Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease of articular joints that leads to degeneration of both cartilage and subchondral bone. These degenerative changes are further aggravated by proinflammatory cytokines including IL-1β and TNF-α. Previously, we have reported that IL-3, a cytokine secreted by activated T cells, protects cartilage and bone damage in murine models of inflammatory and rheumatoid arthritis. However, how IL-3 protects cartilage degeneration is not yet known. In this study, we investigated the role of IL-3 on cartilage degeneration under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. We found that both mouse and human chondrocytes show strong expression of IL-3R at gene and protein levels. IL-3 increases the expression of mouse chondrocyte-specific genes, Sox9 and collagen type IIa, which were downregulated by IL-1β. Moreover, IL-3 downregulated IL-1β– and TNF-α–induced expression of matrix metalloproteinases in both mouse and human chondrocytes. Interestingly, IL-3 reduces the degeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone microarchitecture in a mouse model of human OA. Moreover, IL-3 showed the preventive and therapeutic effects on cartilage degeneration induced by IL-1β in micromass pellet cultures of human mesenchymal stem cells. Thus, to our knowledge, we provide the first evidence that IL-3 has therapeutic potential in amelioration of degeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone microarchitecture associated with OA.

Background: Diaphragmatic hernia is an emerging threat in dairy animals due to accidental ingestion of potential foreign body via feed or fodder leads to traumatic reticulo pericarditis and net results into loss of milk production. Loss of milk production due to diaphragmatic hernia in dairy animals is worrying situation among the milkman and it needs to be addressed in early stage. Considering the livelihood of poor to marginal farmers on dairy animals, the present study aimed to evaluate the clinico-haematological changes and surgical management of diaphragmatic hernia in cattle and buffalo. Methods: The present retrospective study was carried in thirty two clinical cases of diaphragmatic hernia in cattle (17) and buffaloes (15) presented to teaching veterinary clinical complex from the rural area irrespective breeds, age and no. of lactation of animals. Result: The incidence was higher in recently parturited followed by advanced pregnant animals aged between 3.5-14 years (7.109±0.406) with duration of illness ranged between 4-35 days (16.563±1.627). All animals showed recurrent tympany, suspended rumination, constipation, neutrophilia, alkaline ruminal pH, lymphopenia and increased level of muscle enzymes and non-responsive to medicinal therapy. Plain radiography of thoraco-abdominal region showed break in continuity of diaphragmatic line and herniation of reticulum into thoracic cavity. All animals were subjected to surgical correction of diaphragmatic hernia under isoflurane general anaesthesia. Out of 32, 27 animals were recovered uneventfully and remaining five animals were succumbed during surgical repair of hernia due to cardiovascular failure. The present study concludes that, diaphragmatic hernia is common wasting disorders in dairy animals characterized by scanty faeces, recurrent tympany, neutrophilia, increased level of muscle enzymes due to chronic inflammatory changes and it can be treated successfully with herniorrhaphy under isoflurane general anaesthesia.

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Chronic infected wound or non healing ulcer is commonly encountered problem faced in surgico-clinical cases. Wound healing property is most important pharmacological activity of Plaksh or Ficus lacor described by acharya Charaka and Bhavprakash, in an ancient compendia. A male patient aged 55 years, having non healing ulcer on right leg medially above the ankle joint due to trauma, reported to OPD. Wound was irregular with hyper keratinized edges, purulent discharge with foul smell, itching, redness and inflammation. Wound was cleaned with normal saline aseptically and ‘malhar’ or ointment which was prepared by using stem bark of Ficus lacor, was applied locally every day, for thirty days followed by alternate day for next fifteen days. ‘Malhar’ or ointment was prepared as per the formulation mentioned in ‘Ras tarangini’, an ancient compendia. Vitamin C, B complex and Zinc supplement was given orally. After forty five days, wound healed with healthy granulation tissue, purulent discharge and foul smell was totally absent .Bark contains phytochemicals like tannins, polyphenols caffiec acid. It possesses antioxident, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent activities. Caffeic acid have regulatory mechanism on glucose metabolism in diabetes.