Sai Tirupati University

INTRODUCTION:Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor dysfunction resulting from dopaminergic neuronal loss. Emerging evidence suggests a role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in neurodegeneration, making it a potential therapeutic target. The present study aimed to evaluate the behavioral effects of captopril, perindopril, and losartan on motor, behavioral, and anxiety parameters in a rotenone-induced model of Parkinson's disease in Wistar albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An experimental in vivo study was conducted using a rotenone-induced PD model in Wistar albino rats (n = 6 per group). Animals were divided into six groups: vehicle control, rotenone control, standard treatment group (levodopa + benserazide), and treatment groups receiving captopril, perindopril, or losartan along with rotenone. Neurobehavioral assessments included locomotor activity, rotarod performance, wire-hanging test, hole board test, forced swim test, and elevated plus maze. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS:Rotenone administration significantly impaired motor and behavioral parameters, with reduced locomotor activity (18.67 ± 4.11 vs 174.33 ± 25.01 counts/10 min), rotarod performance (10.17 ± 1.19 vs 118.17 ± 1.83 sec), and wire-hanging performance (8.83 ± 1.80 vs 116.33 ± 3.67 sec), along with increased immobility-related and anxiety-like behavioral changes (P < 0.001). Treatment with captopril, perindopril, and losartan significantly improved motor performance and behavioral outcomes, with locomotor activity ranging from 141.83 to 154.50 counts/10 min and rotarod performance from 108.67 to 114.17 sec. Significant reductions in immobility time and improvements in exploratory and anxiety-related parameters were also observed (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:RAS modulation using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers demonstrated significant improvement in motor and behavioral parameters in a rotenone-induced PD model. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic utility of these agents in mitigating both motor and non-motor manifestations associated with PD. However, further biochemical, histopathological, mechanistic, and clinical investigations are required to establish their potential neuroprotective role.

CONTEXT:Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by peripheral insulin resistance, largely due to downregulation of insulin receptors. Altered secretion of adipokines is frequently observed in diabetic individuals thought to contribute to impaired glucose metabolism. Nonetheless, the regulatory mechanisms that oversee adipokine expression and function are still under discussion. AIM:This study aims to compare serum adipokines (omentin-1 and chemerin) in T2DM patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and healthy controls and to examine their relationship with metabolic parameters. SETTINGS AND DESIGN:A case-control study was performed involving 294 individuals aged 25-75 years, comprising 147 patients with T2DM and 147 healthy controls matched for age and sex. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:Participants underwent detailed history taking, clinical examination, anthropometric assessment, blood pressure measurement, and laboratory investigations, including diabetic markers, lipid profile, and serum omentin-1 and chemerin levels. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Student's t-test and correlation coefficient analysis were applied, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS:Mean serum omentin-1 levels were significantly lower in T2DM cases compared to controls (22.8 ± 6.3 vs. 38.4 ± 7.1 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Conversely, serum chemerin levels were significantly higher in cases than controls (178.5 ± 25.6 vs. 129.2 ± 21.4 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Chemerin showed positive correlation with body mass index, waist-hip ratio, fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and triglycerides, while omentin-1 showed inverse correlations with these parameters. CONCLUSIONS:Decreased omentin-1 and increased chemerin are strongly associated with insulin resistance and may contribute to the pathogenesis of T2DM with MetS.

