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Biomedical subjects

M C Sharma

Publications and source records attributed to M C Sharma.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Effect of Alstonia scholaris bark extract on testicular function of Wistar rats.

AIM: To evaluate the antifertility effect of Alstonia scholaris bark extract in male rats. METHODS: In male Wistar rats Alstonia scholaris bark extract was given by oral route at a dose of 200 mg/day for 60 days. The fertility and testicular function were assessed by mating tests, sperm motility, sperm concentration, biochemical indices and testicular cell population dynamics. RESULTS: Oral feeding with the extract at a dose of 200 mg/day for the period of 60 days did not cause body weight loss, while the weights of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate were significantly reduced. The production of step-19 spermatids was reduced by 79.6% in treated rats. The population of preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes were decreased by 61.9% and 60.1%, respectively. Spermatogonia and Sertoli cell population were also affected. The seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nuclear area were reduced significantly (P<0.01) when compared to the controls. Reduced sperm count and motility resulted in a total suppression of fertility. A significant fall in the protein and sialic acid content of the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate as well as glycogen content of testes were also noticed. The fructose content in the seminal vesicle was lowered whereas the testicular cholesterol was elevated as compared with the controls. The following compounds were obtained from the extract with chromatographic separation over Si-gel column: agr-amyrin, bgr-amyrin, lupiol acetate, venenative, rhazine and yohimbine. CONCLUSION: At the dose level employed, Alstonia scholaris bark extract has a significant antifertility effect in male rats; the primary site of action may be post meiotic germ cells (Step 19 spermatids).

Administration, Oral↗

Diastematomyelia associated with ectopic dysplastic renal tissue--report of a rare case.

BACKGROUND: Presence of heterotopic dysplastic renal tissue in the lumbosacral region is an extremely uncommon condition. CASE REPORT: We report the first case of diastematomyelia associated with ectopic renal tissue. A 10-month-old male child presented with lipomeningomyelocele associated with spina bifida in the lumbosacral region, and the lipoma was excised. Imaging of the spine at 5 years of age showed spina bifida, bony diastematomyelia, lipomeningomyelocele and a small intraspinal cystic lesion. The boy was then operated upon at the age of 5 years, and histopathological examination of the cystic lesion revealed ectopic dysplastic renal tissue.

Choristoma↗

Mitochondrial myopathy presenting as ataxia with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Mitochondrial disorders are multisystem diseases with very heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Common cardiac features include cardiomyopathy and conduction defects. We report a five-year-old boy who presented with signs of congestive cardiac failure and was diagnosed to have dilated cardiomyopathy. Six months later, he developed progressively worsening ataxia, hypotonia, other cerebellar signs, hearing loss, severe sensory peripheral neuropathy and lactic acidosis. Electronmicroscopy of skeletal muscle biopsy was consistent with mitochondrial myopathy.

Ataxia↗

Adhalin deficiency: an unusual cause of muscular dystrophy.

Childhood muscular dystrophies have a wide clinical spectrum, motor disability and are variably inherited. Although the phenotype may appear similar they may represent distinct genetic entities. Advances in immunohistochemistry, gene deletion and linkage studies have enabled precise characterization. We report a family with an early onset weakness and calf pseudo hypertrophy in 2 male sibs with an usually mild course. Deletion screening was negative for 24 exons of the DMD gene in both. Muscle immunohistochemistry revealed normal dystrophin I and II staining but complete absence for adhalin, a dystrophin associated glycoprotein. Classifying them as adhalinopathy. Severe childhood autosomal recessive muscular dystrophies (SCARMD) result from mutation in the sarcoglycan complex (59). Adhalinopathy is now used to describe SCARMD. The adhalinopathy described in our patients is the first report from India.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Clinicopathological features, MIB-1 labeling index and apoptotic index in recurrent astrocytic tumors.

