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Biomedical subjects

S C Sharma

Publications and source records attributed to S C Sharma.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate presenting as a rectal ulcer.

Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare clinicopathological entity. It is an aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. Presentation is usually late, with obstructive voiding complaints. Radical surgery offers locoregional control of the disease. We report a case with an atypical presentation of bleeding per rectum and associated obstructive voiding symptoms. Examination revealed a rectal ulcer overlying an enlarged prostate and fixed to it. Histopathology showed a picture of transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate infiltrating the rectum. Imaging studies revealed an enlarged prostate with altered echo pattern with locoregional spread, infiltrating the rectum. Bladder involvement and distant metastases were not evident. External beam radiotherapy achieved good local control. At 3 months of follow-up, the patient was free of urinary symptoms and his rectal ulcer had healed. The patient declined subsequent treatment.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗
PubMed2003

Setting up a palliative care clinic within a radiotherapy department: a model for developing countries.

Nearly 50% of all newly diagnosed cancer patients in India (and other developing countries) are terminally ill with advanced disease. These patients are usually neglected or often receive futile anticancer treatment(s), whereas what they really need is maximum medical management in the form of palliative care and psychosocial support. Since advanced and incurable cancer cases are mostly referred for radiotherapy (RT), a palliative care (PC) clinic was started in the Department of Radiotherapy, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The PC clinic staff consisted of one specialist doctor, a nurse and volunteers. Previous disease and treatment records maintained by the RT colleagues were noted. Proforma-based assessments were done in the PC clinic and focused on patients' Karnofsky Performance Status, physical symptoms, drugs prescribed, and the doctor's or patient's/relative's response to/satisfaction with the treatment in each case. Prospective data on 100 patients (March to August 2001) revealed that various distressing physical symptoms (cachexia, dyspnoea, constipation) had not been routinely assessed earlier. Despite previous treatment, adequate pain management as per the WHO ladder was needed in 67 of 88 (76%) patients when they were seen by the PC team. On the regular follow-up visits to the PC clinic, 42% and 50% of the patients/relatives reported a response to and satisfaction with the treatment at their second and third visits. We believe two conclusions are justified. (1) Attention to palliative care needs could result in good treatment outcome and high level of patients' and doctors' satisfaction. (2) Since a specialist PC set-up is lacking in most medical institutions in India, the RT department is the best suited to delivery of palliative care for patients with advanced cancer.

Developing Countries↗
PubMed2003

Multiple extranodal sites at presentation in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

About one-third of NHL patients present lymphomas at extranodal sites. Involvement of multiple noncontiguous extranodal sites at presentation without lymph node involvement is unknown. Herein we present two such cases. The first patient had sinonasal tract and urinary bladder NHL at presentation, while the other patient presented with bilateral adrenal involvement in addition to sinonasal tract NHL. Clinical presentation and pathophysiology are discussed, and a brief review of literature is included.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed2003

Pycnogenol inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells.

Oxygen derived free radicals are now increasingly regarded as a primary force of tissue destruction and also have the ability to release histamine from mast cells. Pycnogenol is an extract of the bark of French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) containing bioflavonoids with a potent ability to scavenge free radicals. Therefore Pycnogenol was investigated for inhibition of histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. In addition, its effects were compared with sodium cromoglycate, a known inhibitor of histamine release from the mast cell. Rat peritoneal mast cells were isolated and purified by differential centrifugation and cells pooled from 3-4 animals were suspended at approximately 10(6) cells/mL buffered salt solution. Histamine release was induced by compound 48/80 or the calcium ionophore A-23187 and estimated from supernatant following extraction and by fluorimetric methods. Pycnogenol produced a concentration dependent inhibition of histamine release induced by the two secretagogues. Its inhibitory effect on mast cell histamine release was favourably comparable to sodium cromoglycate.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Pycnogenol prevents haemolytic injury in G6PD deficient human erythrocytes.

