Comparative Efficacy of Selected Phytobiotics with Halquinol and Tetracycline on Gut Morphology, Ileal Digestibility, Cecal Microbiota Composition and Growth Performance in Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

Antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) are banned in Europe but still used in many countries including Asia. However, their indiscriminate use resulted in antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains that possibly transfer the resistant genes to the microorganisms pertinent to human health. Hence, it is essential to find alternatives that can improve the production performance in broiler chickens. In this scenario, phytobiotics or phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) are widely investigated to evaluate their influence on improving gut health, increasing digestibility, and thereby the growth performance. The present study is a continuity of our experiments on dietary inclusion of Piper betle and Persicaria odorata leaf meal and the first of its kind to evaluate the comparative efficacy of phytobiotics (Piper betle and Persicaria odorata leaf meal), with halquinol and tetracycline in broiler chickens. The current experiment findings indicated that, in comparison with the control group, either of the dietary treatments positively modulated the gut morphology, improved ileal digestibility, maintained the intestinal population of Lactobacillus and reduced the pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium spp., thus improved the growth performance in broiler chickens.

Abstract

The current experiment was designed to estimate the comparative efficacy of selected phytobiotics Persicaria odorata leaf meal (POLM) and Piper betle leaf meal (PBLM) with halquinol, and tetracycline in broiler chickens. The 150-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to five dietary groups. The dietary supplementation groups were the basal diet (BD), which served as the negative control (NC), and BD + 0.2 g/kg tetracycline, which served as the positive control (PC); BD + 0.03 g/kg halquinol (HAL), BD + 8 g/kg POLM (Po8), and BD + 4 g/kg PBLM (Pb4) were the treatment groups. Growth performance, gut morphology, ileal digestibility, and cecal microbiota composition were measured. On day 21, the body weight gain (BWG) was enhanced (p < 0.05) in the broiler chickens fed on phytobiotics (Po8 and Pb4) relative to the NC group, however, on day 42 and in terms of overall growth performance, BWG was enhanced (p < 0.05 in diets (Po8, Pb4, HAL and PC) in comparison with the NC group. Conversely, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded reduced (p < 0.05) in Pb4, Po8, HAL, and PC group in comparison with the NC group. Supplementation of phytobiotics (Po8 and Pb4), HAL and PC, positively improved the gut morphology compared to the NC group. Furthermore, the maximum (p < 0.05) villus height (VH) in duodenum and jejunum was observed in broilers fed on diet Pb4. Supplementation of phytobiotics, HAL and PC, improved (p < 0.05) the digestibility of dry matter (DM) (except for HAL), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and ash compared to the NC group. Dietary supplementation of phytobiotics (Po8 and Pb4), HAL and PC, significantly reduced the E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus (except for HAL) counts compared to the NC group. However, supplementation of Pb4 resulted in significantly decreased total anaerobic bacteria and Clostridium spp. counts compared to the NC group. In addition, supplementation of phytobiotics significantly increased the Lactobacillus count compared to HAL, PC, and NC groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of phytobiotics improved the gut morphology, positively modulated and maintained the dynamics of cecal microbiota with enhanced nutrient digestibility, thus, increased the growth performance. Based on current results, phytobiotics could be used as an alternative to AGPs for sustainable broiler chicken production.

The effects of dietary edible bird nest supplementation on learning and memory functions of multigenerational mice

INTRODUCTION

Edible bird nest (EBN) is a natural food product produced from edible nest swiftlet's saliva which consists of glycoproteins as one of its main components; these glycoproteins contain an abundant of sialic acid. The dietary EBN supplementation has been reported to enhance brain functions in mammals and that the bioactivities and nutritional value of EBN are important during periods of rapid brain growth particularly for preterm infant. However, the effects of EBN in maternal on multigeneration learning and memory function still remain unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the effects of maternal EBN supplementation on learning and memory function of their first (F1)- and second (F2)-generation mice.

METHODS

CJ57BL/6 breeder F0 mice were fed with EBN (10 mg/kg) from different sources. After 6 weeks of diet supplementations, the F0 animals were bred to produce F1 and F2 animals. At 6 weeks of age, the F1 and F2 animals were tested for spatial recognition memory using a Y-maze test. The sialic acid content from EBN and brain gene expression were analyzed using HPLC and PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

All EBN samples contained glycoprotein with high level of sialic acid. Dietary EBN supplementation also showed an upregulation of GNE, ST8SiaIV, SLC17A5, and BDNF mRNA associated with an improvement in Y-maze cognitive performance in both generations of animal. Qualitatively, the densities of synaptic vesicles in the presynaptic terminal were higher in the F1 and F2 animals which might derive from maternal EBN supplementation.

CONCLUSION

This study provided a solid foundation toward the growing research on nutritional intervention from dietary EBN supplementation on cognitive and neurological development in the generation of mammals.

