Involvement of ObRb receptor, nitric oxide, and BKCa channel signaling pathways in leptin-induced relaxation of pregnant mouse uterus.

The purpose of this study was to determine the receptor subtype and the underlying mechanisms involved in the relaxant effect to leptin in mid- and late-pregnant mouse uterus. We determined the relative mRNA expression of receptor subtypes, eNOS, and BKCa channel by quantitative PCR and also the overall receptor expression by immunohistochemistry. Isometric tension studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of leptin and to delineate its mechanisms. A selective siRNA for the ObRb receptor was used to determine the participation of the receptor subtype in biochemical and molecular effects of leptin. The relaxant response to leptin was greater in mid-pregnancy compared to late pregnancy and was mediated by the activation of BKCa channels by eNOS-derived nitric oxide in an ObRb receptor-dependent manner. In comparison to mid-pregnancy, expression of short forms (mainly ObRa receptor) of the receptor was significantly increased in late pregnancy, whereas ObRb receptor expression was similar in both phases. The results of the study suggest that ObRb receptor mediates leptin-induced increase in eNOS expression and NO synthesis. Leptin-induced eNOS expression and activation cause cGMP-independent stimulation of BKCa channels causing uterine relaxation. Increased short forms of the receptors and reduced BKCa channels exert a negative effect on uterine relaxation in late pregnancy. Leptin may have a physiological role in maintaining uterine quiescence in mid-pregnancy and its reduced relaxant response in late gestation may facilitate labor. Further, ObRb receptor agonists may be useful in the management of preterm labor.

Prenatal exposure to ethion caused maternal and foetal toxicity in rats.

Ethion is a class II moderately toxic organothiophosphate pesticide. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the maternal and foetal toxicity of ethion in rats. Pregnant rats were divided into 5 groups. Group I served as control. Group II, III, IV, and V were orally administered with 0.86, 1.71, 3.43, and 6.9 mg/kg of ethion respectively, from gestational day (GD) 6-19. Dams were sacrificed on GD 20. Maternal toxicity was assessed by body weight gain, foetal resorptions, oxidative stress, liver and kidney function tests, and histopathology. Foetal toxicity was assessed by physical status, gross, teratological and histopathological examination. Ethion caused dose-dependent reduction in maternal body weight gain, increased resorptions, and reduced gravid uterine weights. Elevated MDA levels and altered levels of GSH, SOD and catalase were recorded in pregnant dam serum and tissues. SGOT, SGPT, total bilirubin, urea, uric acid, and creatinine were elevated in ethion groups indicating liver and kidney toxicity. Histology of uterus revealed myometrial degeneration and mucosal gland atrophy in uterus of pregnant dams and degenerative changes in placenta. It showed histological alterations in liver, kidney, and lungs. There was reduction in the foetal body weights and placental weights, and degenerative changes in the foetal liver and kidney. Gross evaluation of foetuses showed subcutaneous hematoma. Skeletal evaluation showed partial ossification of skull bones, costal separation, and agenesis of tail vertebrae, sternebrae, metacarpals and metatarsals. The findings reveal that prenatal exposure to ethion caused maternal and foetal toxicity in rats.

Chitosan-TPP encapsulated quercetin nanoparticles: amplified protection mechanisms unveiled against Ethion-induced developmental toxicity through comprehensive in-vivo and in-silico elucidation.

Aim: The study investigated Ethion-induced developmental toxicity in Wistar albino rats and the potential ameliorative effects of quercetin and nano-quercetin co-administration. Further, In-silico docking of Ethion and quercetin with MCL-1 was conducted. Methodology: Quercetin nanoparticles were synthesized by ionic-gelation method. The encapsulated quercetin nanoparticles were characterized for Zeta size, UV-Vis spectroscopy, encapsulation efficiency, and TEM studies. Male rats were administered Ethion (high/low dose), quercetin, and nano-quercetin alone or in combination for 60 days. Female rats were introduced for mating on the 61st day, and pregnant females were observed for 20 gestational days. On GD 20, rats were sacrificed and evaluated for body/organ weight, reproductive indices, fetal morphology, skeletal, and visceral deformities.In silico binding energies of ethion and quercetin with MCL-1 were determined. Results: Nanoparticle size was 363.2 ± 1.23 nm on day 0 and 385.63 ± 1.53 nm on day 60, with PDI of 0.247 and charge of 22.9 mV. Absorbance maxima were at 374 nm, with encapsulation efficacy of 85.16 ± 0.33%. EHD male crossed females showed decreased body/organ weights, reduced fertility, hematoma, cleft palate, tail curling, and absence of extremity. Nano-quercetin co-administration normalized parameters comparable to controls. Both Ethion and quercetin interacted with MCL-1, with quercetin exhibiting stronger binding energy. Conclusion: Nano-quercetin demonstrated stronger antioxidant properties than quercetin, counteracting ethion-induced maternal/fetal abnormalities.

