A prospective case-control study on the evaluation of oxidative stress in renal stone formers

Association of increased oxidative stress (OS) with the pathophysiology of renal stone formation has not been explored greatly in the field of urolithiasis. In this prospective case-control study, we measured 24-h urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in patients with urolithiasis and compared them with matched healthy controls. We also measured 24-h urinary uric acid, calcium, oxalate, and citrate levels in patients with renal stone disease and studied their relation with urinary 8-OHdG levels. Seventy-five cases of renal stone disease and 75 well-matched controls were included. Median 24-h urinary 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in cases compared to controls (7.6 vs. 3.7 µg/g of creatinine; p < 0.000). Receiver-operating curve (ROC) analysis for 8-OHdG between cases and controls revealed an area under the curve of 0.90. At 8-OHdG (µg/g of creatinine) value of 5 or more, a sensitivity and a specificity of 84% each were obtained. A positive correlation between 8-OHdG (µg/g of creatinine) and 24-h urinary oxalate level was noted (r = 0.461, p = 0.000). No correlation between 8-OHdG (µg/g of creatinine) and other variables was noted. On multivariate linear regression analysis, we noted 24-h urinary oxalate levels to be an independent predictor of urinary 8-OHdG levels. OS is significantly higher in patients with renal stone diseases compared to healthy controls. Urinary oxalate levels were significantly correlated with urinary 8-OHdG levels.

Predictors of mortality and nephrectomy in emphysematous pyelonephritis: a tertiary care centre study

INTRODUCTION

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a deadly disease due to its associated morbidity and mortality. Attempts have been made to identify predictors of severity, mortality and need for nephrectomy in EPN with little success.

METHODS

We conducted an ambispective study of EPN patients between March 2014 and September 2019. Retrospective data were collected which included age, sex, comorbidities, symptoms, signs, laboratory investigations including imaging, need for dialysis, management and any complications. All patients were then followed prospectively for renal dynamic scan, stone surgery or nephrectomy. Univariate analysis was performed to identify factors affecting mortality and need for elective nephrectomy.

RESULTS

In total, 112 patients were included. Mean patient age was 50.01 years, 55% were female and 5% had bilateral involvement. Fever and flank pain were the most common symptoms. Diabetes was seen in 75% of cases and 30% of cases required haemodialysis at initial presentation. About 60% of patients improved with pigtail drainage. Need for nephrectomy was greater in Huang-Tseng stage 3a (14.8%). Huang-Tseng stages 3b and 4 had higher mortality rates (25%) than the other stages (2.2%). Twelve of 99 patients had non functional kidney on follow-up and underwent elective nephrectomy. Low platelet counts, high body mass index, septic shock, dialysis and higher Huang-Tseng stage were found to be predictive of mortality and renal parenchymal thickness on computed tomography scan was predictive of follow-up nephrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombocytopaenia, high body mass index, septic shock, haemodialysis and higher Huang-Tseng stage are predictors of mortality and renal parenchymal thickness <5mm is a predictor of poor salvage of affected kidney on follow-up.

Abstract P3-07-21: Cytotoxic potential of the RG7388 MDM2-p53 binding antagonist and the GSK2830371 WIP1 inhibitor on MX-1 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Background

The tumor suppressor p53 is a central hub in molecular signaling pathways that control the integrity of the human genome. The p53 protein functions as a transcription factor and increases the expression of many cellular genes which contribute to activation of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and DNA repair. MDM2 is another important p53 target gene, and the MDM2 protein is capable of binding directly to p53 and directing it for degradation through the ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathway. Inhibition of MDM2 stabilizes p53 and MDM2 inhibitors are being explored clinically as therapies. Stabilization alone may not be enough to increase the activity of p53, and posttranslational modification of p53 by phosphorylation has been proposed to be an important contributory mechanism by which p53 becomes functionally active. Therefore maintaining the phosphorylated status of p53 in tumor cells may help to enhance its growth inhibitory and pro-apoptotic role. Wild type p53 – induced phosphatase (Wip1) is a serine – threonine phosphatase which dephosphorylates central players in the DNA damage response, including p53 and may be an additional target to enhance p53-dependent treatments. Therefore this work was focused on the effect of MDM2 (RG7388) and Wip1 (GSK2830371) inhibitors on MX-1 and MCF breast carcinoma cell lines. These two cell lines were recorded to have wild type TP53 status as well as high expression of Wip1.

Trial design

RG7388 and GSK2830371 were tested for growth inhibition on MX-1 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The results were further confirmed and mechanism explored by western blotting using extracted protein from drug treated cell lines. Contradictory evidence regarding the TP53 mutation status of the MX-1 cell line was clarified by direct sequencing of MX-1 DNA.

