Microarray based gene expression profiling of advanced gall bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Gall bladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive cancer with specific predilection like female gender and specific geographical areas, however the molecular mechanisms and factors contributing to the clinical or biological behavior are not understood.

AIM

The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed genes in advanced GBC and chronic cholecystitis (CC) cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Microarray was planned on fresh specimens of advanced GBC and CC cases using single color cRNA based microarray technique (8X60K format; Agilent Technologies, USA). Twelve advanced GBC and four CC patients were included in the study.

RESULTS

Of the total of 1307 differentially expressed genes, 535 genes were significantly upregulated, while 772 genes were significantly downregulated in advanced GBC vs CC samples. Differentially expressed genes were associated with biological processes (55.03%), cellular components (31.48%), and molecular functions (13.49%) respectively. The important pathways or key processes affected were cell cycle, DNA replication, oxidative stress, gastric cancer pathway. Using in silico analysis tools, three differentially expressed genes i.e. TPX2, Cdc45 and MCM4 were selected (for their significant role in DNA replication and microtubule function) and were further validated in 20 advanced GBC cohort by immunohistochemistry. Significant positive association of Cdc45 and MCM4 proteins was found in advanced GBC cases (p = 0.043), suggesting the probable oncogenic role of Cdc45 and MCM4 proteins in advanced GBC.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate the potential regulation of Cdc45-MCM4 axis in advanced GBC tumors. Additionally, our study also revealed a range of differentially expressed genes (e.g. TPX2, AKURA etc.) between GBC and CC, and further validation of these genes might provide a potential diagnostic or therapeutic target in future.

The Comparative Effects of Metals on the Hatching of Earthworm Cocoons

To establish the use of Metaphire posthuma as a sensitive model for ecotoxicological studies, the comparative effects of five metals on the hatching profiles of the cocoons of the earthworms, Metaphire posthuma, Eisenia foetida and Perionyx excavatus, were studied. The cocoons of the three species of earthworms were exposed to copper, chromium (III), chromium (VI), lead and zinc at 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 ppm. Viable cocoons were incubated at 20 +/- degrees C by using the immersion method. The results indicated that the inhibition of cocoon hatching was concentration dependent. The normal hatching, delayed hatching and non-viability of cocoons were recorded. At a concentration of 1.25 ppm, there was almost no effect on the hatching of the cocoons of all three species of earthworms, except when exposed to chromium (VI), but higher concentrations (2.5 and 5.0 ppm) caused severe effects. It was concluded that M. posthuma was more sensitive than the other two species, and that it is a suitable model for use in ecotoxicity testing.

Scaling up a tobacco control intervention in low resource settings: a case example for school teachers in India

Research on processes of bringing effective tobacco control interventions to scale to increase quit rates among tobacco users is uncommon. This study examines processes to bring to scale one such intervention for school teachers, i.e. Tobacco Free Teacher-Tobacco Free Society (TFT-TFS). This intervention provides a foundation for an effective and low cost approach to promote cessation through schools. The present study was conducted in the states of Bihar and Maharashtra in 2014 using quantitative and qualitative methods. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were analysed using immersion crystallization method. The data presented are from a survey of 291 principals and seven FGDs. This study examined characteristics of principals and teachers, organizational environment, external environmental factors and program characteristics to determine facilitators and barriers for successful dissemination and implementation of the TFT-TFS program. Some facilitators were, incorporation of the program in existing channels like staff meetings and trainings, certification and recognition by the department of education; while some barriers were routine time bound duties (mainly teaching) of teachers and prevalence of tobacco use among teachers and administrators. Principals and teachers expressed a need and high level of interest in the adoption and implementation of the TFT-TFS program in their schools.

Role of TNF-α in prenatal alterations in dams of mice under thermal stress

The possible involvement of cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor- α (TNF- α), interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) and interferon- γ (IFN- γ) that are suspected of causing pregnancy loss and miscarriage has been investigated in dams of mice subjected to hyperthermia. Thermal stress was induced by exposing mice dams at 40±2°C for 4 h every day during the different phases of the gestation period whereas the normothermic animals were housed at 22±2°C. The effect of maternal thermal stress was measured in pregnant mice at different phases of the gestation period namely, blastogenesis-implantation phase (days 0–5 postconceptionem [p.c.]), organogenesis or embryogenesis phase (days 6–15 p.c.) and fetogenesis phase (days 16–20 p.c.). Uterine examination of dams subjected to hyperthermia on days 6–15 p.c. showed maximum reduction in live fetus number, gestational index and maximum preand postimplantation loss in comparison with dams housed in normothermic environment and dams exposed to thermal stress between days 0–5 and 16–20 p.c. Maximum resorption rate and number of non-viable fetuses were observed in dams exposed to hyperthermia during days 6–15 p.c. Elevated levels of TNF- α and IL-1 β were observed in the amniotic fluid of dams subjected to hyperthermia during days 6–15 p.c. but IFN- γ levels remained unaltered. Single intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of recombinant mouse TNF- α at a dose of 1 and 0.5 ng/mice in dams on day 6 in normothermic condition resulted in a reduced number of live fetuses. Administration of anti-TNF- α antibody i.p. at a dose of 10 μg/dam on day 6 p.c. and subjected to thermal stress between days 6–15 p.c. increased marginally the number of fetuses but failed to attain statistical significance in comparison with days 6–15 p.c. thermally stressed dams without antibody treatment. It is concluded that the induction of TNF- α, in the amniotic fluid is associated with thermal stress during pregnancy and may be linked to the reproductive performances of dams. This study will help in understanding the mechanism of thermal injury in pregnant subjects.

Adoption and Implementation of Tobacco Control Policies in Schools in India: Results of the Bihar School Teachers Study

Implementation of no tobacco policies in schools is associated with lower tobacco use among teachers and students. In this study we assessed the extent that a school-based intervention for teachers resulted in adoption and implementation of tobacco control policies. From a random sample of government schools (8th-10th), 72 were randomized into intervention and control conditions. Intervention included health education programs for teachers and support for tobacco control policy implementation. Adoption and implementation of policies were assessed at baseline and immediately after intervention. All 36 intervention and one control school adopted a tobacco-control policy. Higher enforcement of tobacco-control policy was at post intervention (OR=3.26; CI: 2.35, 4.54) compared to baseline in intervention schools. Some 64% of intervention and 28% control schools showed "improvement" in policy implementation. Adoption and implementation of no tobacco policies was positively impacted by intervention. This study provides support for scaling up of school-based tobacco control interventions to promote school tobacco control policies.

