An uncommon aetiology for a common clinical problem: Primary pericardial mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a tumour arising from the mesothelial cells lining the pleura, pericardium, peritoneum, or the tunica vaginalis of testes. Primary pericardial mesothelioma is a rare tumour that can have varied manifestations and survival in patients with malignant pericardial tumours is generally dismal. The role of asbestos in pericardial mesotheliomas is less well established compared to that in pleural or peritoneal mesotheliomas. The prognosis is generally poor with the treatment options available. We present a middle-aged man with large pericardial effusion secondary to primary pericardial mesothelioma with no previous exposure to asbestos.

Identification of a repurposed drug as an inhibitor of Spike protein of human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by computational methods

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging new viral pathogen that causessevere respiratory disease. SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.As there are no confirmed antiviral drugs or vaccines currently available for the treatment of COVID-19,discovering potent inhibitors or vaccines are urgently required for the benefit of humanity. The glycosylatedSpike protein (S-protein) directly interacts with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptorthrough the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of S-protein. As the S-protein is exposed to the surface and isessential for entry into the host, the S-protein can be considered as a first-line therapeutic target for antiviraltherapy and vaccine development. In silico screening, docking, and molecular dynamics simulation studieswere performed to identify repurposing drugs using DrugBank and PubChem library against the RBD ofS-protein. The study identified a laxative drug, Bisoxatin (DB09219), which is used for the treatment ofconstipation and preparation of the colon for surgical procedures. It binds nicely at the S-protein–ACE2interface by making substantial p-p interactions with Tyr505 in the ‘Site 1’ hook region of RBD andhydrophilic interactions with Glu406, Ser494, and Thr500. Bisoxatin consistently binds to the proteinthroughout the 100 ns simulation. Taken together, we propose that the discovered molecule, Bisoxatin may bea promising repurposable drug molecule to develop new chemical libraries for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 entryinto the host.

Volume changes during head-and-neck radiotherapy and its impact on the parotid dose – A single-institution observational study

Aims: This study aims at assessing the volume changes that occur in the targets (gross tumor volume and planning target volume [PTV]) and the organs at risk in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck during radiotherapy and assessing the dose changes that occur as a result of them. Settings and Design: This was a prospective observational study in a tertiary care center after obtaining the appropriate scientific and ethics committee clearance. Subjects and Methods: Forty-five patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, who were treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy in the time period from March 2018 to May 2019, were enrolled in the study. A planning computed tomography (CT) scan (CTplan) was done for all patients, followed by scans after 15 fractions (CT15) and after 25 fractions (CT25). The volume changes and the subsequent dose changes were assessed and recorded. Statistical Analysis Used: Data entry was done in MS Excel spreadsheet. The continuous variables were expressed as mean + standard deviation. The comparison of normally distributed continuous variables was done by paired t-test. Data analysis was done by SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 16.0. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A multivariate linear regression model was constructed to study the correlation between mean dose to the parotid glands and the other variables. All statistical modeling and analysis were done using SAS (Statistical Analysis Software) version 9.4. Results: Of the 45 patients, 25 were male and 20 were female. The majority of the patients had malignancies in the oral cavity (16) and hypopharynx (14). Most of them had Stage III/IV (AJCC v 8) disease (41). There were a 36% decrease in the PTV-high risk (PTV-HR) volume and a 6.05% decrease in the PTV-intermediate risk (PTV-IR) volume CT15. In CT25, the volume decrease in the PTV-HR and the PTV-IR was 47% and 9.06%, respectively. The parotid glands also underwent a reduction in their volume which has been quantified as 21.7% and 20.9% in the ipsilateral and contralateral parotids in CT15 and 36% and 33.6% in CT25, respectively. The D2 (dose received by 2% of the volume) and D98 (dose received by 98% of the volume) of the PTV-IR showed changes of +3.5% and –0.2% in CT15 and + 4.6% and –0.31% in CT25, respectively. The homogeneity index and conformity number of the PTV-IR changes by 0.03 and 0.08 in CT15 and by 0.04 and 0.12 in CT25, respectively. The mean dose to the ipsilateral parotid gland increased by 14% in CT15 and 19% in CT25. The mean dose to the contralateral parotid gland increased by 17% in CT15 and 25% in CT25. Conclusion: The dose to the parotid glands increases as a result of the changes that occur during the course of radiation. The changes are significant after 15 fractions of radiation. A replanning at this juncture might be considered to reduce the dose to the parotid glands

