Retarded hippocampal development following prenatal exposure to ethanolic leaves extract of Datura metel in wistar rats

Background:

Datura metel contains atropine alkaloids and has been used to treat complication like asthma and, bronchitis, because of its anticholinergic properties.

Aim:

This study aimed to determine the prenatal effects of ethanolic extract of D. metel leaves exposure on the development of hippocampus.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty rats (12 females and 8 males) were purchased. The females were grouped into four groups (A_D). Group A were given 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract on the first day of fertilization to the end of gestation period, Group B were given 500 mg/kg body weight on the 8^th day of fertilization to the end of gestation period, Group C were given 500 mg/kg body weight on 15^th day of fertilization to the end of gestation period and Group D were given normal saline throughout the gestation period.

Results:

Rats in Group A showed no implantation, rats in Group B had abortion on the 7^th day after administration, and rats in Group C gave birth with their litters showing retarded hippocampus development and neural degeneration and rats in Group D (control) showed normal development.

Conclusion:

Ethanolic extract of D. metel leaf is teratogenic in the late stage of pregnancy, is abortificient and can serve as a contraceptive.     

Beneficial effects of low dose Musa paradisiaca on the semen quality of male Wistar rats

Background:

This study aimed at determining the effects of administration of mature green fruits of Musa paradisiaca on the semen quality of adult male Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods:

The animals used for the study were grouped into three: the control group, given 2 ml of double distilled water, a low dose group given 500 mg/kg/day and a high dose group given 1000 mg/kg/day of the plantain fruits, which was made into flour, and dissolved in 2 ml of double distilled water for easy oral administration.

Results:

Significant increment in the semen parameters was noticed in animals that received a lower dose of the plantain flour, but those animals who received the high dose had marked and very significant reduction in sperm cell concentration and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa.

Conclusion:

Musa paradisiaca should be consumed in moderate quantities in order to derive its beneficial effects of enhancing male reproductive functions.     

Xiaokening stimulates endothelial nitric oxide release in diabetic rats

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus induces microangiopathic changes that lead to endothelial dysfunction. This study investigated the effect of Xiaokening, a type of Chinese compound medicine, on the mesenteric arteriolar endothelial cell function of diabetic rats and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Diabetes mellitus was induced in rat models via intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin and observed over three weeks. Mesenteric arterioles, which were isolated in a cannulated and pressurised state, were incubated with intravascular injections of 1, 3 or 5 g/L Xiaokening for 24, 48 or 72 hours. The effects of Xiaokening on the release of nitric oxide (NO) on the mesenteric arterioles were detected under shear stress of 1, 10 and 20 dyn/cm². Biochemical methods were used to determine the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and xanthine oxidase (XO). The expressions of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), SOD and XO in the mesenteric arterioles were assessed using Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared to normal rat arterioles, less NO was released in the mesenteric arterioles of diabetic rats. Xiaokening was found to have a concentration- and time-dependent effect on NO release; when the shear stress was increased, there was a gradual increase in the release of NO. Compared to normal arterioles, the expression of eNOS in the mesenteric arterioles of diabetic rats was lower. Incubation with Xiaokening increased SOD activity and expression, and decreased XO activity and expression in the mesenteric arterioles of the diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION

Xiaokening was able to significantly increase NO release and improve the endothelial function of mesenteric arterioles through antioxidative mechanisms.     

Febrile seizures in Kaduna,north western Nigeria

Background:

Febrile seizure is the most common seizure of childhood and has a good prognosis. However its presentation is fraught with poor management, with grave consequences, in our environment. Thus a review of its current status is important.

Objective:

To review the status of febrile seizures in Kaduna metropolis.

Materials and Methods:

A review of cases seen in the Department of Paediatrics, 44 Nigeria Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna between June 2008 and June 2010.

Results:

Out of the 635 cases admitted in the department 17 (2.7%) fulfilled the criteria for febrile seizures. There were 11 Males and 6 Females (M: F, 1.8:1). Age range was from 9 months to 5 years with a mean of 2.2 years ± 1.1 and peak age of 3 years. Twelve (70.6%) were in the upper social classes (I-III). Fever, convulsion, catarrh and cough were major presenting symptoms. Incidence of convulsion was least on the 1st day of complaint. Fourteen (82.4%) of the cases were simple febrile seizures while 3 were complex. There was a positive family history in 5 (29.4%) of the cases. Eleven (64.7%) had orthodox medication at home, before presentation, 5 (29.4%) consulted patient medicine sellers and 7 (41.7%) received traditional medication as part of home management. Malaria and acute respiratory infections were the identifiable causes. Standard anti-malaria and anti-biotic therapy were instituted, where indicated. All recovered and were discharged.