Monitoring hospital wastewaters for their probable genotoxicity and mutagenicity

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Excluding the genetic factors, environmental factors, mainly the pollutants, have been implicated in the causation of the majority of cancers. Wastewater originated from health-care sectors such as hospitals may carry vast amounts of carcinogenic and genotoxic chemicals to surface waters or any other source of drinking water, if discharged untreated. Humans get exposed to such contaminants through a variety of ways including drinking water. The aim of the present study was, thus, to monitor the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of wastewaters from three big hospitals located in Jaipur (Rajasthan), India. One of them was operating an effluent treatment plant (ETP) for treatment of its wastewater and therefore both the untreated and treated effluents from this hospital were studied for their genotoxicity. Two short-term bacterial bioassays namely the Salmonella fluctuation assay and the SOS chromotest were used for the purpose. Results of fluctuation assay revealed the highly genotoxic nature of all untreated effluent samples with mutagenicity ratios (MR) up to 23.13 ± 0.18 and 42.25 ± 0.35 as measured with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100, respectively. As determined with the chromotest, all untreated effluents produced significant induction factors (IF) ranging from 3.29 ± 1.11 to 13.35 ± 3.58 at higher concentrations. In contrast, treated effluent samples were found to be slightly genotoxic in fluctuation test only with an MR = 3.75 ± 0.35 for TA100 at 10 % concentration. Overall, the results indicated that proper treatment of hospital wastewaters may render the effluents safe for disposal contrary to the untreated ones, possessing high genotoxic potential.

A comparative study of the sensitivities of Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 98, TA 100 and TA 102 to hospital waste waters

Hospitals are a release source of many chemical compounds in their wastewaters. In the present study Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 98, TA 100 and TA 102 were analyzed for their sensitivity to hospital waste waters. The results of the study showed that hospital waste waters consists of mutagens causing frame shift mutations and base pair substitutions and amongst the three strains used in this study, TA 102 was most effective which along with TA 98 can be used for quick assessment of genotoxicity of hospital waste waters prior to its discharge. Genotoxic potential of hospital waste waters from five major hospitals located in Jaipur and Delhi was studied. Such waste waters should be treated prior to their discharge. The results of this study call for further detailed study in this area of research.

Mathematically derived body volume and risk of musculoskeletal pain among housewives in North India

Background

Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 demonstrates the impact of musculoskeletal diseases as the second greatest cause of disability globally in all regions of the world. The study was conducted to determine the role of mathematically derived body volume (BV), body volume index (BVI), body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA) and body fat % (BF %) on musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among housewives in National Capital Region (NCR).

Methods

A cross sectional study was undertaken among 495 housewives from Gurgaon and New Okhla Industrial Development Area (NOIDA) in National Capital Region (NCR), New Delhi, India. The study includes questionnaire survey, clinical examination and body composition monitoring among housewives.

Results

A significantly higher BMI, BVI, BV and BSA were observed in subjects with MSP as compared to those who had no MSP. This was also true for subjects with pain in knee for BMI category for overweight. Subjects with pain in limbs had significantly high BMI and BVI as compared to subjects with no MSP. A significant positive correlation of age with BMI, BVI, BV and BSA was observed among subjects having no MSP denoting a direct relationship of age and these body factors.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MSP among housewives is associated with increasing age, BMI and BVI. This can possibly be used for formulating a strategy for prevention of MSP.

Semen quality of environmentally exposed human population: the toxicological consequence

Human data on the relationship of semen quality with pesticide and metals are mostly inconsistent. The purpose of the study is to confirm the toxicity of organochlorine pesticide β- and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), DDE and DDD, and metals lead or cadmium on sperm motility in epidemiological study among fertile and infertile men and to determine whether in vivo and in vitro results are in the same direction. Semen analysis and estimation of the toxicants were done in 60 fertile and 150 infertile men. In the in vitro studies, sperm were exposed to the highest levels of these toxicants found in vivo, as well as five and ten times higher, and to the mixture of all compounds. The study assesses sperm viability and motility for a period ranging between 30 min and 96 h. Epidemiological data showed an inverse correlation of toxicant with sperm motility. In vitro study showed that γ-HCH and lead after 12 h, cadmium after 8 h, and coexposure to toxicants after 6 h of exposure caused significant concentration- and duration-dependent decline in sperm motility. Data of in vitro study were concurrent with epidemiological finding that might be useful in establishing the possible association between exposure and effect of these selected pollutants on sperm motility.

Health care industries: potential generators of genotoxic waste

Health care waste includes all the waste generated by health care establishments, research facilities, and laboratories. This constitutes a variety of chemical substances, such as pharmaceuticals, radionuclides, solvents, and disinfectants. Recently, scientists and environmentalists have discovered that wastewater produced by hospitals possesses toxic properties due to various toxic chemicals and pharmaceuticals capable of causing environmental impacts and even lethal effects to organisms in aquatic ecosystems. Many of these compounds resist normal wastewater treatment and end up in surface waters. Besides aquatic organisms, humans can be exposed through drinking water produced from contaminated surface water. Indeed, some of the substances found in wastewaters are genotoxic and are suspected to be potential contributors to certain cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of wastewaters from two hospitals and three clinical diagnostic centers located in Jaipur (Rajasthan State), India using the prokaryotic Salmonella mutagenicity assay (Ames assay) and the eukaryotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae respiration inhibition assay. In the Ames assay, untreated wastewaters from both of the health care sectors resulted in significantly increased numbers of revertant colonies up to 1,000-4,050 as measured by the Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains (with and without metabolic activation) after exposure to undiluted samples, which indicated the highly genotoxic nature of these wastewaters. Furthermore, both hospital and diagnostic samples were found to be highly cytotoxic. Effective concentrations at which 20 % (EC20) and 50 % (EC50) inhibition of the respiration rate of the cells occurred ranged between ~0.00 and 0.52 % and between 0.005 and 41.30 % (calculated with the help of the MS excel software XLSTAT 2012.1.01; Addinsoft), respectively, as determined by the S. cerevisiae assay. The results indicated that hospital wastewaters contain genotoxic and cytotoxic components. In addition, diagnostic centers also represent small but significant sources of genotoxic and cytotoxic wastes.