Management of pseudo tumour in haemophilia patients

A hemophilic pseudotumor is one of the rare complications of hemophilia that results from repetitive bleeding, forming an expanding destructive encapsulated hematoma and necrosed tissue. It has a considerable amount of morbidity. These have become rare over the years with better treatment modalities like factor replacement. Presently, excision is the preferred treatment by many authors. There are instances where surgical excision is not feasible. In such situations, radiotherapy and arterial embolization should be considered either alone or as an adjunct to surgery. A 32 years old male patient, with severe hemophilia A diagnosed with an abdominal tumour 7 years ago during routine screening, that progressively grew to encompass the lower abdominal area. A 44 years old male patient with hemophilia A presented with slow growing swelling over the left gluteal region since, 10 years associated with ulceration and bleeding since, 3 days. The management of a patient with a haemophilic pseudo tumour is complex, with a high rate of potential complications. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice but can only be carried out by a multidisciplinary surgical team. The main postoperative complications are rebleed, infection, fistula and pathological fractures. Pelvic pseudo tumours can even become complicated by fistula formation to the large bowel and by obstruction of the ureters. Untreated pseudo tumours will ultimately destroy soft tissues, erode bone, and may produce neurovascular complications. The hemophilic pseudo tumour is a rare entity which is slow growing painless tumour, with few reports worldwide in the management of this rare complication.

In silico characterization of structural and functional impact of the deleterious SNPs on FSHR gene

FSHR is an important gene which plays a major role in the development of secondary sex characteristics and influences the female reproductive cycle by regulating the Follicle Stimulating Hormone. Though this gene and its protein are extensively studied, no attempts have been made yet to methodically analyze the variants in this gene. One of the chief objectives during the analysis of human genetic variation is to distinguish between the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that are functionally neutral from those that contribute to the disorder. To predict the possible impact of SNPs on the FSHR structure and function, data were obtained from NCBI (dbSNP and dbVar) and validated manually. Various bioinformatics tools were used to predict the alterations at transcriptional, post transcriptional stages and protein interaction. Around 38 variants reported by NCBI Variation Viewer were sorted by SIFT and 14 of them were reported damaging, 13 were reported to be either benign or damaging by PROVEAN and Panther. From these 13 SNPs, the most damaging (11 SNPs) were modeled using Pymol and the energy difference between the native and mutated structure was calculated by Swiss PDB – Viewer. Based on our analysis, we have reported potential candidate SNPs for the FSHR gene involved in the regulation of ovarian pathophysiology.

Impact of Pseudomonas putida RRF3 on the root transcriptome of rice plants: Insights into defense response, secondary metabolism and root exudation

The parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus is one of the world’s most important parasites of small ruminants that causessignificant economic losses to the livestock sector. The population structure and selection in its various strains are poorlyunderstood. No study so far compared its different populations using genome-wide data. Here, we focused on differentgeographic populations of H. contours from China (Tibet, TB; Hubei, HB; Inner Mongolia, IM; Sichuan, SC), UK andAustralia (AS), using genome-wide population-genomic approaches, to explore genetic diversity, population structure andselection. We first performed next-generation high-throughput 2b RAD pool sequencing using Illumina technology, andidentified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in all the strains. We identified 75,187 SNPs for TB, 82,271 for HB,82,420 for IM, 79,803 for SC, 83,504 for AS and 78,747 for UK strain. The SNPs revealed low-nucleotide diversity (p =0.0092–0.0133) within each strain, and a significant differentiation level (average Fst = 0.34264) among them. Chinesepopulations TB and SC, along with the UK strain, were more divergent populations. Chinese populations IM and HBshowed affinities to the Australian strain. We then analysed signature of selection and detected 44 (UK) and 03 (AS) privateselective sweeps containing 49 and 05 genes, respectively. Finally, we performed the functional annotation of selectivesweeps and proposed biological significance to signature of selection. Our data suggest that 2b-RAD pool sequencing canbe used to assess the signature of selection in H. contortus.

