Biosynthesis of carotenoids in Azospirillum brasilense Cd is mediated via squalene (C30) route

Azospirillum brasilense is a non-photosynthetic α-Proteobacteria, belongs to the family of Rhodospirillaceae and produces carotenoids to protect itself from photooxidative stress. In this study, we have used Resonance Raman Spectra to show similarity of bacterioruberins of Halobacterium salinarum to that of A. brasilense Cd. To navigate the role of genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, we used mutational analysis to inactivate putative genes predicted to be involved in carotenoid biosynthesis in A. brasilense Cd. We have shown that HpnCED enzymes are involved in the biosynthesis of squalene (C30), which is required for the synthesis of carotenoids in A. brasilense Cd. We also found that CrtI and CrtP desaturases were involved in the transformation of colorless squalene into the pink-pigmented carotenoids. This study elucidates role of some genes which constitute very pivotal role in biosynthetic pathway of carotenoid in A. brasilense Cd.

Role of Constituent Oxides for Thermal Mineralization of o-Dichloro Benzene over Mixed-Oxide-TiO2 Catalysts: A Mechanistic Explanation

Catalysts with V2O5, WO3 and V2O5-WO3 dispersed over TiO2 were synthesized using sol-gel technique and thoroughly characterized by various techniques. The catalysts were evaluated for degradation of ortho-dichloro benzene (o-DCB) in air/helium, a representative probe molecule for polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran by employing in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR spectroscopy). Different intermediate species formed on the surface of the TiO2 supported catalysts through of interaction of sorbate molecules with the lattice and/or gaseous oxygen were investigated in detail. Analysis of vibrational bands, observed during sorption of o-DCB and o-DCB-air mixture as a function of temperature over these catalysts, delineated the role of surface intermediate species such as phenolate, enolates, maleates, carboxylates, carbonates in mineralization of o-DCB. Nature and stability of intermediate species, found to be different over these catalysts, were able to elucidate the catalytic activity trend.

Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 levels in children with aplastic anemia and its correlation with disease severity and response to immunosuppressive therapy

Background

Aplastic anemia (AA) is an uncommon condition characterized by pancytopenia and hypocellular bone marrow. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 have been shown to inhibit myelopoiesis and are major mediators of tissue damage. The primary goal of this study was to determine the IL-6 and IL-8 levels in children with AA, as well as their relationship to illness severity and immunosuppressive medication response.

Materials and Methods

The IL-6 and IL-8 levels were tested in 50 children aged 3-18 years who had AA. As controls, 50 healthy age and sex matched individuals were used. A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (solid-phase) was used to measure IL-6 and IL-8 levels quantitatively. The concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 in pg/mL were used to represent the results. Immunosuppressive medication was given to the patients in accordance with the British Committee for Standards in Haematology Guidelines 2009.

Results

The patients' average age was 11.3 ± 3.7 years. Patients with AA had significantly higher IL-6 and IL-8 levels than controls (278.88 ± 216.03 vs. 4.51 ± 3.26; P < 0.001) and (120.28 ± 94.98 vs. 1.79 ± 0.78; P < 0.001), respectively. The IL-6 and IL-8 levels were also investigated with respect to AA severity, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) between different grading strata. Patients with very severe AA (VSAA) had the highest IL-6 levels (499.52 ± 66.19), followed by severe AA (SAA) (201.28 ± 157.77) and non-SAA (NSAA) (22.62 ± 14.63). For IL-8 levels, a similar trend (P < 0.01) was detected, with values of 209.81 ± 38.85, 92.12 ± 78.0, and 9.29 ± 10.68 for VSAA, SAA, and NSAA, respectively. After 6 months of immunosuppressive treatment (IST), mean levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in responders and nonresponders were again assessed. The mean IL-6 level in the responders' group (46.50 ± 45.41) was significantly lower, when compared to the nonresponders' group (145.76 ± 116.32) (P < 0.001). Similarly, the mean IL-8 level in the responder's group (33.57 ± 27.14) was significantly lower, compared to the nonresponder's group (97.49 ± 69.00) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Children with AA had higher IL-6 and IL-8 levels than normal age- and sex-matched controls. Increased levels were linked to the severity of the condition, suggesting that IL may have a role in AA. IL levels can be monitored in AA patients during IST, which can assist in predicting response to IST.

Superior Interfacial Contact Yields Efficient Electron Transfer Rate and Enhanced Solar Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation in M/C3N4 Schottky Junctions

Various literature studies (Table 6) have reported that dispersion of metal nanoparticles (NPs) on graphitic carbon nitride g-C3N4 (M/CN) has considerably improved the photocatalytic hydrogen yield. It is understood that metal NPs create active sites on the surface of CN and act as a cocatalyst. However, the precise changes induced by different metal NPs on the surface of CN still elude us. Here, we report a thorough understanding and comparison of the morphology, metal-support interactions, interfacial charge transfer kinetics, and band characteristics in different M/CN (M = Pt, Pd, Au, Ag, Cu) correlated with photocatalytic activity. Among all metals, Pt/CN was found to be the best performer both under sunlight and UV-visible irradiation. Under sunlight, maximum H2@ 2.7 mmol/h/g was observed over Pt/CN followed by Pd/CN > Au/CN > Ag/CN > Cu/CN ≈ CN. The present study revealed that among all metals, Pt formed superior interfacial contact with g-C3N4 as compared to other metals. The maximum Schottky barrier height (Φb,Pt) of 0.66 V was observed at Pt/CN followed by Φb,Au/CN (0.46 V) and Φb,Pd/CN (0.05 V). The presence of electron-deficient Pt in Pt-XPS, decrease in the intensity of d-DOS of Pt near the Fermi level in VB-XPS, increase in CB tail states, and cathodic shift in Vfb in MS plots sufficiently confirmed strong metal-support interactions in Pt/CN. Due to the SPR effect, Au and Ag NPs suffered from agglomeration and poor dispersion during photodeposition. Finely dispersed Pt NPs (2-4 nm, 53% dispersion) successfully competed with shallow/deep trap states and drove the photogenerated electrons to active metallic sites in a drastically reduced time period as investigated by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Typically, an interfacial electron transfer rate, KIET,avg, of 2.5 × 1010 s-1 was observed for Pt/CN, while 0.087 × 1010 s-1 was observed in Au/CN. Band alignment/potentials at M/CN Schottky junctions were derived and most favorable in Pt/CN with CB tail states much above the water reduction potential; however, in the case of Pd, these extend much below the H+/H2 potential and hence behave like deep trap states. Thus, in Pd/CN (τ0 = 4200 ps, 49%) and Ag/CN (3870 ps, 53%), electron deep trapping dominates over charge transfer to active sites. The present study will help in designing futuristic new cocatalyst-photocatalyst systems.

Effect of milnacipran on brain‑derived neurotrophic factor and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients of major depressive disorder

Emerging hypotheses in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) suggest important role of neurotrophic factors and oxidative stress. This study assessed the effect of milnacipran (a dual serotonin‑noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor) on brain‑derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and oxidative stress biomarkers i.e., malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione‑s‑ transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) in patients of MDD. Thirty patients (aged 18 to 60 years) with MDD diagnosed by DSM‑IV criteria, with Hamilton Depression Rating scale (HAM‑D) score ≥ 14 were included in the study. Patients were given milnacipran in the doses of 50‑100 mg once daily. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks. HAM‑D score at the start of treatment was 17.8±1.7 which significantly reduced to 8.9±3.1 at 12 weeks of treatment. In responders, the plasma BDNF levels increased significantly at 12 weeks post treatment. There was no significant change in the pre‑ and post‑treatment values of oxidative stress parameters (MDA, GST and GR) after 12 week treatment. Milnacipran is effective and well tolerated in MDD patients, and its therapeutic response is associated with an increase in plasma BDNF levels. However, milnacipran did not affect oxidative stress biomarkers.

