TGF-β1-stimulation of matrix metalloproteinase-13 expression by down-regulation of miR-203a-5p in rat osteoblasts.

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) is a pleiotropic and ubiquitous cytokine involved in bone development and bone remodeling. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP13) plays a role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the regulation of this gene is critical in bone remodeling. We previously reported that TGF-β1 stimulates MMP13 expression in rat osteoblasts.

Matrix metalloproteinase-13: A special focus on its regulation by signaling cascades and microRNAs in bone.

Bone remodeling is an orchestrated process involving osteoblasts and osteoclasts to maintain mineral homeostasis in the internal milieu, mediated chiefly by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMP13, one amongst the MMPs plays a premier role in bone remodeling, and mutations in MMP13 have been implicated in various pathologies including cancer and arthritis. Transcriptional activation of MMP13 gene is tightly regulated by several signaling cascade components.

Patterns of HIV-1 Drug-Resistance Mutations among Patients Failing First-Line Antiretroviral Treatment in South India.

Background: Although highly active antiretroviral therapy has improved the quality of life among HIV-infected people in India, the emergence of drug resistance along with the limited access and affordability to routine monitoring continues to be a challenge worldwide.

Methods: The frequency and patterns of HIV-1 drug-resistance mutations among the first-line failing HIV-infected patients attending a hospital in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India, were genotypically analyzed using the online Stanford HIV Database.

Results: Of the study patients followed up for 6 months, 23 patients failed first-line therapy and the mutation of I135R/T/V/X, L178 I/M, M184V/I, D67N, K70R, and K103N was most common.

Prediction of drug-resistance using genotypic and docking analysis among anti-retroviral therapy naïve and first-line treatment failures in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.

The emergence of drug resistance among HIV-positive patients undergoing Anti- Retroviral Therapy (ART) with poor adherence to the HAART is a major concern in India. As the HIV accumulates the key mutations, the drug resistance occurs, that pose challenges to the ART regimens currently being used. Thus, the present study was carried out among the ART- naïve patients attending ART Centre at Salem district, Tamil Nadu, India.

Anticandidal activity of certain South Indian medicinal plants.

The anticandidal activity of 20 household South Indian medicinal plants and/or plant products was studied using 30 Candida albicans isolates obtained from vaginal candidiasis patients of Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital and compared with the anticandidal activity of garlic. Water and ethanol extracts were prepared and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were determined. Water extracts of three plants did not show any anticandidal activity, while Murrya koenigii did not exhibit any anticandidal activity in either extract.