Modulatory and regenerative potential of transplanted bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on rifampicin-induced kidney toxicity.

Introduction: Anti-tuberculosis agent rifampicin is extensively used for its effectiveness. Possible complications of tuberculosis and prolonged rifampicin treatment include kidney damage; these conditions can lead to reduced efficiency of the affected kidney and consequently to other diseases. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) can be used in conjunction with rifampicin to avert kidney damage; because of its regenerative and differentiating potentials into kidney cells.

p53 exon 4 (codon 72) polymorphism and exon 7 (codon 249) mutation in breast cancer patients in southern region (Madurai) of Tamil Nadu.

Background: We investigated the association between polymorphisms in the p53 tumor suppressor gene and breast cancer risk in women especially in the Southern part of India.

Methods: Genotyping was performed for 50 breast cancer women and 50 controls to determine the status of p53 exon 4 codon 72 polymorphism and exon 7 codon 249 mutation and their possible role in breast cancer risk.

Results: Frequency of Arg/Arg at codon 72 was 18% in controls and 28% in patients, Arg/Pro frequency was 56% and 66%, Pro/Pro genotype was 8% in controls and 8% in patients.