This study examines the IL-11 mediated activation of downstream signaling and expression of effec... more This study examines the IL-11 mediated activation of downstream signaling and expression of effector molecules to resolve the controversies associated with the IL-11 mediated regulation of the invasiveness of two commonly used trophoblastic cell models viz. JEG-3 and HTR-8/SVneo cells. It has been reported that IL-11 increases the invasiveness of JEG-3 cells while, reduces the invasiveness of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Invasion assay performed simultaneously for both the cell lines confirmed the above findings. In addition, HTR-8/SVneo cells showed a higher basal invasiveness than JEG-3 cells. Western blot showed the IL-11 mediated activation of STAT3(tyr705) and STAT1(tyr701) in both the cell lines. However, IL-11 activated the ERK1/2 phosphorylation in JEG-3 cells but, inhibited it in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Within 10 min of IL-11 treatment, p-STAT3(tyr705) was localized inside the nucleus of both the cell lines but, there was enhanced co-localization of protein inhibitor of activated STAT1/3 (PIAS1/3) and p-STAT3(tyr705) in HTR-8/SVneo cells and not in JEG-3 cells. This could be reason for the poor responsiveness of STAT3 responsive genes like mucin 1 (MUC1) in HTR-8/SVneo cells and not in JEG-3 cells. Further, microarray analysis of the IL-11 treated cells revealed differential responsiveness of JEG-3 as compared to HTR-8/SVneo cells. Several family of genes like activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factors (Jun and Fos), mucin-type molecules, MMP23B etc showed enhanced expression in IL-11 treated JEG-3 cells while, there was no response or decrease in their expression in IL-11 treated HTR-8/SVneo cells. Expression of these molecules was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. In addition, HTR-8/SVneo cells also showed a significant decrease in the expression of MMP2, MMP3 and MMP9 upon IL-11 treatment. Hence, IL-11 mediated differential activation of signaling and expression of effector molecules is responsible for the differential invasive response of JEG-3 and HTR-8/SVneo cells.
International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 2019
Descent of the testis from an intra-abdominal site in foetal life to scrotum is a mandatory devel... more Descent of the testis from an intra-abdominal site in foetal life to scrotum is a mandatory developmental process to ensure that the normal spermatogenesis is established. Key anatomical event with regard to this is the thickening of the gubernaculum and regression. The objective of the study is to determine the timeline of descent of the testes visa -vis gubernaculum development and regression in human foetuses between 14 to 40 weeks. Materials and methods: The structural changes, the attachment of gubernaculum and testicular descent was observed in 30 aborted human foetuses of different gestational ages. Results: At 14 weeks testes were located at the abdomen near the deep inguinal ring. At 20-24 weeks the location of testis was above the inguinal ring and remained undescended or abdominal. At this stage was the change in the gubernacular structure was the most striking feature. The gubernaculum appeared as thick and bulky with testis adorned as a knob on its summit. Gubernaculum was cranially attachment to the lower pole of testes, epididymis and distally attached to inguinal canal and extended to scrotum, pubic bone and regressed at latter weeks .Testes were observed to migrate through inguinal canal during 26 to 28 weeks. After 32 weeks the testes were in the scrotum and gubernaculum was regressed. Conclusion: The testicular descent commences at 14 weeks. The testes migrate through inguinal canal from 26 to 28 weeks and descend to the scrotum after 32 weeks of gestation. Gubernaculum was seen to undergo noteworthy structural modifications during descent
BACKGROUND: It is well established that endometrium undergoes extensive histological changes duri... more BACKGROUND: It is well established that endometrium undergoes extensive histological changes during implantation and subsequent stages of pregnancy in rodents as well as primates. Our previous investigation using a nonhuman primate model has demonstrated that morphological alterations are initiated even before the embryo invades the endometrium. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the embryo-induced morphological changes are accompanied by any alteration in the protein levels of the immunomodulatory cytokines and their regulators in the preimplantation stage endometrium. METHODS: The endometrial expression of immunosuppressive factors such as transforming growth factor 2 (TGF2), glycodelin (PP14), leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were analysed on day 6 post-ovulation in pregnant and non-pregnant bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata) using immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: The endometrial expression of TGF2, TGF2 receptor, PP14 and IL-6 were significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05) in pregnant animals as compared to non-pregnant animals, whereas the expression of LIF and its receptor remained unaltered in pregnant animals. CONCLUSIONS: Expression levels of some immunomodulatory cytokines in endometrium are significantly increased even before the embryo invades the endometrium. The altered cytokine expression profile in endometrium probably contributes towards generating a conducive environment for the embryo survival, growth and development in the uterus.
