Effect of Cell-Derived Matrices on Growth and Differentiation of Human Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Cell-derived matrices (CDMs) are scaffolds constructed by decellularization of cellular matrices from different tissues and organs. Since CDMs mimic the extracellular matrices (ECMs) of native tissues, it plays an essential role in the preparation of bioscaffolds. CDM scaffolds from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to support cell adhesion and proliferation of its own cells.

Differential immunomodulation of human mesenchymal stromal cells from various sources in an inflammation mimetic milieu.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are very advantageous in the field of regenerative medicine because of their immunomodulatory properties. However, reports show that these properties vary from source to source. Hence, understanding the source-dependent specificity of MSCs and their immunomodulatory abilities will enable optimal use of MSCs in cell-based therapies.

Effect of Human Platelet Lysate in Differentiation of Wharton's Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are highly preferred in clinical therapy for repair and regeneration of diseased tissues for their multipotent properties. Conventionally, MSCs have been cultured in media supplemented with animal derived serum, however, it is ideal to expand MSCs in media containing supplements of human origin for clinical therapy. Currently, a number of human derived products are being studied as an alternative to animal sources.

Role of Human Wharton's Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs) for Rescue of d-Galactosamine Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice.

Background/aim: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent precursor cells having self-renewal ability making them a candidate for use in regenerative medicine. Acute liver injury results in sudden loss of hepatic function leading to organ failure. Liver transplantation is often required to salvage patients with acute liver failure.

Asymptomatic Traumatic Hepatothorax, Symptomatic Gall Stone Disease - A Rare Coincidence.

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia rarely affects right side due to protective effect of liver. In adult it is mainly caused by blunt abdominal trauma. Acute presentations are often life threatening and usually clinch the diagnosis early.

Role of endoscopic band ligation in management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Background: Acute non-variceal upper GI bleeding (NVUGIB) is a challenging emergency condition. Early endoscopic therapy has been recommended as the first-line of treatment for upper GI bleeding (UGIB) as it has been shown to reduce recurrent bleeding. We aimed to determine the various causes of NVUGIB and discuss the role of band ligation.

Characteristics of gallbladder cancer in South India.

Gallbladder cancer is common in north India. It is also a well established fact that gall bladder cancer is frequently associated with gallstone disease in north India, similar to reports from the West. The magnitude of the problem of gallbladder cancer in south India and its link to gallstone disease is not clearly established.

Isolated caudate lobe resection: technical challenges.

Background: Isolated caudate lobe resection remains a technical challenge even in the best hands. This is due to the difficult approach and its location between major vessels. This retrospective study aims to analyze our experience with isolated caudate lobe resections.

Biliary cystadenomas: a case for complete resection.

Introduction and Objective. Biliary cystadenoma is a rare benign neoplasm of the liver with less than 200 cases being reported allover the world. We report a series of 13 cases highlighting the radiological findings and problems related to its management.

Influence of copper, iron, zinc and fe (3) (+) haemoglobin levels on the etiopathogenesis of chronic calcific pancreatitis--a study in patients with pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis is a serious condition associated with severe abdominal pain, and a significant percentage of patients progresses to irreversible calcification in pancreas. The present study evaluates the degree to which the levels of trace elements, copper, iron, selenium, zinc and haemoglobin-Fe(3+), in blood, serum and pancreas have any role to play in the calcification process associated with fibrosis in pancreas. Twenty-seven calcific (CCP) and 23 non-calcific chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients and equal number of age- and sex-matched normal volunteers (50) were enrolled in the study.

Level of nitrated proteins in the plasma, platelets and liver of patients with liver cirrhosis.

Over-expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and nitric oxide (NO) formation are associated with the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis. NO-related stress alters the functions of biomolecules, especially proteins, probably as a result of nitration. The aim of this study was to assess the level of protein nitration and its correlation with the severity of the disease.

Management of esophageal perforation: experience from a tertiary center in India.

Background/aim: The management of esophageal perforations remains controversial in large part due to variability in etiology, time of presentation, location, and underlying esophageal disease. We reviewed our experience in treating patients with esophageal perforations and evaluated the etiology, management and outcome of intervention in a tertiary center.

Methods: Between 1999 and 2007, 48 patients with esophageal perforation were treated in a tertiary referral center in southern India.

Role of cytosolic calcium and actin polymerization on agonist-induced secretion by the platelets of liver cirrhosis patients.

Objective: Variceal bleeding in cirrhosis is mainly due to platelet activation defect and secondary to coagulation defects. Secretion is an important process which release procoagulants for hemostasis. In the present investigation we have evaluated the secretory function of platelets in liver cirrhosis and also the simultaneous changes in cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) and the polymerization of actin in agonist- stimulated platelets in vitro.

Relevance of non-ceruloplasmin copper to oxidative stress in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Altered copper homeostasis and oxidative stress have been observed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Non-ceruloplasmin copper, the free form, is a potent pro-oxidant than the protein bound copper. The aim of the present study was to evaluate which form of copper can be correlated with the oxidative stress in the circulation and in the malignant liver tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Factors affecting outcome after Frey procedure for chronic pancreatitis.

Background: Debilitating abdominal pain remains the most common presentation of chronic pancreatitis and the treatment remains challenging.

Objective: This prospective study analyzed the outcome of Frey's procedure in patients with inflammatory head mass.

Methods: For the period between 2002 and 2007, 77 patients with chronic pancreatitis underwent Frey procedure for intractable abdominal pain.

Management of post dilatation oesophageal perforation: an experience from a tertiary centre.

Background: Treatment of oesophageal perforation remains controversial. This study shows that native oesophagus should be preserved. Early recognition improves survival.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater: a clinicopathologic evaluation.

Background: Only 105 cases of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of the ampulla of Vater have been described, mostly as single case reports. The incidence of NET is rising. The changes in incidence may result from changes in detection.

Long-term outcome of gastric access loop in hepaticojejunostomy.

Background: The incidence of hepaticojejunostomy stricture is 4%-10% in experienced centres. Many access loops have been designed and used to facilitate endoscopic intervention for this complication of hepaticojejunostomy. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness and safety of gastric access loop.

Changes in the level of cytosolic calcium, nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase activity during platelet aggregation: an in vitro study in platelets from normal subjects and those with cirrhosis.

Variceal bleeding due to abnormal platelet function is a well-known complication of cirrhosis. Nitric oxide-related stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis. In the present investigation,we evaluated the level of platelet aggregation and concomitant changes in the level of platelet cytosolic calcium (Ca2+), nitric oxide (NO) and NO synthase (NOS) activity in liver cirrhosis.