RESUMEN
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Raloxifene (Ral) on degeneration-related changes in osteoarthritis (OA)-like chondrocytes using two- and three-dimensional models. Five-azacytidine (Aza-C) was used to induce OA-like alterations in rat articular chondrocytes and the model was verified at molecular and macrolevels. Chondrocytes were treated with Ral (1, 5 and 10 μM) for 10 days. Caspase-3 activity, gene expressions of aggrecan, collagen II, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen X, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-13, MMP-3 and MMP-2), and MMP-13, MMP-3 and MMP-2 protein expressions were studied in two-dimensional model. Matrix deposition and mechanical properties of agarose-chondrocyte discs were evaluated in three-dimensional model. One μM Ral reduced expression of OA-related genes, decreased apoptosis, and MMP-13 and MMP-3 protein expressions. It also increased aggrecan and collagen II gene expressions relative to untreated OA-like chondrocytes. In three-dimensional model, 1 μM Ral treatment resulted in increased collagen deposition and improved mechanical properties, although a significant increase for sGAG was not observed. In summation, 1 μM Ral improved matrix-related activities, whereas dose increment reversed these effects except ALP gene expression and sGAG deposition. These results provide evidence that low-dose Ral has the potential to cease or reduce the matrix degeneration in OA.
RESUMEN
To study abnormalities in liver associated enzymes and histology in AIDS patients with common infections like hepatotrophic viruses and mycobacteria. 30 cases of HIV/AIDS were studied for any significant pattern emerging. The male:female ratio was 4.26:1, occupation being long-distance truck drivers (30%); migrant goldsmiths (27%); migrant labourers (24%). Duration of illness from onset was within three months (46%) and the maximum duration was 26 months (2%). The most common presentation was fever (90%), weakness (79%), weight loss (62%) and diarrhoea (62%). The CD4 cell count was between 200-500/microL (33%). LFT showed hyperglobulinemia in patients having CD4 cell count <500/microL. Rise of alkaline phosphatase was seen in 63% with CD4 cell count <200/microL. 66.6% had HBsAg reactivity, 33.3% had positive anti-HCV antibody and 50% had abnormal liver histology. One third of these had systemic opportunistic infections like tuberculosis. No correlation could be made between hepatic histology and LFT.