Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), found in the spice turmeric, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemopreventive activities. However, the effect of curcumin on the immunological responses largely remains unknown. In this study we have investigated the effect of curcumin on mitogen (phytohaemagglutinin; PHA) stimulated T-cell proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, production of cytokines by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse macrophage cells, RAW-264.7. Furthermore, we have carried out an electromobility shift assay to elucidate the mechanism of action of curcumin at DNA protein interaction level. We observed that curcumin inhibits PHA-induced T-cell proliferation, interleukin-2 production, NO generation, and lipopolysachharide-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and augments NK cell cytotoxicity. Our results suggest that curcumin most likely inhibits cell proliferation and cytokine production by inhibiting NF-kappaB target genes involved in the induction of these immune parameters.

The frequency of congenital malformations in a retrospective study done on 10,000 consecutive births from January 1983 to March 1989 was 3.6%. The predominant system involved was CNS. Major malformations constituted 79.7% of the total. Malformations were seen 4 times more often among still births. The common malformations in still births were also of CNS. The frequency of malformations was similar in both the sexes, though genitourinary anomalies were commoner among male, while anencephaly in female babies. A statistically significant increase in the frequency of congenital malformations was observed with decreasing gestation and birth weight. There was a significant correlation between maternal factors, like previous abortions, drug intake and fever during 1st trimester, diabetes mellitus, pre-eclamptic toxemia, antepartum hemorrhage and congenital malformations in the baby.

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Ocular manifestations in Systemic lupus erythematosus are not uncommon.

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BackgroundRecent studies have documented high variation in epidemiologic transition levels among Indian states with noncommunicable disease epidemic rising swiftly. However, the estimates suffer from non-availability of reliable data for NCDs from sub populations. In order to fill the knowledge gap, the distribution and determinants of NCD risk factors were studied along with awareness, treatment and control of NCDs among the adult population in Haryana, India.MethodsNCD risk factors survey was conducted among 5078 residents, aged 18–69 years during 2016–17. Behavioural risk factors were assessed using STEPS instrument, administered through an android software (mSTEPS). This was followed by physical measurements using standard protocols. Finally, biological risk factors were determined through the analysis of serum and urine samples.ResultsMales were found to be consuming tobacco and alcohol at higher rates of 38.9% (95% CI: 35.3–42.4) and 18.8% (95% CI: 15.8–21.8). One- tenth (11%) (95% CI: 8.6–13.4) of the respondents did not meet the specified WHO recommendations for physical activity for health. Around 35.2% (95%CI: 32.6–37.7) were overweight or obese. Hypertension and diabetes were prevalent at 26.2% (95% CI: 24.6–27.8) and 15.5% (95% CI: 11.0–20.0). 91.3% (95% CI: 89.3–93.3) of the population had higher salt intake than recommended 5gms per day.ConclusionThe documentation of strikingly high and uniform distribution of different NCDs and their risk factors in state warrants urgent need for evidence based interventions and advocacy of policy measures.

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