Nano-quercetin mitigates triazophos-induced testicular toxicity in rats by suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis.

The present study was designed to evaluate the testicular toxicity of triazophos in rats and to check the ameliorative effect of nano-quercetin against triazophos-induced toxicity. Nano-quercetin was synthesized from quercetin and characterized. Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups. The control group received olive oil as a vehicle orally. The high-dose triazophos group and the low-dose triazophos group received 1/10th LD50 of triazophos (7.6 mg/kg) and 1/20th LD50 of triazophos (3.8 mg/kg), respectively. Two groups of animals were dosed with quercetin and nano-quercetin, both at 50 mg/kg body weight orally. The final two groups received high-dose triazophos with co-administration of quercetin and nano-quercetin, respectively. Triazophos disrupted the male endocrine axis by reducing the levels of steroidogenic enzymes 3-ß-HSD and 17-ß-HSD in testicular cells, further reducing FSH and testosterone. Also, triazophos increased the reactive oxygen species, induced lipid peroxidation, decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, and elevated the number of apoptotic cells in rat testes. Nano-quercetin ameliorated the testicular oxidative stress and apoptotic and endocrine parameters more efficiently than quercetin. Besides, nano-quercetin alleviated the histopathological and biochemical alterations of triazophos. It is concluded that nano-quercetin has higher anti-oxidant efficacy than quercetin in protecting rats against triazophos-induced testicular toxicity.

Life-Threatening Hematuria as Initial Presentation of a Complicated Transplant Renal Artery Pseudoaneurysm.

In this case report, we describe the clinical course of a complicated transplant renal artery (TRA) pseudoaneurysm, clinically featured by gross and massive hematuria one month after a kidney transplant was performed on a 50 year-old male patient. TRA pseudoaneurysm is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that may result in bleeding, infection, graft dysfunction/loss, lower limb ischemia/loss, hemorrhagic shock, and death. TRA pseudoaneurysm treatment remains challenging as it needs to be tailored to the patient characteristics including hemodynamic stability, graft function, anatomy, presentation, and pseudoaneurysm features. This publication discusses the clinical scenario of massive gross hematuria that derived from a retroperitoneal hematoma which originated from an actively bleeding TRA pseudoaneurysm. This case highlights the combined approach of endovascular stent placement and subsequent transplant nephrectomy as a last resort in the management of intractable bleeding from a complicated TRA pseudoaneurysm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published case report of an actively bleeding TRA anastomotic pseudoaneurysm that caused a massive retroperitoneal bleed that in turn evacuated via the bladder after disrupting the ureter-to-bladder anastomosis. A temporizing hemostatic arterial stent placed percutaneously allowed for a safer and controlled emergency transplant nephrectomy.

Efficacy of Wound Instillation With Bupivacaine Through a Wound Catheter for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparotomy Wounds in Comparison With Conventional Intravenous Analgesics.