A failure to achieve pregnancy after three or more embryo transfer cycles with high‐quality blast... more A failure to achieve pregnancy after three or more embryo transfer cycles with high‐quality blastocysts is referred to as recurrent implantation failure (RIF). RIF can be due to altered uterine factors or male factors or embryo factors. Disrupted endometrial receptivity, altered expression of genes in several pathways, immunologic disturbances in the peripheral blood and/or the endometrium, and epigenetic alterations are associated with RIF. Amongst the immunologic disturbances, altered Th1/Th2 ratio, altered NK cell and macrophage numbers are observed in women with RIF. However, not all women with RIF have the same kind of immune dysfunction suggesting that RIF is a heterogeneous condition associated with varied immune responses and one size may not fit all. Thus, personalized therapies based on the immune status of the patient are being tested in women with RIF. In general, women with a high Th1/Th2 ratio are offered Tacrolimus, while intravenous IgG is recommended in women with h...
Background There are conflicting data on the mother-to-child transmission of severe acute respira... more Background There are conflicting data on the mother-to-child transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and few studies have described the clinical course of neonates infected with SARS-CoV-2. Objectives This study investigates the mother-to-child transmission rate and clinical profile of SARS-CoV-2-infected newborns. Methods Data on 304 newborns of 301 mothers with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were prospectively collected and analyzed. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) determined the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the placenta, umbilical cord stump, and nasopharyngeal swabs collected within 24h of birth. Clinical and laboratory data of SARS-CoV-2-infected newborns was entered in a structured proforma. Results A total of 20 neonates (6.5%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2, of which 12 were positive only in the nasopharyngeal swab, four cases had the umbilical stump positive, three were positive in the placenta, and one case was positive in all the three specimens collected. Six of the 20 SARS-CoV-2-positive neonates developed severe symptoms. The SARS-CoV-2-positive symptomatic neonates required a more extended stay in hospital compared to their non-symptomatic infected counterparts. Conclusions A proportion of the babies born to SARS-CoV2-infected mothers tested positive and some of these newborns had severe symptoms.
Indian Journal of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, 2021
Both, sickle cell disease (SCD) and COVID-19 are known to adversely impact pregnancy [1, 2]. Whet... more Both, sickle cell disease (SCD) and COVID-19 are known to adversely impact pregnancy [1, 2]. Whether COVID-19 modifies the risk of SCD in pregnancy is currently unknown. PregCovid registry (https://pregcovid.com/) collects information on pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19 through the network hospitals in Maharashtra, India. A total of 1582 pregnant and post-partum women with COVID-19 were admitted to six COVID-19 hospitals of the PregCovid registry in Nagpur, Chandrapur, Akola, Yavatmal, and Mumbai from April 2020 to January 2021. We analyzed the data on women with sickle cell anemia (HbSS, n = 6), sickle cell trait (HbS, n = 24), HbS with b thalassemia (n = 1) was compared with women with COVID-19 but without any sickle cell disease (n = 1551) from the same study cohort. A preliminary analysis indicated that there were no major differences in presentations amongst women with SCD (sickle cell anemia, sickle cell
Lay summary The current pandemic of COVID-19 has affected all the countries globally. However, th... more Lay summary The current pandemic of COVID-19 has affected all the countries globally. However, the adverse impact of the pandemic is more seen in the low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although there is evidence on the adverse impact of the SARS-CoV-2 on the health of mothers and neonates, the evidence is mainly from high-income countries. For reducing the mortality and morbidity due to COVID-19 in LMICs, there is a need to generate evidence from the LMICs. The present study is a part of the National Registry of pregnant women with COVID-19 in India (PregCovid registry). Our study demonstrates a higher risk of adverse outcomes such as neonatal sepsis and death in the SARS-CoV-2 infected as compared to the non-infected neonates. The study also showed the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 6.3% of neonates born to mothers with COVID-19. Introduction We describe the clinical characteristics, management, and short-term outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 neonates born to mothers with COVID...
