Exaggerated Liver Injury Induced by Renal Ischemia Reperfusion in Diabetes: Effect of Exenatide

Background/Aim:

This study was designed to investigate the possible effect of exenatide (Glucagon like Peptide-1 receptor agonist) on liver injury (distant organ) induced by renal ischemia reperfusion (IR) in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

In vivo renal IR was performed in both type 2 diabetic and normal rats. Each protocol comprised ischemia for 30 minutes followed by reperfusion for 24 hours and a treatment period of 14 days before induction of ischemia.

Results:

Lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase activity, myeloperoxidase activity and nitric oxide level in liver tissue were significantly increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.05, respectively), after IR in diabetic rats compared to normal rats. Antioxidant enzymes like glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly reduced (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively), after IR in diabetic rats compared to normal rats. Exenatide treatment significantly normalized (P < 0.01), these biochemical parameters in treated rats compared to diabetic IR rats. Serum creatinine phosphokinase activity and liver function enzymes were also significantly normalized (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively), after administration of exenatide.

Conclusion:

Exenatide exerted protective effect on exaggerated remote organ (liver) injury induced by renal IR in diabetes.     

Anti-inflammatory Efficiency of Ankaferd Blood Stopper in Experimental Distal Colitis Model

Background/Aim:

Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS) is a herbal extract that enhances mucosal healing. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficiency of ABS in the treatment of experimental distal colitis.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty one male albino rats were divided into three groups: Sham control (Group 1), colitis induced by acetic acid and treated with saline (Group 2), colitis induced by acetic acid and treated with ABS (Group 3). At end of the 7^th day of induction, all the rats were lightly anesthetized with intramuscular ketamine (8 mg/kg) and thereafter laparotomy and total colectomy were performed. The distal colon segment was assessed macroscopically and microscopically. In addition malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) levels of the colonic tissue and changes in body weight were measured.

Results:

The MDA and NO levels of the colonic tissues and weight loss were significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1 and Group 3. Microscopic and macroscopic damage scores were significantly higher in Group 2 and Group 3 than Group 1 (P: 0.001, P: 0.004, respectively). Although the microscopic and macroscopic damage scores in Group 3 were slightly lower than Group 2, the difference was not statistically significant. The SOD levels of the colonic tissues were not different between the three groups.

Conclusion:

Weight alterations and high-levels of the colonic tissue MDA and NO suggested that ABS might have anti-inflammatory effects on experimental distal colitis. However, this suggestion was not supported by histopathological findings.     

Role of four-week resistance exercise in preserving the heart against ischaemia–reperfusion-induced injury

Objective

We studied the cardioprotective effect of resistance training against ischaemia–reperfusion-induced injury.

Methods

Forty male rats were divided into trained and sedentary groups (n = 20 for each). The trained rats were exercised at 12 repetitions/set, four sets/day and five days/week for four weeks. Transient regional ischaemia of the left anterior descending coronary artery (40 min) was followed by 80 min of reperfusion.

Results

Baseline developed and diastolic pressures and coronary flow were similar in the two groups. While diastolic pressure increased and developed pressure and coronary flow decreased in both the ischaemic and perfusion periods (as indices of cardiac damage), there were no statistically significant differences between the trained and sedentary groups in these parameters. Resistance training did not significantly change the infarct size and apoptosis rate.

Conclusion

We did not see a cardioprotective effect of resistance exercise against ischaemia–reperfusion-induced injury in this study. A precise conclusion about this issue needs more investigations.     

Risk Factors for Portal Vein Thrombosis in Patients With Cirrhosis Awaiting Liver Transplantation in Shiraz,Iran

Background:

Portal vein thrombosis is a fairly common and potentially life-threatening complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. The risk factors for portal vein thrombosis in these patients are still not fully understood.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the associations between various risk factors in cirrhotic patients and the development of portal vein thrombosis.

Patients and Methods:

In this case-control study performed at the Shiraz organ transplantation center, Iran, we studied 219 patients (> 18 years old) with liver cirrhosis, who were awaiting liver transplants in our unit, from November 2010 to May 2011. The patients were evaluated by history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, including factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) mutation, and serum levels of protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, homocysteine, factor VIII, and anticardiolipin antibodies.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference in the assessed hypercoagulable states between patients with or without portal vein thrombosis. A history of previous variceal bleeding with subsequent endoscopic treatment in patients with portal vein thrombosis was significantly higher than in those without it (P = 0.013, OR: 2.526, 95% CI: 1.200 - 5.317).