Introduction A laparotomy can cause severe postoperative pain, which, if treated adequately, can result in reduced incidence of lung atelectasis and ileus promoting early mobilization and faster recovery and in turn reducing the duration of hospital stays. Hence, effective postoperative analgesia is important to reduce postoperative stress and improve early surgical outcomes. Therefore, the hypothesis is based on the fact that following a midline laparotomy, instillation of local anaesthetic agent 0.25% bupivacaine through a wound catheter placed in the subcutaneous plane may provide better analgesia compared to the conventional intravenous analgesics and improve the early surgical outcomes. Methodology A prospective, comparative, quasi-experimental study was conducted on 80 patients planned for emergency or elective midline laparotomy procedures over a period of 18 months, who were randomly distributed into two groups of 40 each. The bupivacaine group consisted of 40 patients who received 10ml of 0.25% bupivacaine instilled through a wound catheter placed in the subcutaneous plane following a midline laparotomy. This was repeated every six hours for the first 24 hours followed by every 12 hours for the next 24 hours. The conventional intravenous (IV) analgesics group involved 40 patients who received conventional IV analgesics routinely used. Pain scores were recorded every four hours for 60 hours using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and dynamic visual analogue scale (DVAS). The parameters assessed were mean VAS and DVAS scores, number of rescue analgesic demands, cumulative rescue analgesic requirement, and early surgical outcomes. Wound complications were also assessed. Results Both groups shared similar demographic characteristics in terms of age, gender, comorbidities, and duration of operation. In comparison to patients who got standard IV analgesics, those who received 0.25% bupivacaine had improved postoperative analgesia. Between the two groups, there were statistically significant results in the number of rescue analgesic demands in the first 24 hours, but in the next 24 hours, it was statistically insignificant. The study also showed that bupivacaine instillation led to a significant decrease in postoperative lung complications and the length of hospital stays; however as hypothesised, it did not improve early surgical outcomes. Conclusion This modality, the instillation of bupivacaine through a wound catheter, is an efficient and technically simple method to provide optimal postoperative analgesia. It substantially reduces the need for systemic analgesics and can potentially avoid their related side effects. Hence, the armamentarium of multimodal analgesia can therefore include this method of delivering postoperative analgesia.

Chemistry and biology of enzymes in protein glutathionylation.

Protein S-glutathionylation is emerging as a central oxidation that regulates redox signaling and biological processes linked to diseases. In recent years, the field of protein S-glutathionylation has expanded by developing biochemical tools for the identification and functional analyses of S-glutathionylation, investigating knockout mouse models, and developing and evaluating chemical inhibitors for enzymes involved in glutathionylation. This review will highlight recent studies of two enzymes, glutathione transferase omega 1 (GSTO1) and glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1), especially introducing their glutathionylation substrates associated with inflammation, cancer, and neurodegeneration and showcasing the advancement of their chemical inhibitors. Lastly, we will feature protein substrates and chemical inducers of LanC-like protein (LanCL), the first enzyme in protein C-glutathionylation.

Advances in HIV-1-specific chimeric antigen receptor cells to target the HIV-1 reservoir.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-1 has dramatically improved outcomes for people living with HIV-1 but requires life-long adherence and can be associated with short and long-term toxicity. Numerous pre-clinical and clinical investigations are underway to develop therapies for immune control of HIV-1 in the absence of ART. The success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cell therapy for hematological malignancy has renewed efforts to develop and investigate CAR cells as strategies to enhance HIV-1 immunity, enable virus control or elimination, and allow ART-free HIV-1 remission. Here, we review the improvements in anti-HIV-1 CAR cell therapy in the two decades since their initial clinical trials were conducted, describe the additional engineering required to protect CAR cells from HIV-1 infection, and preview the current landscape of CAR cell therapies advancing to HIV-1 clinical trials.

Fat augments leptin-induced uterine contractions by decreasing JAK2 and BKCa channel expressions in late pregnant rats.

Altered lipid metabolism in obesity causes pregnancy complications in humans and animals. Leptin levels increase in pregnancy, as well as obesity. However, the effect of obesity on uterine leptin receptors and its distal signaling is not clear. The present study aimed to understand the effect of increased fat on leptin signaling in rat uterus. Wistar female rats were fed with an HF diet (40% Fat, 17% Sucrose, 1.25% Cholesterol, 0.75% Cholic acid) for 6 weeks before the mating and during pregnancy. HF diet significantly increased the fat depots, liver weight, serum, and tissue cholesterol levels. It produced fatty degeneration in the liver and caused infiltration of inflammatory cells, cystic endometrial glands, and sub endometrial fibrosis of the uterus. In isometric tension experiments, leptin caused a significant increase in uterine contractions in high fat-fed animals compared to control animals. Analysis of receptor expressions revealed no significant difference between the groups. However, a significant decrease in the JAK2 and BKCaα mRNA expression was observed in the uterus of high fat-fed rats. No change in the BKCaß, eNOS, iNOS, MLCP, and MLCK mRNA expressions was noticed in the HF group compared to the control. The findings of the present study suggest that the contractile response to leptin in the uterus of high fat-fed rats may be attributed to reduced signaling through JAK2 and, lowered expressions of BKCa channel α subunits.

