Relationship between leptin gene variants (-2548G>A and 19A>G) and obesity among north Indian Punjabi population.

Leptin is an adipocyte-secreted hormone which is involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. To ascertain the potential association between leptin gene (LEP) -2548G>A and 19A>G polymorphisms and obesity risk in the north Indian Punjabi population, a group of 250 obese and 300 control subjects were randomly selected. Both the polymorphisms in the LEP gene -2548G>A (GG vs AA: odds ratio (OR), 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.87-2.38) and 19 A>G (AA vs GG: OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.32-4.05) were significantly associated with an increased risk of obesity. Logistic regression analysis revealed the significant associations in a recessive genetic model (OR=2.061; 95% CI: 1.14-3.73) and (OR= 2.57; 95% CI: 1.43-4.63) respectively for -2548G>A and 19A>G polymorphisms after adjusting for various covariates of obesity, thus, confirming the major role of anthropometric and environmental factors in this population. Haplotype analysis identified that G-G haplotype conferred approximately two-fold increased obesity risk (P=0.002). The -2548A allele and the selected obesity related covariates accounted for 53%, 26% and 30.2% variability in body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and triglycerides (TG), respectively. Similarly, the 19G allele contributed 75%, 27% and 36% of the variability in the waist circumference (W-crc), and WHR and TG levels, respectively in the obese individuals. Therefore the present study has revealed that both LEP -2548G>A and 19A>G polymorphisms have an important role in a individual's susceptibility towards obesity and thus could serve as relevant obesity markers in the north Indian Punjabi population.

Association analysis of polymorphisms in LEP (rs7799039 and rs2167270) and LEPR (rs1137101) gene towards the development of type 2 diabetes in North Indian Punjabi population.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a major risk factor in aetiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Leptin (LEP) is an anti-obesity hormone which regulates food intake, energy expenditure and glucose metabolism. The genetic variants in leptin and leptin receptor gene (LEPR) may play major role in the pathogenesis of T2DM and obesity. The current study aimed to investigate the association of polymorphisms in LEP (rs7799039, -2548G/A and rs2167270, 19G/A) and LEPR (rs1137101, 668A/G) gene with type 2 diabetes in North Indian Punjabi population. METHODS: A total of 817 subjects were included for the present case-control study, consisting of 417 T2DM patients and 400 healthy controls. The anthropometric, physiometric and biochemical measurements were taken from all the subjects. The genotyping of LEP and LEPR gene variants were carried out by polymerase chain reaction based restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP), followed by genotyping of 10% of the samples for each polymorphism by Sanger sequencing method for quality control measurement. RESULTS: The risk genotype frequencies were found to be significantly higher in T2DM cases than control subjects (rs7799039, p = 0.001; rs2167270, p = 0.019 and rs1137101, p = 0.003). Under recessive genetic model LEPrs7799039 and LEPRrs1137101 polymorphism conferred 3.4 and 2.1 fold risk towards the development of T2DM after adjustment of various covariates (OR = 3.44, 95%CI: 1.768-6.681, p = 0.001 and OR: 2.12, 95%CI: 1.256-3.569, p = 0.005, respectively). In the stratified analysis of LEP variant rs7799039 by age, gender, BMI and alcohol use, a significantly increased risk of T2DM was found in female, BMI ≥ 23 and never drinking subgroups. However, in the LEPR variant rs1137101, significantly increased risk of T2DM was observed in age <50, male, BMI ≥ 23 and never drinking subgroup. The A-G haplotype combination of rs7799039A and rs2167270G conferred significant 2 fold risk towards T2DM (OR = 2.35, 95%CI: 1.34-4.12, p = 0.002). In control group, the genetic variants rs7799039 and rs1137101 were significantly associated with levels of random blood sugar and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed the association of LEP rs7799039 and LEPR rs1137101 with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which suggest its predominant role in the estimation of type 2 diabetes mellitus in North Indian Punjabi population.