Aplastic anemia severity and IL-6 and IL-8 blood levels

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Aplastic anemia is a rare, fatal bone marrow disorder that is presumed to be an autoimmune-mediated illness that actively destroys haematopoietic cells through a T helper type-1 cell response. Different cell types in the bone marrow and peripheral circulation produce chemokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). The myelopoiesis that is profoundly impaired in aplastic anemia may be inhibited by these two, as critical and powerful inhibitors. Therefore, it is conceivable that their ongoing overproduction may contribute to aplastic anemia. We performed a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on the peripheral blood plasma to reveal the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 and their correlation to aplastic anaemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 80 cases of aplastic anemia were included in this study, diagnosed according to the criteria laid down by the International Agranulocytosis and Aplastic Anemia study group. A total of 10 healthy individuals served as controls in this study. With the help of a commercial ELISA kit and the instructions from the kit's maker, the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were measured in a quantitative way.

RESULTS

Mean serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels in cases were 283.28±220.27 and 122.56±97.79 pg/ml, respectively, as compared to 7.52±1.43 and 3.42±1.73 pg/ml levels in controls. Statistically, mean IL-6, as well as IL-8 levels, were significantly higher in aplastic anemia patients than in controls (p< 0.001). Levels of interleukins were also assessed in relation to the severity of the disease. Patients with very severe aplastic anaemia had significantly higher mean IL-6 and IL-8 levels (516.71±36.73 and 220.50±23.45 pg/ml, respectively), followed by severe aplastic anaemia (198.84±150.39 and 89.82±77.18 pg/ml, respectively) and non-severe aplastic anaemia (26.71±33.40 and 10.29±2.63 pg/ml, respectively) (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Blood serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were increased in aplastic anemia and showed a correlation with the severity of the disease. Hence, IL-6 and IL-8 may play an important role in the immune-mediated pathophysiology of aplastic anemia and their increasing levels are giving alarming signals for timely implementation of the appropriate treatment regimen to stop further progression of the disease. Additional studies are required in order to further investigate the exact involvement and role of IL-6 and IL-8 in aplastic anemia.

P413 Screening and diagnosis of Candidemia in adult hematological malignancies of northern India

 

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Candidemia is caused by Candida species which has become a common cause of fungal infection in the bloodstream infection throughout the world. In hematological malignancies, patients have a high rate of morbidity and mortality due to Candidemia.

Aim

To identify Candidemia in immunocompromised patients with the help of various conventional methods as well as automated methods for early detection and treatment.

Material and Methods

This study was conducted from 2018 to 2021. In this study, we enrolled immunocompromised patients with hematological malignancies. For early diagnosis of Candidemia we did conventional method as well as PCR. Compare the conventional, automated, and PCR methods for diagnosis of Candidemia and was performed antifungal susceptibility testing for treatment in hematological patients.

Results

Total 187 patients were enrolled on the basis of febrile neutropenia. A total of 125/187 males (66.8%) and 62/187 females (33.2%) participated in the present study followed by age range from 10 to 77 years (mean = 33.16, standard deviation = 16.29). A total of 5 patients (2.6%) were positive from blood culture, and 9 patients (4.8%) were positive from PCR. In 4 patients of AML C. tropicalis was (3; 1.60%) and C. auris (1; 0.5%) followed by 1 patient with pancytopenia C. tropicalis (1; 0.5%). The sensitivity was done according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guideline M27-A3 reference document for C. tropicalis (4), and C. auris (1). A total of 4 isolates of C. tropicalis were sensitive to drug VRC (MIC range 0.125 μg/ml), AMP (MIC range 1 μg/ml), FLU (MIC range 1 μg/ml), CAS (MIC range 0.25 μg/ml) and 1 resistant pattern toward FLU (MIC range 4 μg/ml). Candida auris was resistant toward AMP (MIC range 2 μg/ml), FLU (MIC range 64 μg/ml), and sensitive toward CAS (MIC range 0.5 μg/mL). A total of 4 isolates of C. tropicalis was sensitive for drug VRC (80%), AMP (80%), FLU (60%), CAS (80%), and resistant pattern for FLU (20%). Candida auris was resistant toward AMP (20%), FLU (20%), and sensitive toward CAS (20%). In all, 9/187 patients’ blood was positive for fungal infection, primer NL-1 and NL-4 were able to amplify the D1/D2 region of 28S r-DNA of large ribosomal subunit which target rDNA yielding Product of PCR give 600 bp related to all fungus. Primer P4501 and P4502 identify the P-450 lanosterol 14α-demethylase gene which is target Candida species genes single band of around 350 bp. Mannan antigen of Candida was performed by ELISA method for diagnosis of candidemia in hematological patients.

Conclusion

This present observational study recognizes the main association of Candidemia with hematological malignancies. We try to develop PCR and automated methods in routine mycology laboratory to diagnose Candidemia in an early stage in hematological malignancies along with other immunocompromised patients for better treatment to cure the disease.

Ruxolitinib and tuberculosis: A case report with brief review

JAK 2 inhibitors are widely used for the treatment of primary myelofibrosis. Ruxolitinib is the most commonly used JAK inhibitor in clinical practice. We report two cases of Primary Myelofibrosis who developed tuberculosis on active treatment with ruxolitinib. Our first case was a 48 year male who developed disseminated tuberculosis during fourth month of treatment and second case was a 50 year male developing tubercular lymphadenitis during second month of treatment respectively. These case reports indicate reactivation of underling tubercular infection as a very dreaded complication of this treatment. The prevalence of tuberculosis is much higher in India compared to the west. A thorough pretreatment evaluation should ideally be done using Mantoux test or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) to rule out latent tuberculosis. Furthermore, the patients should be counselled regarding the possibility of reactivation of infections including tuberculosis. Also, proper follow up is the need of hour in all patients on any kind of immunomodulators.

The Molecular Role of HIF1α Is Elucidated in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is potentially fatal blood cancer, but there is an unmet need to discover novel molecular biomarkers. The hypothesis of this study aimed to elucidate the relationship of HIF1α with the redox system, Krebs cycles, notch1, and other regulatory proteins to better understand the pathophysiology and clinical relevance in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, as the molecular mechanism of this axis is still not clear. This study included CML patient samples (n = 60; 60: blood; 10: bone marrow tissues) and compared them with healthy controls (n = 20; blood). Clinical diagnosis confirmed on bone marrow aspiration, marrow trephine biopsy, and BCR/ABL1 translocation. Cases were subclassified into chronic, accelerated, and blast crises as per WHO guidelines. Molecular experiments included redox parameters, DNA fragmentation, Krebs cycle metabolites, and gene expression by RT-PCR/Western blot/LC-MS, PPI (STRING), Pearson correlation, and ROC curve analysis. Here, our findings show that p210/p190BCR/ABL1 translocation is common in all blast crisis phases of CML. Redox factor/Krebs oncometabolite concentrations were high, leading to upregulation and stabilization of HIF1α. HIF1α leads to the pathogenesis in CML cells by upregulating their downstream genes (Notch 2/4/Ikaros/SIRT1/Foxo-3a/p53, etc.). Whereas, downregulated ubiquitin proteasomal and apoptotic factors in CML pateints, can trigger degradation of HIF1α through proline hydroxylation. However, HIF1α showed a negative corelation with the notch1 pathway. Notch1 plays a tumor-suppressive role in CML and might have the potential to be used as a diagnostic marker along with other factors in CML patients. The outcome also revealed that oxidant treatment could not be effective in augmentation with conventional therapy because CML cells can enhance the levels of antioxidants for their survival. HIF1α might be a novel therapeutic target other than BCR/ABL1 translocation.

