Histological Spectrum of Clinical Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with special Reference to nonalbuminuric Diabetic Nephropathy: A Kidney Biopsy-based Study

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an important and catastrophic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Kidney disease has heterogeneity in histology in diabetes patients and includes both diabetic kidney disease (DKD) (albuminuric or nonalbuminuric) and nondiabetic kidney disease (NDKD) either in isolation or in coexistence with DN. Diabetic nephropathy is hard to overturn. While NDKD is treatable and reversible. Materials and methods: We enrolled a total of 50 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with clinical kidney disease, of both genders and age >18 years, who underwent kidney biopsy from October 2016 to October 2018. Patients with proteinuria <30 mg per day were excluded from the study. The indications of the renal biopsy were nephrotic syndrome (NS), active urinary sediment, rapid decline in renal function, asymptomatic proteinuria, and hematuria. Result: A total of 50 (males: 42 and females: eight) patients with T2DM who underwent kidney biopsy were enrolled. The clinical presentation was: NS 26 (52%), chronic kidney disease (CKD) 11 (22%), asymptomatic proteinuria and hematuria six (12%), acute kidney injury (AKI) four (8%), and acute nephritic syndrome (ANS) three (6%). Diabetic retinopathy (DR) was noted in 19 (38%) cases. Kidney biopsy revealed isolated DN, isolated NDKD, and NDKD superimposed on DN in 26 (52%), 14 (28%), and 10 (20%) cases, respectively. Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (MN) (4) and amyloidosis (2) were the most common forms of NDKD, whereas diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (DPGN) was the main form of NDKD superimposed on DN. Diabetic nephropathy was observed in 15 (79%) cases in presence of DR and also in 11 (35.5%) cases even in absence of DR. Of eight patients with microalbuminuria four (50%) cases have biopsy-proven DN. Conclusion: About 48% of patients had NDKD either in isolation or in coexistence with DN. Diabetic nephropathy was found in absence of DR and in patients with a low level of proteinuria. The level of proteinuria and presence of DR does not help to distinguish DN vs NDKD. Hence, renal biopsy may be useful in selected T2DM patients with clinical kidney disease to diagnose NDKD.

Burden of ocular morbidities and color blindness among school-attending children in a foothill town of Uttarakhand State

Purpose: To estimate prevalence of common ocular morbidities including color blindness among school?attending children of an urban foothill town of Uttarakhand State in Northern India. Methods: A cross?sectional study was conducted among school?going children of age group 6–16 years of standard I– XII. Schools were selected using population proportionate to the size sampling technique. Detailed ocular examination including color vision and unaided or aided visual acuity for various ocular morbidities was done. Data was entered into MS excel with statistical analysis using SPSS version 23 with significant P value <0.05. Results: In total, 13,492 students (mean age 10.9 ± 2.7 years) with almost equal male to female ratio were screened. Overall prevalence of ocular morbidity was 23.2%, with refractive error (18.5%) on top, followed by color blindness (2.2%). The later was observed more among males (3.0%) as compared to females (1.4%) with significantly higher odds, OR = 2.3 (1.7–2.9) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Refractive error has been the most common ocular morbidity, followed by color blindness. Earliest detection can prevent permanent disability and disappointment among youngsters when rejected from entering certain professions due to color vision defect

Structural anatomy of deep fascia, it’s implication in the pathogenesis of compartment syndrome of upper limbs and objective assessment of the effect of fasciotomy

Background: Deep fascia is dense and well developed in limbs. In the upper limb the deep fascia is tightly adherent to the underlying muscles especially in the forearm, thereby, restricting the space available to muscular swelling causing painful compartment syndrome. Division of this inelastic fascia or fasciotomy is an emergency procedure to decrease the morbidity and mortality.Methods: 30 patients with acute compartment syndrome of the upper extremity of various aetiologies were studied. Adults with painful, swollen and tense upper extremities with progressive neurological dysfunction were studied. Compartment pressures before and after fasciotomy were measured by a standard Whiteside’s device. Various fasciotomies were carried out and associated skeletal and vascular injuries were also noted.Results: The majority of patients were males with average age being 29.33 years. 56.67% patients with upper limb compartment syndrome sustained road traffic injury, 20% were constrictive tight cast, 20% of patients sustained burn and 1 patient was shot by bullet. Of the 30 patients fractures of both ulna and radius (40%) were the most common. Fractures of the humerus, radius, ulna and small bone of metacarpals together account for 36.67% of the affected patients. 3 patients were found to have injury to major vessels. Compartment pressure was measured by Whiteside’s device and fasciotomy resulted in a drastic drop of the pressure from pre-fasciotomy pressure of 44.8±7.9 mmHg to post-fasciotomy pressure of 12.33±3.61 mmHg.Conclusions: The diagnosis of compartment syndrome should be confirmed swiftly and prompt fasciotomy is the treatment of choice. This offers the best chance at decreasing compartment pressure and preventing further damage.

