The Anti-Inflammatory and Cytoprotective Efficiency of Curvularin, a Fungal Macrolactone against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response in Nucleus Pulposus Cells: An In Vitro Study

Methods@#Primary NPCs were cultured and characterized by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry using the CD24 antibody and treated with 10 μg/mL LPS for 36 hours and then treated with Cur, betamethasone, and dexamethasone (10 μg/mL) for 48 hours, after which cell cycle analysis, cell viability assay, and gene expression studies (quantitative polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and quantitative real-time-PCR) were conducted. The NPCs treated with Cur downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-6); matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs; MMP-2 and MMP-3), ADAMTS; and apoptotic marker (cytochrome c). @*Results@#In our study, Cur-treated cells showed enhanced expression of collagen 9A1 and insulin-like growth factor receptor 1, indicating the recovery of NPCs from inflammatory assault. @*Conclusions@#Based on observations, the anti-inflammatory properties of Cur render it an excellent drug molecule for treating disk degeneration nonsurgically, by direct injection into spinal disks when treating LBP and sciatica.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Cytoprotective Efficiency of Curvularin, a Fungal Macrolactone against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response in Nucleus Pulposus Cells: An In Vitro Study

Methods@#Primary NPCs were cultured and characterized by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry using the CD24 antibody and treated with 10 μg/mL LPS for 36 hours and then treated with Cur, betamethasone, and dexamethasone (10 μg/mL) for 48 hours, after which cell cycle analysis, cell viability assay, and gene expression studies (quantitative polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and quantitative real-time-PCR) were conducted. The NPCs treated with Cur downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-6); matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs; MMP-2 and MMP-3), ADAMTS; and apoptotic marker (cytochrome c). @*Results@#In our study, Cur-treated cells showed enhanced expression of collagen 9A1 and insulin-like growth factor receptor 1, indicating the recovery of NPCs from inflammatory assault. @*Conclusions@#Based on observations, the anti-inflammatory properties of Cur render it an excellent drug molecule for treating disk degeneration nonsurgically, by direct injection into spinal disks when treating LBP and sciatica.

The Radix Entomolaris and Paramolaris: A Review and Case Reports with Clinical Implications

Normally, the permanent mandibular first molar has two roots, mesial and distal. However, mandibular molars may have anadditional root located either buccally (radix paramolaris) or lingually (radix entomolaris [RE]). Understanding of the presence ofan additional root and its root canal, anatomy is essential for successful treatment outcome. The aim of this paper is to reviewthe prevalence and morphology of RE and to present two cases of permanent mandibular first molars with an additional thirdroot (RE) in the Indian population. In this study, we did a clinical investigation of two cases; one case of successful endodonticmanagement of permanent mandibular first molar characterized as RE, whereas the second one is a presentation of a case ofsevere bone loss around permanent first molar with an additional third root. The presence of an additional third root in permanentmandibular first molars may affect the prognosis of the tooth if it is misdiagnosed. Thus, an accurate diagnosis and thoroughunderstanding of variation in root canal anatomy are essential for treatment success.

Comparative study on efficacy of traditional lysol based floor cleaners versus newer biological and sodium hypochlorite based floor cleaner in our institution

Background: Floor disinfection plays a major role in patient to patient transmission of infections in hospital environment. In our hospital, lysol based floor cleaner was routinely used for floor cleaning. In our study we compare alternative methods of disinfection using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) based floor cleaner and biological (cows urine based) floor cleaner with traditional Lysol based floor cleaner.Methods: Three floor cleaners were used in the study (Lysol, NaOCl, biological cleaner). Study was conducted in our institution between August 2018 to October 2018. These floor cleaners were used in different floors and swab was taken every month to determine their efficacy of disinfection.Results: After initial culture of all three floor cleaner samples, the Lysol solution was culture positive for clostridium tetani spore. In first month, Lysol was used in both floor 1 and floor 2. In second month, NaOCl floor cleaner in floor 2 and biological cleaner in floor 1 was used. In third month, NaOCl floor cleaner for floor 1 and biological cleaner for floor 2 was used. Swabs taken at the end of each month was negative for culture except clostridium tetani spores were grown in floor 2 in corridor floor in which biological cleaner was used in third month.Conclusions: Floor cleaning with alternative reagents like NaOCl and biological cleaners are non inferior in disinfection of hospital environment in comparison with traditional lysol floor cleaner

Comparison Of The Force Deterioration Of Different Orthodontic Elastomeric Materials In Artificial Saliva: An In Vitro Study

The orthodontist must be able to choose an elastic band with force-extension characteristics that are most suitable for the particular tooth movement required. From a clinician view it would be mandatory not only to know the clinical aspect of these elastics but also their basic properties, in order to extract the most out of these polymers. Stretching of elastics are thought to be the primary cause of force degradation of orthodontic elastics but there is evidence of in-creased force degradation of elastics when exposed to various types of substances like artificial saliva, phosphoric acid and citric acid. Orthodontic elastics have received mixed reactions of practitioners as reported by the vendors of ortho-dontic supplies. The present study is designed to compare the force deterioration of different orthodontic elastomeric materials in artificial saliva medium. There was a force deterioration over time in all materials, being greatest on the seventh day of the experiment, especially more in the chains; From the third to the fourth week there was no noticea-ble force degradation in either group; By the end of the experiment, modules showed less deterioration of the force compared to the chains and threads.

