Cardioprotective effect of fenugreek on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats

Objectives:

This study is designed to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of fenugreek on isoproterenol- induced myocardial infarction and is investigated by an in vivo method in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n=10). Group I received 0.5% CMC treated as normal control group. Group II received isoproterenol (85 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneal (i.p.) for two consecutive days (14^th and 15^th days). Group III received fenugreek (250 mg/kg body weight) intragastric intubation for 15 days. Group IV rats received fenugreek as in Group III and additionally isoproterenol was given for two consecutive days (14^th and 15^th days).

Results:

The results described the cardioprotective effect that observed in Group IV showed significantly (P< 0.05) decreased levels of TBARS and enhanced the activities of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH) in myocardial infarcted rats when compared to Groups II and III. Histopathological studies were also co-relating with the above biochemical parameters.

Conclusion:

These findings concluded the cardioprotective effect of fenugreek on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system during isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.     

Burn wound healing property of Cocos nucifera: An appraisal

Objectives:

The study was undertaken to evaluate the burn wound healing property of oil of Cocos nucifera and to compare the effect of the combination of oil of Cocos nucifera and silver sulphadiazine with silver sulphadiazine alone.

Materials and Methods:

Partial thickness burn wounds were inflicted upon four groups of six rats each. Group I was assigned as control, Group II received the standard silver sulphadiazine. Group III was given pure oil of Cocos nucifera , and Group IV received the combination of the oil and the standard. The parameters observed were epithelialization period and percentage of wound contraction.

Results:

It was noted that there was significant improvement in burn wound contraction in the group treated with the combination of Cocos nucifera and silver sulphadiazine. The period of epithelialization also decreased significantly in groups III and IV.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that oil of Cocos nucifera is an effective burn wound healing agent.     

Comparision of uroprotective activity of reduced glutathione with Mesna in Ifosfamide induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats

Background:

Ifosfamide (IFO) is widely used DNA-alkylating agents in cancer chemotherapy for management of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. However, hemorrhagic cystitis limits the use of IFO.

Objectives:

To compare the efficiency of reduced glutathione with 2-Mesna in reducing Ifosfamide (IFO) induced hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) in wistar rats.

Materials and Methods:

Ifosfamide and 2-Mesna were dissolved in sterile water for injection and administered to wistar rats of albino strains. The rats were randomly assigned to one of the four groups of 6 rats each: Group I: Vehicle control; Group II: 120 mg/kg of IFO alone by intraperitoneal injection (i.p); Group III: 40 mg/kg Mesna i.p., at the same time and at 4 and 8 h after IFO administration; Group IV: 500 mg/kg of glutathione i.p., 30 min prior to IFO as above. The animals were observed for 5 days. On 6^th day, rats were sacrificed by dissecting the intrajugular vein. The bladders were macroscopically and histopathologically evaluated.

Results:

Control animals had normal bladders with assigned scores of ‘0’ for the three parameters of edema, hemorrhage and histopathological changes. All the animals receiving IFO (group II) had evidence of HC as evidenced by alterations of edema and hemorrhages. These alterations were almost abolished (P < 0.001) by the glutathione (group III) or Mesna (group IV) in IFO-treated animals.

Conclusion:

Glutathione could be as useful as Mesna in the preventive management of IFO-induced HC.KEY WORDS: Glutathione, hemorrhagic cystitis, ifosfamide, solid tumors     

Protective and curative effects of Cocos nucifera inflorescence on alloxan-induced pancreatic cytotoxicity in rats

Objectives:

This study was planned to investigate the effects of pre and post-treatment of young inflorescence of Cocos nucifera (CnI) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Male albino Sprague Dawely rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. Group I was normal control, Group II was diabetic control, Cocos nucifera Inflorescence (CnI) was fed along with diet [20% (w/w)] orally (Group III) for a period of 11 days prior to alloxan injection (150 mg/kg i.p.). The curative effect of CnI was evaluated at the same feeding levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (Group IV) for a period of 30 days. The effects of both pretreatment and post-treatment (Group V) were also evaluated. Biochemical parameters such serum glucose, hepatic glycogen, and enzymes involving carbohydrate metabolism (hexokinase, phosphoglucomutase, pyruvate kinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose 1, 6-diphosphatase, glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase, and glycogen phosphorylase) were assayed along with pancreatic histopathology. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan''s post hoc multiple variance test. P < 0.05 was considered statistical significant.