ABSTRACTIntroductionPregnant women are at increased risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 ... more ABSTRACTIntroductionPregnant women are at increased risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to several factors and therefore require special attention. However, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women and their newborns remain uncharted. The PregCovid registry aims to document the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant, post-partum women and their newborns. The aim of the registry is also to determine mother-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in India.Methods and analysisPregCovid is a hospital-based registry for capturing information of pregnant, post-partum women with COVID-19 and their newborns in India. Medical case records of pregnant and post-partum women with laboratory-confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19 will be captured in real-time using an online electronic patient record (EPR) software. The frequency of each symptom will be calculated. The laboratory data will be analyzed for calculating the frequency of laboratory param...
International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2021
Pregnant women with symptomatic COVID‐19 should also be tested for TB in countries with a high bu... more Pregnant women with symptomatic COVID‐19 should also be tested for TB in countries with a high burden of TB. The infrastructure of the TB Program can be utilized for the control of COVID‐19, and vice versa.
The sex-determining region on the Y (SRY) gene is unequivocally designated as the testis-determin... more The sex-determining region on the Y (SRY) gene is unequivocally designated as the testis-determining factor in mammals; however, its roles beyond sex determination, if any, have been hitherto unknown. To determine whether SRY has any roles beyond sex determination, herein the expression of SRY mRNA was investigated in the midtrimester human fetal, infantile and adult testes as well as in ejaculated spermatozoa. High levels of SRY transcripts werein situlocalized to the Sertoli cells of the developing testis at 9 weeks of gestation, and the expression persisted at comparable levels throughout the midtrimester (until 22 weeks) and also in the testis of an infant at 3 months of age. The germ cells and other somatic cells in the testes of fetuses and the infant were negative for SRY expression. The mRNA for SRY was detected in the spermatogenic cells, particularly the spermatogonia and the round spermatids; the expression was negligible in the meiotic stages. A single transcript of ~1.2...
Acquisition of functional receptivity by the endometrium is assumed to be effected by progesteron... more Acquisition of functional receptivity by the endometrium is assumed to be effected by progesterone-dependent expression and repression of several genes during the implantation window in a menstrual cycle. In the present study, we employed differential display (DD) reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) to identify progesterone-dependent gene/gene fragments that are differentially expressed during the peri-implantation phase in receptive and nonreceptive endometria, obtained from fertile and infertile bonnet monkeys respectively. Receptive endometria were obtained from regularly cycling (n=5) fertile female bonnet monkeys. Endometrial nonreceptivity was induced by treating bonnet monkeys with either 2.5 mg (n=5) or 5.0 mg (n=5) onapristone (ZK 98.299), an antiprogestin, on every third day for one cycle. Ovulation, levels of circulatory hormones (estradiol and progesterone) and menstrual cycle length did not change in treated animals; however, endometrial growth was ...