Study of CLSI-M44-A Disk Diffusion Method for Determining the Susceptibility of Candida Species against Novel Complexes Derived from Copper Stearate with 2-Amino Benzothiazoles

The study of binuclear complexes of copper(II) is a very active and highly interesting field due to their significance in bioinorganic chemistry, magneto chemistry, material science, superconductivity and multi electron redox chemistry. Due to the surface-active properties of copper(II) stearate with 2-aminobenzothiazole, the complexes exhibit many applications in agrochemical industries as dispersing agents, foaming and wetting agents. In the present investigation solid complexes of Cu(II) stearate with 2-amino-6-methoxybenzothiazole and 2-amino-6-nitrobenzothiazole have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and their IR, NMR, ESR spectral studies. All the synthesized complexes are coloured and their purity was checked by Thin Layer Chromatography.

Viscometric Behaviour and Micellization of Complexes of Copper (II) Stearate with N-donor Heterocyclic Dyes

Colloido-chemical behavior of copper (II) stearate and N-donor ligands in benzene-methanol mixture of varying composition has been investigated by viscometric measurements. The critical micelle concentration values depend upon the composition of solvent mixture and are to be found in close agreement with each other. The general trend observed is that the viscometric parameters with concentration are quite different and the plots are obtained with curvature at a definite concentration corresponding to critical micelle concentration at which there is marked change in the aggregation of the complex molecules. The results of phenylthiourea and benzothiazole complexes in regards to solute-solvent and solute-solute interactions in mixed solvent systems have been discussed in terms of the equations proposed by Moulik and Jones-Dole. The complexes were synthesized with N-donor ligands and copper (II) stearate and characterized by their elemental analysis, molecular weight, melting point, IR and NMR spectral studies. Due to the surface-active properties of copper stearate, the complexes show remarkable applications in industries and are used as emulsifiers, dispersing agents, foaming and wetting agents. N-donor ability of ligands make them useful as intermediates for many organic compounds such as colorants, agrochemical and pharmaceutical. They are good antiviral, antibacterial and antimalerial agents.

Particulate matter concentration in ambient air and its effects on lung functions among residents in the National Capital Region, India

The World Health Organization has estimated that air pollution is responsible for 1.4 % of all deaths and 0.8 % of disability-adjusted life years. NOIDA, located at the National Capital Region, India, was declared as one of the critically air-polluted areas by the Central Pollution Control Board of the Government of India. Studies on the relationship of reduction in lung functions of residents living in areas with higher concentrations of particulate matter (PM) in ambient air were inconclusive since the subjects of most of the studies are hospital admission cases. Very few studies, including one from India, have shown the relationship of PM concentration and its effects of lung functions in the same location. Hence, a cross-sectional study was undertaken to study the effect of particulate matter concentration in ambient air on the lung functions of residents living in a critically air-polluted area in India. PM concentrations in ambient air (PM(1,) PM(2.5)) were monitored at residential locations and identified locations with higher (NOIDA) and lower concentrations (Gurgaon). Lung function tests (FEV(1), PEFR) were conducted using a spirometer in 757 residents. Both air monitoring and lung function tests were conducted on the same day. Significant negative linear relationship exists between higher concentrations of PM(1) with reduced FEV(1) and increased concentrations of PM(2.5) with reduced PEFR and FEV(1). The study shows that reductions in lung functions (PEFR and FEV(1)) can be attributed to higher particulate matter concentrations in ambient air. Decline in airflow obstruction in subjects exposed to high PM concentrations can be attributed to the fibrogenic response and associated airway wall remodeling. The study suggests the intervention of policy makers and stake holders to take necessary steps to reduce the emissions of PM concentrations, especially PM(1,) PM(2.5), which can lead to serious respiratory health concerns in residents.

Polymorphism Arg72Pro of p53 confers susceptibility to squamous cell carcinoma of lungs in a North Indian population

The causes of lung cancer might be many, but genetic variation in the genes of carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes, tumor suppressor proteins, and/or DNA-repairing enzymes can also play a significant role in lung cancer susceptibility. The tumor suppressor protein p53 functions to induce cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, or apoptosis. Polymorphism in its gene can, therefore, play a significant role in cancer susceptibility. Present report evaluated the association of polymorphism in exon 4 Arg72Pro (G>C) of the p53 gene with lung cancer susceptibility using 175 cancer cases and 202 controls from the North Indian population. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the Pro72Pro genotype was significantly associated with increasing risk for lung cancer in younger age patients (≤55 years) (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=2.72, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] 0.99-7.85, p<0.05). Histological stratification of lung cancer revealed that the Pro72Pro genotype was associated with higher risk for squamous cell carcinoma (OR=3.05, 95% CI 1.07-8.87, p<0.05). Genetic variation Arg72Pro of the p53 gene may contribute to higher risk of SCC of lung in the North Indian population.

Incidence and types of post extubation complications following endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy

This study was undertaken to study early and late post extubation complications following endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy. A total 60 patients who were admitted in Dayanand Medical College and Hospital were studied prospectively. They were divided into 3 groups and were screened with various modalities like fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Bronchoscope, X-Ray Soft Tissue Neck and CT Scan, Complications like glottic edema, vocal tears, vocal granuhmas and tracheal stenosis were seen and were accordingly managed.

Groundwater contaminated with hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)]: a health survey and clinical examination of community inhabitants (Kanpur, India)

BACKGROUND

We assessed the health effects of hexavalent chromium groundwater contamination (from tanneries and chrome sulfate manufacturing) in Kanpur, India.

METHODS

The health status of residents living in areas with high Cr (VI) groundwater contamination (N = 186) were compared to residents with similar social and demographic features living in communities having no elevated Cr (VI) levels (N = 230). Subjects were recruited at health camps in both the areas. Health status was evaluated with health questionnaires, spirometry and blood hematology measures. Cr (VI) was measured in groundwater samples by diphenylcarbazide reagent method.

RESULTS

Residents from communities with known Cr (VI) contamination had more self-reports of digestive and dermatological disorders and hematological abnormalities. GI distress was reported in 39.2% vs. 17.2% males (AOR = 3.1) and 39.3% vs. 21% females (AOR = 2.44); skin abnormalities in 24.5% vs. 9.2% males (AOR = 3.48) and 25% vs. 4.9% females (AOR = 6.57). Residents from affected communities had greater RBCs (among 30.7% males and 46.1% females), lower MCVs (among 62.8% males) and less platelets (among 68% males and 72% females) than matched controls. There were no differences in leucocytes count and spirometry parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Living in communities with Cr (VI) groundwater is associated with gastrointestinal and dermatological complaints and abnormal hematological function. Limitations of this study include small sample size and the lack of long term follow-up.

Musculoskeletal pain and its associated risk factors in residents of National Capital Region

Background:

Musculoskeletal (MS) pain is responsible for poor quality of life and decreased productivity. Objective information about the burden of musculoskeletal disorders among the general community in India is scanty, and the few reports that exist are based on a small sample size.