Antibiogram Profiles and Risk Factors for Multidrug Resistance of Salmonella enterica Recovered from Village Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus Linnaeus) and Other Environmental Sources in the Central and Southern Peninsular Malaysia

The emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR), including colistin resistance, among Enterobacteriaceae recovered from food animals poses a serious public health threat because of the potential transmission of these resistant variants to humans along the food chain. Village chickens or Ayam Kampung are free-range birds and are preferred by a growing number of consumers who consider these chickens to be organic and more wholesome. The current study investigates the antibiogram profiles of Salmonella isolates recovered from village chicken flocks in South-central Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 34 isolates belonging to eight serotypes isolated from village chickens were screened for resistance towards antimicrobials including colistin according to the WHO and OIE recommendations of critical antibiotics. S. Weltevreden accounted for 20.6% of total isolates, followed by serovars Typhimurium and Agona (17.6%). The majority of isolates (73.5%) demonstrated resistance to one or more antimicrobials. Eight isolates (23.5%) were resistant to ≥3 antimicrobial classes. Colistin resistance (minimum inhibitory concentrations: 4-16 mg/L) was detected among five isolates (14.7%), including S. Weltevreden, S. Albany, S. Typhimurium, and Salmonella spp. Univariable analysis of risk factors likely to influence the occurrence of MDR Salmonella revealed that the flock size, poultry production system, and use of antibiotics in the farm were not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with MDR Salmonella. The current study highlights that MDR Salmonella occur at a lower level in village chickens compared to that found in live commercial chickens. However, MDR remains a problem even among free-range chickens with minimal exposure to antibiotics.

Salmonella in native "village" chickens (Gallus domesticus): prevalence and risk factors from farms in South-Central Peninsular Malaysia

Village chicken or Ayam Kampung, common to Southeast Asian countries, has always been regarded as superior in comparison to commercial broiler chicken in terms of wholesomeness and health benefits. The current study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of Salmonella among village chicken flocks from the central and southern states of Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 35 village flocks were sampled from Selangor (n = 19), Melaka (n = 10), Johor (n = 4), and Negeri Sembilan (n = 2). In total, 1,042 samples were collected; these included cloacal swabs (n = 675), eggs (n = 62), pooled drinking water (n = 175), pooled feeds (n = 70), and pooled flies (n = 60). Isolation of Salmonella from cloacal swabs, poultry drinking water, and feeds was carried out according to the protocols and recommendations of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) terrestrial manual. The prevalence of Salmonella at an individual bird-level was 2.5% (17/675, 95% CI: 1.6 to 4.0). All eggs screened were negative; in the case of environmental samples, however, Salmonella was detected in 5.14% (9/175), 7.14% (5/70), and 5.0% (3/60) for water, feed, and flies, respectively. A total of 34 isolates and 8 Salmonella serotypes were identified. Weltevreden (20.6%) was the most common, followed by Typhimurium and Agona (17.6%), Albany and Enteritidis (8.8%), Molade (5.9%), Corvallis and Schleissheim (2.9%), and others grouped as Salmonella spp. (11.8%). Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that Salmonella positivity among flocks could be strongly predicted by storage of feeds (uncovered feeds; OR = 10.38; 95% CI: 1.25 to 86.39; p = 0.030) and uncovered water tanks (uncovered tank; OR = 6.43; 95% CI: 1.02 to 40.60; p = 0.048). The presence of Salmonella in village chickens in the study area was lower than that of commercial chickens in Malaysia.

The relationship between bacterial sources and genotype to the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Burkholderia pseudomallei

Background:

Melioidosis is a fatal emerging infectious disease of both man and animal caused by bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. Variations were suggested to have existed among the different B. pseudomallei clinical strains/genotypes which may implicate bacterial susceptibility and resistance toward antibiotics.

Aim:

This study was designed to determine whether the phenotypic antibiotic resistance pattern of B. pseudomallei is associated with the source of isolates and the genotype.

Materials and Methods:

A collection of 111 B. pseudomallei isolates from veterinary cases of melioidosis and the environments (soil and water) were obtained from stock cultures of previous studies and were phylogenetically characterized by multilocus sequence typing (ST). The susceptibility to five antibiotics, namely meropenem (MEM), imipenem, ceftazidime (CAZ), cotrimoxazole (SXT), and co-amoxiclav (AMC), recommended in both acute and eradication phases of melioidosis treatment were tested using minimum inhibitory concentration antibiotics susceptibility test.

Results:

Majority of isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics tested while few resistant strains to MEM, SXT, CAZ, and AMC were observed. Statistically significant association was found between resistance to MEM and the veterinary clinical isolates (p<0.05). The likelihood of resistance to MEM was significantly higher among the novel ST 1130 isolates found in veterinary cases as compared to others.

Conclusion:

The resistance to MEM and SXT appeared to be higher among veterinary isolates, and the novel ST 1130 was more likely to be resistant to MEM as compared to others.

Phylogenetic Diversity of Burkholderia pseudomallei isolated from veterinary cases and the environments in Peninsular Malaysia

This study was designed to determine the genotype and the phylogeny of Burkholderia pseudomallei isolated from veterinary cases and from the animal environments in Peninsular Malaysia. The Malaysian B. pseudomallei population were then compared to those found elsewhere. A total of 113 isolates from veterinary cases (35) and the environment (56 from soil and 22 from water) were characterized using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Two novel alleles, allele 97 and 69 of the gene locus ace and lepA respectively were recovered. Isolates were resolved into 12 distinct sequence types (STs) out of which five were novel, namely ST1130, ST1131, ST1338, ST1339 and ST1367. The isolates from veterinary cases co-clustered with those from the environment. B. pseudomallei isolates in this study were highly clonal and have descended from a common ancestor clonal complex (CC) 48 found in Southeast Asia. This study shows that veterinary case isolates are often caused by similar STs, with similar populations found in the direct animal environment and those previously reported to cause human infections in Malaysia and elsewhere. Isolates of B. pseudomallei from human infections have been given more attention, with a comparatively lower focus on isolates from animals and the farm environment. This study highlighted the genotype and phylogeny of B. pseudomallei isolated from animals and the environment and their relations to the isolates from human cases reported in Malaysia and elsewhere. Most STs reported in this study, from veterinary cases and animal environment are similar to those previously reported as causing human infections in Malaysia and elsewhere. Therefore, even though direct zoonosis is uncommon, monitoring melioidosis occurrences in animals can provide insights on the bacterial strains infecting humans.