This is a study of 64 cases of recurrent astrocytic tumors of all four WHO grades wherein a comparative evaluation of initial vs. recurrent tumor was done with respect to histological grading, MIB-1 labeling index (LI) and apoptotic index (AI). The aim was to identify factor/s that could influence interval to recurrence and/or malignant progression. Recurrence was noted in all grades and upon recurrence, 93.3% of grade II (low grade diffuse) astrocytomas and 63.6% of grade III anaplastic astrocytomas underwent malignant progression. However, none of the Grade I tumors showed evidence of malignant progression. Though interval to recurrence varied considerably, there was a correlation with histological grade of the initial tumor in that grade I and II tumors had a significantly longer mean interval to recurrence (43 months and 54.8 months respectively) as compared to grade III and IV (glioblastoma multiforme) tumors (17.6 and 12.8 months respectively). The interval to recurrence was also longer for grade II and III tumors which showed progression on recurrence (55.3 months for Grade II->Grade III; 54 months for Grade II->Grade IV and 20.6 months for Grade III->IV) as compared to tumors which recurred to the same grade (12.5 months for Grade III->Grade III and 12.8 months for Grade IV->Grade IV). A statistically significant inverse correlation of MIB-1 LI with interval to recurrence was noted. Higher the MIB-1 LI, shorter was the interval to recurrence. Further a cut off MIB-1 LI value of 2.8% could be proposed in predicting recurrence free survival. Interestingly, MIB-1 LI of grade II tumors, which had progressed to grade IV was significantly higher than MIB-1 LI of grade II tumors which had progressed to grade III. Thus, this study establishes the potential role of MIB-1 LI of the initial tumor in determining interval to recurrence. However, apoptotic index has no role in predicting either interval to recurrence or malignant progression.

Adolescent↗

Composite pituitary adenoma and intrasellar tuberculoma: report of a rare case.

Tuberculous involvement of the pituitary gland is rare. We report a unique case of a composite lesion consisting of pituitary adenoma and intrasellar tuberculoma. A 24-year-old lady presented with features of acromegaly and amenorrhea. Serum growth hormone levels were found to be raised. Radiological investigations were consistent with a pituitary adenoma. Decompression of the lesion was done through trans-sphenoidal approach. Histological examination revealed a growth hormone secreting pituitary adenoma in association with a granulomatous lesion suggesting of pituitary tuberculoma. No other evidence of tuberculosis was found in the brain or spinal cord. This type of dual pathology has been reported only once in the earlier literature.

Adult↗

Hydatiform mole with coexisting live fetus in dichorionic twin gestation.

A case of dichorionic twin pregnancy was diagnosed in a 29-year-old, on routine ultrasound at 12 weeks. Subsequent ultrasounds for persistent vaginal bleeding at 16 weeks revealed molar placenta with viable fetus in both gestational sacs. The patient declined any invasive prenatal testing to confirm the karyotype of the fetus. The pregnancy was managed expectantly until 21 weeks, when she had a spontaneous abortion of twin fetuses and separate placentae with attached molar tissue. A final karyotype on cord blood samples confirmed 46XY and 46XX for both fetuses. Histopathology of molar tissue reported complete mole, with diploid chromosomal pattern on subsequent DNA flow cytometry. The clinical, ultrasound and chromosomal examination suggest that there has been a quadruplet pregnancy where two embryos developed into normal fetuses and other two degenerated to complete moles.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of urinary bladder: an uncommon entity to be recognized.

INTRODUCTION: To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment outcome of neuroendocrine carcinoma of urinary bladder. METHODS: Clinical and pathological findings of 11 patients with diagnosis of small cell neuroendocrine tumour (SCNE) of urinary bladder are reviewed between Jan. 1991 to Jan 2001. Clinical data including age, sex, presenting symptoms, clinical stage at presentation, modality of treatment and outcome were determined. Sections of the tumour were studied by immunohistochemical methods using various antibodies to determine neuroendocrine pattern. RESULTS: Patient age ranged from 35 to 79 years (mean 60 years). The clinical presentation included, gross hematuria 6, increased urinary frequency and dysuria 3, hydroureteronephrosis with flank pain 2. 3 patients had open exploration for presumed bladder stones by suprapubic route. Undifferentiated carcinoma was the initial report in 2 and associated transitional cell carcinoma in 2 cases. Urinary cytology obtained in 4 patients showed poorly differentiated carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry showed in all cases. 7 patients had radical cystoprostatectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy and 4 patients had combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The survival ranged from 6 months to 30 months (mean 16.5 months). CONCLUSION: Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of urinary bladder is an aggressive malignancy with poor long-term outcome. Awareness of clinical presentation with free application of immunocytochemistry is emphasized to diagnose this unusual malignancy at earliest.

