Category Archives: Biochemistry

Biochemistry

Ph.D admission at National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health – Mathrubhumi English

ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health; Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, a premier Institute of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has invited applications from highly motivated students having consistently good academic record for enrolment in Ph.D. programme of the Institute.

The thrust areas of research include: Fertility Regulation, Infertility and Reproductive Disorders, HIV/STIs/RTIs, Maternal and Child Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Reproductive cancers, Osteoporosis, Genetic Disorders, Stem Cell Biology, Structural Biology, Bioinformatics and Reproductive Toxicology. The Institute is affiliated to the University of Mumbai for the award of Ph.D. degree in Life Sciences, Applied Biology and Biochemistry.

Eligibility: Applicants should be an Indian citizen having Post graduate degree in any branch of Life Sciences (Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Microbiology/ Zoology/ Bioinformatics/ Biophysics etc.) or MBBS or MD degree from India with at least 60% or equivalent Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) from higher secondary (10+2) onwards (55% for SC/ST/PWD). Those who have appeared in the academic year 2019-2020 and results are awaited, are also eligible to apply provisionally.

Applicant should have cleared at least one of the following exams: (i) Ph.D. entrance test (PET) conducted by the University of Mumbai in Life Science/ Applied Biology/ Biochemistry/ Microbiology/ Zoology/ Biophysics/ Bioanalytical Sciences/ Molecular Biology (ii) CSIR-UGC NET (JRF or LS) or GATE (Life Sciences/ Biotechnology) (iii) JRF of National agencies such as ICMR/DBT or SET (Life Sciences/Microbiology/Biotechnology/ Biochemistry) (iv) a valid DST-Inspire fellowship.

Age Limit: Upper age limit is 28 years as on 11 January 2021 It is relaxed up to 5 years (33 years) for Women, SC/ST/ PWD/ categories and up to 3 years (31 years) for OBC (NCL). Reservation will be as per the UGC rules followed by University of Mumbai.

Application: Application can be submitted online at the link provided in the detailed Notification at http://www.nirrh.res.in or directly athttp://www.phdappli.nirrh.res.in latest by 25th February 2021.

Application Fees id Rs.300/-. SC/ST/PWD and EWS applicants are exempted from payment of application fees.

Selection: Short-listed applicants will be called for interview. The list of Ph.D. guides (who have vacancy for Ph.D. students in their laboratory) and tentative title of research project to be initiated under them would be given to the shortlisted candidates. Final selection would be based on the performance in the online interview.

Fellowship: Those having JRF of CSIR/UGC/ICMR/DBT can avail fellowship as per the rules of respective funding agency. Non fellowship holders will be provided Institutional fellowship of Rs. 8000/- per month for 2 years only, after successful completion of coursework and Ph.D. proposal presentation. These students are encouraged to seek fellowship from other funding agencies.

For details, visit http://www.nirrh.res.in

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Ph.D admission at National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health - Mathrubhumi English

Biochemistry

IIT Madras researchers find new method to make AIDS drug more effective – Business Today

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras claim to have found a novel way to make HIV/AIDS drugs more effective. The findings of their study, published in Biochemistry, the peer-review Journal of the American Chemical Society, say that introducing electrostatic interaction sites on potential drug molecules can enhance the efficacy of the antiviral drug against the HIV virus. The research was led by Prof. Sanjib Senapati, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras, along with research scholars Mohammed Ahsan and Chinmai Pindi.

"Current inhibitors (molecules that bind with the enzyme, thereby making it unavailable to the virus for growth and maturation) that target HIV-1 protease (HIVPR, an essential enzyme that is used by the AIDS virus for growth and maturation), make use of the weak forces of attraction called 'van der Waal's forces' to attach themselves to the protease molecule. Given that these forces are weak, the efficacy of the drug is variable and the virus will soon become resistant to them," Prof. Senapati, says.

The Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation studies conducted by IIT Madras researchers showed the presence of a strong and asymmetrical electric charge in the active site of the HIVPR. If a drug molecule can be designed with a complementary charge, so that it can bind tightly with this active site through electrostatic attraction, it can permanently deactivate/inhibit the enzyme, they felt.

"Current drugs lack this electrostatic complementarity. This must be investigated because it is well-known that electrostatic forces between molecules are much stronger than van der Waals forces," Prof. Senapati said.