Conclusion:

There was a low prevalence of febrile seizures among the hospitalized children and a poor pre-hospitalization management of cases. It highlighted the need for improved community awareness on the prevention and management of febrile seizures.     

Effects of vitamin A,C and E,or omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the level of paraoxonase and arylesterase activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: an investigation of activities in plasma,and heart and liver homogenates

INTRODUCTION

This study was designed and conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin A, C and E supplementation, and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the activity of paraoxonase and arylesterase in an experimental model of diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A total of 64 male Sprague Dawley^® rats, each weighing 250 g, were randomly distributed into four groups: (a) normal control; (b) diabetic control; (c) diabetic with vitamin A, C and E supplementation; and (d) diabetic with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. The animals were anaesthetised after four weeks of intervention, and paraoxonase and arylesterase activity in blood plasma, and liver and heart homogenates were measured.

RESULTS

Arylesterase activity in the heart and liver homogenates was significantly lower in the diabetic control group than in the normal control group (p < 0.01). Vitamin A, C and E supplementation, and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly increased liver arylesterase activity (p < 0.05). No significant change was observed in paraoxonase activity and other investigated factors.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin A, C and E, or omega-3 fatty acid supplementation were found to increase liver arylesterase activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. These supplements may be potential agents for the treatment of diabetes mellitus complications.     

Stabilization of membrane bound ATPases and lipid peroxidation by carotenoids from Chlorococcum humicola in Benzo(a)pyrene induced toxicity

Objective

To identify the alteration of the membrane potential and the effect of carotenoid extracts from Chlorococcum humicola (C. humicola) on membrane bound ATPases and lipid peroxidation.

Methods

The total carotenoids were extracted from C. humicola. Four groups of Swiss albino mice were treated as control, Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P], total carotenoids, B(a)P + total carotenoids respectively for a period of 60 days. Membrane lipid peroxidation and ATPases (Total ATPases, Ca²⁺- ATPases, Mg²⁺ - ATPases, Na⁺K⁺ - ATPase) were determined in lung, liver and erythrocyte samples.

Results

The activity of total ATPase was found to be significantly increased in the B(a)P treated liver and lung tissue. Erythrocyte membrane also showed higher ATPase activity which was significantly reverted on total carotenoid treatment.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that the changes in membrane potential favour the functional deterioration of physiological system. The overall findings demonstrates that the animals post treated with carotenoid extract from C. humicola may maintains the alterations in membrane bound ATPase and lipid peroxidation in tissues against the carcinogenic chemical and hence aid in establishing the membrane potential action. Therefore C. humicola can be further extended to exploits its possible application for various health benefits as neutraceuticals and food additives.     

Immunological effect of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina and a known immune booster called immunace® and their admixtures on HIV/AIDS clients: a comparative study

Objective

To investigate the immunological effect of Vernonia amygdalina (V. amygdalina) leaf extract and immunace^® on HIV infected patients taking highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Methods

Fresh V. amygdalina leaves were collected within Nsukka area in Enugu State. The leaves were rinsed with distilled water. Two handful of cleaned fresh leaves were soaked in 200 mL water and squeezed gently by hand to a mixture. Clients were divided into four groups and each group was given different combination. They took the medication for four weeks. The immune effect was tested against marketed immune booster in some retroviral clients.

Results

The mean absolute CD4 count was increased in the client who took the extract or supplement. And the clients who took both the extract and supplement had a greater increase in the CD4 count. The increased CD4 was significant as compared with the control group (P<0.05). The skin rashes were also improved in the entire groups.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of V. amygdalina and immunace or both have immunological effect on HIV infected patients. Therefore, we suggest that the V. amygdalina extract or immunace or both could be used as adjuvant in the management of HIV/AIDS clients.     

Elevation of serum pancreatic amylase and distortion of pancreatic cyto-architecture in type 1 diabetes mellitus rats treated with Ocimum gratissimum

Background:

Diabetes mellitus has been shown to cause severe impairment in exocrine pancreatic function and cyto-architecture. Ocimum grattissimum has been reported to lower blood glucose levels in experimental diabetic animals. This study, therefore, aims to investigate if treatment with O. grattissimum can alleviate these pancreatic complications of diabetes mellitus. The phytoconstituents and median lethal dose of the plant extract were determined.

