Assessment of the Antiulcer Potential of Moringa oleifera Root-Bark Extract in Rats

In the present study, an ethanolic root-bark extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) was examined for its antiulcer potential in albino Wistar rats using two experimental models: ethanol-induced and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulceration. The extract was orally administered at three different doses (150, 350, and 500 mg/kg) for 15 consecutive days. The antiulcer effects in rats treated with different doses of the extract and omeprazole (30 mg/kg, p.o.) were determined and compared statistically with the antiulcer effects in the control rats treated with saline (NaCl, 0.9%). The MO at doses of 350 and 500 mg/kg decreased the ulcer index significantly as compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The percentage protections against gastric ulcers were 82.58%, 85.13%, and 86.15% for MO doses of 150, 350, and 500 mg/kg, respectively, in the pylorus-ligated ulcer model and 55.75%, 59.33%, and 78.51%, respectively, in the ethanol-induced ulcer model. The MO significantly reduced the free acidity, total acidity, and ulcer index (p < 0.01) and increased the pH of gastric content compared with the control group. This study suggests that MO possesses valuable antiulcer, antisecretory, and cytoprotective activity. Thus, an ethanolic root-bark extract of Moringa oleifera can be used as source for an antiulcer drug.     

Two parallel needles with snare gastropexy device during gastrostomy in children

A ferromagnetic T-fastener is often used in children during gastrostomy procedures. We describe the experience with the use of a new gastropexy device (two parallel needles with a snare) that uses a non-ferromagnetic anchor during primary percutaneous retrograde radiologic gastrostomy insertion in four children with a mean age of 6 years and 6 months (range: 2 years and 11 months to 9 years and 6 months). The new gastropexy device was safe and effective in children. It is advantageous for children requiring magnetic resonance (MR) examinations soon after gastrostomy insertion, especially in view of MR-related implications that result from the use of a ferromagnetic T-fastener.     

Lipoma of Columella with septal extension in Pai syndrome: report of a rare case

Background

Lipoma in nasal region in a case of Pai syndrome is very rare. Very few cases of Pai syndrome with columellar lipoma with extension to septum and tip have been reported till date.

Case presentation

We report a very rare form of nasal lipoma in a case of Pai syndrome with extension to septum and tip in a 4 year old female child.

Conclusions

Pai syndrome with columellar lipoma with septal and tip extension should always be kept in mind when evaluating a swelling in the region of nasal tip, collumella and septum with notch in upper lip and corpus callosal lipoma.

     

Sequence tagging reveals unexpected modifications in toxicoproteomics

Toxicoproteomic samples are rich in posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of proteins. Identifying these modifications via standard database searching can incur significant performance penalties. Here, we describe the latest developments in TagRecon, an algorithm that leverages inferred sequence tags to identify modified peptides in toxicoproteomic data sets. TagRecon identifies known modifications more effectively than the MyriMatch database search engine. TagRecon outperformed state of the art software in recognizing unanticipated modifications from LTQ, Orbitrap, and QTOF data sets. We developed user-friendly software for detecting persistent mass shifts from samples. We follow a three-step strategy for detecting unanticipated PTMs in samples. First, we identify the proteins present in the sample with a standard database search. Next, identified proteins are interrogated for unexpected PTMs with a sequence tag-based search. Finally, additional evidence is gathered for the detected mass shifts with a refinement search. Application of this technology on toxicoproteomic data sets revealed unintended cross-reactions between proteins and sample processing reagents. Twenty-five proteins in rat liver showed signs of oxidative stress when exposed to potentially toxic drugs. These results demonstrate the value of mining toxicoproteomic data sets for modifications.     

Natural products: A safest approach for obesity

Obesity is recognized as a social problem,associated with serious health risks and increased mortality.Numerous trials have been conducted to find and develop new anti-obesity drugs through herbal sources to minimize adverse reactions associated with the present anti-obesity drugs.The use of natural products as medicine has been documented for hundreds of years in various traditional systems of medicines throughout the world.This review focuses on the medicinal plants such as Achyranthus aspera, Camellia sinensis,Emblica officinalis,Garcinia cambogia,Terminalia arjuna,etc.,being used traditionally in Ayurvedic,Unani,Siddha and Chinese,etc.,systems of medicine.The review also highlights recent reported phytochemicals such as escins,perennisosides,dioscin,gracillin,etc.,and the various extracts of the plants like Nelumbo nucifera,Panax japonicas,Cichorium intybus,Cyperus rotundus,Paeonia suffruticosa,etc.,which have been successfully identified for the treatment of obesity.