Genetic association study of P2x7 A1513C (rs 3751143) polymorphism and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis: A meta-analysis based on the findings of 11 case–control studies

Objective To summarize the precise association between pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and P2x7 A1513C gene polymorphism. Methods PubMed and Google Scholar web-databases were searched for the studies reporting the association of P2x7 A1513C polymorphism and PTB risk. A meta-analysis was performed for the selected case–control studies and pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for all the genetic models. Results Eleven studies comprising 2 678 controls and 2 113 PTB cases were included in this meta-analysis. We observed overall no significant risk in all the five genetic models. When stratified population by the ethnicity, Caucasian population failed to show any risk of PTB in all the genetics models. In Asian ethnicity, variant allele (C vs. A: P = 0.001; OR = 1.375, 95% CI = 1.159–1.632) and heterozygous genotype (AC vs. AA: P = 0.001; OR = 1.570, 95% CI = 1.269–1.944) demonstrated significant increased risk of PTB. Likewise, recessive genetic model (CC + AC vs. AA: P = 0.001; OR = 1.540, 95% CI = 1.255–1.890) also demonstrated increased risk of PTB in Asians. Conclusions Our meta-analysis did not suggest the association of P2x7 A1513C polymorphism with PTB risk in overall or separately in Caucasian population. However, it plays a significant risk factor for predisposing PTB in Asians. Future larger sample and expression studies are needed to validate this association.

Genetic association study of P2x7 A1513C (rs 3751143) polymorphism and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis: A meta-analysis based on the findings of 11 case-control studies

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the precise association between pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and P2x7 A1513C gene polymorphism.@*METHODS@#PubMed and Google Scholar web-databases were searched for the studies reporting the association of P2x7 A1513C polymorphism and PTB risk. A meta-analysis was performed for the selected case-control studies and pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for all the genetic models.@*RESULTS@#Eleven studies comprising 2678 controls and 2113 PTB cases were included in this meta-analysis. We observed overall no significant risk in all the five genetic models. When stratified population by the ethnicity, Caucasian population failed to show any risk of PTB in all the genetics models. In Asian ethnicity, variant allele (C vs. A: P = 0.001; OR = 1.375, 95% CI = 1.159-1.632) and heterozygous genotype (AC vs. AA: P = 0.001; OR = 1.570, 95% CI = 1.269-1.944) demonstrated significant increased risk of PTB. Likewise, recessive genetic model (CC + AC vs. AA: P = 0.001; OR = 1.540, 95% CI = 1.255-1.890) also demonstrated increased risk of PTB in Asians.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our meta-analysis did not suggest the association of P2x7 A1513C polymorphism with PTB risk in overall or separately in Caucasian population. However, it plays a significant risk factor for predisposing PTB in Asians. Future larger sample and expression studies are needed to validate this association.

Assessment of DNA damage by panmasala, gutkha chewing and smoking in buccal epithelial cells using alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis [SCGE]

In the present study the comet assay was performed in buccal epithelial cells to evaluate DNA damage among pan masala or gutkha chewers and smokers. The assay is a rapid, suitable and sensitive method for detecting various forms of DNA damage at individual cell level. The study comprises 300 individuals of which 50 individuals were gutkha chewers along with smoking, 50 individuals were pan masala chewers along with smoking, 50 individuals were gutkha chewers, 50 individuals were pan masala chewers, 50 individuals were smokers and 50 individuals were non-users [control] or not having any addiction. Comet tail length was observed to measure the extent of DNA damage. In all groups a significant increase in the tail length was observed as compared to the non-users [control]. The highest tail length was observed among gutkha chewers along with smoking [36.9 +/- 3.60]. The results of the present study suggest that the panmasala and gutkha are genotoxic agents and induce DNA damage

Evaluation of micronucleus frequency by acridine orange fluorescent staining in bucccal epithelial cells of oral submucosus fibrosis [OSMF] patients

Oral submucosus fibrosis [OSMF] is a collagen-related disorder seen in habitual betel quids and smokers. This is a high risk precancerous condition in which the connective tissue fibers of the lamina propria and deeper parts of the mucosa becomes stiff with restricted mouth opening. Patients with severe cases have symptoms like difficulties in chewing, swallowing and speaking. In the present study 25 individuals were gutkha chewers and 25 were OSMF patients [chewing gutkha along with smoking] and 25 individuals were taken as controls. A significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei was observed in OSMF patients [34.4 +/- 1.79] as compared to gutkha chewers [14.4 +/- 0.73] and controls [4.36 +/- 0.27]. The number of micronucleated cells in OSMF, gutkha chewers and control groups were 19.84 +/- 0.69, 12.6 +/- 0.51 and 4.20 +/- 0.27, respectively and are significantly different at p < 0.05. Acridine orange is used due its fluorescence nature and easier visibility of the micronucleus present in the buccal epithelial cells. It is concluded that chewing gutkha along with smoking is more dangerous for human health as it hastens the incidence of OSMF

Evaluation of the relative efficacy of an allograft used alone and that in combination with simvastatin in the treatment of human periodontal infrabony defects - a clinical and radiological study

Simvastatin has been found to cause increased bone formation in vitro and in animal studies. However, its effect on periodontal reconstruction in humans is yet to be determined With this study an attempt was made to evaluate the effects of a combination of simvastatin drug with Demineralised Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft [DFDBA] and also to compare the efficacy of this combination with that of DFDBA alone in the treatment of human periodontal defects. Fifteen patients with almost identical bilateral 2-walled or 3-walled infrabony defects were selected. Defects on the right side [Group A] were treated with the placement of DFDBA alone while those on the left side [Group B] were treated using a combination of DFDBA and a 10-8 M solution of the drug simvastatin. Two clinical parameters namely probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level and one radiographic parameters namely infrabony defect depth were measured preoperatively and 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively. DFDBA alone as well as the combination of DFDBA and simvastatin resulted in a highly significant mean reduction in probing depth, gain in clinical attachment level, and linear defect fill. The values of mean changes in parameters were significantly greater with the drug-graft combination in comparison with the graft alone. Combination of DFDBA with a solution of simvastatin leads to significantly greater reduction in probing depth, gain in clinical attachment level, and linear defect fill than when the graft is used alone in the treatment of human periodontal infrabony defects

Crescentic glomerulonephritis associated with bacterial endocarditis - Antibiotics alone may be sufficient. A case report

Crescentic glomerulonephritis complicating the course of bacterial endocarditis carries a poor prognosis. Ideal treatment strategy is not clearly defined. In addition to antibiotic treatment, plasmapheresis and steroids have been used with variable results. Here we report a case of 40-year old female who was referred because of generalized body swelling and decrease urine output associated with low grade fever on and off for two to three months. She was diagnosed to have acute renal failure secondary to tricuspid valve endocarditis. Staph aureus was isolated from blood culture and renal biopsy showed crescentic glomerulonephritis. She received dialysis support and antibiotics and had complete recovery of renal function 6 weeks after initiation of therapy. Eradication of infection with antibiotics treatment may be sufficient for resolution of crescentic glomerulonephritis associated with infective endocarditis in some cases