Effect of DL-alpha-lipoic acid on the status of lipid peroxidation and lipids in aged rats

The effect of dextro and levo (DL)-alpha-lipoic acid on lipid peroxidation and lipids has been evaluated in plasma, liver, and kidney of young and aged rats. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipids were considerably higher in aged rats compared with younger controls. DL-alpha-lipoic acid (100 mg/kg body wt/day) was administered intraperitoneally for 7 and 14 days. Supplementation of lipoic acid in aged rats prevents the elevated levels of TBARS and lipids. From our observations, we conclude that lipoic acid is very effective in normalizing age-related alterations in lipids, and it can be implemented in the aged to minimize age-associated disorders where free radicals are the major cause.     

Comparative evaluation of different chelators in removal of calcium hydroxide preparations from root canals

Background: This study compared the efficacy of 10% citric acid, 17% EDTA and 7% maleic acid (MA) with ultrasonic agitation in the removal of calcium hydroxide (CH) from root canals. Methods: Seventy maxillary anterior teeth were enlarged to F3 using protaper files. Teeth were then divided into two groups: A and B. Group A was filled with (CH + iodoform + silicone oil) mixture and group B with CH and propylene glycol (PG). Ten teeth were divided into positive and negative control groups. The volume of CH preparations was estimated using spiral CT. After seven days, teeth in groups A and B were further divided into three subgroups based on irrigants used and CH was retrieved along with ultrasonic agitation. Volume analysis was undertaken using spiral CT. Mean percentage of CH removed was analysed using one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference test. Results: All irrigants removed (CH + PG) completely without any difference between them (p = 0.17). Removal of (CH + iodoform + silicone oil) was significantly higher for MA and citric acid than EDTA (p < 0.001). There was no difference between MA and citric acid. Conclusions: Concentrations of 7% MA and 10% citric acid were found to be superior to 17% EDTA in the removal of (CH + iodoform + silicone oil). (CH + PG) preparation was completely removed by all the irrigants.     

Corneal Endothelium in Brown-McLean syndrome: in-vivo confocal microscopy finding

When Brown-McLean syndrome (BMS) was first described, there was no confocal microscopy to document corneal endothelial status, and it was understood as a disease entity involving a diseased endothelial layer. In the advent of confocal microscopy demonstrating healthy endothelium in BMS within the affected cornea, it can be inferred that BMS is a spectrum of disease ranging from healthy to decompensated corneal endothelium, rather than just a specific disease entity. Here we report a case of BMS with normal healthy corneal endothelium using corneal confocal microscopy. Any patient with BMS should be followed up to observe for any disease progression and should be educated regarding the signs and symptoms of corneal surface problems. Confocal microscopy documentation is a convenient and informative way and should form part of the follow-up of any BMS patient.     

Auramine staining in histopathology sections

Auramine staining was done on 65 histopathological sections from different types of treated leprosy cases which were negative by Fite-Farraco stain. All the sections except one showed auramine positive organisms. The organisms were mostly coccoid except in BL/LL cases where beaded bacilli could be seen.     

Formulation and evaluation of Albendazole microcapsules for colon delivery using chitosan

ObjectiveTo formulate and evaluate Albendazole microcapsules using chitosan, a natural polymer for colon-specific delivery for better treatment of helminthiasis, filariasis, colorectal cancer, avoiding the side effects.MethodsThe Albendazole microcapsules were prepared by the use of different concentrations of sodium alginate, chitosan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The polysaccharides chitosan reacted with sodium alginate in the presence of calcium chloride to form microcapsules with a polyelectrolyte complex membrane by electrostatic interactions between the two oppositely charged polymers. The microcapsules were then studied for entrapment efficiency, drug-polymer compatibility and surface morphology. In vitro drug release study in presence and absence of cecal content were also studied. Further, kinetic modellings were employed to find out release mechanisms.ResultsAlbendazole loaded microspheres showd high entrapment efficiency (72.8%) and the microcapsules were free flowing, non aggregated and spherical, between 600 and 1000 μm in diameter. The surface of microcapsules were found to be porous and wavy. The FT-IR spectrum showed that there is no interaction between the polymer and the drug. The in vitro drug release study found to be affected by change in chitosan, sodium alginate and HPMC concentration. The microcapsules with 2.5% sodium alginate and 0.4% chitosan shown minimum release in gastrointestinal simulated condition but shows maximum drug release at the end of 24th hour in presence of cecal content. The rate of drug release follows Korsmeyer-peppas model that was the drug release is by diffusion and erosion.ConclusionsThe study reveals that Albendazole loaded chitosan-alginate based microsphere can be used effectively for the colon targeting.     

