guptashubhranshu's blog

Introduction

A new research and finding suggests the role of mood variation as a probable killer of healthy babies and lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Autopsied brain tissue from SIDS babies first raised suspicion that an imbalance in serotonin might be behind the once-called 'crib death'.

But the probable role and mechanism of the imbalance as a murderer couldn't be figured out. Now researchers in Italy have engineered mice born with serotonin that goes haywire and found the brain abnormality is enough to cause sudden infant death.

Incidence

SIDS is the sudden death of even a healthy infant — anywhere between ages 1 month and 1 year. It kills more than 2,000 U.S. infants annually, and is the leading killer of neonates.

Precautions and Care to be taken

1. Babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs( the risk of SIDS increases greatly when babies sleep on their stomachs).

Introduction

As seen in the earlier blog, T-Helper cells just act to evoke the response by other cells which actually kill the microbe responsible for delivering their antigens; T-Helper cells aren’t cytotoxic themselves. This role is played by another sub-class of T-lymphocytes called as T-Cytotoxic cells.  

Structure of T-Cytotoxic cells

The T-Cytotoxic cells has a structure resembling the picturized diagram given below:

Introduction

I would like to bring few basic concepts of immunology in my subsequent blogs. To start with I would like to discuss with everyone about mechanism of action of T-helper cells (T-helper lymphocytes). Though, the role played by T-helper cells is varied and wide, but the stimulus which makes T-helper cells to start acting is more or less the same. Actually, the domain of immunology is very complex to understand but the different types of lymphocytes start acting in their own unique ways.

The initial Stimulus

The initial impulse depends much upon the antigens against which the body has to act. These antigens may be bacterial antigen, xenobiotics (foreign substances) etc. These antigens are initially ingested by a special class of leucocytes named Antigen Presenting Cells (APC) which constitute primarily of macrophages and monocytes. These APC ingest by the way shown in the diagram below.

Introduction

A new study conducted by Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and colleagues showed that Grape seeds might probably help in mitigating the severity of pathology involved in Alzheimer's disease or may even treat the disease.

Pathology, in brief

Alzheimer patient suffer from cognitive impairment and a decrease in intelligence is observed. The main reason of decrease in cognition is mainly due to the formation of plaques, which are formed due to Amyloid-beta protein clumping and tangles within the brain.

Experimental results and inference

I recently came across a fabulous and interesting research report posted on internet dated 1st July 2008. It stated that an Indian scientist in US has recently found out that watermelon possess the property of dilating blood vessels; and hence may act as a 'natural Viagra'. Additionally, it even strengthens the sexual desire, sexual performance and Libido.

Beneficial ingredients in watermelon (phyto-nutrients) are bioactive and react with the human body to trigger healthy reactions.
These include lycopene, beta carotene and citrulline.

Citrulline, the precursor to arginine, has the property of relaxing blood vessels; much like Viagra does. On consumption of watermelon, citrulline is converted to arginine. Citrulline is found in higher concentrations in the rind of watermelons than the flesh. Arginine works wonders on the heart and circulation system and maintains a good immune system.

Introduction

Olestra (also known by its brand name Olean), created by Procter & Gamble in 1968 is a fat substitute that adds no fat, calories or cholesterol to products. Olestra was approved by the FDA for use as a food additive in 1996. It was first used in potato chips under the WOW brand by Frito Lay.

All the food products containing Olestra have the compulsion to include this label on their packets:

This Product Contains Olestra. Olestra may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools. Olestra inhibits the absorption of some vitamins and other nutrients. Vitamins A, D, E, and K have been added.

 (Taken from Wikipedia)

 
Synthesis and chemistry

I would be continuing with the 2nd part of "Isotretinoin". Comments would be received thankfully.

iPLEDGE
A program called iPLEDGE has been set up by U.S. FDA regarding correct and proper use of isotretinoin and to make sure that pregnant women do not take isotretinoin and that women do not become pregnant while taking isotretinoin. All patients can get isotretinoin only if they are registered with iPLEDGE.An iPLEDGE member may have a prescription from a doctor who is registered with iPLEDGE and fill the prescription at a pharmacy that is registered with iPLEDGE. Isotretinoin is not advisable to be bought over the internet.

Introduction

Isotretinoin is a drug most commonly used in patients suffering from severe cases of acne. Its also used as a chemotherapeutic agent in case of skin cancer (carcinoma). It is a retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A and is found in body in small quantities. It is sold as several brand names, viz.-

1)Accutane (Roche)
2)Amnesteem (Mylan)
3)Claravis (Barr)
4)Decutan (Actavis)
5)Isotane (Pacific Pharmaceuticals)
6)Sotret (Ranbaxy)
7)Oratane (Genepharm Australasia)
8)Roaccutane (Roche)
9)Isotrex or Isotrexin

Pharmacology

I was really desperate to present this blog in front of all and I think today I finally got the bright chance to show the world how lucky Iam to be a student of Dr. Amit Misra, who is a scientist at Central Drug Research Institute (C.D.R.I), Lucknow...

I became a student of Dr. Amit Misra through Jawaharlal Nehru Centre of Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) which selected me among 120 students around India for SRFP (Summer Research Fellowship Programme) for 2 months with scholarship and Travel Allowance. I was selected in 2007 and was given the chance under prestigious Dr. Amit Misra...In 2008, I was again selected among 15 students of those 120's of last year's as an opportunity to continue the last year's work...Again I was given 2nd chance under honourable Dr. Amit Misra...

Introduction

Tomato conatins a bright red carotenoid pigment called as Lycopene. Infact Lycopene’s name is derived from the tomato's species classification, Solanum lycopersicum.
Lycopene is an open-chain unsaturated carotenoid that imparts red colour to tomatoes, guava, rosehip, watermelon and pink grapefruit.

  (Lycopene Powder; taken from wikipedia)
 

Activity and pharmacology