Conclusions:

In our population of cirrhotic patients, treatment of variceal bleeding predisposed the patients to portal vein thrombosis, but hypercoagulable disorders by themselves were not associated with portal vein thrombosis.     

Lipid abnormalities in streptozotocin-diabetes: Amelioration by Morus indica L. cv Suguna leaves

AIM:

To observe the influence of mulberry (Morus indica L. cv Suguna) leaves on lipid abnormalities in STZ-diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Treatment with dried mulberry leaf powder for a period of 8 weeks in hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic STZ-diabetic rats.

RESULTS:

Mulberry leaves regulated fasting blood glucose, ameliorated the abnormalities in lipid profile as indicated by significant (P<0.01) decrease in serum triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol and plasma free fatty acids by 50, 6, 31 and 22% respectively in STZ- diabetic rats compared to diabetic control rats which had significantly (P<0.01) raised levels of triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol and free fatty acids than the normal control rats. A marked increase in fecal bile acids (154%) was observed in mulberry treated diabetic rats compared to the diabetic control group indicating conversion of cholesterol to bile acids. In addition, mulberry supplementation significantly lowered LDL-C (67%) and VLDL-C (44%) levels and increased HDL-C (53%) and also decreased atherogenic index (58%) significantly when compared to the diabetic control group.

CONCLUSION:

Besides the diabetic rats, mulberry leaves affected lipid profile in normal rats also indicating hypolipidemic effect as a result of the synergistic action of bioactive compounds.     

Does transient elastography (FibroScan®) have a role in decision making in hepatocellular carcinoma?

Objectives

Portal hypertension has been reported as a negative prognostic factor and a relative contraindication for liver resection. This study considers a possible role of fibrosis evaluation by transient elastography (FibroScan®) and its correlation with portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis, and discusses the use of this technique in planning therapeutic options in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A total of 77 patients with cirrhosis, 42 (54.5%) of whom had HCC, were enrolled in this study during 2009–2011. The group included 46 (59.7%) men. The mean age of the sample was 65.2 years. The principle aetiology of disease was hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis (66.2%). Liver function was assessed according to Child–Pugh classification. In all patients liver stiffness (LS) was measured using FibroScan®. The presence of portal hypertension was indirectly defined as: (i) oesophageal varices detectable on endoscopy; (ii) splenomegaly (increased diameter of the spleen to ≥12 cm), or (iii) a platelet count of <100 000 platelets/mm³.

Results

Median LS in all patients was 27.9 kPa. Portal hypertension was recorded as present in 37 patients (48.1%) and absent in 40 patients (51.9%). Median LS values in HCC patients with and without portal hypertension were 29.1 kPa and 19.6 kPa, respectively (r = 0.26, P < 0.04). Liver stiffness was used to implement the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer algorithm in decisions about treatment.

Conclusions

The evaluation of liver fibrosis by transient elastography may be useful in the follow-up of patients with cirrhosis and a direct correlation with portal hypertension may aid in the evaluation of surgical risk in patients with HCC and in the choice of alternative therapies.     

Predictors of In-hospital Mortality Among Patients Presenting with Variceal Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background/Aim:

The recent years have witnessed an increase in number of people harboring chronic liver diseases. Gastroesophageal variceal bleeding occurs in 30% of patients with cirrhosis, and accounts for 80%-90% of bleeding episodes. We aimed to assess the in-hospital mortality rate among subjects presenting with variceal gastrointestinal bleeding and (2) to investigate the predictors of mortality rate among subjects presenting with variceal gastrointestinal bleeding.

Patients and Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted from treatment records of 317 subjects who presented with variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding to Government Medical College, Patiala, between June 1, 2010, and May 30, 2014. The data thus obtained was compiled using a preset proforma, and the details analyzed using SPSSv20.

