Colorectal carcinoma and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: is there a possible paraneoplastic association?

A plethora of paraneoplastic syndromes have been reported as remote effects of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). However, there is a dearth of data pertaining to the association of this cancer with demyelinating neuropathies. Herein, we describe the case of a young woman diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins and prednisone did not improve her condition, and her neurological symptoms worsened. Subsequently, she was readmitted with exertional dyspnea, lightheadedness, malaise, and black stools. Colonoscopy revealed a necrotic mass in the ascending colon, which directly invaded the second part of the duodenum. Pathologic results confirmed the diagnosis of locally advanced CRC. Upon surgical resection of the cancer, her CIDP showed dramatic resolution without any additional therapy. Patients with CRC may develop CIDP as a type of paraneoplastic syndrome. Clinicians should remain cognizant of this potential association, as it is of paramount importance for the necessary holistic clinical management.

Role of preoperative erythropoietin in the optimization of preoperative anemia among surgical patients — A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Preoperative anemia is a common finding. Preoperative allogeneic transfusion, iron therapy, vitamin supplementation and erythropoietin therapy are the current management strategies for preoperative anemia. Previous reviews regarding erythropoietin were limited to specialties, provided little evidence regarding the benefits and risks of erythropoietin in managing preoperative anemia and included non-anemic patients. The purpose of our systematic review was to determine the role of erythropoietin solely in preoperatively anemic patients and to investigate the complications of this treatment modality to produce a guideline for preoperative management of anemic patients for all surgical specialties. The PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized trials evaluating the efficacy of erythropoietin in preoperative anemia. The risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to pool the estimates of categorical and continuous outcomes, respectively. Allogeneic transfusion and complications and the 90-day mortality were the primary outcomes, while the postoperative change in hemoglobin, bleeding in milliliters and the number of red blood cell (RBC) packs transfused were the secondary outcomes. Results: Eight studies were included, comprising 734 and 716 patients in the erythropoietin group and non-erythropoietin group, respectively. The pooled estimate by RR for allogeneic transfusion was 0.829 (p = 0.049), while complications and the 90-day mortality were among the 1,318 (p = 0.18) patients. Conclusion: Preoperative erythropoietin provides better outcomes, considering the optimization of preoperative anemia for elective surgical procedures. The benefits of erythropoietin are significantly higher, compared to the control group, while the risks remain equivocal in both groups. We recommend preoperative erythropoietin in anemic patients.

Comparison of Cox proportional hazards model, Cox proportional hazards with time-varying coefficients model, and lognormal accelerated failure time model: Application in time to event analysis of melioidosis patients

Objective: To compare the prognostic factors of mortality among melioidosis patients between lognormal accelerated failure time (AFT), Cox proportional hazards (PH), and Cox PH with timevarying coefficient (TVC) models. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from 2014 to 2019 among 453 patients who were admitted to Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Kedah and Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, Perlis in Northern Malaysia due to confirmed-cultured melioidosis. The prognostic factors of mortality from melioidosis were obtained from AFT survival analysis, and Cox s models and the findings were compared by using the goodness of fit methods. The analyses were done by using Stata SE version 14.0. Results: A total of 242 patients (53.4%) survived. In this study, the median survival time of melioidosis patients was 30.0 days (95% CI 0.0-60.9). Six significant prognostic factors were identified in the Cox PH model and Cox PH-TVC model. In AFT survival analysis, a total of seven significant prognostic factors were identified. The results were found to be only a slight difference between the identified prognostic factors among the models. AFT survival showed better results compared to Cox's models, with the lowest Akaike information criteria and best fitted Cox-snell residuals. Conclusions: AFT survival analysis provides more reliable results and can be used as an alternative statistical analysis for determining the prognostic factors of mortality in melioidosis patients in certain situations.