Preinduction Serum Vitamin D3 Levels and Induction Chemotherapy Remission Rates in Patients with Acute Leukemia

Vitamin D deficiency(<20 ng/mL) is a common condition, associated with an inferior prognosis in some cancers. However, the prognostic significance of vitamin D deficiency in acute leukemia is largely unknown. The present study aimed to assess the baseline status of vitamin D [25-(OH) D3] and find its association with induction remission rate and mortality using standard chemotherapy in patients with acute leukemia. In this prospective observational study, blood samples were collected from 73 newly diagnosed patients before starting induction chemotherapy to measure serum vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels along with routine investigations.44/73 (60.3%) patients were acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and 29/77 (39.7%) were acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Descriptive statistics and frequency distribution were used in SPSS software, and Pearson's chi-squared test compared the categorical variables. Post-induction remission status (complete and incomplete remission) and induction-related mortality were correlated with vitamin D levels. 44/73 patients (60.3%) included in this study were males, and the remaining were females. The mean age of the participants was 30.32 ± 14.95 years. The mean serum vitamin D level in the cohort was 15.74 ± 28.14 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 59/73 (80.8%) patients, whereas 14/73 (19.2%) had normal levels (≥20ng/mL) of the vitamin. Vitamin D deficiency is common among acute leukemia patients. Herein, we observed that low vitamin D level is associated with higher rates of incomplete remission in acute leukemia patients (P = 0.016). Vitamin D deficiency is common among acute leukemia patients and is associated with poor short-term outcomes.

The bioengineered HALOA complex induces anoikis in chronic myeloid leukemia cells by targeting the BCR-ABL/Notch/Ikaros/Redox/Inflammation axis

Blast crisis (BC) is an outcome that arises during the treatment process of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), which is possibly attained by the dysregulation of the Notch and Ikaros signaling pathways, BCR-ABL translocation, redox, and inflammatory factors. This study demonstrated that biotherapeutic agents target aberrant molecular axis in CML-BC cells. The HALOA complex was synthesized by simple mixing of apo α-lactalbumin with oleic acid, which manages to inhibit BCR-ABL (b3a2 in K562 cells) translocation. It elevates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and protein carbonyl, which induces DNA fragmentation in K562 cells but not in NIH cells. The complex manages to reduce the toxicity surrounding apoptotic cells by enhancing the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the total antioxidant level. The HALOA complex increases leptin to maintain normoxic conditions, ultimately preventing angiogenesis. This complex downregulates the expression of IL-8 and MMP-9 and elevates the expression levels of Notch 4, Ikaros, and integrin alpha-D/CD-11d (tumor-suppressive), which conjointly prevents inflammation, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in CML cells. Meanwhile, the complex downregulates Notch 1 and 2 (oncogenic), consequently inducing anoikis in CML cells. Overall, the HALOA complex shows credibility by targeting the combined molecular factors responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease and will also help to overcome MDR conditions in leukemia.

An integrated approach of designing functionality with security for distributed cyber-physical systems

In this work, we propose a multi-tier architectural model to separate functionality and security concerns for distributed cyber-physical systems. On the line of distributed computing, such systems require the identification of leaders for distribution of work, aggregation of results, etc. Further, we propose a fault-tolerant leader election algorithm that can independently elect the functionality and security leaders. The proposed election algorithm identifies a list of potential leader capable nodes to reduce the leader election overhead. It keeps identifying the highest potential node as the leader, whenever needed, including the situation when one has failed. We also explain the proposed architecture and its management method through a case study. Further, we perform several experiments to evaluate the system performance. The experimental results show that the proposed architectural model improves the system performance in terms of latency, average response time, and the number of real-time tasks completed within the deadline.

Assessment of Baseline Nutritional Status, Vitamin B12, and Folate Levels in Patients with Acute Leukemia and Their Effect on Initial Treatment Outcome: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction Poor nutrition is a common finding in patients with acute leukemia, affecting disease progression, treatment outcome, and survival. Overall nutritional status and micronutrients status evaluation may be an important step in management of acute leukemia.

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate baseline nutritional status, vitamin B12, and folate levels in patients with acute leukemia at the time of admission before starting chemotherapy and their initial treatment outcome.

Materials and Methods This was a prospective observational study. We assessed the pretreatment nutritional status of 73 patients by body mass index (BMI), serum vitamin B12 using a two-step chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, and serum folate using electrochemiluminescence by Cobas e411 analyzer before initiation of induction chemotherapy and evaluated for treatment response at the end of induction chemotherapy.

Results Out of a total of 73 patients, 51 (69.8%) completed induction chemotherapy, 36 (49.3%) showed complete remission, and 15 (20.5%) were in incomplete remission. Of the remaining 22 (30.1%) patients, 11 (15.1%) died due to toxicity during therapy. The mean values of baseline BMI, serum vitamin B12, and folate was 20.46 kg/m2, 956.04, and 13.52 ng/mL, respectively. There was no significant association between vitamin B12 (p-value = 0.609) and folate (p-value = 0.404) deficiency and the response to treatment.

Conclusion Baseline nutritional status, serum vitamin B12, and folate levels have no significant role in induction outcome in response to treatment, including mortality in patients with acute leukemia.

A new variant of the human α-lactalbumin-oleic acid complex as an anticancer agent for chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder of hematopoietic stem cells. Although there have been advancements in treatment, there is still a need to develop a biotherapeutic agent. A new variant of the human alpha-lactalbumin-oleic acid (HALOA) complex has been synthesized, which showed similarities with SNARE. The native α-LA was treated with EDTA to remove Ca²⁺ ions confirmed by ICP-OES and Arsenazo III to unfold and attain apo structure. The apo LA was mixed with OA in a specific ratio, leading to HALOA complex formation. The conformational state from native to complex was elucidated by circular dichroism (far; 190–260 nm and near; 260–340 nm UV-CD), which confirmed that the complex consists of a majority of turns and β-sheet structure. SDS-PAGE result showed the masking effect of OA on apo α-LA. In the lane of the complex, there was no band detected. However, 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) dye has shown maximum fluorescence intensity with the complex because of the availability of hydrophobic patches, which was further validated by NMR spectroscopy indicating the masking effect of OA on the apo α-LA. The SNARE behavior of the complex (500 nm) has been confirmed by TEM. This new structural variant complex shows anti-tumor activity on chronic myeloid leukemia by targeting the IL-8, survivin, and induces apoptosis through DNA fragmentation, but not against normal cells. Overall, the formulated complex shows that SNARE-like behavior can be used as a promising anti-tumor agent with lower toxicity and maximum bioavailability.

