The VEGF +405 G>C 5' untranslated region polymorphism and risk of PCOS: a study in the South Indian Women

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between two common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene (−460C/T and +405G/C) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) risk in south Indian women.

Methods

This study involves clinically confirmed PCOS patients (n = 126) and non-PCOS controls (n = 130) of south Indian origin (Dravidian linguistic group). Genotyping of the VEGF gene −460C/T and +405G/C SNPs were performed by PCR and sequencing analysis. Haplotype frequencies for multiple loci and the standardized disequilibrium coefficient (D'') for pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) were assessed by Haploview Software.

Results

The frequencies of +405G/G genotype (P = 0.03) and +405G alleles (P = 0.006) were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Whereas the genotype and allele frequencies of −460C/T SNP were not significantly different between patients and controls. In addition, LD analysis revealed no significant difference between patients and controls.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the VEGF +405G/C polymorphism may constitute an inheritable risk factor for PCOS in south Indian women.     

Piper betel Linn (betel vine), the maligned Southeast Asian medicinal plant possesses cancer preventive effects: time to reconsider the wronged opinion

Since antiquity, Piper betel Linn (betel vine; family Piperaceae) has been an important medicinal agent in the various traditional and folk systems of medicine in Southeast Asia countries. The leaves are the most valued plant part and in the past were routinely used as a chewing agent to prevent halitosis. The leaves are also supposed to harden the gum, conserve the teeth and to prevent indigestion, bronchitis, constipation, congestion, coughs and asthma. Innumerable scientific studies have validated the ethnomedicinal claims. Betel leaves are an integral component of the betel quid that consists of areca nut (Areca catechu Linn.), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L) and slaked lime; a highly abused agent with carcinogenic properties. Regular chewing of betel quid is associated mainly with oral cancer and detail studies with individual constituents of the quid have shown that both tobacco and areca nut are carcinogenic, while slaked lime is shown to promote the process of carcinogenesis. However unlike other constituents of the betel quid, the betel leaves devoid carcinogenic effects and on the contrary possesses cancer preventive effects including against the carcinogens present in tobacco. This review for the first time provides information on cancer preventive effects and also addresses the various mechanisms which might be involved.     

Glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 status and the risk of laryngeal cancer: a meta-analysis

Background: Polymorphic variations in GSTM1 and GSTT1 have been implicated as risk factors for various cancers. A number of studies conducted to assess their association with susceptibility to laryngeal carcinomas have yielded inconsistent and inconclusive results. In the present study, the possible association of laryngeal cancer risk with GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes was explored by a meta analysis. Method: A meta-analysis was carried out on case-control studies collected from the literature. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and presence of publication bias in those studies were evaluated. Results: A total of 20 studies concerning laryngeal cancer were identified. The results showed that the pooled OR was 1.22 (95% CI 1.03-1.43) for the GSTM1 polymorphism while for GSTT1 polymorphism, the pooled OR was 1.23 (95% CI 0.96-1.58). No evidence of publication bias was detected among the included studies. Conclusion: The results suggest that the GSTM1 deficiency significantly increases susceptibility to laryngeal cancer whereas GSTT1 null genotype might not be a risk factor.     

Evaluation of chromosomal alteration in electrical workers occupationally exposed to low frequency of electro magnetic field (EMFs) in Coimbatore population, India

Extremely low frequency electro magnetic fields (EMFs) have been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. An increased number of chromosomal alterations in peripheral lymphocytes are correlated with elevated incidence of cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess occupationally induced chromosomal damage in EMF workers exposed to low levels of radiation. We used conventional metaphase chromosome aberration (CA) analysis and the micronucleus (MN) assay as biological indicators of non ionizing radiation exposure. In the present study totally 70 subjects were selected including 50 exposed and 20 controls. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants and the study was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the approval of the local ethical committee. A higher degree of CA and MN was observed in exposed subjects compared to controls, the frequency of CA being significantly enhanced with long years of exposure (P<0.05). Moreover increase in CA and MN with age was noted in both exposed subjects and controls, but was significantly greater in the former. The results of this study demonstrated that a significant induction of cytogenetic damage in peripheral lymphocytes of workers occupationally exposed to EMFs in electric transformer and distribution stations. In conclusion, our findings suggest that EMFs possess genotoxic capability, as measured by CA and MN assays; CA analysis appeared more sensitive than other cytogenetic end-points. It can be concluded that chronic occupational exposure to EMFs may lead to an increased risk of genetic damage among electrical workers.     

The Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers' Network (DCVMN) is a critical constituency to ensure access to vaccines in developing countries

Six years after its establishment, the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers' Network (DCVMN) has become the main representing body for emerging vaccine manufacturers from the developing world. The Network's main strategic priority (increase access to DPT-based combination vaccines containing vaccines against Hepatitis B (HepB) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)) has now come close to fulfillment due in part to the transfer of conjugation technology from The Netherlands Vaccine Institute (NVI) to various manufacturers of the Network. It is argued that at the international level more push mechanisms for product development involving DCVM are needed, including those promoting access to technology and transfer of technology, know how and technical skills from Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries to developing countries. At the national level, governments of countries in which DCVMN manufacturers operate should provide more generous funding for all aspects of vaccines and immunization including incentives to manufacturers to develop and import new technologies. These two approaches will contribute to the long-term viability of domestic or regional vaccine manufacturing, which in itself is critical to ensure global equity of access to vaccines.     

Single-dose, virus-vectored vaccine protection against Yersinia pestis challenge: CD4+ cells are required at the time of challenge for optimal protection

We have developed an experimental recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vectored plague vaccine expressing a secreted form of Yersinia pestis low calcium response protein V (LcrV) from the first position of the VSV genome. This vector, given intramuscularly in a single dose, induced high-level antibody titers to LcrV and gave 90-100% protection against pneumonic plague challenge in mice. This single-dose protection was significantly better than that generated by VSV expressing the non-secreted LcrV protein. Increased protection correlated with increased anti-LcrV antibody and a bias toward IgG2a and away from IgG1 isotypes. We also found that the depletion of CD4+ cells, but not CD8+ cells, at the time of challenge resulted in reduced vaccine protection, indicating a role for cellular immunity in protection.     

Triple X syndrome with rare phenotypic presentation

Triple X syndrome is a rare numerical chromosomal anomaly, occurring as a result of non dysjunction in meiosis I. Most cases have neurodevelopmental defects and functional problems. We report two cases diagnosed in our centre. The first was a fetus with cleft lip and palate, 47, XXX was identified by Fetal Blood Sampling. The second was a child with multisystem anomaly including cleft lip and palate, whose karyotype also revealed 47, XXX. Though isolated cases of associated abnormalities have been reported there have not been consistent phenotypic changes reported with this condition.     

Evaluation of chronic abdominal pain - A test of “patience”

A 4 year old girl with chronic abdominal pain of 6 months duration was provisionally diagnosed as eosinophilic gastroenteritis based on endoscopic biopsy This case is reported for its rarity.     

BrainStem encephalitis associated with chandipura in Andhra Pradesh outbreak

Clinical data of 104 hospitalized children during the 2003 epidemic of encephalitis in Andhra Pradesh state was retrospectively analysed to know the clinical profile and risk factors associated with mortality. Fever was the first symptom associated with altered sensorium, seizures, diarrhoea and vomiting. Evolution of illness was very rapid with high fatality (47%). Majority of deaths occurred within the first 24 h of illness due to brainstem involvement. On multiple logistic regression analysis, high-grade fever, absent oculocephalic reflex and Glasgow coma score <7 were found to be significantly contributing to the mortality. Evidence of Chandipura virus was detected in these cases as the etiological agent.     

Acanthosis nigricans associated with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

An elderly man from the region of Ladakh presented with recurrent episodes of lower respiratory tract infection, rapidly progressive Acanthosis nigricans, Acanthosis palmaris and plantar keratoderma. Detailed investigations revealed underlying metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. This case is being reported for its rarity in the literature.