High Tregs and systemic IL-10 expressions linked to the absence of sheath antibodies in lymphatic filariasis: implications on the persistence of residual infection

The persistence of residual infection is one of the major factors in failure of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF). The present study aims to explore the status of sheath antibody and regulatory T cells (Tregs) known to play key roles in clearance of parasite and patent filarial infection, in individuals with residual infection after MDA. A total of 61 microfilaremic (Mf) individuals were followed up after at least 6 rounds of MDA. Infection status of subjects was assessed through the detection of Mf and circulating filarial antigen (CFA). Antibodies to Mf sheath were determined by immuno-peroxidase assay (IPA). The expression of Tregs was measured by a flow cytometer. IL-10 and IFN-γ were evaluated using the commercially available ELISA kit. The sheath antibody was present in subjects who have cleared both Mf and CFA and absent in individuals who were found to be Mf /CFA positive. Further individuals carrying infection have significantly high levels of Tregs and IL-10. A positive correlation was observed between Tregs, IL-10, and CFA in infected individuals. In contrast, a negative correlation was observed between IFN-γ and IL-10 in both infected and uninfected subjects. Our study reveals that the absence of a sheath antibody and a high level of Tregs and IL-10 are the hallmarks of the persistence of residual filarial infection.

     

In Vitro Anti-oxidant,Anti-fungal and Anti-staphylococcal Activity of Resveratrol-Producing Endophytic Fungi

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences - Trans-resveratrol is an enormously exploited stilbene exhibiting a broad spectrum of biological activities....     

Molecular mechanisms of HPV mediated neoplastic progression

Human Papillomavirus is the major etiological agent in the development of cervical cancer but not a sufficient cause. Despite significant research, the underlying mechanisms of progression from a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion to high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion are yet to be understood. Deregulation of viral gene expression and host genomic instability play a central role in virus-mediated carcinogenesis. Key events such as viral integration and epigenetic modifications may lead to the deregulation of viral and host gene expression. This review has summarized the available literature to describe the possible mechanism and role of viral integration in mediating carcinogenesis. HPV integration begins with DNA damage or double strand break induced either by oxidative stress or HPV proteins and the subsequent steps are driven by the DNA damage responses. Inflammation and oxidative stress could be considered as cofactors in stimulating viral integration and deregulation of cellular and viral oncogenes during the progression of cervical carcinoma. All these events together with the host and viral genetic and epigenetic modifications in neoplastic progression have also been reviewed which may be relevant in identifying a new preventive therapeutic strategy. In the absence of therapeutic intervention for HPV-infected individuals, future research focus should be directed towards preventing and reversing of HPV integration. DNA damage response, knocking out integrated HPV sequences, siRNA approach, modulating the selection mechanism of cells harboring integrated genomes and epigenetic modifiers are the possible therapeutic targets.     

Determination of iodine nutrition and community knowledge regarding iodine deficiency disorders in selected tribal blocks of Orissa, India

AIM: To determine the status of iodine nutrition and knowledge of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in selected tribal mountainous blocks of Orissa, India. DESIGN: A community-based survey was performed, adopting the 30-cluster sampling and surveillance methodology for assessment of IDD recommended by WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD. SUBJECTS: School-age children (6-12 years) and their mothers. METHODS: Total goitre rate (n=623) and urinary iodine excretion of children (n=530), iodine content in edible salt (n=505) and water (n=21) were measured. Community knowledge regarding IDD and awareness of iodized salt (n 20) was assessed. RESULTS: Total goitre rate was 23.6%, of which visible goiter was 6.9%. Prevalence of goiter increased with age in female and tribal children. Median urinary iodine was 38 Cmicro.Tl(-1) and 51.7% of children had urinary iodine values <100 pmicrogtl(-1) The mean iodine content for drinking water ranged from 1.22-3.6 pmicro.Tl(-1) Only 9.9% of salt samples had adequate iodine content (> or =5 ppm). Over 80% of respondents did not have knowledge of IDD and were not aware of salt iodization. CONCLUSIONS: Study results show moderate iodine deficiency with poor community knowledge of iodine nutrition. There is need to strengthen the monitoring of salt iodization and intensive education activities in the tribal areas.     

