TRPM1 expression accompanied by decrease in mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) and uptake of extracellular Ca(2+). These data suggest a role for TRPM1-mediated Ca(2+) homeostasis, which is also regulated by ultraviolet B, in melanogenesis.

Unusual communication between the lingual nerve and mylohyoid nerves in a South Indian male cadaver: its clinical significance

It is well known that variations in the branching pattern of the mandibular nerve frequently account for the failure to obtain adequate local anesthesia in routine oral and dental procedures, and also for the unexpected injury to branches of the nerves during surgery. During our routine dissection, we found the presence of a communicating branch between the mylohyoid and lingual nerves in a middle aged male cadaver. We also discussed its clinical and surgical implications in this report.

Evidence-based assessment of antiosteoporotic activity of petroleum-ether extract of Cissus quadrangularis Linn. on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis

The increasing incidence of postmenopausal osteoporosis and its related fractures have become global health issues in the recent days. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is the most frequent metabolic bone disease; it is characterized by a rapid loss of mineralized bone tissue. Hormone replacement therapy has proven efficacious in preventing bone loss but not desirable to many women due to its side-effects. Therefore we are in need to search the natural compounds for a treatment of postmenopausal symptoms in women with no toxic effects. In the present study, we have evaluated the effect of petroleum-ether extract of Cissus quadrangularis Linn. (CQ), a plant used in folk medicine, on an osteoporotic rat model developed by ovariectomy. In this experiment, healthy female Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six animals each. Group 1 was sham operated. All the remaining groups were ovariectomized. Group 2 was fed with an equivolume of saline and served as ovariectomized control (OVX). Groups 3 and 4 were orally treated with raloxifene (5.4 mg/kg) and petroleum-ether extract of CQ (500 mg/kg), respectively, for 3 months. The findings were assessed on the basis of animal weight, morphology of femur, and histochemical localization of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (an osteoblastic marker) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) (an osteoclastic marker) in upper end of femur. The study revealed for the first time that the petroleum-ether extract of CQ reduced bone loss, as evidenced by the weight gain in femur, and also reduced the osteoclastic activity there by facilitating bone formation when compared to the OVX group. The osteoclastic activity was confirmed by TRAP staining, and the bone formation was assessed by ALP staining in the femur sections. The color intensity of TRAP and ALP enzymes from the images were evaluated by image analysis software developed locally. The effect of CQ was found to be effective on both enzymes, and it might be a potential candidate for prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The biological activity of CQ on bone may be attributed to the phytogenic steroids present in it.

Anomalous origin of the lumbrical muscles: a study on South Indian cadavers

Although variations in the attachments of the lumbrical muscles have been commonly reported, these have been seen mainly in the Caucasian population. The present study has been undertaken in South Indian population. The upper extremities of 24 South Indian (20 male and four female) cadavers were examined. Three instances of variant origins of the lumbrical muscles (two instances of the second and one of the first lumbrical) were seen. The muscles were unusually long extending to the level of the proximal border of the flexor retinaculum and in two of the cases it was taking origin from the flexor digitorum profundus tendon and its accessory belly. In one case it was taking origin from the flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis tendons. An anomalous origin of the lumbrical from muscles in the forearm has the potential to cause compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel.

High origin of ulnar artery in South Indian male cadaver: a case report

Superficial ulnar artery, a rare variation may arise from axillary or brachial artery. Here we report a case of high origin of superficial ulnar artery from the axillary artery. Superficial ulnar artery, after running under the bicipital aponeurosis in the cubital fossa, it terminated as superficial palmar arch in the hand. We also discuss its clinical and embryological relevance.

A unique branching pattern of the axillary artery in a South Indian male cadaver

Axillary artery divides into 3 parts by pectoralis minor muscle and classically each part has its own branches. There are many reports to show different variations in the branching pattern of the axillary artery. However, here we have shown an unreported unique branching pattern of axillary artery, where most of the branches of the axillary artery are arising from one common trunk from its 2nd part. Further, with relevant literature review we have also discussed their developmental and clinical importance (Fig. 1, Ref. 16). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

MAGE-A, mMage-b, and MAGE-C proteins form complexes with KAP1 and suppress p53-dependent apoptosis in MAGE-positive cell lines

The MAGE-A, MAGE-B, and MAGE-C protein families comprise the class-I MAGE/cancer testes antigens, a group of highly homologous proteins whose expression is suppressed in all normal tissues except developing sperm. Aberrant expression of class I MAGE proteins occurs in melanomas and many other malignancies, and MAGE proteins have long been recognized as tumor-specific targets; however, their functions have largely been unknown. Here, we show that suppression of class I MAGE proteins induces apoptosis in the Hs-294T, A375, and S91 MAGE-positive melanoma cell lines and that members of all three families of MAGE class I proteins form complexes with KAP1, a scaffolding protein that is known as a corepressor of p53 expression and function. In addition to inducing apoptosis, MAGE suppression decreases KAP1 complexing with p53, increases immunoreactive and acetylated p53, and activates a p53 responsive reporter gene. Suppression of class I MAGE proteins also induces apoptosis in MAGE-A-positive, p53wt/wt parental HCT 116 colon cancer cells but not in a MAGE-A-positive HCT 116 p53-/- variant, indicating that MAGE suppression of apoptosis requires p53. Finally, treatment with MAGE-specific small interfering RNA suppresses S91 melanoma growth in vivo, in syngenic DBA2 mice. Thus, class I MAGE protein expression may suppress apoptosis by suppressing p53 and may actively contribute to the development of malignancies and by promoting tumor survival. Because the expression of class I MAGE proteins is limited in normal tissues, inhibition of MAGE antigen expression or function represents a novel and specific treatment for melanoma and diverse malignancies.

