Search

Introduction: Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) is prevalent in 10-15% of gynaecological patients. Matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) expression is stimulated by reduced oxygen levels in a highly aggressive, metastatic breast cancer cell line, although MMP-2 expression is unaffected. Under hypoxic conditions, Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha (HIF-1α) rapidly accumulates and transactivates hundreds of genes, including angiogenic growth factors as well as receptors. Aim: To compare and estimate the serum HIF-1alpha, serum MMP-9 in ultrasonographically proven DUB patients and in controls with normal menstruation. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Department of Biochemistry at Heritage Institute of Medical Sciences, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, from July 2020 to November 2021. A random venous blood sample (4 mL) was drawn from the DUB cases and controls into a sterile red topped vacutainer which was allowed to clot for 30 minutes. The sample was centrifuged and the serum was separated and analysed for desired parameters. Serum HIF-1α and MMP-9 was estimated by using sandwich Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Student's t test was used for comparison between the variables and pearson's correlation test was used to assess the correlation between the parameters. results: The mean age of controls was 33.9±7.10 years (N=40) compared to cases where it was 38.8±5.32 years (N=40). Serum HIF-1α showed significantly elevated levels of median in DUB cases (1.16 ng/mL) compared to normal control group (0.28 ng/ mL, p-value=0.04). Mean serum levels of MMP-9 significantly decreased in DUB cases as compared to normal control group (34,142±19,043, 61,500±16,169 respectively, p-value=0.003). Presence of hypoxia leading to HIF-1α and MMP-9 formation plays a role in endometrial thickness and angiogenesis leading to various signs and symptoms of DUB. The present study did not find any correlation between MMP-9 and endometrial thickness as well as HIF-1α and endometrial thickness in DUB cases and controls. There was significant low positive correlation between serum MMP-9 and HIF-1α in DUB cases (r-value=0.423, p-value <0.05). conclusion: Elevated levels of HIF-1α and decreased levels of MMP-9 was observed in DUB cases. No correlation was found between MMP-9 and endometrial thickness as well as HIF-1α and endometrial thickness in DUB cases and controls. Hence, whether this can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic prospects needs to be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been a significant increase in the cases of skin cancer throughout the world in the last few decades. Sun exposure and photoprotection-related behavior and knowledge are important aspects in the prevention of skin cancer. Despite various recommendations advising individuals to reduce their sunexposure, many people still do not utilize these sunprotection strategies. Aims and Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices about sun exposure and sunscreen usage in outpatients attending a dermatology clinic Materials and Methods: Three hundred consecutive patients attending a dermatology clinic were enrolled for this questionnaire-based cross-sectional, descriptive study. Results: A total of 300 patients, comprising of 112 (37.33%) men and 188 (62.67%) women, aged between 14 and 78 (mean 47.13) years, were included in the study. Majority of the patients, 216 (72%) were in the 20-60 year age group and 226 (75.33%) belonged to an urban background. Assessment of the sunexposure revealed that 224 (74.67) respondents reported daily sunexposure whereas 76 (25.33%) had occasional sunexposure. Assessment of the knowledge revealed that 241 (80.33%) patients were aware of the adverse effects of excessive sunexposure but only 139 (46.33%) were aware of the carcinogenic effect of sunlight. A total of 212 (70.67%) respondents were aware of the benefits of sunscreens but only 156 (73.58%) were using the sunscreens. Sixty one respondents (39.1%) reported that they used sunscreens on a daily basis while 95 (60.89%) used it occasionally. Lack of awareness was the most common reason (44.67%). Newspapers (47%) and television (39%) were the most common source of information in our respondents. Conclusions: Information, education, and communication activities are imperative to educate people regarding the risks of excessive sunexposure and significance of preventive measures like sunscreens to bridge the gaps in their knowledge. While improvement in individual economic status and education remains highly desirable, mass media can play a pivotal role in creating awareness among masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc, both in elemental or in its salt forms, has been used as a the rapeutic modality for centuries. Topical preparations like zinc oxide, calamine, or zinc pyrithione have been in use as photoprotecting, soothing agents or as active ingredient of antidandruff shampoos. Its use has expanded manifold over the years for a number of dermatological conditions including infections (leishmaniasis, warts), inflammatory dermatoses (acne vulgaris, rosacea), pigmentary disorders (melasma), and neoplasias (basal cell carcinoma). Although the role of oral zinc is well-established in human zinc deficiency syndromes including acrodermatitis enteropathica, it is only in recent years that importance of zinc as a micronutrient essential for infant growth and development has been recognized. The paper reviews various dermatological uses of zinc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Some of the patients with melasma perhaps have pigmented cosmetic dermatitis. However, cosmetic contact sensitivity in melasma remains poorly studied particularly in the Indian context. Objectives. To study cosmetic contact sensitivity in patients with melasma. Materials and Methods. 67 (F :M = 55 : 12) consecutive patients with melasma between 19 and 49 years of age were patch tested sequentially during January-December, 2012, with Indian Cosmetic and Fragrance Series, Indian Sunscreen Series, p-phenylenediamine, and patient's own cosmetic products. Results. 52 (78%) patients were in the age group of 20-40 years. The duration of melasma varied from 1 month to 20 years. Centrofacial, malar, and mandibular patterns were observed in 48 (72%), 18 (27%), and 1 (1%) patients, respectively. Indian Cosmetics and Fragrance Series elicited positive reactions in 29 (43.3%) patients. Cetrimide was the most common contact sensitizers eliciting positivity in 15 (52%) patients, followed by gallate mix in 9 (31%) patients and thiomersal in 7 (24%) patients. Only 2 of the 42 patients showed positive reaction from their own cosmetics while the other 5 patients had irritant reaction. Indian Sunscreen Series did not elicit any positive reaction. Conclusion. Cosmetics contact sensitivity appears as an important cause of melasma not associated with pregnancy, lactation, or hormone therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To study the clinico-epidemiologic attributes of persons living with HIV/AIDS on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Methods: Clinico-epidemiological details, CD4 counts, previous illness and mucocutaneous diseases were studied in 515 persons living with HIV/AIDS on HAART. Results: The study comprised 250 (48.5%) males and 265 (51.5%) females aged between 10 and 79 (mean 38.9) years. The 196 (38%) males were drivers, staying-alone laborers/self-employed, and 253 (49.1%) females were homemakers. All were on HAART for one month to 9 years. Heterosexual transmission was noted in 478 (92.8%) individuals. The 274 (53.5%) individuals had 200–350 CD4 cells/mm3 counts, whereas it was <200 cells/mm3 in 88 (17.2%) individuals. Candidiasis (in 48), dermatophytoses (n = 23), herpes labialis (n = 13), herpes zoster (n = 12), seborrheic dermatitis (n = 29), generalized pruritus (n = 22), and xerosis in 20 individuals were the most common dermatoses. Most dermatoses occurred with 200–350 CD4 cells/mm3. Adverse drug reactions from antiretroviral therapy (ART) and concurrent therapies also occurred. Conclusions: Although most of our patients had mild HIV-associated dermatoses while on HAART, adverse drug reactions from HAART or concurrent therapies themselves remain a potential risk. Nevertheless, knowledge of these aspects will help planning for comprehensive health care envisaged in the National AIDS Control Program phase IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]