Phloridzin's Diabetic Wound Healing Potential through DPP-4 Enzyme Inhibition: A Review Article

Diabetic wound healing is a dynamic medical process that takes place in an environment within the body that is complex and contains elevated sugar levels, oxygen deprivation, and cellular oxidative stress. Phloridzin (Phlorizin) is one of the most well-known polyphenols found in apples because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antiseptic properties; it can also play a significant part in the healing of diabetic wounds. The study aimed to investigate the role of phloridzin as an efficient DPP-4 inhibitor with additional therapeutic effects in diabetic wound healing, as Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) expression increases in response to increases in glucose, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and inflammation. Phloridzin inhibiting DPP-4 preserves Stromal cell-derived Factor-1α (SDF-1α), Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF), and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), which are possible DPP-4 substrates involved in wound healing. The accessible material from systemic searches in PubMed, Scopus, and published articles was reviewed with no period of limitation. The in silico study showed strong binding of phloridzin with DPP-4 protein (2P8S); also, in vitro DPP-4 inhibition assay has shown better inhibition by phloridzin. This study offers new research directions for examining phloridzin's capacity to withstand oxidative stress, as well as for redefining its tactical function as a powerful DPP-4 inhibitor to regulate the process involved in the healing of diabetic wounds.

Side effects based network construction and drug repositioning of ropinirole as a potential molecule for Alzheimer's disease: an in-silico, in-vitro, and in-vivo study

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in older adults. Drug repositioning is a process of finding new therapeutic applications for existing drugs. One of the methods in drug repositioning is to use the side-effect profile of a drug to identify a new therapeutic indication. The drugs with similar side-effects may act on similar biological targets and could affect the same biochemical process. In this study, we explored the Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs using PROMISCUOUS database to find those that have adverse effects profile comparable with the ligands being studied or used to treat AD. Here, we found that the ropinirole, a dopamine receptor agonist, shared a maximum number of side-effects with the drugs proven beneficial for treating AD. Furthermore, molecular modelling demonstrated that ropinirole exhibited strong binding affinity (-9.313 kcal/mol) and best ligand efficiency (0.49) with sigma-1 receptor. Here, we observed that the quaternary amino group of ropinirole is essential for binding with sigma-1 receptor. Molecular dynamic simulation indicated that the movement of the carboxy-terminal helices (α4/α5) could play a major role in the receptor's physiological functions. The neurotoxicity induced by Aβ25-35 in SH-SY5Y cells was reduced by ropinirole at concentrations 10, 30, and 50 µM. The effect on spatial learning and memory was examined in mice with Aβ25-35 induced memory deficit using the radial arm maze. Ropinirole (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly improved the short and long-term memories in the radial arm maze test. Our results suggest that ropinirole has the potential to be repositioned for AD treatment.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

An Exploration of Herbal Extracts Loaded Phyto-phospholipid Complexes (Phytosomes) Against Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Formulation Considerations

BACKGROUND

Herbal preparations with low oral bioavailability have a fast first-pass metabolism in the gut and liver. To offset these effects, a method to improve absorption and, as a result, bioavailability must be devised.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to design, develop, and assess the in vivo toxicity of polyherbal phytosomes for ovarian cyst therapy.

METHODS

Using antisolvent and rotational evaporation procedures, phytosomes containing phosphatidylcholine and a combination of herbal extracts (Saraca asoca, Bauhinia variegata, and Commiphora mukul) were synthesized. For a blend of Saraca asoca, Bauhinia variegata, and Commiphora mukul, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), preformulation investigations, qualitative phytochemical screening, and UV spectrophotometric tests were conducted. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential, ex vivo release, and in vivo toxicological investigations were used to examine phytosomes.

RESULTS

FTIR studies suggested no changes in descriptive peaks in raw and extracted herbs, although the intensity of peaks was slightly reduced. Zeta potential values between -20.4 mV to - 29.6 mV suggested stable phytosomes with an accepted particle size range. Percentage yield and entrapment efficiency were directly correlated to the amount of phospholipid used. Ex vivo studies suggested that the phytosomes with low content of phospholipids showed good permeation profiles. There was no difference in clinical indications between the extract-loaded phytosomes group and the free extract group in in vivo toxicological or histopathological examinations.