Principles of Virtual Crossmatch Testing for Kidney Transplantation.

Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are the primary determinants of alloimmunity. A crossmatch test is a test that determines the immunologic risk of a recipient with a potential donor by ensuring that there are no transplant-relevant circulating antibodies in the recipient directed against donor antigens. Physical crossmatch (PXM) tests, such as complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch (CDCXM) and flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM), require mixing of patient serum and donor cells, are labor intensive, and are logistically challenging. Virtual crossmatch (VXM) test assesses immunologic compatibility between recipient and potential donor by analyzing the results of 2 independently done physical laboratory tests-patient anti-HLA antibody and donor HLA typing. The goal of VXM is pretransplant risk stratification-though there is no consensus on whether such risk assessment involves predicting the PXM result or the posttransplant outcome. Although the concept of VXM is not new, the advent of solid-phase assays for detecting circulating antibodies in the recipient directed against individual HLA and DNA-based methods for typing donor HLA specificities at a higher resolution makes the routine use of VXM a reality. Accordingly, VXM may be applied at different scenarios-both for sensitized and nonsensitized patients. Implementation of VXM-based approach has resulted in statistically significant reduction in cold ischemia time without an increase in hyperacute rejection episodes. Though there are considerable challenges, VXM is expected to be used more often in the future, depending on the transplant center's tolerance of immunologic risk.

Topical bilirubin-deferoxamine hastens excisional wound healing by modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition in diabetic rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was performed to understand the detailed mechanism of diabetic wound healing by bilirubin-deferoxamine (DFO) combination on topical application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were two study groups, control, and treatment. The granulation tissues collected on different days (3, 7, 14, and 19) were studied in detail for inflammatory mediators, angiogenesis markers, epithelialization, and oxidative stress parameters. RESULTS: A significant increase in wound contraction percentage was observed from day 7 in the bilirubin-DFO treatment group. The combinatorial treatment significantly reduced tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), and enhanced IL-10 levels. Upregulated mRNAs of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 α) along with CD31 immunohistochemistry showed the pro-angiogenesis potential of the combination. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) staining and Masson's trichrome staining showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, enhanced fibroblast proliferation, well-organized collagen fibers, and the development of new blood vessels. Collagen deposition is further supported by immunohistochemistry studies and Masson's trichrome staining. Bilirubin-DFO combination also reduced lipid peroxidation and elevated antioxidative enzymes. CONCLUSION: Topical application of bilirubin-DFO showed immense potential in augmenting skin wound regeneration in diabetes by upregulating the antioxidant status as well as increasing angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and modulating cytokines.

The effect of race coefficients on preemptive listing for kidney transplantation.

Background: Race coefficients of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) formulas may be partially responsible for racial inequality in preemptive listing for kidney transplantation. Methods: We used the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database to evaluate differences in racial distribution of preemptive listing before and after application of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) race coefficients to all preemptively listed non-Black kidney transplant candidates (eGFR modulation). Odds of preemptive listing were calculated by race, with Black as the reference before and after eGFR modulation. Variables known to influence preemptive listing were included in the model. Results: Among 385 087 kidney-alone transplant candidates from 1 January 2010 to 2 December 2020, 118 329 (30.7%) candidates were identified as preemptively listed (71.7% White, 19% Black, 7.8% Asian, 0.6% multi-racial, 0.6% Native American and 0.3% Pacific Islander). After eGFR modulation, non-Black patients with an eGFR ≥20 mL/min/1.73 m2 were removed. Compared with Black candidates, the adjusted odds of preemptive listing for White candidates decreased from 2.01 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.78-2.26] before eGFR modulation to 1.18 (95% CI 1.0-1.39; P = 0.046) with the MDRD and 1.37 (95% CI 1.18-1.58) with the CKD-EPI equations after adjusting for race coefficients. Conclusions: Removing race coefficients in GFR estimation formulas may result in a more equitable distribution of Black candidates listed earlier on a preemptive basis.

The transformation of HIV therapy: One pill once a day.

