DuCLOX-2/5 inhibition: a promising target for cancer chemoprevention

Cancer is a leading cause of death and major health concern worldwide. The animal and human studies support the presumption that inflammation directs the cancer initiation and progression. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) are the key players in the inflammatory cascade contributing towards the angiogenesis, tumor cell invasiveness, and disruption in the pathways of cellular proliferation/apoptosis. Contemporary studies have particularized a promising role of COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitors in cancer chemoprevention. The present review is a pursuit to define implications of dual COX-2 and 5-LOX (DuCLOX-2/5) inhibition on various aspects of cancer augmentation and chemoprevention.     

Efficacy and safety of tenecteplase in pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a relatively common life-threatening cardiovascular condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present the efficacy and safety data of weight-adjusted tenecteplase in 30 consecutive patients of acute PE. 30 patients (22 male, 8 female) with acute PE were included in the study and divided into three groups: (1) Acute PE complicated by shock stage and/or persistent hypotension (12 patients). (2) RV dilatation and/or dysfunction without hypotension (14 patients). (3) Severe hypoxemia without hypotension and RV dysfunction (4 patients). Predominant symptoms were dyspnoea, cough, chest pain, syncope and haemoptysis, noted in 100 % (30), 40 % (12), 54 % (16), 32 % (9) and 10 % (3) of patients respectively. RV dilatation and dyskinesia were present in 86 %, septal paradoxical movement in 73 % and inferior venacava collapse absent in 53 % of patients respectively. 12 patients presented with acute PE and cardiogenic shock, 14 patients showed RV dilatation and dysfunction with systolic BP >90 mmHg and four patients were having RV dilation without dysfunction but severe hypoxemia. There was significant reduction in right ventricular systolic pressure and improvement in right ventricular dysfunction. Our study shows that tenecteplase is very effective and safe in the treatment of PE with minimal risk of bleeding in high risk group and intermediate risk and even in selective low risk category group of patients. However, in view of small number of patients in study group, a large multicentre randomized study would be required to draw a firm conclusion regarding the thrombolysis in low risk category patient.     

Synthesis and Evaluation of <Superscript>99m</Superscript>Tc-Labelled Monoclonal Antibody 1D09C3 for Molecular Imaging of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Protein Expression

Purpose  

It is known that major histocompatibility complex class II protein HLA-DR is highly expressed in B-cell lymphomas and in a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, a radiolabelled fully humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) can provide useful prognostic and diagnostic information. Aims of the present study were to radiolabel an anti-HLA-DR mAb with technetium-99m and to evaluate its binding specificity, tissue distribution and targeting potential.     

Isolated intramedullary tuberculoma of the dorsal cord: a rare clinico-radiological entity

Tuberculous infection manifesting as an isolated intramedullary tuberculoma of the spinal cord is distinctly unusual. We report a case of a 35 year old woman presenting with an insidious onset of myelopathy, where MRI showed characteristic imaging findings suggestive of intramedullary tuberculosis.