Correction: Sundaram et al. Effects of Intermediate Frequency (150 kHz) Electromagnetic Radiation on the Vital Organs of Female Sprague Dawley Rats. Biology 2023, 12, 310.

In the original publication [...].

Effects of Intermediate Frequency (150 kHz) Electromagnetic Radiation on the Vital Organs of Female Sprague Dawley Rats.

Exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from intermediate frequency sources has increased exponentially in recent years. The consequences of this exposure on biological systems are prompting scientists to study the effects on human health. This current study aimed to determine the effects of intermediate frequency (150 kHz) EMR exposure on the vital organs of female Sprague Dawley rats. The EMR group (n = 10 animals) was exposed to a frequency of 150 kHz with an intensity of 65 ± 15 µW/cm2 for two months. The control group (n = 10 animals) was exposed to an intensity of 35 ± 15 nW/cm2. Haematological, histochemical, gross, and histopathological profiles of all major organs of all animals were then performed using standard procedures. All major organs generally showed no significant detectable effects in either the control or EMR groups. However, gross and histopathological examinations revealed the effects of EMR on the liver and lungs, which showed inflammatory changes without significant biochemical/haematological manifestations. In addition, a significant increase in serum sodium level and a decrease in serum urea level were also observed in the EMR group. It can be concluded that the current frequency and duration of exposure trigger the changes in the liver and lungs but are not sufficient to cause clinical and functional manifestations. Therefore, a long-term exposure study might be helpful to determine the effects of 150 kHz IF EMR on these organs.

A Comparative Study in the Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis by Nasal Douching with Hypertonic Saline vs Isotonic Saline.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is one of the most commonly diagnosed medical conditions affecting all age groups. Hypertonic saline solution and isotonic saline solution are used in management of chronic rhinosinusitis. In this study we compare the effectiveness of isotonic saline and hypertonic saline in alleviation of symptoms and clinical outcome of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. In our study 60 patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis are divided into two groups; Group A treated with isotonic saline and Group B with 3.5% hypertonic saline for a period of 6 weeks. The symptoms were evaluated using SNOT-20 score before and after treatment. It was found that hypertonic saline solution is more efficacious than isotonic saline solution in the treatment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Acute bilateral phrenic nerve neuropathy causing hypercapnic respiratory associated with checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy.

We present two cases of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure due to diaphragmatic dysfunction secondary to bilateral phrenic nerve paralysis, in patients who were receiving immunotherapy for melanoma. Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis is an uncommon cause of acute or sub-acute hypercapnic respiratory failure which causes severe breathlessness, orthopnoea and potentially death. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are now standard of care in several solid organ malignancies. However, their use is associated with a risk of developing autoimmune toxicities, which includes mononeuritis. Our two cases demonstrate the potential difficulties in recognising acute hypercapnic respiratory failure and diagnosis of the rare disorder of bilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction, with consequent delays in appropriate management. The occurrence of this rare condition in association with checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy suggests a possible autoimmune mechanism. Awareness that this rare cause of respiratory failure may occur in patients receiving checkpoint inhibitor therapy might facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Comparative Study Between Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Using Microdebrider and Conventional Techniques with It's Impact on Pulmonary Function Tests: A Randomized Control Trial.

The nasal airways and their close association to paranasal sinuses are an integral part of the respiratory tract. Mucociliary clearance is the predominant clearance mechanism for both upper and lower airways. The two components of mucociliary clearance are cilia and the secretions above them. It is known that CRS coexists in as many as 40-75% of patients with BA. CRS can present with polyposis or without polyposis. Treatment options for CRS include medical therapy, surgical intervention or both. According to recent guidelines, ESS is the most favourable surgical approach in patients who fail to respond adequately to medical therapy. To assess the extent of improvement in CRS following ESS (either microdebrider or conventional) and if it brings an improvement in the pulmonary function tests. This also assesses symptom scores, endoscopic appearances and CT findings pre-operatively and post-operatively. This study was carried out at the outpatient Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in Meenakshi Medical College, Hospital and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu. Patients were consented and started on medical treatment with systemic steroids for 2 weeks and topical nasal steroids for 1 month. If the disease persisted after medical therapy, patients were equally randomized into two groups of 30 each-microdebrider and conventional technique. Subjective symptoms of CRS were based on the CRS criteria. Symptoms score were given with Lund-Mckay symptoms scoring, pre-operatively 1 week before and post-operatively 2 months after surgery. Lund-Mckay CT scoring system separately assessed the extent of opacification of sinuses. PFT was assessed using Spirometer (KOKO Legend). There was a statistically considerable difference in the FEV1 values in microdebrider ESS than conventional ESS. Microdebrider ESS is considered superior when we have to address the coexistence of lower airway diseases along with CRS.