The need for assessing mental health literacy among teachers: an overview

Background: The magnitude of mental disorders is a growing public health concern. According to World Health Organization (WHO) reports, one out of five children suffer from a disabling mental illness. Majority of mental illnesses start during the adolescent period. Management of mental illnesses start from recognizing the needy adolescent and providing appropriate therapy and support. Most of the children and adolescents are students who spend almost half of their active time in schools under observation of their teachers. Teachers interact with students daily and can spot the changes in their behavior before they develop full-blown symptoms. Hence, teachers can be a major resource of importance in providing basic mental health services. The teacher’s ability to identify the early signs of mental illness in adolescent students can be considered as the most critical and neglected area. Majority of the studies are conducted in the community or adolescent students and much less attention has been paid to the mental health literacy of educators, who are important role models and youth influencers in addressing mental health literacy. The scenario in India in this regard is highly disappointing with few studies done among teachers.

Why mental health literacy still matters: a review

The magnitude of mental disorders is a growing public health concern. An increasing amount of research globally has attempted to understand the reasons for poor help-seeking for different mental health disorders. A segment of work has focused on ‘mental health literacy’ (MHL) defined as knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management & prevention. Studies on mental health literacy, people’s knowledge of, and attitude towards mental illness, and beliefs about mental health treatment were obtained through a review of literature in PubMed databases using the medical subject headings (MeSH) terms and unpublished, grey literature during the year 1995 to 2018. Nearly 50 of the eligible articles were included for the final report. Findings revealed that the general public have relatively poor recognition of the symptoms of mental health disorders and appear to emphasise self-help over standard medical treatments. Negative attitudes toward mental illness that hinders individuals from seeking professional treatment, and help-seeking are the common themes that emerge from the findings. Findings also revealed that treatment seeking, attitudes and beliefs toward mental illness are related to mental health literacy. Several different factors that influence have been identified, including gender, culture, age, educational qualifications, and personality. MHL in general remains at a relatively low level. There is an urgent need to improve awareness of mental illness and mental health literacy among the general public. Future research for improving MHL are required.

A comparative study with clinico-pathological correlation between ultrasonography, mammography and fine needle aspiration cytology in evaluation of breast lumps in coastal population of Karaikal

Background: Breast cancer is the most common site-specific cancer in women and is the leading cause of death from cancer for women of age 40 to 44 year. It accounts for 33% of all female cancers and is responsible for 20% of the cancer-related deaths in women. However, the vast majority of the lesions that occur in the breast are benign. Aim of the study: To assess the effectiveness of FNAC, Ultrasonography, and Mammography in the evaluation of breast lumps by correlating to histopathology. Materials and Methods: Patients attending Surgery Outpatient Department with breast-related complaints during the period from November 2017 to April 2019 were assessed using Triple assessment. Each patient was subjected to clinical examination, mammography, FNAC, Ultrasonogram and HPE, and the results analyzed. Results: 40 patients were included in the study, with age ranging from 25 years to 60 years. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of Clinical Examination w a s 87.5%, Balasundaram, A. Nilavazhagan. A comparative study with clinico-pathological correlation between ultrasonography, mammography and fine needle aspiration cytology in evaluation of breast lumps in coastal population of Karaikal. IAIM, 2019; 6(9): 21-27. Page 22 93.75%, 77.77%, 96.77%; FNAC was 87.5%, 100%, 100%, 96.96%; Mammogram was 87.5%, 90.62%, 70%, 96.6%; and SG was 62.5%, 93.75%, 71.42%, 90.90% respectively. Conclusion: In patients with a definite lump, Clinical examination and FNAC alone may be sufficient to rule out malignancy. A mammogram is needed in patients with no clinically palpable lump and to rule out multi-centric and multi-focal disease.