Adult↗

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate: a rare clinicopathological entity. Report of 2 cases and review of literature.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate is an uncommon clinicopathological entity. It differs from more common adenocarcinomas in its cell of origin, biological behavior, therapeutic response to the usual hormonal manipulation and prognosis. The review shows that squamous cell carcinoma is biologically more aggressive than adenocarcinoma. Despite the agreement on its uniqueness, a controversy exists on the exact histopathogenesis, diagnostic criteria and modality of treatment. We report on 2 patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate. One patient presented with lower urinary tract symptoms with a hard nodular prostate on digital rectal examination, and the other with acute urinary retention on normal digital rectal examination. The evaluation revealed metastasis in the pelvic and right femur in both cases. Palliative transurethral resection of the prostate with chemotherapy (Adriamycin based) was given in both the cases. However, both the patients died at 4 and 5 months of follow-up, respectively.

Aged↗

Rhinophycomycosis.

Rhinophycomycosis, a subcutaneous fungal infection, is less uncommon than many other frequently cited granulomatous lesions of the paranasal sinuses. Four illustrative cases are presented with their characteristic clinical, radiological and histopathological features. The initial origin of the swelling was always in the region of the nasal vestibule and ala. The therapeutic response to potassium iodide, ketaconazole and fluconazole was dramatic and sustained.

Adult↗

Pigmented pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: report of a rare case with review of the literature.

We describe a rare case of melanotic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma in a 32-year-old man who presented with partial complex seizures. Radiologically, the mass was located in the medial temporal lobe and was solid and cystic. Microscopic examination revealed features of a pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma with some heavily pigmented cells. The pigment was demonstrated to be melanosomal melanin, which was confirmed by special stains, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy.

Adult↗

Well-differentiated inflammatory liposarcoma presenting as pyrexia of unknown origin.

Liposarcomas have diverse histological appearance and clinical manifestations. Well-differentiated inflammatory liposarcoma is an uncommon sub-type, which often causes diagnostic difficulty. We report here a young female patient who presented with prolonged pyrexia and sub-diaphragmatic mass and was detected to have this uncommon soft tissue sarcoma on laparotomy.

Adult↗

Spectrum of floppy children in Indian scenario.

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical profile of paralytic floppy infants undertaking available investigations and detect the frequency of exon7 of survival motor neuron (SMNT) gene deletion among the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) cases. DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: Tertiary care teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: 70 paralytic floppy infants (40 males/30 females) with age less than 13 years were included in the study. Exclusion criteria included central hypotonia of any cause. Detailed clinical evaluation was done followed by serum creatine phosphokinase levels, electrophysiological studies, muscle biopsy including immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Exon7 of SMNT gene deletion studies was done by PCR. RESULTS: Final diagnosis of SMA was assigned to 37 patients followed by congenital myopathy (n = 7), cogenital muscular dystrophy (n = 5), mitochondrial myopathy (n = 4), neuropathies (n = 5) and diaphragmatic SMA (n = 1). Only 15.7% of cases remained unclassified. When EMG was correlated with final diagnosis, it was 80.6% and 75% sensitive and 68.8% and 87.5% specific for neurogenic and muscle disease, respectively. Muscle biopsy revealed neurogenic atrophy in 47.8% cases followed by normal in 37.3% and myopathic pattern in 14.97% cases. Exon7 of SMNT gene was deleted in only 50% of SMA cases. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal muscular atrophy was the commonest cause of floppy children. The low rate of SMNT gene deletion detected needs confirmation with further studies.