Introduction. Vaginal colonization of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is associated with preterm birt... more Introduction. Vaginal colonization of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is associated with preterm births and neonatal sepsis. Thus routine screening of GBS in prenatal care is recommended. Hypothesis. Chromogenic media (carrot broth) aids in specific and rapid detection of GBS. Aim. To investigate the efficiency of Strep B Carrot Broth for detection of GBS in high vaginal swabs from pregnant women. Methods. In this study 201 vaginal swab samples were collected from pregnant women. Swabs were inoculated in chromogenic media (Strep B Carrot Broth). The positive and negative cultures were inoculated on blood agar and crome agar plates. The colonies were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and gene-specific PCR for confirmation. The Christie Atkins Munch Peterson (CAMP) and bile esculin agar (BEA) tests were used for biochemical confirmation. PCR was performed on genomic DNA isolated from uncultured vaginal swabs. Results. It was found that 20/201 (9.9 %) vaginal swab samples were positive in the Strep B Carrot Broth and 17/20 (85 %) and 19/20 (95 %) of these samples yielded colonies on blood agar and crome agar, respectively. Of the 181 carrot broth-negative samples, 1 (0.5 %) and 38 (20.9 %) yielded colonies on blood agar and crome agar plates, respectively. However, 16 s rRNA sequencing revealed that none of the 20 carrot broth-positive cultures were GBS and had sequence similarities to Enterococcus faecalis . This was also confirmed by using gene-specific PCR and BEA positivity. Furthermore, E. faecalis was detected by PCR in DNA isolated from 57 uncultured vaginal swabs samples, GBS could only be detected by PCR in four samples. Conclusion. Carrot broth-based culture can lead to false-positive detection due to the presence of E. faecalis . Thus GBS-positive results in carrot broth must be confirmed by the other molecular and biochemical tests before making a final diagnosis.
In the gonads of mammalian XY embryos, the organization of cords is the hallmark of testis develo... more In the gonads of mammalian XY embryos, the organization of cords is the hallmark of testis development. This organization is thought to be controlled by interactions of the Sertoli cells, endothelial and interstitial cells with little or no role of germ cells. Challenging this notion, herein we show that the germ cells play an active role in the organization of the testicular tubules. We observed that the LIM-homeobox gene,Lhx2is expressed in the germ cells of the developing testis between E12.5-E15.5. InLhx2knockout-fetal testis there was altered expression of several genes not just in germ cells but also in the supporting (Sertoli) cells, endothelial cells, and interstitial cells. Further, loss ofLhx2led to disrupted endothelial cell migration and expansion of interstitial cells in the XY gonads. The cords in the developing testis ofLhx2knockout embryos are disorganized with a disrupted basement membrane. Together, our results show an important role ofLhx2in testicular development...
International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2016
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a human health issue and often deadly infectious disease in... more Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a human health issue and often deadly infectious disease in low-middle income nations. In TB, oxidative stress is a result of tissue inflammation, poor dietary intake of micronutrients due to illness, free radical burst from activated macrophages. This study was conducted prospectively to evaluate the oxidative stress in TB. Methods: The study included 30 newly diagnosed TB positive patients and 30 healthy individuals. Pro-oxidant markers like the thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and nitric oxide were studied from serum. Antioxidant parameter like serum total-SH was also assessed. Results: Levels of pro-oxidants were significantly increased whereas antioxidant defense markers were significantly impaired in the TB group. Nitric oxide and TBARS were increased (p<0.0001) where glutathione was decreased (p<0.0001) in TB population compared to healthy controls. Conclusions: Marked oxidative stress were seen in the TB population as compared to the healthy cohort. The role of antioxidant therapy may therefore be evaluated in the management of TB.
We describe our experience with the use of embryo biopsy and fluorescent in-situ hybridization (F... more We describe our experience with the use of embryo biopsy and fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) in order to sex embryos for the purpose of family balancing in a private IVF clinic in India from April 1999-April 2001. Embryos were biopsied and analysed on day 3, cultured in sequential media, and then transferred on day 4 or day 5 after morphological selection of the best embryos. From a total of 42 cycles started, we achieved 14 clinical pregnancies and have had nine live births so far with five ongoing pregnancies. This is the first report of the use of preimplantation sex selection for family balancing in India, where couples place a premium on having baby boys, and the social and ethical aspects of the use of this technology in this setting are discussed.
What is the effect of latent genital tuberculosis (GTB) on ovarian reserve in infertile women? SU... more What is the effect of latent genital tuberculosis (GTB) on ovarian reserve in infertile women? SUMMARY ANSWER: Women with latent GTB have lower ovarian reserves and yield lower numbers of oocytes in IVF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Limited evidence suggests that women with GTB may have a low ovarian reserve. Infertile women have a high incidence of latent GTB and treatment improves fertility outcomes.