Comparison of Cox proportional hazards model, Cox proportional hazards with time-varying coefficients model, and lognormal accelerated failure time model: Application in time to event analysis of melioidosis patients

Objective: To compare the prognostic factors of mortality among melioidosis patients between lognormal accelerated failure time (AFT), Cox proportional hazards (PH), and Cox PH with timevarying coefficient (TVC) models. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from 2014 to 2019 among 453 patients who were admitted to Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Kedah and Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, Perlis in Northern Malaysia due to confirmed-cultured melioidosis. The prognostic factors of mortality from melioidosis were obtained from AFT survival analysis, and Cox s models and the findings were compared by using the goodness of fit methods. The analyses were done by using Stata SE version 14.0. Results: A total of 242 patients (53.4%) survived. In this study, the median survival time of melioidosis patients was 30.0 days (95% CI 0.0-60.9). Six significant prognostic factors were identified in the Cox PH model and Cox PH-TVC model. In AFT survival analysis, a total of seven significant prognostic factors were identified. The results were found to be only a slight difference between the identified prognostic factors among the models. AFT survival showed better results compared to Cox's models, with the lowest Akaike information criteria and best fitted Cox-snell residuals. Conclusions: AFT survival analysis provides more reliable results and can be used as an alternative statistical analysis for determining the prognostic factors of mortality in melioidosis patients in certain situations.

Knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene management among women living in a low-income neighbourhood, Karachi, Pakistan

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the degree of awareness and practice of proper menstrual hygiene management among women living in low-income neighbourhood in Karachi, Pakistan.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Bizerta Lines, Karachi between January and June 2019. All women of reproductive age were included in the study. Amenorrheic, menopausal, or women on birth control were excluded from the study. Degree of awareness and current practices pertaining to menstrual hygiene management were assessed through pro-forma. The study tool collected the participant’s knowledge, awareness, and misconceptions about menstruation. The factors affecting the quality of life during menstruation of women living in poor socio-economic conditions were also observed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v.23) was used to analyze the collected data.Results: Of the 338 participants, 82.5% had no knowledge of menstruation prior to their first menstrual period. Only a minority of the women knew that the source of menstrual blood was the uterus while 41.4% of the women incorrectly claimed that the menstrual blood and urine were expelled from the same orifice. More than half of the participants used disposable sanitary napkins (55.5%). 65% of the participants changed the absorbent at least 1 to 3 times a day.Conclusions: Most of the participants used disposable sanitary napkins. However, the basic knowledge of female anatomy and physiology behind menstruation was poor among women.

Evaluation of immunomodulatory effects of lomefloxacin in mice

Lomefloxacin is a flouroquinolone antibiotic that is quite efficacious against many gram negative and gram positive pathogens. Lomefloxacin evince antibacterial effects by modifying DNA gyrase in gram negative pathogens and topoisomerase IV in gram positive pathogens. This study is designed to assess the immunomodulatory effects of lomefloxacin in male albino mice. Three doses of lomefloxacin 12.5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg were used and delayed type hypersensitivity assay, cyclophosphamide induced neutropenic assay, carbon clearance assay, heamagglutination assay and mice lethality test were performed to evaluate the effects of lomefloxacin on immune system of mice. DTH assay has depicted the significant immunosuppressant potential of lomefloxacin at 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg dose. Total leukocyte count have exhibited highly significant reduction (P<0.001) in leukocyte count after cyclophosphamide administration. Differential leukocyte count has shown significant (P<0.01) reduction in lymphocyte count, whereas, highly significant (P<0.001) increase in monocyte count and significant (P<0.05) increase neutrophil count has been observed. In carbon clearance assay, highly significant (P<0.01) increase in phagocytic index has been noted at 12.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg doses. Humoral immune system responses are suppressed in dose dependent manner by both heamagglutination assay (P<0.001) and mice lethality assay (P<0.001). Results clearly depict that lomefloxacin possess quite significant immunomodulatory potential

The prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorder in medical students of Pakistan