Ocular manifestations of Rickettsia conorii in South India

Purpose: Among the major groups of rickettsiosis, the commonly reported diseases in India are: (a) Typhus group induced—scrub typhus, murine flea-borne typhus; (b) Spotted fever group induced—Indian tick typhus; and (c) Q fever. Though many scrub typhus outbreaks have been reported from India, only one outbreak of spotted fever—serologically proven Indian tick typhus (Rickettsia conorii)—has been reported. We report for the first time ocular manifestations of serologically proven R. conorii infection in a cluster of patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, case records patients with serologically proven Indian tick typhus (Rickettsia conorii) were reviewed for clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes. Results: In the months of February to April 2016, a cluster of 12 patients (23 eyes) visited us with defective vision. Examination showed multifocal retinitis; mostly bilateral; patients had a history of fever approximately 4 weeks prior to onset of symptoms. After excluding other causes of multifocal retinitis, a diagnosis of rickettsial retinitis was made after Weil–Felix test (WFT) was significantly positive, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was positive for R. conorii. Course of the disease, visual outcome, and investigations are discussed. Doxycycline along with oral corticosteroids was effective in treating the condition. Conclusion: Systematic fundus examination should be part of the routine evaluation of any patient who presents with fever and/or skin rash living in or returning from a specific endemic area. Clinical clues to diagnosing ocular rickettsiosis could be multifocal retinitis predominantly involving the posterior pole and macular involvement in the form of serous macular detachment or macular hard exudates. A positive WFT still serves as a useful and cheap diagnostic tool for laboratory diagnosis of rickettsial disease. Doxycycline along with oral corticosteroids was effective in treating the condition.

Clinical study of molecular hormonal receptor level status among carcinoma of breast in Karaikal population

Background: Breast cancer patients with the same stage of disease can have markedly different treatment responses and overall outcome. The strongest predictors for metastases (for example, lymph node status and histological grade) fail to classify accurately breast tumors according to their clinical behavior. The discordance in estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status between primary and recurrent breast cancer are being intensively investigated and a large amount of data have been produced. Aim: To study the epidemiological and clinical profile of carcinoma breast with analysis of receptor status. Materials and methods: A descriptive study of 40 cases of carcinoma breast with receptor analysis, in Vinayaka Missions Medical College, Karaikal, from June 2015- June 2016 was done. Detailed history, clinical examination, and investigations were done, after staging, patients were treated with a suitable type of mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy as indicated. Cases were followed up for one year, data thus obtained was analyzed and results compared. Results: All our cases were unilateral- 26 (65%) right breast and 14(35%) left breast. Majority of the cases had lump measuring >5cm –30 (75%). 23 (57.5%) of cases had a tumor in the upper outer quadrant, followed by other locations. Most of the cases were stage III- 27 (67.5%), 3 (7.5%) had metastasis at the time of presentation. The predominant histological type was infiltrating ductal M Balasundaram, Reny Jayaparakas, Subith P Bhaskar. Clinical study of molecular hormonal receptor level status among carcinoma of breast in Karaikal population. IAIM, 2017; 4(10): 151-156. Page 152 carcinoma 31 (77.5%). There was a predominance of ER+/PR+24 ( 60%), followed by ER-/PR-, ER+/PR- then ER-/PR+. Conclusion: Majority of the cases belonged to stage III, with a predominance of infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Reporting to the hospital in earlier stages of the disease is lacking in the study population and highlights the need for public education and screening methods. It also emphasizes to analyze hormone receptor status in patients, as receptor positive status significantly reduces recurrence if hormone therapy is initiated.

Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family proteins: New therapeutic targets in major diseases.

The bromodomains and extra-terminal domain (BET) family proteins recognize acetylated chromatin through their bromodomains (BDs) and help in regulating gene expression. BDs are chromatin ‘readers’: by interacting with acetylated lysines on the histone tails, they recruit chromatin-regulating proteins on the promoter region to regulate gene expression and repression. Extensive efforts have been employed by scientific communities worldwide to identify and develop potential inhibitors of BET family BDs to regulate protein expression by inhibiting acetylated histone (H3/H4) interactions. Several small molecule inhibitors have been reported, which not only have high affinity but also have high specificity to BET BDs. These developments make BET family proteins an important therapeutic targets for major diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, obesity and inflammation. Here, we review and discuss the structural biology of BET family BDs and their applications in major diseases.