Glucose6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common X-linked disorder of human erythrocytes where cells have inadequate capacity to destroy peroxides and high susceptibility towards haemolytic changes. Pycnogenol is a proprietary dry extract of the French Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) bark with high ability to scavenge free radicals. In the present study we have investigated if Pycnogenol can protect G6PD deficient erythrocytes against haemolytic cell damage. Venous blood samples were obtained from six subject of Mediterranean origin with known G6PD deficiency which was also confirmed with standard techniques. Erythrocyte haemolysis in the presence and absence of Pycnogenol was induced either with tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP) or quinine and the haemoglobin release in the supernatant was determined by recording the optical density at 540 nm in a Shimadzu spectrophotometer. Our results have shown that Pycnogenol has protective action against a Xenobiotic chemical induced haemolysis in G6PD deficient human erythrocytes.

Erythrocytes↗
PubMed2003

Sphenoid sinus tuberculosis in children-a rare entity.

Tuberculosis involving the sphenoid sinus is an unusual entity. Two cases of sphenoid tuberculosis in the pediatric age group are described along with a review of literature. In both cases, MRI was performed for radiological assessment followed by endoscopic biopsy to establish tissue diagnosis. The patients received antitubercular therapy and have shown good clinical response. Tuberculosis as a differential diagnosis of sphenoid lesions is to be kept in mind especially in tropical countries.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2003

Hepatocurative and antioxidant profile of HP-1, a polyherbal phytomedicine.

HP-1 a herbal formulation comprising of Phyllanthus niruri and extracts of Terminalia belerica, Terminalia chebula, Phyllanthus emblica and Tinospora cordifolia has been evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced toxicity. Results show that HP-1 reversed the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and prevented the depletion of glutathione (GSH) levels in a primary monolayer culture of rat hepatocytes (in vitro). HP-1 attenuated the serum toxicity as manifested in elevated levels of transaminases (glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), and GPT) The antioxidative enzymes in liver (catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were restored to normal values after the oral administration of HP-1. HP-1 suppressed the formation of the superoxide anion radical and reduced CCl4 mediated lipid peroxidation (LPO). Silymarin and antioxidants (ascorbic acid, beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol) were used for comparison. The present study showed that HP-1 is a potential hepatoprotective formulation with an additional attribute of being anti-peroxidative.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Incidence of low back pain in workage adults in rural North India.

Out of 11234 patients reporting to our outdoor during June 2001 to June 2002, 2594 patients (23.09%) had low back pain. 4358 roentgenograms were done in these patients, a mean of 1.68 per patient. These patients were interviewed and their psychosocial and demographic details were compared with 1000 controls who did not have back pain but attended outdoor for other reasons. In the low back pain group, 67% had psychosocial issues, 57% were in blue-collar jobs, 26% had to change/leave their profession, and 38% did not enjoy their present job. All patients had used NSAIDS at some stage of illness and 64% were advised exercises for the back. The comparative figures in control group were 19% with psychosocial issues, 34% in blue-collar jobs (heavy manual workers), 7% had to switch over to new job, 6% did not relish their present job. Hence, it is concluded that along with exercises and NSAIDS, sufficient consideration should be given to short centre-based intensive rehabilitation program followed by a home-based program for chronic low back pain patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Wegener's granulomatosis: an isolated lung mass responding to antituberculosis therapy and atypical course.

We describe an unusual case of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), in a middle aged, non-smoking female who presented with a lung mass with constitutional symptoms. FNABC from mass revealed a single ill-defined granuloma without necrosis. There was a definite clinical and radiological response to anti-tuberculosis treatment. She was later found to have another mass lesion in nasopharynx. ANCA was negative initially but became positive once disease flare up occurred. Multisystem involvement with clinical features of vasculitis were seen during the flare up and resulted in a fatal outcome. Unusual features and literature on this entity is discussed.

