Propagation of pure fetal and maternal mesenchymal stromal cells from terminal chorionic villi of human term placenta.

Long term propagation of human fetal mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in vitro has proven elusive due to limited availability of fetal tissue sources and lack of appropriate methodologies. Here, we have demonstrated the presence of fetal and maternal cells within the tips of terminal chorionic villi (TCV) of normal human term placenta, and we have exploited inherent differences in the adhesive and migratory properties of maternal vs. fetal cells, to establish pure MSC cultures of both cell types.

Mitochondrial control region alterations and breast cancer risk: a study in South Indian population.

Background: Mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) is the hot spot for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations which influence the generation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Association of D-loop alterations with breast cancer has been reported in few ethnic groups; however none of the reports were documented from Indian subcontinent.

Methodology: We screened the entire mitochondrial D-loop region (1124 bp) of breast cancer patients (n = 213) and controls (n = 207) of south Indian origin by PCR-sequencing analysis.

Mitochondrial genome variations in advanced stage breast cancer: a case-control study.

Entire mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing was carried out in 101 primary breast cancer patients and 90 controls of south Indian origin. We identified 69 novel mutations in breast cancer patients and 637 reported polymorphisms in patients and/or controls. PolyPhen-2 analysis predicted 5 out of 14 novel missense mutations as 'probably damaging variants'.

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) +405G>C 5'-untranslated region polymorphism and increased risk of endometriosis in South Indian women: a case control study.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major mediator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability, is known to play a key role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis.

Methods And Results: The single nucleotide polymorphisms, -460C>T and +405G>C, in the 5'-untranslated region of the VEGF gene were tested for association in a case-control study of 215 affected women and 210 women with no evidence of disease. All the women were of South Indian origin and ascertained from the same infertility clinic.

Upregulation of antitumor immunity by IL-12 gene-transfected AK-5 tumor cells in vivo.

We have earlier demonstrated a significant role for IL-12 in the regression of a rat histiocytic tumor, AK-5. In order to analyze further the antitumor immunity induced by interleukin (IL)-12, we have established IL-12-secreting tumor cell clones by gene transfection. Significant enhancement in the lytic potential of splenocytes by the culture supernatants containing IL-12 demonstrated retention of biological activity by the tumor-cell-derived cytokine.