Background: Bipolar affective disorder is cyclic swinging of mood between mania or hypo-mania and depression. Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability worldwide and has a lifetime prevalence of about 1 to 3% in the general population. Despite a growing body of knowledge on bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD), relatively little is known about the clinical characteristics of BSD in medical students. This study evaluates the prevalence and severity of BSD in medical students in relation to certain socio-demographic factors like age, sex and class of education.Methods: A questionnaire based study was done on 298 medical students of Nishtar Medical University, Multan and Shaikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan chosen on basis of random sampling to test the prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorders using Mood Disorder questionnaire (MDQ). Out of these students 161 were males and 137 were females. Students were interviewed to obtain information about age, sex and academic year of education.Results: According to mood disorder questionnaire scoring, of the total 298 students 80 (26.84%) screened positive for bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD). Among 80 students who screened positive for BSD 43 (53.75%) are males while 37 (46.25%) are females. Class-wise distribution of BSD is as follows: Out of 80 students screened positive 15 (18.75%) are from 2nd year, 22 (27.5%) from 3rd year and 43 (53.75) from 4th year. Age-wise distribution of BSD is as following: Students of age 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 years suffering from BSD were 5 (6.25%), 17 (21.25%), 23(28.75),22 (27.5%) and 13 (16.25%) respectively.Conclusions: In our study, the estimated rate of prevalence for bipolar spectrum disorder among medical students of Pakistan is 26.84%. There was no significant difference in prevalence on the basis of gender. Prevalence was increasing with both age and class wise distribution.

Comparison of the infra-red absorption peaks of untreated and silane treated glass fibers through fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy

Fiber reinforced composites [FRCs] have a wide range of applicability in almost all fields of science. Recently, glass fibers have gained popularity in the field of dentistry owing to their excellent capability of bonding with PMMA denture base after silane treatment, biocompatibility, and esthetics. However, dental grade glass fibers are not only expensive, but they are also not readily available everywhere. This study was aimed at evaluating the quality of coating of saline coupling agent that formed on industrial glass fibers, after they were treated with Trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate silane, and to assess the feasibility of using silane treated industrial glass fibers for dental usage, due to their low cost and abundant availability. This was done by comparing the infra-red [IR] absorption peaks of both types of woven E-glass fibers commercial [StickNET, Stick Tech, Finland and Industrial [Iqbal Sons, Karachi], by using Fourier Transform Infra-red [FTIR] spectroscopy. The results indicated the presence of a polymerized layer of the silane coupling agent on both the commercial and industrial GFs. The absorption peaks on both types of glass fibers were identical, demonstrating that industrial glass fibers could be effectively used in replacement of commercial glass fibers, for the reinforcement of PMMA dentures

In vitro inhibitory analysis of consensus siRNAs against NS3 gene of hepatitis C virus 1a genotype

Objective To explore inhibitory effects of genome-specific, chemically synthesized siRNAs (small interference RNA) against NS3 gene of hepatitis C virus (HCV) 1a genotype in stable Huh-7 (human hepatoma) cells as well as against viral replication in serum-inoculated Huh-7 cells. Methods Stable Huh-7 cells persistently expressing NS3 gene were produced under antibiotic gentamycin (G418) selection. The cell clones resistant to 1 000 μg antibiotic concentration (G418) were picked as stable cell clones. The NS3 gene expression in stable cell clone was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. siRNA cell cytotoxicity was determined by MTT cell proliferation assay. Stable cell lines were transfected with sequence specific siRNAs and their inhibitory effects were determined by RT-PCR, real-time PCR and Western blotting. The viral replication inhibition by siRNAs in serum inoculated Huh-7 cells was determined by real-time PCR. Results RT-PCR and Western blot analysis confirmed NS3 gene and protein expression in stable cell lines on day 10, 20 and 30 post transfection. MTT cell proliferation assay revealed that at most concentrated dose tested (50 nmol/L), siRNA had no cytotoxic effects on Huh-7 cells and cell proliferation remained unaffected. As demonstrated by the siRNA time-dependent inhibitory analysis, siRNA NS3-is44 showed maximum inhibition of NS3 gene in stable Huh-7 cell clones at 24 (80%, P = 0.013) and 48 h (75%, P = 0.002) post transfection. The impact of siRNAs on virus replication in serum inoculated Huh-7 cells also demonstrated significant decrease in viral copy number, where siRNA NS3-is44 exhibited 70% (P < 0.05) viral RNA reduction as compared to NS3-is33, which showed a 64% (P < 0.05) decrease in viral copy number. siRNA synergism (NS3-is33 + NS3-is44) decreased viral load by 84% (P < 0.05) as compared to individual inhibition by each siRNA (i.e., 64%–70% (P < 0.05)) in serum-inoculated cells. Synthetic siRNAs mixture (NS5B-is88 + NS3-is33) targeting different region of HCV genome (NS5B and NS3) also decreased HCV viral load by 85% (P < 0.05) as compared to siRNA inhibitory effects alone (70% and 64% respectively, P < 0.05). Conclusions siRNAs directed against NS3 gene significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression in stable cell clones. Viral replication was also vividly decreased in serum infected Huh-7 cells. Stable Huh-7 cells expressing NS3 gene is helpful to develop anti-hepatitis C drug screening assays. siRNA therapeutic potential along with other anti-HCV agents can be considered against hepatitis C.