This study examines the IL-11 mediated activation of downstream signaling and expression of effec... more This study examines the IL-11 mediated activation of downstream signaling and expression of effector molecules to resolve the controversies associated with the IL-11 mediated regulation of the invasiveness of two commonly used trophoblastic cell models viz. JEG-3 and HTR-8/SVneo cells. It has been reported that IL-11 increases the invasiveness of JEG-3 cells while, reduces the invasiveness of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Invasion assay performed simultaneously for both the cell lines confirmed the above findings. In addition, HTR-8/SVneo cells showed a higher basal invasiveness than JEG-3 cells. Western blot showed the IL-11 mediated activation of STAT3(tyr705) and STAT1(tyr701) in both the cell lines. However, IL-11 activated the ERK1/2 phosphorylation in JEG-3 cells but, inhibited it in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Within 10 min of IL-11 treatment, p-STAT3(tyr705) was localized inside the nucleus of both the cell lines but, there was enhanced co-localization of protein inhibitor of activated STAT1/3 (PIAS1/3) and p-STAT3(tyr705) in HTR-8/SVneo cells and not in JEG-3 cells. This could be reason for the poor responsiveness of STAT3 responsive genes like mucin 1 (MUC1) in HTR-8/SVneo cells and not in JEG-3 cells. Further, microarray analysis of the IL-11 treated cells revealed differential responsiveness of JEG-3 as compared to HTR-8/SVneo cells. Several family of genes like activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factors (Jun and Fos), mucin-type molecules, MMP23B etc showed enhanced expression in IL-11 treated JEG-3 cells while, there was no response or decrease in their expression in IL-11 treated HTR-8/SVneo cells. Expression of these molecules was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. In addition, HTR-8/SVneo cells also showed a significant decrease in the expression of MMP2, MMP3 and MMP9 upon IL-11 treatment. Hence, IL-11 mediated differential activation of signaling and expression of effector molecules is responsible for the differential invasive response of JEG-3 and HTR-8/SVneo cells.
International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 2019
Descent of the testis from an intra-abdominal site in foetal life to scrotum is a mandatory devel... more Descent of the testis from an intra-abdominal site in foetal life to scrotum is a mandatory developmental process to ensure that the normal spermatogenesis is established. Key anatomical event with regard to this is the thickening of the gubernaculum and regression. The objective of the study is to determine the timeline of descent of the testes visa -vis gubernaculum development and regression in human foetuses between 14 to 40 weeks. Materials and methods: The structural changes, the attachment of gubernaculum and testicular descent was observed in 30 aborted human foetuses of different gestational ages. Results: At 14 weeks testes were located at the abdomen near the deep inguinal ring. At 20-24 weeks the location of testis was above the inguinal ring and remained undescended or abdominal. At this stage was the change in the gubernacular structure was the most striking feature. The gubernaculum appeared as thick and bulky with testis adorned as a knob on its summit. Gubernaculum was cranially attachment to the lower pole of testes, epididymis and distally attached to inguinal canal and extended to scrotum, pubic bone and regressed at latter weeks .Testes were observed to migrate through inguinal canal during 26 to 28 weeks. After 32 weeks the testes were in the scrotum and gubernaculum was regressed. Conclusion: The testicular descent commences at 14 weeks. The testes migrate through inguinal canal from 26 to 28 weeks and descend to the scrotum after 32 weeks of gestation. Gubernaculum was seen to undergo noteworthy structural modifications during descent
BACKGROUND: It is well established that endometrium undergoes extensive histological changes duri... more BACKGROUND: It is well established that endometrium undergoes extensive histological changes during implantation and subsequent stages of pregnancy in rodents as well as primates. Our previous investigation using a nonhuman primate model has demonstrated that morphological alterations are initiated even before the embryo invades the endometrium. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the embryo-induced morphological changes are accompanied by any alteration in the protein levels of the immunomodulatory cytokines and their regulators in the preimplantation stage endometrium. METHODS: The endometrial expression of immunosuppressive factors such as transforming growth factor 2 (TGF2), glycodelin (PP14), leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were analysed on day 6 post-ovulation in pregnant and non-pregnant bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata) using immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: The endometrial expression of TGF2, TGF2 receptor, PP14 and IL-6 were significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05) in pregnant animals as compared to non-pregnant animals, whereas the expression of LIF and its receptor remained unaltered in pregnant animals. CONCLUSIONS: Expression levels of some immunomodulatory cytokines in endometrium are significantly increased even before the embryo invades the endometrium. The altered cytokine expression profile in endometrium probably contributes towards generating a conducive environment for the embryo survival, growth and development in the uterus.
