Short Communication: Predicting receptor for mannose-binding lectin on neutrophil surface

Neutrophils play as major phagocytes that participate in the various effector phase of immunity. Mannosebinding lectin (MBL) assisted priming of neutrophils could trigger various processes including modulationof endocytosis rate, reactive oxygen production, chemotaxis, etc., through interactions with cell surfacereceptors. The physiological receptor for MBL on neutrophil's surface is still unreported. Macromoleculardocking could be attempted to determine the protein-protein interactions which are important forunderstanding cellular function and organization. The study was performed to identify the interacting partnerof MBL present on neutrophils surface which leads to the activation of various cell processes. Protein networkanalysis, homology modeling, and Rigid docking were performed to explore structural features and bindingmechanism of MBL with its cellular receptors. The results indicates that CR1 interact with the MBL and mayact as MBL receptor.

Protective effect of Withania somnifera roots extract on hematoserological profiles against lead nitrate-induced toxicity in mice.

The in vivo protective role of hydro-methanolic root extract of Withania somnifera (WS) was evaluated in alleviating lead nitrate (LN)-induced toxicity in male Swiss albino mice by measuring hematoserological profiles. The lead-treated (20 mg/kg body wt, p.o.) albino mice (25-30 g) concurrently received the root extract (200 and 500 mg/kg body wt, p.o.) once daily for the duration of six weeks. Animals exposed to LN showed significant (P<0.001) decline in haemoglobin content, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, packed cell volume and insignificant decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin content, while mean corpuscular volume and platelet count were increased. A significant elevation (P<0.001) in serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and total cholesterol were also observed, when compared with control mice. Thus, the study demonstrated that the concurrent daily administration of root extract of WS protected the adverse effects of LN intoxication in mice.

Endocervical Polyp

Endocervical Polyps are uncommon inflammatory non-neoplastic tumours. We report here a case of a young female who presented with a mass hanging out of vagina. The mass was removed mannually under general anaesthesia. Histopathology showed features suggestive of endocervical polyp.