A prospective clinical trial to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid disorder among pregnant women and obstetrical and fetal outcome in a tertiary health centre located in central India

Background: A prospective clinical trial to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid disorder among pregnant women and obstetrical and fetal outcome was done in a tertiary health centre (RKDF Medical College and Research Centre, Bhopal) located in central India.Methods: This prospective study was carried out in antenatal women in their first trimester attending antenatal OPD in RKDF Medical College and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh to know the prevalence of thyroid disorder and its association with pregnancy outcome.Results: In this study prevalence of thyroid disorder was 12.4%, subclinical hypothyroidism 7.2%, overt hypothyroidism 3.4%, subclinical hyperthyroidism 1.4%, overt hyperthyroidism 0.4%. Thyroid disorder is responsible for several obstetrical and fetal complication like pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery, abortion, IUGR and low birth weight.Conclusions: Thyroid disorder associated with poor obstetrical outcome and fetal complication. so timely diagnosis and treatment is required. Universal screening should be preferred over high-risk screening because of high prevalence of the disease in India.

A study to compare the efficacy, acceptability and side effect of combined contraceptive vaginal ring with the combined oral contraceptive pills in a tertiary health centre located in central India

Background: A study to compare the efficacy, acceptability and side effect of combined contraceptive vaginal ring with the combined oral contraceptive pills in a tertiary health centre (RKDF Medical College and Research Centre, Bhopal) located in central India.Methods: This prospective randomized comparative trial enrolled hundred women aged between 20 to 40 years seeking for contraception with no contraindication to hormonal contraception. After proper counseling and informed consent, women divided into two groups, study group (50) includes women using contraceptive vaginal ring and control group (50) include women using combined oral contraceptives. The contraceptive efficacy, acceptability, tolerability and adverse events were recorded at each follow-up visit at RKDF Medical College and Research Centre, Bhopal.Results: Vaginal ring and combined oral contraceptives were found to have comparable contraceptive efficacy. In study group no pregnancy reported during study period while one pregnancy reported in control group, which was statistically insignificant. Satisfaction, continuation and recommendation to others were more with vaginal ring which were not significant statistically. Cycle control is superior with vaginal ring. Incidence of adverse effects was same in both groups.Conclusions: Combined contraceptive vaginal ring is an effective and reliable contraception with excellent cycle control, well-tolerated and highly acceptable to most women.

Comparison of single versus double versus triple site band ligation for haemorrhoids in a single visit: a case-controlled double blind randomized study

Background: Rubber band ligation is considered one of the most popular non-surgical procedures available, representing the most reasonable balance between efficacy, pain and potential of complication. The present study was a controlled double blinded randomized study to compare Single versus double versus triple site band ligation for haemorrhoids in single treatment visit with special regards to its safety and efficacy in our patient population.Methods: There were 78 patients equally randomized in three groups by closed enveloped method. The number of patients in each group was 26, In Group A, a single, in Group B, two, and in Group C three major haemorrhoidal groups were rubber band ligated, in a single treatment visit on outpatient basis under topical anaesthesia with lignocaine 2% jelly.Results: Rubber band ligation was effective with significant symptom improvement seen in all patients with 88% patient satisfaction at end of 30 days period. Post ligation pain score and number of analgesic requirement in immediate post band ligation period, at 12 hours, at 1,7,14, 21 and 30 days post band ligation were similar in all three groups with p value >0.05. Multiple site haemorrhoidal bandings was done safely at single session without severe discomfort, pain or bleeding or severe complications requiring hospitalization.Conclusions: The study finding shows that triple site band ligation in a single session is a safe way of treating symptomatic haemorrhoids with similar post-procedure pain and patient satisfaction as conventional single or double site band ligation.