CONCLUSION

The findings of current research work suggested that the optimized phytosomes based drug delivery containing herbal extracts as bioenhancers has the potential to improve the bioavailability of hydrophobic extracts.

Physiological and Pathophysiological Aspects of Diabetic Foot Ulcer and its Treatment Strategies

BACKGROUND

Diabetes foot ulcers (DFU) are among the most common complications in diabetic patients, leading to amputation and psychological distress. This mini-review covers the general physiology of ulcer healing as well as the pathophysiology of DFU and its therapies. Only a few treatments have been sanctioned and numerous compounds from various pharmacological groups are now being tested at various stages for the prevention and treatment of DFUs.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this mini-review is to give concise information on how diabetes mellitus impairs the healing of chronic ulcers by disrupting numerous biological systems of the normal healing process, resulting in diabetic foot ulceration, and the current therapeutic approaches.

METHODS

A review of accessible material from systemic searches in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, published review articles, and Clinical Trials databases (US National Library of Medicine) with no period of limitation was conducted.

RESULTS

The treatment of DFUs comprises wound dressings, use of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors in wound dressing, antibiotics, skin substitutes, pressure off-loading growth factors and stem cells, gene therapy, topical oxygen therapy, etc. Conclusion: The majority of these treatments are aimed at treating diabetic foot ulcers and preventing diabetic wounds from becoming infected. Yet, there is no single therapy that can be advised for diabetic foot ulcer patients. Future treatment strategies should be considered an appropriate treatment option for persistent wounds.

Preventive and Therapeutic Aspects of Migraine for Patient Care: An Insight

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a common neurological condition marked by frequent mild to extreme headaches that last 4 to 72 hours. A migraine headache may cause a pulsing or concentrated throbbing pain in one part of the brain. Nausea, vomiting, excessive sensitivity to light and sound, smell, feeling sick, vomiting, painful headache, and blurred vision are all symptoms of migraine disorder. Females are more affected by migraines in comparison to males.

OBJECTIVE

The present review article summarizes preventive and therapeutic measures, including allopathic and herbal remedies for the treatment of migraine.

RESULTS

This review highlights the current aspects of migraine pathophysiology and covers an understanding of the complex workings of the migraine state. Therapeutic agents that could provide an effective treatment have also been discussed.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that different migraines could be treated based on their type and severity.

The promotion of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity by Nrf2 amplifier is a potential technique in diabetic wound healing — a review

Wound healing is a complicated organised process that includes numerous phases that connect diverse cellular events and activate several intracellular molecular pathways in injured cells and tissues. Delay in wound healing owing to high levels of oxidative stress is a major difficulty in various metabolic illnesses, including diabetes mellitus. Several therapeutic wound dressing materials and methods, such as hyperbaric oxygen treatment and negative pressure wound therapy, have been developed to speed up wound healing and restore cellular homeostasis. A significant advance has been made in locating transcriptional regulators involved in wound healing. The redox sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the major regulator of antioxidant defense regulation, inducing the expression of cyto-protective genes and increasing the generation of antioxidants that scavenge free radicals.Activators of Nrf2 have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve wound healing in a variety of pathophysiological situations, including diabetes and its consequences such as diabetic foot ulcers, chronic kidney disease, and diabetic nephropathy. Several therapeutic chemicals have been discovered to alleviate oxidative stress and consequently increase cell proliferation. Angiogenesis results in tissue healing through activating the transcription factor Nrf2. This review focuses on role of Nrf2 mediated antioxidant gene expression for diabetic wound healing.

