Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding protein from the transferrin family has been reported to have numerous functions. Even though Lf was first isolated from milk, it is also found in most exocrine secretions and in the secondary granules of neutrophils. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity reports on lactoferrin identified its significance in host defense against infection and extreme inflammation. Anticarcinogenic reports on lactoferrin make this protein even more valuable. This review is focused on the structural configuration of iron-containing and iron-free forms of lactoferrin obtained from different sources such as goat, camel and bovine. Apart for emphasizing on the specific beneficial properties of lactoferrin from each of these sources, the general antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and anticancer activities of lactoferrin are discussed here. Implementation of nanomedicinial strategies that enhance the bioactive function of lactoferrin are also discussed, along with information on lactoferrin in clinical trials.
The present study was intended to appraise the oxidant and antioxidant status in preeclampsia women. Seventy-seven preeclampsia women with severe variety having average B.P. of 170/140 mmHg with proteinuria; 47 preeclampsia women with mild variety having average B.P. of 138/100 mmHg were compared to 56 healthy pregnant women and 15 non-pregnant women for oxidant and antioxidant status. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant status was assessed by measuring antioxidant enzymes N.B.; superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, catalase and vitamins viz; A, E, C and reduced glutathione (GSH). Lipid peroxidation was significantly higher in severe preeclampsia women. Antioxidant status was also compromised as is evident from decreased GSH levels and increased SOD activities not only in severe preeclampsia but also in normal pregnancy and mild preeclampsia women compared to non-pregnant women. Decreased antioxidant enzyme activity viz catalase and glutathione peroxidase was observed in pregnancy as compared to non-pregnant women. The levels of vitamin E which act as an antioxidant were significantly elevated in preeclampsia compared to that of normal pregnancy. These findings conclude that initially the oxidative stress due to pregnancy-induced hypertension is critically combated by the intricate defensive mechanism of natural antioxidant system of the body. It appears that this imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant is the effect of disease and not the causative factor.
The incidence of malignant transformation in mature cystic teratoma (MCT) of the ovary is less than 2% as reported in gynaecological and pathological literature. Here we present a series of five patients, who developed malignant transformation in MCT of the ovary, over a 6-year period (1999-2004). The morphological and clinico-pathological features of malignant transformation in MCT of the ovary are discussed.
IntroductionAbdominal pregnancy is extremely rare and has historically been defined as an implantation in the peritoneal cavity, exclusive of tubal, ovarian or intraligamentary pregnancy.Case presentationsThree cases are reported. All came from a lower middle-income group and all of them were subjected to surgery. The first patient was a 30-year-old woman, who was pregnant for the fourth time, who presented at 16 weeks with an abdominal pregnancy. She was admitted with constant abdominal pain and retention of urine. She was hemodynamically stable and was administered a pre-operative intramuscular injection of methotrexate. During laparotomy she had only minor blood loss, the major part of the placenta was removed easily and she did not require any blood transfusion. Serum beta human chorionic gonadotrophin values and ultrasound follow-up revealed a normal study four weeks after surgery. The second patient was a 26-year-old woman, pregnant for the third time, admitted at 14 weeks with an abdominal pregnancy with hemoperitoneum, and the third patient was a 24-year-old woman, pregnant for the first time, who presented at 36 weeks gestation. She was only diagnosed as having an abdominal pregnancy during surgery, experienced excessive blood loss and required a longer hospital stay.ConclusionsWe hypothesize that treatment with pre-operative systemic methotrexate with subsequent laparotomy for removal of the fetus and placenta may minimize potential blood loss, and would be a reasonable approach in the care of a patient with an abdominal pregnancy with placental implantation to the abdominal viscera and blood vessels. This treatment option should be considered in the management of this potentially life-threatening condition. During surgery, if the placenta is attached to vital organs it should be left behind. Early diagnosis can help in reducing associated maternal morbidity and mortality.
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