In vitro inhibitory analysis of consensus siRNAs against NS3 gene of hepatitis C virus 1a genotype

OBJECTIVE@#To explore inhibitory effects of genome-specific, chemically synthesized siRNAs (small interference RNA) against NS3 gene of hepatitis C virus (HCV) 1a genotype in stable Huh-7 (human hepatoma) cells as well as against viral replication in serum-inoculated Huh-7 cells.@*METHODS@#Stable Huh-7 cells persistently expressing NS3 gene were produced under antibiotic gentamycin (G418) selection. The cell clones resistant to 1000 μg antibiotic concentration (G418) were picked as stable cell clones. The NS3 gene expression in stable cell clone was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. siRNA cell cytotoxicity was determined by MTT cell proliferation assay. Stable cell lines were transfected with sequence specific siRNAs and their inhibitory effects were determined by RT-PCR, real-time PCR and Western blotting. The viral replication inhibition by siRNAs in serum inoculated Huh-7 cells was determined by real-time PCR.@*RESULTS@#RT-PCR and Western blot analysis confirmed NS3 gene and protein expression in stable cell lines on day 10, 20 and 30 post transfection. MTT cell proliferation assay revealed that at most concentrated dose tested (50 nmol/L), siRNA had no cytotoxic effects on Huh-7 cells and cell proliferation remained unaffected. As demonstrated by the siRNA time-dependent inhibitory analysis, siRNA NS3-is44 showed maximum inhibition of NS3 gene in stable Huh-7 cell clones at 24 (80%, P = 0.013) and 48 h (75%, P = 0.002) post transfection. The impact of siRNAs on virus replication in serum inoculated Huh-7 cells also demonstrated significant decrease in viral copy number, where siRNA NS3-is44 exhibited 70% (P < 0.05) viral RNA reduction as compared to NS3-is33, which showed a 64% (P < 0.05) decrease in viral copy number. siRNA synergism (NS3-is33 + NS3-is44) decreased viral load by 84% (P < 0.05) as compared to individual inhibition by each siRNA (i.e., 64%-70% (P < 0.05)) in serum-inoculated cells. Synthetic siRNAs mixture (NS5B-is88 + NS3-is33) targeting different region of HCV genome (NS5B and NS3) also decreased HCV viral load by 85% (P < 0.05) as compared to siRNA inhibitory effects alone (70% and 64% respectively, P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#siRNAs directed against NS3 gene significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression in stable cell clones. Viral replication was also vividly decreased in serum infected Huh-7 cells. Stable Huh-7 cells expressing NS3 gene is helpful to develop anti-hepatitis C drug screening assays. siRNA therapeutic potential along with other anti-HCV agents can be considered against hepatitis C.