Association study of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms -3971G/A and +276G/T in the adiponectin gene with type 2 diabetes in a North Indian Punjabi population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of ADIPOQ gene variants (-3971G/A rs822396 and +276G/T rs1501299) with type 2 diabetes risk in a North Indian Punjabi population. METHODS: Adiponectin is one of the most abundant circulating adipocytokines in the human body that plays an important role in the metabolic processes and positively regulates energy homeostasis and insulin secretion. Several studies have provided the evidence of adiponectin gene polymorphisms association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in different ethnic populations. A total of 616 subjects including 316 T2DM patients and 300 normal healthy controls from Punjab were genotyped for ADIPOQ polymorphisms (rs822396 and rs1501299) by using a polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Anthropometric, physiometric, and biochemical measurements were taken from each participant. RESULTS: Genotypic frequencies were significantly different in T2DM subjects and healthy controls for both polymorphisms (rs822396 and rs1501299). The risk genotype GG of -3971A/G and TT of +276G/T conferred an approximately twofold risk towards the development of T2DM and were found to be significantly higher in T2DM cases than control subjects (p = 0.006 and p = 0.019, respectively, after the Bonferroni correction). The recessive model of the ADIPOQ polymorphism rs822396 was significantly shown to confer a 3.63-fold risk towards type 2 diabetes after adjusting for confounding factors and Bonferroni correction [odds ratio (OR): 3.63 (1.20-10.96), p = 0.022]. rs1501299 gave a 3.82-fold risk towards development of T2DM but was not statistically significant after Bonferroni correction [OR: 3.82 (1.16-12.55), p = 0.027]. Meta-analysis also illustrated the overall effect of the minor allele of rs822396 (-3971A/G) polymorphism, providing a greater risk for the T2DM development. CONCLUSION: Thus, we concluded on the basis of observed results that the ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms rs822396 and rs1501299 plays an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes in North Indian Punjabi population.

Genetic association of ADIPOQ gene variants (-3971A>G and +276G>T) with obesity and metabolic syndrome in North Indian Punjabi population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: At present obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in India are the most challenging health problems. It is also well accepted that obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome and other degenerative diseases. Many studies have reported that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene have been associated with obesity and its related disorders. Here, we aimed to investigate the association of two intronic variants in ADIPOQ gene, -3971A>G (rs822396) and +276G>T (rs1501299) with obesity and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Biochemical and anthropometric measurements were obtained from a total of 550 unrelated subjects (obese = 250 and non-obese = 300) of North Indian Punjabi population. Genotyping for the intron variants were performed by polymerase chain reaction based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. After genotyping, as a quality control measure 10% of the samples for each polymorphism were confirmed by Sanger Sequencing method. The distributions of genotypic and allelic frequencies among obese and non-obese groups were compared by chi-square test and the corresponding risk was calculated using binary logistic regression. The effects of multiple testing were controlled by applying Bonferroni corrections. RESULTS: All the anthropometric and biochemical parameters except triglycerides (TG) and very low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (VLDL-C) have shown significant association with both GG and TT genotypes of -3971A>G (rs822396) and +276G>T (rs1501299) polymorphisms respectively. The frequencies of GG (-3971A>G) and TT (+276G>T) genotypes were higher among obese cases (p = 0.008 and p = 0.035 respectively). However, no significant association was found between allelic frequencies of ADIPOQ rs822396 and obesity, whereas the association of ADIPOQ rs1501299 attenuated and became marginally significant after Bonferroni correction (p>0.025). Both the variant genotypes of ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms (-3971GG and +276TT) significantly increased the risk of development of obesity (OR: 1.52, p = 0.03; OR: 1.58, p = 0.04 respectively) and MetS (OR: 1.42, p = 0.03; OR: 1.57, p = 0.01 respectively) in the present population, after adjusting the various covariates. The G-T haplotype model (possessing -3971G and +276T alleles) was shown toprovide ~ 3 fold risk towards the obesity susceptibility (OR: 2.69, p = 0.009) and MetS risk (OR: 2.73, p = 0.009) and the association persisted after adjusting for different confounding variables. CONCLUSION: The present study has confirmed that ADIPOQ -3971A>G (rs822396) and +276G>T (rs1501299) polymorphism may be clinically helpful to estimate obesity and MetS risk in North Indian Punjabi population.