Quality of Life in Patients with Nasal Septal Deviation After Septal Correction.

Septal Correction is an age-old procedure being practiced for the major part of a century now. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life after Septal Correction. Fifty patients with complaints of nasal obstruction, trouble breathing via the nose, headache and facial pain were selected for the study. Initial pre-operative assessment was done based on a symptomatic score [Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale (NOSE Scale)]. The presence of a septal deviation was confirmed with an X-ray and computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses along with a diagnostic nasal endoscopy. Based on the extent and location of deviation, the malformed part was corrected. Post-operative assessment was done after a period of 8 weeks based on the NOSE Scale. The results were co-related and documented. It was found that the scores were better post-surgery. Thus, it can be concluded that Septal Correction as a surgical procedure is still relevant in today's World for symptomatic betterment and for a healthier lifestyle.

Tonsillectomy by Cold Dissection and Coblation Techniques: A Prospective Comparative Study.

Inflammatory and infectious diseases of tonsils are common in paediatric and adult otolaryngological practice and ensue in tonsillectomy which is a common surgical procedure. Dissection and snare method is being performed for ages and has evolved over a period of time while coblation is a newer technique started in 1997. It combines radiofrequency energy and normal saline, resulting in a plasma field of highly ionized particles which dissociates intercellular bonds and thus melts tissue at low temperatures (40-70 °C) thereby reducing tissue damage. To compare the intraoperative time, intraoperative blood loss, post operative pain and post operative blood loss between dissection tonsillectomy and coblation tonsillectomy. This study was carried out at the outpatient Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in Meenakshi Medical College, Hospital and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu. Patients with chronic and recurrent tonsillitis who were planned electively for tonsillectomy were included in this study. Study was based on the analysis of 60 patients aged between 5 and 40 years. All these 60 patients were thoroughly investigated by doing a complete surgical workup. They all were subjected to 2 different tonsillectomy procedures-dissection and snare method and coblation technique. Patients were assigned into two groups of 30 each by simple random sampling. Among these 60 patients, blood loss and post operative pain was less in Group 2 (coblation) and the duration of surgery was less in Group 1 (dissection and snare). In this study, patients who underwent surgery in Group 2 (coblation) showed better outcome when compared to Group 1 (dissection and snare method).

Outcomes of Ulnar Shortening for Ulnar Impaction Syndrome Using the 2.7 mm AO Ulna Shortening Osteotomy System.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar shortening osteotomy is a well-established treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome. Controversy remains regarding the most effective system to achieve efficient bony union, whilst minimising incidence of complications, particularly hardware irritation. We present outcomes at 2 years using the recently released low profile AO osteotomy system. METHODS: 32 consecutive patients with significant pain from ulnar impaction syndrome (idiopathic or post-traumatic), without degenerative changes of the distal radio-ulnar joint, were included. Time to union, range of motion, grip strength, pain and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Median time to union was 10.14 weeks (9.27-11.01, 95%CI), with one nonunion. Visual Analogue Pain score, grip strength and range of motion improved significantly. No patient experienced hardware irritation. No plate required removal. Positive ulnar variance was reduced by 3.8 mm (mean). CONCLUSIONS: The low profile AO system appears effective in achieving bony union whilst minimising incidence of hardware irritation, at a follow up of 2 years.

