Antioxidant effect of Triticum aestivium (wheat grass) in high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress in rabbits

Wheat grass is used as a general health tonic and is reported to be effective against several medical disorders, although detailed literature is not available. Besides drug therapy, a number of medicinal plants are effective in treating hyperlipidemia. This study examined the effects of wheat grass on high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rabbits. Thirty rabbits were divided into 3 groups of 10 rabbits each, group I receiving a control diet, group II a high-fat diet and group III a high-fat diet together with wheat grass over a period of 10 weeks. Fasting serum samples from the animals were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and vitamin C, and the results were compared. The high-fat diet resulted in hyperlipidemia and an increase in oxidative stress, indicated by a significant rise in MDA levels, whereas antioxidant levels of GSH and vitamin C were significantly reduced. Wheat grass supplementation with a high-fat diet resulted in improved lipid levels (decreased total cholesterol and increased HDL-C) together with significantly reduced MDA levels and increased GSH and vitamin C levels. These results indicate the beneficial role of wheat grass in ameliorating hyperlipidemia and the associated oxidative stress.

Alopecia in vitamin D-dependent rickets type II responding to 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol

A 4-year-old boy presented with rickets, alopecia and macrocephaly along with elevated serum levels of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ which was diagnostic of vitamin D-dependent rickets type II. The rickets responded to conventional doses of 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol together with oral calcium supplement and there was also improvement in the alopecia. In patients with vitamin D-dependent rickets type II with alopecia, although rickets improves with treatment, improvement in alopecia has not been reported before.

Dual detection of human herpesvirus-6 and human papillomavirus type 16 and 18 in cervical carcinoma

Introduction It is widely accepted that certain 'high risk' human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes, particularly HPV 16 and 18 are aetiological agents in the development of neoplasia of the uterine cervix. The long latent period between initial HPV infection and emergence of carcinoma suggests that HPV alone is insufficient for malignant transformation and additional factors are required for the progression of HPV infected cells to a neoplastic phenotype. Cells with integrated HPV express viral E6 and E7 oncoproteins which are crucial for immortalisation of epithelial cells via their action on host p53 protein. It is therefore of particular interest to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that alter the expression of E6/E7 proteins during HPV-associated tumorigenesis. Recently, human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) has been shown to infect a HPV-immortalised cervical epithelial cell line and transactivate HPV 18 promoters, upregulating gene expression of E6 and E7 HPV oncoproteins (Chen et al., 1994; DiPaolo et al., 1994). HHV-6, first isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with AIDS and lymphoproliferative disorders, is the causative agent of exanthem subitum, heterophile-negative infectious mononucleosis and other febrile illnesses. HHV-6 has recently been detected in oral carcinomas (Yadav et al., 1994). HHV-6 also contains DNA sequences which can transform epithelial cells in culture.

Epigenomic derangement of hepatic glucose metabolism by feeding of high fructose diet and its prevention by Rosiglitazone in rats

BACKGROUND

The high consumption of fructose leads to the increasing incidence of insulin resistance by several unknown mechanisms. Hepatic glucose metabolism may also be an important target of fructose-induced-metabolic alterations.

AIM

The aim of present study was to investigate alterations in hepatic glycogenolysis, glycogenesis and gluconeogenic fluxes by feeding of 21% high fructose diet and the effects of Rosiglitazone treatment to prevent these derangements in rats.

METHODS

Rats were maintained on normal chow and high fructose diet with or without Rosiglitazone for 8 weeks and various biochemical and gene expression measures were estimated.

RESULTS

The feeding of high fructose diet impaired glucose, insulin and pyruvate tolerance tests and increased blood HbA(1c), insulin, triglyceride, free fatty acids and homeostasis model assessment after 8 weeks. In addition, high fructose diet feeding increased expression of phosphoenol-pyruvatecorboxykinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, sterol regulatory element binding proteins-1 and fatty acid synthase through enhanced expression of fork-head receptor, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma-co-activator 1 and cAMP reactive element binding protein. The treatment with Rosiglitazone inhibited all these derangements, i.e. hepato-lipogenic and gluconeogenic effects of high fructose diet feeding in rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Together these findings suggest that high fructose diet induced hepatic gluconeogenic and lipogenic rate, and increased circulating triglycerides and free fatty acids, which may be the major risk factors for glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in rats. In such situations high fructose flux also induces transcriptional cascade of gluconeogenic enzymes through the modulation of various associated transcriptional factors.