Materials and Methods:

Eighteen rats were divided into three groups of six rats each. Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin. Group 1 was the control and were given normal feed only; Group 2 was of diabetic untreated rats, while Group 3 was O. grattissimum-treated diabetic rats at a dose of 1,500 mg/kg. After 28 days, blood was collected by cardiac puncture of the anaesthetised animals and the serum was obtained for analysis of serum pancreatic amylase. Permanent preparations using routine biopsy method were employed for histological preparations.

Results:

Results showed that the level of pancreatic serum amylase in the test groups (diabetic and diabetic-treated) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the control group, while the diabetic-treated group was significantly lower than the diabetic group. Atrophic acinar tissue without β-cells was noted in the diabetic and diabetic-treated groups. Patchy areas of necrosis, oedematous interstitium, haemorrhagic and necrotic acinar cells were present in diabetic-treated groups.

Conclusion:

Direct association exists between the hyperglycaemic state caused by diabetes mellitus and the elevation of the serum pancreatic amylase and distortion of pancreatic cyto-achitecture. O. grattissimum-treatment reduced serum pancreatic amylase level to near normal and limit the extent of structural damage.     

Comparative effect of Citrus sinensis and carbimazole on serum T4, T3 and TSH levels

Background:

There are previous independent reports on the anti-thyroid property of Citrus sinensis. This isoflavones and phenolic acid-rich natural agent is widely consumed as dietary supplement, thus the need to investigate its comparative effect with a standard anti-thyroid drug on T₄, T₃ and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

Objective:

To compare the effect of Citrus sinensis and carbimazole (CARB) on blood levels of thyroid hormones (T₄ and T₃) and TSH.

Materials and Methods:

Male wistar albino rats weighing 100-150 g were employed in this research. The rats were randomly assigned to four groups of seven rats per group. Group I served as control and were administered distilled water while groups II-IV were administered with 1500 mg/kg of Citrus sinensis (fresh orange juice; FOJ), 0.1 μg/g of levothyroxine (LVT) and 0.01 mg/g of CARB, respectively, per oral once daily for 28 days. The animals were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia and blood sample collected by cardiac puncture and processed by standard method to obtain serum. TSH, T₄ and T₃ were assayed with the serum using ARIA II automated radioimmunoassay instrument.

Results:

The results showed that TSH level was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in LVT treated group compared with the FOJ group. T₄ was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the FOJ and CARB groups compared with the control and LVT groups. LVT significantly increased T₄ when compared with FOJ group. T₃ was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the CARB group compared with the control.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that FOJ alters thyroid hormones metabolism to reduce their serum levels with a compensatory elevations of TSH level in a direction similar to CARB.     

The non-invasive 13C-methionine breath test detects hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction as a marker of disease activity in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Introduction

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in the general pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), increasing the risk of developing steatosis and subsequent hepatocellular inflammation. We aimed to assess hepatic mitochondrial function by a non-invasive ¹³C-methionine breath test (MeBT) in patients with histologically proven NAFLD.

Methods

118 NAFLD-patients and 18 healthy controls were examined by MeBT. Liver biopsy specimens were evaluated according to the NASH scoring system.

Results

Higher grades of NASH activity and fibrosis were independently associated with a significant decrease in cumulative ¹³C-exhalation (expressed as cPDR(%)). cPDR_1.5h was markedly declined in patients with NASH and NASH cirrhosis compared to patients with simple steatosis or borderline diagnosis (cPDR1.5h: 3.24 ± 1.12% and 1.32 ± 0.94% vs. 6.36 ± 0.56% and 4.80 ± 0.88% respectively; p < 0.001). ¹³C-exhalation further declined in the presence of advanced fibrosis which was correlated with NASH activity (r = 0.36). The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) for NASH diagnosis was estimated to be 0.87 in the total cohort and 0.83 in patients with no or mild fibrosis (F0-1).

Conclusion

The ¹³C-methionine breath test indicates mitochondrial dysfunction in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and predicts higher stages of disease activity. It may, therefore, be a valuable diagnostic addition for longitudinal monitoring of hepatic (mitochondrial) function in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.     

