Phyto-chlorophyllin Prevents Food Additive Induced Genotoxicity and Mitochondrial Dysfunction via Cytochrome c Mediated Pathway in Mice Model.

OBJECTIVES: The issue of food-additive-toxicity causing several health hazards needs to be therapeutically managed with an immediate effect. Alloxan, a food additive, is used for whitening and shining flour. It is capable of inducing genotoxicity, diabetes, and associated mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, to explore a non-toxic, phyto-based compound that can delay the onset of diabetes and prevent the multitude of damage associated, Chlorophyllin (CHL) was selected for our study, having been reported to exhibit anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, and antiinflammatory responses. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to evaluate the protective role of CHL in controlling genotoxicity, glucose imbalance, and associated cytochrome c mediated mitochondrial signaling dysfunction against food-additive-induced genotoxicity, diabetic state, and its complexities in mice model in vivo. METHODS: Mice were pre-treated with CHL through oral gavage before they were exposed to alloxan. Diabetic markers, anti-oxidant enzyme profile, chromosomal study, mitochondrial functioning factors, and expression of proteins were checked against food-additive injected mice. RESULTS: The results revealed that CHL pre-treatment could delay the onset of diabetes, restrict alloxan-induced elevation of blood glucose, reduce DNA-damage and chromosomal aberration, optimize enzymatic profile (glucokinase, pyruvate, insulin), and modulates protein expression (insulin, IRS1, IRS2, GLUT2). Further, CHL-pre-treatment could stabilize mitochondrial-membrane-potential, intracellular calcium ion, ATP/ADP ratio, ATPase activity, thereby maintaining optimum functioning of cytochrome-c, bcl2, and caspase3 mitochondrial protein. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the present study reports, for the first time, the screening of phytobased bioactive CHL for preventing/limiting the extent of food-additive-induced genotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction and serves as an advanced therapeutic tool in the management of diabetes.

Efficacy of nanoencapsulated pelargonidin in ameliorating pesticide toxicity in fish and L6 cells: Modulation of oxidative stress and signalling cascade.

Removal of bio-accumulated pesticides in edible fish is a global problem. In this study, we tested protective capability of a phytochemical pelargonidin-loaded non-toxic, biodegradable poly-lactide-co-glycolide nano-particles (NPG) against toxicity induced by a pesticide cypermethrin (CM) in a fish model (Oreochromis mossambica) in vivo and also in L6 muscle cell line, in vitro. First we assessed potential sustainable release of nanoparticles following oral administration of NPG to fish, their ability to cross sub-cellular membranes in several tissues and efficacy to cross blood-brain-barrier. Next, protective ability of NPG, if any, against CM in fish was evaluated deploying parameters like % cell viability, DNA damage in muscle cells and modulation of anti-oxidative-enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipid peroxidase. Modulation of reactive oxygen species generation, nuclear condensation and alteration in stress related protein signalling cascade were assessed in L6 cells. Results revealed that NPG had nano-size range (~10-12 nm) and negative zeta potential (-17 mV). Bioavailability and distribution of NPG could be followed by spectrophotometric absorbance of pelargonidin at 293 nm from 6 h onward till 24 h in all important tissues including the brain. Thus, 0.5 mg/g b.w. NPG could demonstrate protective ability in CM-intoxicated fish muscle cells in respect of % cell viability, DNA damage and stress related enzymes. Similar alterations could also be found in signalling protein cascade in L6 cells in response to treatment of 5 µg/ml NPG against CM-induced toxicity and depletion of overall ROS generation and nuclear condensation. Therefore, NPG could be used as a potential drug in management of pesticide toxicity in cultured edible fish.

Multiparametric 3T MRI evaluation of hereditary spastic paraplegia: A case report.

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a rare heterogeneous group of familial neurodegenerative disorders characterized by degeneration of the corticospinal tracts and posterior column of the spinal cord. Previously described radiological findings included nonspecific brain abnormalities such as brain atrophy and white matter lesions, as well as atrophy of the corpus callosum and spinal cord. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy may reveal reduced concentrations of normal brain metabolites and elevated levels of myoinositol. Diffusion tensor imaging shows increased mean diffusivity and reduced fractional anisotropy in the periventricular white matter, which is compatible with damaged myelinated axons. We present here two cases of HSP in a single family with typical imaging findings.