Nrf2 Mediated Heme Oxygenase-1 Activation Contributes to Diabetic Wound Healing - an Overview

Diabetic wound healing is a complicated procedure because hyperglycemia changes the various stages of wound healing. In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), oxidative stress is proven to be a critical factor in causing non-healing wounds and aggravating the inflammatory phase, resulting in the amputation of lower limbs in T2DM patients. This makes scientists figure out how to control oxidative stress and chronic inflammation at the molecular level. Nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) releases antioxidant proteins to suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS) activation and inflammation. The current review discusses the role of Nrf2 in improving diabetic wound healing by reducing the production of ROS and thus reducing oxidative stress, as well as inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) dissociation and nuclear translocation, which prevents the release of inflammatory mediators and increases antioxidant protein levels, thereby improving diabetic wound healing. As a result, the researcher will be able to find a more effective diabetic wound healing therapy.

Biochanin-A: A Bioactive Natural Product with Versatile Therapeutic Perspectives

BACKGROUND

Biochanin-A (5,7 dihydroxy 4 methoxy isoflavone) is a phytochemical phytoestrogen that is highly effective against various diseases. Biochanin-A is a nutritional and dietary isoflavonoid naturally present in red clover, chickpea, soybeans and other herbs. Biochanin- A possesses numerous biological activities.

OBJECTIVE

The study focused on collective data of therapeutic activities of Biochanin-A.

METHODS

According to the literature, biochanin-A revealed a range of activities starting from chemoprevention, by hindering cell growth, activation of tumor cell death, hampering metastasis, angiogenic action, cell cycle regulation, neuroprotection, by controlling microglial activation, balancing antioxidants, elevating the neurochemicals, suppressing BACE-1, NADPH oxidase hindrance to inflammation, by mitigating the MAPK and NF- κB, discharge of inflammatory markers, upregulating the PPAR-γ, improving the function of heme oxygenase-1, erythroid 2 nuclear factors, detoxifying the oxygen radicals and stimulating the superoxide dismutase action, and controlling its production of transcription factors. Against pathogens, biochanin-A acts by dephosphorylating tyrosine kinase proteins, obstructing gram-negative bacteria, suppressing the development of cytokines from viruses, and improving the action of a neuraminidase cleavage of caspase-3, and acts as an efflux pump inhibitor. In metabolic disorders, biochanin-A acts by encouraging transcriptional initiation and inhibition, activating estrogen receptors, and increasing the activity of differentiation, autophagy, inflammation, and blood glucose metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, biochanin-A could be used as a therapeutic drug for various pathological conditions and treatments in human beings.

Resveratrol: A Vital Therapeutic Agent with Multiple Health Benefits

Resveratrol (RSV), the most effective stilbene phytoalexin synthesized naturally or induced in plants as part of their defense mechanism, is a key component of natural phenolic compounds and is being considered as a treatment option for a variety of diseases. RSV was discovered in the skin of red grapes, mulberries, peanuts, pines, and Polygonum cuspidatum weed root extracts. It was first extracted from white hellebore (Veratrum grandiflorum O. Loes) roots in 1940, then from Polygonum cuspidatum roots in 1963. However, RSV's use as a drug is limited due to its initial conformational strength and poor stability. The research focused on a set of RSV biological activity data. RSV has been the subject of growing concern, despite its wide range of biological and therapeutic applications. According to the literature, RSV has antioxidant, anti-cancer, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti- inflammatory, anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, and radioprotective properties. The current analysis summarized biological applications of RSV, their mechanisms of action, and recent scientific development in the area of their delivery. It is possible to infer that RSV has many effects on infected cells' cellular functions.

Childlessness among Muthuvan Tribes of Tamil Nadu, India: An Exploratory Study

Introduction:

Childlessness is a global concern and it has serious demographic, social, and health implications. The declining Muthuvan child population may reduce their population on the whole.

Objective:

The study explored the prevalence of childlessness and its underlying reasons in the Muthuvan tribes of Tamil Nadu.

Subjects and Methods:

The study applied the mixed-method design, and the snowball technique was adopted to identify eight Muthuvan hamlets. Descriptive and thematic analysis was done for the collected quantitative and qualitative information.