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera [Amaranthaceae] from Pakistan

Alcoholic extract and various fractions of Achyranthes aspera leaves, traditionally used in Pakistan for treatment of infectious diseases was screened for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity. The chloroform and butanol fractions were found to be the most active among the fractions, showing considerable antibacterial activity against Shigella flexneri and Escherichia coli. The highest activity was found in the ethylacetate fraction [17 mm zone of inhibition] against gram-negative [Salmonella typhi] bacteria, with MIC value as 0.29 mg/mL. In antifungal screening, moderate activity was shown by the chloroform fraction [50 % inhibition] against Microsporum cams, with MIC value as 0.25mg/mL. Considerable level of antifungal activity was depicted by crude extract, hexane and butanol fractions against Aspergillus flavus and Microsporum canis. The ability of various extracts of Achyranthes aspera to inhibit different strains of fungi and bacteria indicates its potential use for the treatment of microbial infections

Larvicidal, insecticidal, brine shrimp cytotoxicity and anti-oxidant activities of Diospyros kaki [L.] reported from Pakistan

Diospyros kaki is cultivated in different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan, especially in Malakand division. The current study was designed to investigate the hide potential of the vulnerable species of the plant. Aqueous extracts of Diospyros kaki leaves were screened for larvicidal, insecticidal cytotoxic and antioxidant activities. The extract exhibited moderate to outstanding larvicidal activity [100 to 28%] at 100, 80, 70, 50, 40, 30, 20 and 10% concentrations respectively after 24 hours, showing 42% LCso. Permitrin displayed 100% lethality at 0.3%. The extract demonstrated outstanding cytotoxic action against brain shrimps nauplii [Artemia salina], showing 10 ppm LC[50] which is closed to the LC[5]o [9.8jtig/ml] of standard drug Etoposide. Similarly profound insecticidal potential [100%] was recorded after 15 min against Cimex lectularius. In DPPH scavenging activity the extract demonstrated moderate 30.22%, while Quercetin, Gallic acid and Acetic acid showed 98, 96 and 97% activity respectively at lOOppm. Thus on the basis of our finding it could be concluded that the decoction of the leaves of D. kaki is a good natural alternative for the control of insects and neoplasia

Platelet derived growth factor inhibitors: a potential therapeutic approach for ocular neovascularization

Retinochoroidal vascular diseases are the leading causes of blindness in the developed world. They include diabetic retinopathy [DR], retinal vein occlusion, retinopathy of prematurity, age-related macular degeneration [AMD], and pathological myopia, among many others. Several different therapies are currently under consideration for the aforementioned disorders. In the following section, agents targeting platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF] are discussed as a potential therapeutic option for retinochoroidal vascular diseases. PDGF plays an important role in the angiogenesis cascade that is activated in retinochoroidal vascular diseases. The mechanism of action, side effects, efficacy, and the potential synergistic role of these agents in combination with other treatment options is discussed. The future of treatment of retinochoroidal vascular diseases, particularly AMD, has become more exciting due to agents such as PDGF antagonists

Tumor associated mesenchymal stromalcells show higher immunosuppressiveand angiogenic properties compared toadipose derived MSCs

Background: Differentiation, migratory properties and availability of MesenchymalStromal Cells [MSC] have become an important part of biomedical research. However,the functional heterogeneity of cells derived from different tissues has hamperedproviding definitive phenotypic markers for these cells

Objective: To characterize andcompare the phenotype and cytokines of adipose derived MSCs [AD-MSCs] andtumoral-MSCs [T-MSCs] isolated from mammary tumors of BALB/c mice

Methods:Immunophenotyping and in vitro differentiation tests were used for MSCcharacterization. Cytokine and enzyme profiles were assessed using ELISA and RealtimePCR, respectively

Results: T-MSCs expressed significantly higher levels of HLADR[p=0.04]. Higher levels of PGE2 and COX-2 enzyme were also observed in TMSCs[p=0.07 and p=0.00, respectively]. Additionally, T-MSCs expressed higher levelsof iNOS and MMP9 [p=0.01 and p=0.01, respectively]. T-MSCs were also able toinduce higher levels of proliferation and migration of HUVEC endothelial cells inwound scratch assay compared to AD-MSCs [p=0.015]

