Lesser prevalence of polyps/WNT-dysregulation and concomitant upregulation of gamma-catenin/MYC point to alternate pathways in colorectal cancer in India.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is known to follow adenoma carcinoma sequence (ACS) in majority of the tumors and the driver variants and associated pathways are well delineated. However, most of the published data are from the west and information in other ethnicities is sparse. We therefore comprehensively evaluated the CRC tumors from Indian ethnicity for the prevalence of ACS.

Interferon-γ Decreases Nuclear Localization of Pdx-1 and Triggers β-Cell Dysfunction in Chronic Pancreatitis.

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is shown to play a major role in β-cell dysfunction in chronic pancreatitis (CP). However, the underlying mechanisms are to be elucidated. The present study was conducted to determine the role of IFN-γ subverting insulin gene expression in CP.

Association of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphism and increased serum VEGF concentration with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Unlabelled: BACKGROUND &AIM: Pancreatic cancer is related to high mortality rate. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a strong influence in tumor-related angiogenesis having association with the grade of angiogenesis and the prognosis of different solid tumors including pancreatic cancer. The present study was aimed to analyze the genotype and haplotype distribution of VEGF gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), -460T/C, +405G/C, +936C/T, in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma from South India, and the effect of these SNPs on serum VEGF level.

Visceral adipose tissue visfatin in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background: Visfatin is a novel adipocytokine predominantly expressed and secreted by visceral adipose tissue. It is realized for its multiple functions of central importance in NAD biosynthesis, innate immunity and inflammation. Its phosphoribosyl transferase activity regulates cellular energetics and NAD dependent enzymes such as SIRTUINS.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and endotherapy for pancreatic calculi-a large single center experience.

Aim: Large pancreatic ductal calculi and pain are a feature of chronic calcific pancreatitis (CCP) in the tropics. This large single center study evaluates the role of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in fragmentation of large pancreatic stones and relief of pain in patients with CCP.

Methods: Patients with CCP presenting with pain and large pancreatic duct (PD) calculi (>5 mm diameter) not amenable to extraction at routine endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) were taken up for ESWL using a 3rd generation lithotripter.

Hepatic cholesterol transporter ABCG8 polymorphisms in gallstone disease in an Indian population.

Background And Aim: Gallstone formation is characterized by the abnormal regulation of cholesterol trafficking and solubilization. The prevalence of gallstone disease (GSD) differs between ethnic groups sharing the common environment. These differences can be explained by a genetic predisposition to gallstone formation.

Reduced expression of PDX-1 is associated with decreased beta cell function in chronic pancreatitis.

Objectives: The present study was conducted to monitor the expression of pancreas and duodenal homeobox gene (PDX-1) for assessing beta-cell function in islets from patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP).

Methods: Islets isolated from the pancreata of 40 surgical patients categorized as control group, patients with mild CP, and patients with advanced CP were assessed for their yield, size, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Expressions of genes coding for PDX-1, insulin, and glucagon were simultaneously monitored by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by immunohistochemistry.