Statins decrease the expression of c-Myc protein in cancer cell lines.

Statins are potent inhibitors of the mevalonate/cholesterol biosynthetic pathway and are widely prescribed for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of the effects of three statins, simvastatin, atorvastatin, and lovastatin, on six different cancer cell lines that include a P-glycoprotein-expressing, multidrug resistant variant of an ovarian cancer cell line. Incubation of all cancer cell lines with statins resulted in suppression of cell proliferation without inducing apoptotic cell death. The cell proliferation arrest could be reversed upon transfer of cells to statin-free growth media as well as by the supplementation of the growth media with mevalonate. Further analysis suggested that statins induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in four cancer cell lines and the loss of c-Myc protein in three cancer cell lines. The c-Myc expression and the progression of cell division cycle were restored upon the addition of mevalonate to the culture media containing statins. Finally, cells incubated with statins contained an increased level of phosphorylated histone H2AX, an observation previously correlated to cellular senescence. Together, these data demonstrate that statins inhibit the mevalonate pathway which is tightly coupled to oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway, c-Myc expression, cell division cycle progression, and cellular senescence. Implications of these observations in the application of statins as cancer therapeutics are discussed.

Automated anti-Mullerian hormone measurement: data review to provide insights and interpretation.

RESULTS: AMH results were pooled and a table with 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles for each age group constructed. Based on Youden index, the optimal cut off for low responders (0-3 eggs), was 5.5 pmol/l (87% sensitivity, 55% specificity) and for high responders (>15 eggs) 15.6 pmol/l (78% sensitivity, 57% specificity). AMH correlated with number of eggs collected (r = 0.48) and clinical pregnancies (r = 0.14), (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The table of AMH levels measured using the Access 2 fully automated immunoassay system according to age may be used as a reference and cutoff levels for high and poor responders are clearly defined to help tailor controlled ovarian stimulation, maximizing efficiency and ensuring patient safety. The use of a random access automated immunoassay system means that blood sampled on arrival can produce an AMH result in 40 mins by the time the subject enters the doctor's clinic together with other relevant endocrine markers.

Infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes against the legume pod-borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius, infesting pigeon pea.

The legume pod-borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) (LPB), is an important insect pest of pigeon pea. Chemical pesticides are generally employed to manage this pest, but because of the soil residue issues and other environmental hazards associated with their use, biopesticides are also in demand. Another benign alternative is to use entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) to manage this vital pest. In the present study, the infectivity of ten native EPNs was evaluated against LPB by assessing their penetration and production in the LPB. The effectiveness of the promising EPNs against second-, third- and fourth-instar LPB larvae was also studied. Heterorhabditis sp. (Indian Agricultural Research Institute-Entomopathogenic Nematodes Rashid Pervez (IARI-EPN RP) 06) and Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 08) were found to be most pathogenic to LPB, resulting in about 100% mortality within 72 h, followed by Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 03 and 09). Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 04) was found to be the least pathogenic to LPB larva with 67% mortality. Maximum penetration was exhibited by Heterorhabditis sp. (IARI-EPN RP 06) followed by Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 08), whereas the lowest rate of penetration was exhibited by Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 01). The highest rate of production was observed with Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 08), followed by Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 04 and 10). Among the tested instars of the LPB larvae, second-instar larvae were more susceptible to EPNs, followed by third- and fourth-instar larvae. The results indicate that Heterorhabditis sp. (IARI-EPN RP 06) and Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 08) have a good potential to the manage LPB.

Antidiabetic potential and high synergistic antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesised with Musa Paradisiaca tepal extract.