Ocular manifestations of isolated corneal bee sting injury, management strategies, and clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the presenting features, management strategies, and clinical outcome following bee sting injury to the cornea. METHODS: Retrospective case series involving 11 eyes of 11 patients with corneal bee sting injuries who presented over a period of 2 years. Nine of these 11 eyes had the presence of intact bee stinger in the cornea, which was removed immediately under an operating microscope and sent for microbiological and histopathological evaluation. The patients were managed as per the individual treatment protocol of the respective treating physicians. RESULTS: Six eyes (54.5%) had a good clinical outcome (best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] >20/40) with medical therapy alone with no need for surgical intervention. Five eyes (45.5%) had a poor clinical outcome (BCVA <20/40) with medical therapy and required surgery; of which three required a combined penetrating keratoplasty with cataract surgery, while one required isolated cataract surgery and one underwent penetrating keratoplasty. Glaucoma was present in 3/5 eyes undergoing surgery, one of which required a trabeculectomy. Five of the six eyes who had a good clinical outcome with medical therapy alone had been treated with concomitant oral steroids, along with topical antibiotic-steroid combination therapy. CONCLUSION: Oral corticosteroid supplementation to the topical steroid antibiotic treatment in patients with corneal bee sting injury where corneal involvement and anterior reaction is severe at presentation or inflammation not ameliorating with topical steroids alone prevents serious vision-threatening complications such as corneal decompensation, cataract, and glaucoma.

Association of Dry Eye Tests With Extraocular Signs Among 3514 Participants in the Sjögren's Syndrome International Registry.

PURPOSE: To identify a screening strategy for dry eye patients with a high likelihood of having Sjogren syndrome (SS) through the evaluation of the association of ocular surface tests with the extraocular signs used for the diagnosis of SS. DESIGN: Multicenter cross-sectional study. METHODS: The Sjogren's International Clinical Collaborative Alliance (SICCA) registry enrolled 3514 participants with SS or possible SS from 9 international academic sites. Ocular surface evaluation included Schirmer I testing, tear breakup time (TBUT), and staining of the cornea (0-6 points) and conjunctiva (0-6 points). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for (1) histopathologic changes on labial salivary gland (LSG) biopsies (positive = focus score of ≥1 focus/4 mm2) and (2) positive anti-SSA/B serology. RESULTS: The adjusted odds of having a positive LSG biopsy were significantly higher among those with an abnormal Schirmer I test (adjusted OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.05-1.51, P = .014) and positive conjunctival staining (for each additional unit of staining 1.46; 95% CI 1.39-1.53, P < .001) or corneal staining (for each additional unit of staining 1.14; 95% CI 1.08-1.21, P < .001). The odds of having a positive serology were significantly higher among those with an abnormal Schirmer I test (adjusted OR = 1.3; 95% CI 1.09-1.54, P = .004) and conjunctival staining (adjusted OR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.43-1.58, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to corneal staining, which was associated with a higher likelihood of having a positive LSG biopsy, conjunctival staining and abnormal Schirmer I testing are of critical importance to include when screening dry eye patients for possible SS, as they were associated with a higher likelihood of having a positive LSG biopsy and serology.

Deposition of zwitterionic polymer brushes in a dense gas medium.

Poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) films known for their resistance to nonspecific protein adsorption, cell/bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation were produced by surface initiated polymerization on a silicon surface via a batch reaction system in CO2 expanded liquid (CO2-EL) medium. Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was carried out using 2,2'-bipyridyl as ligand and CuBr as a catalyst in water/methanol mixture with trichloro[4-(chloromethyl)phenyl]silane (CMPS) used as the initiating species. The films were grown in the CO2-EL environment at a range of conditions and thickness up to 10nm. In contrast to films produced by conventional solvent systems at atmospheric pressure, the polymer films grown by the CO2-EL process showed uniform thickness and pin-hole free topography. Most importantly, the CO2-EL processed PSBMA films showed no trace of copper (used as the catalyst), thus obviating the need for post-deposition processing and avoiding adverse effects of the metal leaching during service. Finally, PSBMA films from both the conventional and CO2-EL processes were exposed to Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and the results showed that, while in both the cases the cell proliferation rate was inhibited by the charged polymeric brush surface, the CO2-EL-processed brush exhibited inhibition to a larger extent due to the reduced occurrence of pinholes. The process can be easily exploited effectively when carrying out surface initiated polymerization on non-flat topographies, such as in trenches and nanostructured features with high aspect ratios.