Results:

Diabetic control rats showed significant increase in serum glucose (P < 0.05) and decrease in hepatic glycogen levels (P < 0.05) compared to normal rats, which was reversed to near normal in both CnI pretreated and post-treated rats. Treatment with CnI resulted in significant decrease (P < 0.05) in activities of gluconeogenic enzymes in Group III and IV on compared to the diabetic control group, while glycolytic enzyme activities were improved in these groups. The cytotoxicity of pancreatic islets also ameliorated by treatment with CnI on histopathological examination.

Conclusion:

The results obtained in the study indicate the protective and curative effects of CnI on alloxan-induced pancreatic cytotoxicity, which is mediated through the regulation of carbohydrate metabolic enzyme activities and islets cell repair.KEY WORDS: Alloxan, Cocos nucifera inflorescence, cytotoxicity, diabetes     

Hepatoprotective activity of Tephrosia purpurea against arsenic induced toxicity in rats

Aim:

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Tephrosia purpurea (TP) against sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) induced sub-acute toxicity in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty four wistar albino rats of either sex were randomly divided into three groups. Group II and III were orally administered with sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg) daily in drinking water for 28 days. Additionally Group III was orally treated with hydro-alcoholic extract of Tephrosia purpurea (TP) @ 500 mg/kg daily for the same time period, whereas only deionized water was given to Group I (control). Serum biomarker levels, oxidative stress parameters and arsenic concentration were assessed in liver. Histopathology was also conducted.

Results:

It has been seen that TPE (500 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.01) reduced serum ALT, AST, ALP activity and increased total protein and reduced necrosis and inflammation in liver of group III compared to group II. A significantly (P < 0.01) higher LPO and lower GSH levels without change in SOD activity in liver was also observed in group II compared to group III, though there was no significant difference in arsenic accumulation between them. The plant extract also protects the animals of group III from significant (P < 0.01) reduction in body weight.

Conclusion:

Our study shows that supplementation of Tephrosia purpurea extract (500 mg/kg) could ameliorate the hepatotoxic action of arsenic.KEY WORDS: Arsenic, hepatotoxicity, rats, sub-acute toxicity, Tephrosia purpurea     

Maxcal-C (a polyherbal formulation) prevents ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-osteoporotic activity of Maxcal-C in ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Sham-operated control rats were designated as Group I; Group II animals served as OVX control; Group III OVX control rats treated with Calcium Sandoz (50 mg/kg, p.o.); Group IV and V OVX control rats treated with Maxcal-C (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.), respectively. All the aforementioned treatments were given for four weeks after the development of osteoporosis. At the end of the treatment, serum biochemical parameters such as serum calcium and alkaline phosphate were measured. After sacrificing the animals, femoral bone parameters with histology, body weight, and bone breaking strength of 5^th lumbar vertebra were measured.

Results:

The treatment with Maxcal-C showed a significant improvement in serum biochemical, femoral bone parameters, and bone breaking strength of 5^th lumbar vertebra with histopathological changes.

Conclusion:

The finding of the present study indicates that Maxcal-C showed a potential anti-osteoporotic activity. These results support the traditional use of Maxcal-C in the treatment of osteoporosis.KEY WORDS: Bone breaking strength, femoral bone parameters, Maxcal-C, ovariectomy rats, serum calcium     

Effect of clonidine on blood glucose levels in euglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats and its interaction with glibenclamide

Objectives:

Clonidine, a known antihypertensive, is currently used for many purposes including diabetic gastroparesis, postmenopausal hot flushes, opioid/nicotine/alcohol withdrawal. Its effects on carbohydrate metabolism appear to be variable. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of clonidine on euglycemic and alloxan -induced diabetic rats and its interaction with glibenclamide.

