Role of sonic hedgehog ligand in gastric cancer therapeutics.

Purpose: The abnormal activation of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is responsible for the progression of several types of cancers including Gastric Cancer (GC). SHH has been associated with the activation of different signaling pathways. Therefore, in this study, we investigated messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of SHH in gastric malignancies and possible correlation with various clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 53 surgically resected tumors and adjacent histologically normal tissues from GC patients were investigated in study subjects. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry methods were used for expression analysis of SHH. Results: At mRNA level, SHH was overexpressed in 60% (27/45) of GC cases as compared to their adjacent normal tissues. SHH immunohistochemical analysis revealed abundant cytoplasmic localization and overexpression in 43.39% (23/53) of GC tissues. SHH overexpression was not associated with any of the clinicopathological parameters. Conclusion: Our results showed that SHH is dysregulated in GC and might be considered as a biomarker for GC progression and can be used as a target in cancer therapeutics.

Probing the Site-Specific Reactivity and Catalytic Activity of Ag n (n = 15-20) Silver Clusters.

Density functional theory calculations within the framework of generalized gradient approximation (GGA), meta-GGA, and local functionals were carried out to investigate the reactivity and catalytic activity of Ag n (n = 15-20) clusters. Our results reveal that all the Ag n clusters in this size range, except Ag20, adsorb O2 preferably in the bridged mode with enhanced binding energy as compared to the atop mode. The O2 binding energies range from 0.77 to 0.29 in the bridged mode and from 0.36 to 0.15 eV in the atop mode of O2 adsorption. The strong binding in the case of the bridged mode of O2 adsorption is also reflected in the increase in O-O bond distance. Natural bond orbital charge analysis and vibrational frequency calculations reveal that enhanced charge transfer occurs to the O2 molecule and there is significant red shift in the stretching frequency of O-O bond in the case of the bridged mode of O2 adsorption on the clusters, thereby confirming the above results. Moreover, the simulated CO oxidation reaction pathways show that the oxidation of the CO molecule is highly facile on Ag16 and Ag18 clusters involving small kinetic barriers and higher heats toward CO2 formation.

Identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors from the major phytochemicals of Nigella sativa: An in silico approach.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which emerged in December 2019, continues to be a serious health concern worldwide. There is an urgent need to develop effective drugs and vaccines to control the spread of this disease. In the current study, the main phytochemical compounds of Nigella sativa were screened for their binding affinity for the active site of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) enzyme of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The binding affinity was investigated using molecular docking methods, and the interaction of phytochemicals with the RdRp active site was analyzed and visualized using suitable software. Out of the nine phytochemicals of N. sativa screened in this study, a significant docking score was observed for four compounds, namely α-hederin, dithymoquinone, nigellicine, and nigellidine. Based on the findings of our study, we report that α-hederin, which was found to possess the lowest binding energy (-8.6 kcal/mol) and hence the best binding affinity, is the best inhibitor of RdRp of SARS-CoV-2, among all the compounds screened here. Our results prove that the top four potential phytochemical molecules of N. sativa, especially α-hederin, could be considered for ongoing drug development strategies against SARS-CoV-2. However, further in vitro and in vivo testing are required to confirm the findings of this study.

Atopy in Kashmir-validation from a case control study with respect to IgE and Interleukin genes.

OBJECTIVES: Increased levels of serum Immunoglobulin-E (IgE) and different genetic variants of cytokines are common biochemical manifestation in Allergy. The current study was aimed to study the association of IgE and different variants of Interleukin-4 (IL-4), and Interleukin-13 (IL-13) genes with different kind of allergies. METHODS: A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect all the dietary, life style and clinical details by a trained staff. A blood sample of 2 ml each was collected in coagulated and anti-coagulated vials. DNA and serum samples were extracted and stored until further use. Serum IgE were estimated by ELISA while as the genotypic analysis was done by PCR-RFLP methods. RESULTS: Statistically a significant difference of serum IgE levels were observed among cases and controls (P < 0.05). The observed significant difference of serum IgE levels were retained among subjects who also harboured variant genotypes of IL-4 and IL-13 genes (P < 0.05). Additionally, the above genetic variants significantly modified the risk of allergy when stratification was done based on various clinical characteristics. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that increased IgE levels and in association with variant forms of IL-4 and IL-13 genes are significantly associated with different types of allergies in study population.

Interleukin 4 and Interleukin 4 receptor alpha gene variants and risk of atopy - A case control study based assessment.

