Assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic activity of alcohol extract of Polyscias filicifolia shoot, leaf, cell biomass of suspension culture and saponin fraction

Some medicinal plants are the object of biotechnologists' special interest owing to their content of secondary metabolites, which have a strong pharmacological effect. Polyscias filicifolia is a plant known for long in traditional medicine of the Southeast Asia. Literature data suggest that it acts on the endocrine system, has adaptogenic and antiulcerative activity, shows bactericidal and insecticidal properties, restores the activity of the protein synthesis system in the conditions of long- and short-term anoxia, as well as reduces the effect of many mutagens in vitro. The purpose of the studies was to assess the cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of ethanol extracts from Polyscias filicifolia dry shoots and leaves obtained in vitro, as well as cell biomass from suspension culture. Saponin fraction from dried shoots was also tested. Initially, the cytotoxic effect was evaluated using the murine connective tissue cell line C3H/AN - L929. The genotoxic properties of the extracts were assessed using standard screening tests: the Ames test and the micronucleus test. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that none of the extracts increases the number of revertants, both in tests with and without metabolic activation. The lack of in vitro genotoxic and mutagenic activity of tested shoot, dried leaf, cell biomass extracts, as well as the saponin fraction from dried shoots allows us to hope that Polyscias filicifolia could be used as a possible pharmaceutical raw material showing therapeutic properties.     

Effect of lifestyle intervention for people with diabetes or prediabetes in real-world primary care: propensity score analysis

Background

It is important to keep the level of antibiotic prescribing low to contain the development of resistant bacteria. This study was conducted to reveal new knowledge about how GPs think in relation to the prescribing of antibiotics - knowledge that could be used in efforts toward rational treatment of infectious diseases in primary care. The aim was to explore and describe the variations in GPs' perceptions of infectious disease management, with special reference to antibiotic prescribing.

Methods

Twenty GPs working at primary care centres in a county in south-west Sweden were purposively selected based on the strategy of including GPs with different kinds of experience. The GPs were interviewed and perceptions among GPs were analysed by a phenomenographic approach.

Results

Five qualitatively different perceptions of infectious disease management were identified. They were: (A) the GP must help the patient to achieve health and well-being; (B) the management must meet the GP's perceived personal, professional and organisational demands; (C) restrictive antibiotic prescribing is time-consuming; (D) restrictive antibiotic prescribing can protect the effectiveness of antibiotics; and (E) patients benefit personally from restrictive antibiotic prescribing.

Conclusions

Restrictive antibiotic prescribing was considered important in two perceptions, was not an issue as such in two others, and was considered in one perception although the actual prescribing was greatly influenced by the interaction between patient and GP. Accordingly, to encourage restrictive antibiotic prescribing several aspects must be addressed. Furthermore, different GPs need various kinds of support. Infectious disease management in primary care is complex and time-consuming, which must be acknowledged in healthcare organisation and planning.     

Application of mini-invasive methods of elimination of horizontal reflux in patients with varicose disease of the lower extremities complicated by active trophic ulcers

The results of surgical treatment of 153 patients for varicose disease of the lower extremities, complicated by trophic ulcers of the feet, were summarized. Miniinvasive methods were applied in patients of the main group for elimination of horizontal reflux, causing the increase of the favorable (excellent and good) results of treatment rate by 36.22% and the reduction of unfavorable results rate--by 15.29%. Introduction of the individualized methods of surgical treatment, using modern technologies of diagnosis and treatment, the choice of optimal variant of operation, applying miniinvasive methods, have permitted to reduce an early postoperative complications rate, a recurrence rate of trophic ulcer of the lower extremities, duration of the patients stationary treatment, as well as to achieve good and satisfactory results in 94.4% of patients during three years after performance of the operation.     

Anticoagulant activity of low-molecular-weight heparins obtained using a hydrolase complex

The anticoagulant activity of low-molecular weight heparins (LMWH-PC) with average distribution of molecular weights within 3.4-5.8 kD was investigated. The samples of LMWH-PC were obtained from unfractionated heparin using immobilized enzyme complex of protease C. The LMWH-PC derivatives inhibited the activity of blood coagulation factors IIa (thrombin) and Xa. The LMWH-PC derivatives had an anti-factor-Xa activity up to 131-208 IU/mg and anti-factor-IIa activity up to 81-175 IU/mg. All LMWH-PC derivatives form complexes with protamine sulfate during electrophoresis in agarose gel. The anticoagulant activity of rabbit plasma exhibits a doze-dependent increase upon the intravenous or subcutaneous injection of LMWH-PC with a molecular weight of 5.4 kD.     

The determination of activity of low-molecular heparins against activated factor Xa by means of the diagnostic kit "Reachrom-Heparin" (scientific-production association "Renam")

It is possible to successfully determine both the activity against activated factor Xa in animals plasma after heparins administration and specific activity against activated factor Xa of new anticoagulants by means of the domestic diagnostic kit "Reachrom-Heparin" developed by the company "Renam". It was compared to the similar kit "Berichrom heparin" (Dade Behring). No statistically significant differences were detected.     

Weight reduction improves markers of hepatic function and insulin resistance in type-2 diabetic patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver

Objective

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing dramatically affecting up to 30% of the population worldwide. At present, treatment options are limited and pharmacological management of NAFLD has had disappointing results. Some of the best available evidence to improve NAFLD concerns lifestyle modification.

Objective

To detect the degree of weight reduction needed to improve the markers of hepatic function and insulin resistance in type-2 diabetics with NAFLD.

Methods

One hundred type-2 diabetic male patients with NAFLD were included into this study and divided into two equal groups. Group (A) received aerobic exercise training in addition to diet regimen. Group (B) received no treatment intervention.

Results

There was a 26.99%, 40.8%, 33.81%, 32.73%, 37.8% and 15 % reduction in mean values of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Gamma - Glutamyltransferase (GGT) and Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance-index (HOMA-IR) and BMI respectively in group (A) at the end of the study. While there were significant differences between mean levels of the investigated parameters in group (A) and group (B) after treatment.

Conclusion

About 15 % reduction in BMI is effective to improve the liver condition and insulin resistance in type-2 diabetics with NAFLD.     

Cellular infiltration and cytokine mRNA expression in perennial allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Allergen challenge in allergic rhinitis patients leads to local eosinophilia and Th2-type cytokine expression. Natural exposure to grass pollen is additionally characterized by epithelial mast-cell infiltration. We hypothesized that perennial allergic rhinitis is also associated with T-cell and eosinophil infiltration of the nasal mucosa, local Th2-type cytokine expression, and increased numbers of nasal epithelial mast cells. METHODS: Nasal biopsies from perennial allergic rhinitis patients and controls were analysed by immunocytochemistry for different cell populations and in situ hybridization for cytokine mRNA-expressing cells. RESULTS: Perennial allergic rhinitis was associated with increased numbers of submucosal CD3+ T cells (P=0.05), EG2+ activated eosinophils (P=0.01), and CD68+ macrophages (P=0.01) compared to controls. Epithelial, but not submucosal, tryptase-positive mast cells were also elevated in rhinitics compared to controls (P=0.01). The numbers of cells expressing interleukin (IL)-5 were higher (P=0.01) and the numbers of cells expressing IL-2 were lower (P=0.04) in rhinitic patients than controls. There were no significant differences for either IL-4 or interferon-gamma between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Perennial allergic rhinitis is characterized by mast-cell migration into the epithelium; submucosal infiltration by T cells, eosinophils, and macrophages; and an imbalance in local T-cell cytokine production in favour of enhanced IL-5 and reduced IL-2 expression.