Barriers and facilitators to diabetes self-management in a primary care setting – Patient perspectives

Background

Diabetes self-management (DSM) is a key element in the overall management of type-2 diabetes (T2DM). Identifying barriers and facilitators to DSM and addressing them is a critical step in achieving improved health outcomes in this population.

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 gene polymorphisms with essential hypertension in the population of Odisha,India

Background: Hypertension is a serious health issue worldwide and essential hypertension, which includes 90–95% of the cases, is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Identification of these factors may help in control of this disease. The Insertion/Deletion (I/D) polymorphism in Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) gene and rs2106809 (C?>?T) polymorphism in Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene have been reported to be associated with essential hypertension in different populations.

Aim: To investigate the association of ACE I/D and ACE2 rs2106809 polymorphisms with essential hypertension in the population of Odisha, an eastern Indian state.

Subjects and methods: A total of 246 hypertensives (159 males and 87 females) and 274 normotensives (158 males and 116 females) were enrolled in the study. Detailed anthropometric data, tobacco, alcohol and food habits were recorded and 2?ml of venous blood was collected for biochemical and genetic analysis.

Results: The DD genotype of ACE and TT genotype of ACE2 were significantly high among female hypertensives, while T allele of ACE2 was linked to male hypertensives. In the male population, alcohol was also identified as a potential risk factor.

Conclusion: Among females, ACE I/D and ACE2 rs2106809 polymorphisms, while among males, ACE2 rs2106809 polymorphism and alcohol consumption are associated with essential hypertension in the study population.     

The dynamic relationships between economic status and health measures among working‐age adults in the United States

We examine the dynamic relationships between economic status and health measures using data from 8 waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics from 1999 to 2013. Health measures are self‐rated health (SRH) and functional limitations; economic status measures are labor income (earnings), family income, and net wealth. We use 3 different types of models: (a) ordinary least squares regression, (b) first‐difference, and (c) system‐generalized method of moment (GMM). Using ordinary least squares regression and first difference models, we find that higher levels of economic status are associated with better SRH and functional status among both men and women, although declines in income and wealth are associated with a decline in health for men only. Using system‐GMM estimators, we find evidence of a causal link from labor income to SRH and functional status for both genders. Among men only, system‐GMM results indicate that there is a causal link from net wealth to SRH and functional status. Results overall highlight the need for integrated economic and health policies, and for policies that mitigate the potential adverse health effects of short‐term changes in economic status.     

Treatment for Depression and Health-Related Quality of Life among Adults with Arthritis

Depression treatment has been proven to relieve depressive symptoms and pain and may therefore improve the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among adults with arthritis. The objective of the current study was to examine the HRQoL associated with depression treatment among adults with arthritis and depression. A retrospective longitudinal cohort study design using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2009–2012) was adopted. The study sample consisted of adults (≥ 21 years) with co-existing arthritis and depression (N = 1692). Depression treatment was categorized into: antidepressants only, psychotherapy with or without antidepressants, and neither antidepressants nor psychotherapy. Multivariable Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regressions, which controlled for observed selection bias with inverse probability treatment weights (IPTW) were built to examine the association between depression treatment categories and the HRQoL scores. The OLS regression controlled for factors in the biological, psychological and social domains that may affect HRQoL. A majority of individuals reported taking antidepressants only (52%), 24.4% reported receiving psychotherapy with or without antidepressants and 23% did not receive either antidepressants or psychotherapy. In multivariable OLS regression with IPTWs, adults using only antidepressants had marginally higher physical component summary scores (beta = 0.96, p value = 0.096) compared to no depression treatment. There were no significant associations between depression categories and mental component summary scores. HRQoL was not affected by depression treatment in adults with coexisting arthritis and depression. Improvement in HRQoL may require a collaborative care approach and such intense care may not be replicated in real-world practice settings.