CFTR Gene Mutations and Asthma in Indian Children: A Case-Control Study.

Cystic Fibrosis Trans membrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene is an asthma susceptibility gene. In the present study we investigated the possible association of CFTR gene mutations in Indian asthmatic children as compared to controls. The study included 250 asthmatics and 250 age and sex matched controls. Case to control ratio for sample size was 1:1. Genotyping was performed for 24 CFTR gene mutations by ARMS-PCR and PCR-RFLP method. Among 24 CFTR gene mutations, heterozygous allele of R553X mutation was found in 4 (1.6 %) asthmatic cases and 2 (0.8 %) controls. Value of FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio were significantly lower in heterozygous individuals (p value <0.05). No significant difference was observed in the genotype and allele frequency of R553X mutation (OR = 1.339, 95 % CI = 0.755-2.374, p value = 0.685). Furthermore, all wild type homozygous alleles were observed in remaining 23 CFTR gene mutations. Our data concludes that R553X mutation was not significantly associated in Indian asthmatic children.

Coaxial electrohydrodynamic atomization: microparticles for drug delivery applications.

As cancer takes its toll on human health and well-being, standard treatment techniques such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy often fall short of ideal solutions. In particular, adverse side effects due to excess dosage and collateral damage to healthy cells as well as poor patient compliance due to multiple administrations continue to pose challenges in cancer treatment. Thus, the development of appropriately engineered drug delivery systems (DDS) for effective, controlled and sustained delivery of drugs is of interest for patient treatment. Moreover, the physiopathological characteristics of tumors play an essential role in the success of cancer treatment. Here, we present an overview of the application of double-walled microparticles for local drug delivery with particular focus on the electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) technique and its fabrication challenges. The review highlights the importance of a combination of experimental data and computational simulations for the design of an optimal delivery system.

Role of salivary epithelial toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in modulating innate immune responses in chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic periodontitis is initiated by sequential colonization with a broad array of bacteria and is perpetuated by an immune-inflammatory response to the changing biofilm. Host recognition of microbes is largely mediated by toll-like receptors (TLRs), which interact with conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Based on ligand recognition, TLR-2 and TLR-4 interact with most periodontal pathogens. Extracrevicular bacterial reservoirs, such as the oral epithelial cells, contribute to the persistence of periodontitis. Human saliva is a rich source of oral epithelial cells that express functional TLRs. In this study we investigated the role of salivary epithelial cell (SEC) TLR-2 and TLR-4 in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was collected from patients with generalized chronic periodontitis and from healthy individuals after obtaining informed consent. Epithelial cells isolated from each UWS sample were assessed for TLR-2, TLR-4, peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP)-3 and PGRP-4 by quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, the SECs were stimulated in vitro with microbial products for up to 24 h. The culture supernatant was assessed for cytokines by ELISA. RESULTS: Stimulation with TLR-2- or TLR-4-specific ligands induced cytokine secretion with differential kinetics and up-regulated TLR2 and TLR4 mRNAs, respectively, in cultures of SECs from patients with periodontitis. In addition, the SECs from patients with periodontitis exhibited reduced PGRP3 and PGRP4 mRNAs, the TLR-responsive genes with antibacterial properties. CONCLUSION: SECs derived from the UWS of patients with chronic periodontitis are phenotypically distinct and could represent potential resources for assessing the epithelial responses to periodontal pathogens in the course of disease progression and persistence.

