Morphological Study on Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra in Adult Indian Sacra and its Clinical Implications.

Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (Sacralization) is the fusion of 5Th lumber vertebra with the first segment of the sacrum it may be complete or incomplete. In complete sacralization body of the 5Th lumber vertebra completely fuses with the sacrum, where as in incomplete sacralisation shows a well defined joint line between the transverse process and the sacrum. Both forms may be either unilateral or bilateral. Such kind of abnormalities are importance while reporting the X ray, CT and MRI films, during surgical procedures at the Lumbosacral region and making a differential diagnosis for the low back ache patients. Accordingly the present study was designed to evaluate the incidence and morphological study of Sacralization (Lumbosacral transitional vertebra) in adult Indian sacra and its clinical significance. This study was carried out on 150 dry human sacra irrespective of age and sex at Mayo Institute of Medical Sciences- Barabanki,-UP, Melaka Manipal Medical College-Manipal University and Department of Anatomy, KMCT Medical College, Manassery-Calicut. It was observed that out of 150 sacra, 57 (38%) sacra showed sacralization. Out of 57 sacralized bones, 38 (25.33%) bones showed bilateral sacralization, whereas 19 (12.67%) bones showed unilateral sacralization. Such Lumbosacral transitional vertebra may increase the ricks of Disc bulge / herniation or pseudarthrosis (nonunions) with the ilium, degenerative sclerosis around the false joint, compression of lumber nerve roots, low back pain, and false administration of epidural or intradural anaesthetics in lumbosacral region. Its sound knowledge is not only enlightening for the orthopaedic surgeons, also vital for the clinical anatomists, forensic experts and morphologists.

Effect of nickel-stresses on uptake, pigments and antioxidative responses of water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes L.

Water lettuce plants were exposed to various concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 ppm) of nickel as nickel sulphate in nutrient medium. The effect of graded nickel (Ni+2) concentrations on visible symptoms of toxicity, pigments (chlorophyll a, b and total) and antioxidative attributes were evaluated. Plants exposed to high nickel (1.0 and 10.0 ppm) showed visible toxicity symptoms, such as wilting, chlorosis in young leaves, browning of root tips and broken off roots, observed at 6 days after treatment. Nickel was accumulated more in root (863.3 3g g-1 dry weight) than leaves (116.2 3g g-1 dry weight) at 6 days of treatment. Nickel exposure decreased chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll contents. Relative water content decreased at high nickel (1.0 and 10.0 ppm). Antioxidants, such as proline content and peroxidase activity increased with increase in nickel concentrations, whereas, other carotenoids and protein contents at 1.0 ppm and activity of catalase at 10 ppm of nickel were decreased. The low level of nickel stimulates photosynthetic pigments and antioxidative attributes. The study may be helpful in phytoremedial strategies and biological indication of nickel toxicity in aquatic plants.

Effects of industrial waste water on heavy metal accumulation, growth and biochemical responses of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).

The waste water showed high values of total solid (TS), hardness and chloride with slightly alkaline pH along with high concentrations of Cr (2.03 mg l-1), Ni (1.59 mg l-1) and Zn (0.46 mg l-1). The concentration of Cu (0.21 mg l-1) and Zn in industrial waste water was low than Ni and Cr. The diluted (25 and 50%), undiluted (100%) waste water was used to irrigate the lettuce plants grown in alluvial soils. Plants accumulated heavy metals in their shoot (Ni, 13.65; Cr, 19.73; Zn, 21.6 and Cu 14.76 1g g-1 dry weight) and root (Ni, 41.4; Cr, 31.6; Zn, 30.2 and Cu 15.85 1g g-1 dry weight) in high concentrations after irrigation with undiluted industrial waste water. Maximum accumulation of heavy metals was found in the root than the shoot (13.65-21.60 1g g-1 dry weight). Dry matter yield and biomolecules (Chlorophyll a, b and sugar contents) was found to increase with increase in concentration of waste water upto 50 %, which declined at the exposure of undiluted waste water. Catalase activity was found to increase with increase in waste water concentrations upto 100%, while carotenoids content increased in plants only upto the 50% waste water irrigation. Use of industrial waste water, in such form, on agricultural lands is not found suitable without proper treatment. It could be injurious to plants growth and may be a potential threat to food web.

Pollution level in distillery effluent and its phytotoxic effect on seed germination and early growth of maize and rice.