A failure to achieve pregnancy after three or more embryo transfer cycles with high‐quality blast... more A failure to achieve pregnancy after three or more embryo transfer cycles with high‐quality blastocysts is referred to as recurrent implantation failure (RIF). RIF can be due to altered uterine factors or male factors or embryo factors. Disrupted endometrial receptivity, altered expression of genes in several pathways, immunologic disturbances in the peripheral blood and/or the endometrium, and epigenetic alterations are associated with RIF. Amongst the immunologic disturbances, altered Th1/Th2 ratio, altered NK cell and macrophage numbers are observed in women with RIF. However, not all women with RIF have the same kind of immune dysfunction suggesting that RIF is a heterogeneous condition associated with varied immune responses and one size may not fit all. Thus, personalized therapies based on the immune status of the patient are being tested in women with RIF. In general, women with a high Th1/Th2 ratio are offered Tacrolimus, while intravenous IgG is recommended in women with h...
Background There are conflicting data on the mother-to-child transmission of severe acute respira... more Background There are conflicting data on the mother-to-child transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and few studies have described the clinical course of neonates infected with SARS-CoV-2. Objectives This study investigates the mother-to-child transmission rate and clinical profile of SARS-CoV-2-infected newborns. Methods Data on 304 newborns of 301 mothers with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were prospectively collected and analyzed. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) determined the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the placenta, umbilical cord stump, and nasopharyngeal swabs collected within 24h of birth. Clinical and laboratory data of SARS-CoV-2-infected newborns was entered in a structured proforma. Results A total of 20 neonates (6.5%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2, of which 12 were positive only in the nasopharyngeal swab, four cases had the umbilical stump positive, three were positive in the placenta, and one case was positive in all the three specimens collected. Six of the 20 SARS-CoV-2-positive neonates developed severe symptoms. The SARS-CoV-2-positive symptomatic neonates required a more extended stay in hospital compared to their non-symptomatic infected counterparts. Conclusions A proportion of the babies born to SARS-CoV2-infected mothers tested positive and some of these newborns had severe symptoms.
Indian Journal of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, 2021
Both, sickle cell disease (SCD) and COVID-19 are known to adversely impact pregnancy [1, 2]. Whet... more Both, sickle cell disease (SCD) and COVID-19 are known to adversely impact pregnancy [1, 2]. Whether COVID-19 modifies the risk of SCD in pregnancy is currently unknown. PregCovid registry (https://pregcovid.com/) collects information on pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19 through the network hospitals in Maharashtra, India. A total of 1582 pregnant and post-partum women with COVID-19 were admitted to six COVID-19 hospitals of the PregCovid registry in Nagpur, Chandrapur, Akola, Yavatmal, and Mumbai from April 2020 to January 2021. We analyzed the data on women with sickle cell anemia (HbSS, n = 6), sickle cell trait (HbS, n = 24), HbS with b thalassemia (n = 1) was compared with women with COVID-19 but without any sickle cell disease (n = 1551) from the same study cohort. A preliminary analysis indicated that there were no major differences in presentations amongst women with SCD (sickle cell anemia, sickle cell
Lay summary The current pandemic of COVID-19 has affected all the countries globally. However, th... more Lay summary The current pandemic of COVID-19 has affected all the countries globally. However, the adverse impact of the pandemic is more seen in the low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although there is evidence on the adverse impact of the SARS-CoV-2 on the health of mothers and neonates, the evidence is mainly from high-income countries. For reducing the mortality and morbidity due to COVID-19 in LMICs, there is a need to generate evidence from the LMICs. The present study is a part of the National Registry of pregnant women with COVID-19 in India (PregCovid registry). Our study demonstrates a higher risk of adverse outcomes such as neonatal sepsis and death in the SARS-CoV-2 infected as compared to the non-infected neonates. The study also showed the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 6.3% of neonates born to mothers with COVID-19. Introduction We describe the clinical characteristics, management, and short-term outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 neonates born to mothers with COVID...
