Cytogenetic Analysis of Down Syndrome Patients in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) or trisomy 21 is the mostcommon type of chromosomal abnormalities in new-born.There are three types regular (Free) Trisomy 21, Translocationand Mosaic Trisomy 21. One third cases of Down syndrome,clinical diagnosis may not be confirmed. Therefore, in thisstudy we aimed to confirm the suspected Down syndromepatients by a cytogenetic analysis and also evaluate the riskfactors associated with Down syndrome.Material and methods: Total 30 suspected Down syndromepatients with aged between days 2 to 20 years old wereincluded in this study, on the basis of well-defined inclusioncriteria. The cytogenetic analysis, karyotype was carriedout for all 30 suspected patients from peripheral blood andstaining with Giemsa (G-Banding).Results: Total of 30 children were included in which 16patients with Down syndrome and 14 with normal. Regular(Free) Trisomy 21 was found in 93.75% patients andtranslocation was seen in 6.25% case. Whereas Mosaicdown syndrome was not seen in any cases. Among Downsyndrome, 10 (62.50%) were males. The mean maternal ageat birth was significantly higher (31.94±3.04 years) in DownsyndromeConclusion: Our results suggest that regular trisomy 21 ismore common in Down syndrome cases. Moreover, highermaternal age was the major risk factor for Down’s syndrome

Expression and cellular distribution of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor during window of implantation in infertile women with intramural fibroids

Background: The “window of implantation” (WOI) is a transient but well defined period during which the hostile endometrial lining is transformed to a surface receptive to accept the embryo. Recently, data are beginning to accumulate suggesting negative influence of non-cavity distorting intramural uterine fibroids (NCD-IMF) on endometrial receptivity that may have implications for implantation failure. However, molecular mechanisms underlying infertility associated with NCD-IMF remain unclear. The aim of present study was to examine the expression and cellular distribution of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) during WOI in infertile women with NCD-IMF and fertile controls. While, reports are available that support role of IGF1R in mediating adhesive interaction with the implanting blastocyst, the effect of NCD-IMF on IGF1R expression during the WOI is not defined.Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of IGF1R in midsecretory endometrial biopsies obtained from infertile women with NCD-IMF (n=20) and healthy fertile controls (n=10).Results: As compared to fertile controls, significantly higher IGF1R: i) mRNA levels (1.59 fold up regulation; p=0.044) and ii) immunoscore in the luminal epithelium (8.94±3.13 versus 6.31±1.49; p=0.009) were observed in infertile women with NCD-IMF.Conclusions: Over expression of IGF1R in infertile women with NCD-IMF, during the window of receptivity, may result in altered ability of uterine epithelial cells for blastocyst adhesion and subsequent implantation, which might lead to poor reproductive outcome in these women.

PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling & its regulator tumour suppressor genes PTEN & LKB1 in human uterine leiomyomas.

Background & objectives: Despite their high occurrence and associated significant level of morbidity manifesting as spectrum of clinical symptoms, the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyomas (ULs) remains unclear. We investigated expression profile of tumour suppressor genes PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten) and LKB1 (liver kinase B1), and key signaling components of P13K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)/Akt (protein kinase B)/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway in leiomyomas and adjacent normal myometrium in women of reproductive age, to explore the possibility of targeting this pathway for future therapeutic implications. Methods: Real time PCR (qPCR) was used to quantify relative gene expression levels of PTEN, Akt1, Akt2, mTOR, LKB1 and VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A) in leiomyoma as compared to adjacent normal myometrium. Immunohistochemistry was subsequently performed to analyze expression of PTEN, phospho-Akt, phospho-mTOR, phospho-S6, LKB1 and VEGFA in leiomyoma and adjacent normal myometrium. Results: Significant upregulation of PTEN (2.52 fold; P=0.03) and LKB1 (3.93 fold; P=0.01), and downregulation of VEGFA (2.95 fold; P=0.01) genes were observed in leiomyoma as compared to normal myometrium. Transcript levels of Akt1, Akt2 and mTOR did not vary significantly between leiomyoma and myometrium. An increased immunoexpression of PTEN (P=0.015) and LKB1 (P<0.001) and decreased expression of VEGFA (P=0.01) was observed in leiomyoma as compared to myometrium. Immunostaining for activated (phosphorylated) Akt, mTOR and S6 was absent or low in majority of leiomyoma and myometrium. Interpretation & conclusions: Upregulation of PTEN and LKB1 in concert with negative or low levels of activated Akt, mTOR and S6 indicates that PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway may not play a significant role in pathogenesis of leiomyoma.

