Fruit Extract of Aegle marmelos Protects Mice Against Radiation-Induced Lethality

The radioprotective effect of a hydroalcoholic extracted material from the fruit of Aegle marmelos (AME) was studied in mice exposed to different doses of γ radiation. The optimum dose for radioprotection was determined by administering 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg body weight of AME intraperitoneally (ip) once daily, consecutively for 5 days before exposure to 10 Gy of γ radiation. A total of 20 mg/kg of AME for 5 consecutive days before irradiation was found to afford maximum protection as evidenced by the highest number of survivors after 30 days postirradiation. Animals from all groups were monitored for 30 days postirradiation for development of symptoms of radiation sickness and mortality. Treatment of mice with AME before exposure to different doses of γ radiation reduced the severity of symptoms of radiation sickness and mortality with all exposure doses. This was accompanied by an increase in number of survivors in the AME + irradiation group when compared with the concurrent sterile physiological saline (SPS) + irradiation group. AME pretreatment protected mice against the gastrointestinal as well as bone marrow deaths, as evidenced by the greater number of survivors on day 10 or 30, respectively. LD50/30 was found to be 8.2 Gy for the SPS + irradiation group, while it was 8.8 Gy for AME + irradiation. The dose-reduction factor (DRF) was found to be 1.1 for AME + irradiation group. The acute toxicity study of AME showed that it was nontoxic up to a dose of 6 g/kg body weight, the highest drug dose that could be administered. Irradiation of animals resulted in a dose-dependent elevation in lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney, stomach, and intestine of mice. Conversely, GSH concentration declined in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of animals with AME before irradiation caused a significant decrease in the lipid peroxidation accompanied by a significant elevation in the GSH concentration in liver, kidney, stomach, and intestine of mice determined at 31 days postirradiation.

Inhibition of radiation-induced clastogenicity by Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa in mice bone marrow exposed to different doses of γ-radiation

The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic (MPCE), normochromatic erythrocytes (MNCE), and polychromatic/normochromatic erythrocyte ratio (PCE/NCE), was studied in the bone marrow of mice orally administered with 0, 200, 225, 250, 275 and 300 mg/kg body weight of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Aegle marmelos (AME). Treatment of mice with AME, once daily for 5 consecutive days, before exposure to 2 Gy resulted in a significant decline in the frequency of MPCE when compared to the non-drug-treated irradiated control. The greatest reduction in MPCE was observed for 250 mg/kg body weight AME, accompanied by the highest polychromatic erythrocyte to normochromatic erythrocyte ratio, in comparison with the non-drug-treated irradiated control. Therefore, further studies were carried out using this dose of AME, where the animals were administered with 250 mg/kg body weight of AME before exposure to 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 Gy of γ-radiation and evaluated at 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours post-irradiation. Whole body irradiation of mice to different doses of γ-radiation resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the frequency of MPCE at all post-irradiation times. Treatment of 250 mg/kg AME orally (p.o.) before irradiation significantly reduced the frequency of MPCE at all post-treatment times. The frequency of MPCE increased with time, reached a peak level at 24 hours, and declined thereafter. The occurrence of MNCE has also shown a pattern similar to MPCE, except that the MNCE frequency reached a peak level by 48 hours. The AME significantly reduced the frequency of MNCE at all post-irradiation times, when compared to the non-drug-treated irradiated group. Treatment of mice with AME before exposure to different doses of γ-radiation resulted in the inhibition of a radiation-induced decline in the PCE/NCE ratio, when compared with the concurrent irradiated controls. To gain insight into the mechanism of action, AME was tested for its antioxidant effects in cell-free chemical systems using H2O 2/FeSO4 to generate hydroxyl (◦OH) radicals, which were measured by a fluorescent probe, 2V, 7V-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH/DA). Xanthine/xanthine oxidase was used to generate superoxide (O2◦-) anion radical, which was measured by a fluorescent probe dihydroethidium (DHE). AME significantly reduced fluorescence in a concentration dependent manner, indicating its efficacy to scavenge free radicals. Our results demonstrate that one of the mechanism of reduction in the radiation-induced DNA damage in mice bone marrow by AME may be due to scavenging of free radicals and elevation in the antioxidant status, as previously reported. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 111-124