Antimicrobial property of a herbal preparation containing Dalbergia sissoo and Datura tramonium with cow urine against pathogenic bacteria

In this study, a herbal preparation containing Dalbergia sissoo and Datura stramoium with cow urine (DSDS), was evaluated for its antibacterial potential against pathogenic strains of gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria. Antibacterial activity was compared to standard antibiotic drugs i.e. Chloramphenicol (30 mcg), Ampicillin (10 mcg), Nalidixic acid (10 mcg) and Rifampicin (30 mcg). Cow urine extract was found to be most active against both gram-positive as well as gram-negative bacteria. Clinical isolate of S. aureus showed higher sensitivity towards cow urine extract of DSDS than standard strains, and inhibited growth on most regulatory levels such as inhibition of protein, DNA, RNA and peptidoglycan synthesis. The results of the present study shows that the cow urine extract of DSDS may be used as a potent antiseptic preparation for prevention and treatment of chronic bacterial infections.

TLR- and CXCR1-dependent innate immunity: insights into the genetics of urinary tract infections

The susceptibility to urinary tract infection (UTI) is controlled by the innate immune response and Toll like receptors (TLRs) are the sentinels of this response. If productive, TLR4 signalling may initiate the symptomatic disease process. In the absence of TLR4 signalling the infected host instead develops an asymptomatic carrier state. The activation of mucosal TLR4 is also influenced by the properties of the infecting strain, and pathogens use their virulence factors to trigger 'pathogen-specific' TLR4 responses in the urinary tract but do not respond to the asymptomatic carrier strains in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU). The TLR4 dependence has been demonstrated in mice and the relevance of low TLR4 function for protection for human disease was recently confirmed in children with asymptomatic bacteriuria, who expressed less TLR4 than age matched controls. Functional chemokines and functional chemokine receptors are crucial for neutrophil recruitment, and for the neutrophil dependent bacterial clearance. Interleukin (IL)-8 receptor deficient mice develop acute septic infections and chronic tissue damage, due to aberrant neutrophil function. This mechanism is relevant for human UTI as pyelonephritis prone children express low levels of the human CXCL8 (Il-8) receptor, CXC chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) and often have heterozygous CXCR1 polymorphisms. This review illustrates how intimately the innate response and the susceptibility to UTI are linked and sophisticated recognition mechanisms that rely on microbial virulence and on host TLR4 and CXCR1 signalling.

Cysteine proteinase 30 (CP30) and antibody response to CP30 in serum and vaginal washes of symptomatic and asymptomatic Trichomonas vaginalis-infected women

Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis may be asymptomatic or with symptoms suggestive of vaginitis. Because cysteine proteinase 30 (CP30) of T. vaginalis is known to be a virulence marker that plays a role in cytoadherence, the aim of this study was to analyse the presence of CP30 and antibody to CP30 in clinical samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic infected women. CP30 was detected in all the serum and vaginal washes (VWs) of symptomatic women and in 65% of the serum and 80% of the VWs of asymptomatic women. This suggested that the majority of asymptomatic women also exhibit CP30 in the serum and VWs. Antibody to CP30 was detected in all the serum samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic women and in the VWs of only 54.5% of the symptomatic and 35% of the asymptomatic women. Antibody to CP30 was also detected in 3/20 of the serum samples and in none of the VWs from uninfected women. Significantly higher amounts of antibody (mean OD values) were observed in serum and VWs of symptomatic as compared to asymptomatic and healthy women (P<0.001). These results indicate that besides CP30, other factors may also be playing a role in leading to symptomatic infection, because CP30 was detected in clinical samples from all the symptomatic and the majority of the asymptomatic women. Although anti-CP30 antibodies do not appear to be protective, detection of antibody to CP30 antigen in serum samples may be used as a diagnostic tool.

Kinetics of serum and local cytokine profile in experimental intravaginal trichomoniasis induced with Trichomonas vaginalis isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic women