Physicochemical properties associated with the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei in small ruminant farm water supplies in Peninsular Malaysia

Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis, a life-threatening infection in both humans and animals. Water is an important reservoir of the bacteria and may serve as a source of environmental contamination leading to infection. B. pseudomallei has an unusual ability to survive in water for a long period. This paper investigates physicochemical properties of water associated with the presence of B. pseudomallei in water supply in small ruminant farms in Peninsular Malaysia. Physicochemical properties of water samples taken from small ruminant farms that included temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO₂), optical density (OD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were measured after which the samples were cultured for B. pseudomallei. Multivariable logistic regression model revealed that slightly acidic water pH and higher COD level were significantly associated with the likelihood of the B. pseudomallei presence in the water.

Physicochemical Properties Influencing Presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Soil from Small Ruminant Farms in Peninsular Malaysia

Soil is considered to be a major reservoir of Burkholderia pseudomallei in the environment. This paper investigates soil physicochemical properties that may influence presence of B. pseudomallei in soil samples from small ruminant farms in Peninsular Malaysia. Soil samples were collected from the farms and cultured for B. pseudomallei. The texture, organic matter and water contents, pH, elemental contents, cation exchange capacities, carbon, sulfur and nitrogen contents were determined. Analysis of soil samples that were positive and negative for B. pseudomallei using multivariable logistic regression found that the odds of bacterial isolation from soil was significantly higher for samples with higher contents of iron (OR = 1.01, 95%CI = 1.00-1.02, p = 0.03), water (OR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.05-1.55, p = 0.01) and clay (OR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.15-2.06, p = 0.004) compared to the odds of isolation in samples with lower contents of the above variables. These three factors may have favored the survival of B. pseudomallei because iron regulates expression of respiratory enzymes, while water is essential for soil ecology and agent's biological processes and clay retains water and nutrients.

Significant impact of IL-6 -174G/C but inverse relation with -634 C/G polymorphism in patients with non-small cell lung cancer in Kashmiri population

To study the possible role of proinflammatory interleukin 6 -174 G>C (rs 1800795) and -634 C>G (rs 1800796) polymorphism in the pathogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A total of 190 NSCLC patients and 200 healthy controls were evaluated for polymorphic analysis of -174 G/C and -634 C/G by PCR-RFLP followed by DNA sequencing. A significant association was observed in the genotypic and allelic distribution of IL-6 -174 G/C in the NSCLC group as compared to control group [OR = 2.7 (1.77-4.11), p < 0.0001]. Smokers with the -174C allele were found to be significantly associated with NSCLC (p = 0.01), while 634C/G SNP showed an inverse relation [OR-0.4, p < 0.0001]. The present investigation revealed a significant association of the IL6 -174 G/C gene promoter polymorphism with NSCLC, and thus, the IL-6 -174G/C genotype can be considered as one of the biological markers in the etiology of NSCLC.

Association of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) polymorphism with mRNA expression and risk of non small cell lung cancer

Introduction

Interleukin 1 beta (IL- 1β), a key proinflammatory cytokine encoded by the interleukin 1 beta gene, has been associated with chronic inflammation and plays an important role in lung inflammatory diseases including lung cancer. Elevated levels of Interleukin 1proteins, in particular interleukin 1 beta greatly enhance the intensity of the inflammatory response.

Aim

To study the role of interleukin 1 beta-31C > T and -511 T > C polymorphism in the pathogenesis of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials and methods

One hundred and ninety non small cell lung cancer patients and 200 healthy age, sex, smoking and dwelling matched controls were used for polymorphic analysis by polymerase chain reaction—restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) followed by sequencing. Normal tissues of 48 histopathologically confirmed non small cell lung cancer patients were taken for mRNA expression analysis. Quantitation of interleukin 1 beta was carried out by quantitative real time PCR.

Result

The T/T genotype of interleukin 1 beta-31 gene was significantly associated with increased risk of NSCLC [(P = 0.001, OR – 2.8 (95%CI 1.52–5.26)]. The interleukin 1 beta − 511 T > C does not show any difference between the NSCLC and control group (P = 0.3, OR – 0.72 (95%CI 0.41–1.28). Quantitative analysis of mRNA showed significant association with interleukin 1 beta T allele as compared to the interleukin 1 beta-31C allele (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

We conclude that lung cancer risk genotype interleukin 1 beta-31TT results in increased expression of interleukin 1 beta mRNA in lung cancer patients. Our data suggest that this genotype (IL1β -31TT) in the interleukin 1 beta regulatory region provide a microenvironment with elevated inflammatory stimuli and thus increasing the risk for lung cancer.

c-Met is a prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Activation of the c-Met pathway occurs in a range of malignancies, including papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Its activity in clear cell RCC is less clear. We investigated c-Met expression and inhibition in a large cohort of RCC tumors and cell lines.