Materials and Methods:

Alloxan - induced (150 mg/kg, i.p) diabetic rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. Group I - Normal Control; Group II - Nondiabetic + Clonidine (25 μg/kg); Group III - Diabetic Control; Group IV - Diabetic + Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg); Group V - Diabetic + Glibenclamide + Clonidine. All drugs were given orally once daily. Blood glucose was estimated from rat tail vein using glucometer before start of the experiment and at the end of 30 days.

Results:

After 30 days of treatment, clonidine (25 μg/kg) produced significant hyperglycemia in both euglycemic and diabetic rats. It also reduced the hypoglycemic effect of glibenclamide in diabetic rats.

Conclusion:

The results of present study indicate that clonidine has hyperglycemic effect and it also interacts with glibenclamide to reduce its hypoglycemic activity. If these findings are true to human beings then clonidine should not be used in diabetic patients on sulfonylureas.     

Wound healing activity of Sida cordifolia Linn. in rats

Introduction:

The present study provides a scientific evaluation for the wound healing potential of ethanolic (EtOH) extract of Sida cordifolia Linn. (SCL) plant.

Materials and Methods:

Excision, incision and burn wounds were inflicted upon three groups of six rats each. Group I was assigned as control (ointment base). Group II was treated with 10% EtOH extract ointment. Group III was treated with standard silver sulfadiazine (0.01%) cream. The parameters observed were percentage of wound contraction, epithelialization period, hydroxyproline content, tensile strength including histopathological studies.

Result:

It was noted that the effect produced by the ethanolic extract of SCL ointment showed significant (P < 0.01) healing in all wound models when compared with the control group. All parameters such as wound contraction, epithelialization period, hydroxyproline content, tensile strength and histopathological studies showed significant (P < 0.01) changes when compared with the control.

Conclusion:

The ethanolic extract ointment of SCL effectively stimulates wound contraction; increases tensile strength of excision, incision and burn wounds.KEY WORDS: Burn injury, excision injury, incision injury, Sida cordifolia Linn. wound healing     

In vitro prevention of cataract by Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus florida extract on isolated goat eye lens

Objectives:

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the in vitro effect of Pleurotus florida extract cataract induced by glucose.

Materials and Methods:

Goat eye lenses were divided into four groups. Group I lenses were incubated in artificial aqueous humor with glucose concentration 5.5 mM (normal control). Group II lenses were incubated with glucose concentration 55 mM (toxic control). Group III and IV lenses incubated with glucose concentration 55 mM were incubated along with hydroethanolic extract of P. florida 250 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml and subjected to morphological and biochemical evaluation.

Results:

Group II lenses showed high amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) soluble and insoluble protein and decreased catalase and glutathione levels, while lenses treated with P. florida extract showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in MDA, increased level of catalase (P < 0.001), glutathione (P < 0.005) and total and soluble protein.

Conclusions:

Hydroethanolic extract of P. florida showed prevention of in vitro glucose induced cataract. Thus, the goat lens model could be used for testing of various anticataract agents.KEY WORDS: Catalase, in vitro, glutathione, lens, Pleurotus florida     

The effect of methanolic extract of Buchanania lanzan Spreng seeds on hematological indices

Objective:

The objective of the current study was carried out to investigate the effects of methanolic extract of Buchanania lanzan Spreng seeds on hematological indices.

Materials and Methods:

Eighteen male albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups, six in each. Group I animals received distilled water, Group II and III were treated with an oral dose of 1000 mg oil/kg and 2000 mg oil/kg of extract, respectively, for 7 days. At the end of the study, blood was collected and evaluated for packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts.

