Ca++ channel blocking activity of Artemisia scoparia extract

Intravenous administration of a hydro-methanolic extract of Artemisia scoparia (3–30 mg/kg) produced hypotensive and bradycardiac effects. These effects remained unaltered in atropine treated animals and the presence of the extract did not modify the vasoconstrictor response of norepinephrine, indicating that cardiovascular effects of the plant extract are not mediated through activation of muscarinic receptors or adrenoceptor blockade. In the in vitro studies, it suppressed the spontaneous movements of rabbit jejunum in a concentration-dependent (0.1-1 mg/mL) manner. The plant extract inhibited K⁺-induced tonic contraction in a manner similar to that of verapamil. Exposure of tissue to Ca⁺⁺-free Kreb's solution abolished the spontaneous movements which were restored on addition of Ca⁺⁺. In tissue pretreated with plant extract or verapamil, addition of Ca⁺⁺ (50 μM) failed to restore spontaneous contractions. These data indicate that Artemisia scoparia cntains Ca⁺⁺ channel blocker-like constituent(s) which may explain the hypotensive effect observed in vivo and the traditional use of the plant as a spasmolytic.     

Vesicles: Potential nano carriers for the delivery of skin cosmetics

In the present scenario, consumers are searching for personal care products that supply multiple benefits with minimal efforts. The outcome has been the introduction of nanotechnology-based cosmetic products that are safe to use and results driven. Some topical cosmetics can act efficaciously when they reach their target sites present in the deeper layers of the skin. The main problem with delivering active ingredients across the skin is the barrier function of the skin. Therefore, to get the maximum benefit from cosmetic products and to overcome the problems associated with their skin penetration, scientists are investigating various strategies to overcome these barrier properties. Vesicular carriers have been claimed to improve the topical delivery of active ingredients. This review offers a brief overview of current approaches in the research and development of vesicular carriers to improve the delivery and performance of active ingredients present in the cosmetics.     

Talking about reproduction with a migrating spouse: Women’s experiences in Dhading,Nepal

Abstract

Communication between Nepali women and their migrating spouses affects the transregional or transnational social fields of women “left behind” and may have implications for their reproductive health. We explored women’s interactions with their absent spouses using data gathered from qualitative interviews. Conversations with migrant husbands were frequent, organized around husbands’ schedules, and focused on children’s needs and expenses. Couple power dynamics were challenged and reinforced in such conversations. Communication about family planning and childbearing was often delayed until the husband’s return. In an increasingly mobile world, encouraging partner communication should be integral to reproductive health programs working with migrant couples.     

Smoking enhances asbestos-induced genotoxicity,relative involvement of chromosome 1: a study using multicolor FISH with tandem labeling

Several experimental and epidermological studies have indicated augmentation of asbestos induced diseases by cigarette smoke by the mechanisms, which are still unknown. To determine whether smoking affects genetic system of the cells and further modifies asbestos induced genotoxicity, whole blood from non-smokers and smokers was exposed to asbestos fibres separately in vitro and micronucleus test was performed. The number of micronuclei was found to be significantly higher (P<0 05) in cases of smoker's lymphocytes, asbestos exposed non-smokers lymphocytes as well as asbestos exposed smokers lymphocytes, as compared with unexposed non-smokers lymphocytes. Further we investigated involvement of chromosome 1 in the damaging process using multicolor FISH technique. FISH is fast and reliable method, distinguishing both structural and numerical alterations. The centric/pericentric regions of chromosome 1 (cen-q12) were labeled, as the pericentric heterochromatin region 1 (q12) is quite large, highly repetitive and prone to breakage. Multicolor FISH assay suggested that the genetic damage by asbestos fibres mainly involve chromosome 1 but in case of cigarette smoking the damage is not strictly connected to chromosome 1 only, but also involves damage to other chromosomes. Further the study suggested that smoking makes genetic system of the cells more vulnerable to the deleterious effects of asbestos.     

Diallylsulfide attenuates asbestos-induced genotoxicity

It is well known that asbestos fibers induced genotoxicity is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and insufficient endogenous antioxidant protection. Asbestos exposure can result in ROS generation in two different ways: (a) by catalyzation of Fe(2+), which is present in asbestos fibers, and (b) via oxidative bursts during phagocytosis of the fibers. On the other hand, it has been discussed that the physical presence of the fibres may mechanically influence the normal segregation of chromosomes during mitosis resulting in the induction of micronuclei in late ana/telophase, and aneuploidy. Glutathione and the glutathione redox system protect cells from the oxidative damage after exposure to xenobiotics. Glutathione depletion occurs during oxidative stress conditions and it is observed that supplementation of a precursor of glutathione and other sulphur containing compounds results in reduced toxicity. In the present study, diallyl sulfide (DAS), a lipid soluble allyl sulphur compound present in fresh extracts of garlic was evaluated for its protective effects. The micronucleus (MN) assay was performed in human mesothelial cells (HMC) exposed to 1 microg/cm(2) of crocidolite and chrysotile. Simultaneously, the cells were treated with 5 and 10 microM DAS, incubated for 48 and 66 h. Asbestos fibers induced significant genetic damage in HMC. The assay revealed a significant reduction in MN induction after treatment of cells with 5 microM but not with 10 microM DAS in mesothelial cells. The study revealed that at appropriate concentrations DAS protects mesothlelial cells against asbestos induced genotoxicity.