Isolation of the mucilages from Hibiscus rosasinensis linn. and Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus linn.) and studies of the binding effects of the mucilages

ObjectiveTo isolate and evaluate comparatively the binding efficacy of the mucilages obtained from the plants of Hibiscus rosasinensis and Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus).MethodsExtraction of mucilages from the leaves of Hibiscus and pods of Okra (Ladies finger) was carried out by a cold maceration process. The extracted mucilages were subjected to various physicochemical properties for its suitability as an excipient in the formulation of tablet dosage form. Different concentrations (10, 8, 5, 2 and 1% w/v) of binder solutions of Hibiscus and Okra were used for the formulation of tablets and the formulated tablets were evaluated by studying the standard parameters like diameter, thickness, weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration and in vitro dissolution. Stability studies of the formulated tablets were conducted for four weeks.ResultsThe formulated tablets prepared using the mucilages of both Hibiscus and Okra had good appearance. The in vitro drug release profile of the tablets prepared using Okra mucilage had an optimum of 90% at a mucilage concentration of 1% w/v concentration mucilage itself within 4 h.ConclusionsAccording to the observations, the lower concentration levels of Okra can be used as an alternative binder to starch. The higher concentration levels of Okra mucilage show a slow and sustained release, and can be considered as an alternative natural excipient in the modified drug delivery systems. At the same time, the above natural excipient of Hibiscus mucilage could be used as a platform for prolonged release if its binder concentrations are increased.     

Hibiscus vitifolius (Linn.) root extracts shows potent protective action against anti-tubercular drug induced hepatotoxicity

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The roots of Hibiscus vitifolius Linn. (Malvaceae) is used for the treatment of jaundice in the folklore system of medicine in India. This study is an attempt to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the roots of Hibiscus vitifolius against anti-tubercular drug induced hepatotoxicity.

Materials and methods

Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino rats of either sex by oral administration of a combination of three anti-tubercular drugs. Petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of roots of Hibiscus vitifolius (400 mg/kg/day) were evaluated for their possible hepatoprotective potential.

Results

All the extracts were found to be safe up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Among the four extracts studied, oral administration of methanol extract of Hibiscus vitifolius at 400 mg/kg showed significant difference in all the parameters when compared to control. There was a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the levels of serum aspartate amino transaminase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, total and direct bilirubin, where as an increase was found in the levels of total cholesterol, total protein and albumin. Liver homogenate studies showed a significant increase in the levels of total protein, phospholipids and glycogen, and a reduction in the levels of total lipids, triglycerides, and cholesterol against control animals. In the tissue anti-oxidant studies, we found a significant increase in the levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase, whereas there was marked reduction in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, as compared to control. Histology of liver sections of the animals treated with the extracts showed significant reduction of necrosis and fatty formation when compared with control specimens.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the root extracts of Hibiscus vitifolius have potent hepatoprotective activity, thereby justifying its ethnopharmacological claim.     

Effect of nifedipine and amlodipine on wound healing in rats

The wound healing effect of two calcium channel blockers, nifedipine and amlodipine was studied in rats using incision and excision wound models. In incision wound, two straight paravertebral skin thickness incision were made and on tenth day skin tensile strength was measured by using continuous water flow technique. In excision wound, circular piece of skin excised in its full thickness and wound contraction monitored by alternate day wound tracing and epithelisation period was monitored by noting the number of days required for escher to fall. Drugs enhanced the skin tensile strength in incision wound model. In excision wound model, wound contraction is increased on 4th and 16th day but epithlisation period was not significantly altered. In conclusion, calcium channel blockers can be used to enhance wound healing, especially if wound healing was suppressed by steroids.     

Dietary adequacy of Indian rural preschool children--influencing factors

The dietary adequacy (qualitative and quantitative) of preschool children residing in rural areas near Mysore (a district in south India) was assessed by the 'Food frequency method' and '24-h recall method'. Food intake assessed in three different seasons revealed that their diets were predominantly cereal based with negligible quantity of protective foods. The overall nutrient intake was found to be inadequate, irrespective of the seasons. The adequacy level of the nutrients (cereal dependence) was found to be comparatively better in monsoon and winter seasons because of better labour opportunities and availability. Food consumption pattern showed no gender differences. The nutrient adequacy also varied by the age of the children. The influence of 'food expenditure' on the nutrient adequacy was not statistically significant. Nutritional status was found to be a factor influencing nutrient intake. Apart from age, nutritional status and food availability, feeding practices may also influence the nutrient intake of the preschool children.