Results:

There was a significant dose-dependent increase in the hematological indices such as PCV, Hb, RBC, and WBC count in the treatment group.

Conclusions:

The improvement of PCV, Hb, and RBC values is an indication of the anti-anemic effect which may be due to the stimulation of RBC production in bone marrow. Further, stimulated production of WBC could be as a result of possible stimulus of the immune system. Hence, this study confirms that the extract of B. lanzan could be useful for the treatment of anemia.KEY WORDS: Buchanania lanzan, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red blood cell, white blood cell     

Efficacy of Spirulina platensis in improvement of the reproductive performance and easing teratogenicity in hyperglycemic albino mice

Objectives:

The present study evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of cell suspension of Spirulina platensis (SP) on estrous cycle, fetal development and embryopathy in alloxan (AXN) induced hyperglycemic mice.

Materials and Methods:

Diabetes was induced by intra-peritoneal administration of AXN. Mice with blood glucose level above 200 mg/dl were divided into Group I (control), Group II (diabetic control), Group III (diabetic control mice fed with SP), and Group IV (control mice fed with SP). Litter counts, estrous cycles, percent survival of litter, and gestation length were recorded.

Results:

In hyperglycemic mice, a significant (P < 0.05) increase in duration of diestrus (14.48%), estrus (84.21%), and metestrus (164.15%) with concomitant decrease in proestrus phase by 26.13% was recorded when compared with control. Reduction in litter count and survival of litter was 68.67% and 88.38%, respectively, whereas gestation length increased to 14.51% day in diabetic mice, but recovery in these parameters was observed (P < 0.05) when subjected to SP treatment. SP resulted in increased fertility rate from 77.5% to 82.5% and dropped off resorption of the fetus to 33.73% while the survival rate of offspring of diabetic mice went up to 88.89% from 83.61%.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that SP is effective in improving the reproductive performance and easing teratogenic effects in diabetic mice and hence warrants further detailed dose-dependent studies to understand its mechanism of action.KEY WORDS: Diabetes, estrous cycle, fertility rate, fetal development, gestation length, Spirulina platensis     

Effects of amiodarone in a swine model of nortryptiline toxicity

Objectives

Antiarrhythmics can have devastating effects in cardiotoxic poisonings. Amiodarone is recommended for treatment of wide complex tachycardia, but its hemodynamic effects in wide complex tachycardia induced by tricyclic antidepressant poisoning are unknown. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of sodium bicarbonate, amiodarone, and normal saline in treating wide complex tachycardia secondary to nortriptyline poisoning.

Methods

This unblended randomized controlled animal study involved 18 anesthetized, intubated pigs with arterial and venous lines. Nortriptyline (2 mg/mL) was infused at 20 mg/min until the onset of toxicity, defined as a systolic blood pressure ≤50 mmHg or QRS ≥120 ms. At that point, the pigs were randomized into three groups of six. Group I received 0.9% normal saline, 10 ml/kg. Group II received hypertonic sodium bicarbonate, 1 mEq/kg. Group III received amiodarone, 15 mg/kg. The pigs were observed until death or survival at 60 minutes.

Results

After treatment, the changes in QRS were as follows: Group I, −2.0 ms; Group II, −33.0 ms; Group III, −21.7 ms. ANOVA demonstrated no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.28). Mean arterial pressures 10 minutes after treatment were as follows: Group I, 19.4 mmHg; Group II, 23.7 mmHg; Group III, 12.5 mmHg. Based on ANOVA, there was no significant difference between any of the groups (p = 0.50).

Conclusions

In this model of nortriptyline poisoning, the administration of amiodarone to correct wide complex tachycardia did not have a harmful effect.     

