17-AAG mediates targeting of HSP90 limits tert activity in peritoneal sarcoma related malignant ascites by downregulating cyclin D1 during cell cycle entry

Aim: Peritoneal or retro-peritoneal sarcomatosis related malignant ascites formation is a rare but serious consequence of the locoregional metastatic event. The present work aimed to study the effect of the Hsp90 inhibitor (17-AAG), an ansamycin analog, on cell cycle and DNA replication specific chaperone-clients interaction in the event of peritoneal sarcoma related malignant ascites formation in mouse model at the late stage of malignant growth. Methods: We administered 17-AAG, an Hsp90 inhibitor, divided doses (330 μg/kg b.w./day for first five days then next ten days with166 μg/kg b.w./day) through intra-peritoneal route of inbred Swiss albino mice bearing full grown peritoneal malignant ascites of sarcoma-180. Our study was evaluated by peripheral blood hemogram analysis, malignant ascitic cytology, cell viability test, survival time and mitotic indexing. Furthermore, flowcytometric HSP90, TERT, CyclinD1, PCNA and GM-CSF expression analysis has been considered for special objective of the study. Results: Our experimental efforts reduced the aggressive proliferation of malignant ascites by drastic downregulation of TERT and cyclin D1 on the verge of cell cycle entry along with DNA replication processivity factor PCNA by directly modulating their folding machinery — heat shock protein 90. Consequently, we observed that malignant ascitic cells became error prone during the event of karyokinesis and produced micronucleus containing malignant cells with low viability. Peripheral neutrophilia due to over-expression of GM-CSF by the peritoneal malignant ascites were also controlled by the treatment with 17-AAG and overall, the treatment modality improved the median survival time. Conclusion: Finally we can conclude that 17AAG administration might serve as a prospective pharmacological agent for the management of peritoneal sarcoma related malignant ascites and throws light towards prolonged survival of the patients concerned

A multivariate morphometric investigation to delineate stock structure of gangetic whiting, Sillaginopsis panijus (Teleostei: Sillaginidae)

This study was conducted to delineate the stock structure of Sillaginopsis paniijus based on morphometric characters of the species. A total of 194 specimens were collected from the Meghna, Tentulia and Baleswar rivers located in the southern coastal zone of Bangladesh. Data were subjected to univariate ANOVA, multivariate ANOVA, discriminate function analysis (DFA), and principal component analysis. Mean variations of ten morphometric characters; HD, HBD, LBD, PsOL, ED, SnL, SPrDL, HAF, LSDB and LPB showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among 27 morphometric traits that were selected for the study. In DFA, the overall assignments of individuals into their correctly classified original groups were 71.1 and 70.6 % for male and female, respectively. A scatter plot of the first two discriminant functions was used to visually depict the discrimination among the populations. The results showed different stocks of S. panijus in the rivers of Baleswar, Tentulia and Meghna in southwest coast of Bangladesh

Cyclosporine in the management of esophageal lichen planus

Lichen planus (LP) is an uncommon disorder of unknown etiology, mostly affecting patients in their fifth and sixth decade of life. It is believed to be an autoimmune process involving T cells directed against basal keratinocytes. It affects the skin, nails, oral pharynx and genitals. Esophageal involvement is quite rare and can cause strictures, ulcerations and squamous cell cancer. The present article describes the case of a 54-year-old woman who was referred for assessment of dysphagia that initially occurred with solids, which then progressed to soft foods but spared liquids. The patient reported a weight loss of 9.1 kg. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed and she was subsequently diagnosed with pill esophagitis. At the same time, she was also diagnosed with oral LP, with no involvement of the esophagus. She was treated with a proton pump inhibitor that resolved her gastrointestinal symptoms. The symptoms returned one year later and a repeat esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed white plaques due to LP. She was treated with intermittent glucocorticoids. Diagnosis of esophageal LP is crucial for the proper treatment. Some patients may require systemic immunosuppression and mechanical dilation to prevent weight loss. Surveillance endoscopies should be performed to monitor for squamous cell cancer. Cyclosporine has been used for genital and oral LP, but the present case is the first in which it has been used successfully to treat esophageal LP