Results:

The study found the prevalence of childlessness among Muthuvan couples as 30.65%. The underlying reasons were their cultural practices of confinement during menstruation and restriction on engaging in productive work and family care, which gave them the idea of regular intake of oral contraceptive pills and lessen their desire to have children.

Conclusion:

The study concludes that the comfort of their daily life has taken over more important than the consequences of objects used for comfort, to their health and future generations.

Images super-resolution by optimal deep AlexNet architecture for medical application: A novel DOCALN1

In the last decade, numerous researches have been focused on Image Super-Resolution (SR); this recreation or improvement model is vital in different research areas. Recently, deep learning algorithm finds useful to advance in the resolution of the medical output. Here, we devise a novel Deep Convolutional Network model along with the optimal learning rate of the Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) intended for Medical Image Super-Resolution (MISR). For getting the optimal values of Deep Learning AlexNet structure, Modified Crow Search (MCS) is utilized, which is mainly depends on the behavior of crow sets. The chosen Alexnet lacks in a sort of suitable supervision for upgrading execution of the proposed model that effectively aims to overfit. The proposed design, i.e., MISR, named Deep Optimal Convolutional AlexNet (DOCALN), derives the optimal values of learning rates of the ReLU activation function. Based on this optimal deep learning structure, the Low Resolution (LR) medical images can be applied. Experimentation results of our proposed model are compared with variants of Convolution Neural Networks (CNN) concerning different measures such as image quality assessment, SR efficiency analysis, and execution time.

Hirschsprung’s Disease: Two Cases of Total Intestinal Aganglionosis

Introduction/Objective

Hirschsprung’s disease is a disorder associated with an absence of ganglion cells in a segment of the bowel. Total colonic and small bowel aganglionosis occurs in less than 1% of all Hirschsprung’s disease patients. Even rarer is the finding of Haddad syndrome, the coexistence of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome and Hirschsprung’s disease. Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome has approximately 1,000 reported cases, with colonic aganglionosis being associated with 15-20% of those cases. The prevalence of Hirschsprung’s disease with congenital renal anomalies may be another underreported finding.

Methods

Here, we report two rare cases of Hirschsprung’s disease with significant extension in the small bowel. One case involves a 38-week gestational age male infant admitted for apnea and another case involves 39-week gestational age female infant admitted for vomiting.

Results

Both infants had rectal suction biopsies confirming the absence of ganglion cells. The male infant had mapping biopsies which histologically showed hypertrophic nerve fibers and an absence of ganglion cells in the colon extending up to 70 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. Calretinin immunostaining confirmed aganglionsis. Genetic testing showed a PHOX2B gene mutation carrying 32 polyalanine repeat mutations, confirming a diagnosis of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome coexisting with Hirschsprung’s disease. The female infant had intraoperative frozen sections that identified ganglion cells throughout the colon. On permanent sections, there was an absence of ganglion cells in the upper rectum extending up to 65 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. She also was noted to have agenesis of the left kidney and a urachal remnant. Genetic testing was negative for RET mutations.

Conclusion

Overall, these cases provide further information on a rare variant of Hirschsprung’s disease that includes significant portions of the small bowel. Additionally, this study adds to the documented reports of Haddad syndrome and the connections between renal anomalies with Hirschsprung’s disease. Last, this series alludes to the difficulties of frozen section diagnosis of this disease.

Space time analysis of dengue fever diagnosed through a network of laboratories in India from 2014-2017

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

The Department of Health Research and the Indian Council of Medical Research, Government of India, have established Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory Network (VRDLN) to strengthen the laboratory capacity in the country for providing timely diagnosis of disease outbreaks. Fifty-one VRDLs were functional as on December 2017 and had reported about dengue fever across Indian states. The objectives of the study were to detect space time clusters and purely temporal clusters of dengue using Kulldorff's SaTScan statistics using patient level information; and to identify regions at greater risk of developing the disease using Kriging technique aggregating at district level.