Trichomoniasis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease, is caused by infection with the protist Trichomonas vaginalis. The clinical spectrum varies from an asymptomatic to a severe symptomatic state. However, the exact factors leading to varied symptomatology have not been well elucidated. The role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of many microbial diseases has been reported. The present study reports the cytokine levels (IL-2, IL-4, IFN-gamma) on different days post infection (3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th d.p.i.) in serum and vaginal washes (VWs) of mice infected intravaginally with T. vaginalis isolates from 15 symptomatic and 15 asymptomatic women. Significantly higher production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma was observed on the 3rd to 28th d.p.i., and IL-4 on the 7th to 21st d.p.i., in infected as compared to uninfected mice. A significant increase in cytokine IL-2 and IFN-gamma was observed on the 3rd to 28th d.p.i. in serum and VWs of mice infected with T. vaginalis isolates from asymptomatic as compared to symptomatic women. IL-2 (P < 0.001) and IFN-gamma (P < 0.05) concentrations were significantly higher on the 14th d.p.i. in serum samples as compared to VWs of mice infected with T. vaginalis isolates from asymptomatic and symptomatic women, while no significant difference was observed in IL-4 concentration between the two groups of mice. The study indicates the involvement of a Th-1 (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) like response in mice infected with isolates from asymptomatic women as compared to symptomatic women and suggests that Th-1 type cytokines might be playing a role in maintaining low levels of infection.

Nitric oxide radicals in leucocytes and vaginal washes of Trichomonas vaginalis -infected symptomatic and asymptomatic women

The clinical spectrum of Trichomonas vaginalis infection varies from asymptomatic to mild, moderate or severe vaginitis. Nitric oxide and other reactive nitrogen radicals produced by immune effector cells are important cytotoxic and cytostatic mediators against several microorganisms including parasites. In the present study, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) were determined in leucocyte cultures (stimulated with T. vaginalis in vitro) and vaginal washes (VWs) of 22 symptomatic and 20 asymptomatic T. vaginalis-infected and 20 healthy women by immunoblotting and Griess method respectively. The iNOS protein was detected in leucocytes and VWs of all the symptomatic and asymptomatic women, but was not detected in any of the samples from healthy women. Mean iNOS protein band intensity was significantly higher in leucocytes as compared to VWs (P<0.001) of both symptomatic and asymptomatic women and was also higher in leucocytes of asymptomatic as compared to symptomatic women (P<0.05). Mean RNI concentration was also significantly higher in leucocytes (P<0.01) and VWs (P<0.05) of asymptomatic as compared to symptomatic women, and was also higher in samples of infected as compared to healthy women (P<0.001). These results suggest that reactive nitrogen radicals may have a role in limiting T. vaginalis infection in asymptomatic women.

Kinetics of immunoglobulin G, M, A and IgG subclass responses in experimental intravaginal trichomoniasis: prominence of IgG1 response

Trichomoniasis, the most common nonviral sexually transmitted disease, is caused by infection with the protist Trichomonas vaginalis. The clinical spectrum varies from an asymptomatic state to mild, moderate or severe symptoms. However, the exact factors leading to varied symptomatology have not been well elucidated. The mouse is a useful experimental model for intravaginal trichomoniasis, for understanding the role of local immune responses in the pathogenesis and varied symptomatology of this disease. The present study reports anti-Trichomonas IgG, IgM, IgA and IgG subclass antibody responses on different post-infection days (3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th) in serum and vaginal washes of mice infected intravaginally with T. vaginalis isolates from 15 symptomatic and 15 asymptomatic women. Successful intravaginal infection was established by inoculating T. vaginalis in BALB/c mice pre-inoculated with Lactobacillus acidophilus and pretreated with oestradiol. A significant increase in parasite load was observed on the 14th post-infection day (p.i.d.) in mice inoculated with T. vaginalis isolates from symptomatic women as compared to asymptomatic women (P < 0.001), followed by reduction until the 28th p.i.d. (P < 0.05). A significant increase in specific IgG (P < 0.001) and in particular IgG1 (P < 0.001) and IgM (P < 0.01) responses was observed on the 14th p.i.d. in serum and vaginal washes of mice infected with T. vaginalis isolates from symptomatic women as compared to asymptomatic women. Significant increases in specific IgG, IgM and IgG1 responses was observed on the 14th p.i.d. in serum samples as compared with vaginal washes of mice infected with T. vaginalis isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic women (P < 0.01), whereas no significant difference was observed in IgA, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3 antibody responses. The study indicates that specific IgG, particularly IgG1 and IgM, may be playing a role in establishing symptomatic infection.