METHODS

c-Met protein expression was determined by automated quantitative analysis (AQUA) on a tissue microarray (TMA) constructed from 330 RCC tumors paired with adjacent normal renal tissue. c-Met expression and selective inhibition with SU11274 and ARQ 197 were studied in clear cell RCC cell lines.

RESULTS

Higher c-Met expression was detected in all RCC subtypes than in the adjacent normal renal tissue (P < 0.0001). Expression was highest in papillary and sarcomatoid subtypes, and high-grade and stage tumors. Higher c-Met expression correlated with worse disease-specific survival [risk ratio = 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.74; P = 0.0091] and was an independent predictor of survival, maintained in clear cell subset analyses. c-Met protein was activated in all cell lines, and proliferation (and colony formation) was blocked by SU11274 and ARQ 197.

CONCLUSIONS

c-Met is associated with poor pathologic features and prognosis in RCC. c-Met inhibition demonstrates in vitro activity against clear cell RCC. Further study of ARQ 197 with appropriate biomarker studies in RCC is warranted.

Characterization and risk factors of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) among animal-affiliated workers in Malaysia

AIMS

This study determined the risk factors and characteristics of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) among individuals working with animals in Malaysia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Targeted cross-sectional studies accompanied with laboratory analysis for the identification and characterization of resistance and virulence genes and with genotype of VRE were performed. VRE were detected in 9·4% (95% CI: 6·46-13·12) of the sampled populations. Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus gallinarum were isolated, and vanA was detected in 70% of the isolates. Enterococcus faecalis with vanB was obtained from one foreign poultry worker. At least one virulence gene was detected in >50% of Ent. faecium and Ent. faecalis isolates. The esp and gelE genes were common among Ent. faecium (58·3%) and Ent. faecalis (78%), respectively. The VRE species showed diverse RAPD profiles with some clustering of strains based on the individual's background. However, the risk factors found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of VRE were age (OR: 5·39, 95% CI: 1·98-14·61) and previous hospitalization (OR: 4·06, 95% CI: 1·33-12·35).

CONCLUSION

VRE species isolated from individuals in this study have high level of vancomycin resistance, were genetically diverse and possessed the virulence traits. Age of individuals and history of hospitalization rather than occupational background determined VRE colonization.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provides comprehensive findings on the epidemiological and molecular features of VRE among healthy individuals working with animals.

Cutaneous vasculitis: a review of aetiology and clinical manifestations in 85 patients in Malaysia

Cutaneous vasculitis presents with a variety of clinical morphologies and causes significant morbidity. A total of 85 patients with cutaneous vasculitis at Hospital Kuala Lumpur were retrospectively reviewed. Palpable purpura was seen in 49.4% and frequently involved the lower limbs (50.6%). Identifiable causes include drugs (28.2%), infections (20.0%) and connective tissue disorders (16.5%). Non steroidal antiinflammatory were the commonest group of drugs responsible for 25% of cases while B-haemolytic streptococci was the leading infectious cause (64.7%).

Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus carriage by young Malaysian footballers during indoor training

BACKGROUND

Research has shown that athletes are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus during physical activity.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the mean total plate count of S aureus carried by footballers before and after training at an indoor venue.

METHODS

Forty Malay and 20 Indian students volunteered to participate. There was also a control group consisting of 40 Malay and 20 Indian students who were not active. The experimental group were active footballers who had played at school or club level. The subjects were healthy and free of skin infection. The experiment was divided into three sessions, with 20 subjects present at each. At each session, the subjects trained for one hour. Swabs were taken from the skin, nose, and ear before and after training. For the control group, swabs were taken only once from the skin, nose, and ear. The swabs were subjected to biochemical tests and then streaked and cultured aerobically in Baird Parker agar plates for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. Black colonies with a clear zone were presumed to be S aureus, and the mean total plate count of the colonies was estimated. Gram staining, catalase, coagulase slide, coagulase tube, acetoin production, o-nitrophenyl beta-D-galactopyranoside (ONPG), and mannitol fermentation tests were used to confirm the colonies as S aureus. A haemolysin test was conducted with human blood to confirm haemolytic activity.

RESULTS

All subjects in the experimental group were carrying S aureus both before and after training. The estimated mean total counts of colonies from the skin, ear, and nose for the Malays before training were 33, 71, and 312 respectively. Counts after training were 21, 44, and 452 respectively. The results for the Indians were 72, 80, and 309 respectively before training and 55, 200, and 466 respectively after training. The positive results for Gram staining, catalase, coagulase slide, coagulase tube, acetoin production, ONPG, and mannitol fermentation tests were 100%, 96%, 95%, 95%, 93%, 93%, and 90% respectively. All subjects in the control group were also carrying S aureus.

CONCLUSIONS

All of the players were carriers of S aureus during training. The decrease in total count from the skin for both races may be due to lysozyme activity lysing the bacterial cells. Contamination of the environment with these bacteria may have increased the estimated total plate count in the nose. The experimental group face a higher risk of infection because of lower immunity during training and higher rate of injuries compared with the control group.

