• Title/Summary/Keyword: kumaun region

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GSTT1 Null Genotype Distribution in the Kumaun Region of Northern India

  • Bag, Arundhati;Upadhyay, Saloni;Jeena, Lalit M.;Pundir, Princi;Jyala, Narayan S.
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.14 no.1
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    • pp.87-89
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    • 2013
  • Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) constitute a multigene family of multifunctional phase II metabolic enzymes. GSTT1, an important member of this group has a wide range of substrates including carcinogens. Total homozygous deletion or null genotype resulting in total lack of enzyme activity exists in populations for this enzyme. Since the null genotype may contribute to lower detoxification of carcinogens, this genotype is expected to increase cancer risk. The frequency of the GSTT1 null genotype is known to vary significantly among populations. However, little is known about its distribution in the hilly Kumaun region of northern India. Therefore, in this study, we determined the prevalence of the GSTT1 null polymorphism in the Kumaun popilation by conducting duplex PCR in 365 voluntary healthy individuals. The GSTT1 null genotype was detected in 18.4% of the individuals. Since GSTs play significant role in xenobiotic metabolism, the present data on GSTT1 genotype distribution should contribute in understanding genetic association with cancer risk in this understudied population.

Effect of Sowing Time on Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Quercus floribunda Lindl.

  • Karki, Himani;Bargali, Kiran;Bargali, SS
    • Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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    • v.34 no.3
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    • pp.199-208
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    • 2018
  • Quercus floribunda (Tilonj oak) is among the five species of Quercus and an evergreen tree found in Kumaun Himalayan region. Timing of germination is a crucial event determining the success of seedling establishment and survival. The aims of the study were to investigate the effect of sowing date on the germination and morphological responses of Tilonj oak (Quercus floribunda), cultivated during the month of August-September, with supplementary irrigation. The experiment was conducted by sowing seeds at two dates with one month interval in glass house conditions at DSB Campus, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. Present study revealed that higher germination percentage (46.67 %) was recorded at sowing time $S_2$ as compared to the sowing time $S_1$ (32.86 %). Germination percentage as well as seedling growth were affected by sowing date though the differences were insignificant. At both the sowing dates, highest germination percentage was recorded for large seeds (32.86-46.67 %) followed by medium (31.43-33.33 %) and lowest germination (6.67-7.14 %) was recorded for small size seeds. In all parameters assessed, sowing time $S_2$ had the best performance in combination with large seed size. Thus, September is suitable month for best germination, growth and seedling vigour and large seed size is recommended to silviculturists and tree planters. The information on seed germination and seedling growth is vital both for conservation and rehabilitation of degraded lands.

GSTT1 null and MPO -463G>A Polymorphisms and Carboplatin Toxicity in an Indian Population

  • Bag, Arundhati;Pant, Nirdosh Kumar;Jeena, Lalit Mohan;Bag, Niladri;Jyala, Narayan Singh
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.14 no.8
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    • pp.4739-4742
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    • 2013
  • Carboplatin, a second generation platinum drug, is widely used to treat different types of cancers. However, myelosuppression remains a major consideration in its use. Genetic polymorphisms of enzymes involved in drug disposition can influence therapeutic outcome. The homozygous null deletion of phase II metabolic gene GSTT1 that abolishes its xenobiotic- detoxifying ability may be associated with carboplatin toxicity. Further, since carboplatin generates oxidative stress, polymorphisms of oxidative stress genes that regulate the cellular level of free radicals may have important roles in generating drug- related adverse effects. We here investigated the null polymorphism of GSTT1, and the -463G>A promoter polymorphism of oxidative stress gene myeloperoxidase (MPO) for carboplatin toxicity in a population of northern India. Cancer patients who were treated with carboplatin, and developed toxicity was considered. The study group comprised of 10 patients who developed therapy- related adverse effects. Peripheral blood was taken from patients for DNA isolation. GSTT1 null genotype was determined by conducting duplex PCR and MPO-463 G>A was determined by PCR followed by RFLP. Hematologic toxicity was experienced by 5 patients, 2 of them had grade 3 and 4 toxicity and 3 others had grade 2 toxicity. They also had gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. Remaining 5 individuals developed GI toxicity but no hematological toxicity. While GG homozygous of MPO was present in majority of patients having hematologic toxicity (in 4 out of 5 individuals), one A allele (AG genotype) was present in 4 patients who did not have any hematological toxicity. Thus variant A allele of MPO -463G>A may be related to lower hematological toxicity. These preliminary data, however, are required to be confirmed in larger studies along with other relevant polymorphisms.