Identification of T-Cell Epitopes in Proteins of Novel Human Coronavirus, SARS-Cov-2 for Vaccine Development

Recently, a novel human coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 led to a worldwide serious health concern, causing severe respiratory tract infections in humans. It is the third highly pathogenic and transmissible coronavirus after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in humans. The source of origin, transmission to humans and mechanisms associated with the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 are not clear yet, however, its resemblance with SARS-CoV and several other bat coronaviruses was recently confirmed through genome sequencing related studies. It has been an emergent need to develop a potent and adequate number of drugs and vaccines to control the spread of coronavirus. We have screened the specific proteins such as ORF1ab polyprotein, surface glycoprotein, membrane glycoprotein and nucleocapsid phosphoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 for identification of T-cell epitopes using immunoinformatics tools. In this study we used different bioinformatics tools for analysis of genome and proteome. We retrieved gene sequence from NCBI. The expected molecular weight and isoelectric point (pI) values were also verified using Generunner and ExPaSy. These epitopes have showed the highest binding affinity with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II molecules. These findings may be useful as an immunodiagnostic tool for the development of peptide based novel vaccines.

Unipolar pedicled latissimus dorsi transfer for elbow reanimation in traumatic brachial plexus injuries

Background: Brachial plexus injuries are troubling for the patients socially, economically and emotionally. Elbow joint being a large and vital joint needs to be reanimated so that the patient can carry out his routine work and bring the hand to the mouth. Number of procedures have been defined but latissimus dorsi being a large muscle is the muscle of choice for transfer in cases who present late. Bipolar latissimus dorsi transfers have often been reported but unipolar latissimus dorsi transfer has also been described. Authors have studied the unipolar muscle transfer, it’s surgical technique and results.Methods: In this study 18 patients were studied for demographic data, pre- and post-operative flexion of the elbow and the MRC grade of the corresponding movements. Diagnostic work up in the form of nerve conduction velocity, electromyography and magnetic resonance imaging were carried out and evaluated for their significance in traumatic brachial plexus injuries.Results: In this study 13 patients had avulsion of the C5-6 roots on magnetic resonance imaging. The patients presented after a period of 128.83±56.76 days. Substantial time elapsed and ruled out primary brachial plexus reconstruction or nerve transfers. The average elbow flexion improved from 6.67±5.69 degrees (range: 0-20 degrees) to 86.94±12.38 degrees (range: 65-110 degrees) following unipolar latissimus dorsi transfer. 12 patients (66.67%) developed M4 or M4+ power.Conclusions: Unipolar latissimus dorsi muscle transfer is a reliable method and most of the patients develop adequate strength and satisfactory function at the elbow joint.

Tissue expansion as an aesthetic alternative for facial resurfacing: a single centre series of 92 patients

Background: The visibility, vulnerability and social stigmata of facial scars whether by burn, nevi or trauma can be compelling for the patient as well as challenging for the surgeon. Restoration to normal form and aesthetics require tissue replacement which has good colour and texture match and produce minimal visible scarring.  Although many other options are available for a given defect, tissue expansion offers the best alternative which meets almost all the criteria of an ideal procedure.Methods: Among 92 patients with deformities over various facial subunits were operated and expanders 50 ml to 300 ml inserted subcutaneously adjacent to the scar. Prior planning, accurate measurement and choice of ideal expander is extremely important. A precise and practical method of calculation for determination of amount and duration of expander was used. Any secondary deformity to adjoining vital structures was avoided.Results: Results were meticulously and critically analyzed. Different shapes, dimensions and volume of expanders were used depending on the anatomical site which was to be expanded. A total of 118 expanders were inserted in 92 patients. The average volume of tissue expanders used was 170.33 ml. Majority of the expanders used had volume of 200 ml (62.71%). Post-expansion volume was 240.67 ml and the over expansion done was 41.3% over the pre-expansion volume of 170.33 ml. Surgical outcome and cosmesis was assessed by the patient’s perspective and was considered fair by 57.61% patients.Conclusions: The study underlines the clinical application, reasons for overexpansion as well as shortcomings and complications of tissue expansion.