Materials and Methods:

This paper examines the issue of MS pain and its associated risk factors in a cross-sectional study of 2086 subjects from National Capital Region (NCR).

Results:

Overall prevalence of MS pain was found to be 25.9%. Pain was found to be more frequent among females (31.3%) as compared with males (20.9%). Significant association of pain in joints/limbs/knee/lower legs with obesity (OR = 2.1, P < 0.001) and high body fat (OR = 2.2, P < 0.001) was established. More than 50% of the subjects complained of backache.

Conclusions:

Our findings confirm that MS pain is a significant burden of disease among the residents of NCR. Women and subjects doing heavy work load, like agriculture and dairy farming, constitute the chief demographic groups. It is high time that a policy is framed to reduce this load of sickness.

Seasonal trends of PM2.5 and PM10 in ambient air and their correlation in ambient air of Lucknow city, India

The PM(10) concentration (μg/m(3)) in Lucknow city at 4 locations in three different seasons ranged between 148.6-210.8 (avg. 187.2 ± 17.1) during summer, 111.8-187.6 (avg. 155.7 ± 22.7) during monsoon and 199.3-308.8 (avg. 269.3 ± 42.9) during winter while PM(2.5) ranged between 32.4-67.2 (avg. 45.6 ± 10.9), 25.6-68.9 (avg. 39.8 ± 4.6) and 99.3-299.3 (avg. 212.4 ± 55.0) during respective seasons. The mass fraction ratio of PM(2.5) ranged between 0.22-0.92 (avg. 0.42 ± 0.26) and was significantly high during winter season indicating their composition.

The normal range of body mass index with high body fat percentage among male residents of Lucknow city in north India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Several studies have raised the suspicion that the body mass index (BMI) cut-off for overweight as defined by the WHO may not adequately reflect the actual overweight status. The present study looked at the relationship between BMI and body fat per cent (BF %) / health risks (hypertension and type 2 diabetes) in male residents of Lucknow city, north India to evaluate the validity of BMI cut-off points for overweight.

METHODS

One thousand one hundred and eleven male volunteer subjects (18-69 yr) who participated in different programmes organized by the Institute during 2005 to 2008 were included in the study. BF% was measured using commercially available digital weight scale incorporating bioelectrical impedance (BI) analyzer. The proposed cut-off for BMI based on BF % was calculated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

Forty four per cent subjects showed higher BF % (>25%) with BMI range (24-24.99 kg/m²). Sensitivity and specificity at BMI cut-off at 24.5 kg/m³ were 83.2 and 77.5, respectively. Sensitivity at BMI cut-off >25 kg/m² was reduced by 5 per cent and specificity increased by 4.6 per cent when compared to 24.5 cut-off.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

The study subjects showed higher body fat percentage and risk factors like hypertension and type 2 diabetes at normal BMI range proposed by the WHO. The cut-off for BMI was proposed to be 24.5 kg/m² for our study population. If overweight is regarded as an excess of body fat and not as an excess of weight (increased BMI), the cut-off points for overweight based on BMI would need to be lowered. However, the confidence of estimate of the BMI cut-off in the present study may be considered with the limitations of BI analysis studies.

Health risks of employees working in pesticide retail shops: An exploratory study

Background:

Shop keepers dealing with pesticides are exposed to multiple pesticides that include organophosphates, organochlorines, carbamates, pyrethroids. Hence an exploratory health study was conducted on shopkeepers selling pesticides in urban areas of Lucknow and Barabanki District, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Materials and Methods:

Detailed information regarding socio-economic status, family history, personal habits and work practices were recorded for 20 subjects and controls by the investigator on a pre-tested questionnaire. Clinical examination including neurological studies of the shopkeepers and control subjects was done.

Results:

The study revealed significant slowing of motor nerve conduction velocity and low peak expiratory flow rate among shopkeepers as compared to control subjects. Prevalence of significantly higher gastro-intestinal problems was also observed among exposed subjects. Neurological, ocular, cardiovascular and musculo-skeletal symptoms were also found to be higher among shopkeepers. This was not statistically significant. Significantly higher relative risk for sickness related to systems viz., cardio-vasular, genito-urinary, respiratory, nervous and dermal was observed among exposed subjects compared to controls.

Conclusions:

These findings provide a prima facie evidence of clinical manifestations because of multiple exposures to pesticides and poor safety culture at work place.

Can physical activity maintain normal grades of body mass index and body fat percentage?

BACKGROUND/AIMS

A cross-sectional study was undertaken on 767 urban male volunteers performing physical activity and 469 age and socioeconomic status matched controls not doing any physical activity from the city limits of North India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Height and weight were recorded for each participant to determine their Body Mass Index (BMI). Body fat percentage and weight was measured using a body fat monitor.

RESULTS

Fifty three percent of the physical activity performers showed normal BMI compared to 49% nonphysical activity performers. Overweight was observed in 43.3% physical activity performers compared to 44.7% nonphysical activity performers. Fifty two percent of physical activity performers had normal body fat percent compared to 48.5% nonphysical activity performers. Low body fat percent was observed in 23.4% physical activity performers compared to 2.7% nonphysical activity performers. High body fat percent was observed in 48.7% nonphysical activity performers compared to 45.8% physical activity performers.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the study suggested that physical activity alone cannot maintain BMI and body fat percent, but it can reduce the risk of overweight and high body fat percent in the population.

Monitoring of plasma butyrylcholinesterase activity and hematological parameters in pesticide sprayers

To evaluate the health impact of spraying organophosphorus insecticides (OPs), 34 male sprayers in the mango belt of Malihabad, a small town located 27 km from Lucknow in North India was selected. Plasma butyryl cholinesterase (PBChE) and complete blood count were assessed among sprayers after spraying pesticides and the findings obtained were compared with those determined in a reference group (n = 18). The most common symptoms observed were burning sensation in the eyes (8.82%), itching/skin irritation (23.52%) and chest symptoms (32.35%) in the exposed workers. Plasma butyrylcholinesterase (PBChE) was significantly decreased in workers. The results indicated significant decrease in the mean value of hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets count; however, significantly higher count of leukocytes was also observed in the exposed group (sprayers) compared to that observed in the control group (P < 0.05). Monitoring of PBChE in pesticide sprayers could be useful to predict and prevent health hazards of OPs.