ABSTRACTIntroductionPregnant women are at increased risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 ... more ABSTRACTIntroductionPregnant women are at increased risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to several factors and therefore require special attention. However, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women and their newborns remain uncharted. The PregCovid registry aims to document the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant, post-partum women and their newborns. The aim of the registry is also to determine mother-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in India.Methods and analysisPregCovid is a hospital-based registry for capturing information of pregnant, post-partum women with COVID-19 and their newborns in India. Medical case records of pregnant and post-partum women with laboratory-confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19 will be captured in real-time using an online electronic patient record (EPR) software. The frequency of each symptom will be calculated. The laboratory data will be analyzed for calculating the frequency of laboratory param...
International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2021
Pregnant women with symptomatic COVID‐19 should also be tested for TB in countries with a high bu... more Pregnant women with symptomatic COVID‐19 should also be tested for TB in countries with a high burden of TB. The infrastructure of the TB Program can be utilized for the control of COVID‐19, and vice versa.
The sex-determining region on the Y (SRY) gene is unequivocally designated as the testis-determin... more The sex-determining region on the Y (SRY) gene is unequivocally designated as the testis-determining factor in mammals; however, its roles beyond sex determination, if any, have been hitherto unknown. To determine whether SRY has any roles beyond sex determination, herein the expression of SRY mRNA was investigated in the midtrimester human fetal, infantile and adult testes as well as in ejaculated spermatozoa. High levels of SRY transcripts werein situlocalized to the Sertoli cells of the developing testis at 9 weeks of gestation, and the expression persisted at comparable levels throughout the midtrimester (until 22 weeks) and also in the testis of an infant at 3 months of age. The germ cells and other somatic cells in the testes of fetuses and the infant were negative for SRY expression. The mRNA for SRY was detected in the spermatogenic cells, particularly the spermatogonia and the round spermatids; the expression was negligible in the meiotic stages. A single transcript of ~1.2...
Acquisition of functional receptivity by the endometrium is assumed to be effected by progesteron... more Acquisition of functional receptivity by the endometrium is assumed to be effected by progesterone-dependent expression and repression of several genes during the implantation window in a menstrual cycle. In the present study, we employed differential display (DD) reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) to identify progesterone-dependent gene/gene fragments that are differentially expressed during the peri-implantation phase in receptive and nonreceptive endometria, obtained from fertile and infertile bonnet monkeys respectively. Receptive endometria were obtained from regularly cycling (n=5) fertile female bonnet monkeys. Endometrial nonreceptivity was induced by treating bonnet monkeys with either 2.5 mg (n=5) or 5.0 mg (n=5) onapristone (ZK 98.299), an antiprogestin, on every third day for one cycle. Ovulation, levels of circulatory hormones (estradiol and progesterone) and menstrual cycle length did not change in treated animals; however, endometrial growth was ...