Neuropharmacological evaluation on four traditional herbs used as nervine tonic and commonly available as Shankhpushpi in India

Background: Shankhpushpi is an Ayurvedic drug, widely used for its actions on the central nervoussystem, especially to improve intellect and boost memory. Four botanicals viz. Canscora decussata Schult.(CD), Clitorea ternatea Linn. (CT), Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy. (CP) and Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. (EA)are considered as sources of Shankhpushpi by Indian practitioners on the basis of their morphologicaldescriptions given in ancient texts.Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the neuropharmacological effect of four herbscommonly identified as source of Shankhpushpi.Materials and methods: Methanol extracts of all four varieties were tested and evaluated in vitro and invivo for their neuropharmacological effects. Experiments such as protection against b-amyloid inducedneurotoxicity on brain cell line (Neuro 2A), antioxidant potential, AchE (acetylcholinesterase enzyme)inhibition, and 5-LOX (lipoxygenase) enzyme inhibition were conducted for in vitro evaluation. For in vivoevaluation, scopolamine (0.3 mg/kg i.p.) induced memory retrieval using pole climbing apparatus andMorris water maze were performed in rat models.Results: It was found that protective effects of EA and CD against b-amyloid induced neurotoxicity inNeuro 2A cells were significantly higher than CT and CP. EA proved to be superior than other varieties onthe basis of antioxidant activity, AchE inhibitory and LOX inhibitory activities. The preventive activity ofEA on scopolamine induced memory retrieval in pole climbing and Morris water maze task in rats wasfound to be higher than that of CD, CT and CP.Conclusion: EA has remarkable neuropharmacological effect as compared to other three varietiesof Shankhpushpi. This effect may be attributed due to the presence of steroids (stigmasterol and betulinicacid), coumarins (scopoletin) and flavonoids (b-carotene and chlorogenic acid). Hence it can be used as apromising lead in development and management of neuronal disorders including Alzheimer's disease.© 2017 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Anti-nociceptive effect of seed extract of Acacia tortilis in rodents

Background: Management of pain is a primary clinical concern for any pathology in medical field. Addiction liability of opioids and troublesome gastrointestinal side effects of NSAIDs leads to intensive research for compound with lesser side effects.The aim of the study to evaluate the anti-nociceptive activity of Acacia Tortilis Seed Extract (ATE) in experimental animals.Methods: First of all, animals were randomly allocated into four groups of six animals each. In acetic acid induced writhing test model, Group I (NC) served as vehicle control received saline/Tween 80 0.1%, 10ml/kg BW orally, group II (ATE-100) and III (ATE-200) received ATE in dose of 100 and 200mg/kg BW orally respectively and group IV received the standard drug diclofenac sodium in dose of 50 mg/kg BW orally. Group I to IV were same in rest of three experimental models. One additional group of standard drugs (group V) morphine sulfate in dose of 5 mg/kg BW subcutaneously (SC) was allocated for screening method hot plate and tail flick tests. In Formalin induced paw licking test, three additional groups (group V) morphine sulfate in dose of 5mg/kg BW SC, group VI- morphine+naloxone (5mg/kg SC +2mg/kg intra-peritoneally (IP) and group VII - ATE+ naloxone (200mg/kg BW orally +2mg/kg BW IP) were also made.Results: The ATE when administered orally in dose of 100 and 200mg/ kg body weight (BW), produced significant analgesic activity (P <0.01) in acetic acid induced writhing syndrome and late phase of formalin test. In the hot plate test in mice and tail flick test in rats, ATE in same doses also showed significant analgesic activity (P <0.05) which is almost equally efficacious to standard drug diclofenac sodium (50mg/kg BW orally) but far less efficacious than morphine sulfate (5mg/kg BW subcutaneous).ATE (200mg/Kg BW orally) activity did not blocked by naloxone (2mg/kg intra-peritoneal).Conclusions: ATE possesss significant anti-nociceptive activity as evidenced in all the animal models of nociception. It might exert its effect through the peripheral mechanism of analgesic action possibly by interference in biosynthesis, release and/or action of prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological updates on Hygrophila auriculata (Schum.) Hiene: an overview / 中西医结合学报