Breast diseases: a histopathological analysis of 3279 cases at a tertiary care center in Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

To know the frequency of breast diseases in Pakistani females.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 3279 breast specimens received over a period of 4 years (1993-1996) at the department of pathology, the Aga Khan University Hospital.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 3279 breast specimens, common breast lesions included infiltrating duct carcinoma 37%, followed by fibro adenoma 16.95%, fibrocystic change 13.96%, mastitis 6.83% and duct ectasia 5.33%. Majority of the cases of infiltrating duct carcinoma were encountered in the 5th and 6th decades of life. Tumour size was 2 or >2 cms. in 93% of cases and 40% of them showed 3 or >3 positive lymph nodes. Grade I tumours were 11.38%, grade II 59.17% and grade III tumours 29.47%. Correlation of grade with lymph node metastases (3 or >3+ve nodes) showed 15 cases (1.53%) of grade I, 178 cases (18.25%) of grade II and 68 (6.97%) cases of grade III tumours.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that in Pakistani females, the most commonly encountered lesion in carcinoma of the breast followed by the benign lesions such as fibro adenoma, fibrocystic disease & others. Breast carcinoma occurs at a younger age group with predominance of high-grade lesions and with frequent lymph node metastasis.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a prognostic marker: an immunohistochemical study on 315 consecutive breast carcinoma patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the independent and interdependent prognostic value of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in carcinoma of breast in female population. The Type 1 family of growth factor receptors includes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR also known as EGFR1).

METHODS

The expression of EGFR protein was analysed immunohistochemically on 315 tumour specimens of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast. These patients also had axillary lymph nodes sampling.

RESULTS

Overexpression and/or amplification of EGFR was observed in 70 (22.00%) tumours. Eleven (16%) were grade I, 43 (61%) grade II and 16 (23%) grade III tumours. Axillary lymph node metastasis had significant correlation with intensified positivity of EGFR (p < 0.05). Significant number of EGFR positive patients developed local recurrence and distant metastases to brain, liver and bone (p < 0.05). EGFR positivity showed significant correlation with the disease free and overall survival (p < 0.05). At a median follow-up of 48 (4 years) months in EGFR positive patients, the overall survival was 3.39 years and disease free survival was 2.86 years. EGFR negative tumour patients showed a better survival. In this group the overall survival was 4.62 years and the disease free survival was 4 years.

CONCLUSION

EGFR analysis can be a useful indicator for the selection of patients who are at the high risk, for hormonal therapy decisions and can be useful as a target for new treatment modalities.

Evaluation and reinforcement of the correlation of S-phase fraction with nodal metastases, tumor grade and tumor size in breast carcinoma patients in Pakistan

The aim of this study was to evaluate the S-phase fraction (SPF) of tumors in breast cancer patients in Pakistan. Its association with the traditional morphological prognostic markers, i.e., axillary lymph node metastasis, tumor size and grade, was also studied. Flow cytometry was used to estimate SPF on breast cancer tissues from 166 patients reported at the Aga Khan University Hospital between the years 1997 and 2000. Univariate analysis was done to find any association between SPF and the aforesaid variables. For the ease of analysis, the cases were subdivided into two categories depending on the SPF value, i.e., <10% (low-risk group) and > or = 10% (high-risk group). The mean and median SPF values were 21.45% and 20.035%, respectively, with a range of 3.26% to 54.30%. Twenty-six (15.66%) of the cases had SPF <10%, 57 (34.34%) had SPF from 10%-20%, and 83 (50%) had SPF >20%. A significant correlation between SPF and nodal metastasis was observed (p = 0.0111), but not between SPF and the number of lymph nodes involved when metastatic cases were subdivided into <4 lymph node-positive cases and > or =4 lymph node-positive cases. Significant correlations were also found between SPF and tumor grade (p = 0.0244), as well as between SPF and tumor size (p = 0.048). In conclusion, DNA flow cytometric analysis of SPF carried out in our laboratory could reasonably predict the chances of lymph node metastasis, tumor grade and size in breast cancer patients, thus proving to be an important prognostic marker in the Pakistani setting. This requires further investigations regarding the survival of patients so as to evaluate its capacity of predicting the outcome of Pakistani patients.

Relationship of p53 expression with clinicopathological variables and disease outcome: a prospective study on 315 consecutive breast carcinoma patients

Breast cancer is an increasingly important cause of illness and death among women. In recent years several novel prognostic determinants of breast cancer have been identified which includes p53. Alterations of p53 are one of the most common abnormalities detected in primary breast cancer. In this study alteration of p53 in primary carcinoma breast was correlated with other pathological variables and disease outcome. In this prospective study the expression of p53 oncoprotein was analyzed immunohistochemically on 315 patient's tumour specimens of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast from 1992 to 1997. These patients also had axillary lymph nodes sampling. Both univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was performed to analyze results including disease outcome. Overexpression of p53 was observed in 55.23% tumours. Axillary lymph node metastasis had significant correlation with positivity of p53 (p<0.05). A significant number of p53 patients developed local recurrence and distant metastases to brain, liver, lung and bone (p< 0.05). At a median follow-up of 48 months (4 years) in p53 positive patients, the median overall survival (OS) was 3.0 years and disease free survival (DFS) was 2.5 years. p53 negative tumour patients showed a better survival. In this group the median OS was 3.8 years and the DFS was 3.3 years. The above findings have reinforced the view that p53 immunohistochemical detection is of help in detecting a subgroup of breast carcinoma patients who are at high risk. This may also be of particular relevance in decisions regarding adjuvant chemotherapy to these patients.

