Effect of angiotensin converting enzyme gene I/D polymorphism in South Indian children with nephrotic syndrome.

Nephrotic syndrome is one of the most common childhood kidney diseases. It is mostly found in the age group of 2 to 8 years. Around 10%-15% of nephrotic syndrome cases are non-responders of steroid treatment (SRNS). Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) (I/D) gene association studies are important for detecting kidney disease and herein we assessed the association of ACE (I/D) polymorphism with nephrotic syndrome in South Indian children. We recruited 260 nephrotic syndrome (162 boys and 98 girls) and 218 (140 boys and 78 girls) control subjects. ACE I/D polymorphism was analyzed by PCR using genotype allele specific primers. In ACE (I/D), we did not find significant association for the ungrouped data of nephrotic syndrome children and the control subjects. Kidney biopsies were done in 86 nephrotic syndrome cases (minimal change disease, n=51; focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, n=27; diffuse mesangial proliferation, n=8). We segregated them into the minimal change disease / focal segmental glomerulosclerosis groups and observed that the ACE'D' allele was identified with borderline significance in cases of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and the 'I' allele was assessed as having very weak association in cases of minimal change disease. 'II' genotype was weakly associated with minimal change disease. Gender specific analysis revealed weak association of 'ID' genotype with female nephrotic syndrome in females. Dominant expression of DD genotype was observed in males with nephrotic syndrome. Our finding indicated that ACE (I/D) has moderate association with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. However, due to the limited number of biopsy proven focal segmental glomerulosclerosis subjects enrolled, further studies are required to confirm these results.

Draft Genome Sequence of Campylobacter fetus MMM01, Isolated from a Chronic Kidney Disease Patient with Sepsis.

Campylobacter fetus is a Gram-negative bacterium that has caused several cases of human and animal disease. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of C. fetus MMM01, isolated from the blood of a 60-year-old patient with type II diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The sequence has a total length of 1,740,393 bp and an average G+C content of 33.1%. The availability of the draft genome sequence of C. fetus MMM01 isolated from a case of chronic kidney disease will contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of this organism.

Hsp70 is an independent stress marker among frequent users of mobile phones.

The aim of this study was to measure the serum concentrations of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and C-reactive protein (CRP) and the expression levels of the hsp70 gene among frequent users of mobile phones (FUMPs). We enrolled 120 employees of information technology (IT)/IT enabled service companies (FUMPs; IT professionals) and 102 infrequent users of mobile phones (IFUMPs; people from non-IT professions) as controls. The serum concentrations of HSP70 and CRP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay and hsp70 gene expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Significantly higher concentrations of serum HSP70 (P < 0.00012) and CRP (P < 0.04) were observed among FUMPs than IFUMPs. A higher level of hsp70 gene expression (fold induction) was observed among FUMPs than IFUMPs (P < 7.06 × 10-13). In contrast to the duration of exposure-dependent increase of serum concentration of CRP, the serum HSP70 concentration was found to be independent of the duration of exposure to mobile phones. Thus, the study convincingly demonstrated the role of serum HSP and CRP as systemic inflammatory biomarkers for mobile phone-induced radiation.

Dyskalaemia following diffuse axonal injury: case report and review of the literature.

Traumatic brain injury, and its management, commonly causes derangements in potassium balance. There are a number of recognised causative factors including head trauma, hypothermia and iatrogenic factors such as pharmacological agents and permissive cooling. We describe a case of a 19-year-old man with a severe traumatic brain injury. In a 36-h period, his intracranial pressure increased despite maximal medical therapy and he developed refractory hypokalaemia. Immediately following a decompressive craniectomy, the patient was noted to be profoundly hyperkalaemic; this led to the development of ventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest, from which the patient did not recover. The effects of brain injury on potassium balance are not well appreciated; the effect of decompressive craniectomy on potassium (K(+)) balance has not been described previously. We would like to emphasise the potential effect of diffuse axonal injury, a severe form of brain injury and decompressive craniectomy on potassium balance.

Antitumour and antioxidant activity of Scutia myrtina against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice.

The aim of this study is to investigate the antitumour and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extract of Scutia myrtina (EESM) against Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) in mice. Twenty-four hours after tumour inoculation, EESM was administered at doses 100, 200 and 300 mg kg⁻¹ bodyweight/mice/day for 21 days. EESM caused a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in ascites volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count, and also prolonged the life span of EAC tumour-bearing mice. Haematological profiles reverted to near-normal levels in extract-treated mice (p < 0.01). EESM also produced protective effects by significantly decreasing the activity of serum enzymes and bilirubin and increasing the protein and uric acid levels (p < 0.05). EESM significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation, while it significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The results indicate that EESM exhibited significant antitumour and antioxidant activities in EAC-bearing mice.

