MicroRNA-125b regulates vitamin D resistance by targeting CYP24A1 in the progression of gestational diabetes mellitus

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in pregnancy and has been associated with increased occurrences of preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, neonatal bacterial vaginosis, and gestational diabetes. CYP24A1, recognized as a key factor in vitamin D metabolism homeostasis, encodes 24-hydroxylase responsible for converting 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 into inactive metabolites. Recently, we have reported CYP24A1 overexpression in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and trophoblast cells exposed to hyperglycemia. In this study, we explored miRNA-mediated regulation of CYP24A1 in GDM progression, validating our findings through silencing experiments in a trophoblast cell line. In silico tools identified miR-125b-5p as a putative target of CYP24A1. Expression analysis revealed downregulation of miR-125b-5p in blood samples from early GDM and GDM compared to healthy pregnant women, positively correlating with vitamin D levels. Hyperglycemic exposure in human trophoblastic cell lines (BeWo) decreased miR-125b-5p expression, concomitant with an increase in CYP24A1. To confirm the regulatory role of miR-125b on CYP24A1, we transfected BeWo cells with antimiR-125b or miR-125b mimic. AntimiR-125b transfection heightened CYP24A1 levels, while miR-125b mimic overexpression resulted in decreased CYP24A1 expression. These findings establish miR-125b as a regulator of CYP24A1. To explore the influence of miR-125b on vitamin D metabolism, trophoblast cells overexpressing miR-125b were treated with 0.1 and 1 µM calcitriol. Hyperglycemic conditions exhibited a reduction in CYP24A1 levels. Collectively, our results indicate that miR-125b may regulate vitamin D metabolism by targeting CYP24A1, contributing to GDM progression. These findings may pave the way for understanding vitamin D resistance in concurrent GDM development and identifying novel miRNAs targeting CYP24A1.

Exploring Lactoferrin as a novel marker for disease pathology and ferroptosis regulation in gestational diabetes

Iron overload is linked to heightened susceptibility to ferroptosis, a process increasingly implicated in diabetes pathogenesis. This present study aims to assess the utility of Lactoferrin in predicting different stages of GDM and explore its association with disease pathology and ferroptosis. In this observational study, 72 pregnant women were recruited and categorized into three groups: healthy pregnant women without diabetes (NGDM, n = 24), early gestational diabetes (eGDM, n = 24), and established gestational diabetes (GDM, n = 24), all receiving standard antenatal care at 12 weeks of gestation. Circulating levels of ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTFR), and Lactoferrin using multiplexed bead-based cytokine immunoassay. Gene expression analysis focused on analyzing crucial ferroptosis regulators, SLC7A11 and GPX4, in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). A significant elevation in ferritin levels and a decrease in the sTFR: Ferritin ratio supported iron overload and disrupted iron homeostasis in GDM subjects. Notably, Lactoferrin levels were significantly lower in women with GDM than in the control group and those with eGDM. This decline in Lactoferrin correlated with increased hyperglycemia indicators and reduced expression of ferroptosis regulators among GDM patients. Furthermore ROC curve analysis demonstrated that Lactoferrin shows promise as a valuable marker for distinguishing individuals with GDM from those with eGDM. Lactoferrin shows promise as a biomarker for detecting GDM. These findings indicate its role as a potential biomarker and highlight Lactoferrin as a critical regulator of hyperglycemia and ferroptosis in women with GDM.

Impact of vitamin D resistance genes on vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy among the South Indian population

Increasing evidence suggests that vitamin D (Vit-D) could be pivotal in maintaining normal glucose homeostasis. Low levels of Vit-D in early pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Though several reports have highlighted the prevalence of vit-D deficiency among pregnant women, its underlying cause has not yet been fully elucidated. In this connection, a few studies have found the development of resistance to Vit-D, including the levels of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and transcription regulators that modify VDR action, as well as the bioavailability of Vit-D. We aimed to determine the levels of Vit-D resistance genes such as 25-HydroxyVit-D-24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1), VDR repressor genes (SNAIL and SMRT) and their association between Vit-D concentrations in early pregnancy, and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A prospective observational study was conducted on healthy pregnant women (NGDM; n = 50) and GDM (n = 50) attending routine antenatal care at SRM Medical College Hospital, Chennai, recruited at 12 weeks of gestation. We found that the serum levels of Vit-D were low in GDM subjects and negatively correlated with the fasting glucose levels. Further, increased expressions of Vit-D resistance genes such as CYP24A1, SNAIL, and SMRT were observed in GDM subjects and negatively correlated with the serum levels of Vit-D. Furthermore, we have validated the data using the trophoblast cell line, BeWo, exposed to calcitriol under a hyperglycemic environment. Our finding showed that increased expression of Vit-D resistance genes in pregnancy may be associated with a greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including GDM.

