Mediastinal parathyroid adenoma removal by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Ectopic parathyroid adenomas in the mediastinum are rare causes of primary hyperparathyroidism. We report two cases of mediastinal parathyroid adenoma. Functioning parathyroid lesion was localized with the help of nuclear single-photon emission computed tomography scan in both the patients. Video assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) removal of the parathyroid lesions were done. Intraoperative confirmation of parathyroid adenoma was done by frozen section. Further confirmation was done by routine histopathological examination of specimen postoperatively. One patient had left vocal cord paralysis postoperatively. Localization by functional imaging is essential. Minimally invasive methods such as VATS are useful in removing mediastinal parathyroid hyperfunctioning lesions, which carries early postoperative recovery and less complications.

Résumé Les adénomes parathyroïdes ectopiques dans le mediastinum sont des causes rares de l'hyperparathyroïdie primaire. Nous rapportons deux cas d'adénome parathyroïde mediastinal. La lésion parathyroïde de fonctionnement a été localisée avec l'aide du balayage nucléaire de SPECT dans les deux patients. L'enlèvement thoracoscopic aidé vidéo de chirurgie (VATS) des lésions parathyroïdes ont été faits. La confirmation intraopératoire de l'adénome parathyroïde a été faite par section gelée. Une confirmation supplémentaire a été faite par l'examen histopathologique courant du spécimen post opératoirement. Un patient avait laissé la paralysie de corde vocale postopératoirement. La localisation par imagerie fonctionnelle est essentielle. Les méthodes mini-invasives telles que le VATS sont utiles pour enlever les lésions de fonctionnement hyper-médiantinal, qui portent le rétablissement postopératoire tôt et moins de complications.

Chemopreventive and anti-breast cancer activity of compounds isolated from leaves of Abrus precatorius L.

The present study focuses on isolation and evaluation of the anti-cancer activity of compounds from the leaves of Abrus precatorius. The bioassay-directed strategy was adopted using chromatographic, gas chromatographic-mass spectrum analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray crystallography techniques for purification and characterization of active cytotoxic compounds. Further, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines and 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA) induced virgin female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were used for in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity evaluation. Stigmasterol hemihydrate and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester or (ß-monolinolein) were the two main cytotoxic constituents of leaf extract of A. precatorius, with an IC50 value of 74.2 and 13.2 µg/ml, respectively, in MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, the treatment with the stigmasterol and ß-monolinolein as a combinatorial drug therapy in DMBA-induced female SD rats led to recovery of body weight, decreased tumor weight and volume, without any toxic side effects. Immunohistochemical examination showed extensive cell death and low proliferation in the treated tumor tissues that was confirmed by results from H and E staining, TUNEL assay and Ki-67 index as compared to control animal group. The reversion of glycoprotein, lysosomal and tumor marker enzyme levels back to near-normal levels after treatment with the plant compounds clearly demonstrated the reduction of tumor burden in these animals. This is the first report on isolation and characterization of the two active cytotoxic components from leaves of A. precatorius. Additionally, the profound cytotoxic and tumor-suppressive effect of these two compounds as a combinatorial therapy provide an alternative option for breast cancer treatment.

A Case of Erythroderma Secondary to Hypereosinophilia.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterised by marked peripheral eosinophilia and end organ damage attributable to eosinophilia without secondary cause. Early recognition and treatment are essential to prevent morbidity and mortality. Cytoreduction with Steroids, Hydroxyurea and Imatinib are the main stay of treatment. Molecular studies like Fip1-like-1 fused with platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (FIP1L1-PDGFRα) etc., are recommended in view of therapeutic implication. In this paper we report a rare case of HES developing in a lady 6 months after surgical removal of lymphangioma of spleen, which in itself is rare.

Cystic Pheochromocytoma Presenting as Adrenal Cyst.

Pheochromocytomas are usually solid tumours. But it can present as cystic lesions in the adrenal gland. Cystic lesions in adrenal gland with hypertension needs attention to rule out pheochromocytoma. If ignored, it may lead to hypertensive emergency, multisystem crisis and death. Early diagnosis with biochemistry, Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of abdomen, proper functional imaging like Meta Iodo Benzyl Guanidine (MIBG) scan is essential. Proper preoperative preparation is important to prevent hypertensive crisis during and after surgery. We are reporting a case of cystic pheochromocytoma in a young male.

Identification and characterization of a hepcidin from half-smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis.

Hepcidin, an antimicrobial peptide, has a dual function including innate immunity and iron regulation. Here, based on the sequence of an EST database, we have isolated and characterized a hepcidin gene (referred to as CsHepcidin) from half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Analysis of the coding regions indicated CsHepcidin gene comprised 3 exons and 2 introns. The putative CsHepcidin showed a great similarity to other hepcidin orthologues, particularly with respect to its 24 aa signal peptide, typical RX(K/R)R motif and eight conserved cysteine residues in the mature cationic peptide. Phylogenic analysis indicated that CsHepcidin was a hepcidin 1-type peptide of acanthopterygians, with highly homologous with Solea senegalensis hepcidin. In C. semilaevis ontogeny, CsHepcidin mRNA was detected at a low level in unfertilized eggs, increased on 6 d after hatching, and decreased remarkably at metamorphic stage. CsHepcidin transcripts showed a constitutive basal expression in most of the tissues, especially in liver. Challenge with formalin-inactivated Vibrio anguillarum led to significantly up-regulations of CsHepcidin gene in liver, head kidney and spleen in time-dependent manners. Biological activity analysis showed that recombinant CsHEP exhibited direct antimicrobial activity against bacterial pathogens in vitro, particularly showed strong activity against the principal fish pathogens, V. anguillarum and Edwardsiella tarda. All these results suggest that CsHepcidin may be involved in the initial response to invasion of microbial pathogens. Further exploration to elucidate the role of CsHepcidin in iron regulation and embryogenesis in C. semilaevis are needed.