To compare the gingival melanin repigmentation after diode laser application and surgical removal.

AIM: The aim of the present study is to compare the gingival melanin repigmentation after diode laser application and surgical removal done by scraping with Kirkland knife. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a randomized split-mouth study where 10 patients presenting with unattractive, diffuse, dark brown to black gingival discoloration on the facial aspect of the maxillary gingiva were treated by diode laser application and surgical removal and followed up for 3-, 6-, and 9-month intervals. RESULTS: The results showed a statistically significant difference in repigmentation between the groups at the interval of 3 months (P = 0.040), but the difference was statistically not significant at 6 months (P = 0.118) and 9 months (P = 0.146). On surgically treated sites, all cases showed repigmentation of the gingiva, but in laser treated, there were two individuals which did not show repigmentation of the gingiva even at the end of 9-month observation time. CONCLUSION: The incidence of repigmentation was slightly less in laser-treated sites as compared to surgical depigmentation although the difference was statistically significant only up to 3 months.

Cholecystitis Associated with Heterotopic Pancreas, Pseudopyloric Metaplasia, and Adenomyomatous Hyperplasia: A Rare Combination.

Heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the gall bladder is an uncommon incidental finding in most cases. We hereby describe the case of a 45-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of acalculous cholecystitis. Pathological examination detected heterotopic pancreatic tissue, pseudopyloric metaplasia, and adenomyomatous hyperplasia in the gall bladder. This is a rare combination of three entities which is being reported for the first time. This case emphasizes that heterotopic pancreas might be the causative factor for cholecystitis.

A survey on acquaintance, orientation and behavior of general medical practitioners toward periodontal diseases.

BACKGROUND: An association between oral conditions such as periodontal diseases and systemic conditions is noted. As such, periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of systemic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcome, atherosclerosis, stroke and hospital acquired pneumonia. The concept of diagnosing and treating a potential patient to minimize the deleterious effects of this chronic infectious and inflammatory condition on systemic conditions represents both an unprecedented challenge and opportunity to our profession. Keeping this in view, the present survey was designed to evaluate the acquaintance, orientation and behavior of general medical practitioners; concerning the effects of periodontal disease on systemic health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A typed questionnaire carrying four sets of questions was distributed among general medical practitioners of seven different government and private medical colleges and hospitals. Questionnaire was developed to assess the acquaintance, orientation and behavior of general medical practitioners toward periodontal disease. RESULTS: Most of the respondents have knowledge regarding the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease and its association with cardiovascular disease. However, majority of them do not know about the potential effect of periodontal disease on other organ systems. CONCLUSION: General medical practitioners have inadequate knowledge regarding periodontal diseases. Hence, oral health related training should be an integral part of the medical curriculum.

Chromium Supplements in the Feed for Lactating Murrah Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): Influence on Nutrient Utilization, Lactation Performance, and Metabolic Responses.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of inorganic chromium (Cr) on nutrient intake, nutrient utilization, milk mineral contents, and blood biochemical in lactating Murrah buffaloes. Twenty-four multifarious Murrah buffaloes were blocked into four groups having six animals in each group and fed for 150 days post-partum. Feeding regimen was same in all the groups except that treatment groups were supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg inorganic Cr/kg dry matter (DM) in the four respective groups. Group fed on basal diet supplemented with 0.0 mg Cr/kg DM served as a control. Adding inorganic Cr to the diet of lactating buffaloes increased feed intake, milk yield, and nutrient digestibility. Nitrogen (N) and Cr balance were significantly increased (P<0.05) by adding Cr. Milk and plasma Cr concentration could be increased by adding Cr (P<0.001), while no significant differences were found between the four treatments in milk and plasma concentration of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). Feeding of diet supplemented with inorganic Cr decreased plasma insulin concentration (P=0.016). Concentration of blood glucose and the ratio of blood glucose to insulin were increased by adding Cr (P=0.037 and P=0.011, respectively). Adding Cr to the diet of lactating buffaloes did not show any effect on blood hemoglobin (Hb), while plasma concentration of progesterone and antioxidant status was increased (P<0.05). It could be concluded that adding Cr to the diet of lactating buffaloes improved nutrient intake, nutrient utilization, and lactation performance.

