Dermatological Implications of Galectin-3 in Circulation: An Evaluation From the Perspective of Patients With Differential Manifestations of Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis.

Galectin-3, a ß-galactoside-binding lectin, has been implicated in vast repertoire of inflammatory and immunomodulatory processes including skin diseases. However, galectin-3 has not been comprehensively studied in infectious diseases. This study emphasizes on fascinating aspects of galectin-3 expression in dermal infection by studying post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), an intracellular infection caused by Leishmania donovani. Indian PKDL is a well-recognized parasitic dermatosis, with a high risk of anthroponotic transmission of L. donovani in causing leishmaniasis. This study aims to investigate the levels of galectin-3 and galectin-3-binding site expression in circulation of different forms of Indian patients with PKDL. Thirty-seven confirmed untreated PKDL patients, comprising 20 polymorphic and 17 macular PKDL manifestations, were evaluated for the levels of sera galectin-3 with respect to 28 age- and sex-matched healthy controls from endemic areas. Result shows a significant increment (P < 0.001) in circulatory galectin-3 levels in PKDL variants as compared to healthy controls. In addition, there were heightened levels of galectin-3 and galectin-3-binding sites on cellular infiltrates on lesional sites. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between frequencies of mononuclear cells and galectin-3 during microcirculation in lesions. Data were well corroborated with positive correlation of IL-10 and IFN-γ with sera galectin-3 levels. Moreover, flow cytometry demonstrated the enhanced expression levels of the galectin-3-binding site in circulation in patients with PKDL as compared to healthy controls. Taken together, elevated levels of galectin-3 reflect its involvement in PKDL pathogenesis.

A significantly non-toxic novel Cobalt(III) Schiff base complex induces apoptosis via G2-M cell cycle arrest in human breast cancer cell line MCF-7.

AIMS: Metal complexes have ignited considerable interest in the field of chemotherapy after the serendipitous discovery of cisplatin but the severe toxicity of these platinum-based drugs compelled researchers to search for newer, more effective lesser toxic anticancer drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Structural analysis is done by different physicochemical techniques including X-ray single crystallography. Toxicity study has been done in normal Swiss albino mice. MTT assay assessed cell viability. Apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and cell proliferation were assessed by FACS using Annexin V-PI, PI, and CFSE staining respectively. Western blot quantifies protein expression. While cell migration was studied by wound healing assay. KEY FINDINGS: One-pot synthesis of a novel mononuclear cobalt(III)-Schiff base complex (1) (>99 % purity) and its complete characterization have been done. Cell viability assay showed that 1 (IC50 = 16.81 ± 1.33 µM) exhibits cytotoxicity at much lower concentration in comparison to oxaliplatin (IC50 = 31.4 ± 0.69 µM) against MCF-7 cells for 24 h of therapy without being overly toxic to human PBMCs (IC50 ≥ 60 µM). Additional in vitro studies demonstrated that 1 induces apoptosis via G2-M cell cycle arrest and reduces cell proliferation as well as cell migration in MCF-7 cells. In vivo subacute toxicity (28 days) and systemic chronic toxicity (40 days) studies were carried out in normal Swiss albino mice showed 1 is significantly nontoxic to the host. SIGNIFICANCE: The readily synthesizable, significantly nontoxic cobalt complex with appreciable anticancer activity implies that it might be an effective chemotherapeutic agent for new-age anti-tumor medication.

An atypical rare case of extracranial craniopharyngioma.

We present a case of a purely extracranial, infrasellar craniopharyngioma that initially presented as a mass in nose and nasopharynx. Craniopharyngiomas are usually located within the sella. Purely infrasellar craniopharyngiomas have only rarely been reported in the literature. A 55-year-old man presented with 8-month history of progressive headache and epistaxis. Rhinoscopy revealed polypoidal mass in both the nasal cavities and nasopharynx. Pre-operative biopsy suggested Craniopharyngioma. A battery of tests necessary for the diagnosis of Craniopharyngioma was done which excluded other possibilities. Surgical resection was done and histopathology thereafter was confirmatory of Craniopharyngioma. Adjuvant radiotherapy was given to the patient. The patient is doing well. The Rathke's pouch arises from the roof of the primitive mouth and grows toward the brain at the fourth week of gestation. Normally, it loses its attachment with the stomadeum completely by the eighth week of gestation. The craniopharyngeal canal (CPC) extends from the floor of the sella to the vomer and may rarely give rise to ectopic craniopharyngiomas. This case shows that such ectopic tumors may arise anywhere along the CPC. We are documenting this case as an atypical rare case of craniopharyngioma probably originating from tooth primordia.

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the tonsil.

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) are non-phagocytic, non-lymphoid cells of immune system, which are necessary for antigen presentation and regulation of the reactions in the germinal centers of lymph node. Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is unusual and those with an extranodal origin in the head and neck region are extremely rare. Here, we report a case of FDCS of the left tonsil in a 27-year-old male patient. The patient presented with swelling of the left tonsil and resultant difficulty in swallowing for last three months. The tumor was excised and was sent for histopathologic examination. Microscopic examination and immunohistochemical analysis proved the case to be FDCS. After the diagnosis, the patient received post-operative radiotherapy. The patient is on six months follow-up which is uneventful.