The hemochromatosis C282Y allele: a risk factor for hepatic veno-occlusive disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) is a serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Since the liver is a major site of iron deposition in HFE-associated hemochromatosis, and iron has oxidative toxicity, we hypothesized that HFE genotype might influence the risk of HVOD after myeloablative HSCT. We determined HFE genotypes in 166 HSCT recipients who were evaluated prospectively for HVOD. We also tested whether a common variant of the rate-limiting urea cycle enzyme, carbamyl-phosphate synthetase (CPS), previously observed to protect against HVOD in this cohort, modified the effect of HFE genotype. Risk of HVOD was significantly higher in carriers of at least one C282Y allele (RR=3.7, 95% CI 1.2-12.1) and increased progressively with C282Y allelic dose (RR=1.7, 95% CI 0.4-6.8 in heterozygotes; RR=8.6, 95% CI 1.5-48.5 in homozygotes). The CPS A allele, which encodes a more efficient urea cycle enzyme, reduced the risk of HVOD associated with HFE C282Y. We conclude that HFE C282Y is a risk factor for HVOD and that CPS polymorphisms may counteract its adverse effects. Knowledge of these genotypes and monitoring of iron stores may facilitate risk-stratification and testing of strategies to prevent HVOD, such as iron chelation and pharmacologic support of the urea cycle.

A study of prevalence of health problems in asymptomatic elderly individuals in Delhi

A survey was conducted in asymptomatic aged individuals (> or = 60 years) in The National Capital Territory of Delhi for the prevalence of major health problems like hypertension, diabetes mellitus and respiratory diseases. A total of 200 individuals (100 males and 100 females) were studied over a period of three months in 1998-99. Hypertension was defined as BP > or = 140/90 mmHg (JNC VI criteria), while diabetes mellitus was diagnosed if fasting whole blood sugar was 120 mg/dl or more (WHO criteria). Diagnosis of other health problems was based on relevant history and physical examination. Prevalence of hypertension in the study group was 32.5 per cent (more in males). Of these 18 per cent and 4.2 per cent had isolated systolic and diastolic hypertension, respectively. Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the same population was 13.0 per cent. Both diseases were more prevalent in urban population. A high prevalence of respiratory disorders was observed (pulmonary tuberculosis 16 per cent, COPD 10 per cent, asthma 4.5 per cent). Cataract was present in 7.5 per cent while 1.5 per cent had symptoms of urinary tract infection. History of Jaundice was present in 3.5 per cent. Three per cent each had a history suggestive of IHD and TIA, respectively. Proteinuria and glycosuria was seen in 22.2 and 7.6 percent, respectively. A large percentage of the study group (34.4 per cent) had asymptomatic ECG abnormalities.

Detection of amplified int-2/FGF-3 gene in primary breast carcinomas using differential polymerase chain reaction

Amplification of int-2/FGF-3 gene was investigated by differential polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) in 440 archival primary breast carcinoma tissues. Of these, 23 were comedo ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), 18 were non-comedo DCIS, 41 were comedo DCIS with adjacent invasive ductal carcinomas, 19 were non-comedo DCIS with adjacent invasive ductal carcinomas, 270 were invasive ductal carcinomas, 33 were invasive lobular carcinomas, 21 were colloid carcinomas and 15 were medullary carcinomas. Int-2 was amplified in 22% (96/440) of the primary breast carcinomas. It was shown that int-2 was amplified in 13% (3/23) of the comedo DCIS, 17% (7/41) of the comedo DCIS and 29% (12/41) of the adjacent invasive ductal carcinomas, 26% (71/270) of the invasive ductal carcinomas, 18% (6/33) of the invasive lobular carcinomas, 10% (2/21) of the colloid carcinomas and 13% (2/15) of the medullary carcinomas. In contrast, int-2 was not amplified in non-comedo DCIS and invasive ductal carcinomas with adjacent non-comedo DCIS lesions. A significant association was observed between int-2 amplification in the in situ components and adjacent invasive lesion (P<0.05). All tumors with int-2 amplification in the in situ lesions (7/7) also demonstrated same degree of amplification in the adjacent invasive components. However, 9% (5/53) of the tumors with no amplified int-2 gene in the in situ components showed int-2 amplification in the adjacent invasive lesions. A significant relationship was noted between amplification of int-2 and lymph node metastases (P<0.05) and poorly differentiated tumors (P<0.05) but not with estrogen receptor status (P>0.05) and proliferation index (Ki-67 and PCNA) (P>0.05). In Malaysia, majority of the patients belong to younger age group (<50 years old) but a comparison of the age groups showed that the amplification of int-2 was not statistically associated with patient age (P>0.05). These observations indicate that amplification of int-2 tends to strengthen the view that int-2 may have the potential to be an indicator of poor prognosis regardless of the age of the patient. Moreover, the presence of int-2 amplification in preinvasive, preinvasive and adjacent invasive lesions, and invasive carcinomas suggest that int-2 could be a marker of genetic instability occurring in early and late stages of tumor development.