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Biomedical subjects

A Sehgal

Publications and source records attributed to A Sehgal.

133 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Antisense human neuroglia related cell adhesion molecule hNr-CAM, reduces the tumorigenic properties of human glioblastoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Human Nr-CAM (Neuroglia related Cell Adhesion Molecule) is over expressed in glioblastoma multiforme tissue (GMT) as compared to normal brain tissue (NBT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We transfected a human glioblastoma cell line (2020-CRL) with a vector that overexpresses antisense hNr-CAM using a CMVpromoter. RESULTS: Antisense hNr- CAM caused reduction in the native hNr-CAM expression, changed cell morphology, reduced the cell proliferation rate and lengthening of the cell cycle. Furthermore, antisense hNr-CAM overexpression in these cells caused extensive reduction in the number of soft agar colonies and invasion through extra cellular matrix (ECM) gel in vitro. Subcutaneous injection of antisense hNr-CAM overexpressing glioblastoma cells into nude mice caused complete inhibition of tumor formation as compared to vector only transfected cells. Intra-tumoral inoculation of antisense hNr-CAM expressing plasmid also caused slow tumor growth in nude mice in vivo. CONCLUSION: On the basis of these results, we conclude that hNr-CAM is a valid target for potential gene therapy of glioblastoma tumors.

Animals↗

A survey on risk factors associated with cervical cancer.

Carcinoma of the cervix is one of the leading malignancies in the developing countries including India. In view of this health care program might have to be redefined. Most of the data are available from the developed countries, which rely mainly on cytology screening on regular basis. This however may not be feasible in developing countries because of various constraints. Thus alternative approaches are needed based on risk reduction modalities. This article while dealing with the control approaches based on secondary prevention, reviews several risk factors associated with cervical cancer. The various articles were approached through Medline search including cross-references. The important life styles associated with cervical cancer and which are amenable to primary prevention strategies through health education, behavioral interventions, legislative approaches and modifying the health care seeking behavior were identified through the review process. These factors mainly pertain to early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, menstrual hygiene and unprotected sex. Role of male partners has also been delineated in the process of cervical carcinogenesis. These factors are essentially conducive to the transmission of an etiological agent; the high-risk types human papillomaviruses, the more proximal cause in the web of causation. Barrier method of contraception and prophylactic vaccine in future could help to check the transmission of the virus. Role of smoking and oral contraceptives has also been discussed. Till the facilities for mass scale screening are developed in developing countries the primary prevention approaches could certainly help to check the incidence of the disease.

Female↗

Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance: is it worthwhile to qualify them further?

BACKGROUND: In Bethesda System of reporting cervico-vaginal smears, the equivocal epithelial cell abnormalities have been categorised as "atypical squamous and glandular cells of undetermined significance" (ASCUS and AGUS). These abnormalities may harbour minor lesions attributed to mere inflammatory changes to potentially serious high grade lesions. It is recommended to further qualify these lesions according to whether they favor a reactive or a neoplastic outcome. AIMS: We undertook the present study to assess the significance of ASCUS qualifiers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 12071 women were screened for early detection of cancer cervix. The women with ASCUS diagnosis were further qualified as ASCUS favor reactive and ASCUS favor SIL (Squamous intraepithelial lesion) according the Bethesda 1991 system of reporting. ASCUS-reactive cases were followed up by a repeat smear examination and persistent ASCUS cases were taken up for colposcopy and biopsy if indicated. All ASCUS-SIL cases were taken up for immediate colposcopy. RESULTS: The pick up rate of high grade lesions was not significantly different (P=0.47; Chi square test) on the follow up of ASCUS-reactive (2/222) and ASCUS-SIL (2/130) groups. The low grade lesions were picked up in 10/222 ASCUS-reactive and 58/130 in ASCUS-SIL, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicate that it is not worthwhile to qualify these lesions as majority of ASCUS-SIL also revealed only low grade epithelial which have a benign biological behaviour.

Adult↗

What is 'desirable' lipid profile.

The lipid profile of subjects with and without coronary heart disease (CHD) was studied in two epidemiological studies conducted in an urban and rural population. The prevalence of CHD was 96.7/1000 in the urban area and 27.1/1000 in the rural area. The lipid levels of the rural population, with an entirely different life style, was significantly lower compared to the urban normal population. The data suggest that if the prevalence of CHD is to be reduced in the urban population, the desirable levels of lipids should be those obtained in the rural normal population rather than the urban, CHD free, population.

Adult↗

Epidemiologic analysis of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in inflammatory smears.

Infections of the lower reproductive tract are common in Indian women of reproductive age. Hospital-based cytologic screening was undertaken on 63,265 women. The smears were examined for the presence of specific infections, such as Candida, herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and Chlamydia. This paper highlights the prevalence of TV infection in inflammatory cervical smears. Among the various infections detected, the rate of TV infection was the highest (5.1%). On further analysis the rate of TV infection showed an increasing trend up to the age of 49 years; an inverse association was observed with the educational status of the women. The prevalence was high in women with clinical signs (vaginitis, 6.9%) and low in those with a prolapsed uterus (1.2%) as compared to a normal cervix. These observations reveal the need for providing proper counseling and education on sexual behavior and genital hygiene besides treatment to control and prevent these infections.

Adult↗