Results

The MCF-7 cells responded to both RG7388 and GSK2830371 with GI50 value of 0.034 µM and 2.92 µM respectively. The MX-1 cells did not respond to either drug. The results of western blotting showed there was no expression of p53 in the MX-1 cell line. Failure to respond to RG7388and also no expression of p53 in western blotting made us suspicious about the TP53 status of the MX-1 cells. The direct sequencing results confirmed that there was a 5bp deletion in exon 4 of the TP53 gene of the MX-1 cells. The c.154_158delCAATG mutation creates a stop codon at the 54th aminoacid position and results in a truncated p53 protein (p.Gln52Valfs*3).

Conclusion

RG7388 and GSK2838371 showed cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells, whereas both RG7388 and GSK2838371 had no effect on the MX-1 cell line due to the truncated p53 and loss of p53 function. In conclusion, the potency of both drugs depends on the TP53 mutation status and they are likely to be mediated via p53-dependent growth inhibition and apoptosis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the combination effect of both drugs on TP53 wild type cell lines.

Citation Format: Manoharan V, Lunec J, Esfandiari A, Mahdi A, Wu C-E, Zanjirband M, Karunanayake EH, Tennekoon KH, De Silva S. Cytotoxic potential of the RG7388 MDM2-p53 binding antagonist and the GSK2830371 WIP1 inhibitor on MX-1 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-07-21.

Fly ash based Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis formulation for use against Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of filariasis in natural ecosystems

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Fly ash is produced in huge quantities by the various thermal power stations in India. This thermal waste has been employed as a carrier material in the preparation of a biopesticidal water dispersible powder (WDP) formulation for use against mosquitoes. In the present investigation, this newly developed fly ash based WDP formulation was evaluated in natural breeding habitats of mosquito.

METHODS

Fly ash based WDP formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (VCRC B17) was evaluated for its efficacy and residual activity in aquatic habitats supporting breeding of Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of lymphatic filariasis in Neyveli Township, Neyveli Lignite Corporation, India for a period of one month.

RESULTS

At an application rate of 10 kg/ha, the WDP was effective for five days regardless of the habitat, and provided 80-100% reduction in larval abundance of Cx. quinquefasciatus.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The study indicates that for continued control of immature density and prevention of adult emergence, a weekly application of this formulation is necessary. This study also showed that fly ash based formulations can be used for immediate control of mosquitoes in different types of habitats and has also brought out a new avenue for the utilization of coal ash.

Oxidative stress induced by cadmium in the plasma, erythrocytes and lymphocytes of rats: Attenuation by grape seed proanthocyanidins

The present study has been designed to investigate the ameliorative effect of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSP) on cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative damage in rat erythrocytes. Twenty four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, GSP-treated group (100 mg kg(-1) body weight (BW)), Cd-treated group (cadmium chloride, 5 mg kg(-1) BW), and GSP + Cd-treated group in which GSP was orally pre-administered 90 min before Cd intoxication for 4 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and were processed for various biochemical estimations. The extent of oxidative damage in isolated rat erythrocyte membrane was assessed by measuring lipid peroxidation, enzymatic and non-enzymatic content, calcium ion (Ca(2+))/magnesium ion (Mg(2+))-ATPase and sodium ion (Na(+))/potassium ion (K(+))-ATPase activities, free iron, calcium, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, and osmotic fragility. Our results unveiled that Cd intoxication significantly increased the erythrocyte lipid peroxidation markers and decreased the activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic markers in erythrocytes. Conversely, GSP pretreatment significantly prevented the decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and membrane-bound ATPases. GSP also restored the levels of iron, calcium, and H2O2 in Cd-treated rats. Conformational changes in erythrocytes of various groups were also determined using morphological and ultrastructural electron microscopic analysis. The findings of our study clearly revealed that GSP affords superior protection against Cd-induced reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, and free radical generation in Cd-treated rats, which presumably reflects the ability of this flavonoid to protect erythrocytes and lymphocytes of rats from the toxic effects of Cd.

Neuroendocrine control of water content and calcium concentration in the crab Ocypode macrocera (H. Milne-Edwards 1852) (Brachyura, Ocypodae)