Blood levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Women with Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions: A case-control study

Objective: As part of our program to investigate the possible role of environmental pollutants in the incidence of breast cancer in India, we conducted for the first time a hospital based case-control study where blood polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels were determined in women suffering from benign and malignant breast lesions, and compared with those of disease free controls drawn from similar socioeconomic environment residing in and around New Delhi, India. Material & Methods: Anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, naphthalene, pyrene, benzo (a) pyrene, benzo (k) fluoranthene and dibenzo (a,h) anthracene were determined by HPLC-FD. Results: Level of total PAHs in control, benign and malignant groups (30 numbers in each) were 142.05 ± 50.84, 185.99 ± 61.97 and 200.74 ± 55.05 μg / L respectively. Mean levels of naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene and benzo (k) fluoranthene were higher in both malignant and benign groups than in control but the difference was not statistically significant. Of the total PAHs, 3–ringed compounds were found much higher (89%) in controls than in benign (52%) and malignant groups (54%). However, the percentage sum of 2, 4 and 5-ringed PAHs were much higher in malignant (46%) and benign (48%) groups when compared with those of controls (11%). Conclusion: Results of the present study indicate that higher levels of PAHs (especially non-carcinogenic), though statistically non-significant, were present in cases with benign and malignant breast lesions than in those of controls. Key Words: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Breast cancer; Benign lesions; HPLC-FD  DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.2924Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (2010) 80-86

Studies on oxidative stress induced nerve conduction deficits in cigarette smokers

An important role of oxidative stress for the development of vascular and neurological complications has encouraged us to undertake a study to assess the oxidative stress induced nerve conduction deficits among cigarette smokers. Eighteen regular male cigarette smokers and twenty nine male non-smokers were diagnosed for clinical neuro-physiological tests viz., motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity (MNCV and SNCV) and redox status. Significant depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) level (p < 0.05) and significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level (p < 0.01) was found in smokers compared to non-smokers. Motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity showed no significant difference among smokers compared to non-smokers. The present study shows that smoking can induce oxidative stress among smokers but could not exacerbate to nerve conduction deficits.

Environmental and experimental exposure of phthalate esters: The toxicological consequence on human sperm

Rapid industrialization and urbanization release several chemicals such as phthalates into the environment and cause adverse effects on reproductive system, mainly endocrine disruption, testicular injury and decline in semen quality in humans. There are no reports in extrapolating of the epidemiological data with in vitro findings. Our study show the correlations between in vivo studies and in vitro data for the effect of phthalate esters. Healthy human males, in the age group 21 to 40 years, visiting Chhatrapati Sahuji Maharaj Medical University (CSMMU), Lucknow, as part of infertility investigation, were recruited as volunteers. Semen analysis was performed according to the WHO guidelines. Phthalate esters were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and cell viability by MTT assay. In the in vitro studies, sperms were exposed to highest concentration in semen samples (5—10 times higher) for a period ranging between 30 min and 96 hours. An inverse relationship with sperm motility in epidemiological studies was concurrent by significant dose-and time-dependent decrease in the sperm motility under in vitro environment after 12-hour exposure. Cytotoxicity was observed only with the highest concentration after 96 hours of exposure. There are a significant correlation between phthalate ester diethylhexyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate (DEHP and DBP) and sperm motility both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Additionally, in vitro experiments conducted not only adjunct to the existing in vivo data but also specify the effect of specific toxicants (DEHP and DBP) on sperm motility and viability. Results show the decrease in motility of sperms under in vitro conditions at the maximum range of in vivo measured levels and 5- or 10-folds higher to that found in human semen samples.

Localisation of Mediterranean Kaposi's sarcoma in Morgagni's ventricle

OBJECTIVE

Head and neck involvement in Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) is not unusual. However, laryngeal involvement is a relatively infrequent manifestation and ENT specialists should consider it in differential diagnosis in laryngeal lesions of AIDS patients and/or subjects from the Mediterranean area.

METHODS

Case report and review of the literature in English.

CLINICAL CASE

Male patient presenting with a three-month history of cough and acute dyspnoea. Laryngoscopy identified a laryngeal mass occluding the glottic plane. Tracheotomy was then performed and the laryngeal lesion was removed. Histopathology showed neoplastic spindle cells that were positive to immunostain with CD-31 and CD-34, and immunoreactivity for HHV-8 was present. A diagnosis of KS was then suspected and confirmed after dermatological inspection.

CONCLUSION

Purple vascular mass lesions should lead in ENT to a high index of suspicion to exclude systemic diseases. Laryngeal KS must be included in the differential diagnosis of pigmented laryngeal lesions to plan correct management.

Co-expression of p53 and Bcl-2 proteins in human papillomavirus-induced premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix: correlation with progression to malignancy

OBJECTIVE(S)

To analyze aberrant expression of the apoptotic protein p53 and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix induced by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and its significance for early diagnosis of cervical cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cytological adequate smears (n = 382) from various grades of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs; n = 142), 'atypical squamous cells of unknown significance' (ASCUS; n = 128) and normal tissue (n = 112) were investigated immunocytochemically for aberrant expression of p53 and Bcl-2 proteins using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method; HPV status was analyzed in cervical smears using general and type-specific primers.

RESULTS

HPV-DNA of any type was detected in 25.7% (98/382) of cases. HPV16 was seen in 58.2% (57/98), HPV18 in 20.4% (20/98) and other HPV types in 21.4% (21/98). Abnormal nuclear expression of p53 protein and cytoplasmic expression of Bcl-2 protein were noted in cervical dysplasia and an association with the presence of HPV16/HPV18 was noted. The intensity of immunoreactivity for p53 and Bcl-2 proteins varied between different cytological grades of cervical smears. Follow-up data revealed that cases with high-risk HPV and co-induced expression of apoptosis-regulatory proteins presented a trend to progressive disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of both p53 and Bcl-2 proteins in cervical smears can be used as independent diagnostic marker for early-stage HPV-associated cervical cancer.

Genotoxicity evaluation of hospital wastewaters

In hospitals a large variety of substances are in use for medical purposes such as diagnostics and research. After application, diagnostic agents, disinfectants and excreted non-metabolized pharmaceuticals by patients reach the wastewater. Indeed, some of the substances found in wastewaters are genotoxic and are suspected to be a possible cause of the cancers observed in the last decades. Genotoxicity tests are an excellent means to study the toxicity and the risk associated with these releases. This paper points out the areas of concern for hospital wastewater disposal and reports the findings of genotoxicity tests for hospital effluents from 3 major hospitals in Delhi, namely All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Apollo and Escorts. Mutagenicity of hospital wastewaters from effluent treatment plants (before and after treatment) was studied. The results of this study show that the genotoxicity of hospital wastewaters is highly reduced after the treatment process. This study calls for establishment of advanced and effective effluent treatment plants in the hospitals, which are merely dumping the wastewaters in the municipal sewerage system. The results of this study call for further detailed study in this area.