Cardioprotective effect of ascorbic acid on doxorubicin-induced myocardial toxicity in rats

Objective:

To investigate the preventive and curative role of ascorbic acid on doxorubicin (dox)-induced myocardial toxicity in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Animals were divided into five groups of six animals each. Group I served as normal control and received saline 5 ml/kg/day intraperitoneal (i.p.) for a period of 15 days. Group II animals received ascorbic acid 20 mg/kg per oral (p.o.) for 15 days as a pretreatment control (PR). Group III animals received dox 2.5 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), i.p., in six equal injections for two weeks for a total cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg b.w. Group IV animals received ascorbic acid 20 mg/kg p.o. for 15 days as a pretreatment followed by dox 2.5 mg/kg b.w., i.p., in six equal injections for two weeks for a total cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg body weight. Group V animals received dox 2.5 mg/kg b.w., i.p., in six equal injections for two weeks for a total cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg b.w. followed by ascorbic acid 20 mg/kg p.o for 15 days as post-treatment control (CR). The biochemical parameters such as tissue glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and enzyme biomarkers such as creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were monitored.

Results:

Pretreatment with ascorbic acid (20 mg/kg p.o.) significantly protected the myocardium from the toxic effect of dox (PR), by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as GSH, SOD, and CAT toward normal and decreased the levels of MDA, CPK, LDH, AST, and ALT as compared with dox-treated rats. Post-treatment with ascorbic acid to dox-treated group (CR) significantly increased the levels of tissue GSH, SOD, CAT and significantly decreased the level of MDA as compared with dox-treated group. It also reduced the severity of cellular damage of the myocardium as confirmed by histopathology. The restoration of the endogenous antioxidant system clearly depicts that ascorbic acid produced its protective effect by scavenging the reactive oxygen species.

Conclusion:

The results obtained in this study provide evidence for the usefulness of the ascorbic acid as a cardioprotective agent.     

Development of diclofenac sodium-loaded alginate-PVP K 30 microbeads using central composite design

Background and the purpose of the study

Diclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent with a short biological half-life (1–2 hr) and requires multiple dosing. This research was carried out to develop and optimize diclofenac sodium loaded alginate-PVP K 30 microbeads to eliminate the need for multiple dosing and adverse effects.

Methods

Diclofenac sodium loaded alginate-PVP K 30 microbeads were prepared by ionotropic gelation. Particle size, drug release, swelling, FTIR and SEM analyses were performed.

Results

Optimized microbeads showed particle size of 0.589±0.054 to 0.620±0.067 mm, and drug entrapment efficiency of 97.88±2.86 to 98.60±3.55%. The in vitro drug release from microbeads was sustained over 10 hrs and followed controlled-release pattern. FTIR analysis indicated the possibility of intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions, i.e., –OH…O=C in microbeads.

Conclusion

Microbeads for oral controlled delivery of diclofenac sodium were successfully developed by ionotropic gelation.     

Antiosteoporotic activity of phytoestrogen-rich fraction separated from ethanol extract of aerial parts of Cissus quadrangularis in ovariectomized rats

Objective:

Cissus quadrangularis L. (C. quadrangularis L.) (Vitaceae) has been reported in Ayurveda for its antiosteoporotic activity. The study separated the phytoestrogen-rich fraction (IND-HE) from aerial parts of C. quadrangularis L. and evaluated its effect on osteoporosis caused by ovariectomy in rats.

Materials and Methods:

IND-HE was separated from the ethanol extract of C. quadrangularis. Ovariectomized female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6). Group 1: Control (distilled water), Group II: IND-HE (75 mg/kg p.o.), Group III: IND-HE (100 mg/kg p.o.) were treated once daily for 8 weeks and Group IV: standard estradiol group, received estrogen (1 mg/kg, s.c. bi-weekly). The effects on body weight were determined. DEXA (Dual energy-emission X-ray absorptimatory analysis) of whole body bone and femur was carried out. Blood was removed and analyzed for biochemical parameters. After sacrificing the animals, biomechanical study of right tibia and histopathology of pelvic bone was carried out.