Dietary Inorganic Chromium in Summer-Exposed Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis): Effects on Biomarkers of Heat Stress, Immune Status, and Endocrine Variables.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of inorganic chromium (Cr) on heat stress, immune response, and hormonal variation in Murrah buffalo calves during the summer season. Twenty-four growing Murrah buffalo calves were randomly allocated into four treatments for a period of 120 days. Feeding regimen was same in all the groups, except the buffalo calves in treatment groups were additionally supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg of inorganic Cr/kg dry matter. Buffalo calves were monitored daily for physiological variables and dry matter intake (DMI) and fortnightly for body weight change. Blood samples were collected at day 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 and analyzed for heat shock protein 70 (Hsp 70), lymphocyte proliferation, neutrophil phagocytic activity, immunoglobulin, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, insulin, cortisol and thyroid hormones, and Cr levels. Dietary Cr supplementation did not have any effect on DMI, growth performance, and physiological variables. However, lymphocyte proliferation, neutrophil phagocytic activity, plasma immunoglobulin, FRAP value, and plasma Cr concentration increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increase in levels of Cr. Adding Cr to the diet of summer-exposed buffalo calves did not show any effect on plasma levels of thyroid hormone, while concentration of insulin, cortisol, and Hsp 70 decreased (P < 0.05). Supplementation of inorganic Cr to the diet of buffalo calves reared under high ambient temperature improved heat tolerance, immune status without affecting nutrient intake, and growth performance.

Effect of additional chromium supplementation on health status, metabolic responses, and performance traits in periparturient Murrah Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

This study was conducted to determine the effects of inorganic chromium (Cr) on body condition, metabolic responses, lactation performance, and reproductive parameters in periparturient Murrah buffaloes. Twenty-four multiparous advanced pregnant Murrah buffaloes were randomly assigned to four treatment diets. Feeding regimen was the same in all the groups, except that the animals in the four respective groups were additionally supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg of Cr/kg dry matter (DM) from day 60 prepartum to 150 days postpartum. Dry matter intake (DMI) and milk production were recorded every day, while body condition score (BCS) and whole blood samples were collected at days -60, -45, -30, -15, -7, -3, 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 150 relative to actual calving. As the days to calving advanced, DMI, plasma glucose, insulin, leptin, and Cr levels decreased (P < 0.05), and the levels were minimum on the day of calving. In contrast, the concentration of nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) increased (P < 0.05) and was found to be highest at parturition. No change in DMI as well as BCS was observed due to dietary treatments. Supplementation of Cr improved plasma concentration of glucose, leptin, and Cr levels. However, the concentration of insulin decreased (P < 0.05) with the increased level of supplemental Cr. Milk yield (kg/day) was improved significantly (P < 0.05) in groups supplemented with 1.0 or 1.5 mg Cr/DM; however, only a small change was recorded in the group fed 0.5 mg Cr/kg DM. Fat-corrected milk and energy-corrected milk were 28.78 and 42.32 % and 28.76 and 41.68 % higher in the 1.0 and 1.5 mg Cr/DM groups, respectively. Dietary Cr supplementation during the peripartum period had beneficial effects on the reproductive performance of buffaloes. These results could be interpreted as an improvement in the body condition, metabolic response, milk yield, efficiency of milk production and nutrient utilization, and reproductive performance of peripartum Murrah buffaloes.

Comparison of Nano-Sized Hydroxyapatite and ß-Tricalcium Phosphate in the Treatment of Human Periodontal Intrabony Defects.