Polymorphism in cytochrome P4501A1 is significantly associated with head and neck cancer risk

A case control study was undertaken to investigate the association of polymorphisms in cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC) in North Indian population. The variant genotypes of CYP1A1*2A and CYP1A1*2C were found to be overrepresented in cases when compared to controls. The HNSCC risk also increased several folds in cases with combination of variant genotypes of CYP1A1*2A or CYP1A1*2C with null genotype of glutathione-S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), a phase II enzyme, particularly in cases who were tobacco users (smokers and tobacco chewers), demonstrating the role of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in the development of HNSCC.

Evidence for increased cytochrome P450 1A1 expression in blood lymphocytes of lung cancer patients

To develop blood lymphocyte cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) expression as a surrogate for monitoring tissue expression for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) induced toxicity, the present study attempted to characterize CYP1A1 mRNA expression and its associated catalytic activity in freshly prepared blood lymphocytes isolated from healthy controls and patients suffering from tobacco induced lung cancer. Human blood lymphocytes were found to express CYP1A1 mRNA and significant activity of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD). Significant increase in the activity of EROD and CYP1A1 mRNA was observed in blood lymphocytes isolated from patients suffering from lung cancer. Further, controls with variant genotypes of CYP1A1 (Msp1 or Ile/Val polymorphism) exhibited significant increase in the enzyme activity associated with an increase in CYP1A1 mRNA expression when compared to the controls with wild type genotype. Patients with variant genotypes of CYP1A1 also exhibited much greater increase in the blood lymphocyte CYP1A1 mRNA expression and EROD activity when compared to controls or patients with wild type genotype. Our data thus provides evidence of CYP1A1 expression in freshly isolated blood lymphocytes and differences in reactivity in individuals with variant genotypes of CYP1A1, suggesting that blood lymphocyte CYP1A1 expression profile could help in identifying individuals at risk to environment induced lung cancer.

Polymorphism in cytochrome P450 2E1 and interaction with other genetic risk factors and susceptibility to alcoholic liver cirrhosis

The association of polymorphism in cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), the major microsomal ethanol metabolizing enzyme and its interaction with genes, involved in detoxification of reactive oxygen species, such as glutathione-S-transferases M1 (GSTM1) and alcohol intake, gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor gamma2 (GABRG2) was studied with the risk to alcoholic cirrhosis in a case-control study. A total of 160 alcoholic cirrhotic and 125 non-alcoholic cirrhotic cases, visiting the OPD facility of Gastroenterology Department of Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow, India and 250 non-alcoholic and 100 alcoholic controls having no evidence of liver disease were included in the study. PCR-based RFLP methodology was followed for genotyping studies. Our data revealed that the variant genotypes of CYP2E1 5B exhibited significant association with the alcoholic liver cirrhosis when compared to non-alcoholic controls (OR: 4.3; 95%CI: 1.5-12.4; p: 0.003) or non-alcoholic cirrhosis patients (OR: 5.4; 95%CI: 1.2-24.5; p: 0.01) or alcoholic controls (OR: 4.3; 95%CI: 0.95-19.62; p: 0.04). Haplotype approach revealed that haplotype T-A-T was found to be associated with more than 5-fold increase in risk for alcoholic cirrhosis. Likewise, combination of variant genotype of CYP2E1 5B with null genotype of GSTM1, a phase II detoxification enzyme, resulted in several fold increase in risk in alcoholic cirrhotic patients when compared with non-alcoholic controls or non-alcoholic cirrhotic patients. Further, the combination of variant genotype of CYP2E1 5B with GABRG2, significantly increased the risk upto 6.5-fold in alcoholic cirrhotic patients when compared with non-alcoholic controls thereby suggesting the role of gene-gene interaction in alcoholic cirrhosis.

Deep vein thrombosis in acute spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized study.

OBJECTIVES

To find out the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in acute spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with and without therapeutic prophylaxis.

SETTING

Patients admitted in the department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, India.

METHODS

All 297 patients received physical therapy measures and were randomly divided into two groups. 166 patients received prophylactic heparin, whereas 131 patients did not.

RESULTS

A total of three cases (1.8%) in study group and four cases (3%) in control group developed DVT. This difference was statistically insignificant (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Incidence of DVT in SCI is low in our study.

Management of recurrent otitis media with rapid maxillary expansion: our experience

Management of recurrent otitis media with rapid maxillary expansion: our experience.

PROBLEMS/OBJECTIVES

Recurrent otitis media is a frequent problem in the paediatric population. It is commonly associated with adenoid hypertrophy and occasionally with skeletal development syndrome characterised by maxillary anatomical alterations. When this syndrome is present in conjunction with adenoid hypertrophy, surgical management with adenoidectomy and/or myringotomy with ventilation tube positioning does not necessarily ensure a resolution of conductive hearing disorders.

METHODOLOGY

We used maxillary rapid expansion in 27 children with a mean age of 7 years affected by recurrent otitis media associated with skeletal development syndrome and adenoid hypertrophy.

RESULTS

Rapid maxillary expansion acting directly on the median palatine suture expands the palate and the nasal floor, improving nasal breathing. In addition, maxillary expansion stretches elevator and tensor palatine muscles, helping to restore normal Eustachian tube function, even in the presence of adenoid hypertrophy.

CONCLUSION

In our opinion, rapid maxillary expansion results in an improvement in skeletal-facial abnormalities associated with skeletal development syndrome and it can be considered a valid treatment for preventing recurrent otitis media in children affected by maxillary anatomical alterations.

Adverse health effects of pesticides in agrarian populations of developing countries

Developing countries use only 20% of the world's agrochemicals, yet they suffer 99% of deaths from pesticide poisoning. Pesticide poisoning is a significant problem in developing countries primarily because of unsafe pesticide application and handling practices. Safety is further exacerbated by the illiteracy and poverty that prevails in most farming communities of developing countries. Pesticides classified as being extremely or highly hazardous by FAO and WHO, including those banned by other countries, continue to be used in developing countries. Many farmers in developing countries continue to be exposed to pesticides from either storing them in or near their residences, or from inadequate or unsafe application or handling practices. Farming populations exposed to pesticides suffer from several health problems, primarily neurological abnormalities, respiratory ailments, and reproductive, endocrinological, and dermal problems. In developing countries, the scientific literature (including the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, India) have taken the initiative to monitor health problems resulting from pesticide exposure in agrarian communities. The welfare fund for agricultural laborers could institute a special program for pesticide applicators in developing countries. The primary need, currently, in such countries is creation and implementation of sound national policies to effectively articulate appropriate guidelines for managing farm pest control activities. Such policies should be aimed at both limiting pesticide exposure and usage, but doing so without damaging the yields of food production. If such steps are taken, it is fully expected that the incidence of adverse health consequences for agrarian populations from pesticide toxicity will decrease, and the health of farmers improve.