The researchers propose that drug design strategies should embrace both electrostatics and van der Waals interactions to complement the HIVPR active site architecture. Further, the team believes that such compounds will be effective against both wild-type and resistant HIV variants. According to them, it is a paradigm-shifting idea and will offer a whole new approach to the development of drugs for HIV-AIDS.

Prof. Chandra Verma, who has a Ph.D. from Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, Singapore, and is not involved in this IIT Madras Research, predicts a bright future for HIV drug development, with such knowledge base.

AIDS is one of the most devastating diseases and is a major cause of death among youth in many parts of the world. Since its outbreak nearly four decades ago, tremendous efforts have been directed towards development of antiretroviral therapies that target different stages in the life cycle of the virus that causes this deadly disease.

Also read: India issues fresh Covid-19 guidelines for travellers from UK, Brazil, South Africa

Also read: BT Business Leaders of TN: Manufacturing, electronics, SaaS can make India $5 trillion economy, say experts

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IIT Madras researchers find new method to make AIDS drug more effective - Business Today

Biochemistry

Biochemistry professor Tansey discovers protein that could melt tumors – The Vanderbilt Hustler

The discovery of MYC-HCF1 interactions may lead to a future tumor-shrinking treatment.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), pictured above, manages more than 2 million patients each year and is one of the largest academic medical centers in the Southeast, according to its website. (Hustler Multimedia/Truman McDaniel)

On Jan. 8, a study published in the journal eLIFE by Vanderbilt professor of biochemistry and cell and developmental biology, Dr. William Tansey, detailed the discovery of a genetic mutation that can be applied to shrink tumors quite quickly.

The protein, called MYC, is used by animals and humans alike for cell division and cell growth, which also allows tumor cells to rapidly expand. Tumors typically form when cells no longer have control of their growth, and MYC often enables cells to grow out of control, creating tumors. When Tansey and colleagues discovered a particular mutation that blocks the interaction between MYC and another protein, Host Cell Factor-1 (HCF1), tumors rapidly shrunk.

The next step, according to Tansey, is to identify certain molecules that are able to bind to HCF1 to prevent it from interacting with MYC.

Now that we know what we have to go after, the question is if we can do this beneficially and safely, Tansey said.

If molecules that bind to HCF1 are able to be identified, clinical trials could begin within the next decade for a potential tumor-melting clinical drug in the distant future, according to Tansey. However, the process is often long, and it may take years before this discovery is manifested into a drug, per Tansey.

If you had a molecule that was able to bind to HCF1 and prevent it from being touched by MYC, then that could form the basis of a future anti-cancer drug, Tansey said.

This discovery is the second time that a cancer-treating drug was discovered at Vanderbilt. In 2015, Vanderbilt professor of biochemistry, pharmacology and chemistry, Stephen Fesik, alongside Tansey, discovered a protein named WDR5 that similarly halts interactions with MYC. WDR5 is expected to be in clinical trials shortly, and is currently supported by the National Cancer Institutes Experimental Therapeutics Program, according to Tansey.

We are looking for something that will treat pre-existing tumors, and it seems as if this discovery could lead down that path, Tansey said.

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Biochemistry professor Tansey discovers protein that could melt tumors - The Vanderbilt Hustler

Biochemistry

Science of Aging is Focus of New Bakar Research Institute – UCSF News Services

Leanne Jones, PhD, will join UCSF from UCLA to lead the new Bakar Aging Research Institute.

UC San Francisco is launching the Bakar Aging Research Institute (BARI), a scientific community that aims to translate breakthroughs in aging research across many disciplines into new approaches and treatments that help people remain healthy and vibrant in later life.

The new Institute will bring together scientists and clinicians from all UCSF sites to address the most critical questions related to the science of aging. BARI members will be drawn from the UCSF Memory and Aging Center, the UCSF Hillblom Center for the Biology of Aging, the Department of Medicines Division of Geriatrics, and the UCSF Institute for Health and Aging, as well as many individual departments.

BARI will be headed by stem-cell scientist Leanne Jones, PhD, who will join UCSF from UCLA to serve as director and professor in the Department of Anatomy, with a joint appointment in the Department of Medicines Division of Geriatrics.

For aging research, the Bay Area is one of the best places in the world to be, said Jones. Thats one of the reasons UCSF is so appealing to me in addition to the world-class labs here, youve got excellent scientists interested in aging at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, UC Berkeley and Stanford, as well as many biotech and pharma companies on the Peninsula. Starting a new institute at UCSF focused on aging is an unparalleled opportunity. Seminal discoveries related to aging have been made at UCSF, and I see this new effort as a recognition of those, and laying the foundation for continued groundbreaking work.