BACKGROUND: Since the advent of nanotechnology, various materials have been introduced for the treatment of the bone defects which have shown promising results. AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of nano-sized Hydroxyapatite (NHA) and ß-Tricalcium Phosphate (ß-TCP) in the treatment of human periodontal defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tweleve patients with a total of 24 sites which were almost identical as determined clinically and radiographically were selected for the study. The selected sites were treated with access flap surgery were divided into two groups: Group I was treated with NHA and Group II treated with ß-TCP. Following clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 months and 6 months post operatively: 1) Probing pocket depth (PPD); 2)Clinical attachment level (CAL); 3) Gingival recession (GR); 4) Radiographic Defect Depth. RESULTS: Groups showed statistically significant improvements in soft and hard tissue parameters after 3 months and 6 months. Greater reduction in PPD, gain in CAL and Radiographic Defect Fill (RDF) was seen in Group I after three months whereas after six months were no statistically significant difference was seen with regard to soft and hard tissue measurements. CONCLUSION: Within limits of the study, both NHA and ß-TCP have proved to be beneficial in the management of periodontal defects. Treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with NHA leads to significant improvement in early clinical and radiographic outcomes as compared to ß-TCP.

Correlation between cytological and histopathological examination of the endometrium in abnormal uterine bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common problem for which women seek gynecological consultation. Endometrial aspiration cytology (EAC) is an acceptable and valuable diagnostic procedure for screening the endometrial status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endometrial aspiration using a menstrual regulation (MR) syringe and a 4 mm Karman's cannula was performed just prior to D and C in 100 women presenting with AUB. Smears were reviewed for cytomorphological findings and were correlated with the histopathological findings. These findings were categorized as benign endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia, malignancy and inadequate smears. RESULTS: Age of the patients ranged from 19 to 70 years. In our study, the accuracy in diagnosing benign conditions of endometrium, hyperplasia, and malignancy on aspiration cytology were 93.88%, 96.94% and 96.84%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Endometrial aspiration is an effective, useful and a minimally invasive procedure. With an experienced cytologist, it can be used routinely for the primary investigation of women with AUB, provided all the points of discrepancies are taken care of.

Root conditioning in periodontology - Revisited.

OBJECTIVE: Root surfaces of periodontitis-affected teeth are hypermineralized and contaminated with cytotoxic and other biologically active substances. To achieve complete decontamination of the tooth surfaces, various methods including root conditioning following scaling and root planning are present. The main objective of this article is to throw light on the different root conditioning agents used and the goals accomplished by root conditioning in the field of periodontology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 human maxillary anterior teeth indicated for extraction due to chronic periodontitis were collected and root planned. The teeth were sectioned and specimens were divided into two groups - Group I and II. Group I dentin specimens were treated with EDTA and group II specimens were treated with tetracycline HCl solution at concentration of 10% by active burnishing technique for 3 minutes. The root surface samples were then examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: The results of the study showed that EDTA and tetracycline HCl were equally effective in removing the smear layer. It was observed that the total and patent dentinal tubules were more in number in teeth treated with tetracycline as compared to EDTA group. However, EDTA was found to be much more effective as root conditioning agent because it enlarged the diameter of dentinal tubules more than that of tetracycline HCl. CONCLUSION: Results of in-vitro study showed that both the agents are good root conditioning agents if applied in addition to periodontal therapy. However, further studies are required to establish the in-vivo importance of EDTA and tetracycline HCL as root conditioners.

Body condition, energy balance and immune status of periparturient Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) supplemented with inorganic chromium.