Multipronged evaluation of genotoxicity in Indian petrol-pump workers

Petrol (gasoline) contains a number of toxicants. This study used human biomonitoring to evaluate the genotoxic effects of exposure to benzene in petrol fumes in 100 Indian petrol-pump workers (PPWs) and an equal number of controls. The study was corroborated with in silico assessments of the Comet assay results from the human biomonitoring study. An in vitro study in human lymphocytes was also conducted to understand the genotoxicity of benzene and its metabolites. In a subset of the population studied, higher blood benzene levels were detected in the PPWs (n = 39; P < 0.01) than the controls (n = 18), and 100-250 ppb benzene was also detected in air samples from the petrol pumps. PPWs had higher levels of DNA damage than the controls (P < 0.01). In addition, the micronucleus assay was performed on lymphocytes from a subset of the subjects, and the micronucleus frequency for PPWs was significantly higher (n = 39; 14.79 +/- 3.92 per thousand) than the controls (n = 18; 7.54 +/- 3.00 per thousand). Human lymphocytes were treated in vitro with benzene and several of its metabolites and assayed for DNA damage with the Comet assay. Benzene and its metabolites produced significant (P < 0.05) levels of DNA damage at and above concentrations of 10 microM. The metabolite, p-benzoquinone, produced the greatest amount of DNA damage, followed by hydroquinone > benzene > catechol > 1,2,4,-benzenetriol > muconic acid. This study demonstrates that, using sensitive techniques, it is possible to detect human health risks at an early stage when intervention is possible. possible.

Association of poor metabolizers of cytochrome P450 2C19 with head and neck cancer and poor treatment response

A case-control study consisting of 300 patients and an equal number of healthy controls was carried out to investigate the association of polymorphism in cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19), which results in poor and extensive metabolizers (PMs and EMs) genotypes, with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC) and treatment response in patients receiving combination of chemo-radiotherapy. A higher frequency of CYP2C19 2 variants was observed in the cases resulting in significantly higher risk to HNSCC (Ad OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.94-5.82, p-value<0.05). The PM genotype of CYP2C19 3 was also found to be slightly increased in the cases, though the increase in risk was not significant when analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model. Tobacco chewing amongst the cases resulted in almost 13-fold increase in the risk with CYP2C19 2 (OR: 12.39) and 3-fold with CYP2C19 3 genotype (OR: 2.90) when compared to the tobacco chewers amongst the controls. Likewise, cigarette smoking in the cases increased the risk approximately 9-fold and 3-fold with CYP2C19 2 (OR: 8.93) and CYP2C19 3 (OR: 2.18) genotypes respectively when compared to smokers amongst the controls. Similar increase in risk was associated with alcohol use amongst the cases carrying variant genotypes of CYP2C19 2 (OR: 7.75) or CYP2C19 3 (OR: 2.60), demonstrating the importance of gene-environment interaction in modifying susceptibility to HNSCC. Interestingly, patients with PMs of CYP2C19 (CYP2C19 2 and CYP2C19 3) exhibited little response to the respective chemotherapy than the patients carrying wild-type genotype demonstrating that functional enzyme deficiencies due to polymorphism in CYPs may not only be important in modifying the susceptibility to HNSCC but also in determining chemotherapeutic response.

Association of functionally important polymorphisms in cytochrome P4501B1 with lung cancer

In the present study, genotype and haplotype frequencies of four polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) that cause amino acid changes (Arg-Gly at codon 48, Ala-Ser at codon 119, Leu-Val at 432 and Asn-Ser at codon 453) were studied in 200 patients suffering from lung cancer and equal number of controls. A significant difference was observed for the distribution of variant genotypes of CYP1B1Arg48Gly and Ala119Ser polymorphisms (CYP1B1*2) in cases when compared to the controls. No significant difference was observed for the distribution of variant genotypes of CYP1B1Leu432Val (CYP1B1*3) and CYP1B1Asn453Ser (CYP1B1*4) polymorphism. When the four SNPs were analyzed using a haplotype approach, SNPs at codon 48 (Arg48Gly) and codon 119 (Ala119Ser) exhibited complete linkage disequilibrium (LD) in all the cases and controls. Significant differences in the distribution of the three haplotypes (G-T-C-A, G-T-G-A and G-T-C-G) were observed in the cases when compared to controls. Tobacco use in the form of smoking as well as chewing was found to significantly increase the risk of lung cancer in patients by interacting with CYP1B1Ala119Ser genotypes demonstrating the role of gene-environment interaction in lung cancer. Further, the risk of lung cancer increased several fold in the patients carrying the genotype combinations of CYP1B1Ala119Ser and CYP1B1Leu432Val with GSTM1, a phase II enzyme suggesting the importance of gene-gene interactions in enhancing the susceptibility to lung cancer.

Interaction of cytochrome P4501A1 genotypes with other risk factors and susceptibility to lung cancer

Lung cancer is the most common cause of death throughout the world with cigarette smoking being established as the major etiological factor in lung cancer. Since not much information is available regarding the polymorphism in drug metabolizing enzymes and lung cancer risk in the Indian population, the present case-control study attempted to investigate the association of polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and glutathione-S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) with risk to squamous cell carcinoma of lung malignancy. Patients suffering from lung cancer (n=200) and visiting OPD facility of Department of Radiotherapy, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, were included in the study. Equal number (n=200) of age and sex matched healthy individuals were also enrolled in the study. Our data revealed that the variant genotypes of CYP1A1*2A, CYP1A1*2C and CYP1A1*4 were found to be over represented in the lung cancer patients when compared to controls. CYP1A1*2A variant genotypes (combined heterozygous and mutant genotypes) revealed significant association towards the lung cancer risk (OR: 1.93, 95%CI: 1.28-2.89, p=0.002). Likewise, GSTM1 null genotypes were found to be over represented in patients when compared to controls. Haplotype analysis revealed that CYP1A1 haplotype, C-G-C increased the lung cancer risk (OR: 3.90, 95%CI: 1.00-15.04, p=0.025) in the patients. The lung cancer risk was increased several two-to fourfold in the patients carrying the genotype combinations of CYP1A1*2A and GSTM1 suggesting the role of gene-gene interaction in lung cancer. Cigarette smoking or tobacco chewing or alcohol consumption was also found to interact with CYP1A1 genotypes in increasing the risk to lung cancer further demonstrating the role of gene-environment interaction in development of lung cancer.