Starting a new institute at UCSF focused on aging is an unparalleled opportunity. Seminal discoveries related to aging have been made at UCSF, and I see this new effort as a recognition of those, and laying the foundation for continued groundbreaking work.

Leanne Jones, PhD

The diverse perspectives and breadth of approaches, coupled with UCSFs strongly collaborative culture, ensure that the Institute is uniquely positioned to achieve its primary goals. First, BARI will unite researchers and encourage cross-collaboration, and will also position UCSF to make key recruitments in aging science to bridge and build research groups. Second, BARI researchers will strive to uncover the molecular and cellular underpinnings of how and why we age, as a roadmap to understand what sets the stage for developing age-related diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease. Working with UCSFs world-renowned clinicians, BARI researchers will develop cutting-edge technologies and therapeutic strategies to slow or reverse the aging process, as well as new ways to diagnose and tackle diseases of aging. Finally, the Institute will help to establish best practices for equitable care for older adults in our communities, thereby improving quality of life for everyone.

Saul Villeda, PhD, a UCSF neuroscientist, will serve as associate director of the new Bakar Aging Research Institute.

To lead the new Institute, Jones will be joined by UCSF neuroscientist Saul Villeda, PhD, assistant professor of anatomy, who will serve as associate director. Villeda is well known for his innovative research on aging. In a much-publicized study published in 2020, for example, he showed how exercise prompts the liver to produce an enzyme that promotes better cognitive function and helps prevent neurodegenerative decline. He believes that this enzyme might one day be administered as a drug to provide the same benefits to those unable to do vigorous physical activities.

In addition to Jones and Villeda, the institute will be guided by an executive committee that includes Nobel laureate Elizabeth Blackburn, PhD, professor emeritus of biochemistry and biophysics; Diana Laird, PhD, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences; Hao Li, PhD, professor of biochemistry and biophysics; and John Newman, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine.

BARI takes flight in the Bay Area at an opportune time. California has the largest aging population in the United States, and in San Francisco the trend is even more pronounced some 30 percent of the population will be over age 60 by 2030 according to the San Francisco Human Services Agency.

Meeting the growing health care needs of this expanding demographic will be challenging, but Bay Area institutions are well suited to address these challenges, said Jones, whose work in tissue regeneration has revealed the impact that aging has on the ability of stem cells to maintain tissues throughout the body.

Being able to take an observation in the lab and immediately work with clinicians to develop a novel therapy or intervention to target the processes that contribute to aging is one of the immediate goals of the new Institute. Therefore, Jones and Villeda said, fostering communication between basic scientists and clinicians to enhance translational medicine is essential.

Philanthropy received for this Institute will invest in the people, technologies, and research projects needed to drive deeply collaborative aging research at UCSF, said UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS. The Bakar Aging Research Institute will be a key driver for innovation throughout UCSF, and particularly at Parnassus Heights, where it will be headquartered. By aligning our community around a shared research agenda, and empowering them with cutting-edge technology and new faculty positions, work at the BARI will leapfrog our current knowledge in the field.

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is exclusively focused on the health sciences and is dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care.UCSF Health, which serves as UCSFs primary academic medical center, includes top-ranked specialty hospitals and other clinical programs, and has affiliations throughout the Bay Area.

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Science of Aging is Focus of New Bakar Research Institute - UCSF News Services

Biochemistry

Researchers find a way to measure key characteristics of proteins that bind to RNA – News-Medical.net

A team of Case Western Reserve University researchers has found a way to measure key characteristics of proteins that bind to RNA in cells--a discovery that could improve our understanding of how gene function is disturbed in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders or infections.

RNA--short for ribonucleic acid--carries genetic instructions within the body. RNA-binding proteins play an important role in the regulation of gene expression. Scientists already knew that the way these proteins function depends on their "binding kinetics," a term that describes how frequently they latch on to a site in an RNA, and how long they stay there.

Until now, researchers could not measure the kinetics of RNA-binding proteins in cells. But the Case Western Reserve researchers answered this longstanding question in RNA biology. The findings open the door to a biochemical understanding of RNA protein interactions in cells.

By understanding the kinetics, researchers can quantitatively predict how an RNA binding protein regulates the expression of thousands of genes, which is critical for developing strategies that target RNA protein interactions for therapeutic purposes.

The study marks a major step toward understanding how gene function is regulated and how to devise ways to correct errors in this regulation in diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders or infections."