METHODS

A total of 211,432 patients from 51 VRDLs were investigated for IgM antibodies or NS1 antigen against dengue virus during the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017 and among them 60,096 (28.4%) were found to be positive. Kulldorff's space time analysis was used to identify significant clusters over space and time. Kriging technique was used to interpolate dengue data for areas not physically sampled using the relationship in the spatial arrangement of the data set. Maps obtained using both the methods were overlaid to identify the regions at greater risk of developing the disease.

RESULTS

Kulldorff Space time Scan Statistics using the Bernoulli model with monthly precision revealed eight statistically significant clusters (P <0.001) for the time period, 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017. Eight significant clusters identified were districts of Nagpur, Jhunjhunu, Gadag, Dakshin Kannada, Kancheepuram, Sivaganga, Ernakulam and Malda. The purely temporal clusters occurred during the last quarter of 2015 and 2016. The Kriging technique identified north eastern part of the country (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur) and Gujarat.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Dengue fever has spread in all directions in the country. Hence, it is need of the hour to perform an in-depth investigation.

World War against COVID-19: How strong is our armamentarium?

No abstract provided.

Determinants of periodontitis among a rural Indian population: A case control study

OBJECTIVES

Identify the determinants of periodontitis in a rural Indian population aged 35-44 years.

BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN

Case-control clinical and questionnaire study in a cluster sample of 50 villages.

METHODS

A total of 3000 persons were screened for the presence of periodontitis using the CDC case definition in full mouth examination. Equal numbers of cases (604 persons with periodontitis) and controls (604 without periodontitis) were recruited and interviewed with a piloted questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analysis estimated crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) respectively with 95% confidence limits.

RESULTS

Six factors were determined by multivariate analysis to predict periodontitis: education less than or equal to twelve years of schooling (aOR=2.51, 95% CI=1.18-5.34), alcohol consumption (aOR= 1.7, 95% CI=1.16-2.49), consuming a non-vegetarian diet (aOR=1.38, 95% CI=1.08-1.76), not drinking milk (aOR=1.7, 95% CI= 1.29-2.24), not using a toothbrush for cleaning of teeth (aOR=2.98, 95% CI =1.71-5.21) and not cleaning teeth at least once a day (aOR=2.13, 95% CI=1.58-2.87).

CONCLUSION

Risk factors for periodontitis in a rural Indian population were identified. Further studies should validate these findings and appropriate recommendations should be developed to decrease the prevalence and burden of periodontitis in this population.

Epidemiology of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E Based on Laboratory Surveillance Data-India, 2014-2017

Hepatitis A and hepatitis E viruses (HAV and HEV) are the most common etiologies of viral hepatitis in India. To better understand the epidemiology of these infections, laboratory surveillance data generated during 2014-2017, by a network of 51 virology laboratories, were analyzed. Among 24,000 patients tested for both HAV and HEV, 3,017 (12.6%) tested positive for HAV, 3,865 (16.1%) for HEV, and 320 (1.3%) for both HAV and HEV. Most (74.6%) HAV patients were aged ≤ 19 years, whereas 76.9% of HEV patients were aged ≥ 20 years. These laboratories diagnosed 12 HAV and 31 HEV clusters, highlighting the need for provision of safe drinking water and improvements in sanitation. Further expansion of the laboratory network and continued surveillance will provide data necessary for informed decision-making regarding introduction of hepatitis-A vaccine into the immunization program.

Gut Microbiota Dysfunction as Reliable Non-invasive Early Diagnostic Biomarkers in the Pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease: A Critical Review

Recent investigations suggest that gut microbiota affects the brain activity through the microbiota-gut-brain axis under both physiological and pathological disease conditions like Parkinson's disease. Further dopamine synthesis in the brain is induced by dopamine producing enzymes that are controlled by gut microbiota via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Also alpha synuclein deposition and the associated neurodegeneration in the enteric nervous system that increase intestinal permeability, oxidative stress, and local inflammation, accounts for constipation in Parkinson's disease patients. The trigger that causes blood brain barrier leakage, immune cell activation and inflammation, and ultimately neuroinflammation in the central nervous system is believed to be due to the chronic low-grade inflammation in the gut. The non-motor symptoms that appear years before motor symptoms could be reliable early biomarkers, if they could be correlated with the established and reliable neuroimaging techniques or behavioral indices. The future directions should therefore, focus on the exploration of newer investigational techniques to identify these reliable early biomarkers and define the specific gut microbes that contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease. This ultimately should pave the way to safer and novel therapeutic approaches that avoid the complications of the drugs delivered today to the brain of Parkinson's disease patients.

