Background and purpose: Curcumin has been used to treat cancer, diabetes and other pathologies. However, little is known regarding its role in altering post-translational modifications of histone H3. A recent report suggests that acute hyperglycaemia induces a global down-regulation of gene expression in human tissues and epigenetic regulation of gene expression could be a novel mechanism underlying the pathological processes of hyperglycaemia. The present study was undertaken to examine changes in histone modification by curcumin treatment which prevents development of type I diabetic nephropathy. Experimental approach: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were rendered diabetic using a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg kg À1 , i.p.). Diabetic nephropathy was assessed by measurements of blood urea nitrogen, albumin and creatinine levels. Posttranslational modifications of histone H3, heat shock protein-27 (HSP-27) and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase p38 expression were examined by western blotting. Key results: Treatment of diabetic rats with curcumin significantly decreased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and increased albumin; variables associated with the development of diabetic nephropathy. There were also increased levels of HSP-27 and MAP kinase (p38) in diabetic kidney. However, curcumin treatment prevented this increase in HSP-27 and p38 expression. Moreover, at nuclear level curcumin prevented the decrease in dephosphorylation and increases acetylation of histone H3. Conclusions and implications: Our results suggested that protection against development of diabetic nephropathy by curcumin treatment involved changes in post-translational modifications of histone H3, expression of HSP-27 and MAP kinase p38 in diabetic kidney.

Background: Alcoholic cirrhosis has worse prognosis than primary billiary cirrhosis and cirrhosis due to hepatitis. The risk of death due to all cause is increased 12-fold with cirrhosis. Alcoholic liver cirrhosis develops between 10-20% of individuals who drink heavily for a decade or more. Chronic hepatitis B is probably the most common cause of cirrhosis worldwide. The aim and objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of hypothyroidism between cirrhotic patients and normal healthy individuals.Methods: The present study constitutes of 50 patients with cirrhosis of liver who met our inclusion criteria. They were selected from the patients admitted in medical wards and gastroenterology ward of RNT medical college, Udaipur.Results: Majority of patients were of serum albumin level class III about 67%. Increased TSH level as compare to level of serum albumin in cirrhotic patients. When serum albumin level decreases then percent of TSH level increases. Majority of patients were from serum bilirubin class III (71%). Majority were from serum bilirubin class III about 70%.Conclusions: All cirrhotic patients should undergo for evaluation of endocrinological evaluation as these patients are associated with development of hypothyroidism. After diagnosis the treatment of endocrinological disorder especially hypothyroidism may increase survival.

Background: Several types of DM are caused by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Depending on the etiology of the DM, factors contributing to hyperglycaemia include- reduced insulin secretion, decreased glucose utilization, and increased glucose production.Objective of the current study was to study the effect of metformin on the level of vitamin B12 and folate in patients of type 2 DM.Methods: This is hospital based study before and after metformin therapy randomized controlled trial was conducted in medicine ward of M. B. hospital, Udaipur. Baseline serum vitamin B12 and folate level of all patients were measured and treatment with metformin 500 mg twice a day was given for 6 months. After 6 months serum vitamin B12 and folate level of all patients were re-evaluated.Results: There was a significant positive correlation (r=0.824, p<0.001) between decrease in vitamin B12 and decrease in folate level after metformin treatment. When analysis for change in vitamin B12 is compared with change in MCV values after 6 months, negative correlation (r=-0.08, p>0.05) was obtained. A non significant correlation (r=-0.08, p>0.05) with change in level of serum folate and change in MCV values or haemoglobin level was obtained.Conclusions: Low serum vitamin B12 level is associated with longer duration and higher dose of metformin use. Routine determination of vitamin B12 level in patients with type 2 DM on high dose of metformin and those with prolonged use of metformin might help in identifying patients that would benefit from vitamin B12 supplements.