A co-formulated, one pill once a day antiretroviral regimen (single-tablet regimen), containing efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxyl fumarate (Atripla), revolutionized the antiretroviral therapy landscape. Single-tablet regimens provide not only dosing convenience but help optimize adherence and persistence with antiretroviral therapy to achieve durably suppressed viremia with both individual and societal benefits. Given the many excellent options available now, single-tablet regimens are the preferred choice for initiating antiretroviral therapy in almost all patients with rare exceptions for drug interactions and pregnancy, and for simplification of more complex antiretroviral therapy to a single-tablet regimen. In this special commemorative article, we celebrate this astounding advancement in antiretroviral therapy, championed by John C. Martin while CEO of Gilead Sciences, and its transformative impact on HIV care nationally and globally.

Capecitabine induced Steven-Johnson syndrome: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious mucocutaneous reaction, characterized by fever, influenza-like symptoms and followed by dermatological manifestations. Capecitabine is an oral fluoropyrimidine carbamate analogue of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). It is widely accepted for many malignancies because of its better safety profile and tolerability. Hand-foot syndrome is the common dermatological toxicity associated with Capecitabine and SJS is the rarest manifestation.Case presentation: We report a case of Capecitabine induced SJS in a 70 years old male patient with metastatic carcinoma pancreas. He was treated with intravenous Gemcitabine and Carboplatin initially and then switched to oral therapy with Capecitabine 1000 mg twice daily. After ten days of treatment with Capecitabine, he developed vomiting, mucositis, hyperpigmentation, itching and scrotal mucosal peeling. The clinical status of the patient was suggestive of SJS, which was confirmed by dermatologic consultation. According to Naranjo, WHO-UMC, and Hartwig's scale, the reaction was found to be probable and severe. Pharmacological as well as supportive care measures were provided, but the condition progressively worsened, and the patient was deceased. CONCLUSION: Capecitabine can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions which can be dangerous and life-threatening. Health care providers must be aware of all rare adverse effects, including SJS. Clinicians and clinical pharmacists should educate and counsel the patients regarding the likely adverse effects of their chemo drugs because the early identification of toxic symptoms is crucial to reduce further complications to the patient.

An early experience on the effect of solid organ transplant status on hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

We compared the outcome of COVID-19 in immunosuppressed solid organ transplant (SOT) patients to a transplant naïve population. In total, 10 356 adult hospital admissions for COVID-19 from March 1, 2020 to April 27, 2020 were analyzed. Data were collected on demographics, baseline clinical conditions, medications, immunosuppression, and COVID-19 course. Primary outcome was combined death or mechanical ventilation. We assessed the association between primary outcome and prognostic variables using bivariate and multivariate regression models. We also compared the primary endpoint in SOT patients to an age, gender, and comorbidity-matched control group. Bivariate analysis found transplant status, age, gender, race/ethnicity, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, COPD, and GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 to be significant predictors of combined death or mechanical ventilation. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, SOT status had a trend toward significance (odds ratio [OR] 1.29; 95% CI 0.99-1.69, p = .06). Compared to an age, gender, and comorbidity-matched control group, SOT patients had a higher combined risk of death or mechanical ventilation (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.03-1.74, p = .027).

Case report on 5-fluorouracil induced cerebrovascular accident.

INTRODUCTION: 5-Fluorouracil is an antineoplastic agent generally used to treat various types of solid tumors. The common adverse drug reaction associated with 5-fluorouracil are myelosuppression, mucositis, diarrhea, and hand-foot syndrome. Neurological side effects such as headache, dizziness, convulsion, encephalopathy, and acute cerebellar syndrome are rare in nature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of 5-fluorouracil induced cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in a patient with no risk factors for CVA before chemotherapy. A 37 years old female patient diagnosed with carcinoma rectum underwent six cycles of chemotherapy with 5- fluorouracil- calcium leucovorin- irinotecan (FOLFIRI regimen). After completing the last cycle, she developed headache, vomiting, and facial deviation along with high blood pressure (260/160 mmHg). MRI brain was done, and it revealed acute non-hemorrhagic lacunar infarct in the left half of pons. 5-fluorouracil induced CVA was suspected and was managed with dual antiplatelet, statin, and antihypertensives. CONCLUSION: The clinicians and clinical pharmacists must be aware about the potential of 5-FU to induce rare side effects such as CVA even in low risk patients in order to avoid permanent harm to the patient.