Evaluation of Neuroprotective Effect of Quercetin and Coenzyme Q10 in Ethanol Induced Neurotoxicity in Mice.

Ethanol is a principle ingredient of alcoholic beverages with potential neuronal-genotoxicity, and associated neuronal oxidative DNA damage, neurodegeneration in the CNS and neurocognitive deficits is well documented. Chronic consumption of alcohol is associated with disturbances of mnemonic functions and behavioural deficit. DNA-damaging molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipidperoxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and acetaldehyde are potent genotoxic agents.Combined application of Quercetin and Coenzyme Q10 ameliorated the neurotoxicity by significantly reducing the potential biomarkers of oxidative stress, augmenting neurotransmitter, and cellular DNA and ATP contents. These results suggest that combined application of Quercetin and Coenzyme Q10 will be beneficial in prevention of neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits associated with alcoholism and these therapeutic interventions could have a clinical implication associated with alcoholism. The combined neuroprotective treatment of Quercetin and Coenzyme Q10 has been proven to ameliorate the neurotoxicity induced by ethanol.

Socioepidemiologic Profile and Treatment-seeking Behaviour of HIV/AIDS Patients in a Tertiary-care Hospital in South India.

India has the third largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS. Provision of free antiretroviral therapy (ART) for eligible persons living with HIV (PLHA) has been scaled up significantly both in terms of facilities for treatment and number of beneficiaries. This study aimed at describing the profile of HIV/AIDS patients on ART from a tertiary-care hospital and to explore the factors associated with treatment-seeking behaviour, family support, and perceptions regarding HIV and ART. This is a descriptive study conducted at the ART centre in a tertiary-care hospital in Puducherry. Study population consisted of 130 HIV-positive patients aged more than 18 years on free firstline ART for at least 6 months. Data on sociodemographic details, clinical details, treatment-seeking behaviour, family support, and perceptions regarding HIV and ART were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Data are presented as percentages. In total, 130 patients on ART for at least 6 months were included in the study—61% were males (n=79), 39% were females (n=51); half of them belonged to the age-group of 36-50 years. Half of the participants were diagnosed to have HIV/AIDS between 1 and 3 year(s); two-thirds had one or more co-infection(s). The majority were aware of the side-effects of ART. After advice to start ART, there was a delay in starting treatment in one-fifth of the subjects due to depression, fear of stigma, disclosure to family, and side-effects. More than two-thirds of the patients travelled more than 30 km distance. Families of HIV-positive subjects were supportive in accompanying to the ART centre, collecting drugs, reminders to take medication, and motivation to complete the treatment. Alcohol (50%) and tobacco consumption (39%) was common among the subjects. Half of the respondents stated stigma, death, and pain as the main fears, and all of them stated high levels of trust and rapport with their doctors. This study reveals several positive aspects among ART beneficiaries. However, issues, like tobacco and alcohol consumption, travelling long distance for drug collection, fear of stigma and death, and concerns regarding the future, need to be addressed.

Design and characterization of ofloxacin niosomes

Niosomes are non ionic surfactant vesicles and potential surrogate for liposomes. The aim of the present investigation was to formulate and evaluate niosomes. The formulated ofloxacin niosomes were evaluated for their particle size, zeta potential, surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies. Niosomes of ofloxacin were prepared by thin film hydration technique using rotary flash evaporator. The formulated ofloxacin niosomes showed a vesicle size of 3.0-3.8 Micro m and zeta potential of -9 to -13 mV. The in vitro release studies showed 98.79% of ofloxacin release in sustained manner following first order kinetics. The stability study confirmed the stability of Ofloxacin niosomes. Pharmacokinetics studies of ofloxacin niosomes made with Span 60 showed increased C[max] AUC, AUMC, t[1/2] and MRT values compared to marketed intravenous ofloxacin product. The designed ofloxacin niosomes with span 60 showed good physicochemical properties, good stability, improved pharmacokinetic parameters, prolonged action and improved bioavailability than the commercially available conventional dosage form which might be a potential carrier system to improve the patient compliance and reduce the side effects

