The IL-1 family member 7b (IL-1F7b) is a novel homolog of the IL-1 cytokine family discovered by computational cloning. We have reported that IL-1F7b shares critical amino acid residues with IL-18 and binds the IL-18-binding protein; in doing so, IL-1F7b augments the inhibition of IFN-γ by the IL-18-binding protein. IL-1F7b also binds IL-18Rα but neither induces signal nor acts as a receptor antagonist. Hence, the function of IL-1F7b remains unknown. In the present study, we analyzed the intracellular expression pattern of IL-1F7b. Using two variants of GFP fusion constructs of human IL-1F7b stably expressed in RAW macrophages, only the postcleavage mature form of the IL-1F7b precursor—but not the N-terminal propiece—specifically translocates to the nucleus following LPS stimulation. IL-1F7b, like IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-33, is processed by caspase-1 to generate the mature cytokines. Therefore, we tested whether caspase-1-mediated cleavage of the IL-1F7b precursor is required for mature IL-1F7b to translocate actively into the nucleus. Indeed, a specific caspase-1 inhibitor markedly reduced nuclear entry of IL-1F7b. In stable transfectants of human IL-1F7b in RAW macrophages stimulated with LPS, levels of TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-6, as well as the chemokine MIP-2, were substantially reduced (72–98%) compared with LPS-stimulated cells transfected with the empty plasmid. These results demonstrate that IL-1F7b translocates to the nucleus after caspase-1 processing and may act as a transcriptional modulator reducing the production of LPS-stimulated proinflammatory cytokines, consistent with IL-1F7b being an anti-inflammatory member of the IL-1 family.

Most of the reactions to contrast media were allergic-like, and no previously unrecognised adverse reactions were observed in the Indian population. Further data and increased awareness among healthcare professionals is required to signal and prevent the consequences of adverse reactions attributed to contrast media.

Introduction:Abruptio placentae (AP) which is a major cause of maternal morbidity and perinatal mortality globally is of serious concern in the developing world. We retrospectively analyzed the AP cases and evaluated its impact on fetal and maternal outcomes.Materials and Methods:The present study was undertaken from September 2007-August 2009 at a tertiary care center attached to medical college; patients of AP were selected from all cases with minimum of 28 weeks of gestation, presenting with antepartum hemorrhage. Patients underwent complete obstetrical investigations and were managed according to maternal and fetal condition.Results:4.4% incidence rate of AP was documented accounting for 318 cases during the study period. Most of cases were unbooked, with an average age of 34.5 years (range, 18-44) and nearly two-third of the patients were from lower socioeconomic class. Anemia was observed in 96% of patients, with 3.5 and 68% incidence of maternal and fetal mortality, respectively.Conclusion:We observed a higher than expected frequency of AP and neonatal mortality in our study population, which is of major concern. We envisage need for mass information regarding the importance of antenatal maternal care and improvement in nutritional status, which may reduce the frequency of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality associated with AP.

The present study indicated that protofibrillar Aβ 1-42 injection altered long term memory, induced anxiety-like behavior and also developed Alzheimer's disease like pathology in rats.

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HighlightsProduction and purification of laccase from Alcaligenes faecalis.Purified laccase from Alcaligenes faecalis active & stable at high temperature and pH.Laccase had remarkable specificity to an extensive range of probable substrate and tolerant to various metal ions.Efficiently decolorization of different synthetic dyes by laccase.