No abstract

Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) has been characterized as a receptor that recognizes unmethylated CpG motif and triggers a pro-inflammatory cytokine response that influences both innate and adaptive immunity. Buffalo is an economically important livestock species in many Asian and Mediterranean countries, but there is little information available on its TLR9 structure and response to stimulation with its agonist CpG-ODNs. Hence in this study, we report the analysis of newly sequenced buffalo TLR9 gene fragment. In this study, buffalo TLR9 amino acid sequence revealed close association of TLR9 proteins within other bovines and small ruminants; but high divergence from other species. Multiple alignment of deduced amino acid sequence of Bubalus bubalis TLR9 with other species showed that 156/201 (74.28%) amino acids were conserved in all species. Leucine rich repeat (LRR) motifs in the ectodomain of TLR9 are responsible for molecular recognition of its agonist. The LRR pattern of Bubalus bubalis TLR9 protein was predicted towards N-terminal sequence and was found to be conserved among all species except Rattus norvegicus and Equus caballus. Blast analysis of buffalo TLR9 sequence with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) database revealed 13 SNPs out of which 7 were cds-synonymous and 6 were of the functional significance. Furthermore, kinetics of TLR9 and proinflammatory IL-1 and TNF-cytokine expression by buffalo PBMCs influenced by CpG-ODN is also discussed.

Introduction: Premature rupture of membranes refers to rupture of membranes prior to the onset of labour, occurring in 3% of pregnancies and causing around 25-30% of all preterm deliveries. PROM patients are at a risk of the ascent of pathogenic microorganism from the lower genital tract leading to complications such as intrauterine infections and perinatal morbidity and mortality, including respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal sepsis, umbilical cord prolapse, placental abruption, and IUFD. With the advent of antibiotics and foetal and maternal monitoring, perinatal and maternal complications of PROM can be prevented. Methods: This is prospective observational study conducted in an Unit of OBGYN Department in a Bangalore medical college and research institute. Total number of such patients was 50. Diagnosis was confirmed and results were analysed. Results: Out of 50 cases, 20% were unbooked. Maximum cases were in the age group of 20-25 years (64%). primigravida (60%). 18.3% cases were of preterm PROM. 80% patients delivered vaginally. 20% cases were delivered by LSCS without trial of labour, the commonest indication of which was malpresentation(36.2%). The commonest indication of LSCS after trial of labour was fetal distress (60%). Majority of the babies had a birth weight ranging from 2.5-3kg (50%). Out of 50, 16 neonates required NICU admission (26.7%), commonest indication being Respiratory distress (4 out of 16 cases). 5 out of 16 NICU admissions were for Low birth weight (<1.8 Kg). Maternal complications seen were fever (12%), wound gape (4%) and anemia, requiring blood transfusion (4%). Conclusion: PROM is associated with poor fetomaternal outcome which can be prevented by early diagnosis and prompt management.