Case control study of prognostic markers and disease outcome in inflammatory carcinoma breast: a unique clinical experience

Inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC) is a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer. In this first-ever study, we investigated the role of nine prognostic markers' expression (estrogen receptor [ER], progesterone receptor [PR], p53, C-erbB-2, epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR], cathepsin D [CD], proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], DNA ploidy, and S-phase fraction [SPF]) and disease outcome in IBC cases compared with the control group. A case control study of IBC was conducted on 40 test cases with two controls per case matching age, grade, and number of axillary lymph nodes sampled. During 7 years of this study, 10% of all patients with breast cancer had IBC. In this study, 84% of IBC cases showed positive axillary lymph nodes compared with 63% in control group. The expression of nine prognostic markers, that is, ER, PR, p53, C-erbB-2, EGFR, CD, PCNA, SPF, and DNA ploidy, was studied by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Hormone receptor status showed an inverse correlation (p < 0.05). Among p53, C-erbB-2, EGFR, and CD in the IBC group, only p53 showed a significant correlation, with 70% positivity in IBC versus 48% positivity in the control group (p < 0.05). Much higher SPF and PCNA positivity was seen in the IBC group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). DNA ploidy also showed a significant correlation compared with the control group (p < 0.05). After a median follow up of 18 months, median overall survival in the IBC group was 1.8 years (range 0.6-5.8 years) compared with 3.0 years (range 2.5-7.0 years), with a p value of 0.0001.

Flow cytometric analysis of childhood leukemias

OBJECTIVE

To collect demographic data for childhood (less than 15 years) leukemias in Karachi, describe the accuracy of the cell surface markers routinely used in the flow cytometric analysis of leukemic cells and arrive at an ideal panel of antibodies for analyzing leukemic samples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 62 consecutive cases of childhood leukemias referred to the Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University Hospital, (AKUH) between January 1995 and December 1998 was analyzed using Epi Info Version 6. Flow cytometry on all samples was performed using standard protocols.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 8.2 years and 49 (79%) were males. Fifty (81%) had acute lymphoblastic leukemias of which 50% were CD10 positive and 24% CD10 negative Pre-B cell leukemias. Among all Pre B cell All 98% were positive for CD19, 96% for CD22, 89% for HLA-DR and 67% for CD10. Of the 10 AML cases, 100% were positive for CD33, 90% for CD13, 80% for CD19 and 70% for HLA-DR.

CONCLUSION

The mean age in this study population was significantly higher and percentage of CD10 positive Pre-B All is lower than that in the West. Both these factors might be responsible for the poorer prognosis of these patients. It is not possible to specify a minimum or maximum panel of antibodies that should be used for phenotyping all cases of childhood leukemias. A certain degree or redundancy is essential in any panel of antibodies used for flow cytometry of leukemias.

Significance of immunohistochemical c-ErbB-2 product localisation pattern for prognosis in human breast cancer

Breast cancer is an increasingly important cause of illness and death among women. In recent years several novel prognostic determinants of breast cancer have been identified, including c-ErbB-2. In this study, expression of c-ErbB-2 in breast carcinoma was correlated with axillary lymph node metastases and disease outcome. The expression of c-ErbB-2 oncoprotein was analysed in 315 tumor specimens of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast. They were categorized according to the modified Bloom and Richardson criteria into three histological grades. These patients also had axillary lymph nodes sampling. The expression of c-ErbB-2 oncoprotein was analysed immunohistochemically. Over expression of c-ErbB-2 were observed in 39.36% tumors. Axillary lymph node metastasis had significant correlation with intensified positivity of c-ErbB-2. C-ErbB-2 positive patients did show resistance to chemotherapy when compared for recurrence and distant metastases following surgery (p< 0.05). At a median follow-up of 48 months in c-ErbB-2 positive patients, the overall survival was 3.0 years and disease free survival was 2.5 years. c-ErbB-2 negative tumor patients showed a far better survival. In this group the overall survival was 4.44 years and the disease free survival was 3.78 years. These findings reinforce the view that c-ErbB-2 immunohistochemical detection is of help in detecting a subgroup of breast carcinoma patients who are at high risk. This may also be of particular relevance in decisions regarding adjuvant chemotherapy to these patients.

p53 and PCNA expression in benign, atypical and malignant meningiomas

OBJECTIVE

Alterations: p53 genes are turning out to be the most common genetic alterations in human cancers. Due to long half-life of mutated p53, its detection is possible by immunohistochemistry. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is expressed by dividing cells, hence has been shown to correlate with prognosis. We have used monoclonal antibodies protein DO-7 (p53) and PC10 (PCNA) to see whether their expression correlates with histological grading in meningethelial tumour.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty nine meningiomas (20 benign, 7 atypical and 2 malignant) were selected from the records of our laboratory. p53 and PCNA expression was sought by immunohistochemistry using Peroxidase Anti Peroxidase (PAP) technique.

RESULTS

Four benign and 2 atypical meningiomas showed weak staining for p53. Both malignant meningiomas showed strong positivity for p53. Six benign meningiomas had less than 5% PCNA positivity, one 10% positivity and three showed 20% positivity. PCNA positivity ranged for 10-80% in atypical meningiomas. In two malignant meningiomas PCNA positivity was 70% and 90%.

CONCLUSION

It is worthwhile to include p53 and PCNA expression along with histologic assessment in predicting outcome of meningiomas. A larger series with complete follow-up is essential in assessing value of these markers which unfortunately remains a dream in our country.