Results:

IND-HE showed presence of phytoestrogen-rich fraction. IND-HE (75 and 100 mg/ kg) and estrogen treatment showed statistically significant increase in bone thickness, bone density and bone hardness. IND-HE (75 and 100 mg/kg) and estrogen treatment significantly increased serum estradiol. IND-HE (100 mg/kg) (P<0.05) and estrogen treatment increased serum vitamin D3 and serum calcium compared to control. Alkaline phosphatase was significantly reduced by IND-HE (100 mg/kg p.o.) and estrogen treatment. Histopathology and DEXA results indicated that IND-HE (75 and 100 mg/kg) prevented bone loss.

Discussion and Conclusion:

These findings confirm that phytoestrogen-rich fraction (IND- HE) possess good antiosteoporotic activity.KEY WORDS: Antiosteoporosis, estrogenic activity, phytoestrogen-rich fraction, ovariectomized rats, serum alcium     

Chemopreventive potential of Apium leptophyllum (Pers.) against DMBA induced skin carcinogenesis model by modulatory influence on biochemical and antioxidant biomarkers in Swiss mice

Aim:

The study was designed to investigate the chemopreventive potential of flavonoidal fractions of Apium leptophyllum fruits (FFALF) on Swiss mice.

Materials and Methods:

Skin tumor or papilloma was developed by topical application of DMBA (25 μg in 0.1 ml acetone) on intrascapular region of mice, twice weekly for 8 weeks. The animals were divided into six groups: Group I (vehicle control); group II (FFALF control, 5 mg/kg); group III (carcinogenic control, DMBA treated initially for 8 weeks); and group IV, V and VI as pre-treated group (FFALF 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg respectively for 16 weeks along with DMBA treatment). After the 16^th week of treatment; the tumor morphology, skin histopathology, and biochemical and antioxidant biomarkers were measured and compared with carcinogenic control as well as vehicle control.

Results:

The co-administration of FFALF with DMBA-treated groups showed significant (P ≤ 0.001) prevention against skin papilloma and normalized the status of lipid peroxidation with antioxidant biomarkers in a dose-dependent manner as compared to carcinogenic control.

Conclusions:

Thus, the present study suggests that the FFALF is non-carcinogenic and has chemopreventive potential on DMBA-induced carcinogenesis in mouse, which may be due to the modulation of cutaneous lipid peroxidation or enhancement of total antioxidant capacity.KEY WORDS: Apium leptophyllum, antioxidant biomarker, chemoprevention, DMBA, skin papilloma     

Effect of Agaricus sylvaticus supplementation on nutritional status and adverse events of chemotherapy of breast cancer: A randomized,placebo-controlled,double-blind clinical trial

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) represents the highest incidence of malignancy in women throughout the world. Medicinal fungi can stimulate the body, reduce side-effects associated with chemotherapy and improve the quality of life in patients with cancer.

Aim:

To evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Agaricus sylvaticus on clinical and nutritional parameters in BC patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial was carried out at the Oncology Clinic, Hospital of the Federal District-Brazil from September 2007 to July 2009. Forty six patients with BC, Stage II and III, were randomly assigned to receive either nutritional supplement with A. sylvaticus (2.1 g/day) or placebo. Patients were evaluated during treatment period.

Results:

Patient supplemented with A. sylvaticus improved in clinical parameters and gastrointestinal functions. Poor appetite decreased by 20% with no changes in bowel functions (92.8%), nausea and vomiting (80%).

Conclusion:

Dietary supplementation with A. sylvaticus improved nutritional status and reduced abnormal bowel functions, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia in patients with BC receiving chemotherapy.KEY WORDS: Agaricus sylvaticus, chemotherapy side effects, nutritional status     

Disposition kinetics of sparfloxacin in healthy, hepatopathic, and nephropathic conditions in chicken after single intravenous administration

Objective:

To study the variation of disposition kinetic values of sparfloxacin in healthy, hepatopathic, and nephropathic chickens after a single intravenous administration.

