Knockdown of transglutaminase-2 prevents early age-induced vascular changes in mice

Abstract Purpose: To determine whether the absence of transglutaminase 2 enzyme (TG2) in TG2 knockout mice (TG2-/-) protect them against early age-related functional and histological arterial changes. Methods: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured using non-invasive Doppler and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured in awake mice using tail-cuff system. Thoracic aortas were excised for evaluation of endothelial dependent vasodilation (EDV) by wire myography, as well as histological analyses. Results: PWV and MAP were similar in TG2-/-mice to age-matched wild type (WT) control mice. Old WT mice exhibited a markedly attenuated EDV as compared to young WT animals. The TG2-/-young and old mice had enhanced EDV responses (p<0.01) as compared to WT mice. There was a significant increase in TG2 crosslinks by IHC in WT old group compared to Young, with no stain in the TG2-/-animals. Optical microscopy examination of Old WT mice aorta showed thinning and fragmentation of elastic laminae. Young WT mice, old and young TG2-/-mice presented regularly arranged and parallel elastic laminae of the tunica media. Conclusion: The genetic suppression of TG2 delays the age-induced endothelial dysfunction and histological modifications.

Detection of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

The aim of the present study was to detect the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from various samples. A total of 125 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from various samples in a tertiary care hospital from June 2014 to November 2014 were included in the study. The diagnosis was confirmed using standard bacteriological techniques and antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by Kirby Bauer disc-diffusion method. The isolates resistant to the third generation cephalosporins were tested for ESBL production using double-disc synergy test (DDST) using ceftazidime alone and combined ceftazidime-clavulanic acid discs. It was found that out of the 125 isolates tested, 17 (13.6%) were found to produce ESBL. Also, all the ESBL-producing P. aeruginosa were resistant to third generation cephalosporins and they were 100% susceptible to meropenem followed by 60% susceptibility to amikacin and 50% susceptibility to ofloxacin. This study emphasizes on the need for global control of antimicrobial resistance; and to create awareness among the clinicians and general population thereby reducing the mortality and morbidity associated with multi-drug resistant pathogens.