Periparturient Murrah buffaloes were used to determine whether body condition, energy balance and immune status are affected by inorganic Cr supplementation. Twenty-four Murrah buffaloes were blocked into four groups having six animals in each group and fed for 60 days pre-partum to 150 days post-partum. Feeding regimen was same in all the groups except that these were supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 of Cr per kilogram of dry matter (DM) in the four respective groups. Buffaloes were weighed at fortnightly intervals. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at days -60, -30, -15, -7, 0, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 of experimental feeding for the estimation of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), Cr level, lymphocyte proliferation, neutrophil phagocytic activity, plasma total immunoglobulin (TIg), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and cortisol levels. Results revealed that with approaching parturition, dry matter intake (DMI), immune response and plasma Cr level decreased (P < 0.05) gradually and minimum values were observed on the day of parturition in all groups. In contrast, body condition score (BCS), plasma NEFA and BHBA concentrations showed increasing (P < 0.05) trends towards calving and level decreased after calving. Dietary Cr supplementation did not have any effect on DMI and BCS, but immune response and plasma Cr concentration showed a positive correlation with dietary Cr supplementation. Buffaloes supplemented with 1.5 mg/kg Cr had significantly (P < 0.05) low plasma NEFA and BHBA concentrations. The results of present findings indicated that dietary inorganic Cr supplementation reduced lipid mobilization and improved immune response in periparturient buffaloes.

Energy metabolites, lipid variables and lactation performance of periparturient Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) fed on diet supplemented with inorganic chromium.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of chromium (Cr) supplementation as inorganic Cr (CrCl3·6H2O) on energy balance, lipid peroxidation, and lactation performance in periparturient Murrah buffaloes. Twenty-four multiparous Murrah buffaloes according to lactation, parity, body mass, and expected calving date were divided equally. Experimental buffaloes were randomly assigned to four treatment diets: a control diet and three diets with an inorganic Cr supplementation at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg of Cr/kg dry matter (DM), respectively from 60 days before expected calving date until 60 days of lactation. Milk productions of buffaloes were recorded every day until 60 days in milk. Blood samples were collected at days -60, -45, -30,-21, -15, -7, -3, 0, 7, 15, 21, 30, 45, and 60 days relative to actual calving for determination of plasma glucose, nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), total cholesterol, total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and minerals. Adding inorganic Cr to the diet of Murrah buffaloes increased milk yield. Percentage of fat and total solid yield increased significantly through the experiment in the Cr-supplemented group. At the day of calving, buffaloes showed a decrease in dry matter intake (DMI), plasma glucose, and zinc (Zn) and Cr concentrations. In contrast, plasma NEFA, TBARS, and copper (Cu) levels were found highest at the day of calving among all groups. Cr supplementation increased peripheral blood glucose concentration while decreased level of NEFA and TBARS was recorded in Cr-fed buffaloes. Supplemental Cr had no effect on plasma cholesterol, total protein, albumin, and BUN in periparturient period. Dietary Cr supplementation had positive effect on plasma Cr concentration, but the plasma concentration of Cu, Zn, and iron (Fe) was not affected by different dietary Cr level supplementation. The results suggest that dietary inorganic Cr supplementation improved milk yield by reducing negative energy balance and lipid peroxidation in buffaloes during periparturient period.

Comparative evaluation of the antiplaque effectiveness of green tea catechin mouthwash with chlorhexidine gluconate.

AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the antiplaque efficacy of green tea catechin mouthwash with chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single blinded cross-over study was conducted among 30 participants in the age group of 18-25 years. The mouthwash samples for the study were previously labeled assigning the letters: A (0.25% of green tea catechin mouthwash) and B (0.12% of chlorhexidine mouthwash). The study subjects were randomly divided into two groups of 15 each and the study was divided into two phases. In phase I, the mouthwash A was given to one group and other group was given mouthwash B. After a 15 day washout period, in phase II, both groups were given other mouthwash. At the end of each phase of 1 week, plaque score was recorded by using Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index. RESULTS: The plaque scores were compared and the difference between the green tea catechin and chlorhexidine mouthwash was determined by t-test. The difference between plaque scores were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The results showed that both the groups that is green tea catechin mouthwash (0.25%) and chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.12%) have comparable results in plaque reduction. CONCLUSION: This study supports the effectiveness of green tea catechin mouthwash as an antiplaque agent. It should be explored as a cost-effective, long-term antiplaque rinse with prophylactic benefits.

Multiple myeloma presenting as gingival hyperplasia.