A comparative evaluation on the cleaning and shaping ability of three nickel titanium rotary instruments using computerized tomography - An ex vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Successful root canal treatment depends primarily on the removal of micro-organisms through chemo-mechanical instrumentation of the root canal system. This encompasses shaping by mechanical removal of the dentine and cleaning by chemical disinfection of microorganisms and dissolution of organic tissues from the root canal. While root canal shaping can be predictably and efficiently attained with advanced instrumentation technology, effective cleaning of the entire root canal system remains a challenge. Rotary nickel titanium instruments are known for their efficient preparation of root canal. This is mainly because of the super elasticity of the nickel titanium alloy which gives an increased flexibility and allows the instrument to efficiently follow the original path of root canal. The purpose of this study is to compare the cleaning efficiency and shaping ability of M two, K3, Race ni-ti rotary instruments during the preparation of curved canals in extracted molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty teeth with 18 mm as their working length were selected and divided into three groups of 10 teeth each Angle of curvature, Radius of curvature, was determined using computerized tomography. A Pre and Post-operative measurement of canal width and volume was recorded and compared using CT. The teeth was then sectioned into two halves and subjected to scanning electron microscope. Images were taken at the level of apical third, middle third and coronal third for debris and smear layer. Scoring was done separately for both debris and smear layer. RESULTS: Results were tabulated and statistically analyzed to evaluate the shaping ability and cleaning efficiency. Instruments were examined for any deformation or fracture during canal preparation. CONCLUSION: M two showed greater enlargements in all the three levels, when compared its width and volume, with other two instruments. K3 was better than Race when compared among them. In the scanning electron microscope study for debris and smear layer M Two performed better followed by K3 and Race.

The current practice of the management of little finger metacarpal fractures--a review of the literature and results of a survey conducted among upper limb surgeons in the United Kingdom.

Little finger metacarpal fractures are the most common type of metacarpal fractures and the treatment is quite variable as it is a multifactorial entity comprised of subcapital, metacarpal shaft and base fractures. These fractures are common presentations in the fracture clinics and the general orthopaedic surgeons treat them until a complex case warrants specific decision making by a hand surgeon. The management of many of these fractures is still a matter of debate and differ widely in the various parts of the United Kingdom. The aim of this study was to investigate the current practice of little finger metacarpal fractures among upper limb surgeons in the UK. We conducted an online survey among 278 upper limb orthopaedic specialist surgeons throughout the UK. Our response rate was 58%. There are various factors which dictate the treatment as suggested by these respondent upper limb consultants. For example, for fifth metacarpal neck fractures, it was generally recognised that 43% of upper limb surgeons prefer neighbour strapping alone for non-operative management of little finger metacarpal fractures. For little finger metacarpal shaft fractures, 39.3% of surgeons suggested that they would contemplate intervention, i.e. manipulation under anaesthesia/surgery if beyond 30° of volar angulation is present. For little finger metacarpal neck fractures, 33.7% would only consider surgical intervention beyond 60° of volar angulation. 91.6% of upper limb specialists agreed that they would operate on little finger metacarpal base fractures only if it was a fracture dislocation, while 71.8% suggested that they would proceed to operate on even a pure dislocation. We have illustrated the various permutations and combinations of these fractures with the results of our survey in this article in detail. The vast majority of metacarpal bone fractures are stable and treated conservatively. The different types of injury patterns must be recognised by the orthopaedic surgeons and appropriate treatment then should be executed to serve the patient optimally in due course.

Risk-scoring system for predicting mucositis in patients of head and neck cancer receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy [rssm-hn].

BACKGROUND: One of the most distressing complications of head and neck cancer patients on chemoradiotherapy is mucositis. There is no proper tool to predict its occurrence in these patients. AIM: This study was conducted to develop a risk-scoring system to predict probable incidence and severity of mucositis in head and neck cancer patients on chemoradiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis conducted at a tertiary care cancer center with approximately 2,000 new cases of head and neck cancer patients annually. We Hypothesized were age, comorbid conditions, leukocyte count, nutritional status, oral hygiene, tobacco use, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); Eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) performance status (PS) and TNM (tumor, node, metastasis) stage as possible risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to predict the cutoff values for risk factors, and a final scoring system was developed with sensitivity and specificity data. RESULTS: A total of 218 patients on chemoradiation receiving cisplatin 40 mg/m2 /week along with local radiation of 60-70 Gy depending on primary site were analyzed. Based on ROC analysis, the following cutoff values were selected: age > 40 years, ECOG PS > 2, WBC < 3000/µL, elevated ESR, albumin < 3 gm/dL and > stage III disease. The remaining factors were indicated as present or absent. A score of 1 was assigned for the above risk factors. For patients, the final score of 3 or less there is 17% probability of developing grade 3 or 4 mucositis, while patients having score of 6 or more have 76% probability. CONCLUSION: The current tool is fairly accurate in predicting development of mucositis in head and neck cancer patients on chemoradiotherapy. This will further help clinicians to adopt preventive strategies as well as better counseling.

