Antiproliferative, cytotoxic and apoptogenic activity of Indian toad (Bufo melanostictus, Schneider) skin extract on U937 and K562 cells.

The antiproliferative, cytotoxic and apoptogenic activities of Bufo melanostictus (Indian common toad) skin extract (TSE) on U937 and K562 leukemic cell line has been investigated. TSE significantly (P<0.001) reduced the time-dependent cell proliferation and decreased MTT values in U937 and K562 cells. TSE (IC50 doses) suppressed the proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in both the cells. It was demonstrated that, TSE (IC50 doses) primarily arrested the U937 and K562 cells at G1 phase of the cell cycle. Confocal microscopy showed the altered fragmented nuclei and apoptotic bodies formation in TSE (IC50 doses) treated U937 and K562 cells. Membrane blebbing, cell surface shrinkage and perforation were observed through scanning electron microscope. TSE-induced DNA fragmentation in U937 and K562 cells was reflected in single-cell gel electrophoresis. TSE significantly (P<0.001) increase the length-width ratio of DNA mass as compared to control in comet assay. The flow cytometric analysis of annexin-V binding to the cancer cells further supported the apoptotogenic activity of TSE. The effect of TSE on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells viability and cytotoxicity was studied in culture and found to be less cytotoxic than on the U937 and K562 cells. The findings from the present study suggested that TSE might possess potent antineoplastic agent having antiproliferative, cytotoxic and apoptogenic activity against U937 and K562 myeloid leukemic cells.     

Importance of screening the peripheral smear

A 5-year-old boy presented with history of failure to thrive from infancy. There was a history of one sibling death due to similar problems and history of severe abortions in the mother. Routine examination of peripheral smear revealed more than 50% acanthocytes. Based on this tests were streamlined to doing lipid profile and Lipo protein electrophoresis which revealed hypolipidemia and absent Β hypo protein band. Jejuna) mucosal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of A Beta Lipo proteinemia which revealed lipid laden enterocytes. This case illustrates the importance of simple tests like peripheral smear examination in streamlining further tests in the diagnosis of major diseases.     

Flow requirements for the Bain breathing circuit during anaesthesia for caesarean section

We studied the relationship between arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) and fresh gas flow (FGF) during use of the Bain breathing circuit for Caesarean section anaesthesia. Thirty-one patients undergoing Caesarean section were anaesthetised using the Bain circuit with intermittent positive pressure ventilation. The PaCO2 were measured at FGF of 70 ml X kg-1 X min-1, 80 ml X kg-1 X min-1, and 100 ml X kg-1 X min-1. The FGF requirement to maintain a given PaCO2 during Caesarean section anaesthesia is the same as the requirements for nonpregnant subjects, despite the increase in carbon dioxide production associated with pregnancy. This is probably because the total FGF determined by body weight and given during Caesarean section anaesthesia is 15-20 per cent higher than nonpregnant levels, due to the weight gain associated with pregnancy. A FGF of 100 ml X kg-1 of pregnant weight/min maintains PaCO2 of 4.44 kPa predelivery, which is in the desirable range of PaCO2 during Caesarean section.     

Effect of ethanol on cyclic AMP levels in intact PC12 cells

Two subclones of the rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12, were used to compare the effects of ethanol on adenylate cyclase activity in isolated membranes with its effects on cyclic AMP accumulation in intact cells. Consistent with previous reports, ethanol increased basal and 2-chloroadenosine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in isolated membrane preparations from both subclones. However, ethanol had opposite effects on agonist-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in intact cells of the two subclones, enhancing accumulation in one subclone, and inhibiting it in the other. The inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation did not result from stimulation of phosphodiesterase activity, activation of the inhibitory guanyl nucleotide regulatory protein, Gi, or stimulation of protein kinase C. The results indicate that extrapolation of the effects of ethanol from one cell type to another, or from in vitro to in vivo systems, may be complicated by the interaction of ethanol with regulatory processes that influence second messenger systems, and can differ in various types of intact cells.     

Type O renal glucosuria

We observed a 7-year-old boy with virtual absence of renal tubular glucose reabsorption (type O renal glucosuria). Glucose titration studies in his family revealed severe type A renal glucosuria in a younger brother, a mild type A defect in the mother and normal glucose reabsorption in the father; thus a spectrum of renal glucose transport defects was observed in members of the same family.     

Carcinoid tumour of larynx

Rarity of the carcinoid tumours in the larynx prompted us to report this case which has been successfully treated by partial laryngectomy. Oncogenesis of these tumours, mode of treatment and prognosis have been discussed.     

Costello syndrome: Clinical phenotype,genotype, and management guidelines

Costello syndrome (CS) is a RASopathy caused by activating germline mutations in HRAS. Due to ubiquitous HRAS gene expression, CS affects multiple organ systems and individuals are predisposed to cancer. Individuals with CS may have distinctive craniofacial features, cardiac anomalies, growth and developmental delays, as well as dermatological, orthopedic, ocular, and neurological issues; however, considerable overlap with other RASopathies exists. Medical evaluation requires an understanding of the multifaceted phenotype. Subspecialists may have limited experience in caring for these individuals because of the rarity of CS. Furthermore, the phenotypic presentation may vary with the underlying genotype. These guidelines were developed by an interdisciplinary team of experts in order to encourage timely health care practices and provide medical management guidelines for the primary and specialty care provider, as well as for the families and affected individuals across their lifespan. These guidelines are based on expert opinion and do not represent evidence‐based guidelines due to the lack of data for this rare condition.