A Cross Sectional Study on T Cells and Subsets in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and their Association with Clinical Phenotype

T cells in B chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) have been reported to show qualitative and quantitative alterations, thereby regulating the antitumor immune response. We evaluated the absolute count, percentages of T cells and subsets and their association with disease parameters in Indian patients. 45 treatment naïve CLL cases and 10 healthy controls were evaluated for CD3 + Tcells, CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells percentage by flowcytometry. The absolute counts were obtained by multiplication with absolute lymphocyte counts obtained on cell counter. The clinical characteristics (age, sex, Rai stage, B symptoms, CD38 expression) were analysed for any association with alteration of these cells (percentages, absolute counts, ratio with monoclonal B cell count) and CD4: CD8 ratio. The mean absolute count of CD3 + T cell, CD4 + T cell and CD8 + T cells was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in CLL patients as compared to healthy controls. CD4:CD8 ratio was variable (normal, increased and decreased). The mean CD8 + T cells count was higher in advanced disease stage, and CD38 positive cases (p > 0.05). Younger CLL patients (< 55 years) had greater increase in CD8 + T cells (p > 0.05). Significant alterations in T cells and their subsets were observed in CLL. A trend towards advanced stage, CD38 expression, presentation an early age was seen with increase in CD8 + T cell counts.

Characterization of carotenoids and genes encoding their biosynthetic pathways in Azospirillum brasilense

Azospirillum brasilense is a non-photosynthetic member of the family Rhodospirillaceae. Some strains of this bacterium are reported to produce bacterioruberin type of carotenoids, which are generally produced by halophilic or psychrophilic bacteria. Since no other member of Rhodospirillaceae produces bacterioruberin type of carotenoids, we investigated the presence of genes involved in bacterioruberin and spirilloxanthin biosynthetic pathways in A. brasilense Cd. Although genes encoding the spirilloxanthin pathway were absent, homologs of several genes (crtC and crtF) involved in the biosynthesis of bacterioruberins were present in the genome of A. brasilense Cd. However, the homolog of CruF responsible for the final step in bacterioruberin biosynthesis could not be found. We also characterized the carotenoids of A. brasilense Cd using thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, absorption spectra and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Resolution of the methanol extract of carotenoids in ultra-performance liquid chromatography showed nine peaks, out of which six peaks showed absorption spectra characteristic of carotenoids. HRMS of each peak produced 1-14 fragments with different m/z values. Two of these fragments were identified as 19'-hydroxyfucoxanthinol and 8'-apoalloxanthinal, which are the carotenoids found in aquatic microalgae.

Expression of inducible NOS is indispensable for the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect of imatinib in BCR-ABL positive cells

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by constitutive BCR-ABL kinase activity, an aggressive proliferation of immature cells, and reduced differentiation. Targeting tyrosine kinase activity of BCR-ABL with imatinib is an effective therapy for the newly diagnosed CML patients; however, 20%-30% of the patients initially treated with imatinib eventually experience treatment failure. Therefore, early identification of these patients is of high clinical relevance. In the present study, we by undertaking a direct comparison of inducible NOS (iNOS) status in neutrophils from healthy volunteers, newly diagnosed, imatinib responder, and resistant CML patients as well as by conducting in vitro studies in K562 cells demonstrated that inhibition of BCR-ABL by imatinib or siRNA significantly enhanced NO generation and iNOS expression. Indeed, patients exhibiting treatment failure or imatinib resistance were less likely to induce NO generation/iNOS expression. Our findings further demonstrated that imatinib mediated antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect in BCR-ABL⁺ cells associated with enhanced iNOS expression, and it was significantly prevented in the presence of L-NAME, 1400W, or iNOS siRNA. Overexpression of iNOS in K562 cells expectedly enhanced imatinib sensitivity on cytostasis and apoptosis, even at lower concentration (0.1 μM) of imatinib. Mechanistically, imatinib or BCR-ABL siRNA following deglutathionylation of NF-κB, enhanced its binding to iNOS promoter and induced iNOS transcription. Deglutathionylation of procaspase-3 however associated with increased caspase-3 activity and cell apoptosis. Taken together, results obtained suggest that monitoring NO/iNOS level could be useful to identify patients likely to be responsive or resistant to imatinib and can be used to personalized alternative therapy.

A Unique Constitutional Robertsonian Translocation t(13;14) Associated with Severe Aplastic Anaemia

Aplastic anaemia is characterised by cytopenias and hypocellular bone marrow without any evidence of marrow fibrosis or marrow infiltration. There is no specific cytogenetic abnormality associated with aplastic anaemia. Most common abnormalities are trisomies of chromosome 6, 8 and loss of 7. A 17-year-old female, presented with generalised weakness, exertional breathlessness and menorrhagia for last six months. She also gave a history of 12 units Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBC) transfusion, at the rate of 2-3 units per month in the last five months. Routine haematology showed severe pancytopenia with reticulocytopenia. Bone marrow evaluation revealed hypoplastic marrow with 15% bone marrow cellularity suggesting aplastic anaemia. Karyotyping using Giemsa (GTG) banding of unstimulated culture showed a very unique constitutional Robertsonian Translocation (RT) karyotype 45+XX, der(13;14)(q10;q10). Patient responded partially to treatment with cyclosporine and anabolic steroids. The final diagnosis was severe aplastic anaemia associated with constitutional RT t(13;14) karyotype. Although cytogenetic abnormalities are neither common nor specific in aplastic anaemia, some of them can have diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

Prognostic value of TNF-a-308 and IFN-g-874 single nucleotide polymorphisms and their plasma levels in patients with aplastic anemia

Background

Aplastic anemia (AA), an unusual hematological disease, is characterized by hypoplasia of the bone marrow and failure to form blood cells of all three lineages resulting in pancytopenia. This study aimed to investigate TNF-α-308 and IFN-γ-874 gene polymorphisms and their respective plasma protein levels in patients with AA and healthy controls.

Methods

Two hundred and forty individuals were included in this study; the case group comprised 120 AA patients, while 120 healthy individuals served as controls. Genotyping was performed using the PCR-restriction length fragment polymorphism method and TNF-α-308 and IFN-γ-874 plasma levels were evaluated using an ELISA kit.

Results

There was a significantly higher prevalence of the IFN-γ-874 genotype in patients with AA than in healthy controls, while the TNF-α-308 genotype was associated with lower risk of developing AA. Furthermore, the levels of both TNF-α-308 and IFN-γ-874 were higher in the plasma of AA patients.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the IFN-γ-874 genotype may be a greater risk factor in the causation of AA, whereas the TNF-α-308 genotype has a protective role in the North Indian population.

FBW7 Inhibits Myeloid Differentiation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia via GSK3-Dependent Ubiquitination of PU.1

Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), an ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase is reported to be overexpressed and hyperactivated in cancers including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) where it promotes self-renewal, growth, and survival of AML cells. Therefore, GSK3β inhibition results in AML cell growth inhibition and myeloid differentiation. Here we identified master transcription factor PU.1 of monocyte-macrophage differentiation pathway as potential GSK3β target. We demonstrate that GSK3β phosphorylates PU.1 at Ser41 and Ser140 leading to its recognition and subsequent ubiquitin-mediated degradation by E3 ubiquitin ligase FBW7. This GSK3-dependent degradation of PU.1 by FBW7 inhibited monocyte-macrophage differentiation. We further showed that a phospho-deficient PU.1 mutant (PU.1-S41, S140A) neither bound to FBW7 nor was degraded by it. Consequently, PU.1-S41, S140A retained its transactivation, DNA-binding ability and promoted monocyte-macrophage differentiation of U937 cells even without phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) treatment. We further showed that FBW7 overexpression inhibited both PMA as well as M-CSF-induced macrophage differentiation of myeloid cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy volunteers, respectively. Contrarily, FBW7 depletion promoted differentiation of these cells even without any inducer suggesting for a robust role of GSK3β-FBW7 axis in negatively regulating myeloid differentiation. Furthermore, we also recapitulated these findings in PBMCs isolated from patients with leukemia where FBW7 overexpression markedly inhibited endogenous PU.1 protein levels. In addition, PBMCs also showed enhanced differentiation when treated with M-CSF and GSK3 inhibitor (SB216763) together compared with M-CSF treatment alone. IMPLICATIONS: Our data demonstrate a plausible mechanism behind PU.1 restoration and induction of myeloid differentiation upon GSK3β inhibition and further substantiates potential of GSK3β as a therapeutic target in AML.