INTRODUCTION: IL4 pathway is known to upregulate IgE mediated immune responses and responsible for the manifestation of Atopic disorders. The current study was aimed to elucidate the genetic variations of Interleukin 4 (IL4) and Interleukin 4 receptor alpha (IL4R) genes and their possible association with atopic subjects. METHODS: The well-designed questionnaire was used to collect the subject demographic and clinical details. Biochemical parameters were analysed using Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) technique. The genotyping was performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: We observed a statistically significant difference of serum Immunoglobulin-E (IgE) levels among cases and controls (P<0.05). Subjects harbouring the variant genotypes of I50V and Q576R single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL4R gene showed statistically differential risk towards atopic disorders. However, the variants genotype of 70 bp VNTR polymorphism in IL4 gene showed a protective role towards in predisposition to Atopy. On stratification, the above genetic variants had a significant impact on modifiable and non-modifiable factors associated with the disease. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that increased IgE levels and IL4 gene variants (I50V and Q576R) are significantly associated towards predisposition to allergic disorders in this study population.

Differential Impact of Insulin Sensitizers vs. Anti-Androgen on Serum Leptin Levels in Vitamin D Replete PCOS Women: A Six Month Open Labeled Randomized Study.

Women with PCOS are linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, and vitamin D (VD) deficiency. The study endeavors to comprehend the differential impact of insulin sensitizers vs. anti-androgen on serum leptin levels among women with PCOS rendered vitamin D replete with high VD oral supplement. This was open-labeled randomized study that screened 180 eligible women presenting to Endocrine clinic with oligomenorrhea or features of hyperandrogenism. Ninety-nine women who furnished written informed consent and fulfilled the Rotterdam 2003 criteria for diagnosis of PCOS were randomized into 3 drug treatment arms to receive either spironolactone (50 mg/d; n=30), metformin (1000 mg/d; n=30) or pioglitazone (30 mg/d; n=30). These women were also administered oral VD (4000 IU/day) in addition to the allocated drug for a period of 6 months. Detailed history, clinical examination, and laboratory evaluation was carried out at baseline and 6 months after intervention. Number of menstrual cycles/year increased while as Ferriman-Gallwey score, blood glucose, HOMA-IR, and plasma insulin levels significantly decreased in all the three arms with better outcomes in spironolactone and pioglitazone arms (p<0.05). Similarly, serum leptin levels superiorly improved in spironolactone and pioglitazone group. Pioglitazone group showed better efficacy in lowering serum total testosterone (p<0.05). Co-supplementation of high dosage VD with spironolactone or pioglitazone are more effective in reducing plasma leptin levels than metformin, and thus might prove to be better therapeutic strategies for women with PCOS.

Association of Activity Altering Genotypes - Tyr113His and His139Arg in Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase Enzyme with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

The study aimed to explore the relationship of microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) exon 3 (Tyr113His) and exon 4 (His139Arg) polymorphisms and predicted mEH activity with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) risk. 482 histologically confirmed cases and equal number of matched controls were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Conditional logistic regression models were used to examine the association of polymorphisms with ESCC. We noted exon 3 slow genotype (OR = 6.57; CI 3.43-12.57) as well as predicted low mEH activity (OR = 3.99; CI 2.32-6.85) was associated with the ESCC risk. Elevated ESCC risk estimates were seen in smokers independent of genotypes but the association was stronger among smokers with exon 3 variant (OR = 6.67; 3.29-13.53) and low activity (OR = 7.52; CI 3.46-16.37) genotypes. Positive family history of cancer synergistically increased ESCC risk in the individuals who harbored exon 3 (OR = 13.59; CI 5.63-32.81) or altered mEH activity genotypes (OR = 13.35; CI 5.10-34.94). Significant interaction was seen between mEH exon 3 and exon 4 genotypes (P = 0.006) and between predicted mEH activity and positive family history of cancer (P = 0.018). These findings suggest association of ESCC risk with mEH polymorphisms which get modified by tobacco smoking and positive family history of cancer.

Correction to: GLP-I secretion in healthy and diabetic Wistar rats in response to aqueous extract of Momordica charantia.

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported that there was an error in the acknowledgements.

Correction to: GLP-I Secretion in Healthy and Diabetic Wistar Rats in Response to Aqueous Extract of Momordica charantia.

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported that there was an error in the acknowledgements. In this Correction, the incorrect and correct acknowledgements are shown.

