Andrographolide inhibits chikungunya virus infection by up-regulating host innate immune pathways

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of andrographolide, a plant derived compound, against chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection.Methods:Using flow cytometry and immunoblotting assay, in vitro viral protein expression was studied in THP-1 cells line. In Balb/c mouse neonates, viral RNA copy number was determined by real time PCR.Results:The results showed reduced CHIKV protein expression on andrographolide treatment in CHIKV-infected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, Vero cells and THP-1 cell line. In vivo, andrographolide treatment to CHIKV-infected neonates reduced viral RNA copy number. Further, andrographolide also increased cytotoxic T lymphocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Andrographolide also activated host innate immune pathways, viz., protein kinase R, phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α , retinoic acid inducible gene-I and interferon regulatory factor 3/7, thereby increasing IFN- α secretion. CHIKV-induced nuclear factor κ light chain enhancer of activated B cells and tumor necrosis factor- α was also reduced on andrographolide treatment.Conclusion:Andrographolide inhibits CHIKV by suppressing viral protein expression and up-regulating host innate immunity and hence could be an effective therapeutic agent against CHIKV infection.

Orofaciodigital syndrome type-VI (Varadi-Papp syndrome) with several Y-shaped metacarpals.

Orofaciodigital syndrome type-VI (Varadi-Papp Syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by variable orofacial anomalies, central polydactyly of the hands, and cerebellar dysgenesis (mainly hypoplasia or aplasia of vermis, rarely Dandy-Waker anomaly). Here a case of Varadi-Papp syndrome with recurrent episodic tachypnea-apnea, minimal orofacial features, several Y-shaped metacarpals, and cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, diagnosed in the neonatal age, is reported for the first time in Indian literature. The importance of early accurate diagnosis of this rare disease for proper genetic counseling and prenatal case detection of pregnancy at risk is also emphasized as the prognosis is poor in almost all cases.

Nitric oxide alleviates oxidative damage induced by high temperature stress in wheat.

Effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a donor of nitric oxide (NO) was examined in two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, C 306 (heat tolerant) and PBW 550 (comparatively heat susceptible) to study the extent of oxidative injury and activities of antioxidant enzyme in relation to high temperature (HT) stress. HT stress resulted in a marked decrease in membrane thermostability (MTS) and 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) cell viability whereas content of lipid peroxide increased in both the cultivars. The tolerant cultivar C 306 registered less damage to cellular membranes compared to PBW 550 under HT stress. Activities of antioxidant enzymes viz, superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaicol peroxidase and glutathione reductase increased with HT in both the cultivars. Following treatment with SNP, activities of all antioxidant enzymes further increased in correspondence with an increase in MTS and TTC. Apparently, lipid peroxide content was reduced by SNP more in shoots of heat tolerant cultivar C 306 indicating better protection over roots under HT stress. The up-regulation of the antioxidant system by NO possibly contributed to better tolerance against HT induced oxidative damage in wheat.

Evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma by contrast enhanced ultrasound : a novel technique.

Characterization of focal liver lesions remains a diagnostic challenge for the radiologists, more so when there is associated underlying chronic liver disease (CLD). Imaging plays a vital role and there has been a constant endeavor to improve the diagnostic accuracy of liver lesions. The introduction of mutiphasic CT and MRI has revolutionized the diagnostic ability of liver lesions. With the advent of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs), it is possible to evaluate liver lesions using the non-invasive imaging technique of “contrast-enhanced ultrasonography” (CEUS).1-3 CEUS can overcome the limitations of grey scale and color doppler sonography4,5 and has been used for characterisation of focal liver lesions.2. It can depict arterialisation of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)6,7 and can also help in assessment of the post-therapeutic response.8,9 We present two such cases of HCC evaluated by a recently available second generation ultrasound contrast agent, SonoVue (Bracco, UK).

Palliative treatment in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Has it made any difference.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health problem, the fifth most common cancer in the world.. HCC occurs in a histologically abnormal liver due to underlying chronic liver disease resulting as a sequele of the chronic viral infections, hepatitis B and C. Since these two viral infections are endemic in Asia and Africa, more than 80% of cases are encountered in these regions. In India, a large proportion of the population is “at risk” for developing chronic liver disease and, therefore, HCC. Due to the lack of screening programmes in the country, the majority of HCC patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease, and thus treatment remains a challenge. Palliative therapy forms the mainstay of treatment for this group of patients. The current era provides a plethora of options for the palliative management of HCC. This review concisely summarises the historical perspective and the current status of palliative treatment in advanced HCC.

Adrenocortical carcinoma: diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology.

Two cases of adrenal cortical carcinoma are described, wherein the diagnosis was established by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). FNAC is increasingly being accepted as a means of diagnosis of adrenal cortical carcinomas. In yester years the diagnosis was established largely on post-operative histopathology. Adrenal cortical carcinomas are rare and account for less than 0.05% of all malignant neoplasms. Adrenal gland has become frequent target of needle biopsies with the availability of sensitive imaging techniques and better localization. Currently, needle biopsy is the only non-surgical means of obtaining a diagnosis in patient with adrenal mass. We present two cases of adrenal cortical carcinoma diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).