ABSTRACT
In this study, the scavenging response of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) was evaluated by using series of in vitro models of chemicals compared with standard antioxidant Trolox and curcumin. The THC exhibited its radical scavenging effect in concentration dependent manner on super oxide, hydroxyl radicals, ferric ions, 1,1-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2- azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS). The THC was also evaluated for its inhibitory response on membrane lipid peroxidation by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) using rat liver homogenate. The present study shows that THC is a good antioxidant compared to the standard antioxidant, Trolox. Although, THC is less active than curcumin in many models, the increased superoxide scavenging and decreased ability to reduce ferric ions offers interesting advantages over curcumin. The THC was also effective in preventing membrane lipid peroxidation induced by FeSO4/ascorbate in concentration dependent manner.
ABSTRACT
We report a case of pulmonary zygomycosis in an adult male diabetic patient who presented with fever and altered sensorium initially and later developed streaky haemoptysis. Bronchoscopy showed picture of necrotizing pneumonia. Sputum was negative for fungal elements on admission but later bronchial wash and repeat sputum samples were positive by microscopy and culture showed growth of Rhizopus species. Immediately the patient was put on amphotericin B but had a bout of massive haemoptysis and succumbed. A high index of suspicion is needed for an early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of this infection in view of the high mortality rate.
Subject(s)
Amphotericin B/administration & dosage , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/microbiology , Diabetes Complications/diagnosis , Fatal Outcome , Hemoptysis/complications , Humans , Hydroxides , Lung Diseases, Fungal/complications , Male , Middle Aged , Mucormycosis/complications , Pneumonia/complications , Potassium Compounds , Rhizopus/isolation & purification , Sputum/microbiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Oxidant stress leading to lipid peroxidation is reported to be the common link in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis irrespective of etiology. AIM: To look for evidence of lipid peroxidation in duodenal juice in patients with chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: 19 patients with chronic pancreatitis (14 tropical, 5 alcoholic) and 19 age- and sex-matched subjects with abdominal pain without any cause were studied. Contents were aspirated from the second part of the duodenum during gastroduodenoscopy. Malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in duodenal juice by the thiobarbituric acid method. RESULTS: MDA levels were higher in patients than in the control group (mean [SD] 42.6 [17.0] vs 29.2 [11.7] nmol/mL; p < 0.05). On linear and multiple regression analysis, none of the disease factors correlated with duodenal juice MDA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid peroxidation products are increased in patients with chronic tropical and alcoholic pancreatitis.
Subject(s)
Adult , Chronic Disease , Duodenum/metabolism , Female , Humans , Intestinal Secretions/chemistry , Lipid Peroxidation , Male , Malondialdehyde/metabolism , Oxidative Stress , Pancreatitis/metabolismSubject(s)
Child, Preschool , Disease Progression , Fatal Outcome , Humans , Male , Porphobilinogen Synthase/deficiency , Porphyrias/diagnosisABSTRACT
Purple acid phosphatase from red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) has been purified to homogeneity and characterized. The enzyme is a homodimer of 60 kDa subunits each containing one atom of zinc and iron in the active site. Circular dichroism spectral studies on the purified enzyme reveals that a large portion of the peptide backbone is in the unordered and beta-turn conformation. A unique feature of the red kidney bean acid phosphatase, which we have found, is that one of the two cysteines of each subunit is involved in the formation of an inter-subunit disulphide. The thiol group of the other cysteine is not necessary for the activity of the enzyme. Western blot analysis with antibodies raised against kidney bean acid phosphatase could not recognize acid phosphatases from other sources except from potato. This paper emphasizes the fact that acid phosphatases are functionally, but not structurally, conserved enzymes.
Subject(s)
Acid Phosphatase/chemistry , Fabaceae/enzymology , Glycoproteins/chemistry , Molecular Structure , Plant Proteins/chemistry , Plants, MedicinalABSTRACT
The prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBs was studied in sera from 982 children of different age groups below 5 yr. HBsAg was detected in 0.9, 2.3, 4.1, 2.3 and 1.6 per cent children of 0-1, 2-6, 7-12, 13-36 and 37-60 months age groups respectively. Anti-HBs in these five groups was noted in 17.0, 12.9, 18.4, 14.2 and 13.7 per cent children, respectively. The findings suggest that the carrier pool is built up in the preschool age group, particularly, below the age of 6 months. Perinatal transmission and the relative role of transplacental need re-evaluation. Cost analysis does not permit inclusion of HBV in the Expanded Programme of Immunisation.