Promotion of HepG2 cell apoptosis by flower of Allium atroviolaceum and the mechanism of action

Background

Liver cancer is a high incidence and fatal disease, the fifth most frequent cancer worldwide that is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. The number of deaths from liver cancer has not declined even following various therapies. Plant secondary metabolites and their semi-synthetic derivatives play a principal role in anti-cancer drug therapy, since they are effective in the treatment of specific characteristics while also reducing side effects. Allium atroviolaceum, a plant of the genus Allium has been used in folk medicine to protect against several diseases. However, cytotoxicity and the anti-proliferative effect of Allium atroviolaceum remain unclear. This work aims to investigate the anticancer properties of Allium atroviolaceum and the mechanism of action.

Methods

To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of flower of Allium atroviolaceum, methanol extract at a dose range from 100 to 3.12 μg/ml was assessed against the HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cell line, and also on normal 3T3 cells, by monitoring proliferation using the MTT assay method. A microscopy study was undertaken to observe morphological changes of HepG2 cells after treatment and cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were studied using flow cytometry. The apoptosis mechanism of action was assessed by the level of caspase-3 activity and expression of apoptosis related genes, Bcl-2, Cdk1 and p53. The combination effect of the methanolic extract with doxorubicin was also investigated by determination of a combination index.

Results

The results demonstrated growth inhibition of cells in both dose- and time-dependent manners, while no cytotoxic effect on normal cell 3T3 was found. The results revealed the occurrence of apoptosis, illustrated by sub-G0 cell cycle arrest, the change in morphological feature and annexin-V and propidium iodide staining, which is correlated with Bcl-2 downregulation and caspase-3 activity, but p53-independent. In addition, a combination of Allium atroviolaceum and doxorubicin led to a significant synergistic effect.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that Allium atroviolaceum flower extract has potential as a potent cytotoxic agent against HepG2 cell lines, as it has commendable anti-proliferative activities against human hepatocarcinoma and it can be considered as an effective adjuvant therapeutic agent after the clinical trials.

Association between the C34T polymorphism of the AMPD1 gene and essential hypertension in Malaysian patients

The aim of this study was to determine whether C34T, a common polymorphism of the adenosine monophosphate deaminase 1 gene (AMPD1), is associated with essential hypertension (EH). We hypothesize that C34T is associated with the development of EH. A case-control design was used for this study. The DNA was extracted using a commercial kit from the whole blood of 200 patients with hypertension and 200 subjects without hypertension from selected Malaysian ethnicities (Malays, Chinese, and Indians). Polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and agarose gel electrophoresis were used for genotyping. The C34T gene polymorphism of AMPD1 was significantly associated with EH in the Malaysian subjects (P < 0.0001). The genotype frequencies of CC, CT, and TT were 6%, 79%, and 15%, respectively, among hypertensive subjects, while no TT genotypes were observed in the normotensive subjects. Further, the frequency of hypertension was higher among T allele carriers than C carriers (OD = 9.94; 95%CI = 6.851-14.434). There were significant differences in the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure (P ˂ 0.05) between the normotensive and hypertensive Malaysian subjects; we believe those difference were caused by the C34T polymorphism. For the first time in Malaysia, the current study provides evidence that a common polymorphism of the AMPD1 gene (C34T) is strongly associated with EH.