Early experiences with robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty using the DigiMatch? ROBODOC? surgical system

INTRODUCTION

The use of robotics in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to minimise human error, as well as improve the accuracy and precision of component implantation and mechanical axis alignment. The present study aimed to demonstrate that robot-assisted TKA using ROBODOC^® is safe and capable of producing a consistent and accurate postoperative mechanical axis.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited 27 consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted TKA between May and December 2012. Two patients were excluded from the study due to intraoperative technical problems with the robot. Long-leg radiography and computed tomography were performed prior to surgery, and used for mechanical axis measurements and component sizing. DigiMatch™ ROBODOC^® Surgical System software version 4.3.6 (Curexo Technology Corp, Fremont, CA, USA) was used in all cases to perform bone cuts in accordance with the preoperative plan.

RESULTS

The postoperative coronal mechanical alignment was within 3 degrees, with a mean alignment of –0.4 ± 1.7 degrees, confirming the accuracy of the preoperative surgical plan and bone cuts. The mean operating time was 96 ± 15 min, and preoperative planning yielded 100% implant sizing accuracy.

CONCLUSION

Robotics has the potential to enable surgeons to consistently attain ideal postoperative alignment. The use of bone movement monitors and an integrated navigation system enhances the safety profile of ROBODOC^® by minimising errors. However, the role of the surgeon in TKA is still vital, as the surgeon is ultimately in charge of planning the surgery, its execution and ensuring soft tissue balance during TKA.     

Multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter species from various clinical samples in a tertiary care hospital from South India

Background

Acinetobacter species are gram-negative coccobacilli belonging to the group of Non-Fermenting Gram-Negative Bacilli, which are ubiquitous in nature. They cause outbreaks in intensive care units and healthcare settings, and are becoming increasingly drug resistant.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter species from various clinical samples.

Method

Clinical samples were processed as per standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out on all the Acinetobacter isolates by Kirby- Bauer disc diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines.

Results

A total of 122 Acinetobacter spp. were isolated. 110 (90.16 per cent) were from inpatients, and 12 (9.83 per cent) were from outpatients. Out of 122 isolates, 44 (36.06 per cent) were from the ICU. The majority of the isolates, 47 (38.52 per cent), were from pus samples followed by 25 (20.49 per cent) from endotracheal tube aspirate. Out of 122 isolates, 87 (71.31 per cent) were multi-drug resistant of which 15 (12.29 per cent) were resistant to all drugs tested.

Conclusion

Acinetobacter infections associated with multi-drug resistant and pan-resistant strains have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens in our setting.     

Reduction of Glucose Metabolism in Olfactory Bulb is an Earlier Alzheimer's Disease-related Biomarker in 5XFAD Mice

Background:

Early diagnosis assumes a vital role in an effective treatment of Alzheimer''s disease (AD). Most of the current studies can only make an AD diagnosis after the manifestation of typical clinical symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate typical and other biomarkers of AD to find a possible early biomarker.

Methods:

A total of 14 5XFAD mice (at 3 and 6 months old), with 14 age-matched wild-type (WT) mice as control, were enrolled in this case-control study. Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the cognitive function; buried food pellet test and olfactory maze test were employed to investigate the olfactory function; immunofluorescence to detect amyloid deposition and positron emission tomography to examine 2-deoxy-2-(¹⁸ F) fluoro-D-glucose ([¹⁸ F]-FDG) uptake in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.

Results:

With the increasing age, cognitive performance (P = 0.0262) and olfactory function were significantly deteriorated (day 1 P = 0.0012, day 2 P = 0.0031, day 3 P = 0.0160, respectively) and the (¹⁸ F)-FDG uptake was markedly decreased in multi-cerebral regions including the olfactory bulb (P < 0.0001), hippocampus (P = 0.0121), and cerebral cortex (P < 0.0001). Of note, in 3-month-old 5XFAD mice, a significant decline of (¹⁸ F)-FDG uptake in the olfactory bulb was found when compared with that of age-matched WT mice (P = 0.023) while no significant difference was present when the uptakes in other cerebral regions were compared.

Conclusions:

The decline of (¹⁸ F)-FDG uptake in the olfactory bulb occurs earlier than other incidents, serving as an earlier in vivo biological marker of AD in 5XFAD mice and making early diagnosis of AD possibly.     

Aqueous seed extract of Cola nitida rubra reduces serum reproductive hormone concentrations and sperm count in adult male albino Wistar rats

Background:

Following the high rate of consumption of Cola nitida (cola nut) among the male population in Nigeria, this study seeks to determine the effects of consumption of Cola nitida on serum reproductive hormones and sperm count, which are major determinants of male fertility.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-two male albino wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were used for this study and were divided into 4 groups of eight animals each. Group 1 served as control, group 2 received 2 mg/kg Cola nitida extract (Test 1), group 3 received 6 mg/kg Cola nitida extract (Test 2) and group 4 received 10 mg/kg Cola nitida extract (Test 3). After 6 weeks of treatment, reproductive hormonal assay was carried out using the rat serum. Epididymal spermatozoa were collected and sperm count determined.

