The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been associated with various human diseases. ROS exert a multitude of biological effects with both physiological and pathological consequences. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a sodium salt of the natural amino acid glutamate, is a flavor-enhancing food additive, which is widely used in Asian cuisine and is an ingredient that brings out the “umami” meat flavor. MSG consumption in rats is associated with ROS generation. Owing to its consumption as part of the fast-food culture and concerns about its possible effects on pregnancy, we aimed to study the impact of MSG on placental trophoblast cells. MSG exposure influenced trophoblast invasion and differentiation, two of the most critical functions during placentation through enhanced production of ROS. Similar findings were also observed on MSG-treated placental explants, as confirmed by elevated Nrf2 levels. Ultrastructural studies revealed signs of subcellular injury by MSG exposure. Mechanistically, MSG-induced oxidative stress with endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways involving Xbp1s and IRE1α was observed. The effect of MSG through an increased ROS production indicates that its long-term exposure might have adverse health effect by compromising key trophoblast functions.

Background: The ovary is the most common site of occurrence of mature cystic teratomas (dermoid cysts). These are the most common ovarian germ cell tumor in the reproductive age group, accounting for 10–20% of all ovarian neoplasms, with a 1–2% risk of malignancy. A cecal dermoid cyst is a rare entity with only ten cases having been reported so far, eight of which could be retrieved as the rest were reported in different languages. None of these cases were managed laparoscopically. Here we present the first case of cecal dermoid managed laparoscopically. Case presentation: A 35-year-old nulliparous Indian Hindu woman presented with complaints of on and off abdominal pain for 10 months. The abdominal examination revealed a well-defined mass of about 10 × 5 cm size, palpable in the right iliac fossa. On sonography, it was suggestive of a right-sided ovarian dermoid cyst. The lesion measured 10 × 7 × 5 cm on a contrast-enhanced computed tomogram (CT) scan. It was well defined and hypodense and located in the right lower abdomen. The ovarian tumor markers were normal. On laparoscopy, the uterus, bilateral tubes, and ovaries were found to be healthy. The cyst was seen arising from the right medial wall of the cecum at the ileocecal junction, which was excised laparoscopically. Histopathological study revealed it to be a mature cystic teratoma. Conclusion: Ovarian mature cystic teratoma commonly has an indolent course and can present with palpable abdominal mass, pain, or vomiting due to complications like torsion, hemorrhage, or infection. Alternatively, these cysts can be asymptomatic and incidentally detected. Clinicians should be aware of the variety of presentations of dermoid cysts of the bowel as well as mesentery. The exact location of the teratoma eluded us till the laparoscopy despite adequate imaging including a contrast-enhanced CT scan having been performed preoperatively. We are reporting this as it is a rare entity, and this knowledge will help gynecologists and surgeons make an appropriate surgical decision.

Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of high dose vitamin D as compared to that of standard dose in women with GDM having vitamin D deficiency. Design Randomized controlled trial Setting This study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar. Population or sample 76 women with GDM having vitamin D deficiency were included in this study. Methods Participants were randomly recruited in intervention and control group. Participants of the intervention group were provided with 60,000 IU of vitamin D every two weeks (upto a maximum of ten doses) and participants of the control group were provided with standard dose of vitamin D (500 IU/day). All the participants were assessed for glycemic control and perinatal outcomes. Main outcome measures Perinatal outcomes, blood sugar levels and change in insulin requirement between the two groups. Results Among 68 participants, mean difference of 1.06 mg/dl and 1.48 mg/dl was observed for fasting and post-prandial blood glucose levels. Mean insulin requirement increased by 5 units in control group during pregnancy, whereas it was reduced by 1.1 unit in intervention group. Poor perinatal outcome was observed among 65.2% of the participants and 34.8% amongst the participants in the intervention group. Conclusion High dose of vitamin D supplementation is useful for better glycemic control and preventing poor perinatal outcome among GDM women with vitamin D deficiency. Routine Vitamin D testing and high dose supplementation in antenatal women with proven Vitamin D deficiency should be considered.