Eckhard Jankowsky, Study Principal Author and Professor, Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Director, Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, Case Western Reserve University

Their study, "The kinetic landscape of an RNA binding protein in cells," was published Feb. 10 in Nature. Funding from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Science Foundation supported the research.

The co-authors, all from Case Western Reserve, are: research associate Deepak Sharma; graduate students Leah Zagore, Matthew Brister and Xuan Ye; Carlos Crespo-Hernndez, a chemistry professor; and Donny Licatalosi, an associate professor of biochemistry and member of the Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics.

To measure the kinetics of RNA binding proteins, the researchers used a laser that sends out extremely short (femtosecond) pulses of ultraviolet light to cross-link the RNA-binding protein known as DAZL to its several thousand binding sites in RNAs. (DAZL, short for Deleted in Azoospermia-Like, is involved in germ cell development.) They then used high throughput sequencing to measure the change of the crosslinked RNA over time and determined the binding kinetics of DAZL at thousands of binding sites.

The resulting "kinetic landscape" allowed the researchers to decode the link between DAZL binding and its effects on RNAs.

Source:

Journal reference:

Sharma, D., et al. (2021) The kinetic landscape of an RNA-binding protein in cells. Nature. doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03222-x.

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Researchers find a way to measure key characteristics of proteins that bind to RNA - News-Medical.net

Biochemistry

Study: Consume walnut regularly to diminish negative results of H. pylori infection – Devdiscourse

A new study using mice models, distributed in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition recommends that regular walnut consumption might be a promising mediation for lessening negative results related to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) disease, a broad bacterial infection that influences the greater part of the world's population. Using mice models, researchers from the CHA Cancer Prevention Research Center in Korea found preliminary evidence that eating a diet rich in walnuts may help protect against negative outcomes associated with H. pylori infection. Specifically, the research found that walnut extracts, formed from whole walnuts, may help create protective proteins and anti-inflammatory actions in the gut that may safeguard against H. pylori infection and resulting in cancer in mice. The study was supported by the California Walnut Commission.

Prevalence of H. pylori is most common in developing countries as it is generally related to socioeconomic status and hygienic conditions and is thought to be spread through person to person contact or even through food and water. H. pylori infection is a major cause of ulcers in the stomach and small intestine as well as stomach cancer and peptic ulcer disease. While treatments are currently available, there are concerns about the bacteria's growing resistance to antibiotics. Due to increasing challenges associated with antibiotic resistance, researchers have been investigating dietary and other non-bacterial approaches to improve the impact of H. pylori infection, such as in this new study.

This is not the first time walnuts have been linked to a lower risk of gastrointestinal cancer development in mice. Two other animal studies published in Cancer Prevention Research and Nutrients found that walnuts in the diet may suppress colon tumour development by modifying gut bacteria as well as inhibit the progression of colorectal cancer by suppressing angiogenesis - the development of new blood vessels which facilitates the growth of cancer cells. Animal studies are valuable for providing background information and can be used as a basis for future research in humans. Based on the existing body of evidence, including this study on walnuts, dietary approaches to reduce symptoms of H. pylori infection, such as inflammation, seem worthwhile to pursue in a well-designed clinical trial to confirm the findings. (ANI)

Also Read: Firmenich Appoints Levenza Toh as Vice President, Perfumery, Southeast Asia, Japan & Korea

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Study: Consume walnut regularly to diminish negative results of H. pylori infection - Devdiscourse

Biochemistry

Newest Report of Biochemistry Analyzer Market with Current Trends, Drivers, Strategies, Applications and Competitive Landscape 2026 URIT Medical…

The Biochemistry Analyzer Market grew in 2019, as compared to 2018, according to our report, Biochemistry Analyzer Market is likely to have subdued growth in 2020 due to weak demand on account of reduced industry spending post Covid-19 outbreak. Further, Biochemistry Analyzer Market will begin picking up momentum gradually from 2021 onwards and grow at a healthy CAGR between 2021-2025.