Studies on oral subacute toxicity of cartap in male mice.

S-[3-carbamoylsulfanyl-2-(dimethylamino)propyl] carbamothioate (Cartap) (CAS number: 15263-52-2) is a synthetic insecticide of thiocarbamates group that is extensively used in field of agriculture for controlling of several pests like rice stem borer, leaf folder pests in paddy field and diamond back moth, aphids in cabbage and cauliflower crops. Cartap, as a pesticide has not been investigated yet for its effect on vital organs and biochemical stress in vivo and the present study was undertaken to evaluate the same in Swiss albino mice. For this purpose male mice were given three different dose levels of cartap, i.e. 5 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg body weight respectively, for 28 days orally. Water was used as vehicle to dissolve cartap. Oral administration of cartap caused significant increase in serum biomarkers, tissue oxidants and decrease in antioxidants along with histopathological findings in liver, kidney and brain tissues. Thus, present study showed that in vivo exposure to cartap induces tissue damage probably via oxidative stress in important vital organs of mice.

Leptin receptor stimulation in late pregnant mouse uterine tissue inhibits spontaneous contractions by increasing NO and cGMP.

The adipokine, leptin exerts inhibitory effect on both spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contractions in myometrium. However, the mechanisms involved in leptin-induced effect are not clear. In the present study, we studied the altered characteristics of uterine contractions in the presence of leptin and the possible mechanisms of its effect in late pregnant (18.5 day) mouse uterus. We conducted functional, biochemical and molecular biology studies to demonstrate the mechanism of leptin-induced response. Leptin exerted an inhibitory response (Emax 40.5 ± 3.99%) on basal uterine contractions. The extent of inhibition was less than that obtained with known uterine relaxants, salbutamol (Emax103 ± 8.66%) and BRL-37344 (Emax 84.79 ± 8.12%). Leptin-induced uterine response was inhibited by leptin receptor antagonist SHLA and JAK-STAT pathway inhibitor, AG-490. The relaxant response was also subdued by NO-cGMP-PK-G pathway blockers L-NAME, 1400W, ODQ and KT-5823. Further, leptin enhanced the levels of NO and cGMP in uterine tissues. Also, SHLA, AG-490 and a combination of 1400 W and L-NAME prevented leptin-induced increase in NO. Similar effect was observed on cGMP levels in presence of leptin and SHLA. However, leptin did not influence CaCl2-induced response in potassium-depolarized tissues. We also detected leptin receptor protein in late pregnant mouse uterus located in endometrial luminal epithelium and myometrial layers. Real-time PCR studies revealed significantly higher expression of short forms of the receptor (ObRa and ObRc) in comparison to the long form (ObRb). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that leptin inhibits mouse uterine contraction by stimulating short forms of the leptin receptors and activating NO pathway in a JAK-STAT-dependent manner.

Recent advances in the diagnosis of dermatophytosis.

Dermatophytosis is a disease of global significance caused by pathogenic keratinolytic fungi called dermatophytes in both animals and humans. The recent taxonomy of dermatophytes classifies them into six pathogenic genera, namely Microsporum, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Nannizzia, Lophophyton and Arthroderma. It is because of the delayed diagnostic nature and low accuracy of dermatophyte detection by conventional methods that paved the path for the evolution of molecular diagnostic techniques, which provide the accurate and rapid diagnosis of dermatophytosis for an appropriate, timely antifungal therapy that prevents the nonspecific over-the-counter self-medication. This review focuses on the importance of rapid and accurate diagnosis of dermatophytosis, limitations of conventional methods, selection of targets in diagnosis, and factors affecting sensitivity and specificity of various molecular diagnostic technologies in the diagnosis of dermatophytosis. Generally, all the molecular techniques have a significant edge over the conventional methods of culture and microscopy in the dermatophytosis diagnosis. However, in mycology laboratory, the suitability of any molecular diagnostic technique in the diagnosis of dermatophytosis is driven by the requirement of time, economy, complexity, the range of species spectrum detected and the scale of diagnostic output required. Thus, various choices involved in the pursuit of a diagnosis of dermatophytosis are determined by the available conditions and the facilities in the laboratory.