Results:

Cirrhosis accounted for 308 (97.16%) subjects with bleeding varices, with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction 9 (2.84%) completing the tally. Sixty-three (19.87%) subjects succumbed to death during hospital stay. Linear logistic regression revealed independent predictors for in-hospital mortality, including higher age (P = 0.000), Child-Pugh Class (P = 0.002), altered sensorium (P = 0.037), rebleeding within 24 h of admission (P = 0.000), low hemoglobin level (P = 0.023), and serum bilirubin (P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

Higher age, low hemoglobin, higher Child-Pugh Class, rebleeding within 24 h of admission, higher serum bilirubin, and lower systolic blood pressure are the independent predictors of in-hospital mortality among subjects presenting with variceal gastrointestinal bleeding.     

Effect of short-term isometric handgrip training on blood pressure in middle-aged females

Objective

To determine the effect of isometric handgrip training on blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged women (47.88 ± 1.8 years).

Methods

Isometric handgrip training was performed over five consecutive days. In each session, the treatment group (n = 9) performed four isometric contractions of 45 seconds each at 30% of their maximal grip strength. The control group (n = 9) sat for 15 minutes without exercising, for five consecutive days. Resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Data were analysed using a two-factor ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05).

Results

Blood pressure readings were reduced in both groups (SBP: p = 0.036; DBP: p = 0.0079), however there was no interaction effect for SBP or DBP.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that 15 minutes of sitting per day for five consecutive days is just as effective as isometric handgrip training for reducing BP levels. Future research is required to investigate the optimal isometric handgrip training stimulus required to reduce resting BP levels.     

Hypoglycemic activity of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of an aqueous extract of the roots of Hemidesmus indicus on blood glucose, serum electrolytes, serum marker enzymes, liver microsomal P-450 enzymes, and lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Effect of H. indicus extract on blood glucose was studied with fed, fasted and glucose-loaded diabetic and nondiabetic rat models. The effect of the extract on serum electrolytes, serum levels of key glucose metabolizing enzymes, hepatic microsomal protein and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent mono-oxygenase enzyme systems and lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats. One way analysis of variance and Duncan''s multiple range test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS:

Oral administration of H. indicus aqueous extract to fed, fasted and glucose-loaded diabetic rats decreased blood glucose level significantly at 5 h and restored serum electrolytes, glycolytic enzymes and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme systems by preventing the formation of liver and kidney lipid peroxides at the end of 12 weeks of the study period.

CONCLUSION:

From the studies, it can be concluded that the aqueous extract of the roots of H. indicus at a dosage of 500 mg/kg/day exhibits significant antidiabetic activity. It restores the concentrations of electrolytes, glucose metabolizing enzymes, hepatic microsomal protein and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent mono-oxygenase enzyme systems to near normal level and also corrects the related metabolic alterations in experimentally induced diabetic rats. H. indicus administration also decreased liver and kidney lipid peroxidation products. On the basis of our findings, H. indicus could be used as an antidiabetic and antioxidant agent for the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus.     

Mucosal Invasion by Fusobacteria is a Common Feature of Acute Appendicitis in Germany, Russia, and China

Background/Aim:

To investigate the geographic occurrence of mucosa-invading Fusobacteria in acute appendicitis.

Patients and Methods:

Carnoy- and formalin-fixated appendices from Germany, Russia, and China were comparatively investigated. Bacteria were detected using fluorescent in situ hybridization. Cecal biopsies from patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions were used as disease controls.

Results:

Fusobacteria represented mainly by Fusobacterium nucleatum were the major invasive component in bacterial infiltrates in acute appendicitis but were completely absent in controls. The occurrence of invasive Fusobacteria in Germany, Russia, and China was the same. The detection rate in Carnoy-fixated material was 70–71% and in formalin-fixated material was 30–36%.

Conclusions:

Acute appendicitis is a polymicrobial infectious disease in which F. nucleatum and other Fusobacteria play a key role.     

Intraoperative portal vein blood flow predicts allograft and patient survival following liver transplantation

Background:

We hypothesized that operative variables might predict survival following liver transplantation.

Methods:

We examined perioperative variables from 469 liver transplants carried out at the University of Washington during 2003–2006. Logistic regression determined the variables'' contributions to survival at 30, 90 and 365 days.