Synthesis of cholesterol modified cationic lipids for liposomal drug delivery of antisense oligonucleotides

The paper describes a novel synthesis of cholest-5-en-3 beta-yl-6-aminohexyl ether (AH-Chol). AH-Chol was used to prepare positively charged liposomes. The liposomes consisted of phospholipon 90H and the cationic cholesterol derivative in an equimolar ratio. Liposome preparation was achieved by membrane homogenization after rehydration of a dry lipid film. Oligonucleotides (ODN) were adsorbed to the cationic liposomes very efficiently. At an ODN/liposome ratio of 1:5 (10:50 micrograms/ml) 84.2 +/- 5.4% of the ODNs were bound to the liposomal membrane. Within the range of 1:40 and 1:100 charge neutralization occurred and the liposome dispersion showed an increase in particle size due to aggregation. Below or above this range of charge neutralization the ODN loaded liposome preparation was physically stable, no sedimentation, increase of vesicle size or vesicle aggregation occurred.

Supraventricular arrhythmia: a complication of 5-fluorouracil therapy

5-Fluorouracil is an S-phase-specific, synthetic pyrimidine antimetabolite, which is used as a cytostatic agent for a variety of malignant lesions, either singly or in multidrug regimens. Gastrointestinal toxicity and myelosuppression are the most common adverse reactions, but, of late, clinical cardiotoxicity has been reported in both prospective and retrospective studies. We present our experience of clinical cardiotoxicity in five patients.

Profile of Kangari cancer: a prospecive study

Kangari, an earthenware brazier containing burning charcoal, is used for personal warming during the winter months by most of the people in Kashmir valley. Kangari is usually held close to the lower abdomen or in between the legs while squatting on the ground. The use of kangari is associated with development of skin cancer at the sites of prolonged exposure. In the present study 43 patients with Kangari cancer were analyzed prospectively with the objective of understanding their clinico-pathological profile and the response to various treatment modalities. Variables such as age, gender, grade, site of lesion etc., were evaluated for their prognostic significance.

Spinal cord compression: histologic spectrum of lesions

Histologic diagnosis ultimately determines the prognosis and treatment of lesions causing spinal cord compression. Modern imaging techniques have revolutionized the procedure of localizing lesions presenting with signs and symptoms of spinal cord compression. As a result, these lesions are more accessible for fine needle aspiration and biopsy. A quick diagnosis is possible if cytologic preparation is made. Similarly, intraoperative frozen section facility not only provides rapid diagnosis, but also offers opportunity of appropriate management decision there and then. Histology in many cases needs help of special stains and immunocytochemistry. This study looks at the histologic spectrum of these lesions, gender distribution and age range in Pakistani population.

Changing patterns and re-distribution of antigen in poorly differentiated carcinomas: its implications in tumour diagnosis

The variability of expression of tumour-associated antigens via either antigenic heterogeneity or antigenic modulation presents a basic problem in immunohistochemical diagnosis of poorly/undifferentiated tumours. This work was designed to study antigenic expression on human resected epithelial tumours by a panel of most widely used antibodies (EMA, CEA, AUAI & Cytokeratin) in relation to tumour differentiation and polarization. It was observed that poorly differentiated carcinoma with loss of polarity show homogeneous membrane staining (with antibodies against EMA, CEA & AUAI) in contrast to either apical (luminal) or basolateral membrane staining in well differentiated counterparts. Biochemical studies have shown that apical and basolateral epithelial cell membrane domains have a characteristic set of glycoproteins. Tight junctions are essential for maintaining this functional polarization. It was concluded that structural and functional abnormalities of tight junctions in poorly differentiated carcinomas results in loss of polarity with progressive invasion of the cell surface by antigenic glycoprotein and resultant homogeneous individual cell antigenic expression in poorly differentiated carcinomas. This study demonstrates that antigenic expression on tumour cells is not static, but dynamic and heterogeneity of antigenic expression may well be due to biological factors such as spatial configuration of the lesion.

Immunophenotypic analysis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

One hundred and three cases of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were evaluated immunohistochemically using a panel of monoclonal antibodies which includes leucocyte common antigen (LCA), CD45R (Pan-B marker), L-26 (CD 20-Pan-B marker) and UCHL-1 (Pan-T marker). Of the total 63 cases (61.17%) showed a B-cell phenotype while 40 (38.83%) were of T-cell origin. Most B-cell neoplasms belonged to intermediate (79.36%) or high grade (15.87%) according to the International Working Formulation (WF). Most T-cell lymphomas were of either intermediate (52.5%) or high grade (32.5%) neoplasms. Some T-cell neoplasms presented as specific clinicopathological entities like lymphomatoid granulomatosis (2 cases), mycosis fungoides (1 case) and AILD type NHL (1 case). In 27 cases the immunostaining pattern of two. Pan-B markers i.e., L26 and CD45R was compared. L26 staining was expressed in all 27 cases (100% sensitivity) while CD45R showed positive reaction in 22 cases (82% sensitivity). UCHL-1 is proved to be a sensitive and lineage specific T-cell marker and in 67% cases the staining pattern was moderate (+2) to intense (+3). The mean age for the B-cell lymphomas was 49 years and 36 years in T-cell neoplasm. Male to female ratio in both types of lymphomas was 2:1. The study indicates a high prevalence of T-cell when comparing the data from western countries and lower to those from Japan and Caribbean countries.