Deep analysis about Biochemistry Analyzer Market status (2016-2019), competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of products, industry development trends (2019-2025), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also been included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry have been analysed scientifically. This report will help you to establish comprehensive overview of the Biochemistry Analyzer Market

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The Biochemistry Analyzer Market is analysed based on product types, major applications and key players

Key product type:Semi-Automatic Biochemical AnalyzersFully Automated Biochemistry Analyzers

Key applications:Academic Research InstitutesBiotechnology CompaniesContract Research OrganizationsDiagnostic CentresHospitalsPharmaceutical CompaniesOthers

Key players or companies covered are:URIT Medical ElectronicELITechGroupEKF DiagnosticsSpinreactMindrayDanaherRoche Diagnostics

The report provides analysis & data at a regional level (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa , Rest of the world) & Country level (13 key countries The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, China, Japan, India, Middle East, Africa, South America)

Inquire or share your questions, if any: https://i2iresearch.com/need-customization/?id=31944

Key questions answered in the report:1. What is the current size of the Biochemistry Analyzer Market, at a global, regional & country level?2. How is the market segmented, who are the key end user segments?3. What are the key drivers, challenges & trends that is likely to impact businesses in the Biochemistry Analyzer Market?4. What is the likely market forecast & how will be Biochemistry Analyzer Market impacted?5. What is the competitive landscape, who are the key players?6. What are some of the recent M&A, PE / VC deals that have happened in the Biochemistry Analyzer Market?

The report also analysis the impact of COVID 19 based on a scenario-based modelling. This provides a clear view of how has COVID impacted the growth cycle & when is the likely recovery of the industry is expected to pre-covid levels.

Contact us:i2iResearch info to intelligenceLocational Office: *India, *United States, *GermanyEmail: [emailprotected]Toll-free: +1-800-419-8865 | Phone: +91 98801 53667

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Newest Report of Biochemistry Analyzer Market with Current Trends, Drivers, Strategies, Applications and Competitive Landscape 2026 URIT Medical...

Biochemistry

Leading Report of Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market 2026: Latest Trends, Drivers, Strategies and Competitive Landscape with key…

The Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market grew in 2019, as compared to 2018, according to our report, Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market is likely to have subdued growth in 2020 due to weak demand on account of reduced industry spending post Covid-19 outbreak. Further, Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market will begin picking up momentum gradually from 2021 onwards and grow at a healthy CAGR between 2021-2025.

Deep analysis about Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market status (2016-2019), competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of products, industry development trends (2019-2025), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also been included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry have been analysed scientifically. This report will help you to establish comprehensive overview of the Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market

Get a Sample Copy of the Report at: https://i2iresearch.com/download-sample/?id=30249

The Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market is analysed based on product types, major applications and key players

Key product type:Bench-Top Veterinary Biochemistry AnalyzerPortable Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer

Key applications:Pet HospitalVeterinary StationOther

Key players or companies covered are:Biochemical Systems InternationalBPC BioSedCarolina Liquid ChemistriesAbaxis EuropeAMS AllianceRandox LaboratoriesRayto Life and Analytical SciencesScil Animal CareCrony InstrumentsDiaSys Diagnostic SystemsEurolyser DiagnosticaGesan ProductionHeskaIdexx LaboratoriesLITEON IT CorporationShenzhen Icubio Biomedical TechnologyURIT Medical Electronic

The report provides analysis & data at a regional level (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa , Rest of the world) & Country level (13 key countries The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, China, Japan, India, Middle East, Africa, South America)

Inquire or share your questions, if any: https://i2iresearch.com/need-customization/?id=30249

Key questions answered in the report:1. What is the current size of the Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market, at a global, regional & country level?2. How is the market segmented, who are the key end user segments?3. What are the key drivers, challenges & trends that is likely to impact businesses in the Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market?4. What is the likely market forecast & how will be Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market impacted?5. What is the competitive landscape, who are the key players?6. What are some of the recent M&A, PE / VC deals that have happened in the Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market?

The report also analysis the impact of COVID 19 based on a scenario-based modelling. This provides a clear view of how has COVID impacted the growth cycle & when is the likely recovery of the industry is expected to pre-covid levels.

Contact us:i2iResearch info to intelligenceLocational Office: *India, *United States, *GermanyEmail: [emailprotected]Toll-free: +1-800-419-8865 | Phone: +91 98801 53667

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Leading Report of Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market 2026: Latest Trends, Drivers, Strategies and Competitive Landscape with key...