Epstein-Barr Virus Expression in Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma in an Indian Cohort and its Association with Clinical and Histomorphological Parameters

Epstein Barr virus (EBV) associated Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) has been defined as cases with clonal EBV infection, EBV genome and gene products in the Reed Sternberg cells. We evaluated the prevalence and clinico-pathological association of EBV in North Indian HL patients. Eighty-eight cases of histologically confirmed classic HL were evaluated for EBV by both IHC expression of LMP1 and real time PCR on formalin fixed lymph node tissue. The expression pattern was analyzed for any association with clinical and histomorphological parameters. Nodular sclerosis subtype was seen in 79.5% patients and mixed cellularity was seen in the remaining patients. Ninety percent of the cases were positive for EBV. The detection rate of EBV by IHC was higher. The EBV positive cases presented with higher disease stage (p < 0.05). The presence of histomorphological features like granuloma formation (5/5), atypical lymphocytes (8/8), histiocyte clusters (26/28), large area of necrosis (11/12), less prominent inflammatory response (25/27) was associated with EBV positivity (p > 0.05). In our study population a high proportion of HL cases showed positivity for EBV indicating a pathogenic role. The positivity was independent of age, gender and histological subtype. Further evaluation of EBV positivity in modulation of tumor immunity may provide insights into variable treatment outcome in EBV positive cases.

An ECF41 family σ factor controls motility and biogenesis of lateral flagella in Azospirillum brasilense Sp245

ECF41 is a large family of bacterial extra-cytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factors. Their role in bacterial physiology or behavior, however, is not known. One of the 10 ECF σ factors encoded in the genome of Azospirillum brasilense Sp245, RpoE10, exhibits characteristic features of the typical ECF41-type σ factors. Inactivation of rpoE10 in A. brasilense Sp245 led to an increase in motility that could be complemented by the expression of rpoE10 By comparing the number of lateral flagella, transcriptome and proteome of A. brasilense Sp245 with its rpoE10::km mutant, we show here that this ECF41-type σ factor is involved in the negative regulation of swimming motility and biogenesis of lateral flagella of A. brasilense Sp245. The genome of A. brasilense Sp245 also encodes two OmpR-type regulators (LafR1 and LafR2), and three flagellins including Laf1, the major flagellin of lateral flagella. Elevated levels of laf1 transcripts and Laf1 protein in the rpoE10::km mutant indicated that RpoE10 negatively regulates the expression of Laf1. The elevated level of LafR1 in the rpoE10::km mutant indicated that LafR1 is also negatively regulated by RpoE10. The loss of motility and Laf1 in the lafR1::km mutant, complemented by lafR1 expression, showed that LafR1 is a positive regulator of Laf1 and motility in A. brasilense In addition, upregulation of laf1::lacZ and lafR1::lacZ fusions by RpoE10, and downregulation of the laf1::lacZ fusion by LafR1 suggests that RpoE10 negatively regulates swimming motility and the expression of LafR1 and Laf1. However, LafR1 positively regulates the swimming motility and Laf1 expression.Importance: Among extra-cytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factors, ECF41-type σ factors are unique due to the presence of a large C-terminal extension in place of a cognate anti- σ factor, which regulates their activity. Despite wide distribution and abundance in bacterial genomes, their physiological or behavioural roles are not known. We show here an indirect negative role of an ECF41-type of σ factor in the expression of lateral flagellar genes and motility in A.brasilense This study suggests that the motility of A. brasilense might be controlled by a regulatory cascade involving RpoE10, an unknown repressor, LafR1 and lateral flagellar genes including Laf1.

Association of Interleukin-1β-31C/T, -511T/C and -3954C/T Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Their Blood Plasma Level in Acquired Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia (AA) is an immune-mediated disorder in which hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are targeted by a number of cellular and molecular pathways. This case control study aims to investigate the association of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) gene polymorphisms, (IL-1β-31, IL-1β-511 and IL-1β-3954) and their plasma levels with acquired AA. Genotyping was done by Restricted Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method and IL-1β plasma levels were evaluated in peripheral blood using ELISA. Increased level of IL-1β was reported to be significant in cases as compared to controls. The susceptibility of developing AA was higher in the cases for IL-1β-3954 genotype. IL-1β-511 genotype showed significant association with the severity groups of AA. No significant association was noticed in responder versus non-responder group. Plasma level of IL-1β gene was found to be significantly higher in severe and very-severe group of AA versus control group. Our findings suggest that IL-1β gene and its genotypes might be involved in the pathophysiology of AA and play a central role in the etiopathogenesis of AA.

Construction of Antisense RNA-mediated Gene Knock-downStrains in the Cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120

Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 (hereafter Anabaena) is a model cyanobacterium to study nitrogen fixation, cellular differentiation and several other key biological functions that are analogous in plants. As with any other organism, many genes in Anabaena encode an essential life function and hence cannot be deleted, causing a bottleneck in the elucidation of its genomic function. Antisense RNA (asRNA) mediated approach renders the study of essential genes possible by suppressing (but not completely eliminating) expression of the target gene, thus allowing them to function to some extent. Recently, we have successfully implemented this approach using the strong endogenous promoter of the psbA1 gene (D1 subunit of Photosystem II) introduced into a high-copy replicative plasmid (pAM1956) to suppress the transcript level of the target gene alr0277 (encoding a sigma factor, SigJ/Alr0277) in Anabaena. This protocol represents an efficient and easy procedure to further explore the functional genomics, expanding the scope of basic and applied research in these ecologically important cyanobacteria.

Success and Challenges in the Management of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is one of the most common myeloproliferative neoplasms characterized by the presence of Philadelphia chromosome, that is, t(9:22), a reciprocal translocation between long arms of chromosomes 9 and 22. In its natural course CML has three phases, that is, chronic phase, accelerated phase, and blast crises phase. Peripheral blood shows marked leukocytosis and left shift. Diagnosis is confirmed by demonstration of specific molecular abnormality by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method or cytogenetics. The drug of choice is tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI); imatinib. Other TKIs are dasatinib and nilotinib. Most patients respond and have almost normal life span. However, challenges remain. At present the drug is prescribed for lifelong. Recent studies have shown that the drug may be stopped in certain groups of which around 50% remain in long term remission (operational cure). However, around 20% did not respond and showed resistance. Research is in progress to find out the mechanism of resistance and newer therapeutic modalities or agents.

