Glycolytic inhibitor, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, does not enhance radiation-induced apoptosis in mouse thymocytes and splenocytes in vitro.

Earlier studies have shown that 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a glucose analogue and inhibitor of glycolytic ATP production selectively enhances radiation-induced damage in cancer cells by inhibiting the energy (ATP) dependent postirradiation DNA and cellular repair processes. A reduction in radiation induced cytogenetic damage has been reported in normal cells viz., peripheral blood lymphocytes and bone marrow cells. Since induction of apoptosis plays a major role in determining the radiosensitivity of some most sensitive normal cells including splenocytes and thymocytes, we investigated the effects of 2-DG on radiation induced apo tosis in these cells in vitro. Thymocytes and splenocytes isolated from normal Swiss albino mouse were irradiated with Co60 gamma-rays and analyzed for apoptosis at various post-irradiation times. 2-DG added at the time of irradiation was present till the termination of cultures. A time dependent, spontaneous apoptosis was evident in both the cell systems, with nearly 40% of the cells undergoing apoptosis at 12 hr of incubation. The dose response of radiation-induced apoptosis was essentially similar in both the cell systems and was dependent on the incubation time. More than 70% of the splenocytes and 60% of the thymocytes were apoptotic by 12 hr following an absorbed dose of 2 Gy. Presence of 2-DG marginally reduced the fraction of splenocytes undergoing apoptosis at all absorbed doses, while no change was observed in thymocytes. Presence of 2-DG did not significantly alter either the level or the rate of induction of spontaneous apoptosis in both these cell systems. These results are consistent with the earlier findings on radiation-induced cytogenetic damage in human PBL in vitro and mouse bone marrow cells and lend further support to the proposition that 2-DG does not enhance radiation damage in normal cells, while radiosensitizing the tumors and hence is an ideal adjuvant in the radiotherapy of tumors.

Bhişaksudhărnavam--an unexplored precious Andhrasampradăya Ayurvĕda Grantha.

In India many Ayurvĕdic books were written in regional languages like Telugu, Bengali, Orissa, Gujarati etc. Though some of them are very useful, due to lack of maintenance and improper protection many of them became extinct and some of them are on the verge of extinction. Bhişaksudhărnavam is one among such books, which is on the verge of extinction, details of which are presented here.

A literary review of Arśas (haemorrhoids).

The disease Arśas (hemorrhoids), an ano-rectal disorder is as old as mankind. Suśrta farther of surgery described the Arśas under heading of 'Mahagadas' (eight major diseases). Due to inconsistency of human diet and social obligations, a large proportion of the population is suffering from hemorrhoids. As per Ayurveda, the etiological factors are broadly classified as Sămănya (Non-specific) and Viśĕsa (Specific). Viśĕsa again sub divided in to Sahaja and Janmottara. Suśrta classified this disease on the basis of clinical manifestations in to six types, where as Caraka and Văgbhata classified in to two according to discharging nature and causative factors respectively.