This article explores the most recent evidence-based information on ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological understanding of Hygrophila auriculata for the treatment of various diseases and health conditions. Various ethnomedicinal writings suggest the use of the plant or its parts for the treatment of jaundice, oedema, gastrointestinal ailments, diarrhoea, dysentery, urinogenital disorder, gall stones, urinary calculi, kidney stone, leucorrhoea, rheumatism, tuberculosis, anaemia, body pain, constipation, skin disease, and as an aphrodisiac. The plant has been reported to contain flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, ellagic acid, gallic acid and quercetin), alkaloids (asteracanthine and asteracanthicine), triterpenes (lupeol, lupenone, hentricontane and betulin), sterols (stigmasterol and asterol), minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, aliphatic esters and essential oils. Extracts and bioactive compounds from the plant have been found to possess antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antitermite, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, central nervous system protective, antitumour, antidiabetic, anticataract, antioxidant, haematopoietic, diuretic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antimotility, aphrodisiac, neuroprotection, anti-endotoxin and anti-urolithiatic activities. For this paper, we reviewed patents, clinical studies, analytical studies and marketed formulations from the earliest found examples from 1887 to the end of 2017.

Rapid validated high performance thin layer chromatography method for simultaneous estimation of mangiferin and scopoletin in Canscora decussata (South Indian Shankhpushpi) extract

AbstractMangiferin (polyphenolic xanthone) and scopoletin (phenolic coumarin) are well-studied biological markers present in Canscora decussata(Roxb.) Roem. & Schult., Gentianaceae. The objective set for the present studies is to establish and develop a new, simple, selective, sensitive, and precise high performance thin layer chromatography method for the simultaneous estimation of mangiferin and scopoletin in hydroalcoholic extract of C. decussata. The thin layer chromatographic separation of these biomarkers was carried out on aluminum plate pre-coated with silica gel 60F254, eluted with ethyl acetate:acetic acid:formic acid:water (10:0.5:0.5:1.5). The plate was then dried and densitometric scanning was performed at 254 nm using a Camag TLC scanner III. The system was found to give compact spots for mangiferin (RF 0.22) and scopoletin (RF 0.78). A good relationship of linear precision between the concentrations (100–600 ng/spot) and peak areas was obtained with correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9979 (mangiferin) and 0.9962 (scopoletin), respectively. The limits of detection and limit of quantification were determined to be 46 and 94 ng/spot for mangiferin and 31 and 78 ng/spot for scopoletin respectively. The percentage of recovery was found from 99.91 to 99.94% for mangiferin and 99.75 to 99.86% for scopoletin. Results obtained from recovery studies showed excellent reliability and reproducibility of the method. Present communication on validated high performance thin layer chromatography method may provide a new, selective, sensitive, and precise method to estimate mangiferin and scopoletin as phytomarkers in the hydroalcoholic extract of C. decussata used in Ayurvedic formulations.

Anti-infl ammatory activity of Ajmodadi Churna extract against acute infl ammation in rats.

Background: Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations are widely prescribed for a wide range of infl ammatory conditions, yet, despite widespread use, there has been no systematic documentation of their safety and effi cacy. Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-infl ammatory activity of aqueous extracts of Ajmodadi churna (AJM) in rats. Materials and Methods: Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema and air pouch infl ammation models were used for the study. Results: The extracts showed signifi cant antiinfl ammatory activity, reducing paw edema volume by 0.417 ± 0.097 and 0.379 ± 0.049, respectively. In the carrageenan-induced air pouch model, AJM reduced total leukocyte count by 73.09 ± 7.13 and 62.17 ± 10.53, granulocyte count by 69.48 ± 5.44 and 63.33 ± 4.13, and myeloperoxidase activity by 14.84 ± 0.91 and 18.44 ± 3.18, respectively, compared to controls. Discussion and Conclusion: AJM signifi cantly reduced paw edema, during the second phase of edema development. In the carrageenan-induced air pouch model, AJM inhibited cellular infi ltration into the air pouch fl uid. We conclude that AJM is an effective candidate for prevention or treatment of acute infl ammation.