GLP-I secretion in healthy and diabetic Wistar rats in response to aqueous extract of Momordica charantia.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is one of the major global health disorders increasing at an alarming rate in both developed and developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of aqueous extract of Momordica charantia (AEMC) on fasting blood glucose (FBG), tissue glycogen, glycosylated haemoglobin, plasma concentrations of insulin and GLP-1 hormone (glucagon-like peptide 1) in healthy and diabetic wistar rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (both normal and diabetic) were treated with AEMC by gavaging (300 mg/kg body wt/day for 28 days). RESULTS: AEMC was found to increase tissue glycogen, serum insulin and GLP-1 non-significantly (P > 0.05) in normal, significantly (P < 0.01) in diabetic Wistar rats, whereas decrease in FBG and Glycosylated haemoglobin non-significantly (P > 0.05) in normal, significantly (P < 0.01) in diabetic Wistar rats. The elevation of GLP-1 level in normal and diabetic treated groups may be due to the L-cell regeneration and proliferation by binding with L-cell receptors and makes a conformational change, resulting in the activation of a series of signal transducers. The polar molecules of M. charantia also depolarize the L-cell through elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and which in turn releases GLP-1. GLP-1 in turn elevates beta-cell proliferation and insulin secretion. CONCLUSION: The findings tend to provide a possible explanation for the hypoglycemic action of M. charantia fruit extracts as alternative nutritional therapy in the management and treatment of diabetes.

Association of Genetic Variants of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk in Northern India, Kashmir.

Genetic polymorphism in xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) is associated with various malignancies. However, the association of esophageal cancer with XMEs is mixed. The current study was aimed to explore the association of genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome (CYP) 2C19 and CYP2D6 genotypes with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) risk in Kashmir, India. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing methods were used for genotyping of 492 ESCC cases and equal number of individually matched controls. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals. Increased ESCC risk was observed in subjects with variant genotypes of CYP2C19 (OR = 3.3) or CYP2D6 (OR = 2.1) and risk was higher (OR = 4.6) in subjects who harbored both the genotypes. Almost same but higher risk turned when subjects were smokers and carried a variant genotype of CYP2C19 (OR = 4.4) or CYP2D6 (OR = 4.7). Risk was appreciably increased in subjects who had family history of any cancer and also harbored a variant genotype of either CYP2C19 (OR = 15.5) or CYP2D6 (OR = 9.7). Subjects harboring a variant genotype of CYP2D6 showed an added risk when they used biomass as fuel (OR = 4.6). In conclusion, variant genotypes of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 are associated with an increased risk of ESCC.

Prevalence, risk factors and consequences of overweight and obesity among schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study in Kashmir, India.

BACKGROUND: Obesity among children and adolescents is a growing public health problem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and metabolic consequences of obesity among schoolchildren from Kashmir, India. METHODS: The study subjects (n=2024) included 870 boys and 1154 girls, aged between 6 and 18 years. Data were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaires. Information was obtained about different lifestyles, anthropometric parameters and dietary habits. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) percentile as per the guidelines of Centers for Disease Control, 2000. For the evaluation of different clinical parameters, blood samples were collected from the subjects in the fasting state at 8 to 9 am after an overnight (10-12 h) fast. RESULTS: The highest representation of subjects was from fee-paying private schools. Out of the total subjects, 6.69% were overweight and 4.64% were obese. The hip circumference, abdominal circumference, BMI, blood pressure (BP), use of ready-made foods as well as the clinical parameters like glucose, phosphorous, cholesterol and triglycerides were found significantly higher among girls than boys (p<0.05). Boys were taller and were physically more active than girls (p<0.01). Compared to the boys (3.33%), the girls were found to be more obese (5.63%). Rural dwelling subjects (4.22%) exhibited a lower percentage of obesity than urban population (5.00%). The difference in obesity among the different age groups was found statistically significant (p<0.05). Additionally, children with active lives in the form of vigorous (10.59%) or moderate (10.34%) exercise decreased their chances of gaining weight substantially. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the present study have shown that prevalence of obesity among children was high in our population.

Duplication of Vermiform Appendix.

The vermiform appendix is a tubular, narrow, worm-shaped part of the alimentary canal that lies near the ileocecal junction and communicates with the caecum. Duplication of the vermiform appendix is rare, with a reported incidence of 0.004 %. Till now, fewer than 100 cases have been reported. We present a case of an 8-year-old male child with duplex appendix who presented to the emergency department of our institution with features of acute appendicitis.