This work investigates the Musa Paradisiaca plant and its tepal extracts. The research findings show that the tepal extracts of M. Paradisiaca contain high phytochemical activity. Hence we can conclude that these plants have a number of beneficial properties. Phytochemical analysis concludes that the plant is rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, terpenoids, and phytosterol. In the current work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have revealed the antioxidant properties of M. Paradisiaca. The results show that the methanolic extracts of these tepals exhibit antioxidant potential and are also sources of natural antioxidant compounds, though comparatively, AgNPs have shown the best antioxidant activity. This work investigates the link between the ethnopharmacological statements and the bioactive constituents found in M. Paradisiaca toward all probable markers for cervical cancer via in vivo studies and molecular docking, to form a pharmacophore setting for the active target. However, most of the mechanisms of action of herbal medicines are not in total agreement, and the information collected from their traditional remedies over the years must not be neglected. Hence, it is sensible to investigate the options available in herbal medicine for cancer progression. Biosynthesised AgNPs are principally spherical and nanosized. It was also found that tepalmediated AgNPs exhibit excellent antimicrobial efficacy against tested human pathogens. This green method can be used as a better alternative source than the chemical fabrication of nanomaterials and the biosynthesised nanoparticles can be used in antibacterial medicines. The methanolictepal extract of M. Paradisiaca with AgNPs displayed proficient antidiabetic properties in the diabetes rat model and so could have a possible development for medical use in the future.

Antibacterial and anticancer potential of Brassica oleracea var acephala using biosynthesised copper nanoparticles.

INTRODUCTION: Brassica oleracea var acephala was studied for preliminary phytochemical screening. The results showed that the ethanolic crude extract of the leaf contain high phytochemical activity hence B.oleracea var acephala is rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates and phytosterols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanolic extract was used to synthesise copper nanoparticles. The copper nanoparticles were successfully synthesised from copper sulphate solution which was identified by the colour change from dark green colour of the extract. Thus the B.oleracea var acephala is a good source to synthesis copper nanoparticles. The synthesised copper nanoparticles were characterised using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. The SEM image displayed the high-density nanoparticles synthesised by leaf extracts and that the nanoparticles were crystals in shape. RESULTS: The copper nanoparticles (CNP) bind to the leaf extract. B.oleracea var acephala also has shown the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. A comparative study was done between ethanolic its crude extract and nanoparticles. Both extracts exhibited zone of inhibition and better antioxidant potential but the CuNPs shows major zone of inhibition and showed more antioxidant activity. Anticancer activity of B.oleracea var acephala against Cervical HeLa cell line was confirmed using ethanolic crude extract and CNP. The results showed that HeLa cells proliferation was inhibited with increasing concentration of ethanolic crude extract and copper nanoparticles. From the results, it was seen that percentage viability of the cancer cells decreased with increased concentration of the samples whereas cytotoxicity against HeLa cell lines increased with the increased concentration of the samples. CONCLUSION: Thus B.oleracea var acephala possesses anticancer activity against HeLa cell lines.

Hybrid: Evolving techniques in laparoscopic ventral hernia mesh repair.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic repair is now the treatment of choice for most cases of ventral/incisional hernia. Although the technique has undergone many refinements, there is no standard technique for difficult or complicated hernias. AIM: The aim of this study was to show the different innovative methods used to treat difficult ventral hernia through hybrid techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 75 (n = 75) patients underwent Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Hybrid Mesh Repair (LVHHMR) by our surgical unit between January 2014 and December 2016. Three different techniques of repairing the defects were used. Mesh fixation time, post-operative pain score (visual analogue score) and follow-up for pain and recurrence (at 6 months, 12 months and 24 months) were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: Out of 75 patients (20 men and 55 women), the median age was 45 years and body mass index of the patients was 25-35. Types of hernias operated were paraumbilical hernias, incisional and recurrent hernias. The techniques used were (1) laparoscopic adhesiolysis, open sac excision with closure of defect and laparoscopic mesh placement, (2) laparoscopic adhesiolysis, omphalectomy with closure of defect and laparoscopic mesh placement and (3) open adhesiolysis, sac excision with closure of defect and laparoscopic mesh placement. Five patients required analgesics for 48 h. No patients complained of pain at follow-ups (1 month, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months). Mean hospital stay postoperatively was 2-3 days. CONCLUSION: LVHHMR is safe and feasible approach for complicated/difficult ventral hernias. However, further larger studies are required to establish these methods as gold standard.

A 6-week laboratory research rotation in pharmacogenomics: a model for preparing pharmacy students to practice precision medicine.