Toxic potential of municipal solid waste leachates in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ): hsp70 as a marker of cellular damage

Municipal solid wastes (MSWs) are one of the major sources of environmental pollution. Leachates from these wastes might contaminate the water sources and affect quality of environment. The study was carried out to determine the possible toxic effects of leachates from MSW in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ). Third instar larvae exposed to 1.0-3.0% of these leachates at different time intervals were examined for hsp70 expression, oxidative stress enzyme activities, proteotoxicity, tissue damage along with effect on emergence and reproduction. Maximum hsp70 expression was observed in the larvae exposed to highly acidic leachates. Overwhelming of hsp70 expression in the exposed larvae caused a concomitant decline in total protein content and a significant elevation in oxidative stress enzymes and lipid peroxidation (LPO) product. The leachates caused a significant delay in emergence of flies and affected the reproductive performance of the flies at the tested concentrations. The present study highlights the toxic potential of MSW leachates and the advantage of Drosophila as a model to evaluate the impact of leachates at organismal and cellular levels, also advocating Hsp70 as the first tier indicator of toxicity.

Association of genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases and susceptibility to head and neck cancer

Polymorphism in glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1) and interaction with environmental factors such as tobacco (smoking or chewing) and alcohol on susceptibility to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) was studied in a case-control study. The study group consisted of 175 patients suffering from HNSCC and 200 age matched healthy controls. Statistical analysis showed an increase in risk to HNSCC in the patients with null genotype of GSTM1 (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.32-3.10; P=0.001) or GSTT1 (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.02-2.69; P=0.04), though the risk was not found to be significant when adjusted for age, sex, smoking, tobacco chewing or alcohol use by multivariate logistic regression model. Our data further showed that combination of deletion genotypes of GST (GSTM1 and GSTT1) confer an even higher risk of HNSCC. Interestingly, GSTP1 wild type genotype in combination with GSTM1 null or GSTT1 null genotype increased susceptibility for HNSCC (OR: 2.49 and 2.75, respectively). Likewise a much greater risk for HNSCC was observed in the patients carrying a genotype combination of GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null and GSTP1 (Ile/Ile) (OR: 4.47; 95% CI: 1.62-12.31; P=0.002). Our data have further provided evidence that tobacco chewing and alcohol consumption are the important risk factors for HNSCC. The interaction between tobacco chewing and null genotype of GSTM1 or GSTT1 resulted in about 3.5- and 2.2-fold increase in the risk respectively in the patients when compared to those not chewing tobacco. Alcohol use resulted in more than 4-fold increase in the risk in the patients with null genotype of GSTM1 as compared to those who are non-drinkers. Alcohol consumption also increased the risk (approx. 3-fold) in the cases with null genotype of GSTT1, though the association was not found to be significant when compared to non-drinkers. Our data have provided evidence that GST polymorphism modifies the susceptibility to HNSCC and have further demonstrated importance of gene-environment interaction in modulating the risk to HNSCC.

Blood levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in children of Lucknow, India

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds with two or more fused benzene rings produced by incomplete combustion of organic substances involved in natural and anthropogenic processes. Children are exposed to these compounds through inhalation, dietary ingestion, and, also, soil at the playground. It has been well established that PAHs have carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic effects. Considering possible health risks due to PAHs exposure among children, the present study was carried out in collaboration with the Pediatrics Department, King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, to determine its exposure in children by estimating blood PAHs levels. Due to the variable composition of PAHs mixtures emitted from different environmental sources, any single compound or metabolite may not be representative of all exposure conditions. For these reasons, the measurement of blood PAHs levels as a possible biomarker, especially of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency, USA) priority list, has been proposed. Acenaphthylene, anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, naphthalene, pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, and benzo(a)pyrene were determined by HPLC-FD/UV. On the basis of the individual compound, the median (50th percentile) of naphthalene (19 ppb) was highest, however, benzo(a)pyrene (4.0 ppb) level was found to be lowest among all detected PAHs. The median level of total noncarcinogenic PAHs (113.55 ppb) was higher than the total carcinogenic PAHs (32.35 ppb) in blood samples of children. A significant correlation was found between period of time spent in the surrounding breathing zone of the cooking place and total noncarcinogenic PAHs (p < 0.05), while the blood carcinogenic PAHs level in children was found to be associated with lower status of their families (p < 0.05). It is speculated that there may be chances of health hazards through exposure to PAHs, those not yet declared hazardous and present at higher concentrations in the Indian environment. Further study with a larger sample size and accompanying environmental data is desired to validate the findings of this pilot study and strengthen the database of PAHs exposure in India.

Blood levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in children and their association with oxidative stress indices: an Indian perspective

BACKGROUND

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), some ubiquitous environmental contaminants are capable to cause oxidative stress, during its metabolism. It is believed that many diseases that have a common origin in oxidative stress begin in childhood. Considering oxidative stress evolved during PAHs metabolism as one main mechanism responsible for health hazards related to PAHs exposure in children, we biomonitored blood PAHs levels in connection with redox status among children of Lucknow (India).

METHODS

The study consisted of children (n = 50) who visited to the Pediatrics Department (KGMU) Lucknow for usual health check-up camp over the study period (August 2005-July 2006). Blood samples were drawn and levels of acenaphthylene, anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, naphthalene, pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene were determined by HPLC-FD/UV. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were also determined to evaluate redox status.

RESULTS

Significantly elevated carcinogenic blood PAHs levels (125.55 +/- 26.99ppb, p < 0.05) were found in rural children compared to children from urban region (23.96 +/- 13.46). Results revealed that remoteness between residence and highway/traffic, significantly influences the blood levels of carcinogenic PAHs. There were significant correlations between total PAHs and MDA (r = 0.82, p < 0.001), carcinogenic PAHs and SOD activity (r = 0.35, p < 0.01), Total PAHs and blood GSH level (r = - 0.49, p < 0.01) and carcinogenic PAHs and CAT activity (r = 0.42, p < 0.01). Blood MDA level was also found correlated with increasing body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.29, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed blood PAHs levels in children significantly correlated with oxidative stress and altered antioxidant status. It supports our hypothesis that the children exposed to high PAHs level will suffer more to oxidative stress that may lead to possible health risks. Additional studies with large sample size are considered necessary to strengthen the database and also to explore the PAHs associated health risks in children.