The integrity of the plasma membranes is extremely crucial for the survival and proper functioning of the cells. Organisms from all kingdoms of life employ specialized pore-forming proteins and toxins (PFPs and PFTs) that perforate cell membranes, and cause detrimental effects. PFPs/PFTs exert their damaging actions by forming oligomeric pores in the membrane lipid bilayer. PFPs/PFTs play important roles in diverse biological processes. Many pathogenic bacteria secrete PFTs for executing their virulence mechanisms. The immune system of the higher vertebrates employs PFPs to kill pathogen-infected cells and transformed cancer cells. The most obvious consequence of membrane pore-formation by the PFPs/PFTs is the killing of the target cells due to the disruption of the permeability barrier function of the plasma membranes. PFPs/PFTs can also activate diverse cellular processes that include activation of the stress-response pathways, induction of programmed cell death, and inflammation. Upon attack by the PFTs, host cells may also activate pathways to repair the injured membranes, restore cellular homeostasis, and trigger inflammatory immune responses. In this article, we present an overview of the diverse cellular responses that are triggered by the PFPs/PFTs, and their implications in the process of pathogen infection and immunity.

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In the present study, we are able to successfully demonstrate that EGCG efficiently blocks the aggregation of αA(66-80) peptide in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, it is also evident that EGCG is able to disaggregate pre-formed αA(66-80) aggregates. The study suggests that EGCG can be a potential molecule that can prevent the initiation of cataract as well as be helpful in the disease reversal.

Salmonella enterica Typhimurium is a rod-shaped gram-negative bacterium that mostly enters the human body through contaminated food. It causes gastro-intestinal disorder called salmonellosis in humans and typhoid like systemic disease in mice. OmpV, an outer-membrane protein of S. Typhimurium helps in adhesion and invasion of bacteria to intestinal epithelial cells and thus play a vital role in the pathogenesis of S. Typhimurium. In this study, we have shown that intraperitoneal immunization with OmpV is able to induce high IgG production and protection against systemic disease. Further, oral immunization with OmpV incorporated proteoliposome (OmpV-proteoliposome) induces production of high IgA antibody and protection against gastro-intestinal infection. Furthermore, we have shown that OmpV induces Th1 bias in systemic immunization with purified OmpV but both Th1 and Th2 polarization in oral immunization with OmpV-proteoliposome (PL). Additionally, we have shown that OmpV activates innate immune cells, such as monocytes, macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells in TLR2-dependent manner. Interestingly, OmpV is recognized by TLR1/2 hetero-dimer in monocytes but by both TLR1/2 and TLR2/6 hetero-dimer in macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells. Further downstream signalling involves MyD88-IRAK-1-MAPK (both p38 and JNK) and transcription factors NFκB and AP-1. Due to its ability to efficiently activate both innate and adaptive immune system and protective efficacy, OmpV can be a potential vaccine candidate against S. Typhimurium infection. Further, the fact that OmpV can be recognised by both TLR1/2 and TLR2/6 hetero-dimer increases its potential to act as good adjuvant in other vaccine formulations.

Arterial hypertension affects approximately a billion people worldwide and approximately 30 % of them remain undiagnosed.1% - 2% of known hypertensive patients will have hypertensive emergency at some time in their life Though hypertensive crisis contributes one fourth of all emergency visits and trend is increasing in last few years still there is lack of data over the actual incidence of hypertensive crisis The present study aims to know the incidence and clinical presentation of the hypertensive crisis ( hypertensive emergency and urgency ) in a tertiary hospital and will help us to know the incidence and pattern of clinical presentation with respect to different aspects. Methods; This is a prospective observational study of 100 cases of hypertensive crisis (hypertensive emergency and hypertensive urgency) presenting to the emergency department. Study conduct during 2016 to 2018. Results; The incidence of hypertensive crisis was found to be 20%.Most of the patients were belonged to the 5th and 6th decades of life and Male patients were more than female patients Majority of the patients were known hypertensives for 6 to 10 years and 22% of the known hypertensive patients has discontinued their anti hypertensive medications Cardiovascular symptoms in the form of dyspnoea & chest pain were the most common accompanying symptoms Acute coronary syndrome was the most common clinical manifestation followed by neurological decit. Conclusion; As the trend of hypertensive crisis is increasing efforts should be made to reduce the occurrence of hypertension Preventive measures should be taken in the form of community education for dietary modication and routine exercise Routine blood pressure check ups compliance to the anti hypertensive treatment and control of associated comorbidities is essential to reduce the risk of hypertensive crisis.