Results:

Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in test 2 and 3, compared with control. Sperm count was significantly lower in test group 1 (P < 0.05), 2 (P < 0.001) and 3 (P < 0.001) compared with control, with test 3 significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with test 1. There was no significant difference in testicular and epididymis weight in the different experimental groups studied.

Conclusion:

Aqueous seed extract of Cola nitida rubra resulted in reduced serum reproductive hormone concentrations and sperm count in male wistar rats, and may therefore be detrimental to reproductive health, hence the need for regulation of its consumption.     

Association of ABO blood group and Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Dore Bafeno Area,Southern Ethiopia

Objective

To assess the distribution of ABO blood group and their relationship with Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria among febrile outpatients who sought medical attention at Dore Bafeno Health Center, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A total of 269 febrile outpatients who visited Dore Bafeno Health Center, Southern Ethiopia, were examined for malaria and also tested for ABO blood groups in January 2010. The blood specimens were collected by finger pricking, stained with Geimsa, and examined microscopically. Positive cases of the parasitemia were counted. CareStart™ Malaria Pf/Pv Combo was also used to test the blood specimens for malaria. ABO blood groups were determined by agglutination test using ERYCLONE^® antisera. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and treatment status of the participants were also collected. Chi-square and ANOVA tests were used to assess the difference between frequencies and means, respectively.

Results

Out of a total of 269 participants, 178 (66.2%) febrile patients were found to be infected with Plasmodium parasites, among which 146 (54.3%), 28 (10.4%), and 4 (1.5%) belonged to P. falciparum, P. vivax, and mixed infections, respectively. All febrile patients were also tested for ABO blood groups and 51.3%, 23.5%, 21.9% and 3.3% were found to be blood types of O, A, B and AB, respectively. Both total malaria infection and P. falciparum infection showed significant association with blood types (P<0.05). The proportion of A or B but not O phenotypes was higher (P<0.05) in individuals with P. falciparum as compared with non-infected individuals. The chance of having P. falciparum infection in patients with blood groups A, B and AB was 2.5, 2.5 and 3.3 times more than individuals showing blood O phenotypes, respectively. The mean P. falciparum malaria parasitaemia for blood groups A, B, AB, and O were 3 744/µL, 1 805/µL, 5 331/µL, and 1 515/µL, respectively (P<0.01).

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that individuals of blood groups A, B and AB are more susceptible to P. falciparum infection as compared with individuals of blood group O. Nevertheless, further in depth studies are required to clearly establish the role that ABO blood group plays in P. falciparum malaria.     

Effect of Oenanthe Javanica Extract on Antioxidant Enzyme in the Rat Liver

Background:

Oenanthe javanica (O. javanica) has been known to have high antioxidant properties via scavenging reactive oxygen species. We examined the effect of O. javanica extract (OJE) on antioxidant enzymes in the rat liver.

Methods:

We examined the effect of the OJE on copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the rat liver using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups; (1) normal diet fed group (normal-group), (2) diet containing ascorbic acid (AA)-fed group (AA-group) as a positive control, (3) diet containing OJE-fed group (OJE-group).

Results:

In this study, no histopathological finding in the rat liver was found in all the experimental groups. Numbers of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx immunoreactive cells and their protein levels were significantly increased in the AA-fed group compared with those in the normal-group. On the other hand, in the OJE-group, numbers of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx immunoreactive cells in the liver were significantly increased by about 190%, 478%, 685%, and 346%, respectively, compared with those in the AA-group. In addition, protein levels of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx in the OJE-group were also significantly much higher than those in the AA-group.

Conclusion:

OJE significantly increased expressions of SOD1 and SOD2, CAT, and GPx in the liver cells of the rat, and these suggests that significant enhancements of endogenous enzymatic antioxidants by OJE might be a legitimate strategy for decreasing oxidative stresses in the liver.     

Comparison of the therapeutic effects of Garcin? and fluconazole on Candida vaginitis

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to determine and compare the effects of garlic tablets (Garcin^®) and fluconazole on Candida vaginitis in women who presented to a health centre in Koohdasht, Iran, from August 2011 to March 2012.