Introduction. Vaginal colonization of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is associated with preterm birt... more Introduction. Vaginal colonization of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is associated with preterm births and neonatal sepsis. Thus routine screening of GBS in prenatal care is recommended. Hypothesis. Chromogenic media (carrot broth) aids in specific and rapid detection of GBS. Aim. To investigate the efficiency of Strep B Carrot Broth for detection of GBS in high vaginal swabs from pregnant women. Methods. In this study 201 vaginal swab samples were collected from pregnant women. Swabs were inoculated in chromogenic media (Strep B Carrot Broth). The positive and negative cultures were inoculated on blood agar and crome agar plates. The colonies were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and gene-specific PCR for confirmation. The Christie Atkins Munch Peterson (CAMP) and bile esculin agar (BEA) tests were used for biochemical confirmation. PCR was performed on genomic DNA isolated from uncultured vaginal swabs. Results. It was found that 20/201 (9.9 %) vaginal swab samples were positive in the Strep B Carrot Broth and 17/20 (85 %) and 19/20 (95 %) of these samples yielded colonies on blood agar and crome agar, respectively. Of the 181 carrot broth-negative samples, 1 (0.5 %) and 38 (20.9 %) yielded colonies on blood agar and crome agar plates, respectively. However, 16 s rRNA sequencing revealed that none of the 20 carrot broth-positive cultures were GBS and had sequence similarities to Enterococcus faecalis . This was also confirmed by using gene-specific PCR and BEA positivity. Furthermore, E. faecalis was detected by PCR in DNA isolated from 57 uncultured vaginal swabs samples, GBS could only be detected by PCR in four samples. Conclusion. Carrot broth-based culture can lead to false-positive detection due to the presence of E. faecalis . Thus GBS-positive results in carrot broth must be confirmed by the other molecular and biochemical tests before making a final diagnosis.
In the gonads of mammalian XY embryos, the organization of cords is the hallmark of testis develo... more In the gonads of mammalian XY embryos, the organization of cords is the hallmark of testis development. This organization is thought to be controlled by interactions of the Sertoli cells, endothelial and interstitial cells with little or no role of germ cells. Challenging this notion, herein we show that the germ cells play an active role in the organization of the testicular tubules. We observed that the LIM-homeobox gene,Lhx2is expressed in the germ cells of the developing testis between E12.5-E15.5. InLhx2knockout-fetal testis there was altered expression of several genes not just in germ cells but also in the supporting (Sertoli) cells, endothelial cells, and interstitial cells. Further, loss ofLhx2led to disrupted endothelial cell migration and expansion of interstitial cells in the XY gonads. The cords in the developing testis ofLhx2knockout embryos are disorganized with a disrupted basement membrane. Together, our results show an important role ofLhx2in testicular development...
International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2016
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a human health issue and often deadly infectious disease in... more Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a human health issue and often deadly infectious disease in low-middle income nations. In TB, oxidative stress is a result of tissue inflammation, poor dietary intake of micronutrients due to illness, free radical burst from activated macrophages. This study was conducted prospectively to evaluate the oxidative stress in TB. Methods: The study included 30 newly diagnosed TB positive patients and 30 healthy individuals. Pro-oxidant markers like the thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and nitric oxide were studied from serum. Antioxidant parameter like serum total-SH was also assessed. Results: Levels of pro-oxidants were significantly increased whereas antioxidant defense markers were significantly impaired in the TB group. Nitric oxide and TBARS were increased (p<0.0001) where glutathione was decreased (p<0.0001) in TB population compared to healthy controls. Conclusions: Marked oxidative stress were seen in the TB population as compared to the healthy cohort. The role of antioxidant therapy may therefore be evaluated in the management of TB.
We describe our experience with the use of embryo biopsy and fluorescent in-situ hybridization (F... more We describe our experience with the use of embryo biopsy and fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) in order to sex embryos for the purpose of family balancing in a private IVF clinic in India from April 1999-April 2001. Embryos were biopsied and analysed on day 3, cultured in sequential media, and then transferred on day 4 or day 5 after morphological selection of the best embryos. From a total of 42 cycles started, we achieved 14 clinical pregnancies and have had nine live births so far with five ongoing pregnancies. This is the first report of the use of preimplantation sex selection for family balancing in India, where couples place a premium on having baby boys, and the social and ethical aspects of the use of this technology in this setting are discussed.
What is the effect of latent genital tuberculosis (GTB) on ovarian reserve in infertile women? SU... more What is the effect of latent genital tuberculosis (GTB) on ovarian reserve in infertile women? SUMMARY ANSWER: Women with latent GTB have lower ovarian reserves and yield lower numbers of oocytes in IVF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Limited evidence suggests that women with GTB may have a low ovarian reserve. Infertile women have a high incidence of latent GTB and treatment improves fertility outcomes.
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Papers by Deepak Modi