Hepatoprotective effects and antioxidant role of Scutia myrtina on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

The hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant role of ethanol extract of Scutia myrtina (EESM) was evaluated against paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. The degree of protection was measured by using biochemical parameters such as serum transaminase (SGPT and SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, total protein and uric acid. Further, the effects of the extract on lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), Vitamin C and Vitamin E, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were estimated. The ethanol extract of Scutia myrtina (EESM) (100 and 200 mg/kg) produced significant (P < 0.05) hepatoprotective effect by decreasing the activity of serum enzymes, bilirubin, and lipid peroxidation, while it significantly increased the levels of protein, uric acid, GSH, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, SOD and CAT (P < 0.05). The effects of EESM were comparable to that of standard drug Silymarin. The results indicate that EESM shows hepatoprotective effects on paracetamol-induced liver damage in rat this may due to antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of EESM.

Effect of Bauhinia racemosa stem bark on N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

The aim of this study is to investigate the antioxidant defense system induced by the methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa L.(MEBR) against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wister albino rats. The effects of MEBR on surface visible macroscopic (Morphometry) liver lesions (neoplastic nodules) and the levels of serum enzymes, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants were evaluated in NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. In rats treated, with NDEA, significantly elevated levels of serum enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP), bilirubin and decreased levels of protein and uric acid were observed. Significantly elevated amount of malondialdehyde (MDA), the end product of lipidperoxidation, indicated higher levels of lipid peroxidation, which was accompanied by significantly decreased levels of antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Administration of MEBR was able to suppress nodule development/hepatocellular lesion formation in rats. The extract treatment increases in antioxidant levels and dramatic decreases in lipid peroxidation levels. MEBR also produced a protective effect by decreasing the level of serum enzymes, bilirubin and increased the protein and uric acid levels. The results suggest that MEBR exert chemopreventive effects by suppressing nodule development and decreasing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the levels of antioxidants in NDEA carcinogenesis by reducing the formation of free radicals.

Effects of methanol extracts of Caesalpinia bonducella and Bauhinia racemosa on hematology and hepatorenal function in mice.

The aim of the present investigation deals with the hematology and hepatorenal function of Caesalpinia bonducella Flem. and Bauhinia racemosa Lam. belonging to the Family: Caesalpiniaceae, and used in the traditional system of medicine. The tribal people of Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu, India, use the leaves of Caesalpinia bonducella and the stem bark of Bauhinia racemosa in combination with some other herbs for the treatment of various tumors, liver disorders, inflammation and some other diseases. In ancient Ayurveda medicine these plants were mentioned to possess antitumor agents. Since there are no scientific reports regarding the toxicological aspects of these plants, the present investigation deals with the sub-chronic toxicity studies of a methanol extract of Caesalpinia bonducella (MECB) leaves and Bauhinia racemosa (MEBR) stem bark in Swiss albino mice. The MECB and MEBR were administered intraperitoneally (i.p) to Swiss albino mice twice a week for thirteen weeks. No significant alterations in hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters were observed in the MECB- and MEBR-treated groups at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Administration of MECB and MEBR at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight elevated the levels of serum enzymes and altered the hematological parameters. Our results suggested that MECB and MEBR at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight did not induce any toxic effects in the mice. Adverse effect was noted at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.

Antitumor activity and antioxidant role of Bauhinia racemosa against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice [corrected].

AIM: To study the antitumor effect and antioxidant role of Bauhinia racemosa. METHODS: Antitumor activity and antioxidant status of methanol extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) of Bauhinia racemosa stem bark was evaluated against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor in mice. Acute and short-term toxicity studies were performed initially in order to ascertain the safety of methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa (MEBR). After 24 h of tumor inoculation, the extract was administered daily for 14 d. After administration of the last dose followed by 18 h fasting, mice were then sacrificed for observation of antitumor activity. The effect of MEBR on the growth of transplantable murine tumor, life span of EAC bearing hosts and simultaneous alterations in the hematological profile and liver biochemical parameters (lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes) were estimated. RESULTS: The MEBR showed decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count, and increased the nonviable cell count and mean survival time thereby increasing life span of EAC tumor bearing mice. Hematological profile reverted to more or less normal levels in extract treated mice. Treatment with MEBR decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation and increased the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase. CONCLUSION: The methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa stem bark exhibited antitumor effect by modulating lipid peroxidation and augmenting antioxidant defense system in EAC bearing mice.

Antitumor activity and antioxidant status of Caesalpinia bonducella against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice.

The methanol extract of Caesalpinia bonducella FLEMING (Caesalpiniaceae) leaves (MECB) were evaluated for antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing Swiss albino mice. The extract was administered at the doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight per day for 14 days after 24 h of tumor inoculation. After the last dose and 18 h fasting, the mice were sacrificed. The present study deals with the effect of MECB on the growth of transplantable murine tumor, life span of EAC-bearing hosts, hematological profile, and biochemical parameters such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione content (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities. MECB caused significant (P<0.01) decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume, and viable cell count; and it prolonged the life span of EAC-tumor bearing mice. Hematological profile converted to more or less normal levels in extract-treated mice. MECB significantly (P<0.05) decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation and significantly (P<0.05) increased the levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT. The MECB was found to be devoid of conspicuous short-term toxicity in the mice when administered daily (i.p.) for 14 days at the doses of 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg. The treated mice showed conspicuous toxic symptoms only at 300 mg/kg. The results indicate that MECB exhibited significant antitumor and antioxidant activity in EAC-bearing mice.