The present study is focused to see the effect of crustacean neuroendocrine organs on the water and calcium metabolism which is very much important for the osmoregulatory functions. Since the experiments were carried out to investigate the control of water contents and calcium concentration in the crab, Ocypode macrocera. The animals were collected from the shore of the Bay of the Bengal near Annan Koil one among the biggest landing centers of south east coast of Tamil Nadu, India. The data revealed that water content in the hepatopancreas and thoracic muscle of the control crab were 70.16 and 79.86%, respectively, whereas in the experimental ones, the values were 80.32 and 87.44% after eyestalk removal and 54.52 and 66.98% after eyestalk extract injection. Calcium concentration in both the hepatopancreas and thoracic muscle of the control crab were 2.16 and 2.14 mg g(-1), respectively, whereas in the experimental animals the values were 2.76 and 3.52 mg g(-1) in the eyestalkless crabs and 1.52 and 1.57 mg g(-1) after eyestalk extract injection, respectively. Hence it was observed the % of water content is more in eyestalk less crabs as compared to that of control and injected. The roles of neurosecretory secretions, which control these parameters, were discussed. The ability for Ocypode macrocera to adapt rapidly and maintain homeostasis in a wide range of abnormality supports the fact that Ocypode macrocera are a suitable species for land-based aquaculture in ponds as well as critical condition where rapid fluctuation in salinity can occur.

Photosynthetic pigment concentrations, gas exchange and vegetative growth for selected monocots and dicots treated with two contrasting coal fly ashes

There is uncertainty as to the rates of coal fly ash needed for optimum physiological processes and growth. In the current study we tested the hypothesis that photosynthetic pigments concentrations and CO(2) assimilation (A) are more sensitive than dry weights in plants grown on media amended with coal fly ash. We applied the Terrestrial Plant Growth Test (Guideline 208) protocols of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to monocots [barley (Hordeum vulgare) and ryegrass (Secale cereale)] and dicots [canola (Brasica napus), radish (Raphanus sativus), field peas (Pisum sativum), and lucerne (Medicago sativa)] on media amended with fly ashes derived from semi-bituminous (gray ash) or lignite (red ash) coals at rates of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10, or 20 Mg ha(-1). The red ash had higher elemental concentrations and salinity than the gray ash. Fly ash addition had no significant effect on germination by any of the six species. At moderate rates (</= 10 Mg ha(-1)) both ashes increased (p < 0.05) growth rates and concentrations of chlorophylls a and b, but reduced carotenoid concentrations. Addition of either ash increased A in radish and transpiration in barley. Growth rates and final dry weights were reduced for all of the six test species when addition rates exceeded 10 Mg ha(-1) for gray ash and 5 Mg ha(-1) for red ash. We concluded that plant dry weights, rather than pigment concentrations and/or instantaneous rates of photosynthesis, are more consistent for assessing subsequent growth in plants supplied with fly ash.

Growth and elemental accumulation by canola on soil amended with coal fly ash

To explore the agronomic potential of an Australian coal fly ash, we conducted two glasshouse experiments in which we measured chlorophyll fluorescence, CO2 assimilation (A), transpiration, stomatal conductance, biomass accumulation, seed yield, and elemental uptake for canola (Brassica napus) grown on soil amended with an alkaline fly ash. In Experiment 1, application of up to 25 Mg/ha of fly ash increased A and plant weight early in the season before flowering and seed yield by up to 21%. However, at larger rates of ash application A, plant growth, chlorophyll concentration, and yield were all reduced. Increases in early vigor and seed yield were associated with enhanced uptake of phosphorus (P) by the plants treated with fly ash. Fly ash application did not influence accumulation of B, Cu, Mo, or Zn in the stems at any stage of plant growth or in the seed at harvest, except Mo concentration, which was elevated in the seed. Accumulation of these elements was mostly in the leaves, where concentrations of Cu and Mo increased with any amount of ash applied while that of B occurred only with ash applied at 625 Mg/ha. In Experiment 2, fly ash applied at 500 Mg/ha and mixed into the whole 30 cm soil core was detrimental to growth and yield of canola, compared with restricting mixing to 5 or 15 cm depth. In contrast, application of ash at 250 Mg/ha with increasing depth of mixing increased A and seed yield. We concluded that fly ash applied at not more than 25 Mg/ha and mixed into the top 10 to 15 cm of soil is sufficient to obtain yield benefits.

Interactive effects of soil acidity and fluoride on soil solution aluminium chemistry and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) root growth

A greenhouse study was conducted to determine if concentrations of fluoride (F), which would be added to acid soils via P fertilisers, were detrimental to barley root growth. Increasing rates of F additions to soil significantly increased the soil solution concentrations of aluminium (Al) and F irrespective of the initial adjusted soil pH, which ranged from 4.25 to 5.48. High rates of F addition severely restricted root growth; the effect was more pronounced in the strongly acidic soil. Speciation calculations demonstrated that increasing rates of F additions substantially increased the concentrations of Al-F complexes in the soil. Stepwise regression analysis showed that it was the combination of the activities of AlF2(1+) and AlF(2+) complexes that primarily controlled barley root growth. The results suggested that continuous input of F to soils, and increased soil acidification, may become an F risk issue in the future.