Chloroquine Induced Psychosis in an adult patient with Amoebic Liver Abscess: a case report

Chloroquine is used for chemoprophylaxis and treatment of malaria and other off-label indications likeextra-intestinal amoebiasis, mostly in developing countries. In the literature chloroquine induced psychosisis mostly reported in children and when prescribed for malaria. Scarce data exists in the area of chloroquineinduced psychosis in an adult population and when used for indications other than malaria. We report a 32years old adult without any past and family history of any psychiatric disorder who developed psychosisafter taking chloroquine prescribed for amoebic liver abscess. Chloroquine is commonly prescribed indeveloping countries and psychiatrists as well as other clinicians should be aware of this debilitating adverseeffect of chloroquine

Development of Novel Animal Model for Studying Scoliosis Using a Noninvasive Method and Its Validation through Gene-Expression Analysis

STUDY DESIGN: To induce scoliosis in young female Wistar rats using a noninvasive method and to validate this model. PURPOSE: To induce scoliosis in a rat model noninvasively by bracing and to study the corresponding gene-expression profile in the spine and different organs. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Scoliosis involves abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, the causes of which remain unclear. In the literature, it is suggested that scoliosis is genetically heterogeneous, as there are multiple factors involved directly or indirectly in its pathogenesis. Clinical and experimental studies were conducted to understand the etiology of anatomical alterations in the spine and internal organs, as the findings could help clinicians to establish new treatment approaches. METHODS: Twelve female Wistar rats aged 21 days were chosen for this study. Customized braces and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) primers for rats were designed using Primer 3 software. Radiological analysis (X-rays), histopathological studies, SYBR green, and RT-PCR analysis were performed. RESULTS: The spines of six rats were braced in a deformed position, which resulted in a permanent structural deformity as confirmed by X-ray studies. The remaining rats were used as controls. Quantitative studies of the expression of various genes (osteocalcin, pleiotrophins, matrix metalloproteinase-2 [MMP2] and MMP9, TIMP, interleukins 1 and 6, tumor necrosis factor-α) showed their differential expression and significant upregulation (p < 0.05) in different organs of scoliotic rats in comparison to those in control rats. Histopathological findings showed tissue necrosis and fibrosis in the brain, retina, pancreas, kidney, liver, and disc of scoliotic rats. CONCLUSIONS: Bracing is a noninvasive method for inducing scoliosis in an animal model with 100% reliability and with corresponding changes in gene expression. Scoliosis does not just involve a spine deformity, but can be referred to as a systemic disease on the basis of the pathological changes observed in various internal organs.

Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Regenerative Efficiency of Naringin and Naringenin in Degenerated Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells: Biological and Molecular Modeling Studies

STUDY DESIGN: Development of an in vitro model for assessing the anti-inflammatory efficacies of naringin (Nar) and naringenin (NG).PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of natural flavonoids as therapeutic drugs against anti-inflammatory processes in the nucleus pulposus (NP) cells using in-vitro and in-silico methods.OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Intervertebral disc (IVD) disease is a common cause of low back pain. Chronic inflammation and degeneration play a significant role in its etiopathology. Thus, a better understanding of anti-inflammatory agents and their role in IVD degeneration and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression is necessary for pain management and regeneration in IVD.METHODS: We performed primary cell culture of NP cells; immunocytochemistry; gene expression studies of cytokines, metalloproteases, extracellular proteins, and apoptotic markers using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); cytotoxicity assay (MTT); and molecular docking studies using AutoDock 4.2 software (Molecular Graphics Laboratory, La Jolla, CA, USA) to confirm the binding mode of proteins and synthesized complexes. We calculated the mean±standard deviation values and performed analysis of variance and t-test using SPSS ver. 17.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).RESULTS: Molecular docking showed that both Nar and NG bind to the selected genes of interest. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis reveals differential gene expression of collagen (COL)9A1, COL9A2, COL9A3, COL11A2, COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase), and THBS2 (thrombospondin 2); up regulation of ACAN (aggrecan), COL1A1, COL11A1, interleukin (IL)6, IL10, IL18R1, IL18RAP, metalloprotease (MMP)2, MMP3, MMP9, ADAMTS5 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5), IGF1R (insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor), SPARC (secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich), PARK2 (parkin), VDR (vitamin D receptor), and BCL2 (B-cell lymphoma 2); down regulation of IL1A, CASP3 (caspase 3), and nine genes with predetermined concentrations of Nar and NG.CONCLUSIONS: The present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and regenerative efficiencies of Nar and NG in degenerated human NP cells. Altered gene expressions of cytokines, metalloproteases, extracellular proteins, apoptotic genes were dose responsive. The molecular docking (in silico) studies showed effective binding of these native ligands (Nar and NG) with genes identified as potent inhibitors of inflammation. Thus, these natural flavonoids could serve as anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of low back pain and sciatica.