The effluent from a Lucknow- based distillery (Mohan Meakin Distillery) was analyzed for physico-chemical and biological parameters of pollution and concentration of potentially toxic heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn) and the effect of the distillery effluent, as such and on 50% dilution with tap water was studied on seed germination and seedling growth of maize (Zea mays L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). The effluent was wine red in colour and highly acidic (pH approximately 55) and possessed decaying alcoholic smell. The effluent contained high values of different pollution parameters, particularly total solids, 3450 mgl(-1) (soluble plus suspended solids), alkalinity 1500 mgl(-1), biological oxygen demand (BOD, 1649 mgl(-1)) and chemical oxygen demand (COD, 2036 mgl(-1)). It had very low values of dissolved oxygen (DO, 0.34 mgl(-1)). The heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn) content, particularly the nickel concentration (0.029 mg l(-1)) was high. Use of the distillery effluent, even on 1:1 dilution with tap water inhibited germination and early seedling growth of maize and rice. In both maize and rice, more so in the former germination % of seeds, length of radicle and plumule and the fresh and dry weight of the seedlings were significantly reduced. The emerging leaves of the seedlings also developed visible effects of toxicity some of which resembled the symptoms of nickel toxicity. Our observations suggest that the effluent, as discharged from the distillery carry a heavy load of pollutants. Its discharge into the river Gomti poses a potential threat to the aquatic life, perticularly during the summer months when the water flow in the river is drastically reduced. The distillery effluentis also harmful for irrigating crops grown along the drain carrying it.

Plasma levels of genistein following a single dose of soy extract capsule in Indian women.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Soy isoflavones are being used as therapy for menopausal syndrome in many countries. Marketed preparations show variability in bioavailability and there are variations in kinetics due to ethnicity and diet. Inspite of soy isoflavone being available in the Indian market there are no studies to show whether the preparation is likely to be effective in women. This study was carried out to determine circulating levels of genistein, a bioactive soy isoflavone, in Indian women after a single dose of soy extract. METHODS: Six healthy vegetarian women volunteers, between 36 and 62 yr and with a mean body mass index (BMI) 25.01+/-2.02 (kg/m2), were enrolled after an informed consent. Women with antibiotic or Soy food intake within 1 month of study were excluded. A single dose of standardized soy extract capsule containing 64.12 mg of total isoflavones (genistein content equivalent to 31.76 mg) was ingested under supervised fasting condition and multiple blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h. Genistein levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with a detection level of 2.5 ng/100 microl of injection volume. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were < 5.32 per cent. RESULTS: Genistein was detected (10.3 to 16.2 ng/ml) in 3 volunteers in baseline samples. Within one hour genistein levels rose from 42 ng to 215 ng/ml with a maximum concentration of 117 to 380 ng/ml at 4 to 8 h. A secondary peak suggestive of enterohepatic circulation was seen between 4 and 6 h in 2 out of 6 volunteers. The mean Cmax was 315.5 +/- 57.1 ng/ml. All women had detectable levels from 25.2 to 109.3 ng/ml at 24 h. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our study showed adequate circulating levels of genistein in Indian vegetarian women after a single dose of soy extract. Variability in plasma levels of the soy isoflavones may explain differences in responses to therapy.

Hyperhomocysteinemia as a cardiovascular risk factor in Indian women: determinants and directionality.

OBJECTIVE: To assess Homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12 and folic acid (FA) concentrations in resident Indian women and to study their correlation with traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 137 consecutive women who attended a health care program (HCP) for women at and above 40 years of age (MAITREYI's HCP). Fasting blood samples for Hcy, B12 and folate were collected on ice, centrifuged within 1/2 hour and stored at -70 degrees C till assayed using a chemiluminescence method. All women underwent a screening for their general health profile including cardiovascular health. RESULTS: Of the 137 women screened 21 were excluded because of presence of factors known to affect Hcy levels (history of existing CAD had hypothyroidism or were on multivitamin supplements). The median Hcy, folic acid and vitamin B12 levels were 9 pmol/L (range 4.2-38.6), 8.8 ng/ml (2.3-31.6 range) and 214 pg/ml (100-2400 range) respectively. The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 pmol/L) was 24.2%. Correlation for continuous variables using spearman's test and for categorical variables with chi-square test showed a highly significant negative correlation with vitamin B12 (p < 0.001) and FA (p<0.002). Both systolic (p < 0.05) and diastolic (p < 0.02) and diastolic blood pressure also showed a significant correlation. However, no correlation was found between plasma Hcy and blood sugars, lipids, age, body mass index and menopausal status. The CAD risk was assessed using Framingham risk scores and this too did not show a correlation with plasma Hcy. CONCLUSIONS: A large number of women from the present study had hyperhomocysteinemia and were deficient in vitamin B12. A significant negative correlation between vitamin B12 and plasma Hcy levels was foundin these older women. Most Indian studies including the present one do not show a positive correlation between elevated Hcy levels and CAD in spite of a large percentage of persons showing elevated homocysteine levels. Since high Hcy levels are recognized as an independent risk factor for CAD, these findings of absence of correlation between Hcy and CAD as reported in various Indian studies need to be explored and explained.

Accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn) in Raphanus sativus L. and Spinacia oleracea L. plants irrigated with industrial effluent.

Effluent from electroplating industry contains various heavy metals like Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn, which are used in electroplating process of industry. Effluent was slightly greenish in colour and pungent in odour. Physico-chemical properties like total suspended solids (TSS), total solids (TS), alkalinity, Biological oxygen demand (BOD), and Chemical oxygen demand (COD) showed higher values in effluent with high metal contents like Cd, 0.013; Cr, 0.093; Ni, 0.935 and Zn 4.76 mg l(-1). plants of S. oleracea and R. sativus were raised in uncontaminated alluvial soil of Lucknow by soil pot culture method and irrigated with industrial effluent, showed visual toxic symptoms like stunted growth, necrosis followed by chlorosis in leaves and finally death of the plants. Severity of toxicity was less in plants treated with diluted effluent (50%). High accumulation of Cr, 302.0; Cu, 81.2; Ni, 155.1 and Zn 146.8 microg g(-1) dry weight in S. oleracea and Cr, 198.0; Cu, 41.0; Ni, 84.3 and Zn, 140.2 microg g(-1) dry weight in R. sativus were determined. Tissue concentration of metals and toxic effects was more in S. oleracea plants. The tissue concentration of metals showed much higher values in treated plants than that of their respective control.

An imaging study of body composition including lipodeposition pattern in a patient of familial partial lipodystrophy (Dunnigan type).

Familial Partial Lipodystrophy, Dunnigan type (FPLD), is characterised by loss of subcutaneous fat from the limbs and an excessive accumulation of fat on the neck, shoulder girdle and face. Affected individuals have insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and early cardiovascular events. Body composition (BC) with details of adipose tissue distribution were studied by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) ina heterozygote for the FPLD mutation LMNA R482W, and in an age, sex and body mass index (BMI) matched normal control. DEXA revealed a marked decrease in total as well as regional fat percentage in the patient compared to a normal control. Marked reductions in subcutaneous fat in the extremities with substantial lipodeposition in the nape of the neck were confirmed with. MRI. The importance of increased perinephric, retroperitoneal and intermuscular fat in the thighs found in this patient, needs to be explored vis-à-vis the pathogenesis of insulin resistance found in FPLD.

Growth hormone treatment in a girl with Prader Willi syndrome.

Prader Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare endocrine-metabolic disorder that is characterised by neonatal hypotonia, hyperphagia, marked obesity, short stature, hypogonadism and behavioural problems. 7-20% percent of these children develop diabetes mellitus. A large number of individuals with PWS show growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Recent studies indicate beneficial effects of GH replacement therapy not only for their linear growth but also for correction of metabolic dysfunction. In the present communication this article details about the therapeutic outcome in a girl with PWS who received recombinant growth hormone (rGH), Genotropin. Some carry-over therapeutic benefits have been observed even after discontinuation of rGH.

Clinical, endocrine and metabolic studies in the kindred of familial partial lipodystrophy--a syndrome of insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: To study clinical, endocrine and metabolic profiles in the kindred of subjects with familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD, Dunnigan type). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty two relatives (10 males, 12 females), from an extended family with FPLD, were assessed for the phenotypic features, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)/diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia and the presence of insulin resistance. Plasma glucose and serum lipids were measured using glucose oxidase and standard colorimetric methods. Serum insulin was estimated by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The age was 12 to 67 years, two being adolescents. Two of the 20 adults were overweight and eight were underweight; BMI (adults) was 15.5 to 28.5. Features of FPLD were evident among eight out of 12 women. This typical phenotype was not obvious in all 10 male members. Varying degree of Hirsuitism was observed in four of 12 women, acanthosis nigricans in 11 out of 22 members and skin tags were present in only eight of 22; hypertension in six members and diabetes in four. Eleven members had either impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (n=7), or DM (n=4). Ten of 20 members showed hyperinsulinemic response on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Dyslipidemia was present in 13 family members. CONCLUSION: The majority (2/3rd) of female members showed typical phenotypic features of FPLD, with a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors and insulin resistance syndrome. More than half the men without phenotypic features of FPLD had either IGT/DM, dyslipidemia, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.