Antitubercular Agents↗
PubMed2003

Local control of high-grade gliomas with limited volume irradiation versus whole brain irradiation.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the role of limited field radiation therapy in the management of high-grade gliomas and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: From July '96 to January '98, 50 newly diagnosed patients of high-grade gliomas (Grade III and IV) and glioblastoma multiforme who underwent surgery in the form of partial, sub-total or near-total excision as the primary treatment were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomized to receive two different postoperative external radiation protocols, Study Group A: Localized field external radiotherapy 50 Gy/25#/5 wks followed by Boost 10 Gy/5#/1 wk, Control Group B: Whole brain external radiotherapy 40 Gy/20#/4 wks followed by Boost 20 Gy/10#/2 wks by localized field. RESULTS: 20/25 (80%) patients in the study group and 14/25 (56%) patients in the control group showed improvement in their Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). Thus a significant difference in the performance status was noted in favor of limited field irradiation. No significant difference in the local response was seen between the two groups after radiotherapy. Six months progression-free survival of the study group was 44% as compared to 26% in the control group. Six months overall survival was 66.67% in the study group and 50.72% in the control group (P<0.01). Maximum recurrences were noticed within 2 cm of the original tumor margin in both the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although local control and survival of the patient in both the groups were same, performance status definitely improved in patients treated with localized field irradiation only.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed2002

Auditory function following spinal analgesia. Comparison of two spinal needles.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Auditory impairment is among the lesser known complications of spinal analgesia. The aim of the present study was to determine the degree of vestibulocochlear dysfunction in patients undergoing spinal analgesia for lower abdominal surgery. METHODS: Eighty patients who had received spinal analgesia for lower abdominal surgery were studied. Males were undergoing inguinal herniorraphy and the females tubectomy. Audiograms were performed before operation and on the second and seventh postoperative days. Hearing levels were measured from 250 Hz-8 kHz. In Group 1 (n = 40) a 22-gauge, cutting type of spinal needle (Howard Jones) was used. In Group 2 (n = 40) a 25-gauge, non-cutting spinal needle (Whitacre) was used. RESULTS: Hearing loss >10 dB was noticed in three patients in Group 1 and none in Group 2. The mean hearing level was more reduced in Group 1 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Use of cutting type spinal needle is associated with a greater decrease in mean hearing levels compared to the non-cutting type.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2002

Expression of FKHR, FKHRL1, and AFX genes in the rodent ovary: evidence for regulation by IGF-I, estrogen, and the gonadotropins.

Follicular development is dependent on both intraovarian growth regulatory factors, such as IGF-I and estrogen, as well as the pituitary gonadotropins, FSH and LH. Recently, we have shown that FSH impacts the IGF-I pathway via stimulation of the PI3K cascade leading to phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt and the PKB-related kinase, Sgk. This study was undertaken to determine if during ovarian follicular development FSH regulates putative targets of PKB and Sgk, namely specific Forkhead transcription factor family members. Using in vivo and in vitro mouse and rat models, we show 1) that FKHR [Forkhead homolog of rhabdomysarcoma = Forkhead box binding protein (Foxo1), FKHRL1 (Forkhead-like protein-1 = Foxo3), and AFX (a Forkhead transcription factor = Foxo4); all defined according to the Human and Mouse Gene Nomenclature Committee) are expressed in the rodent ovary and 2) that FSH regulates transcription of the FKHR gene as well as phosphorylation of FKHR protein. Specifically, FSH/PMSG (primarily via E2) enhance expression of the FKHR gene in granulosa cells of developing follicles. Furthermore, E2 enhances expression of other IGF-I pathway components (IGF-1Rbeta and Glut-1), and IGF-I enhances expression of ERbeta, indicating that these two hormones comprise an autocrine regulatory network within growing follicles. In contrast, FSH and LH/human CG (via cAMP, PKA, and PI3K pathways) terminate FKHR expression as granulosa cells differentiate to luteal cells. In naïve granulosa cells, both FSH and IGF-I stimulate rapid phosphorylation of FKHR at multiple sites causing its redistribution from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in a PI3K-dependent manner. However, the effects of FSH and IGF-I differ markedly in differentiated granulosa cells in which FSH (but not IGF-I) induces Sgk and enhances phosphorylation of FKHR, PKB, and Sgk. The elevated expression of FKHR in granulosa cells of growing follicles indicates that FKHR may be linked to the proliferation of granulosa cells and that its phosphorylation by FSH, IGF-I, and other factors may impact its functional activity in this process. Thus, as a target of FSH (cAMP), E2 and IGF-I signaling in granulosa cells, FKHR likely coordinates numerous cell survival mechanisms.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Neuroprotective effect of alpha(2) agonist (brimonidine) on adult rat retinal ganglion cells after increased intraocular pressure.