Comparison of human genome sequences from different individuals has unraveled that genes involved in the drug efficacy and metabolism are polymorphic, harboring mutations, splicing variations and other alterations. These data provide a reasonable explanation for the inter-individual variations observed in drug therapy. Thus, a detailed molecular analysis and an in-depth knowledge of these genes is a prerequisite to practice pharmacogenomics-based medicine. We have introduced a 6-week laboratory research rotation to train students in the expression analysis of different pharmacogenes combined with bioinformatics tools. Students were first introduced to the bioinformatics tools to identify appropriate DNA primers to amplify specific pharmacogenes from the laboratory cancer cell lines. The amplified DNA fragments were sequenced. Finally, students were trained in bioinformatics tools to establish the identity of these DNA sequences. The possible implications of this laboratory training in developing problem-solving skills needed in the implementation of pharmacogenomics knowledge in the clinic, are discussed.

Surface-bound galectin-4 regulates gene transcription and secretion of chemokines in human colorectal cancer cell lines.

One long-term complication of chronic intestinal inflammation is the development of colorectal cancer. However, the mechanisms linking inflammation to the colorectal tumorigenesis are poorly defined. Previously, we have demonstrated that galectin-4 is predominantly expressed in the luminal epithelia of the gastrointestinal tract, and its loss of expression plays a key role in the colorectal tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism by which galectin-4 regulates inflammation-induced tumorigenesis is unclear. Here, we show that galectin-4 secreted by the colorectal cancer cell lines was bound to the cell surface. Neutralization of surface-bound galectin-4 with anti-galectin-4 antibody resulted in increased cell proliferation with concomitant secretion of several chemokines into the extracellular medium. Neutralization of the surface-bound galectin-4 also resulted in the up-regulation of transcription of 29 genes, several of which are components of multiple inflammation signaling pathways. In an alternate experiment, binding of recombinant galectin-4 protein to cell surface of the galectin-4-negative colorectal cancer cells resulted in increased p27, and decreased cyclin D1 and c-Myc levels, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Together, these data demonstrated that surface-bound galectin-4 is a dual function protein-down-regulating cell proliferation and chemokine secretion in galectin-4-expressing colorectal cancer cells on one hand and inducing apoptosis in galectin-4-negative colorectal cancer cells on the other hand.

Oral mycoses and other opportunistic infections in HIV: therapy and emerging problems - a workshop report.

Oral mycoses and other opportunistic infections are recognized features of HIV infection even after four decades of the epidemic. The therapeutic options, challenges of therapy, and evolving patterns of opportunistic infections were evaluated by the workshop. It was observed that high Candida counts and infection are still more prevalent in HIV-positive individuals even in the era of antiretroviral therapy. Furthermore, one or more non-Candida albicans are present in some HIV-positive individuals. While Candida species are more virulent in HIV infection, similar virulence may be present in other states of immunosuppression. Consequently, the interplay between host factors and virulence ultimately determines the clinical outcomes. Adverse clinical outcomes such as candidemia and other deep fungal infections are on the increase in HIV infection. Disseminated histoplasmosis and penicilliosis have been reported, especially with low CD4 counts. Even with advances in antifungal therapy, mortality and morbidity from deep fungal infections have not changed significantly. In addition, long-term exposure to common antifungal drugs such as fluconazole has led to the development of antifungal resistance in 6% to 36%. Development of new antifungal therapeutic agents and the use of alternative therapies may offer breakthrough. In addition, effective strategies to enhance the host immune status are being explored.

Ethanol extract of mango (Mangifera indica L.) peel inhibits α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, and ameliorates diabetes related biochemical parameters in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Peel is a major by-product during processing of mango fruit into pulp. Recent report indicates that the whole peel powder ameliorated diabetes. In the present study, ethanolic extract of mango peel was analysed for its bioactive compounds, evaluated for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties, oral glucose tolerance test, antioxidant properties, plasma insulin level and biochemical parameters related to diabetes. In addition to gallic and protocatechuic acids, the extract also had chlorogenic and ferulic acids, which were not reported earlier in mango peel extracts. The peel extract inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, with IC50 values of 4.0 and 3.5 µg/ml. Ethanolic extract of peel showed better glucose utilization in oral glucose tolerance test. Treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with the extract decreased fasting blood glucose, fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin levels, and increased plasma insulin level. Peel extract treatment decreased malondialdehyde level, but increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes significantly in liver and kidney compared to diabetic rats. These beneficial effects were comparable to metformin, but better than gallic acid treated diabetic rats. The beneficial effects of peel extract may be through different mechanism like increased plasma insulin levels, decreased oxidative stress and inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme activities by its bioactive compounds. Thus, results suggest that the peel extract can be a potential source of nutraceutical or can be used in functional foods and this is the first report on antidiabetic properties of mango peel extract.