Results:

Portal vein blood flow (>1 l/min) was significant to patient survival at 30, 90 and 365 days. Complete reperfusion was only a significant predictor of survival at 30 days. This provided model receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) statistics of 0.93 and 0.87 for 30 and 90 days, respectively. At 365 days, hepatic artery blood flow (>250 ml/min) combined with portal vein blood flow was significantly predictive of survival, with an AUC of 0.74. A subset analysis of 110 transplants demonstrated improved 1-year survival with more aggressive vascular revisions.

Discussion:

Portal vein blood flow is a significant predictor of survival after liver transplantation. Initially, the liver''s survival is based on portal vein blood flow; however, subsequent biliary problems and patient demise result from both poor portal vein and inadequate hepatic artery blood flow.     

Association of homocysteinaemia with hyperglycaemia,dyslipidaemia, hypertension and obesity

Aim

Hyperhomocysteinaemia and the metabolic syndrome are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We investigated whether there is a link between the metabolic syndrome or its components and homocysteine levels in a population without cardiovascular disease.

Methods

From the population sample of 382 participants (286 females and 96 males) we isolated those reflecting the metabolic syndrome and determined their homocysteine levels. We then evaluated the association of homocysteine with hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension and obesity, using a significance level of p = 0.05. Enzymatic methods were used for all biochemical parameters.

Results

We found the statistical relationship between homocysteine and the metabolic syndrome as follows: hyperglycaemia (p = 0.175), hypertriglyceridaemia (p = 0.442), hypercholesterolaemia (p = 0.480), obesity (p = 0.080); and hypertension: systolic pressure (p = 0.002) and diastolic pressure (p = 0.033).

Conclusion

We found no statistically significant association between baseline plasma homocysteine levels and the metabolic syndrome, except for hypertension.     

Portal Hypertension: Effect of Early Splenic Artery Ligation on Platelets Count During Splenectomy

Background/Aim:

Hypersplenism due to splenic congestion is observed in portal hypertensive patients. This study was done to know the change in platelets count following early ligation of splenic artery during splenectomy in patients with thrombocytopenia due to portal hypertension with a hypothesis that splenic decongestion results in increased platelets count; thereby platelet transfusion can be avoided.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with platelets count <100,000 per mm³ due to portal hypertension were involved and we followed a protocol of ligating splenic artery first, followed by 30 minutes waiting period for splenic decongestion. Blood sample was collected at 5 and 30 minutes for the estimation of platelets count.

Results:

Significant rise in platelets was observed after 5 and 30 minutes of early ligation of splenic artery with mean rise being 23735 ± 15417 and 35085 ± 20458 per mm³, respectively. The rise in platelets at 30 minutes was significant when compared with 5 minutes rise with mean platelets count being 91661 and 103070 per mm³ at 5 and 30 minutes, respectively. The platelets rise was equal to 4 and 6 units of platelets concentrates, respectively.

Conclusion:

Early ligation of splenic artery during splenectomy for portal hypertension results in significant rise in platelets after 5 and 30 minutes. This method conserves platelets and avoids platelets transfusion and its complications.     

Disparities in Electronic Health Record Patient Portal Use in Nephrology Clinics

Background and objectives

Electronic health record (EHR) patient portals allow individuals to access their medical information with the intent of patient empowerment. However, little is known about portal use in nephrology patients. We addressed this gap by characterizing adoption of an EHR portal, assessing secular trends, and examining the association of portal adoption and BP control (<140/90 mmHg).

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Patients seen between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2012, at any of four university-affiliated nephrology offices who had at least one additional nephrology follow-up visit before June 30, 2013, were included. Sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, clinical measurements, and office visits were abstracted from the EHR. Neighborhood median household income was obtained from the American Community Survey 2012.

Results

Of 2803 patients, 1098 (39%) accessed the portal. Over 87% of users reviewed laboratory results, 85% reviewed their medical information (e.g., medical history), 85% reviewed or altered appointments, 77% reviewed medications, 65% requested medication refills, and 31% requested medical advice from their renal provider. In adjusted models, older age, African-American race (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.39 to 0.64), Medicaid status (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.77), and lower neighborhood median household income were associated with not accessing the portal. Portal adoption increased over time (2011 versus 2010: OR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.09 to 1.75]; 2012 versus 2010: OR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.44 to 2.64]). Portal adoption was correlated with BP control in patients with a diagnosis of hypertension; however, in the fully adjusted model this was somewhat attenuated and no longer statistically significant (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.24).