Anti-arthritis activity of roots of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. (Anantmul) in rats

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic and its fractions from roots of Hemidesmus indicus on arthritis in in vitro models of rodents.@*METHODS@#Preliminary phytochemical analysis and thin-layer chromoatography were performed to analyze constituents of hydroalcoholic extract and its three fraction namely ethyl acetate fraction, chloroform fraction and residual fraction of root of Hemidesmus indicus. Arthritis rats models were established by Complete Freund's Adjuvant. The parameters including paw edema, body weight, arthritic index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum rheumatoid factor, serum C-reactive protein, serum nitrite level, and histopathology of synovial joints were observed. Methotrexate was taken as positive control.@*RESULTS@#Rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract (450 mg/kg, p.o.), ethyl acetate (75 mg/kg, p.o.), chloroform (60 mg/kg, p.o) and residual fractions (270 mg/kg, p.o.), showed significant decrease in physical and biochemical parameters compared with arthritic model rats. Hydroalcoholic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction of Hemidesmus indicus showed significantly higher anti-arthritic activity than chloroform and residual fraction. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that both of hydroalcoholic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction had comparable anti-arthritic activity with methotrexates.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The present study suggests that Hemidesmus indicus has protective activity against arthritis and the activity might be attributed to presence of terpenoid in hydroalcoholic extract, as well as in ethyl acetate fraction.

Usefulness of hemoglobin and albumin as prognostic markers for highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 infection.

Background: Usefulness of hemoglobin and albumin as prognostic markers for highly active anti-retroviral therapy for HIV-1 infection. Introduction: Anemia and hypoalbuminemia are common complications in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We aimed to investigate the changes in hemoglobin and albumin levels in response to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Further, we evaluated the appropriateness of using hemoglobin and albumin as HIV disease progression markers. Materials and Methods: A prospective longitudinal study of 122 subjects was carried out. Pre-treatment, one year, and two year post-treatment hemoglobin, and albumin levels were correlated with respective CD4+ T cell counts. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of each marker against CD4+ T cell counts were calculated in order to establish the appropriateness of use of these parameters as surrogate disease progression and prognostic markers. Results: Mean hemoglobin and albumin levels pre-, one, and two year post HAART were 9.7 g/dL, 12.1 g/dL, and 13.1 g/dL, respectively, P = 0.001; albumin: 3.7 gm%, 4.4 gm%, and 4.7 gm%, respectively, P = 0.001. There was a positive correlation between hemoglobin, albumin, and CD4+ T cell count at pre-treatment, one year, and two year post-treatment visit. Both albumin and hemoglobin had high sensitivity when compared to CD4+ T cell counts. Conclusions: Hemoglobin and albumin levels were found to increase after initiation of HAART. Hemoglobin and albumin were seen to be a strong prognostic marker of HIV disease progression at pre-, one, and two year post-treatment. Therefore, hemoglobin and albumin may be used together along with CD4 + T cell counts in HIV management, particularly in resource-poor settings.

Evaluation of anti-apoptotic activity of different dietary antioxidants in renal cell carcinoma against hydrogen peroxide

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the anti-apoptotic and radical scavenging activities of dietary phenolics, namely ascorbic acid,α-tocopherol acetate, citric acid, salicylic acid, and estimate H2O2-induced apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The intracellular antioxidant potency of antioxidants was investigated. H2O2-induced apoptosis in RCC-26 was assayed with the following parameters: cell viability (% apoptosis), nucleosomal damage and DNA fragmentation, bcl-2 levels and flow cytometery analysis (ROS production evaluation).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The anticancer properties of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol acetate, citric acid, salicylic acid with perdurable responses were investigated. It was observed that these antioxidants had protective effect (anti-apoptotic activity) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC-26) cell line.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study reveals and proves the anticancer properties. However, in cancer cell lines anti-apoptotic activity can indirectly reflect the cancer promoter activity through radicals scavenging, and significantly protect nucleus and bcl-2.</p>

Multivitamin and micronutrient treatment improves semen parameters of azoospermic patients with maturation arrest.

The study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of multivitamin and micronutrient supplementation in azoospermic patients with maturation arrest. A total of 35 azoospermic patients showing maturation arrest on testicular biopsy were recruited in this study. The patients were divided into two groups. Untreated group (n=11) without any treatment and treated group (n=24) who received multivitamins, micronutrients and co-enzyme Q10. The sperm concentration, motility and morphology were evaluated at monthly interval. The results showed reduction in liquefaction time and relative viscosity of the semen in the treated group. Further, in treated group there was appearance of spermatozoa (4.0 million/ml) exhibiting progressive motility (7%) and normal morphology (6%), even in the first follow up visit. The sperm count, motility and normal morphology increased significantly on subsequent visits. Within 3 months (3 visits) 2 pregnancies were reported. These observations indicate that multivitamin and micronutrient supplementation improve the qualitative and quantitative parameters of seminogram in patients with azoospermia of maturation arrest.