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Status of Fok I VDR polymorphism along with vitamin D, Vitamin D receptor (VDR), and cathelicidin levels in Tuberculosis (TB) patients compared to household contacts and implication of these findings in susceptibility to TB is not known. 150 active TB patients, 150 household contacts and 150 healthy controls were recruited from North Indian population. Fok1 VDR polymorphism was studied by polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).VDR mRNA and protein levels were studied using quantitative real time PCR (q rt PCR) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. Cathelicidin and Vitamin D levels were measured using ELISA and chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) respectively. Significant association was found between Fok1 polymorphism and susceptibility to TB (P < 0.0005). VDR mRNA, VDR protein and vitamin D levels were significantly lower in active TB group when compared to household contacts and healthy controls (P < 0.0001, 0.0001 and 0.0005 respectively). Cathelicidin levels were higher in active TB patients compared to other groups (P < 0.0001). Expression of VDR and cathelicidin was significantly higher among ‘FF’ genotypes of VDR (more active form of VDR) compared to ‘ff’ genotype (less active form of VDR). ‘f’ allele was associated with increased susceptibility to TB. Higher frequency of ‘F’ allele, increased VDR expression along with increased vitamin D levels in household contacts compared to active TB group might be responsible for protection against active TB.

Wound healing is an orderly process driven by numerous cellular mediators that aim to accelerate it. In skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis, Centella asiatica, which contains high amounts of triterpenoid saponins (TSs), has been reported to have beneficial effects. This study examined the effects of TS fraction of the herb on tissue regeneration and excision wound repair in rat skin. Briefly, TS fraction was prepared from C. asiatica and applied on the wound area for 7 consecutive days. The IL-1β, NF-κB, and other biochemical parameters were then estimated, followed by examination of inflammatory cell infiltration, epithelialization, angiogenesis, and general morphology of granulation (wound) tissue by histopathology. Treatment decreased the IL-1β and NF-κB, increased epithelialization and collagen synthesis, and decreased matrix metalloproteinases. Asiatic acid, the active ingredient in the fraction, increased cell viability and inhibited nitrite production in macrophage culture. Taken together, TSs augmented wound healing, which could be due to their effect on cellular mediators involved in the process, thus creating a microenvironment that could promote tissue repair and favor tissue remodeling. The fraction, in addition to its effect on excision wounds in rat skin, is speculated to have a similar role in accidental, surgical, and diabetic wounds.

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