Microtubule-associated proteins as targets in cancer chemotherapy

Natural and synthetic compounds that disrupt microtubule dynamics are among the most successful and widely used cancer chemotherapeutic agents. However, lack of reliable markers that predict sensitivity of cancers to these agents and development of resistance remain vexing issues. There is accumulating evidence that a family of cellular proteins that are associated with and alter the dynamics of microtubules can determine sensitivity of cancer cells to microtubule-targeting agents and play a role in tumor cell resistance to these agents. This growing family of microtubule-associated proteins (MAP) includes products of oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and apoptosis regulators, suggesting that alteration of microtubule dynamics may be one of the critical events in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. The objective of this review is to integrate the knowledge on these seemingly unrelated proteins that share a common function and examine their relevance to microtubule-targeting therapies and highlight MAPs-tubulin-drug interactions as a novel avenue for new drug discovery. Based on the available evidence, we propose that rational microtubule-targeting cancer therapeutic approaches should ideally include proteomic profiling of tumor MAPs before administration of microtubule-stabilizing/destabilizing agents preferentially in combination with agents that modulate the expression of relevant MAPs.

A novel antioxidant 3-O-Caffeoyl-1-methylquinic acid enhances ultraviolet A-mediated apoptosis in immortalized HaCaT keratinocytes via Sp1-dependent transcriptional activation of p21(WAF1/Cip1)

It has become clear that ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation from the solar spectrum is a major environmental challenge to the skin. This necessitates developing novel mechanism-based agents capable of ameliorating UVA-induced effects in the skin. We recently described a novel antioxidant, 3-O-Caffeoyl-1-methylquinic acid (MCGA3) from leaves of bamboo. Here, we investigated the photochemopreventive effects of MCGA3 against UVA-mediated apoptosis in immortalized HaCaT keratinocytes. Pretreatment of MCGA3 rendered cells more sensitive to subsequent UVA irradiation-induced apoptosis as well as completely reversed UVA-induced sustained phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and protein kinase Calpha, downregulation of p21, and reactive oxygen species generation. Interestingly, MCGA3 itself effectively induced p21 protein and mRNA levels. Silencing of p21 by RNA interference revealed a pivotal role of p21 in generating G(1)-S arrest and in enhancing UVA-mediated apoptosis. Transcriptional activation of p21 by MCGA3 was mediated through the proximal region of multiple Sp1 sites regardless of p53-binding site in p21 promoter, and this effect was augmented by desferroioxamine, an iron chelating agent. Additional studies suggested that iron chelation-driven hypoxia by MCGA3 may function in activation of p21. MCGA3 could be a useful agent to prevent photocarcinogenesis via apoptotic elimination of p53 mutant and DNA-repair defective cells caused by UVA radiation.

S100A4 accelerates tumorigenesis and invasion of human prostate cancer through the transcriptional regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9

We previously showed that the calcium-binding protein S100A4 is overexpressed during the progression of prostate cancer (CaP) in humans and in the TRAMP (transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate) mouse model. We tested a hypothesis that the S100A4 gene plays a role in the invasiveness of human CaP and may be associated with its metastatic spread. We observed that siRNA-mediated suppression of the S100A4 gene significantly reduced the proliferative and invasive capability of the highly invasive CaP cells PC-3. We evaluated the mechanism through which the S100A4 gene controls invasiveness of cells by using a macroarray containing 96 well characterized metastatic genes. We found that matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1) were highly responsive to S100A4 gene suppression. Furthermore, S100A4 suppression significantly reduced the expression and proteolytic activity of MMP-9. By employing an MMP-9-promoter reporter, we observed a significant reduction in the transcriptional activation of the MMP-9 gene in S100A4-siRNA-transfected cells. Cells overexpressing the S100A4 gene (when transfected with pcDNA3.1-S100A4 plasmid) also significantly expressed MMP-9 and TIMP-1 genes with increased proteolytic activity of MMP-9 concomitant to increased transcriptional activation of the MMP-9 gene. S100A4-siRNA-transfected cells exhibited a reduced rate of tumor growth under in vivo conditions. Our data demonstrate that the S100A4 gene controls the invasive potential of human CaP cells through regulation of MMP-9 and that this association may contribute to metastasis of CaP cells. We suggest that S100A4 could be used as a biomarker for CaP progression and a novel therapeutic or chemopreventive target for human CaP treatment.

Transcriptional regulation of human MAP2 gene in melanoma: role of neuronal bHLH factors and Notch1 signaling

Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), a neuron-specific protein, stabilizes microtubules and is critical for neurite outgrowth and dendrite development. Although MAP2 is widely used as a marker of neuronal differentiation, regulation of its transcription has not been investigated. We showed that MAP2 is frequently activated in human cutaneous melanoma. Here, we identified a 2.2 kb region that is sufficient for neuronal-specific expression in vitro and in vivo. Comparative analysis of the mouse, rat and human MAP2 promoter sequences showed the presence of a conserved bHLH factor binding sites. Electrophoretic mobility shift analysis, promoter mutagenesis and co-transfection experiments showed that NeuroD, a pro-neuronal differentiation factor, and Hairy and Enhancer of Split (HES1), a transcription repressor, are involved in the regulation of MAP2 promoter activity. Melanoma cells express both NeuroD and HES1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that in metastatic melanoma cells N-box region of the MAP2 promoter is occupied by endogenous HES1. We show that the inhibition of Notch signaling, a regulator of HES1 gene expression, and/or shRNA knockdown of HES1 results in the upregulation of MAP2 promoter activity. Thus, our data suggest that Notch signaling, which is implicated in melanoma progression, and HES1 play a role in MAP2 gene regulation during melanoma progression.