Potential risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma due to nucleotide excision repair XPA and XPC gene variants and their interaction among themselves and with environmental factors.

The association of nucleotide excision repair (NER) gene polymorphisms with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is inconclusive. The aim of the current study was to assess the association of repair gene xeroderma pigmentosum A (XPA) (rs-1800975) and xeroderma pigmentosum C (XPC) (rs-2228000) polymorphisms with ESCC risk as well as modifying effects of environmental factors. The genotyping was done in 450 confirmed ESCC cases and equal number of individually matched controls by the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and direct sequencing methods. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess the genotypic associations and interactions. A high ESCC risk was found in subjects who carried the homozygous minor allele of XPA (odds ratio (OR) = 3.57; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.76-7.23), and the risk was higher when analysis was limited to participants who were ever smokers (OR = 4.22; 95 % CI = 2.01-8.88), lived in adobe houses (OR = 8.42; 95 % CI = 3.74-18.95), consumed large volumes of salt tea (OR = 7.42; 95 % CI = 3.30-16.69), or had a positive family history of cancer (FHC) (OR = 9.47; 95 % CI = 4.67-19.20). In case of XPC, a homozygous minor allele also showed strong association with ESCC risk (OR = 4.43; 95 % CI = 2.41-8.16). We again observed a very strong effect of the above environmental factors in elevating the risk of ESCC. Further, the variant genotypes of both genes in combination showed an increased risk towards ESCC (OR = 7.01; 95 % CI = 3.14-15.64) and such association was synergistically significant. Salt tea consumption showed an interaction with genotypes of XPA and XPC. However, an interaction with FHC was significant in the case of XPA genotype only. XPA and XPC genotypes are associated with an increased risk of ESCC, and such association was reasonably modulated by different exposures.

Secondhand Smoking and the Risk of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a High Incidence Region, Kashmir, India: A Case-control-observational Study.

Studies have associated secondhand smoking (SHS) with cancers of the lung, larynx, and pharynx. Only a few studies have examined the association between SHS and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the findings are inconclusive. We aimed to investigate the association between SHS and risk of ESCC in a case-control study in Kashmir, where the incidence of ESCC is high. We recruited 703 histopathologically confirmed ESCC cases and 1664 hospital-based controls individually matched to the cases for age, sex, and district of residence. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using conditional logistic regression models. Among never-tobacco users, the ORs for the association between SHS and ESCC risk were above unity with ever exposure to SHS (OR = 1.32; 95% CI, 0.43-4.02) and exposure to SHS for > 14 h/wk (median value) (OR = 2.69; 95% CI, 0.75-20.65). In the analysis of data from all participants, the OR (95% CI) for the association between SHS and ESCC was (OR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.53-1.93) for SHS ≤ 14 h/wk and (OR = 1.91; 95% CI, 0.75-4.89) for SHS >14 h/wk in the models adjusted for tobacco use and several other potential confounding factors. We found an indication of increased risk of ESCC associated with exposure to SHS. Studies with larger numbers of SHS-exposed never tobacco users are required to further examine this association.

Impediments in foreign collaboration and conducting a high throughput molecular epidemiology research in India, an assessment from a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer is one of the world's top ten cancers. Its incidence, especially in the form of squamous cell carcinoma, is very high in some Asian regions including Kashmir. Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh are three provinces of Jammu and Kashmir, the northern most state of India. The three regions represent ethnically diverse socio-cultural populations with different incidences of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), a suitable setting for epidemiological studies. Hence, comparing the lifestyle, dietary habits and gene pools between the three regions will help in elucidation of ESCC etiology further. Therefore, to assess the possibility of conducting a larger case control study, we carried out a feasibility study to identify the collaborators as well as to explore patient referral systems and available research facilities in the state. FINDINGS: We found conducting good cancer molecular epidemiology studies is difficult due to lack of proper research facilities and favourable administrative guidelines. The appropriate storage, transportation and analyses facilities of biological specimens for genome-wide association study and assessment of nutrition and exposure markers are unavailable or not sufficiently developed. Guidelines that can encourage scientific collaborations within the country seem unavailable. However, the administrative guidelines available under which the export of biological specimens out of India for analysis seems impossible. Consequently, Indian researchers are unable to collaborate with foreign scientists and render state of art research facilities inaccessible to them. Scientists in other parts of India may also confront with most of these impediments. CONCLUSION: The study found that for conducting conclusive molecular epidemiological studies in India, referral system in hospitals is not systematic, scientific research facilities are inadequate as well as the guidelines for foreign collaboration  are not favourable.