Newborn Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism, Galactosemia and Biotinidase Deficiency in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Objective: To assess feasibility and recall rates for newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism, galactosemia and biotinidase deficiency in a predominantly rural and inner city population in and around the city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, India. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Two tertiary-care and 5 district hospitals in and around Lucknow. Participants: All babies born in above hospitals during the study period. Methods: Heel prick samples were collected after 24 hours of life. Dried blood spot TSH, total galactose and biotinidase were assayed by immunofluorometry. Age related cut-offs were applied for recall for TSH. For galactosemia and biotinidase deficiency, manufacturer-suggested recall cut-offs used initially were modified after analysis of initial data. Main outcome measure: Recall rate for hypothyroidism, galactosemia and biotinidase deficiency. Results: Screening was carried out for 13426 newborns, 73% of all deliveries. Eighty-five percent of those recalled for confirmatory sampling responded. Using fixed TSH cut off of 20 mIU/L yielded high recall rate of 1.39%, which decreased to 0.84% with use of age-related cut-offs. Mean TSH was higher in males, and in low birth weight and vaginally delivered babies. Eleven babies had congenital hypothyroidism. Recall rates with modified cut-offs for galactosemia and biotinidase deficiency were 0.32% and 0.16%, respectively. Conclusion: An outreach program for newborn screening can be successfully carried out in similar socio-cultural settings in India. For hypothyroidism, the high recall rate due to early discharge was addressed by age-related cut-offs.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria & obstetric outcome following treatment in early versus late pregnancy in north Indian women.

Background & objectives: Asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy if left untreated, may lead to acute pyelonephritis, preterm labour, low birth weight foetus, etc. Adequate and early treatment reduces the incidence of these obstetric complications. The present study was done to determine presence of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and obstetric outcome following treatment in early versus late pregnancy. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital of north India. Pregnant women till 20 wk (n=371) and between 32 to 34 wk gestation (n=274) having no urinary complaints were included. Their mid stream urine sample was sent for culture and sensitivity. Women having > 105 colony forming units/ml of single organism were diagnosed positive for ASB and treated. They were followed till delivery for obstetric outcome. Relative risk with 95% confidence interval was used to describe association between ASB and outcome of interest. Results: ASB was found in 17 per cent pregnant women till 20 wk and in 16 per cent between 32 to 34 wk gestation. Increased incidence of preeclamptic toxaemia (PET) [RR 3.79, 95% CI 1.80-7.97], preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM)[RR 3.63, 45% CI 1.63-8.07], preterm labour (PTL) [RR 3.27, 95% CI 1.38-7.72], intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)[RR 3.79, 95% CI 1.80-79], low birth weight (LBW) [RR1.37, 95% CI 0.71-2.61] was seen in late detected women (32-34 wk) as compared to ASB negative women, whereas no significant difference was seen in early detected women (till 20 wk) as compared to ASB negative women. Interpretation & conclusions: Early detection and treatment of ASB during pregnancy prevents complications like PET, IUGR, PTL, PPROM and LBW. Therefore, screening and treatment of ASB may be incorporated as routine antenatal care for safe motherhood and healthy newborn.

Antisense expression of a gene encoding a calcium-binding protein in transgenic tobacco leads to altered morphology and enhanced chlorophyll.

Entamoeba histolytica contains a novel calcium-binding protein like calmodulin,which was discovered earlier,and we have reported the presence of its homologue(s)and a dependent protein kinase in plants.To understand the functions of these in plants,a cDNA encoding a calcium-binding protein isolated from Entamoeba histolytica (EhCaBP)was cloned into vector pBI121 in antisense orientation and transgenic tobacco plants were raised.These plants showed variation in several phenotypic characters,of which two distinct features,more greenness and leaf thickness,were inherited in subsequent generations.The increase in the level of total chlorophyll in different plants ranged from 60% to 70%.There was no major change in chloroplast structure and in the protein level of D1,D2,LHCP and RuBP carboxylase.These morphological changes were not seen in antisense calmodulin transgenic tobacco plants,nor was the calmodulin level altered in EhCaBP antisense plants.

Genetic counseling: the impact in Indian milieu.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of genetic counseling in Indian milieu. METHODS: A study of 83 Indian consultants who were provided genetic counseling was carried out to understand their expectations, satisfaction with genetic counseling and its effects on reproductive decision. RESULTS: Most of the families were referred for the diagnosis and the treatment of the disorder in the proband. The consultants understood the medical facts about risk of recurrence and were satisfied with genetic counseling. There was no change in reproductive plan after genetic counseling in most of the cases. CONCLUSION: The reproductive decision was mainly correlating with the presence or absence of normal live children in the family and availability of prenatal diagnosis.

Neuroimaging in mental retardation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic yield of neuroimaging in a cohort of children with mental retardation of unknown origin. METHODS: Neuroimaging was performed in a total of 47 patients with developmental delay/mental retardation, where no etiologic diagnosis could be made following clinical examination and preliminary investigations. RESULTS: Thirty (63.82%) children had abnormal neuroimaging findings of which 19 (42.42%) were specific abnormalities useful in arriving at etiological diagnosis. Positive outcome of neuroimaging increased with the severity of mental retardation and in presence of microcephaly and neurologic deficits other than mental retardation. CONCLUSION: Neuroimaging should be the standard clinical practice for a child with global developmental delay where no cause is apparent after examination and relevant investigations.