Heterogeneity in the expression of receptors in the human breast cancer metastasized to the brain.

Assessment of the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (Her2/ErbB2) and estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in breast cancer has been an accepted standard to predict clinical outcome. Expression of these receptors in primary breast cancer has also been an important predictor of visceral organ metastasis. Many studies of breast cancer have reported risk factors for brain metastasis that include Her2/ErbB2 positivity, ER negativity, and negativity for all the above three receptors. However, it is not clear whether expression of these receptors would persist subsequent to brain metastasis. To address this possibility, we analyzed different breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) for the expression of Her2/ErbB2, ER, and PR by immunohistochemistry procedure. The results showed that BCBM are heterogeneous in the receptor expression: Five BCBMs were Her2/ErbB2-positive and one negative; four BCBMs were ER-positive, and two were negative; five BCBMs were PR-positive and one negative. However, expression of these receptors in their combination is also heterogeneous: Four BCBMs were positive for all of the Her2/ErbB2, ER, and PR; one BCBM was positive for Her2/ErbB2 and PR but negative for ER; one BCBM was positive for PR but negative for Her2/ErbB2/ER. Similar heterogeneity in the expression of these receptors was also observed in primary tumors. Importantly, BCBM tumors that were assigned as ER- and PR-positive contained tumor cells that lacked expression of these receptors in other regions of the biopsies. Taken together, our findings indicate that the BCBM exhibit heterogeneity in the expression amounts of Her2/ErbB2, ER, and PR, which could be a result of the influence of tumor microenvironment in the brain or different tumor cells populating the metastatic region.

Three-dimensional evaluation of interproximal contacts of permanent dentition: a cone beam computed tomography study.

PURPOSE: To assess the various patterns of the inter-proximal contact areas of the permanent dentition using the available cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on existing CBCT images from a University hospital and teaching department. Three thousand two hundred and fifty inter-proximal contacts were assessed from 125 existing CBCT scans of patients (age range: 14 years 3 months-29 years 9 months) who had matched the eligibility criteria. The types of inter-proximal contacts of the permanent dentition were scored at occlusal, middle, and cervical thirds, according to the OXIS inter-proximal contacts classification. Chi-square test was used to assess the contacts and gender/arches. RESULTS: The most prevalent contact was type I for the posterior teeth contacts, and types S1 and S2 for the anterior teeth contacts. Statistical significance was not observed between the contacts on the left and right sides (P > 0.05), while statistical significance was observed between the inter-proximal contacts of the maxilla and mandible (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The CBCT-based three-dimensional assessment of the inter-proximal contact areas of the permanent dentition is representative of the OXIS classification. The occlusal level contact was predominantly representative of the overall type of the contact.

Evaluation of fluoride levels in areca nut, tobacco, and commercial smokeless tobacco products: a pilot study.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant condition associated with chewing areca nut and tobacco products. We observed increased fluoride levels in some OSMF-endemic regions,and the observation suggested that fluoride exposure may contribute to its pathogenesis. This study aimed to assess the fluoride content of various smokeless tobacco items as a potential influencing source. Fluoride concentration was analysed in commercial areca nut products, including gutkha, pan masala, and raw areca nut, along with tobacco, slaked lime, and catechu samples from Karnataka, India. Fluoride was measured using alkali fusion and the ion selective electrode method. All products showed high fluoride, with catechu having the highest mean concentration at 51.20 mg/kg, followed by tobacco, gutkha, pan masala, processed areca nut, and raw areca nut. Fluoride was also elevated in soil, but not in water. The findings demonstrate substantial fluoride levels in popular types of smokeless tobacco, and highlight an overlooked source of exposure among consumers of gutkha, pan masala and similar oral tobacco-products. The fluoride content warrants an investigation of potential links with the occurrence and severity of OSMF.