Salt tea consumption and esophageal cancer: a possible role of alkaline beverages in esophageal carcinogenesis.

Salt tea is the most commonly used beverage in Kashmir, India, where esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common cancer. Salt tea is brewed in a unique way in Kashmir, usually with addition of sodium bicarbonate, which makes salt tea alkaline. As little information about the association between salt tea drinking and ESCC was available, we conducted a large-scale case-control study to investigate this association in Kashmir. We recruited 703 histologically confirmed cases of ESCC and 1664 controls individually matched to cases for age, sex, and district of residence. Conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Participants who consumed >1,250 ml day(-1) showed an increased risk of ESCC (OR = 2.60, 95% CIs = 1.68-4.02). Samovar (a special vessel for the beverage preparation) users (OR = 1.77, 95% CIs 1.25-2.50) and those who ate cereal paste with salt tea (OR = 2.14, 95% CIs = 1.55-2.94) or added bicarbonate sodium to salt tea (OR = 2.12, 95% CIs = 1.33-3.39) were at higher risk of ESCC than others. When analysis was limited to alkaline tea drinkers only, those who both consumed cereal paste with salt tea and used samovar vessel were at the highest risk (OR = 4.58, 95% CIs = 2.04-10.28). This study shows significant associations of salt tea drinking and some related habits with ESCC risk.

Association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: results from a case-control study in Kashmir, India.

Polymorphisms in glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), the phase II xenobiotic detoxifying enzymes, have been associated with increased cancer risk. In this study, we assessed the association of functional polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 with esophageal cancer in Kashmir, India, an area with a high incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We analyzed genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 using a multiplex PCR in 492 pairs of ESCC cases and individually matched controls. The associations between polymorphisms in these genes and ESCC risk were examined by conditional logistic regression models adjusted for multiple potential confounders. In addition, the interaction between these genes and several environmental exposures with regard to ESCC risk was assessed. Our results showed an association between the GSTT1 null genotype and ESCC risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-2.39). Although GSTM1 alone was not associated with ESCC risk, individuals with the GSTM1 (-)/GSTT1 (+) genotype showed an inverse relation with ESCC risk (OR = 0.55; 95% CI 0.32-0.93), compared to GSTM1 (+)/GSTT1 (+) individuals. We found a significant interaction between the GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes with regard to ESCC risk (P = 0.001); however, there were no interactions between environmental factors and GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes. This study indicates that GSTT1 null genotype is associated with ESCC risk in Kashmiri population. The association between GSTM1 and ESCC risk needs further investigations. Interactions of these genotypes with environmental exposures should be examined in multicentric studies with bigger sample sizes.

CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 genotypes and risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a high-incidence region, Kashmir.

The study analyzed the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of phase I xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, cytochromes P450 (CYP) 1A1 and CYP2E1 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Kashmir, India. The different genotypes of CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism in 526 ESCC cases and equal number of matched controls. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess the association of various genotypes with ESCC, gene-gene, and gene-environment interactions. High risk of ESCC was found in participants who carried CYP1A1 Val/Val genotype (OR=2.87; 95 % CI=1.00-8.44) and the risk increased in such individuals when c1/c1 of CYP2E1 genotype was also present (OR=5.68; 95 % CI=1.09-29.52). Risk due to CYP1A1 Val/Val genotype was further enhanced (OR=8.55; 95 % CI=1.86-42.20) when the analysis was limited to ever smokers. Participants who carried CYP2E1 c1/c2 genotype showed an inverse relation (OR=0.27; 95 % CI=0.17-0.43) with ESCC. The inverse association of CYP2E1 c1/c2 genotype was retained when CYP1A1 Ile/Ile was also present (OR=0.18; 95 % CI=0.09-0.32), as well as when analysis was limited to ever smokers (OR=0.45; 95 % CI=0.23-0.90). Significant interaction was found between CYP1A1 (Val/Val) and CYP2E1 (c1/c1) genotypes (OR=1.30; 95 % CI=1.12-1.51; P=0.001) and between CYP1A1 (Val/Val) and smoking (OR=1.31; 95 % CI=1.01-1.69; P=0.043). The study suggests CYP1A1 Val/Val and CYP2E1 c1/c1 genotypes are significantly associated with ESCC risk.