Conclusion: Functionaldifferences showed by the surface markers of MSCs, cytokine and enzyme productionindicate the effect of different microenvironments on MSCs phenotype and function

Phytochemicals, in vitro antioxidant, total phenolic contents and phytotoxic activity of Cornus macrophylla Wall bark collected from the north-west of Pakistan

Plants are one of the precious creatures of Allah, producing a verity of useful bioactive compounds having definite pharmacological actions on human body. Keeping in view this idea, the methanolic extract from the bark of Cornus macrophylla was investigated for phytochemicals, antioxidant, total phenolic contents [TPC] and phytotoxic activities. Phytochemical analysis of Cornus macrophylla revealed the presence of tannins, anthraquinones, glycosides, reducing sugar, saponins and flavonoids. The percent free radicals scavenging potential of DPPH at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 micro g/ml was 72.69%, 73.32%, 73.51, 73.83% and 74.33% respectively and were compared to ascorbic acid [84.6%, 92.83%, 95.36%, 96.40% and 98.03%], gallic acid [85.49%, 92.47%, 95.14%, 98.22% and 98.03%] and quercetin [95.35%, 96.30%, 97.16%, 98.02% and 98.28%] as standards. The IC[50] value of Cornus macrophylla was 14.5/ micro g/ml. The TPC of the methanolic bark extract was 2.916 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of extract. The extract have shown excellent phytotoxic activity against the tested plant Lemna minor and inhibited the growth at 1000 micro g/ml. Our findings revealed that the crude methanolic extract of Cornus macrophylla is a potential source of natural antioxidants and herbicidal

Some challenges in progressive control of livestock originated zoonotic diseases in Pakistan-A pilot survey

Objective: To document the recent livestock related practices and possible unhygienic ways of pathogen entry. Identification of the potential risk factors for the spread of infection is important to design an evidence-based disease control programme. Methods: Rapid assessment method was adopted and a purposive sample of 60 dairy farmers were interviewed. The following factors were noted for contributing in primary and secondary transmission of zoonotic infections: (i) persons who come in close contact with animals and their secretions, (ii) management strategies of farm animals (sheds and environment), (iii) management practices adopted at farms, (iv) small scale farmers and rural livestock production systems, (v) milk collection systems. Results: This research unveiled the certain routes of zoonotic disease transmission. Certain management practices, precautionary measures and strategies were the pivotal risk factors. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need to educate the poor livestock keepers.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of selected medicinal plants of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

In present study, the anti-inflammatory potential of three medicinal plants, Xanthium strumarium, Achyranthes aspera and Duchesnea indica were evaluated, using both in vitro and in vivo assays. Carrageenan induced hind paw edema model was used to carry out the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, while for in vitro screening lipoxygenase inhibition assay was used. Crude extract of all the selected plants depicted significant [p

Extraction of saponins and toxicological profile of Teucrium stocksianum boiss extracts collected from District Swat, Pakistan