Vitamin D resistant genes - promising therapeutic targets of chronic diseases

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin indispensable for calcium and phosphate metabolism, and its deficiency has been implicated in several extra-skeletal pathologies, including cancer and chronic kidney disease. Synthesized endogenously in the layers of the skin by the action of UV-B radiation, the vitamin maintains the integrity of the bones, teeth, and muscles and is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and immunity. The deficiency of Vit-D is increasing at an alarming rate, with nearly 32% of children and adults being either deficient or having insufficient levels. This has been attributed to Vit-D resistant genes that cause a reduction in circulatory Vit-D levels through a set of signaling pathways. CYP24A1, SMRT, and SNAIL are three genes responsible for Vit-D resistance as their activity either lowers the circulatory levels of Vit-D or reduces its availability in target tissues. The hydroxylase CYP24A1 inactivates analogs and prohormonal and/or hormonal forms of calcitriol. Elevation of the expression of CYP24A1 is the major cause of exacerbation of several diseases. CYP24A1 is rate-limiting, and its induction has been correlated with increased prognosis of diseases, while loss of function mutations cause hypersensitivity to Vit-D. The silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT) and its corepressor are involved in the transcriptional repression of VDR-target genes. SNAIL1 (SNAIL), SNAIL2 (Slug), and SNAIL3 (Smuc) are involved in transcriptional repression and binding to histone deacetylases and methyltransferases in addition to recruiting polycomb repressive complexes to the target gene promoters. An inverse relationship between the levels of calcitriol and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is reported. Studies have demonstrated a strong association between Vit-D deficiency and chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, etc. Vit-D resistant genes associated with the aforementioned chronic diseases could serve as potential therapeutic targets. This review focuses on the basic structures and mechanisms of the repression of Vit-D regulated genes and highlights the role of Vit-D resistant genes in chronic diseases.

An Efficient Coding Network Based Feature Extraction with Support Vector Machine Based Classification Model for CT Lung Images

Lung cancer is a serious illness affects people all over the globe. To increase the survival rate of patients affected by lung cancer, in advance recognition of lung cancer with effective treatments is important. This study introduces a new deep learning (DL) based feature extraction and classification technique for CT lung images. A DL model using Coding Network (CN) is presented for the extraction of high-level features and classical features. Initially, the convolution neural network is trained as a coding network and the actual pixels are coded into feature vectors for representing the high-level concepts for classification. Next, an extraction of chosen classical features takes place depending upon background knowledge of lung CT images. In addition, an automatic feature fusion takes place to avoid annoying parameter choice. Besides, support vector machine (SVM) model is employed for classify CT lung images in an effective way. For experimentation, a benchmark dataset is utilized to appraise the outcome of the presented CN-SVM model and is validated under several dimensions.

Assessment of basal implants in compromised ridges

Aim:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinically, radiographically, and functionally the outcomes of immediately loaded basal implants when placed in patients with compromised bone/alveolar ridges.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 18 systemically healthy (9 male and 9 female) subjects with compromised bone with poor quantity or quality were included in the study. A total number of 57 implants was placed, out of which 26 implants were placed in maxilla and 31 implants in mandible. There were 6 patients in which single implants were placed and in rest of the 12 patients, multiple implants were placed, out of which full mouth rehabilitation was done in one patient. In 10 patients, implants were placed immediately in fresh extraction socket and in 7 patients, implants were placed in healed edentulous site. In all the patients, loading was done immediately within 72 h of implant placement. All patients were evaluated for primary and secondary stability, pain, periimplant bone levels using IOPA with grid and CBCT, bleeding, suppuration, sulcular bleeding index, prosthetic complications, and patient satisfaction at specified time intervals.