Childhood neuromuscular disorders: a decade's experience in Saudi Arabia

The study describes the pattern of childhood neuromuscular disorders seen in a decade (1982-1992) at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Similar data are scanty outside Europe and North America, and lacking in Saudi Arabia. Eighty-four children (< or = 16 years) were assigned to an entity of neuromuscular disease following review of the clinical, biochemical and neurophysiological data, and after re-examination of the histological and histochemical features of the muscle biopsies. Of the 84 ascertained cases, 40 (48%) had different forms of muscular dystrophy (MD), 26 (31%) had one of the various types of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and two (2.4%) hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type I. The rest were miscellaneous cases including one (1.2%) with dermatomyositis. Of the dystrophies, severe childhood autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy (SCARMD) was more prevalent (30%) than Duchenne type (25%), conforming with observations from North African countries known to have a high incidence of consanguineous marriages. Family history of other cases of SCARMD included three males and three females, one of whom died at 15 years, and consanguinity was evident in 63%. Congenital MD, inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, was also common (30%). A history of consanguinity was present in 55%. Of the 26 cases of SMA, type I (Werdnig-Hoffman disease) was the most prevalent (69%). Consanguinity was ascertained in 65% of SMA families and histories revealed another 14 affected siblings. Autosomal recessive forms seem to constitute the bulk of neuromuscular disorders in Saudi Arabia.

Desbuquois syndrome in an Arab Bedouin family

We report a consanguineous Arab Bedouin family with Desbuquois syndrome, an AR syndrome of a midface hypoplasia and joint laxity. We believe this is the first report of this syndrome in Arab Bedouins.

A syndrome of short stature, mental retardation, facial dysmorphism, short webbed neck, skin changes and congenital heart disease

We report four sibs from a consanguineous Arab Bedouin family with short stature, mental retardation, a peculiar face, a short webbed neck, skin changes and congenital heart defects. We suggest that the constellation of abnormalities in these children could represent a newly recognized syndrome.

Cranial and intracranial aspergillosis of sino-nasal origin. Report of nine cases

This paper is an attempt at defining the most efficacious surgical and antifungal therapy for invasive cranial and intracranial aspergillosis, and is based on experience with nine non-immunocompromised patients treated and followed-up by the authors between 1983 and 1994; as well as on the summary of previously reported cases and advances in therapy of this condition. Depending on the degree of aspergillar involvement of the cranial base and intracranial structures, a classification, with implications for treatment and prognosis, is also proposed. Two patients had extracranial skull base erosion; whereas relentlessly progressive granulomas, mimicking malignancy, invaded the skull base and intracranial contents in seven cases. Of these seven patients with cranial and intracranial invasion, two died of acute intracranial haemorrhage due to fungal invasion of cerebral blood vessels. In two patients, complete surgical eradication of the disease proved impossible due to cavernous sinus involvement, while residual aspergillomas are still present in orbit and paranasal sinuses (PNS) in a further two patients in spite of multiple surgical procedures and prolonged antifungal chemotherapy (AFC). What appears to be a cure has been effected in one patient only. Multiple therapeutic strategies were used. Biopsy plus systemic AFC was ineffective, surgical drainage and debridement plus systemic AFC resulted in long-term survivals but no cure. Radical surgery in conjunction with systemic and local (intracavitary) AFC should be considered to improve an otherwise poor prognosis.

Giant cell carcinoma of the lung

A 50-year-old non-smoking, hypertensive female, presenting with superior vena caval compression, was found to have giant cell carcinoma of the lung. She received intensive combination chemotherapy. However she died in the following 36 hours, as a consequence of refractory hypotension.

Diltiazem potentiation of doxorubicin cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells

The calcium channel blocker diltiazem, which possesses coronary vasodilator activity, greatly enhanced the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells. 20% of the doxorubicin-treated tumor-bearing animals (2 mg/kg, every other day, three doses) survived, with a mean survival time of 35 days. However, pretreatment with diltiazem increased survival to 70% with a mean survival time of 43 days. Diltiazem treatment increased the intracellular level of doxorubicin, and there was a good correlation between the high cellular level of doxorubicin and its cytotoxic activity. In tumor-bearing animals pretreated with diltiazem, doxorubicin showed a pronounced inhibitory effect on cellular DNA, RNA content and acid phosphatase activity of tumor cells. In addition, there was a marked increase in cellular cholesterol and lipid contents. This study may suggest the benefit of using diltiazem to potentiate the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin, allowing its dose and consequently the serious side effects to be reduced.

Immunohistochemical estrogen receptor determination in human breast carcinoma: correlation with histologic differentiation and age of the patients

An immunohistochemical assay for the measurement of estrogen receptor (ER) has been evaluated on 290 consecutive human breast biopsy and mastectomy specimens in the year 1992 at The Aga Khan University Hospital laboratories. Immunohistochemical localization of estrogen receptor on frozen/paraffin section was scored in a semi-quantitative fashion incorporating both the intensity and the distribution of specific staining. Histologic grading of the tumour was performed according to Bloom's method. In this study, 21% of the tumours were estrogen receptor negative, 15% were weak positive, 25% intermediate positive and 39% strong positive. Fifty percent of the well differentiated tumours showed strong ER positivity against 27% of the poorly differentiated tumours. Seventy eight percent of all negative estrogen receptors were in patients younger than 50 years of age (pre-menopausal group), while 52% of strong estrogen receptor positivity was observed in patients older than 50 years (post- menopausal). This study demonstrates the value of immunohistochemical method to determine the ER status in patients with advanced breast cancer.