Management of mine spoil for crop productivity with lignite fly ash and biological amendments

Long-term field trials using lignite fly ash (LFA) were carried out in rice crops during the period 1996-2000 at Mine I, Neyveli Lignite Corporation, Tamil Nadu. LFA, being alkaline and endowed with an excellent pozzolanic nature, silt loam texture, and plant nutrients, has the potential to improve the texture, fertility, and crop productivity of mine spoil. The rice crops were the first, third, fifth, and sixth crops in rotation. The other crops, such as green gram (second) and sun hemp (fourth), were grown as green manure. For experimental trials, LFA was applied at various dosages (0, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 t/ha), with and without press mud (10 t/ha), before cultivation of the first crop. Repeat applications of LFA were made at the same dosages in treatments of up to 50 t/ha (with and without press mud) before cultivation of the third and fifth crops. Press mud, a lightweight organic waste product from the sugar industry, was used as an organic amendment and source of plant nutrients. Also, a recommended dosage of chemical fertilizer, along with gypsum, humic acid, and biofertilizer as supplementing agents, was applied in all the treatments, including control. With one-time and repeat applications of LFA, from 5 to 20 t/ha (with and without press mud), the crop yield (grain and straw) increased significantly (p < 0.05), in the range from 3.0 to 42.0% over the corresponding control. The maximum yield was obtained with repeat applications of 20 t/ha of LFA with press mud in the third crop. The press mud enhanced the yield in the range of 1.5-10.2% with various dosages of LFA. The optimum dosage of LFA was 20 t/ha for both one-time and repeat applications. Repeat applications of LFA at lower dosages of up to 20 t/ha were more effective in increasing the yield than the corresponding one-time applications of up to 20 t/ha and repeat applications at 50 t/ha. One-time and repeat applications of LFA of up to 20 t/ha (with and without press mud), apart from increasing the yield, evinced improvement in the texture and fertility of mine spoil and the nutrient content of crop produce. Furthermore, some increase in the content of trace and heavy metals and the level of gamma-emitters in the mine spoil and crop produce was observed, but well within the permissible limits. The residual effect of LFA on succeeding crops was also encouraging in terms of eco-friendliness. Beyond 20 t/ha of LFA, the crop yield decreased significantly (p < 0.05), as a result of the formation of hardpan in the mine spoil and possibly the higher concentration of soluble salts in the LFA. However, the adverse effects of soluble salts were annulled progressively during the cultivation of succeeding crops. A plausible mechanism for the improved fertility of mine spoil and the carryover or uptake of toxic trace and heavy metals and gamma-emitters in mine spoil and crop produce is also discussed.

Studies on p53 immunolocalisation in breast cancer and its prognostic significance

Immunocytochemical localisation of mutant p53 in breast tumours serves as a potential prognostic molecular marker. In order to study the expression of p53 protein in breast cancer which constitutes the second most common malignancy in the South Indian female population, MAb CIBCVMC12 has been generated against human p53 protein isolated and purified from bacterial cell lysate of E.coli carrying the plasmid T 7-7 Hup53 grown in Luria broth to induce the expression of p53. The positive clones selected by ELISA were found to exhibit strong staining of nuclear p53 in both fresh and archival paraffin embedded breast tumour tissue sections. Commercial MAb D 07 against p53 was used as control. In immunoprecipitation, this MAb of IgG2b isotype was found to bind specifically to a protein of 53 kD. Immuno cyto chemical assay of normal, benign and malignant breast tissues of different histological types revealed that the majority of tumour cells were strong positive in the case of infiltrating ductal and lobular carcinomas, the staining being less intense for in situ carcinoma. The test for normal and benign tissues was negative. The staining patterns were comparable with those of control antibody. These results suggest that the MAb generated is specific to p53. The p53 protein expression was compared with the estrogen receptor (ER) status for 50 breast tumours which revealed that 38% of these were p53 positive and of these two were ER+. Among the p53 negative tumours, 48% were found to be ER+. A comparison of the p53 expression for 100 breast cancer patients indicated that 57% of the tumours were p53 negative and these patients had a longer overall 5 year survival rate and recurrent free interval which is statistically very significant. These results might suggest that p53 positive tumours are more aggressive biologically with poor prognosis.

Radiation doses to the Gonadal area in dental radiography

The authors study the dose of radiation received in the Gonadal areas during intra-oral or panoramic radiography performed at the college of Dentistry in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The results show a negligible generic risk.

Benign squamous papillomatosis: case report

Squamous papillae in the vestibule are common. They were once considered to be normal variants of female anatomy, but reports of the viral aetiology of such lesions are emerging. When they are symptomatic, squamous papillae can lead to problems in sexual relationships between healthy partners. Here we report a case that responded well to treatment.