INTRODUCTION:Accurate subtyping of lung carcinomas on small biopsies is critical for targeted therapy selection; however, regional data on the diagnostic performance of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the histomorphological spectrum and diagnostic utility of a comprehensive IHC panel for lung carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 97 lung biopsy cases collected between January 2024 and December 2025 at a tertiary care center in Rajasthan, India. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and IHC markers, including p40, p63, thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), Napsin-A, synaptophysin, chromogranin, WT-1, calretinin, and pancytokeratin. Tumors were subclassified based on combined morphologic and IHC findings. RESULTS:Adenocarcinoma (56, 57.7%) and squamous cell carcinoma (33, 34.0%) were the predominant subtypes. Most patients were male (76, 78.4%) and in the 61-70 years age group (42, 43.3%). Bronchoscopy-guided biopsies (72, 74.2%) were the most common, with the right lower lobe as the most frequent site (31, 32.0%). For squamous cell carcinoma, p40 demonstrated an overall diagnostic accuracy of 96.7% with 100% specificity. For adenocarcinoma, TTF-1 showed 95.1% accuracy with 96.0% sensitivity, while Napsin-A showed 93.8% accuracy with 100% specificity. Neuroendocrine markers (synaptophysin and chromogranin) and mesothelial markers (WT-1 and calretinin) demonstrated 100% diagnostic performance metrics in their respective categories. CONCLUSION:A morphology-guided IHC approach using a limited panel of markers, including TTF-1 and Napsin-A for adenocarcinoma and p40 with or without p63 for squamous cell carcinoma, demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in the subclassification of lung carcinomas on biopsy specimens. These findings are consistent with current WHO recommendations and support the practical utility of focused IHC panels in routine diagnostic practice. Such strategies may help achieve accurate tumor subtyping while facilitating efficient use of limited biopsy tissue.

CONTEXT:The internal auditory canal extends from the porous acusticus medially to the fundus laterally. At the fundus, a vertical bony plate formed by the falciform crest separates the canal from the inner ear and divides it into compartments. Owing to its role as a conduit for vital neurovascular structures, the internal acoustic meatus (IAM) is clinically important in otologic and neurosurgical procedures. AIM AND OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the morphometry of the IAM and provide reference data for neurosurgeons and otologists. SETTINGS AND DESIGN:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 72 temporal bones (36 right and 36 left) obtained from the department of anatomy of a tertiary care teaching hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:Seventy-two dried adult human temporal bones were studied. A silicone material was injected into the internal acoustic meatus to obtain the impressions for morphometric assessment. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:Mean values were calculated. Side comparisons were performed using the independent samples t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient assessed right-left relationships. RESULTS:The mean width of the porus acusticus was 3.60 ± 0.54 mm on the right and 3.74 ± 0.42 mm on the left. The mean height measured 4.27 ± 0.69 mm on the right and 4.53 ± 0.60 mm on the left. No statistically significant difference was found between the sides. Pearson's correlation showed a weak, negative, and statistically nonsignificant correlation. CONCLUSIONS:The findings indicate a relative bilateral symmetry of the porus acusticus, providing baseline morphometric data useful for surgical planning and minimizing neurovascular injury during procedures involving the IAM.

The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate polyherbal methanolic gels for dermatological application using suitable gelling agents and excipients. Polyherbal extracts were incorporated into gel bases prepared with different polymers, including Carbomer 940, Carbomer 934, HPMC, and natural gums, to assess their suitability for topical delivery. The gels were prepared using a standardized method involving hydration of the polymer, incorporation of preservatives, propylene glycol, antioxidants, and polyherbal extract, followed by pH adjustment using triethanolamine. The formulated gels were evaluated for physicochemical parameters such as pH, viscosity, homogeneity, and spreadability. Stability studies, including freeze–thaw cycles, were conducted to assess formulation robustness, and flavonoid degradation was used as a marker for chemical stability. In vitro drug release studies were performed to evaluate the release profile of active constituents. Among all formulations, Carbomer-based gels exhibited superior physicochemical properties, with optimal pH (6.4–7.2), excellent homogeneity, and desirable viscosity. Formulation G8 showed the highest viscosity, minimal flavonoid degradation (12.76%), and good stability under stress conditions. In vitro release studies indicated a sustained drug release profile, with G8 exhibiting prolonged release up to 260 minutes. In contrast, formulations containing HPMC and natural polymers showed poor consistency and stability. The results suggest that Carbomer 940 is a suitable gelling agent for polyherbal topical formulations. The optimized formulation demonstrated desirable stability, controlled drug release, and potential for effective dermatological application. This study highlights the importance of formulation optimization in developing stable and efficacious polyherbal gel systems for topical therapy.