Brimonidine, a selective alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, has recently been shown to be neuroprotective as it significantly improves survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after calibrated optic nerve injury in rats. In the present study, we examined the effect of brimonidine (alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist) on RGC survival after increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult rats. RGCs were prelabeled by bilateral tectal injection of 5% Fluoro-Gold (FG). Two days later, unilaterally IOP was increased 2.2-2.5 times (28-30.5 mmHg) that of the normal pressure (12.5-14.5 mmHg) by cauterization of three episcleral veins. The elevated IOP was maintained throughout the duration of the experiment. Rats were treated intraperitoneally with brimonidine (1 mg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) once per week beginning either before (group A) or after (group B) increasing the IOP. Another group of rats was left as the control with elevated IOP but without any brimonidine/PBS treatment. Rats were euthanized at 3, 4 and 5 weeks after IOP elevation. Identifiable RGCs were counted and compared between control and experimental groups. Brimonidine significantly protected RGCs from elevated IOP-induced cell death. In control rats with three-vein cauterization, there was 5-6% cell death per week. Almost all RGCs were protected following brimonidine treatment for 3 weeks both in groups A and B. At 4 weeks, there was 4.5% cell death in group A and 6.5% in group B. At 5 weeks, cell death was 5.9% in group A and 6.2% in group B. The difference in cell death in groups A and B was insignificant. No significant differences were observed between PBS-treated and control groups. No significant changes in elevated IOP was found after brimonidine or PBS treatment when compared with the nontreated control group. Although pressure remained elevated throughout the length of the experiment, 3 weeks later the amount of cell death gradually increased in brimonidine-treated animals.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed2001

Evidence for droplet reorientation and interfacial charges in a polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal cell.

We observe a new feature ( plateau), sandwiched between two exponentially decaying components, in the switching response of a polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal (PDLC) cell. Upon application of square-wave electrical pulses, the cell response exhibits a complex decay whose characteristics are significantly different within and outside the applied field. We interpret these results in terms of reorientation dynamics of nonspherical droplets in the PDLC. Irradiation of the PDLC with gamma rays induces significant changes in the cell response in a manner that is consistent with redistribution of charges at the liquid-crystal-polymer interface in the PDLC.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Patterns of retinal ganglion cell survival after brain-derived neurotrophic factor administration in hypertensive eyes of rats.

We investigated the effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival after intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation at various time intervals. In adult Wistar rats, RGCs were labeled with 5% Fluorogold. Animals with 1.8-2.5-fold increase in IOP after cauterization of three episcleral vessels, were divided into three BDNF groups and three vehicle control groups, each receiving one, two or three injections. The RGC survival percentage on RGCs of the first, second and third injections were 93.9% (n = 7), 91.3% (n = 7), 82.7% (n = 5), respectively in BDNF groups; 91.6% (n = 6), 84.1% (n = 6) and 73.5% (n = 5), respectively in vehicle controls. The second and third injections of BDNF showed statistically significant survival effects. These findings demonstrated that BDNF has partial neuroprotection on RGCs in whole retina and enhances RGC survival in moderately chronic hypertensive eyes.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Axon resealing following transection takes longer in central axons than in peripheral axons: implications for axonal regeneration.

Injury to axons in the CNS leads to little regenerative repair and loss of function. Conversely, injury to axons in the PNS results in vigorous regrowth of severed axons, usually with restoration of function. This difference is generally attributed to a CNS environment that either cannot support or actively inhibits regeneration and/or a failure of CNS neurons to survive axotomy. One of the earliest responses of neurons to axotomy is the resealing of cut axons. A delay in resealing could affect a neuron's ability to survive axotomy and to regenerate a new axon. In the present experiments, using a dye exclusion technique, we demonstrate that following transection of a peripheral sensory nerve, axons reseal within 8--10 h, whereas following optic nerve transection complete resealing does not occur for more than 20 h. These results show that resealing of cut axons in a CNS environment is significantly delayed compared with axons in the PNS and suggest that this could contribute to the failure of CNS neurons to regenerate following injury.

Amidines↗