Effect of caesalpinia pulcherrima [L.] Sw. seeds on serum glucose and other metabolic parameters of normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Oral administration of the ethanol extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima seeds [CP-250 and 500 mg/kg] caused significant fall in blood glucose levels even at 2[nd] hrs after a single dose of treatment in normal fasted and glucose loaded Wistar rats. At 250 mg/kg dose level, CP prevented the elevation of blood glucose caused by oral glucose feeding. In alloxan diabetic rats, CP at 250 mg/kg could lower the blood glucose level to around 132 mg/100 ml from 10th day and thereafter. The biochemical findings were supported by histopathological studies of liver, kidney and pancreas of control and treated rats. CP administration increased catalase levels of diabetic rats. Reduced levels of serum protein and elevated levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase [SGOT], serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase [SGPT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine and uric acid were almost normalised in CP treated diabetic rats. CP also reduced in vitro lipid peroxidation in rats liver microsomes and inhibit 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl [DPPH] induced free radicals significantly

Phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of prop roots of Pandanus fascicularis Lam

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the ethanol and aqueous extracts of prop roots of Pandanus fascicularis (P. fascicularis) Lam (pandanaceae). And provide experimental evidence for its traditional use such as rheumatoid arthritis and spasmodic.@*METHODS@#The anti-inflammatory activity was observed by carrageenan-induced edema of the hind paw of rats. Analgesic activities of prop roots of P. fascicularis were determined using acetic acid induced writhing model and tail clip method in mice and rat, respectively. The ethanol fraction was then subjected to chromatographic analysis and a compound has been isolated and characterized by IR, (1)H-NMR and mass spectroscopy.@*RESULTS@#Edema suppressant effect of ethanol extract was found to be 37.03% inhibition whereas aqueous extract was found to be 63.22% inhibition after 3 h which was nearly equivalent to that of 10 mg/kg of indomethacin (67.81%). Percentage inhibition of writhing compared to control were 63.15%, 54.38%, 14.90% for aspirin, aqueous extract and ethanolic extract, respectively. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts show significant activity against appropriate controls after 60 min of treatment on tail clip method. The structure of the isolated compound is may be characterized as Hepta deca-5-ene-1-ol by analysis it's IR, (1)H-NMR and mass spectroscopy data.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The extracts of prop roots of P. fascicularis produce significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the traditional application of this herb in treating various diseases associated with inflammation and pain.

A rare case of congenital heart disease with ambiguous genitalia.

Birth defects have become the important cause of mortality and morbidity in the perinatal period. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect which includes the varying forms of cardiac abnormalities and occurs with an incidence of 1 per 100 live births. In most of the cases, CHD is an isolated malformation, but about 33% have associated anomalies. Ambiguous genitalia are one such rare anomaly that is associated with CHD among other genital abnormalities. The possible causes for this association could be pseudohermaphroditism, which in turn, may be due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The government of any country should consider providing for its people a free prenatal diagnosis for susceptible disorders.

Effect of antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and their analogues on azo-dye binding protein in liver of rats treated with p-dimethylaminoazobenzene.

p-Dimethylaminoazobenzene (DAB) is an azo-dye and known to cause liver tumour in rats. Azo-dye binding protein is a specific cytosolic protein involved in the translocation of azo-dye carcinogen metabolites from liver cytoplasm into the nucleus. Administration of vitamin A (40,000 and 50,000 IU), L-ascorbic acid (500 and 1,000 mg) and vitamin E succinate (200–500 mg) reduced the amount of azo-dye binding protein in liver of rats treated with DAB. Supplementation of high doses of vitamin A acetate, vitamin A palmitate, sodium ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate and vitamin E acetate had no effect on the quantity of azo-dye binding protein in liver. When the vitamin mixture was given, the level of azo-dye binding protein decreased in the liver at all the studied doses, which may be due to their synergistic effect.