Glucose uptake through translocation and activation of GLUT4 in PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by asiatic acid in diabetic rats

In this study, we examined the in vivo effect and the mechanism of asiatic acid (AA) on glucose uptake in an insulin target skeletal muscle. Diabetic rats showed significantly increased levels of plasma glucose, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and lipid hydroperoxides, decreased levels of insulin and antioxidants, and impairment in insulin-signaling proteins such as insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1/2, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) proteins. Oral treatment with AA (20 mg/kg body weight) showed near-normalized levels of plasma glucose, lipid peroxidation products, and antioxidants and improved insulin, IR, IRS-1/2, PI3K, Akt, and GLUT4 proteins. These findings suggest that AA improves glucose response by increasing GLUT4 in skeletal muscle through Akt and antioxidant defense in plasma and it also improves glucose homeostasis.

A genome-wide association study of saturated, mono- and polyunsaturated red blood cell fatty acids in the Framingham Heart Offspring Study

Most genome-wide association studies have explored relationships between genetic variants and plasma phospholipid fatty acid proportions, but few have examined apparent genetic influences on the membrane fatty acid profile of red blood cells (RBC). Using RBC fatty acid data from the Framingham Offspring Study, we analyzed over 2.5 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for association with 14 RBC fatty acids identifying 191 different SNPs associated with at least 1 fatty acid. Significant associations (p<1×10(-8)) were located within five distinct 1MB regions. Of particular interest were novel associations between (1) arachidonic acid and PCOLCE2 (regulates apoA-I maturation and modulates apoA-I levels), and (2) oleic and linoleic acid and LPCAT3 (mediates the transfer of fatty acids between glycerolipids). We also replicated previously identified strong associations between SNPs in the FADS (chromosome 11) and ELOVL (chromosome 6) regions. Multiple SNPs explained 8-14% of the variation in 3 high abundance (>11%) fatty acids, but only 1-3% in 4 low abundance (<3%) fatty acids, with the notable exception of dihomo-gamma linolenic acid with 53% of variance explained by SNPs. Further studies are needed to determine the extent to which variations in these genes influence tissue fatty acid content and pathways modulated by fatty acids.

Self Regressing Epitheloid Haemangioendothelioma of Tibia in an Infant-A rare case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Epitheloid hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular soft tissue tumour of intermediate malignant potential. The tumor affects any age group, and liver is the commonest internal organ affected. Bones as calvarium, spine, tibia and femur may also be affected. The lesion can be multifocal in the liver or the same bone itself and can metastasise to lungs. Here we report a rare case of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma involving tibia in a male infant, which regressed by itself without any treatment, after incisional biopsy over a period of one and half years.

CASE REPORT

A 7 month old male baby was presented with incessant cry, fever and swelling in left upper leg of 2 weeks duration. X-ray of leg showed a well demarcated lytic lesion in the meta diaphysial region of left tibia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an irregular lytic lesion with intramedullary extension. Incisional biopsy showed a vascular tumor, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma grade 1. Meanwhile the patient became asymptomatic and subsequent follow ups showed regression in the size of the tumor and complete disappearance after one and half years. This points towards the need of a wait and watch policy in such intermediate grade vascular tumours even though the lesion is so extensive. This is the first case report of an extensive self regressing epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of tibia in an infant to our knowledge.

CONCLUSION

Intermediate grade vascular tumors can undergo spontaneous regression which points towards the need of a wait and watch policy in such tumors thus avoiding extensive surgeries, especially in young patients.

Surface Reconstruction during Molecular Beam Epitaxial Growth of GaN (0001)

Surface reconstructions during homoepitaxial growth of GaN (0001) are studied using reflection high-energy electron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy. In agreement with previous workers, a distinct transition from rough to smooth morphology is seen as a function of Ga to N ratio during growth. However, in contrast to some prior reports, no evidence for a 2×2 reconstruction during GaN growth is observed. Observations have been made using four different nitrogen plasma sources, with similar results in each case. A 2×2 structure of the surface can be obtained, but only during nitridation of the surface in the absence of a Ga flux.

