Dihimo-γ-linolenic acid inhibits several key cellular processes associated with atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis and its complications are responsible for one in three global deaths. Nutraceuticals show promise in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis but require an indepth understanding of the mechanisms underlying their actions. A previous study showed that the omega-6 fatty acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), attenuated atherosclerosis in the apolipoprotein E deficient mouse model system. However, the mechanisms underlying such protective effects of DGLA are poorly understood and were therefore investigated. We show that DGLA attenuates chemokine-driven monocytic migration together with foam cell formation and the expression of key pro-atherogenic genes induced by three pro-inflammatory cytokines in human macrophages. The effect of DGLA on interferon-γ signaling was mediated via inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 phosphorylation on serine 727. In relation to anti-foam cell action, DGLA inhibits modified LDL uptake by both macropinocytosis and receptor-mediated endocytosis, the latter by reduction in expression of two key scavenger receptors (SR-A and CD36), and stimulates cholesterol efflux from foam cells. DGLA also improves macrophage mitochondrial bioenergetic profile by decreasing proton leak. Gamma-linolenic acid and prostaglandin E1, upstream precursor and key metabolite respectively of DGLA, also acted in an anti-atherogenic manner. The actions of DGLA extended to other key atherosclerosis-associated cell types with attenuation of endothelial cell proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells in response to platelet-derived growth factor. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-atherogenic actions of DGLA and supports further assessments on its protective effects on plaque regression in vivo and in human trials

Evaluation of a Dermoplasty Technique for the Control on Nasal Polyps

To evaluate the efficacy of a dermoplasty technique in controlling nasal polyps comparing to the conventional endoscopic approach. Prospective observational study Tertiary private hospital. Twenty-nine patients underwent surgery for replacement of the middle meatus mucosa with skin. Some patients (41.4%) suffered from allergies, 44.8% from asthma, and 27.6% from aspirin intolerance. Polyps were staged according to the Lildholdt system, and patients completed a sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) pre and post-operatively. Also, patients were interrogated as for medication relevant to the nose received pre and post-operatively. In twenty-six patients dermoplasty was applied in one nostril while the contralateral was treated with the conventional endoscopic technique allowing us to compare the two techniques in the same patient. Median follow-up period was 1.2 years (IQR 0.8, 2.0; range 0.4–5.8). Median drop in SNOT-22 score was 38.2 percentage units. Patients (79.3%) controlled symptoms by topical corticosteroids for 2.5–3 months per year at most. Seventy percent (70.8%) reported improvement in subjective olfaction. Results compare favorably to those reported in the literature after functional endoscopic approach. Lildholdt stage dropped post-operatively on both sides but significantly more (p value < 0.001) on the dermoplasty side comparing to the conventional endoscopic side. Dermoplasty appears to outbalance the conventional endoscopic removal of polyps and clearance of paranasal sinuses. No matter how extensive the removal of endonasal tissue, it is not sufficient for controlling nasal polyps unless mucosa is prevented from recovering the denuded areas by the use of a skin graft. © 2018, Association of Otolaryngologists of India

Extensive primary Ewings' sarcoma in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone

We describe a rare case of an extensive primary cranial Ewing’s sarcoma located in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone with extension to the orbit, the endocranium, the parapharyngeal and infratemporal space. The patient presented with diplopia, anosmia and prolapse of the left eye. He was given chemo- and radiotherapy and was free of symptoms on re-examination 1.5 years later. The prognosis of Ewing’s sarcoma in the absence of surgery is uncertain, but prompt treatment appears to have a satisfactory therapeutic outcome. In the future, more cases should be studied in order to investigate the biological behaviour of a primary cranial Ewing’s sarcoma. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

Primary nasal tuberculosis: Report of a case

Despite the worldwide increase in tuberculosis lately, primary nasal tuberculosis remains a rare manifestation of the disease, presenting sometimes a confusing diagnostic problem. In this paper, we report the case of a middle-aged female patient, who presented with a lesion of the left nasal cavity and symptoms indicative of malignancy. From the results of the biopsy, a tuberculous nasal granuloma was suspected, and tissue cultures confirmed the diagnosis. Further investigation did not prove any other primary tuberculous lesion, and treatment with standard antituberculosis drugs resulted in complete remission of the disease. Copyright © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel