The effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of Achillea millefolium on muscarinic receptors of guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle

Objective:

To investigate one possible mechanism for the observed relaxant effect of A. millefolium (Achillea millefolium), in the present study the inhibitory effect of the extract of this plant on muscarinic receptors was examined.

Materials and Methods:

The effects of three concentrations of aqueous-ethanolic extract, 10 nM atropine, and saline on muscarinic receptors were tested in three conditions: In non incubated tracheal smooth muscle (group 1), tracheal chain incubated with propranolol and chlorpheniramine (group 2), and the one incubated with propranolol (group 3).

Results:

The EC₅₀ obtained in the presence of all three concentrations of the extract were significantly higher compared to saline in groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.001and P < 0.01 in group 2 and 3 respectively). The EC₅₀ obtained in the presence of all concentrations of the extract in group 2 were significantly improved compared to groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). The maximum responses to methacholine in presence of only the higher concentration of the extract (0.8mg/ml) was significantly lower than that of saline in groups 1 (P < 0.05). There was neither significant difference between slopes of methacholine-response curves obtained in the presence of different concentrations of the extract and that of saline nor between the three groups. The values of (CR-1), obtained in the presence of all concentrations of the extract, were significantly lower compared to atropine in the first group but were not significantly different in other groups. The values of (CR-1) obtained in the presence of all concentrations of the extract were significantly improved in groups 2, compared to groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

These results showed an inhibitory effect for the extract of A. millefolium on muscarinic receptors of tracheal smooth muscle. A histamine (H₁) receptor blockade was also suggested for the extract.KEY WORDS: Achillea millefolium, guinea pig, hydroalcoholic extract, muscarinic receptors, trachea     

Acute desipramine restores presynaptic cortical defects in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by suppressing central CCL5 overproduction

Background and Purpose

Altered glutamate exocytosis and cAMP production in cortical terminals of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice occur at the early stage of disease (13 days post-immunization, d.p.i.). Neuronal defects were paralleled by overexpression of the central chemokine CCL5 (also known as RANTES), suggesting it has a role in presynaptic impairments. We propose that drugs able to restore CCL5 content to physiological levels could also restore presynaptic defects. Because of its efficacy in controlling CCL5 overexpression, desipramine (DMI) appeared to be a suitable candidate to test our hypothesis.

Experimental Approach

Control and EAE mice at 13 d.p.i. were acutely or chronically administered DMI and monitored for behaviour and clinical scores. Noradrenaline and glutamate release, cAMP, CCL5 and TNF-α production were quantified in cortical synaptosomes and homogenates. Peripheral cytokine production was also determined.

Key Results

Noradrenaline exocytosis and α₂-adrenoeceptor-mediated activity were unmodified in EAE mice at 13 d.p.i. when compared with control. Acute, but not chronic, DMI reduced CCL5 levels in cortical homogenates of EAE mice at 13 d.p.i., but did not affect peripheral IL-17 and TNF-α contents or CCL5 plasma levels. Acute DMI caused a long-lasting restoration of glutamate exocytosis, restored endogenous cAMP production and impeded the shift from inhibition to facilitation of the CCL5-mediated control of glutamate exocytosis. Finally, DMI ameliorated anxiety-related behaviour but not motor activity or severity of clinical signs.

Conclusions

We propose DMI as an add-on therapy to normalize neuropsychiatric symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients at the early stage of the disease.     

Antitumor and antioxidant status of Terminalia catappa against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice

Objective:

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antitumor and antioxidant status of ethanol extract of Terminalia catappa leaves against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice.

Materials and Methods:

The leaves powder was extracted with Soxhlet apparatus and subjected to hot continuous percolation using ethanol (95% v/v). Tumor bearing animals was treated with 50 and 200 mg/kg of ethanol extract. EAC induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of EAC cells 1 × 10⁶ cells/mice. The study was assed using life span of EAC-bearing hosts, hematological parameters, volume of solid tumor mass and status of antioxidant enzymes such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Total phenolics and flavonoids contents from the leaves extract were also determined.

Results:

Total phenolics and flavonoids contents from the leaves extract were found 354.02 and 51.67 mg/g extract. Oral administration of ethanol extract of T. catappa (50 and 200 mg/kg) increased the life span (27.82% and 60.59%), increased peritoneal cell count (8.85 ± 0.20 and 10.37 ± 0.26) and significantly decreased solid tumor mass (1.16 ± 0.14 cm²) at 200 mg/kg as compared with EAC-tumor bearing mice (P < 0.01). Hematological profile including red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin (11.91 ± 0.47 % g) and protein estimation were found to be nearly normal levels in extract-treated mice compared with tumor bearing control mice. Treatment with T. catappa significantly decreased levels of LPO and GSH, and increased levels of SOD and CAT activity (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

T. catappa exhibited antitumor effect by modulating LPO and augmenting antioxidant defense systems in EAC bearing mice. The phenolic and flavonoid components in this extract may be responsible for antitumor activity.KEY WORDS: Antioxidant, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, flavonoids, Terminalia catappa, total phenolic     

Protective effect of rutin on cognitive impairment caused by phenytoin

Objective:

To study the effect of the co-administration of phenytoin (PHT) and rutin in comparison with PHT and piracetam (PIM) on seizure control, cognitive, and motor functions in mice.

Materials and Methods:

Increasing current electroshock seizure (ICES) test was used to evaluate the effect of the co-administration of PHT and PIM on convulsions. Cognitive functions in mice were assessed by a spontaneous alternation in behavior on a plus maze while motor functions were screened using rolling roller apparatus and by counting the number of arms entries on a plus maze. Brain acetyl-cholinesterase (AChE) activity was also estimated.

Statistical Analysis:

The expression of data was done as mean ± standard error of the mean. The normally distributed data were subjected to one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett''s test. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

The study showed that rutin when co-administered with PHT, significantly reversed PHT-induced reduction in spontaneous alternation without altering the efficacy of PHT against ICES, in both acute and chronic studies. Further, it also reversed PHT-induced increase in AChE activity.

Conclusion:

Rutin alleviated the PHT-induced cognitive impairment without compromising its antiepileptic efficacy.KEY WORDS: Acetyl-cholinesterase, cognitive functions, diphenylhydantoin, rutin     

Short and long-term impact of pharmacovigilance training on the pharmacovigilance knowledge of medical students

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short and long-term impact of pharmacovigilance (PV) training on the 5^th year medical students’ knowledge about definitions and on the awareness of the regulatory aspects in PV.

Materials and Methods:

In academic year 2010/11, the students completed structured, questionnaire before and just after training. They also completed the same questionnaire 1-year after the training.

Results:

The students’ knowledge about PV significantly increased after training in the short term (P < 0.001). However, the improvement decreased significantly in the long-term (P < 0.001). Although long-term scores were higher than the baseline score, the difference was not statistically significant. Total scores were 17.5 ± 2.0, 20.8 ± 2.0 and 18.0 ± 2.5; before, at short and long-term after the training.

Conclusion:

PV training increased the students’ knowledge significantly. However, in the long-term, the impact of the training is limited. Repeated training of PV should be planned.KEY WORDS: Awareness, impact, knowledge, medical training, pharmacovigilance     

The antiepileptic effect of Centella asiatica on the activities of Na+/K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+-ATPases in rat brain during pentylenetetrazol�Cinduced epilepsy

Background:

To study the anticonvulsant effect of different extracts of Centella asiatica (CA) in male albino rats with reference to Na⁺/K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺-ATPase activities.

Materials and Methods:

Male Wistar rats (150±25 g b.w.) were divided into seven groups of six each i.e. (a) control rats treated with saline, (b) pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epileptic group (60 mg/kg, i.p.), (c) epileptic group pretreated with n-hexane extract (n-HE), (d) epileptic group pretreated with chloroform extract (CE), (e) epileptic group pretreated with ethyl acetate extract (EAE), (f) epileptic group pretreated with n-butanol extract (n-BE), and (g) epileptic group pretreated with aqueous extract (AE).

Results:

The activities of three ATPases were decreased in different regions of brain during PTZ-induced epilepsy and were increased in epileptic rats pretreated with different extracts of CA except AE.

Conclusion:

The extracts of C. asiatica, except AE, possess anticonvulsant and neuroprotective activity and thus can be used for effective management in treatment of epileptic seizures.     

Ethanolic extract of Piper betle Linn. leaves reduces nociception via modulation of arachidonic acid pathway

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the peripheral analgesic effect of Piper betle leaf extract (PBE) along with establishing its putative mechanism of action.

Materials and Methods:

Male Swiss albino mice after pre-treatment (1 h) with different doses of PBE were injected 0.8% (v/v) acetic acid i.p.; the onset and number of writhes were noted up to 15 min. To evaluate the mechanism of action, the murine peritoneal exudate was incubated with PBE for 1 h, followed by exposure to arachidonic acid (AA) and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by flow cytometry using 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate.

Results:

PBE in a dose dependent manner significantly reduced acetic acid induced writhing response in mice (P < 0.001). In peritoneal exudates, PBE significantly inhibited AA induced generation of ROS, P < 0.01.

Conclusions:

The present study indicates that PBE has promising analgesic activity, worthy of future pharmacological consideration.KEY WORDS: Analgesic, arachidonic acid, pain, reactive oxygen species, writhing     

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of statins in chronic periodontitis

Objectives:

Statins are the group of lipid-lowering drugs commonly used to control cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Statins have potential anti-inflammatory effect by blocking the intermediate metabolites of the mevalonate pathway. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of statin medication in chronic periodontitis patients.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty patients of age group between 40 and 60 years were selected from the outpatient pool of Department of Periodontics, Thaimoogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai. Thirty patients selected were grouped into two groups, Group-I consists of patients with generalized chronic periodontitis and on statin medication and Group-II consists of patients with generalized chronic periodontitis. Clinical parameters were recorded and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were analyzed for interleukin (IL)-1β using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

The mean GCF IL-1β levels in generalized chronic periodontitis patients who are on statin medication (Group-I) were lower than the generalized chronic periodontitis patients without statin medication (Group-II).

Conclusion:

Reduction of GCF IL-1β levels in statin users indicate that statins have anti-inflammatory effect on periodontal disease.KEY WORDS: Chronic periodontitis, gingival crevicular fluid, interleukin-1β, statins     

Involvement of opioid and monoaminergic pain pathways in Aegle marmelos induced analgesia in mice

Objective:

To study analgesic activity and to evaluate the involvement of opioid and monoamines in the antinociceptive activity of methanol extract of leaves of Aegle marmelos.

Materials and Methods:

Analgesic activity of methanol extract (ME) of A. marmelos alone (75,150 and 300mg/kg orally) and in combination with morphine or venlafaxine (subanalgesic) were studied using tail flick test and acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. The effect of pre-treatment with opioid antagonist naltrexone 1mg/kg was also studied on antinociception induced due to ME.

Result:

ME produced a dose-dependent significant antinociceptive activity in the tail flick test and acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. (P<0.05) Administration of subanalgesic dose of ME with morphine or venlafaxine also resulted in significant (P<0.05) antinociceptive activity in both the pain models. Pre-treatment with naltrexone inhibited analgesic activity induced by ME alone and combination with morphine or venlafaxine.

Conclusion:

A.marmelos in induced antinociception is mediated through both opioid and monoaminergic pain pathways, suggest its possible use in chronic pain.KEY WORDS: Aegle marmelos, analgesia, monoamines, opioid, tail flick latency     

In-vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Adiantum caudatum Linn. and Celosia argentea Linn. extracts and fractions

Objective:

The objective of the present study was to provide an in-vitro evidence for the potential inhibitory activity of extracts and fractions of Adiantum caudatum Linn. and Celosia argentea Linn. on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes.

Materials and Methods:

The plant extracts were prepared, first with cold maceration (70% v/v ethanol) and then by Soxhlation techniques (95% v/v ethanol). Subsequently, the combined extracts were subjected for fractionation. Different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg/ml) of extract and fractions were subjected to α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. The absorbance was measured at 540 and 405 nm using multiplate reader and the percentage of α- amylase and α- glucosidase inhibitory activity and IC₅₀ values of extract and fractions were calculated.

Results:

Fraction 2 of A. caudatum and fraction 4 of C. argentea has shown highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential with IC₅₀ values of 0.241, 0.211 and 0.294, 0.249 mg/ml, respectively, which was comparable with acarbose (0.125 and 0.93 mg/ml). Whereas, extracts and remaining fractions of both the plants have shown lesser activity.

Conclusion:

The results of the present study indicate that, fraction 2 of A. caudatum, rich in triterpenoids and phenolics and fraction 4 of C. argentea, rich in flavonoids, are effective α- amylase and α- glucosidase inhibitors, which may be helpful to reduce the postprandial glucose levels. Hence, further studies may throw light on the antidiabetic potential of A. caudatum and C. argentea, especially in the management of type 2 diabetes.KEY WORDS: α- amylase, α-glucosidase, Mayurasikha, type 2 diabetes     

Effect of Shenxinning decoction on ventricular remodeling in AT1 receptor-knockout mice with chronic renal insufficiency

Objective:

To observe the efficacy of Shenxinning Decoction (SXND) in ventricular remodeling in AT1 receptor-knockout (AT1-KO) mice with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI).

Materials and Methods:

AT1-KO mice modeled with subtotal (5/6) nephrectomy were intervened with SXND for 12 weeks. Subsequently, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), echocardiography (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, LVDD; left ventricular end-systolic diameter, LVDS; fractional shortening, FS; and ejection fraction, EF), collagen types I and III in the heart and kidney, myocardial mitochondria, and cardiac transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) of the AT1-KO mice were compared with the same model with nephrectomy only and untreated with SXND.

Results:

AT1-KO mice did not affect the process of CRI but it could significantly affect cardiac remodeling process. SXND decreased to some extent the AT1-KO mice''s BUN, SCr, BNP, and cardiac LVDD, LVDS, and BNP, improved FS and EF, lowered the expression of collagen type I and III in heart and kidney, increased the quantity of mitochondria and ameliorated their structure, and down-regulated the expression of TGF-β1.

Conclusion:

SXND may antagonize the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and decrease uremia toxins, thereby ameliorating ventricular remodeling in CRI. Furthermore, SXND has a mechanism correlated with the improvement of myocardial energy metabolism and the down-regulation of TGF-β1.KEY WORDS: AT1 receptor-knockout mice, chronic renal insufficiency, TGF-β1, shenxinning decoction, ventricular remodeling     

Inhibition of adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation by alpha-lipoic acid and dihydroquercetin in vitro

Objectives:

To investigate the antiplatelet activity of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) and dihydroquercetin (DHQ).

Materials and

Methods: Antiplatelet activity of the α-LA and DHQ was evaluated in rich platelet plasma of rat. The platelet aggregation was induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in concentration of 4 × 10^-5 M.

Results:

α-LA and DHQ inhibited platelet aggregation in concentration-dependent manner. The antiplatelet activity of α-LA was more pronounced than DHQ. DHQ also increased the antiplatelet activity of α-LA by 1.4 times.

Conclusion:

Combined simultaneous use of α-LA and DHQ possessed the high antiplatelet activity, and DHQ potentiated the activity of α-LA.KEY WORDS: Alpha-lipoic acid, antioxidants, antiplatelet activity, dihydroquercetin, platelet aggregation     

Fasudil regulates T cell responses through polarization of BV-2 cells in mice experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Aim:

Fasudil, a selective Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, has been shown to alleviate the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) via attenuating demyelination and neuroinflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fasudil on interactions between macrophages/microglia and T cells in a mice EAE model.

Methods:

Mouse BV-2 microglia were treated with IFN-γ and fasudil. Cell viability was detected with MTT assay. BV-2 microglia polarization was analyzed using flow cytometry. Cytokines and other proteins were detected with ELISA and Western blotting, respectively. Mice were immunized with MOG_35–55 to induce EAE, and then treated with fasudil (40 mg/kg, ip) every other day from d 3 to d 27 pi. Encephalomyelitic T cells were prepared from the spleen of mice immunized with MOG_35–55 on d 9 pi.

Results:

Treatment of mouse BV-2 microglia with fasudil (15 μg/mL) induced significant phenotype polarization and functional plasticity, shifting M1 to M2 polarization. When co-cultured with the encephalomyelitic T cells, fasudil-treated BV-2 microglia significantly inhibited the proliferation of antigen-reactive T cells, and down-regulated IL-17-expressing CD4⁺ T cells and IL-17 production. Furthermore, fasudil-treated BV-2 microglia significantly up-regulated CD4⁺CD25^high and CD4⁺IL-10⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and IL-10 production, suggesting that the encephalomyelitic T cells had converted to Tregs. In EAE mice, fasudil administration significantly decreased both CD11b⁺iNOS⁺ and CD11b⁺TNF-α⁺ M1 microglia, and increased CD11b⁺IL-10⁺ M2 microglia.

Conclusion:

Fasudil polarizes BV-2 microglia into M2 cells, which convert the encephalomyelitic T cells into Tregs in the mice EAE model.     

Antiproliferative and antioxidant activity of Aegle marmelos (Linn.) leaves in Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites transplanted mice

Objective:

The present investigation was performed to evaluate the antiproliferative and antioxidant activity of Aegle marmelos leaves in Dalton''s Lymphoma Ascites (DLA)-bearing mice.

Materials and Methods:

The DLA cells maintained in vivo in Swiss albino mice were used for developing ascitic tumor in mice by intraperitoneal transplantation. The standardized 50% ethanolic extract of A. marmelos leaves (AMEE) was administered intraperitoneally in dose levels 200 and 400 mg/kg, after 24 hours of tumor inoculation in mice for two weeks.

Results:

The AMEE treatment significantly prevented (P<0.001) the increase in body weight due to tumor cell growth and increased the mean survival time of the tumor-bearing mice as compared to the untreated DLA control mice. The treatment of DLA-bearing mice brought down the Alanine Aminotransferase (ALAT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (ASAT), and alkaline phosphatase to normal levels. The extract decreased the levels of hepatic lipid peroxidation and increased the levels of hepatic antioxidants Glutathione, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and catalase. All the changes observed with AMEE treatment were dose dependent.

Conclusion:

The hydroalcoholic extract of A. marmelos exhibits strong antitumor and antioxidant activities in DLA-bearing mice.KEY WORDS: Aegle marmelos, antioxidant activity, antiproliferative activity, Dalton''s Lymphoma Ascites     

A novel method of extraction of bamboo seed oil (Bambusa bambos Druce) and its promising effect on metabolic symptoms of experimentally induced polycystic ovarian disease

Objective:

To evaluate the potential effect of bamboo seed oil in decreasing the major metabolic symptoms associated with letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian disease using female rat model.

Materials and Methods:

A new method of microwave-assisted extraction was developed. Female rats were grouped into four with six animals each. All rats were daily administered with letrozole (1 mg/kg b.wt.) for 21 days except control, and during this period, changes in estrous cycle were observed. After letrozole treatment, Group 2 was considered negative control, Groups 3 and 4 were treated orally with bamboo oil, 0.5 ml/kg b.wt. and 1 ml/kg b.wt., respectively, for 3 weeks (five consecutive estrus cycles). Various parameters such as estrus cycle, blood sugar level, lipid profile, and weights of reproductive system were determined. The characteristics of cystic ovaries were evaluated by histopathological studies.

Results:

The isolated bamboo oil restored estrus cyclicity showed hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. 1 ml/kg b.wt. of bamboo oil showed a marked glucose reduction from 254.04 ± 2.08 to 92.6 ± 1.63, and levels of total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride were reduced from 186.45 ± 2.28, 30.07 ± 2.36, 100.36 ± 2.35 to 152.14 ± 2.63, 25.94 ± 1.66, 93.32 ± 1.09, respectively. Histopathological results showed the presence of ovulation and recovery from cystic ovaries.

Conclusion:

A novel and promising drug was isolated in the treatment and maintenance of various metabolic symptoms associated with polycystic ovary disease.KEY WORDS: Bamboo seed oil, Bambusa bambos Druce, cystic ovary, estrus cycle, lipid profile, polycystic ovary disease, polycystic ovary syndrome     

Interaction potential of Trigonella foenum graceum through cytochrome P450 mediated inhibition

Objective:

The seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) (family: Leguminosae) are widely consumed both as a spice in food and Traditional Medicine in India. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the inhibitory effect of standardized extract of TFG and its major constituent trigonelline (TG) on rat liver microsome (RLM) and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) drug metabolizing isozymes (CYP3A4 and CYP2D6), which may indicate the possibility of a probable unwanted interaction.

Materials and Methods:

Reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography method was developed to standardize the hydroalcoholic seed extract with standard TG. The inhibitory potential of the extract and TG was evaluated on RLM and CYP isozymes using CYP450-carbon monoxide (CYP450-CO) complex assay and fluorescence assay, respectively.

Results:

The content of TG in TFG was found to be 3.38% (w/w). The CYP-CO complex assay showed 23.32% inhibition on RLM. Fluorescence study revealed that the extract and the biomarker had some inhibition on CYP450 isozymes e.g. CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 (IC₅₀ values of the extract: 102.65 ± 2.63–142.23 ± 2.61 µg/ml and TG: 168.73 ± 4.03–180.90 ± 2.49 µg/ml) which was very less compared to positive controls ketoconazole and quinidine. Inhibition potential of TFG was little higher than TG but very less compared to positive controls.

Conclusions:

From the present study, we may conclude that the TFG or TG has very less potential to inhibit the CYP isozymes (CYP3A4, CYP2D6), so administration of this plant extract or its biomarker TG may be safe.KEY WORDS: Cytochrome enzyme, interaction potential, reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography, Trigonella foenum graceum, trigonelline     

Effect of thiamine pyrophosphate on ischemia-reperfusion induced oxidative damage in rat kidney

Objectives:

The biochemical effects of thiamine pyrophosphate on ischemia-reperfusion (IR) induced oxidative damage and DNA mutation in rat kidney tissue were investigated, and compared to thiamine.

Materials and Methods:

Rats were divided into four groups: Renal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR); thiamine pyrophosphate + RIR (TPRIR); thiamine + RIR (TRIR); and sham group (SG).

Results:

The results of biochemical experiments have shown that malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rat kidney tissue after TRIR and TPRIR treatment were 7.2 ± 0.5 (P > 0.05) and 3.3 ± 0.3 (P < 0.0001) μmol/g protein, respectively. The MDA levels in the SG rat kidney tissue and in RIR group were 3.6 ± 0.2 (P < 0.0001) and 7.6 ± 0.6 μmol/g protein, respectively. Total glutathione (tGSH) levels in TRIR, TPRIR, SG, and RIR animal groups were 2.2 ± 0.3 (P > 0.05), 5.8 ± 0.4 (P < 0.0001), 6.2 ± 0.2 (P < 0.0001), and 1.7 ± 0.2 nmol/g protein, respectively. In the TRIR, TPRIR, SG, and RIR animal groups; 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OHGua)/Gua levels, which indicate mutagenic DNA, were 1.75 ± 0.12 (P > 0.05), 0.93 ± 0.1 (P < 0.0001), 0.85 ± 0.08 (P < 0.0001), and 1.93 ± 0.24 pmol/L, respectively.

Conclusions:

It has been shown that thiamine pyrophosphate prevents increase in mutagenic DNA in IR induced oxidative damage, whereas thiamine does not have this effect.KEY WORDS: DNA mutation, ischemia-reperfusion, oxidative damage, rat, thiamine pyrophosphate     

Effect of standardized fruit extract of Luffa cylindrica on oxidative stress markers in hydrogen peroxide induced cataract

Objective:

The ability of Luffa cylindrica Roem fruit extract (LCE) to modulate biochemical parameters was investigated by in vitro studies for its role in hydrogen peroxide induced cataract on isolated goat lenses which were incubated for 72 h at 37°C.

Materials and Methods:

Test groups contained 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 µg/ml of LCE along with 1 ml of H₂O₂ (0.5 mM) as cataract inducer. Lenses were examined for morphological variation and transparency periodically during the incubation. Biochemical parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), total protein content (TPC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated.

Results:

SOD, GSH, and TPC levels were found to increase proportionally with the concentration of LCE. However, MDA levels were found to be inversely proportional to the concentration of LCE. Opacity was graded as per “lens opacities classification system III.” Morphological examination suggested that LCE (25 µg/ml) maintained a vision for 44 h. No lens in LCE dose groups developed dense nuclear opacity after 24 h as opposed to 80% in negative control.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that LCE can delay the onset and/or prevent the progression of cataract which can be attributed to the presence of adequate phenolics, flavonoids, and Vitamin A and its high nutritional value. This preliminary study can be further synergized by testing LCE against other in vivo and in vitro models of cataract.KEY WORDS: Anticataract, antioxidant, hydrogen peroxide, Luffa cylindrica, sponge gourd