Retroperitoneal Sarcoma. Outcome Analysis in a Teaching Hospital in Eastern India- a Perspective.

Primary Retroperitoneal Sarcomas are relatively uncommon tumors with varied manifestations, ill-defined prognostic factors and uncertain management modalities. We undertook this study to review patients who presented with primary or recurrent RPS at our institute during the study period. Between 2008 and 2010, 23 patients were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using the chi square test or Fisher's exact test. Recurrence was calculated using Kaplan Meier curves. The log-rank test was used to compare differences in survival or relapse. Among the 23 patients, 13 were males. Majority (52.2 %) presented with abdominal lump located in umbilical and right hypochondrial region. Surgery was done in 20 (87 %) patients for primary RPS and three (13 %) for recurrent RPS at initial presentation. 14 (61 %) received complete tumor resection, six (27 %) incomplete microscopic resection, and three (13 %) incomplete macroscopic resection. In univariate Cox's proportional hazard model on time ('timer') to event ('relapse') analysis, all the variables like older age (p = 0.027), male sex (p = 0.012), incomplete resection (p = 0.008), large size (0.047) and high grade (p = 0.047) became significant predictor of early recurrence. However, multivariate analysis showed that only extent of resection, grade and sex were statistically significant predictors. Complete tumor resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma (n = 14) was associated with a significantly lesser recurrence compared with unclear resection (n = 9, p = 0.002). The median time between surgery and first recurrence was 15 months. High-grade sarcomas had a significantly higher recurrence (n = 10; median: 24, 95 % CI) than low-grade sarcomas (n = 13, median: 15; 95 %CI P < 0.01). Furthermore, the survival of male patients were worse than that of females (p = 0.036). Completeness of resection, tumor grade and sex are prognostic factors of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas.

Wilkie's syndrome: review of eight cases.

BACKGROUND: The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare entity presenting with upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction and abrupt weight loss. Usually seen in tall individual with low bod mass index (BMI), the weight loss may be primary or secondary to a systemic disease or to the syndrome itself Compression of the duodenum between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery due to loss of the duodenal pad of fat causes the obstruction. Early recognition prevent complications. Imaging and endoscopy is diagnostic. Aorto-mesenteric angle and SMA aorta distance is lower than 22 degree and eight millimeter respectively. If nutritional support fails, surgery is required (e.g. guodeno-jejunostomy). Studies to determine the optimal methods of diagnosis and treatment, especially in a suburban hospitals with limited expertise are essential. CASE REPORT: We retrospectively evaluated 8 cases presented over three years. Six (75%) patients were males, age ranged from 19 to 70 years and weight from 40 to 55 kg. The mean BMI was 18.7 kg/ m2 (range 16.42 to 25.11 kg/m2). Mean weight loss before diagnosis was 9.88 kg (range 6 to 12 kg). Symptoms developed between 8 to 180 days (median 12 days). Commonest presentation was epigastric pain, vomiting and nausea. Four patients had pre-morbid conditions and the syndrome was idiopathic in the other 4. Median aorto-mesentric angle was 16.5 degree and SMA-aorta distance was 5.15 mm. Four patients required operation. The rest improved on conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: Early recognition, institution of the appropriate conservative measures and timely selection of a definite surgical method are critical to prevent severe complications and death.

Epidemiological factors in gall bladder cancer in eastern India-a single centre study.

