Epigallocatechin-3-gallate(-)protects Chang liver cells against ethanol-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on ethanol (EtOH)-induced cytotoxicity in human Chang liver cells. Cells were incubated with either 30 mM EtOH alone or together in presence of (25 microM) EGCG for 24 hr. Assays were performed in treated cells to evaluate the ability of EGCG to prevent the toxic effects of EtOH. EtOH exposure suppressed the growth of Chang liver cells and induced lactate dehydrogenase leakage, oxygen radical formation, peroxidation of lipids, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) while oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentration was significantly elevated in EtOH-treated cells as compared to normal cells. Incubation of EGCG along with EtOH significantly prevented EtOH-dependent cell loss and lactate dehydrogenase leakage. This was associated with a reduction in oxidative damage as reflected by a reduction in the generation of reactive oxygen species, and in lipid peroxidation and maintenance of intracellular GSH/GSSG ratio. EGCG decreased the accumulation of sub-G(1) phase cells and reduced apoptosis. The findings suggest that EGCG exerts a protective action during EtOH-induced liver cell damage.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed extract prevents ethanol-induced toxicity and apoptosis in Chang liver cells.

The protective effect of a polyphenolic extract of fenugreek seeds (FPEt) against ethanol (EtOH)-induced toxicity was investigated in human Chang liver cells. Cells were incubated with either 30 mM EtOH alone or together in the presence of seed extract for 24 h. Assays were performed in treated cells to evaluate the ability of seeds to prevent the toxic effects of EtOH. EtOH treatment suppressed the growth of Chang liver cells and induced cytotoxicity, oxygen radical formation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration was decreased significantly (P < 0.05) while oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentration was significantly elevated in EtOH-treated cells as compared with normal cells. Incubation of FPEt along with EtOH significantly increased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, caused a reduction in lactate dehydrogenase leakage and normalized GSH/GSSG ratio. The extract dose-dependently reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation. Apoptosis was observed in EtOH-treated cells while FPEt reduced apoptosis by decreasing the accumulation of sub-G1 phase cells. The cytoprotective effects of FPEt were comparable with those of a positive control silymarin, a known hepatoprotective agent. The findings suggest that the polyphenolic compounds of fenugreek seeds can be considered cytoprotective during EtOH-induced liver damage.

Investigation of measles and rubella outbreaks in Tamil Nadu, India-2003.

The aims of the present study were to confirm measles outbreaks by detection of measles-specific IgM antibodies, isolation of measles virus, and genetic characterization to document the circulating genotypes in Tamil Nadu. Eight outbreaks were reported from six districts of Tamil Nadu, India during the period Jan-Dec 2003. Blood samples were collected for serology, urine, and throat swabs for virus isolation. Genotypic characterization of measles isolates was based on the sequence of the N gene. All the clinically suspected outbreaks (n = 8) were confirmed by serology; six out of the eight as measles and two as combination of measles and rubella highlighting the need to carry out rubella serology on measles-negative samples. Genetic characterization of three isolates obtained revealed one as genotype D4 and two as D8. Measles genotypes D4 and D8 were found to circulate in three districts of Tamil Nadu. It is necessary to be aware of the circulating genotypes within the geographical area. The information would be valuable to evaluate control measures and identify viral transmission and importation.