Materials and Methods:

Hepatotoxicity was induced by the administration of paracetamol (500 mg / kg / day, p.o. for seven days) and nephrotoxicity by uranyl nitrate (2.0 mg / kg / day dissolved in distilled water, i.v. for four days) in chickens. Disposition kinetic studies of sparfloxacin were investigated in healthy as well as hepatopathic and nephropathic birds after a single intravenous administration at 40 mg / kg body weight.

Results:

Maximum plasma concentration detected at 0.16 hour was 31.25 ± 2.95, 61.95 ±1.85, and 99.86 ± 2.21 μg / ml in healthy, hepatopathic, and nephropathic group, respectively. The drug could not be detected in the plasma of healthy birds beyond 12-hour period, while the same was detectable for 72 hour in the plasma of hepatopathic and nephropathic birds. The concentration of sparfloxacin was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in all the samples of hepathopathic and nephropathic birds compared to healthy birds. All the kinetic values were increased (P < 0.01) in the hepatopathic and nephropathic birds, except Vd_area and Cl_B values in hepatopathic Birds; while β and Cl_B values nephropathic birds were decreased significantly than that of healthy birds.

Conclusions:

The dose of sparfloxacin may be reduced in hepatopathic as well as nephropathic birds.     

Protective effects of resveratrol against di-n buthyl phthalate induced toxicity in ductus epididymis and ductus deferens in rats

Objective:

This study aimed to observe the possible protective effects of resveratrol (RSV) against damage induced by di-n-butylphthalate (DBP), on the ductus epididymis and deferens in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Six groups of rats were used in the experiment: Group 1: Control group; Group 2: Solvent (carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), 10ml/kg); Group 3: 500 mg/kg/day DBP; Group 4: 500 mg/kg/day DBP+20 mg/kg/day RSV; Group 5: 1000 mg/kg/day DBP; Group 6: 1000mg/kg/day DBP + 20 mg/kg/day RSV. Groups were treated by gavage for 30 days. Immunohistochemical, electronmicroscopic and histomorphometric examinations were carried out in the epididymis and deferens.

Results:

In the ductus epididymis and deferens mitochondrial crystolysis, exfoliation of the stereocilia and openings in lateral surface increased with DBP dosage, but these structures were recovered with RSV. DBP reduced the epithelial height of epididymis and vas deferens. Lumen dilatation was observed in both tissues. These disorders may lead to dysfunction of epithelial absorption. In the TUNEL examinations in both tissues, there were no apoptotic cells or apoptotic bodies.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, DBP administration caused structural degeneration in the epididymis and deferens, parallel to dose evaluation and RSV can reverse these changes with its protective effects.KEY WORDS: Di n buthyl phthalate, Ductus deferens, Ductus epididymis, Resveratrol     

Efficacy of oral miltefosine in visceral leishmaniasis in rural West Bengal, India

Context:

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as Kala-azar (KA) is a public health problem of tropical and subtropical countries, which infects about 12 million people annually, out of which about 1.5 million are new cases. India contributes a major share of the global burden of VL. For many years leishmaniasis has been treated with pentavalent antimonials. Antimony resistance is a problem in India and in other different geographic areas of the world. Amphotericin B deoxycholate and pentamidine isethionate are effective by parenteral administration and associated with toxicities. The quest for an effective, orally administered, non-toxic and less expensive alternative resulted in the identification of miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine). In India, therapeutic efficacy of miltefosine in VL was assessed by many groups of scientists, mainly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. No such data is available from West Bengal.

Aims:

The present study was designed to observe the efficacy of miltefosine in VL in rural West Bengal.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 71 parasitologically proven VL patients participated in the study who received miltefosine in accordance with the National Vector Born Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) of India and were followed up for the following one year.

Results:

The overall efficacy of the drug was 93% and no significant adverse side effects were observed during the study period.

Conclusions:

The study concludes that miltefosine is effective, well tolerated, and easily administrable drug in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis at the field levels.KEY WORDS: India, visceral leishmaniasis, miltefosine