Leprosy drug clofazimine activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and synergizes with imatinib to inhibit chronic myeloid leukemia cells

Leukemia stem cells contribute to drug-resistance and relapse in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and BCR-ABL1 inhibitor monotherapy fails to eliminate these cells, thereby necessitating alternate therapeutic strategies for patients CML. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonist pioglitazone downregulates signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) and in combination with imatinib induces complete molecular response in imatinib-refractory patients by eroding leukemia stem cells. Thiazolidinediones such as pioglitazone are, however, associated with severe side effects. To identify alternate therapeutic strategies for CML we screened Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs in K562 cells and identified the leprosy drug clofazimine as an inhibitor of viability of these cells. Here we show that clofazimine induced apoptosis of blood mononuclear cells derived from patients with CML, with a particularly robust effect in imatinib-resistant cells. Clofazimine also induced apoptosis of CD34⁺38^- progenitors and quiescent CD34⁺ cells from CML patients but not of hematopoietic progenitor cells from healthy donors. Mechanistic evaluation revealed that clofazimine, via physical interaction with PPARγ, induced nuclear factor kB-p65 proteasomal degradation, which led to sequential myeloblastoma oncoprotein and peroxiredoxin 1 downregulation and concomitant induction of reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis. Clofazimine also suppressed STAT5 expression and consequently downregulated stem cell maintenance factors hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and -2α and Cbp/P300 interacting transactivator with Glu/Asp-rich carboxy-terminal domain 2 (CITED2). Combining imatinib with clofazimine caused a far superior synergy than that with pioglitazone, with clofazimine reducing the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of imatinib by >4 logs and remarkably eroding quiescent CD34⁺ cells. In a K562 xenograft study clofazimine and imatinib co-treatment showed more robust efficacy than the individual treatments. We propose clinical evaluation of clofazimine in imatinib-refractory CML.

Dicarboxylate Transporters of Azospirillum brasilense Sp7 Play an Important Role in the Colonization of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) Roots

Azospirillum brasilense is a plant growth-promoting bacterium that colonizes the roots of a large number of plants, including C3 and C4 grasses. Malate has been used as a preferred source of carbon for the enrichment and isolation Azospirillum spp., but the genes involved in their transport and utilization are not yet characterized. In this study, we investigated the role of the two types of dicarboxylate transporters (DctP and DctA) of A. brasilense in their ability to colonize and promote growth of the roots of a C4 grass. We found that DctP protein was distinctly upregulated in A. brasilense grown with malate as sole carbon source. Inactivation of dctP in A. brasilense led to a drastic reduction in its ability to grow on dicarboxylates and form cell aggregates. Inactivation of dctA, however, showed a marginal reduction in growth and flocculation. The growth and nitrogen fixation of a dctP and dctA double mutant of A. brasilense were severely compromised. We have shown here that DctPQM and DctA transporters play a major and a minor role in the transport of C₄-dicarboxylates in A. brasilense, respectively. Studies on inoculation of the seedlings of a C4 grass, Eleusine corcana, with A. brasilense and its dicarboxylate transport mutants revealed that dicarboxylate transporters are required by A. brasilense for an efficient colonization of plant roots and their growth.

Heptachlor-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition in HK-2 cells mediated via TGF-β1/Smad signalling

This study investigated the effect of heptachlor-induced oxidative stress (OS) on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells. Following treatment of HK-2 cells with an increasing concentration of heptachlor (0.01–10 µM) for 24 h, the intracellular reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde level increased, whereas the glutathione-s-hydroxylase (GSH) level declined significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with N-acetyl cysteine attenuates the heptachlor-induced OS. In this study, we have shown that heptachlor-induced OS regulates the mRNA expression of TGF-β1-mediated Smad signalling genes accompanied by increased nuclear localization of phosphorylated Smad-2 and phosphorylated Smad-3. Furthermore, the m-RNA and protein level of epithelial marker, that is, E-cadherin decreased while the mesenchymal marker, that is, α-smooth muscle actin increased in heptachlor exposed HK-2 cells. In conclusion, heptachlor-induced OS might be responsible for the activation of TGF-β1/Smad signalling which ultimately leads to renal damage by means of EMT.

Differential genomics and transcriptomics between tyrosine kinase inhibitor-sensitive and -resistant BCR-ABL-dependent chronic myeloid leukemia

Previously, it has been stated that the BCR-ABL fusion-protein is sufficient to induce Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), but additional genomic-changes are required for disease progression. Hence, we profiled control and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) alone or in combination with other drug-treated CML-samples in different phases, categorized as drug-sensitive and drug-resistant on the basis of BCR-ABL transcripts, the marker of major molecular-response. Molecular-profiling was done using the molecular-inversion probe-based-array, Human Transcriptomics-Array2.0, and Axiom-Biobank genotyping-arrays. At the transcript-level, clusters of control, TKI-resistant and TKI-sensitive cases were correlated with BCR-ABL transcript-levels. Both at the gene- and exon-levels, up-regulation of MPO, TPX2, and TYMS and down-regulation of STAT6, FOS, TGFBR2, and ITK lead up-regulation of the cell-cycle, DNA-replication, DNA-repair pathways and down-regulation of the immune-system, chemokine- and interleukin-signaling, TCR, TGF beta and MAPK signaling pathways. A comparison between TKI-sensitive and TKI-resistant cases revealed up-regulation of LAPTM4B, HLTF, PIEZO2, CFH, CD109, ANGPT1 in CML-resistant cases, leading to up-regulation of autophagy-, protein-ubiquitination-, stem-cell-, complement-, TGFβ- and homeostasis-pathways with specific involvement of the Tie2 and Basigin signaling-pathway. Dysregulated pathways were accompanied with low CNVs in CP-new and CP-UT-TKI-sensitive-cases with undetectable BCR-ABL-copies. High CNVs (previously reported gain of 9q34) were observed in BCR-ABL-independent and -dependent TKI, non-sensitive-CP-UT/AP-UT/B-UT and B-new samples. Further, genotyping CML-CP-UT cases with BCR-ABL 0-to-77.02%-copies, the identified, rsID239798 and rsID9475077, were associated with FAM83B, a candidate for therapeutic resistance. The presence of BCR-ABL, additional genetic-events, dysregulated-signaling-pathways and rsIDs associated with FAM83B in TKI-resistant-cases can be used to develop a signature-profile that may help in monitoring therapy.

Abstract 3435: Differential genomics and transcriptomics between tyrosine kinase inhibitor sensitive versus resistant BCR-ABL dependent chronic myeloid leukemia

Previously it has been stated that BCR-ABL1 fusion protein is sufficient to induce CML, but additional genomic changes are required for disease progression. Based on this notion, we profiled control and Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI)-treated-CML-samples in different-phases supported by copies of BCR-ABL-transcripts. Molecular-profiling was done through Molecular Inversion Probe (MIP) based array, Human Transcriptomics Array2.0, and Axiom Biobank genotyping-arrays. Transcriptionally, clusters of control, TKI-resistant and -sensitive cases were identified which showed correlation with BCR-ABL transcript-levels with the involvement of 228 pathways. On a comparison between TKI-sensitive versus resistant cases, at the exonic level Cassette Exon splicing event was observed in LAPTM4B (0.46), PIEZO2 (0.32), ANGPT1 (0.29), CFH (0.28), HLTF (0.28), SPTLC3 (0.26); Alternative 3' Acceptor Site splicing (0.22); and Junctional splicing in CD109 and ZNF711. These splicing events led to up-regulation of these transcripts. On further processing through Reactome Pathway, we identified over-expression of Hemostasis pathway in CML-resistant cases with specific involvement of Tie2 and Basigin signalling pathway. Based on CNV profiling, we identified low CNVs in CP-new and CP-UT-TKIs-sensitive cases with undetectable or &lt;10% BCR-ABL copies. While, high CNVs (previously reported gain of 9q34) was observed in BCR-ABL-independent and -dependent TKIs-non-sensitive-CP-UT/AP-UT/B-UT and B-new samples. Further, genotyping CML-CP-UT cases with BCR-ABL 10 to 77.02% copies, we identified and validated rsIDs, rsID239798 and rsID9475077 in linkage with FAM83B which may act as potential therapeutic resistance candidate. BCR-ABL1, additional genetic events, over-expression of Tie-2 and Basigin signalling pathway and rsIDs in linkage with FAM83B in TKI resistant cases can be used for developing a signature profile which may help in monitoring therapy.