Conclusion

While portal adoption appears to be increasing, greater attention is needed to understand why vulnerable populations do not access it. Future research should examine barriers to the use of e-health technologies in underserved patients with CKD, interventions to address them, and their potential to improve outcomes.     

Portal encasement: Significant CT findings to diagnose local recurrence after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer

Background/objectives

To demonstrate the utility of portal encasement as a criterion for early diagnosis of local recurrence (LR) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Inverse relationship between the inflammatory marker pentraxin-3, fat body mass, and abdominal obesity in end-stage renal disease

Summary

Background and objectives

Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) belongs to the same pentraxin superfamily of acute-phase reactants as C-reactive protein (CRP). Abdominal fat accumulation in ESRD is considered a chronic inflammatory state, but the relationship of PTX3 to this phenomenon is unknown. This study assesses plausible associations between PTX3 and surrogates of fat mass deposits in dialysis patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Circulating levels of PTX3, CRP, and IL-6 were cross-sectionally analyzed in relation to anthropometric and nutritional surrogate markers of fat tissue in two cohorts comprising 156 prevalent hemodialysis (HD) and 216 incident dialysis patients.

Results

In both cohorts, PTX3 was negatively associated with body mass index (BMI) and fat body mass index (FBMI) derived from anthropometrics and leptin, whereas there was a positive association with adiponectin. In prevalent HD patients, those with larger waist circumference (above gender-specific median values) had lower PTX3, higher CRP, and higher IL-6 levels. This was also true in multivariate analyses. In both cohorts, multivariate regression analyses showed that PTX3 was negatively and CRP (or IL-6) was positively associated with FBMI.

Conclusions

Although CRP and IL-6 were directly associated with body fat, PTX3 levels showed negative correlations with surrogates of adipose tissue in two independent cohorts of ESRD patients. Understanding the underlying reasons behind these opposite associations may have clinical relevance given the survival advantage described for obese patients on dialysis.     

Comparison of portal vein doppler indices and hepatic vein doppler waveform in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with healthy control

Background

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with the doppler waveform pattern of hepatic veins and portal vein doppler indices.

Objectives

This assay may be useful in evaluating the natural course of NAFLD and monitor treatment efficacy on follow-up.

Patients and Methods

This case control study was performed in 31 patients with NAFLD and 31 normal healthy adults who served as the control group. The patients presented with elevated liver enzymes levels (ALT/AST) and hyperechogenic livers in the B-mode ultrasonography examination. Eleven patients had a liver biopsy. After an 8-hour fast,B-mode and duplex doppler ultrasonography were performed, and the waveform patterns of the right hepatic vein, portal vein diameter, grade of fatty liver, portal vein pulsatility index (VPI), and mean flow velocity (MFV) were measured.

Results

VPI and MFV values were 0.42 ± 0.92 and 17.27 ± 5.34 cm/second, respectively, in the control group and 0.25 ± 0.50 and 12.82 ± 4.32 cm/second in patients with NAFLD (P< 0.01). The frequency of abnormal hepatic vein doppler waveform patterns (biphasic or monophasic) was significantly higher in patients with NAFLD (55.2%) versus control subjects (3.2%) (P < 0.001). There was no correlation between the degree of fat infiltration and VPI (P = 0.714), MFV (P = 0.911), or hepatic vein waveform pattern (P = 0.197). We found no correlation between liver enzyme levels and MFV or VPI. However, the rate of abnormal hepatic vein was higher in patients with enzyme levels that exceeded twice the normal value (P = 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with NAFLD have a high rate of abnormal hepatic vein doppler waveform patterns, and decreased VPI and MFV are suggestive of reduced vascular compliance in the liver. Elevated liver enzymes levels do not influence VPI or MFV, but patients with abnormal enzymes have higher rates of abnormal hepatic vein doppler waveform patterns.     

Detection of tissue origin of a 43 kDa diabetogenic protein from alloxan-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND:

Earlier, we had found high levels of circulating immune complexes (CICs) in the serum of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients along with a novel 43 kDa protein.