Multiple myeloma is a malignant neoplasm that is characterized by a monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells. Oral and maxillofacial manifestations as an initial sign or symptom of multiple myeloma are rare. A 58-year-old male patient presented with generalized gingival enlargement for last 6 months. Based on clinical presentation, a diagnosis of gingival hyperplasia was made. After Phase I therapy, excisional biopsy was taken in anterior mandibular region and excised tissue was sent for histopathological examination. The histopathology report revealed a lining of stratified squamous epithelium with foci of ulceration. The subepithelial zone showed infiltration by sheets of mainly binucleate and multinucleate plasma cells, few cells being less differentiated. Rounded cytoplasmic inclusion bodies were identified in many of these cells. After a series of clinical investigations, a case of "multiple myeloma" was diagnosed. Patient presenting with generalized gingival hyperplasia should be worked up for systemic disease like multiple myeloma.

Effect of feeding inorganic chromium on growth performance, endocrine variables, and energy metabolites in winter-exposed buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis).

We investigated the effect of chromium (Cr) supplementation on the growth performance, energy metabolites, and hormonal variation in winter-exposed buffalo calves. Twenty-four female buffalo calves were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (n = 6) for a period of 120 days. Feeding regimen was the same in all the groups, except the animals in the four respective groups were additionally supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg of Cr/kg DM in the form of CrCl3.6H2O. Calves were monitored daily for physiological variables and dry matter intake (DMI). Blood samples were collected at fortnightly intervals from each buffalo calves to measure concentrations of hormones (insulin, cortisol, and growth hormone), energy metabolites (glucose and non-esterified fatty acids), and plasma mineral levels. After 120 days of feeding trial, buffalo calves fed with Cr had lower (P < 0.05) circulating plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, and cortisol hormones, whereas plasma thyroid hormone and non-esterified fatty acids concentrations were found similar (P > 0.05) among all the treatments. The results suggested that dietary Cr supplementation influenced plasma Cr levels without affecting the plasma concentrations of other trace minerals. However, physiological variables, nutrient intake, and growth performance of buffalo calves did not differ among all treatments (P > 005). In summary, the current study showed that supplementation of Cr at the level of 1.0 and 1.5 mg of Cr/kg DMI was more effective in improving glucose utilization by increasing potency of insulin hormone and reducing concentration of cortisol hormone. Results also suggested that supplemental Cr also improves blood plasma Cr levels.

Assessment of chromium content of feedstuffs, their estimated requirement, and effects of dietary chromium supplementation on nutrient utilization, growth performance, and mineral balance in summer-exposed buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis).

This study was conducted to determine the chromium content of different feedstuffs, their estimated requirement, and effect of dietary Cr supplementation on nutrient intake, nutrient utilization, growth performance, and mineral balance in buffalo calves during summer season. Levels of Cr was higher in cultivated fodder, moderate in cakes and cereal grains, while straw, grasses, and non-conventional feeds were poor in Cr content. To test the effect of Cr supplementation in buffalo calves, 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 ppm of inorganic Cr were fed to 24 buffalo calves. Buffalo calves were randomly assigned to four treatments (n = 6) and raised for 120 days. A metabolic trial for a period of 7 days was conducted after 3 months of dietary treatments. Blood samples were collected at fortnight interval for plasma mineral estimation. The results suggested that dietary Cr supplementation in summer did not have any affects (P > 0.05) on feed consumption, growth performance, nitrogen balance, and physiological variables. However, dietary Cr supplementation had significant effect (P < 0.05) on balance and plasma Cr (ppb) levels without affecting (P > 0.05) balance and plasma levels of other trace minerals. The estimated Cr requirement of buffalo calves during summer season was calculated to be 0.044 mg/kg body mass and 10.37 ppm per day. In conclusion, dietary Cr supplementation has regardless effect on feed consumption, mass gain, and nutrient utilization in buffalo calves reared under heat stress conditions. However, supplementation of Cr had positive effect on its balance and plasma concentration without interacting with other trace minerals.