Biochemistry

[Full text] The Recurrent Liver Disorder of a Pregnant Mother: Intrahepatic Choles | IMCRJ – Dove Medical Press

Background

As described by Ahlfeld (1883), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), is a frequent jaundice in pregnancy that can be relieved following delivery, it may reoccur in subsequent pregnancies.1 ICP is a common pregnancy-related liver disease seen in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.2 Clinically it characterized by a rash and an itching sensation all over the body, particularly on the hands and feet. Elevated liver enzymes, including serum aminotransferases and/or elevated serum bile acid levels (>or = 10 micromol/L) are usually spontaneously relieved after delivery, and no later than one month post-partum. ICP may reoccur in subsequent pregnancies.3 ICP is a liver disease unique to pregnancy with a global prevalence ranging from 0.3% and 5.6% of pregnancies. Its prevalence differs from one country to the other and is more common in countries like Chile and Bolivia.1,4

Even though, the pathogenesis of ICP is not well defined and its etiology is multifaceted, it is related to abnormal biliary transport across the canalicular membrane. Available literature suggest that genetic, environmental, hormonal, and exogenous factors all play a role in the occurrence of ICP.57 Even though ICP will not usually have severe and complex outcomes, it has been associated mostly with preterm delivery, meconium staining of amniotic fluid, fetal bradycardia, fetal distress and fetal demise.1,3,6,811 The underlying mechanisms associated with poor fetal outcome are largely unknown. Poor fetal outcomes, including asphyxia events and spontaneous preterm delivery, have been shown to be associated with elevated maternal total serum bile acids (TBA) (40 micromole/L) in pregnancy.3,12

It is controversial to set the standardized and the most optimal management for women with ICP.9 But pharmacotherapy, antenatal fetal monitoring, analysis of the bile acid and early elective delivery are the currently proposed management options, so as to reduce poor outcomes for both mother and baby.1,9,11,13

A 31-year-old Gravida III and Para II mother came to the outpatient clinic of the University of Gondar specialized hospital, North West Ethiopia, in January 2019 complaining of pruritus (mainly under the breasts, on the neck, palms of the hands and soles of the feet) along with jaundice at 24 weeks gestational age (GA). She had a history of antenatal care follow up at a nearby health center. She presented to us with singleton and intrauterine pregnancy.

On arrival, she was screened for both subjective and objective data for her current and past obstetric, medical, surgical, gynecological, social, personal and family history. She had a history of early neonatal loss and one living child, her bilirubin value was elevated, she suffered pruritus and hepatomegaly in her previous pregnancies. She had a personal and family history of pruritus during pregnancy. From her previous personal history, she reported a history of similar features that resembled her current clinical presentation. The rest of her laboratory investigations and physical examination results, including vital signs (blood pressure 100/70 mmHg), were in their normal range and she arranged for her next follow up after being provided with an antihistamine drug and offered counseling and health education to ensure the best outcome for her pregnancy. At 30 weeks GA, she was assessed for any complaints, including the worsening of pruritus and underwent liver biochemistry tests. Based on this, her bilirubin total and bilirubin direct tests were 4.52 mg/dl and 3.45 mg/dl respectively. Other complete blood count tests and urinalysis were within the normal range. The progress of the pregnancy was also assessed using ultrasound and showed no any abnormality. At 34 weeks GA her bilirubin values became elevated, whereas her liver function test on both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were 83U/L and 75 U/L, respectively. The value of prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) were 12.2 and 34.6 seconds, respectively. Urine bilirubin, urobilinogen, urine nitrite, and Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBS-antigen) tests were negative. But there was no opportunity for a TBA laboratory test.

As a result of having some abnormally elevated liver biochemistry tests, and the clinical features of the patient's current and past obstetric history, a decision was made to admitthe patient to the obstetric ward after a diagnosis of ICP was made. After admission various checks were carried out, including: weekly fetal surveillance with ultrasound and using a kick chart; administration of four doses of dexamethasone 12 hours apart to accelerate fetal lung maturation at 33 weeks GA; administration of antihistamine drugs to alleviate the suffering from pruritus; and psychological reassurance of the patient. The patient's clinical symptoms were not improved after administering antihistamine drugs and she suffered from severe pruritus following the administration of dexamethasone. At 37 weeks GA, the obstetrician and midwives had a detailed discussion and decided to deliver the baby. Initially the cervix was ripened with a Foley catheter so as to have an acceptable BISHOP score and then induction of labor with oxytocin was carried out. During this time a non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern was detected with a cardiotocograph (CTG) and was confirmed with ultrasound. Finally, a successful caesarean section was done performed to deliver a 2.8 kg live female baby with an APGAR score of 8 and 9 in the 1st and 5th minutes, respectively. Following delivery, the patient remained inhospital for a week and was discharged to home with both mother and baby in stable conditions. The evaluation of the patient during the puerperium two weeks after giving birth was good, with the normalization of the liver biochemistry tests and the disappearance of the pruritus. The bilirubin total, ALT and AST decreased to 1.1 mg/dl, 32 U/L, and 31 U/L respectively. The evaluation of the baby was also good, with normal physical development.