Citation Format: Neetu Singh, Anil Kumar Tripathi, Dinesh Kumar Sahu, Archana Mishra, Margaret Linan, Bianca Argente, Julia Varkey, Rebecca Chowdhry, Avinash Agarwal, Chris Yoo, Ravi Kant, Madan Lal Bhatt. Differential genomics and transcriptomics between tyrosine kinase inhibitor sensitive versus resistant BCR-ABL dependent chronic myeloid leukemia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3435.

Interleukin-1B (IL-1B-31 and IL-1B-511) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene polymorphisms in primary immune thrombocytopenia

Background

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an immune-mediated disease caused by autoantibodies against platelets membrane glycoproteins GPIIb/IIIa and GPIb/IX. The etiology of ITP remains unclear. This study evaluated the association of polymorphisms in interleukin (IL)-1B-31, IL-1B-511, and IL-1Ra with ITP.

Methods

Genotyping of IL-1B-31, IL-1B-511, and IL-1Ra was performed in 118 ITP patients and 100 controls by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism and detection of variable number tandem repeats.

Results

Genotype differences in IL-1B-31 and IL-1Ra were significantly associated with ITP. Patients showed a higher frequency of the IL-1B-31 variant allele (T) and a 1.52-fold greater risk of susceptibility to ITP (odds ratio [OR]=1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.04–2.22, P=0.034). The frequencies of both homozygous and heterozygous variant genotypes of IL-1B-31 were higher (OR=2.33, 95% CI=1.069–5.09, P=0.033 and OR=2.044, 95% CI=1.068–39, P=0.034) among patients and were significantly associated with ITP susceptibility. Both homozygous and heterozygous variant genotypes of IL-1Ra were also more frequent (OR=4.48, 95% CI=1.17–17.05, P=0.0230 and OR=1.80, 95% CI=1.03–3.14, P=0.0494) among patients and were associated with ITP risk. IL-1B-31 and IL-1Ra also showed significant association with severe ITP. However, IL-1B-511 was not associated with ITP.

Conclusion

IL-1B-31 and IL-1Ra polymorphisms may significantly impact ITP risk, and they could be associated with disease severity, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of ITP.

A Study of Cardiovascular Abnormalities in HIV Positive Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern India

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular illness is common in patients with HIV infection, particularly in the later course of disease. Cardiovascular abnormalities in people living with HIV disease (PLHIV) often go unrecognized or untreated resulting in increased cardiovascular related morbidity and mortality and reduced quality of life. The prevalence of cardiac involvement in PLHIV has been reported to range between 28 to 73%. However, the incidence of symptomatic heart failure in HIV positive patients is 8-10%.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The present study had been undertaken to study the prevalence of cardiovascular manifestation in HIV positive patients in north Indian population and its association with HAART, CD4 count and WHO stages of the disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was conducted in the department of Medicine, KGMU, Lucknow. A total of 75 HIV positive patients of age >15 years, admitted to the hospital were enrolled, out of which 32 were on ART. The cardiovascular evaluation in the form of chest x-ray, ECG, 2D echocardiography and NT-ProBNP was done and their correlations with CD4 count was studied. Two rheumatic heart disease patients were excluded during analysis.

RESULTS

Cardiovascular manifestations were found in around 52.1% of HIV positive patients. Chest x-ray showed cardiomegaly in 8 out of 73 patients. ECG abnormalities were found in 49.3% while 2 D echocardiography was abnormal in 52.1% of the patients. Though NT-Pro BNP was abnormal in 26.7% of the patients, no statistical correlation was found with CD4 counts.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of cardiovascular abnormalities in our study population was 52.1%. Our study did not show any statistical correlation with CD4 counts but showed correlation with the WHO clinical staging of the disease. We suggest a study with larger sample size to see the exact prevalence of cardiovascular disease in HIV positive patients.

Cellular and plasma nitrite levels in myeloid leukemia: a pathogenetic decrease

Nitric oxide (NO) has a contributory role in hemopoietic cell growth and differentiation. The effects of NO on leukemic cell growth have been predominantly studied inin vitrosettings. This study was done to assess the alterations in nitrite level in myeloid leukemias. Thirty-six newly diagnosed cases of myeloid leukemia (16 AML and 20 CML) were enrolled in the study. Neutrophil precursors from the marrow aspirate and peripheral blood were separated into cell bands using the Percoll density gradient method of Borregard and Cowland. The blood plasma and marrow fluid was also collected. Nitrite (stable non-volatile end product of NO) was estimated in the cell bands, blood plasma and marrow fluid using Griess reagent. The mean nitrite level in all cell bands from peripheral blood, bone marrow, blood plasma, and marrow fluid of cases was significantly lower as compared to corresponding value in the controls. No significant difference between AML and CML was seen. On follow-up, analysis of 13 CML patients higher nitrite levels were seen (p>0.05). The significant decrease in nitrite levels in myeloid leukemia suggests a decrease in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. Further work may unfold molecular targets for therapeutic role of NO modulators.

Insight into growth of Au-Pt bimetallic nanoparticles: an in situ XAS study

Au-Pt bimetallic nanoparticles have been synthesized through a one-pot synthesis route from their respective chloride precursors using block copolymer as a stabilizer. Growth of the nanoparticles has been studied by simultaneous in situ measurement of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and UV-Vis spectroscopy at the energy-dispersive EXAFS beamline (BL-08) at Indus-2 SRS at RRCAT, Indore, India. In situ XAS spectra, comprising both X-ray near-edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) parts, have been measured simultaneously at the Au and Pt L₃-edges. While the XANES spectra of the precursors provide real-time information on the reduction process, the EXAFS spectra reveal the structure of the clusters formed in the intermediate stages of growth. This insight into the formation process throws light on how the difference in the reduction potential of the two precursors could be used to obtain the core-shell-type configuration of a bimetallic alloy in a one-pot synthesis method. The core-shell-type structure of the nanoparticles has also been confirmed by ex situ energy-dispersive spectroscopy line-scan and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements with in situ ion etching on fully formed nanoparticles.

Association of organochlorine pesticides with the mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) & cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) genes in idiopathic preterm birth

Background & objectives:

Preterm birth (PTB) is an important cause of prenatal death, neonatal morbidity and mortality and adult illness. Increased inflammation occurs in normal parturition, and inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress are found to be higher in PTB cases. The present study was planned to investigate the association of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) with mRNA expression of inflammatory pathway genes such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in preterm delivery (PTD) cases.

Methods:

Maternal blood samples of PTD (n=30) cases and equal number of term delivery (n=30) were collected at the time of labour. Women occupationally exposed to OCPs and other high risk factors such as anaemia, hypertension, bacterial vaginosis, renal and heart disease, diabetes, etc. were excluded. The OCP levels were estimated by gas chromatography, and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and COX-2 genes were analysed using real-time PCR (qPCR).

