A review of modern and Vedic practices on use of umbilical cord.

Stromal cells possess unique properties to regenerate themselves and cure various chronic illnesses. An easily available and ethical source for procurement of stromal cells is umbilical cord blood which is now being stored for future use. Vedic texts also describe the cord blood as a source of life. However, Indian traditions seem to preserve one more alternative for storage and procurement of stromal cells. Traditionally, in many parts of India, the umbilical cord stump is dried and stored for future use. It is used as a medicine for some illness and to treat infertility. Since Indian traditions are an excerpt of Vedic science, it points towards the possible emergence of dried stump as an easy and cost-effective means for stromal cell procurement and storage. The present review compiles the literature available on these traditional practices and stresses upon the need of rigorous experimental and theoretical research in the area.

Modulation of atrazine-induced chromosomal aberrations and cyclin-dependent kinases by aqueous extract of Roylea cinerea (D.Don) Baillon leaves in Allium cepa.

Roylea cinerea (D.Don) Baillon an indigenous medicinal plant of Lamiaceae family used for the treatment of several diseases. In the present study, its aqueous (leaves) extract was tested for genoprotective action against atrazine-induced chromosomal aberrations in the root tip cells of Allium cepa. Atrazine is a herbicide of triazine class commonly used to inhibit the growth of broad leaf and grassy weeds. In order to find the concentration of atrazine that exhibits maximum toxicity, its different concentrations (1, 5 and 10 µg/mL) were tested. It was observed that 10 µg/mL concentration was more toxic as it reduced the mitotic index and also increased the chromosomal aberrations. Among all the tested concentrations of aqueous (leaves) extracts (0.25. 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 3.0 µg/mL), the3.0 µg/mL concentration in both modes of experiments i.e. pre and post showed a significant reduction in chromosomal aberrations induced by atrazine. To understand the mechanism of protection by plant extract on atrazine-induced chromosomal abnormalities the RT-qPCR studies were conducted to observe the expression of marker genes Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) (CDKA:1, CDKB2:1 and CDKD1:1. For this, the RNA was extracted from root tips treated with extract along with atrazine by TRIzol®. It was observed that aqueous extract of Roylea cinerea (D.Don) Baillon leaves upregulated the CDKs gene expression in both the modes i.e. pre and post treatments. A critical analysis of results indicated that aqueous extract ameliorated the chromosomal aberrations caused by atrazine which may be be due to the increased expression level of CDKs genes.

Reversible retinopathy associated with oral deferasirox therapy.

A 17-year-old girl with a history of sickle cell anaemia undergoing chronic blood transfusions and iron-chelation therapy presented for multiple ophthalmic examinations. During treatment with deferoxamine, her examination remained stable but 2 years after changing to deferasirox she presented with decreased visual acuity and only mild funduscopic changes. Marked electrophysiological abnormalities were also evident. After cessation of deferasirox, her visual acuity improved and electrophysiological responses improved. No prior reports of deferasirox-related retinopathy are available. We suggest that oral deferasirox caused a reversible retinopathy in our patient and clinicians be aware of this entity.