With the unknown etiology of ICP, various factors are indicated to be associated with high prevalence of ICP; these factors include genetics, the environment, coexisting liver and biliary tract conditions or abnormal metabolism of bile acid due to the high secretion of estrogen during pregnancy, hyper emesis gravidarum, multiple pregnancies and over stimulation of ovarian or oral contraception. The most frequent ICP complication to the fetus is preterm delivery.3,8 Especially the risk of preterm delivery is significantly higher for those patients with total bile acids (TBA)>40 mol/l.3 It was found that the mechanism of preterm delivery with ICP is that bile acid activity results in an increased sensitivity of the uterine muscle to oxytocin and in the increased oxytocin receptor expression. Having a TBA >11 mol/L in the third trimester of pregnancy is a direct indicative of ICP. The measurement of bile acid concentration is a basic test aimed at diagnosis and therapy monitoring of the ICP. Meanwhile, the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) isoenzymes could be considered as having a positive interaction in the sera of women with intrahepatic cholestasis14 and having a history of allergic reactions may mean they are more likely to develop ICP15 but for our patient there was no history of allergic reactions. Hence it is better to consider such a test while suspecting and detecting this case. ICP has its own differential diagnoses including fatty liver disease, hepatobiliary disorder, HELLP syndrome, skin disease, renal pruritus and hyper emesis gravidarum. As a result, it is better to consider all these and differing diagnoses while anticipating ICP. In the management of ICP, the major role should be preventing still birth and minimizing the adverse effects of ICP clinical features on the mother. As various literatures suggest,8,11 there is no definitive cure for ICP other than alleviating the suffering from pruritus with drugs like Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA),2 antihistamines and delivering the baby as early as possible (from 3738 weeks GA) as the clinical features of ICP will regress and disappear after delivery.

Finally, ICP is a cholestatic liver disease unique to pregnancy with a variable worldwide prevalence ranging between 0.3% and 5.6% of pregnancies. After confirming the diagnosis of ICP with a liver biochemistry test indicating total serum bile acid and its signs and symptoms as a clinical feature, close follow up of the patient is mandatory so as to prevent and minimize the adverse outcomes of ICP. For our patient after a serial laboratory test and weekly fetal surveillance, a trial of induction with oxytocin was performed and finally an effective cesarean section was carried out to deliver a 2.8 kg living female baby with an indication of non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern. ICP regressed and disappeared at the three week follow up in the puerperium.

ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; GA, gestational age; ICP, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy; PT, prothrombin time; PTT, partial thromboplastin time; TBA, total serum bile acid.

The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon formal request.

The Ethical clearance letter was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the University of Gondar. Patient consent was taken with written informed consent form and she was volunteer to participate.

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images.

We would like to acknowledge University of Gondar Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as school of midwifery for allowing us to report on this case. Our deepest gratitude goes to our patient for her cooperation on revealing both her subjective and objective data, as well as her permission for us to publish this article.

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

The authors declared that they did not have any competing interest.

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[Full text] The Recurrent Liver Disorder of a Pregnant Mother: Intrahepatic Choles | IMCRJ - Dove Medical Press

Biochemistry

Biochemical Clues Reveal How Some Corals Resist Bleaching From Climate Change That Is Killing Coral Reefs – SciTechDaily

A comparison of resistant (left) and bleached (right) corals. Credit: Courtesy of Ty Roach (HIMB)

Climate change is bleaching and killing corals, but researchers from Michigan State and the University of Hawaii are investigating how some can stand up to a warming world.

Coral reefs are beautiful and diverse ecosystems that power the economies of many coastal communities. Theyre also facing threats that are driving their decline, including the planets warming waters.

This threat hit extreme levels in 2015, when high temperatures were turning corals white around the globe. Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii was hit hard; nearly half of its corals bleached.

Hidden in the aftermath of this extreme event, however, were biochemical clues as to why some corals bleached while others were resistant, information that could help reefs better weather warming waters in the future. These clues have now been uncovered by researchers at Michigan State University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

It was kind of horrifying, said coral biologist Crawford Drury, who witnessed 2015s bleaching event from Florida before joining UH Manoas Hawaii Institute for Marine Biology, or HIMB. Its disheartening to watch, but I try to think of it as an opportunity.