Result:

All the values obtained during the study were expressed in the form of mean, standard deviation, and standard error of the mean. The parameters were compared between groups using Paired t-test for intragroup comparison at a similar time, i.e., baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. The data collected was comprehensively analyzed using SPSS software. All implants were successful, with no incidence of infection, nil mobility at the end of the study period of 6 months.

Conclusion:

Thus, it can be concluded from the present study, that Basal implants can play a vital role in the rehabilitation of patients, where compromised quality and/or quantity of bone is present and additional augmentation procedures would be required for the placement of conventional root form implants.

Morphological diversity of sperm: A mini review

Sperms are highly specialized cells for delivering DNA from male to the ovum. Incredibly, wide degree of diversity in sperm morphology in their basic structures i.e. head, middle piece and tail is found across species. Differences in terms of overall size of the sperm, shape and number of sperm produced are also incredible. One of the key for this variations or diversity in sperm may be associated with female reproductive tract, sperm competition, testicular size and sperm size and number. Establishing a correlation between sperm morphology and factors influencing them is a phenomenal task. In this mini-review these associations and the anatomical and functional adaptations among different from of sperm cells that have evolved to optimize fertilization success are discussed. Nevertheless, explaining these morphological diversities in sperm cells is a challenging question and it seems that evolutionary biologists have only recently engaged in exploring its links and patterns. From the literatures it seems that there is no causal relationship between sperm size and testicular size, however, the accumulated knowledge do indicates evolution of sperm morphology across species has some associations with female reproductive tract, sperm competition and sperm size and number, however interpreting these results for phylogentic correlations should be approached with caution.

Juvenile aggressive ossifying fibroma of the maxilla: a case report

Juvenile ossifying fibroma is an uncommon fibro osseous neoplasm at a younger age. It is a well-defined clinical and histological lesion. This lesion is locally invasive and spreads quickly. Early detection and complete surgical excision of this lesion is essential since it has high recurrence rate.

Micropropagation of Pogostemon cablin Benth. through Direct Regeneration for Production of True to Type Plants

Multiple shoots from nodal explants of Pogostemon cablin Benth. MS supple-mented with 0.5 mg/l BAP initiated a mean of 45.66 shoots/nodal explant. Within four weeks of initiation, regenerated multiple shoots attained a height of 3.6 cm. Subsequent transfer of these in vitro derived nodal segments onto MS supplemented with BAP and Kn ( 0.5 mg/l), induced  a mean of 62.45 shoots. Higher concentration of either BAP or Kn more than 0.5 mg/l resulted in callus proliferation and showed hyperhydric shoots with morphological abnormalities. Rooting was readily achieved upon transfer of shoots on half strength MS supplemented with 100 mg/l activated charcoal. Rooted shoots, following acclimatization in greenhouse, were successfully transferred to soil with 91% survival. Also shoots regenerated in vitro were directly transplanted to soil and acclimatized. Tissue cultured plants were analyzed for oil content by employing gas chromatography and found that the patterns were similar to mother plants. This confirms the true to type nature of micropropagated plants. Key words: Micropropagation, Direct regeneration, Pogostemon cablin, organogenesis D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v20i1.5971 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 20(1): 81-89, 2010 (June)

Loratadine versus levocetirizine in chronic idiopathic urticaria: A comparative study of efficacy and safety

BACKGROUND

Treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is challenging because of its unpredictable course and negative influence on the quality of life. New treatments are being developed, but antihistaminics remain the cornerstone of the therapeutic approach. Newer generation antihistaminics such as loratadine and levocetirizine have already proved to be safe and efficacious for CIU.

OBJECTIVE

To choose the better drug between loratadine and levocetirizine for CIU, by comparing their efficacy and safety.

METHODS

A randomized, open, outdoor-based clinical study was conducted on 60 patients of CIU, to compare the two drugs. After initial clinical assessment and baseline investigations, loratadine was prescribed to 30 patients and levocetirizine to another 30 patients for four weeks. At follow-up, the patients were re-evaluated and then compared using different statistical tools.

RESULT

The comparative study showed that the changes in differential eosinophil count (P = 0.006) and absolute eosinophil count (P = 0.003) in the levocetirizine group was statistically significant. The results of the Total Symptom Score showed better symptomatic improvement of CIU with levocetirizine as compared to loratadine. The overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was also found to be less in the levocetirizine group.

CONCLUSION

An analysis of the results of all the parameters of safety and efficacy proves the superiority of levocetirizine over loratadine for CIU.