BACKGROUND: The current era is facing challenges in the management of neoplasia and weeds control. The currently available anti-cancer and herbicidal drugs are associated with some serious side effects. Therefore numerous researchers are trying to discover and develop plant based alternative particularly for the rational management of cancer and weed control. Teucrium stocksianum possess antioxidant and analgesic activities. The current study was designed to evaluate crude saponins (CS), methanolic extract and sub-fractions of T. stocksianum for cytotoxic and phytotoxic potentials. CS, methanolic extract and sub-fractions were extracted from powdered plant material using different solvents. Cytotoxic potential of the extracts at a dose of 10, 100 and 1000 µg/ml were evaluated against Brine shrimp's nauplii. Phytotoxic assay also performed at the same concentration against Lemna minor. Etoposide and Paraquat were used as positive controls in cytotoxic and phytotoxic assays respectively. RESULTS: The percent yield of crude saponins was (5%). CS demonstrated tremendous brine shrimp lethality showing < 10 µg/ml LC50. The n-hexane (HF) and chloroform fractions (CF) demonstrated excellent cytotoxicity with 80 and 55 µg/ml LC50 respectively. Whereas the methanolic extract (TSME), ethyl acetate (EAF) and aqueous fractions (AF) revealed moderate cytotoxicity showing 620, 860 and 1000 µg/ml LC50 values respectively. In phytotoxic assay profound inhibition was displayed by HF (96.67%) and TSME (95.56%, 30 µg/ml LC50) against the growth of Lemna minor at 1000 µg/ml respectively. Both CF and EAF demonstrated profound phytoxicity (93.33%) respectively at highest concentration (1000 µg/ml), while AF and CS demonstrated weak phytotoxicity with 1350 and 710 µg/ml LC50 values respectively. CONCLUSION: Cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity assays indicated that the crude saponins, n-hexane and chloroform fractions of T. stocksianum could play a vital role in the treatment of neoplasia and as potential natural herbicides. Therefore these sub-fractions are recommended for further investigation with the aim to isolate novel anti-cancer and herbicidal compounds.

Long acting propranolol and HSP-70 rich tumor lysate reduce tumor growth and enhance immune response against fibrosarcoma in Balb/c mice

Noradrenaline [NA], the principal neurotransmitter released from sympathetic nerve terminals, influences T-cell maturation, not only directly in developing T cells, but also indirectly, by acting on the thymic nonlymphoid cells. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, antiangiogenic and cytotoxic properties of propranolol, beta-AR blocker, against various cancers. To evaluate the effect of propranolol on efficacy of HSP-70 rich lysate vaccine in immunotherapy of fibrosarcoma. Mouse fibrosarcoma WEHI-164 cells were used to immunize tumor-bearing mice with or without propranolol and HSP-70. Splenocytes proliferation, cytotoxic activity of the splenocytes, naturally occurring CD4+ CD25[high] T-reg cells and IFN-gamma and IL-4 secretion as well as tumor size, were assessed to describe the anti-tumor immune response. A significant increase in the level of IFN- gamma in the mice vaccinated with WEHI-164 cells enriched with HSP-70 and co-treated with propranolol was observed compared to controls. However, HSP enrichment or propranolol treatment alone did not enhance the immune response as measured by the level of IFN-gamma. Likewise, a decrease in tumor growth in the test group [p<0.01] and a significant increase in CTL activity [p<0.05] was observed. HSP enriched vaccine shows anti-tumor activity, probably due to the modulation of immune responses

Comparative study of the effect of LPS on the function of BALB/c and C57BL/6 peritoneal macrophages

Macrophages influence their environment and surrounding immune cells as soon as stimulators affect them. Different sources of macrophages induce different reactions in their neighboring immune cells,which result in non-uniform immunologic outcomes. In this experimental research, we compare the behavior of peritoneal macrophages to lipopolysaccharide [LPS] stimulation from BALB/cmice as an indicator of a type 2 immune response and from C57BL/6 mice as an indicator of a type 1 immune response. In this experimental study, peritoneal macrophages prepared from thioglycolate stimulated BALB/c and C57BL/6 micewere treated with 1microg/ml LPS. At different time points after LPS treatment, nitric oxide [NO], interferon gamma [IFN-gamma]. interleukin 4 [IL-4],transforming growth factor beta[1] [TGF-beta[1]], interleukin 17 [IL-17], and interleukin 10[IL-10] production were measured in the supernatants of all macrophage cultures.Indoleamine 2, 3 dioxygenase [IDO] and phagocytic activitywere analyzed in the different experimental groups. The supernatant effects of LPS-treated macrophages on splenocyte proliferation was assessed by the colorimetric method using a 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide [MTT] reagent. According to cytokine analysis, different mouse strains show different cytokine patterns in response to LPS. C57BL/6 macrophages produced more IL-17, IL-10, and IFN-gamma while BALB/c macrophages produced more TGF-beta[1]., and IL-4. There was no significant difference in IDO activity between strains [p