Results:

Significantly higher levels of β-HCH (beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, 95% CI=2.08-4.633, P=0.001), p’p’-DDE (para, para-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, 95% CI=0.546-2.551, P=0.003), and o’p’-DDD (ortho, para-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane, 95% CI=0.004-0.690, P=0.047) were observed in maternal blood of PTB cases as compared to term delivery. The mRNA expressions of COX-2 and TNF-α genes were 3.13 and 2.31 folds higher in PTB cases in comparison to term delivery. Linear positive correlations were observed between period of gestation (POG) and ΔCt of COX-2 and TNF-α genes.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Environmental factors such as OCPs may be associated with inflammatory events showing gene-environment interaction in PTB cases. Evaluating the molecular control of inflammation along with gene environment interaction may be used as a model to explore the aetiology of idiopathic PTB cases and may be considered for the prognosis of adverse reproductive outcomes.

CD8 expression in B chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A case of immuno-phenotypic aberrancy

Immuno-phenotyping forms an integral part of laboratory work up of Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Aberrant antigen expressions are a known phenomenon in leukemic blasts, however cross lineage antigen expression is rarely seen in mature B cell leukemia, the reported percentages varying from 1% to 3% in Europe and North America.

CASE DETAILS

We report a case of Rai stage 1 CLL showing aberrant expression of CD8 on flow cytometry. The patient had stable disease at a follow up of 9 months with no requirement of initiation of treatment.

DISCUSSION

CD8 expression in CLL is rare and approximately 120 cases have been reported from Western population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to be reported from India. The prognostic significance has been variably reported from favorable to poor. At present, our case reflects the phenotypic heterogeneity of leukemia. Long term follow up and evaluation of more cases is required to predict the prognostic role in our patient population. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

Mutation Analysis in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patient in Chronic Phase on Imatinib Having Delayed Achievement of Milestones or Loss of Response

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI's) are currently the drug of choice for management of chronic myeloid leukemia. Imatinib is the most commonly used first line TKI in India. Mutations leading to resistance to imatinib are the most common cause for imatinib failure. We studied pattern of kinase domain mutations in 40 patients of CML who either lost their response or did not achieve it in defined timepoints. Loss of molecular response was the most common indication for asking mutation analysis. Sixteen patients were found to have detectable mutations. M351T was the most common tyrosine kinase mutation followed by Y253H and H396R. Two patients had 2 mutations simultaneously. M351T is the most common mutation in our patient population.

Haemostatic Profile in Patients of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms-A Tertiary Care Centre Experience

INTRODUCTION

Patients of MPN commonly present with abnormalities in laboratory coagulation tests that are consistent with hypercoagulable state. Some individuals with MPN exhibit a pattern of exclusive bleeding or thrombotic events; many others have both bleeding and thrombosis during the course of the disease.

AIM

This study was undertaken to assess the haemostatic defects and platelet functions in patients of MPN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One year prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in North India in Department of Pathology in collaboration with Department of Clinical Haematology. All recently diagnosed cases of MPN along with 30 age and sex matched controls were included. Patients on antiplatelet drugs, antimyeloproliferative treatment, vitamin K agonists or antagonists, OCPs, Platelet count <1,00,000/μl, high grade fever, liver disease, pregnancy were excluded from this study. All the patients underwent screening investigations like CBC, peripheral smear evaluation, BT, PT, aPTT, Protein C and S measurement (clot based assay) and aggregation studies with ADP (5μM) (Optical Aggregometry with AGGRO/LINK 8 software and CHRONOLOG 700 aggregometer).

RESULTS

In present study, 50 cases were included. There was an occult prothrombotic state, suggested by significantly (p<0.001) reduced levels of Protein C and Protein S, but no patient presented with frank thrombosis while 8 out of 50 patients had haemorrhagic manifestations ranging from subdural haematoma to pin point petechial haemorrhages. Patients of CML-CP, ET, PV, PMF, MPN-NOS showed significantly reduced maximal aggregation with ADP (5μM) when compared to control (p<0.001). MPV also showed a statistically significant increase in these patients.

CONCLUSION

Thrombohaemorrhagic complications significantly affect the morbidity and mortality of MPN patients. This can be assessed by the use of platelet aggregation studies, Protein C and S activities and other coagulation studies. Timely diagnosis of these prothrombotic/haemorrhagic states can decrease the morbidity in these patients.

Expression of alkyl hydroperoxide reductase is regulated negatively by OxyR1 and positively by RpoE2 sigma factor in Azospirillum brasilense Sp7

OxyR proteins are LysR-type transcriptional regulators, which play an important role in responding to oxidative stress in bacteria. Azospirillum brasilense Sp7 harbours two copies of OxyR. The inactivation of the oxyR1, the gene organized divergently to ahpC in A. brasilense Sp7, led to an increased tolerance to alkyl hydroperoxides, which was corroborated by an increase in alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (AhpC) activity, enhanced expression of ahpC :lacZ fusion and increased synthesis of AhpC protein in the oxyR1::km mutant. The upstream region of ahpC promoter harboured a putative OxyR binding site, T-N11-A. Mutation of T, A or both in the T-N11-Amotif caused derepression of ahpC in A. brasilense suggesting that T-N11-A might be the binding site for a negative regulator. Retardation of the electrophoretic mobility of the T-N11-A motif harbouring oxyR1-ahpC intergenic DNA by recombinant OxyR1, under reducing as well as oxidizing conditions, indicated that OxyR1 acts as a negative regulator of ahpC in A. brasilense. Sequence of the promoter of ahpC, predicted on the basis of transcriptional start site, and an enhanced expression of ahpC:lacZ fusion in chrR2::km mutant background suggested that ahpC promoter was RpoE2 dependent. Thus, this study shows that in A. brasilense Sp7, ahpC expression is regulated negatively by OxyR1 but is regulated positively by RpoE2, an oxidative-stress-responsive sigma factor. It also shows that OxyR1 regulates the expression RpoE1, which is known to play an important role during photooxidative stress in A. brasilense.

High oxidative stress adversely affects NFκB mediated induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase in human neutrophils: Implications in chronic myeloid leukemia

Increasing evidence support bimodal action of nitric oxide (NO) both as a promoter and as an impeder of oxygen free radicals in neutrophils (PMNs), however impact of high oxidative stress on NO generation is less explored. In the present study, we comprehensively investigated the effect of high oxidative stress on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and NO generation in human PMNs. Our findings suggest that PMA or diamide induced oxidative stress in PMNs from healthy volunteers, and high endogenous ROS in PMNs of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients attenuate basal as well as LPS/cytokines induced NO generation and iNOS expression in human PMNs. Mechanistically, we found that under high oxidative stress condition, S-glutathionylation of NFκB (p50 and p65 subunits) severely limits iNOS expression due to its reduced binding to iNOS promoter, which was reversed in presence of DTT. Furthermore, by using pharmacological inhibitors, scavengers and molecular approaches, we identified that enhanced ROS generation via NOX2 and mitochondria, reduced Grx1/2 expression and GSH level associated with NFκB S-glutathionylation in PMNs from CML patients. Altogether data obtained suggest that oxidative status act as an important regulator of NO generation/iNOS expression, and under enhanced oxidative stress condition, NOX2-mtROS-NFκB S-glutathionylation is a feed forward loop, which attenuate NO generation and iNOS expression in human PMNs.