Monosodium glutamate affects the temporal characteristics of biochemical variables in Wistar rats

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) was administrated chronically for 60 days to Wistar rats and 24 h rhythms of glucose, cholesterol, total protein and alkaline phosphatase were studied. MSG treatment was found to cause acrophase delays in the glucose and alkaline phosphatase rhythms and advances in acrophases of cholesterol and total protein levels. Amplitude and mesor values of these rhythms were found to be altered during MSG treatment. Glutamate levels in the brain were found to be significantly increased, which could alter these biochemical rhythms by modulating the transmission in retinohypothalamic tract and in the hypothalamic nuclei, probably including suprachiasmatic nuclei.     

Evaluation of analgesic, antipyretic activity and toxicity study of Bryonia laciniosa in mice and rats

Analgesic, antipyretic activity and toxicity study of the leaves of Bryonia laciniosa Linn. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) was evaluated in the standard animal models. The methanol extract of Bryonia laciniosa (MEBL) was evaluated by hot plate and acetic acid-induced writhing methods to assess analgesic activity. The antipyretic activity of the extract was also evaluated by normal body temperature and yeast-induced hyperpyrexia. The extract showed significant analgesic and antipyretic activity. The MEBL was further evaluated for toxicity at the doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg administered orally for 14 days in rats. At the end of experiments, the blood, liver function and kidney metabolism were observed. The hematological profile and different biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT and ALP were estimated. The present study revealed that MEBL exhibited significant analgesic and antipyretic activity in the tested experimental animal models. The toxicity study indicates that the extract is not toxic at the tested doses.     

The cytotoxic activity of the total alkaloids isolated from different parts of Solanum pseudocapsicum

The total alkaloid fractions of the methanolic extracts of the leaves, ripe fruits, roots, seeds and stem of Solanum pseudocapsicum were subjected to in-vitro cytotoxicity, short-term toxicity and long-term survival studies. All the five fractions exhibited potent activity. The total alkaloid fraction of leaves was found to be the most potent. The HT-29 cell line was the most sensitive to the fractions. The cytotoxic concentration (CTC(50)) values for all these fractions ranged between 0.39-0.91, 0.68-2.8, 0.92-3.56, 4.05-8.2, 3.28-5.65 and 0.95-5.55 microg/ml, respectively for HT-29, RD-228, A-549, HEp-2, B(16)F(10) and Vero cell lines. In short-term toxicity studies, the fractions showed 50% viability at 93-128 microg/ml for DLA cells and 141-189 microg/ml for human lymphocytes. In the long-term survival studies on the cell lines RD-228, HEp-2 and Vero, cells retained their regenerative capacities at concentrations below 8 microg/ml. The total alkaloids of the plant, especially from the leaves merit further investigations to identify the active constituents in animal models.     

Enhancement of circulatory antioxidants by alpha-ketoglutarate during sodium valproate treatment in Wistar rats

The effects of alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG) on sodium valproate-induced hyperammonemia and hepatotoxicity were studied in biochemical experiments in rats. The levels of ammonia, urea, serum transaminases, hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly increased in sodium valproate-treated rats. These levels were significantly decreased in alpha-KG- and sodium valproate-treated rats. Further, non-enzymatic (vitamins C and E) and enzymatic (superoxide dismutase and catalase) antioxidants were significantly decreased in sodium valproate-treated rats and were increased in alpha-KG- and sodium valproate-treated rats. These biochemical alterations during alpha-KG treatment could be due to (i) its ability to act as an ubiquitous collector of amino groups in body tissues, (ii) the participation of alpha-KG in the non-enzymatic oxidative decarboxylation in the hydrogen peroxide decomposition process and (iii) enhancing the proper metabolism of fats which could suppress oxygen radical generation and, thus, prevent the lipid peroxidative damages in rats.     

Cryopreservation of cardiac homografts

A homograft valve bank for cryopreservation of cardiac homografts was established at the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in July 1995. From July 1995 to February 1999, 169 donor hearts were processed. All except four hearts were procured post mortem. Aortic valves (149) and pulmonary valves (139) were the common homografts dissected out for use. The valves were immersed in a cocktail of five broad spectrum antibiotics and antifungals for an average of 48 to 72 hours before cryopreservation. Fifty-three (35.57%) aortic and 42 (30.21%) pulmonary valves had to be discarded for various reasons like fungal contamination, failure to sterilise, HBsAg positivity etc.; 153 homografts have been released for use so far. Analysing the usual methods of procurement, sterilisation protocol, culture and cryopreservation used for cardiac homografts at this centre, this paper recommends observance of timeliness, use of appropriate media for preservation of heart parts, administration of specific drugs and safeguards necessary for cryopreservation procedure.     

Disseminated histoplasmosis presenting as AIDS cholangiopathy

Histoplasma capsulatum is a common opportunistic pathogen that often causes disseminated infection among AIDS patients from endemic areas. Virtually any organ system can be affected, but biliary involvement has not been described. We report the first case of AIDS cholangiopathy associated with H. capsulatum.     

Renewed vision on pulmonary rehabilitation service delivery for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management beyond COVID-19

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cornerstone management for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). International respiratory societies defined PR is more than “just an exercise program”; it is a comprehensive care delivered by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals with a strong emphasis on long-term health-enhancing Behaviors. However, “Uncertainty” exists with varied reasons for the political and geographical barriers of referral, uptake, attendance, and completion of PR in both primary and secondary care. Besides, COVID-19 pandemic has sparked many global controversies and challenges on pulmonary rehabilitation service delivery. Post-COVID-19 guidelines emphasize on integrated care rehabilitation for patients with COPD. Thus, this concise review intends to understand the gaps in United Kingdom healthcare policies, practices, and PR services resources. To date, there is no clear consensus on PR integrated care model pathway to address the unmet needs, measure the health and social care disparities; adds to the disease burden of COPD. Based on the culmination of evidence, this perspective offers a theoretical framework of PR integrated service model, a pathway to deliver high-value personalized care to patients with COPD.