How this disturbing event became an opportunity is now clear thanks to a February 8, 2021, report in Nature Ecology & Evolution that showcases HIMBs stewardship and MSUs biochemical expertise.

Coral samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry to investigate biochemical differences. Credit: Courtesy of Ty Roach (HIMB)

The researchers discovered chemical signatures in the corals biology, or biomarkers, that are present in organisms that were most resistant to the bleaching. This previously hidden insight could help researchers and conservationists better restore and protect reefs around the world.

Usually, we think of biomarkers as signatures of disease, but this could be a signature of health, said MSUs Robert Quinn, an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. This could help us restore reefs with the most resistant stock.

Corals are symbiotic communities where coral animal cells build homes for algae that provide them energy and create their colors. When corals bleach, however, the algae are lost and leave behind skeletons that are susceptible to disease and death.

This symbiosis also plays a role in a corals resistance and resilience to bleaching, which HIMB was in a unique position to investigate literally. The institute sits right next to the reef, enabling experiments in real time.

The reef is about 100 feet away, Drury said. I could be there in 30 seconds.

During the 2015 bleaching event, researchers in the Gates Coral Lab at HIMB had tagged individual corals to keep tabs on them. Because most of the corals recovered, the team could follow them over time.

We think about it as a biological library, said Drury, the principal investigator with the Gates Coral Lab. It was set up by researchers in our lab who knew it would be very valuable.

A view of coral reefs near Hawaiis shores, where bleaching was prevalent in 2015. Credit: Photo courtesy of Ty Roach (HIMB)

Following the bleaching, the team compared and contrasted coral samples in the wild, noting how the organisms responded and recovered, making some surprising observations along the way. For example, neighboring corals could behave completely differently in response to high temperatures. One coral could bleach completely while its neighbor maintained a healthy golden hue.

To understand why, Drury and HIMB postdoctoral researcher Ty Roach, the lead author of the study, sent samples to Quinn at MSU. Here, Quinn and his team could thoroughly analyze the biochemicals of corals collected from this biological library using a method called metabolomics.

Im known more for my medical work, said Quinn, who studies the biochemistry of health and disease in humans. But Ive always loved ocean science. My background is in marine microbiology.

If the coral samples are the books in the library, Quinns lab used sophisticated equipment to reveal the biochemical language within. In particular, his team used tools known as mass spectrometers to understand what set resistant corals apart from susceptible ones.

The corals are completely different in their chemistry, but you cant tell until you run the mass spec, Quinn said. These mass specs are some of the most advanced technology on the planet.

Quinns team found that corals that were resistant to bleaching and those that were susceptible hosted two different communities of algae. The distinguishing feature between these algal populations was found in their cells, in compounds known as lipids.

The researchers metabolomic analysis detected two different lipid formulations. Bleaching-resistant corals featured algae that have what are known as saturated lipids. Susceptible corals had more unsaturated lipids.

This is not unlike the difference between oil and margarine, the latter having more saturated fat, making it solid at room temperature, Quinn said.

This discovery poses all sorts of new questions for researchers: How do the corals get these different algae? Is this difference unique to Hawaiian corals or can it be found elsewhere? How can researchers promote the growth and proliferation of resilient corals in a warming world?

Mass specs are such incredible machines and reveal intricate details of the chemistry involved. The biology is really the hard part. Quinn said. Were working on new grants. There are so many avenues to explore.

This initial project was funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.

This collaboration has been a great opportunity to ask and answer questions, Drury said. Hopefully, were just getting started.

In the meantime, having this chemical information is promising for coral conservation. When conservationists reseed corals to help restore reefs, they can potentially select more resilient specimens.

We can use natural resilience to better understand, support, and manage coral reefs under climate change, Drury said.

Conservation biology has some of the more successful stories in modern scientific history, Quinn said, pointing to the resurgence of elk in Virginia and bald eagles in Michigan. Someday, maybe we can add corals to that list.

Reference: Metabolomic signatures of coral bleaching history by Ty N. F. Roach, Jenna Dilworth, Christian Martin H., A. Daniel Jones, Robert A. Quinn and Crawford Drury, 8 February 2021, Nature Ecology and Evolution.DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-01388-7

Funding: Paul G. Allen Family Foundation

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Biochemical Clues Reveal How Some Corals Resist Bleaching From Climate Change That Is Killing Coral Reefs - SciTechDaily