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Biomedical subjects

C Balakrishnan

Publications and source records attributed to C Balakrishnan.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies directed to the amino-terminus of the WT1, Wilms' tumor suppressor protein.

We have produced and characterized three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed to the amino terminus of the WT1 Wilms' tumor suppressor transcription factor and compared their properties to rabbit polyclonal sera raised to the same immunogen. A recombinant protein consisting of amino acids 1-181 of human WT1 was overexpressed in E. coli, purified, and used as the immunogen. Three MAbs designated 6F-H2, 6F-H7, and 6F-HC-17--all of the IgG1 subclass--were selected and further characterized. Each recognized all isoforms of the full-length WT1 protein in Western blot assays and immunoprecipitated WT1 in both physiologic buffers and under high detergent/high salt (RIPA) conditions. Preliminary epitope mapping suggests that all three MAbs recognize a region in the amino terminal 84 amino acids of WT1 and that the MAbs do not recognize the polyglycine or polyproline regions of the protein. The WT1 antibodies do not recognize the structurally and functionally related early growth response (EGR)1, EGR2, EGR3, or EGR4 proteins. All WT1 MAbs recognize the murine WT1 protein and immunohistochemical staining of murine embryonic and newborn kidney sections show strong staining of condensing metanephric mesenchyme and primitive podocytes in developing glomeruli. These WT1-specific MAbs should be useful in characterizing the biochemical and developmental roles of WT1 and in defining the emerging role of WT1 as a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in mesothelioma, leukemias, and breast cancer.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Tuberculosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

In a retrospective analysis of 146 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients seen over a 5 year period, 17 patients of tuberculosis (TB) were identified yielding a prevalence rate of 11.6%. The median duration of SLE was 12 months (range 2-96 months) and 12/17 patients had disease activity score of more than five. The median duration of steroid treatment was 12 months (range 0-96 months) and the median cummulative dose of steroid was 7.75 gms (range 0-22.1 gms). Pulmonary TB (miliary-5, nonmiliary infiltrates-7 and pleural effusion-2) was the commonest type and there was an average diagnostic delay of approximately 1 month. While, majority of the patients responded adequately to treatment, 1 patient had a relapse and 1 expired due to a combination of active lupus and disseminated TB. Only 1 patient had received prophylactic isoniazid.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

The spectrum of chronic autoimmune hepatitis.

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is characterised by the presence of periportal hepatitis coupled with the presence of autoantibodies in the serum. We report our experience with 10 cases (females--8, males--2) who presented to the rheumatology clinic with either articular or extra-articular manifestations. Three patients (1 SLE, 1 Sjogren's and 1 RA), satisfied the criteria for an underlying rheumatic disease (secondary AIH) while, others had primary AIH. Median duration of hepatic involvement was 6 months and the varied presentations were noted. Articular disease ranged from arthralgias, palindromic arthritis to persistent non-erosive/non-deforming arthritis (Jaccoud's arthritis). Autoimmune thrombocytopenia was seen in 2 and autoimmune hypo and hyperthyroidism were seen in 3 patients each. Anti-nuclear antibody was positive in 9/10 (6 with speckled pattern and 3 with homogenous pattern) and anti-mitochondrial antibodies were positive in three. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers were positive in 1, who probably had viral hepatitis with dominant autoimmune features. All have been started on steroids (5 patients--1 mg/kg dose, 1 patient--0.5 mg/kg dose and 3 patients--0.25 mg/kg dose). The HCV positive patient was on a low dose steroid (0.25 mg/kg) and interferron treatment was contemplated before she was lost to follow up. Four patients are also on azathioprine in the dose of 2 mg/kg/day. Of the 6 patients who are under regular follow up, the liver parameters have normalised in 5 and one showed hypoalbuminaemia with normal enzyme levels at the last follow up.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Evaluation of the knee pathology by ultrasonography.

Fourteen patients undergoing total knee replacement for the arthritic conditions of the knee were evaluated by ultrasonography (USG) prior to surgery. USG findings (synovium, fluid, femoral cartilage, cyst and loose bodies) were compared with surgical findings. USG and surgical findings matched for synovial pathology in 57%, for presence fluid in 71% and for cartilage damage in 45%. Loose bodies and cyst present in one patient was not picked up by USG. Baker's cyst was detected in one patient.

Cartilage, Articular↗
PubMed1996

Alopecia of the unburned scalp.

Alopecia of the unburned scalp, the temporary or permanent loss of hair, is a preventable complication. Patients at highest risk of developing alopecia are those with burn encephalopathy and in a prolonged shock state. The occipital scalp is the most common site and localized pressure-induced ischaemia is the likely cause. Frequent head repositioning and use of devices to decrease the pressure effect may decrease the incidence of this complication.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Burns and inhalation injury caused by steam.

Injury to the respiratory tract from inhalation of steam, although rare, often leads to acute pulmonary insufficiency. The injury to the alveolar epithelium results in increased pulmonary capillary permeability, pulmonary oedema and interfering abnormalities in gas exchange. Vigorous treatment should be instituted in these patients to obtain optimal outcome.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

Burns of the neuropathic foot following use of therapeutic footbaths.

Burns affecting the foot in a neuropathic patient may be associated with significant functional impairment and prolonged recovery time. Although they occur easily, these injuries are rare. We report two patients with deep burns of the foot following the use of therapeutic footbaths for pressure ulcers in neuropathic patients.

Adult↗