India has high incidence of Gallbladder carcinoma with regional variation in incidence possibly due to environmental factors. Prospective study of all the gall bladder cancer in our hospital over 18 months analysing how the epidemiological factors are influencing the disease. Incidence-Four cases per 100,000 populations per year. The peak incidence was in 41 to 50 years group (49.20 %). Male to female ratio was 1:3.8. Majority (69.84 %) were in lower socio-economic group. 61 out of 63 patients (96.62 %) were non-vegetarians. 60.34 % and 19.04 % patients weighed between 50 and 55 kg and 55and 60 kg respectively (p = 0.003). Male smokers had significantly higher risk (p = 0.000 1). Gall stones were present in 45 out of 63 cases(71.42 %).45 out of 63 patients were typhoid carriers (p < 0.05). Pain abdomen was the commonest complaint (87.30 %), followed by pallor, lump in right upper quadrant, nausea & vomiting and jaundice in 71.42 %, 69.84 %, 66.66 %, 31.74 % patients respectively. This data highlights high prevalence of gall bladder carcinoma in Eastern India. Better hygiene and water supply to prevent typhoid carriers, prevention of malnutrition, early intervention for cholelithiasis, importance of balanced diet, increase in awareness about risk of tobacco and alcohol consumption-all are highlighted as significant modifiable factors.

Wilkie’s syndrome: review of eight cases / Wilkie’s syndrome: review of eight cases.

BACKGROUND: The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare entity presenting with upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction and abrupt weight loss. Usually seen in tall individual with low bod mass index (BMI), the weight loss may be primary or secondary to a systemic disease or to the syndrome itself Compression of the duodenum between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery due to loss of the duodenal pad of fat causes the obstruction. Early recognition prevent complications. Imaging and endoscopy is diagnostic. Aorto-mesenteric angle and SMA aorta distance is lower than 22 degree and eight millimeter respectively. If nutritional support fails, surgery is required (e.g. guodeno-jejunostomy). Studies to determine the optimal methods of diagnosis and treatment, especially in a suburban hospitals with limited expertise are essential. CASE REPORT: We retrospectively evaluated 8 cases presented over three years. Six (75

) patients were males, age ranged from 19 to 70 years and weight from 40 to 55 kg. The mean BMI was 18.7 kg/ m2 (range 16.42 to 25.11 kg/m2). Mean weight loss before diagnosis was 9.88 kg (range 6 to 12 kg). Symptoms developed between 8 to 180 days (median 12 days). Commonest presentation was epigastric pain, vomiting and nausea. Four patients had pre-morbid conditions and the syndrome was idiopathic in the other 4. Median aorto-mesentric angle was 16.5 degree and SMA-aorta distance was 5.15 mm. Four patients required operation. The rest improved on conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: Early recognition, institution of the appropriate conservative measures and timely selection of a definite surgical method are critical to prevent severe complications and death.

Wilkies syndrome: review of eight cases. / Wilkies syndrome: review of eight cases.

BACKGROUND: The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare entity presenting with upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction and abrupt weight loss. Usually seen in tall individual with low bod mass index (BMI), the weight loss may be primary or secondary to a systemic disease or to the syndrome itself Compression of the duodenum between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery due to loss of the duodenal pad of fat causes the obstruction. Early recognition prevent complications. Imaging and endoscopy is diagnostic. Aorto-mesenteric angle and SMA aorta distance is lower than 22 degree and eight millimeter respectively. If nutritional support fails, surgery is required (e.g. guodeno-jejunostomy). Studies to determine the optimal methods of diagnosis and treatment, especially in a suburban hospitals with limited expertise are essential. CASE REPORT: We retrospectively evaluated 8 cases presented over three years. Six (75

) patients were males, age ranged from 19 to 70 years and weight from 40 to 55 kg. The mean BMI was 18.7 kg/ m2 (range 16.42 to 25.11 kg/m2). Mean weight loss before diagnosis was 9.88 kg (range 6 to 12 kg). Symptoms developed between 8 to 180 days (median 12 days). Commonest presentation was epigastric pain, vomiting and nausea. Four patients had pre-morbid conditions and the syndrome was idiopathic in the other 4. Median aorto-mesentric angle was 16.5 degree and SMA-aorta distance was 5.15 mm. Four patients required operation. The rest improved on conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: Early recognition, institution of the appropriate conservative measures and timely selection of a definite surgical method are critical to prevent severe complications and death.