Evaluation of transgenic tobacco plants expressing a bacterial Co-Ni transporter for acquisition of cobalt

Phytoremediation is a viable strategy for management of toxic wastes in a large area/volume with low concentrations of toxic elemental pollutants. With increased industrial use of cobalt and its alloys, it has become a major metal contaminant in soils and water bodies surrounding these industries and mining sites with adverse effects on the biota. A bacterial Co-Ni permease was cloned from Rhodopseudomonas palustris and introduced into Nicotiana tabacum to explore its potential for phytoremediation and was found to be specific for cobalt and nickel. The transgenic plants accumulated more cobalt and nickel as compared to control, whereas no significant difference in accumulation of other divalent ions was observed. The transgenic plants were evaluated for cobalt content and showed increased acquisition of cobalt (up to 5 times) as compared to control. The plants were also assessed for accumulation of nickel and found to accumulate up to 2 times more nickel than control. At the same initial concentration of cobalt and nickel, transgenic plant preferentially accumulated cobalt as compared to nickel. The present study is perhaps the first attempt to develop transgenic plants expressing heterologous Co transporter with an improved capacity to uptake cobalt.

Chronic exposure of colorectal cancer cells to bevacizumab promotes compensatory pathways that mediate tumour cell migration

BACKGROUND

Bevacizumab (Bev), a monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is used in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). The effects of Bev on angiogenesis have been well described, but the direct effect of Bev on tumour cells is unknown. This study was carried out to determine the molecular and phenotypic changes in CRC cells after chronic Bev exposure in vitro.

METHODS

Human CRC cell lines were chronically exposed (3 months) to Bev in vitro to develop Bev-adapted (Bev-A) cell lines. Vascular endothelial growth factor family members were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Migration and invasion was determined using standard in vitro assays. Intravenous injection of tumour cells was carried out to evaluate metastatic potential in mice.

RESULTS

Bevacizumab-adapted cells were found to be more migratory and invasive than control cells (P<0.001). Bevacizumab-adapted cells showed higher levels of VEGF-A, -B, -C, placental growth factor (PlGF), VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) and phosphorylation of VEGFR-1. Furthermore, treatment with SU5416, a VEGFR protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, led to significantly decreased cell migration in vitro (P<0.001). Bevacizumab-adapted cells were more metastatic in vivo (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Chronic exposure of CRC cells to Bev (1) increased expression of VEGF-A, -B, -C, PlGF, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-1 phosphorylation, (2) increased tumour cell migration and invasion, and (3) metastatic potential in vivo. Our study shows the functional significance of autocrine VEGF signalling in CRC cells.

Glutathione transferase from Trichoderma virens enhances cadmium tolerance without enhancing its accumulation in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum

BACKGROUND

Cadmium (Cd) is a major heavy metal pollutant which is highly toxic to plants and animals. Vast agricultural areas worldwide are contaminated with Cd. Plants take up Cd and through the food chain it reaches humans and causes toxicity. It is ideal to develop plants tolerant to Cd, without enhanced accumulation in the edible parts for human consumption. Glutathione transferases (GST) are a family of multifunctional enzymes known to have important roles in combating oxidative stresses induced by various heavy metals including Cd. Some GSTs are also known to function as glutathione peroxidases. Overexpression/heterologous expression of GSTs is expected to result in plants tolerant to heavy metals such as Cd.

RESULTS

Here, we report cloning of a glutathione transferase gene from Trichoderma virens, a biocontrol fungus and introducing it into Nicotiana tabacum plants by Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer. Transgenic nature of the plants was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization and expression by reverse transcription PCR. Transgene (TvGST) showed single gene Mendelian inheritance. When transgenic plants expressing TvGST gene were exposed to different concentrations of Cd, they were found to be more tolerant compared to wild type plants, with transgenic plants showing lower levels of lipid peroxidation. Levels of different antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione transferase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, guiacol peroxidase and catalase showed enhanced levels in transgenic plants expressing TvGST compared to control plants, when exposed to Cd. Cadmium accumulation in the plant biomass in transgenic plants were similar or lower than wild-type plants.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that transgenic tobacco plants expressing a Trichoderma virens GST are more tolerant to Cd, without enhancing its accumulation in the plant biomass. It should be possible to extend the present results to crop plants for developing Cd tolerance and in limiting Cd availability in the food chain.