METHODS

The clinical trial was conducted on 110 married women (aged 18–44 years) who had complaints of itching or a burning sensation in the vaginal area. Candida vaginitis was diagnosed by pH measurement of vaginal secretions, direct microscopic evaluation and Sabouraud dextrose agar cultures of the vaginal discharge. On confirmation of diagnosis, the patients were randomly divided into two groups (n = 55). One group received 1,500 mg of Garcin tablets daily and the other received fluconazole tablets 150 mg daily, over a period of seven days. Four to seven days after the completion of treatment, patients were examined for treatment response and possible side effects.

RESULTS

Complaints related to the disease improved by about 44% in the Garcin group and 63.5% in the fluconazole group (p < 0.05). The overall symptoms of the disease (i.e. redness of vulva and vagina, cheesy discharge, pustulopapular lesions and abnormal cervix) improved by about 60% in the Garcin group and 71.2% in the fluconazole group (p > 0.05). Results of microscopic evaluation and vaginal discharge culture showed significant differences before and after intervention in both groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that Garcin tablets could be a suitable alternative to fluconazole for the treatment of Candida vaginitis.     

Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with the Lewis and ABO blood groups in dyspeptic patients

Background:

Helicobacter pylori infection is a basic risk factor for chronic gastritis, and gastric carcinoma. Based on some studies, the reason is binding of H. pylori to H and Le^b antigens in gastric mucosa. However, some other findings have not determined any association between the infection and these antigens. Because of this controversy and the fact that H. pylori infection and gastric adenocarcinoma are common diseases in Iran, the assessment of the association of H. pylori infection with these blood groups could be valuable.

Materials and Methods:

In a cross sectional study on 135 adult dyspeptic patients in Mashhad, Iran, from 2009 to 2010, H. pylori infection was evaluated by using the Heliprobe ¹⁴C-urea breath test and the ABO and Lewis blood group antigens were determined by the tube method. Association between the Lewis and ABO phenotypes with H. pylori infection were analysed by Fisher''s exact test. A P ≤ 0.05 was considered to be significant.

Results:

68 (50.4%) patients were positive for H. pylori infection. The frequencies of the ABO, Lewis and secretion phenotypes were not significant in the infected and non-infected patients. We also did not find a significant association between Le^a and Le^b antigens and this infection.

Conclusion:

We could not establish a significant association between the Lewis, ABO and secretion phenotypes with H. pylori infection. Diversity of sequences of blood group antigen b-binding adhesion (babA gene) of H. pylori may be a reason why our findings are different from other studies in other geographic areas.     

Histological study of smoke extract of Tobacco nicotiana on the heart, liver, lungs, kidney, and testes of male Sprague-Dawley rats

Background:

Some of the effects of tobacco on man''s health are well documented in many scientific reports. Whenever tobacco is used either in smoked or chewed form, nicotine is absorbed by the lungs and oral cavity and is spontaneously moved into the bloodstream where it is circulated throughout the body system.

Materials and Methods:

Ten male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this investigation. The animals were randomly assigned into two groups, A and B, of five animals each. The animals in group B (treatment group) were exposed to smoke from a completely burnt 0.74 g leaf extract of Tobacco nicotiana, wrapped in 0.5 g of sterilized cotton wool for 5 minutes three times daily (7 am, 10 am, and 1 pm). The animals in group A (control group) were exposed to smoke from completely burnt 1.24 g of sterilized cotton wool with the same parameters as observed with the treatment groups. The duration of exposure was 5 days. Three hours after the last exposure, all the animals were killed by cervical dislocation. The heart, liver, lungs, kidney, and testes were carefully excised, blotted dry, and fixed in formol saline for histological analysis using Hematoxylin and Eosin stain.

Results:

Using the light microscope, it was observed that the histoarchitectural profiles of the studied organs in the sections obtained from the control animals were well preserved. Histopathological observations of the heart, liver, lungs, kidney, and testes in the treated animals showed a varying pattern of histological alterations, and distortions such as mild edema and occasional destruction of myocardial fibers, degeneration of the hepatocytes, reduction in the population of the germ cells, enlargement of the alveoli, alveolar hemorrhage, shrinkage of the glomerulus and glomerular hemorrhage were observed in the sections of the organs of the study of the animals in the treatment group when compared with the control group, hence showing that the smoke extract of Tobacco nicotiana has adverse and compromising effects on the heart, liver, lungs, kidney, and testes of male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Conclusion:

From these observations, it can be inferred that the exposure of male Sprague-Dawley rats to the smoke extract of Tobacco nicotiana may be associated with structural damage of some vital organs.