The influence of metastatic site on the expression of CEA and cellular localization of ß-catenin in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The usefulness of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear. The aim was to analyze changes in the expression of CEA during CRC progression and metastasis, so as to determine the influence of tumor metastatic organ on the CEA expression by CRC cells. METHODS: The human biopsies of adenocarcinomas in colon and CRC liver and lung metastases were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of CEA. Expression of E-cadherin and ß-catenin was also analyzed to localize the CRC neoplastic glands in metastatic tissues. RESULTS: The CRC neoplastic glands in colon and liver expressed significantly higher amount of CEA compared with crypts in normal colon. In contrast, CRC neoplastic glands formed in lung expressed low CEA level. However, CEA expression was high in areas of tumor necrosis in lung. E-cadherin and ß-catenin were cell membrane-bound in normal crypts and CRC neoplastic glands in colon and liver. Although these two proteins were also cell membrane-bound in a majority of CRC neoplastic glands in lungs, a significant proportion of these expressed ß-catenin in the nucleus, which lacked either E-cadherin or ß-catenin at the cell membrane. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that lung microenvironment is unique in that it suppresses the expression of CEA by CRC cells forming neoplastic glands. In addition, lung microenvironment promotes nuclear localization of ß-catenin, suggesting that the Wnt signaling pathway is relatively active highly in CRC metastasized to lung, when compared with liver or colon.

Evaluation of stress and deformation in bone with titanium, CFR-PEEK and zirconia ceramic implants by finite element analysis.

Background: As more recent implant biomaterials, Zirconia ceramic and glass or carbon fibre reinforced PEEK composites have been introduced. In this study, bone stress and deformation caused by titanium, carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFRPEEK), and zirconia ceramic implants were compared. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro finite element analysis study, a geometric model of mandibular molar replaced with implant supported crown was generated. The study used an implant that was 5 mm diameter and 11.5 length. Three implant assemblies made of CFR- polyetheretherketone (PEEK), zirconium, and titanium were created using finite element analysis (FEM). On the implant's long axis, 150 N loads were applied both vertically and obliquely. ANSYS Workbench 18.0 and finite element software were used to compare the Von Mises stresses and deformation produced with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: With no discernible differences, all three implant assemblies that is CFR-PEEK, titanium, and zirconia demonstrated similar stresses and deformation in bone. Conclusion: It was determined that zirconia and PEEK and reinforced with carban fibres (CFR-PEEK) can be used as titanium-free implant biomaterial substitutes.

Undiagnosed hypertension and associated factors among adults in the urban field practice area of AIIMS Raipur: A community-based screening survey.

Introduction: Undiagnosed hypertension (HTN) increases the risk of severe consequences such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertensive retinopathy, heart failure, and stroke. Population-based screening can be used to expose the hidden diseased mass with active disease. Thus, a screening survey was conducted to estimate the proportion of people with HTN among apparently healthy adults of age ≥30 years residing at the urban field practice area (UHTC) of AIIMS, Raipur, and also determine the predictors of undiagnosed HTN among the study participants. Methodology: This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted over 2 months duration in the Ramnagar area, which comes under the urban field practice area of AIIMS Raipur using the STEPS tool is an acronym of study tool provided by WHO i.e. STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance consisting of three steps viz. questionnaire for behavioural risk factors, physical measurements and biochemical measurements. Results: In this study, 24.2% (95%, confidence interval [CI]: 20.1-28.2) of participants screened positive for HTN. The proportion of males who screened positive for HTN was 28.8% (95% CI: 22.6-35), whereas the proportion of females who screened positive for HTN was 19.6% (95% CI: 14.3-25). In this study, elderly (>60 years), male gender, daily tobacco use, greater waist circumference (male >90 cm and female >80 cm), and daily salt intake of more than 5 g were found to have higher odds of having HTN. Conclusion: The prevalence of undiagnosed HTN in the UHTC of AIIMS Raipur was quite high.

Luteolin induces apoptosis in multidrug resistant cancer cells without affecting the drug transporter function: involvement of cell line-specific apoptotic mechanisms.