Investigation of the radioprotective efficacy of hesperidin against gamma-radiation induced cellular damage in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the radioprotective efficacy of hesperidin (HN), a flavonone glycoside against gamma-radiation-induced cellular damage in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Different concentrations of HN (3.27, 6.55, 9.83, 13.10, 16.38 and 19.65 microM) were pre-incubated with lymphocytes for 30 min prior to gamma-irradiation [4 Gy] and the micronuclei (MN) scoring, dicentric aberration and comet assay were performed to fix the effective dose of HN against gamma-irradiation induced cellular damage. The results indicated that among all the concentrations, 16.38 microM concentration of HN showed optimum protection by effectively decreasing the MN frequencies, dicentric aberrations and comet attributes. Based on the above results, 16.38 microM concentration of HN was fixed as the effective dose to further investigate its radioprotective efficacy which was then carried out by pre-incubating lymphocytes with 16.38 microM concentration of HN, exposing the lymphocytes to different doses (1, 2, 3 and 4 Gy) of radiation and investigating radiation induced genetic damage (MN, dicentric aberration, comet assay, DNA fragmentation assay) and biochemical changes (changes in the level of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants, lipid peroxidation). The results indicated a dose dependent increase in both genetic damage and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), accompanied by a significant decrease in the antioxidant status compared to HN treated groups which modulated the toxic effects through its antioxidant potential. Thus the current study shows HN to be an effective radioprotector against gamma-radiation induced in-vitro cellular damage in lymphocytes.

Lycopene: An antioxidant and radioprotector against gamma-radiation-induced cellular damages in cultured human lymphocytes.

The present study aimed to evaluate the radioprotective effect of lycopene, a naturally occurring dietary carotenoid on gamma-radiation-induced toxicity. The cellular changes were estimated by using lipid peroxidative indices like thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxides (HP), the antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH). The DNA damage was analyzed by cytokinesis blocked micronucleus assay (CBMN), dicentric aberration (DC) and translocation frequency. The gamma-radiation at different doses (1, 2 and 4Gy) resulted in a significant increase in the number of micronuclei (MN), DC, translocation frequency, TBARS and HP level, whereas the levels of GSH and antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased when compared with normal control. The maximum damage to lymphocytes was observed at 4Gy irradiation. Lycopene pretreatment (1, 5 and 10microg/ml) significantly decreased the frequency of MN, DC and translocation when compared with gamma-radiation control. The levels of TBARS, HP were also decreased and activities of SOD, CAT and GPx were significantly increased along with GSH levels when compared with gamma-radiation control. The dose of 5microg/ml of lycopene was found to be more effective than the other two doses. Thus, our result shows that pretreatment with lycopene offers protection to normal lymphocytes against gamma-radiation-induced cellular damage.

Soluble forms of Toll-like receptor 4 are present in human saliva and modulate tumour necrosis factor-alpha secretion by macrophage-like cells.

In health, mucosal inflammation is prevented by tightly regulated responses via Toll-like receptors (TLR) that interact with specific microbe associated molecular patterns. Currently, 13 TLRs have been identified. Based on the specificity of ligand recognition, TLR-2 and TLR-4 can recognize most oral commensal microorganisms. Recent identification of some soluble TLRs (sTLRs) suggests additional regulatory roles for these receptors. We report here the presence of sTLR-4 polypeptides in adult human saliva. Functionally, the salivary sTLR-4 suppressed cytokine secretion by activated macrophages. The sTLR-4 levels were elevated significantly in oral lichen planus (OLP), a chronic inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa characterized by clinical persistence. In contrast, the epithelial cells in the saliva of OLP subjects expressed significantly reduced TLR-2 and TLR-4 mRNA that correlated with fewer bacteria/salivary epithelial cells. Investigating the soluble and cellular components of saliva is useful in identifying potential biomarkers for oral mucosal lesions.