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Biomedical subjects

R Gandhi

Publications and source records attributed to R Gandhi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Asthma and vitamin C.

OBJECTIVE: To define what role vitamin C may or may not play in the treatment of asthma. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive literature search of relevant English-language papers identified through a Medline search and from bibliographies of the identified papers. STUDY SELECTION: We identified papers and studies pertaining to vitamin C in asthma and allergy and analyzed these studies according to their design, inclusion and exclusion criteria, population studied, variables or factors tested, method of intervention or treatment with vitamin C, and results and conclusions. We reviewed our data and divided it based on significant or insignificant roles of vitamin C in asthma and allergy. RESULTS: From our review, we found a number of studies that support the use of vitamin C in asthma and allergy. Significant results include positive effects on pulmonary function tests, bronchoprovocation challenges with methacholine or histamine or allergens, improvement in white blood cell function and motility, and a decrease in respiratory infections. Our review also revealed several studies that did not support a beneficial role in vitamin C in asthma and allergy. These studies did not report improvements in pulmonary function tests or bronchoprovocation challenges. No benefit was noted in these studies when testing cutaneous reactivity or specific immunologic factors and levels. CONCLUSIONS: Clearly from our review, the role of vitamin C in asthma and allergy is not well defined. The majority of the studies were short term and assessed immediate effects of vitamin C supplementation. Long term supplementation with vitamin C or delayed effects need to be studied. Although, the current literature does not support a definite indication for the use of vitamin C in asthma and allergy, the promising and positive studies revive curiosity and interest. With a large portion of health care dollars being spent on alternative medicine and vitamin C in particular, further studies are needed to define its role.

Ascorbic Acid↗
PubMed1992

Molecular analysis of a cytochrome P450 gene of family 4 on the Drosophila X chromosome.

A member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily has been identified within region 2D of the Drosophila X chromosome. The sequence of this gene shows strongest homology with P450 family 4 genes, and has thus been named CYP4D1 in accordance with convention. This P450 gene is expressed throughout Drosophila development, with the highest levels of transcript accumulation occurring during late larval stages. A fragment of Drosophila genomic DNA including the CYP4D1 gene has been reintroduced into the germ line by P-element-mediated transformation. This transduced fragment does not rescue any of the lethal mutations that have been identified in this genetically well-characterized region of the Drosophila genome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Immunolocalization of ecto-5'-nucleotidase in the kidney by a monoclonal antibody.

A monoclonal antibody IgG, has been raised against ecto-5'-nucleotidase purified from rat kidney homogenate. The specificity of the antibody was verified by immunoprecipitation. The distribution of the corresponding antigen in the rat kidney was studied by immunocytochemistry (FITC and PAP technique) in 1 micron thick cryostat sections. The antibody reacted with the brush border of proximal tubules, the apical cell membrane and the apical cytoplasm of intercalated cells in connecting tubules and collecting ducts and with interstitial cells of the cortex. Among the interstitial cells exclusively stellate shaped fibroblasts were reactive whereas rounded interstitial cells (type II interstitial cells) as well as pericytes and endothelial cells of peritubular capillaries were unreactive. Compared to the staining intensity of the fibroblasts in the cortical labyrinth the reactivity of the fibroblasts in the medullary rays of the cortex was weak or absent. Interstitial cells of the entire medulla were unreactive. Concerning the fibroblasts in the periarterial connective tissue, those surrounding the larger arteries (arcuate arteries, cortical radial arteries) were negative, those alongside afferent and efferent arterioles were positive. Endothelia of lymphatic capillaries travelling within the periarterial connective tissue were also positive. All components of the juxtaglomerular apparatus were negative. The findings are consistent with an interstitial production of adenosine, available extracellularly and thus being able to reach the major target sites of adenosine, the smooth muscles of glomerular arterioles, including the granular cells at the glomerular vascular pole.

5'-Nucleotidase↗