Bioflavonoids are of considerable interest to human health as these serve as antioxidant and anticancer agents. Although epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that luteolin, a natural bioflavonoid, exhibits chemopreventive properties, its effectiveness as an antiproliferative agent against multidrug resistant (MDR) cancers is unclear. Thus, we assessed the antiproliferative effects of luteolin and associated molecular mechanisms using two MDR cancer cell lines that express high levels of P-glycoprotein and ABCG2. In this article, we demonstrate that luteolin induces apoptosis in P-glycoprotein- and ABCG2-expressing MDR cancer cells without affecting the transport functions of these drug transporters. Analysis of various proliferative signaling pathways indicated that luteolin-induced apoptosis involves reactive oxygen species generation, DNA damage, activation of ATR → Chk2 → p53 signaling pathway, inhibition of NF-kB signaling pathway, activation of p38 pathway and depletion of antiapoptotic proteins. Importantly, use of luteolin in these analyses also identified specific molecular characteristics of NCI-ADR/RES and MCF-7/Mito(R) cells that highlight their different tissue origins. These results suggest that luteolin possesses therapeutic potential to control the proliferation of MDR cancers without affecting the physiological function of drug transporters in the body tissues.

Distribution of CYP2C19*17 allele and genotypes in an Indian population.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: CYP2C19*17 allele increases the metabolic activity of CYP2C19 resulting in decreased therapeutic levels of CYP2C19 substrates. There exist inter-ethnic differences in the distribution of this allele. The present study was aimed at establishing the allele and genotype frequencies of CYP2C19*17 in a South Indian Tamilian population. Furthermore, we describe the haplotype structure of the three common variant alleles of CYP2C19 in the Tamilian population. METHODS: Two hundred and six subjects of South Indian Tamilian origin were genotyped for CYP2C19*17 allele by nested polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. A subset of 87 subjects were also genotyped for CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 alleles. After ascertaining linkage disequilibrium (LD), haplotypes were constructed. Allele and genotype frequencies, LD pattern and haplotype frequency were compared with those of the HapMap populations. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The CYP2C19*17 allele frequency in the Tamilian population (n = 206) was found to be 19·2% (95% CI: 15·4 - 20·3). The CYP2C19*2 allele frequency (n = 87) was found to be 40·2% (95% CI: 32·9 - 47·5), whereas the CYP2C19*3 allele was not detected in the study subjects (n = 97). The high frequency of the CYP2C19*17 allele in the study population has resulted in a revision of frequencies for CYP2C19*1/*2 (31·0%) and CYP2C19*1/*1 (16·1%) genotypes in the Tamilian population. We also observed significant differences in haplotype structure and frequencies of these variant alleles in the HapMap population compared to Tamilian population. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: CYP2C19*17 allele is present at high frequency in the Tamilian population. This study also demonstrates the need for reassessment of wild-type allele frequencies in view of CYP2C19*17 allele. The estimated high frequency of CYP2C19*17 allele will aid in genotype-phenotype association studies in the Tamilian population. Further genotype-phenotype association studies are required to evaluate the clinical utility of this allele in South Indians.

Effect of surfactant and fat on chapati making quality and control of its staling.

Chapati is an unleavened flat baked product and it is prepared using whole wheat flour. One of the problems with chapatis is that they stale rapidly during storage and therefore, they have to be consumed immediately after their preparation. With changing socio-economic conditions and lifestyles, there is an increasing demand for ready to eat chapatis. In the present study, to control staling, chapatis were prepared using whole wheat flours of four different varieties by incorporating additives such as surfactant and fat. The chapatis stored at room temperature for 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h were evaluated for their quality parameters such as moisture content, chemical properties, sensory attributes, microstructure and amylograph characteristics. The moisture, soluble starch and soluble amylose contents in control chapatis decreased steadily with storage time and at the end of 96 h, the decrease in moisture, soluble starch and soluble amylose contents in chapatis prepared from different varieties were 3-8%, 80-82% and 78-85%, respectively. However, these changes were found to be at a very lesser rate in chapatis prepared from doughs treated with glycerol monostearate (GMS) and fat compared to that of control. Decrease in amylograph paste viscosity was more in control chapatis during storage compared to that of treated chapatis. Scanning electron microscopic studies of chapatis stored up to 96 h revealed that starch granules were uniform in both GMS and fat treated chapatis, when compared to control chapatis. Sensory studies showed that overall quality scores for chapatis prepared from GMS and fat treated doughs did not show any significant differences on storage. Thus, the results suggested that incorporation of surfactant and fat in dough not only improved the overall quality attributes of chapatis but also controlled their staling, during their storage.