Child↗

Solitary delayed contralateral testicular metastasis from renal cell carcinoma.

We report a 60 year old male presenting with contralateral testicular metastasis 7 years following radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Testicular metastases from renal cell carcinoma reported in literature are predominantly ipsilateral and invariably on the left side. Usually these are present simultaneously with the renal primary or precede the diagnosis of renal tumors. Delayed contralateral testicular metastatic has not been reported to the best of our knowledge. The case highlights the unique behaviour of renal cell carcinoma with an unusual site of recurrence. The clinical presentation, pathogenesis and management of this rare presentation along with review of recent literature are discussed.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗

Vectorial efficacy of Phlebotomus argentipes in Kala-azar endemic foci of Bihar (India) under natural and artificial conditions.

Ability of Phlebotomus argentipes to acquire Leishmania donovani the causative agent of Indian Kala-azar was evaluated in the laboratory. Flies were fed artificially on infected blood suspensions, using a chick-skin-membrane feeding apparatus, and naturally on Leishmania donovani infected mice. In addition flies collected from different endemic areas were dissected and examined for natural infection. Flies fed on infected mice showed significantly higher feeding rate (14.4%, p < 0.01) compared to that of other experiments (9%, 8.75%) but the percentage of infection was very low (2.43%). No Chi-square comparison was made between infection rate and feeding rate because of low value in infection rate (less than 5). Flies dissected for natural infection showed only 0.1% infection. Not much difference was observed in the intensity of Leishmania donovani infection in the mid gut of sandflies examined from any of these experiments. These observations have confirmed that Phlebotomus argentipes has ability to acquire infection and it provides the final piece of evidence that Phlebotomus argentipes is the vector of Leishmania donovani in Bihar State.

Animals↗

Leishmania donovani in blood smears of asymptomatic persons.

Leishmania amastigotes have been detected in the peripheral blood smears of Indian kala-azar patients mostly during night. It was, therefore, thought worthwhile to find out whether such amastigotes could be shown in healthy subjects who did not have any symptoms by history or signs on clinical examination. Leishmania-stained blood smears of 450 asymptomatic healthy individuals residing in an endemic village in Bihar (India) were examined by oil-immersion microscopy for the detection of amastigote, six people (1.3%) showed the presence of Leishmania amastigotes. Given the low sensitivity of a single smear examination it is likely that a much greater proportion of asymptomatic persons had parasitemia than the observed 1.3%. This finding is important from the point of view of transmission of disease, as also for modifying the current control measures.

Adolescent↗

Ependymoma with extensive lipidization mimicking adipose tissue: a report of five cases.

Lipomatous ependymoma is a recently described entity and only 3 cases of this variant have been reported in the literature. We report 5 cases of this rare variant of ependymoma. Patients age ranged from 4 years to 45 years and, interestingly, all of them were males. Two tumors were supratentorial in location, 2 in the fourth ventricle and 1 was intramedullary. Microscopically all of them showed the classical histology of ependymoma along with lipomatous differentiation. The lipomatous component was composed of cells with a large clear vacuole pushing the nucleus to the periphery and giving a signet ring cell appearance. This component demonstrated positivity for GFAP and S-100 protein thereby confirming its glial lineage. Three of the 5 tumors were high grade (WHO-grade III), had a high MIB-1 labelling index (MIB-1 LI) and showed recurrence on follow-up. However, 2 were low grade (WHO grade II) and patients are free of disease till the last follow up.

Adipose Tissue↗

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (epithelioid hemangioma) of the breast: report of a case.

We report herein the unusual case of a 35-year-old woman found to have angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) of the breast. The patient was initially referred to our hospital for investigation of a well-circumscribed breast lump, 2.5 cm in diameter, and a clinical diagnosis of fibroadenoma was made. However, fine-needle aspiration cytology of the lump revealed an admixture of lymphocytes and eosinophils. Therefore, the lump was excised and microscopic examination showed features of ALHE. No evidence of recurrence of the lump has been seen in the 2 years since this excision. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to be documented of ALHE arising in the breast.

Adult↗