METHODS:

Different tissues of alloxan-induced, diabetic, male albino rats (200–250 g in body weight) were collected for the present study. Tissue proteins were isolated and separated by 10% SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). A primary cell culture of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) was used to evaluate the effects of the diabetogenic protein. Cell proliferative index, oxidant/antioxidant status, and ion-transporting ability were chosen as study parameters.

RESULTS:

SDS-PAGE of different tissues shows that the diabetic liver alone was the only tissue that contained the 43 kDa protein band compared to the normal liver. In vitro effects of the new liver protein on PMNs include significantly decreased cell proliferative activity, increased free radical levels, and decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes as well as ionic transporters. The new liver protein also exhibited protease activity when compared with standard trypsin.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study concluded that a novel 43 kDa protein obtained from the livers of alloxan-induced diabetic rats shows protease activity as well as antiproliferative activity. Also, this protein may act as a diabetogenic factor as it elicited a significantly gross elevation in the oxidant status level as well as in the levels of lysosomal enzymes and a decrease in the levels of antioxidative enzymes and ionic transporters of PMNs.     

The Protective Role of Aegle Marmelos on Aspirin�CInduced Gastro-Duodenal Ulceration in Albino Rat Model: A Possible Involvement of Antioxidants

Background/Aim:

Gastro duodenal ulcer is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Several Indian medicinal plants have been traditionally and extensively used to prevent different diseases. In the present research studies, Bael fruit (Aegle marmelos (AM), family: Rutaceae) which are also called as Bilva in ancient Sanskrit was used as a herbal drug and its antioxidative role in aspirin- induced gastroduodenal ulceration in albino rat was evaluated using essential biochemical parameters.

Patients and Methods:

Mucosal thickness (MT), ulcer index (UI), different biochemical parameters, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were measured in all the groups, to study the possible involvement of antioxidants with gastroduodenal protection.

Results:

A significant decrease in MT, SOD and CAT activities and GSH level and a significant increase in UI, AST, ALT, and ALP activities and LPO level were observed in aspirin treated stomach and duodenum of albino rats.

Conclusions:

Pretreatment with AM fruit pulp extract for 14 consecutive days showed the reverse effects of aspirin suggesting gastro-duodenal protective and anti- ulcerogenic properties of AM through its antioxidant mechanism.     

Cardioprotective and anti-hypertensive effects of Prosopis glandulosa in rat models of pre-diabetes

Aim

Obesity and type 2 diabetes present with two debilitating complications, namely, hypertension and heart disease. The dried and ground pods of Prosopis glandulosa (commonly known as the Honey mesquite tree) which is part of the Fabaceae (or legume) family are currently marketed in South Africa as a food supplement with blood glucose-stabilising and anti-hypertensive properties. We previously determined its hypoglycaemic effects, and in the current study we determined the efficacy of P glandulosa as anti-hypertensive agent and its myocardial protective ability.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were rendered either pre-diabetic (diet-induced obesity: DIO) or hypertensive (high-fat diet: HFD). DIO animals were treated with P glandulosa (100 mg/kg/day for the last eight weeks of a 16-week period) and compared to age-matched controls. Hearts were perfused ex vivo to determine infarct size. Biometric parameters were determined at the time of sacrifice. Cardiac-specific insulin receptor knock-out (CIRKO) mice were similarly treated with P glandulosa and infarct size was determined. HFD animals were treated with P glandulosa from the onset of the diet or from weeks 12–16, using captopril (50 mg/kg/day) as the positive control. Blood pressure was monitored weekly.

Results

DIO rats and CIRKO mice: P glandulosa ingestion significantly reduced infarct size after ischaemia–reperfusion. Proteins of the PI-3-kinase/PKB/Akt survival pathway were affected in a manner supporting cardioprotection. HFD model: P glandulosa treatment both prevented and corrected the development of hypertension, which was also reflected in alleviation of water retention.

Conclusion

P glandulosa was cardioprotective and infarct sparing as well as anti-hypertensive without affecting the body weight or the intra-peritoneal fat depots of the animals. Changes in the PI-3-kinase/PKB/Akt pathway may be causal to protection. Results indicated water retention, possibly coupled to vasoconstriction in the HFD animals, while ingestion of P glandulosa alleviated both. We concluded that treatment of pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes or hypertension with P glandulosa poses possible beneficial health effects.