A novel method of extraction of bamboo seed oil (Bambusa bambos Druce) and its promising effect on metabolic symptoms of experimentally induced polycystic ovarian disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential effect of bamboo seed oil in decreasing the major metabolic symptoms associated with letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian disease using female rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A new method of microwave-assisted extraction was developed. Female rats were grouped into four with six animals each. All rats were daily administered with letrozole (1 mg/kg b.wt.) for 21 days except control, and during this period, changes in estrous cycle were observed. After letrozole treatment, Group 2 was considered negative control, Groups 3 and 4 were treated orally with bamboo oil, 0.5 ml/kg b.wt. and 1 ml/kg b.wt., respectively, for 3 weeks (five consecutive estrus cycles). Various parameters such as estrus cycle, blood sugar level, lipid profile, and weights of reproductive system were determined. The characteristics of cystic ovaries were evaluated by histopathological studies.

RESULTS

The isolated bamboo oil restored estrus cyclicity showed hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. 1 ml/kg b.wt. of bamboo oil showed a marked glucose reduction from 254.04 ± 2.08 to 92.6 ± 1.63, and levels of total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride were reduced from 186.45 ± 2.28, 30.07 ± 2.36, 100.36 ± 2.35 to 152.14 ± 2.63, 25.94 ± 1.66, 93.32 ± 1.09, respectively. Histopathological results showed the presence of ovulation and recovery from cystic ovaries.

CONCLUSION

A novel and promising drug was isolated in the treatment and maintenance of various metabolic symptoms associated with polycystic ovary disease.

Surgical outcomes of minimally invasive vitrectomy surgery in Eales' disease

INTRODUCTION

The results of surgical outcomes of 20 gauge pars plana vitrectomy in Eales' disease are available in the scientific literature. However, all these studies have been done using the 20 gauge vitrectomy systems and most studies have been conducted in a retrospective manner.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcomes and safety of 23 gauge vitrectomy in complications of Eales' disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

STUDY DESIGN

Consecutive interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-six eyes of 72 nonconsecutive patients undergoing 23-gauge vitrectomy for complications of Eales' disease were enrolled. The participants were followed up for a minimum of one year.

INTERVENTION

The participants underwent a complete demographic, medical and ophthalmic evaluation. A 23-gauge vitrectomy was performed. Endotamponade was used when necessary. Perioperative and postoperative events were recorded. Primary outcome measures were visual acuity and complications arising due to surgery.

RESULTS

Indication for surgery was non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage in 89.4% (68/76) and secondary retinal detachment in 10.6% (8). Visual acuity improved from Log Mar 1.80 ± 0.19 units preoperatively to Log Mar 0.47±0.59. Best-corrected visual acuity equivalent to Snellen 6/9 was achieved in 77. 6% of eyes. . Surgical failure was seen in 6.5% cases. Four cases were lost due to progression to neovascular glaucoma and 1 case was lost to severe residual retinal detachment. Iatrogenic portside retinal breaks occurred in 3.9% (3), post-vitrectomy retinal detachment 2.6% ( 2), hypotony 1.3% (1) and cataract in 38.1% (28) cases.

CONCLUSION

23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy in patients with Eales' disease is a safe and effective technique with acceptable level of risk and complications.

Implication of novel thiazolo-thiophene derivative (MCD-KV-10) for management of asthma

CONTEXT

Asthma is multifaceted disease where many targets contribute towards its development and progression. Among these, adenosine receptor subtypes play a major role.

OBJECTIVE

MCD-KV-10, a novel thiazolo-thiophene was designed and evaluated pre-clinically for its implication in management of asthma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This compound showed good affinity and selectivity towards A(2A)/A3 adenosine receptor (AR) subtypes. Furthermore, MCD-KV-10 was evaluated for in vitro lipoxygenase inhibition activity; in vivo mast cell stabilization potential and in vivo anti-asthmatic activity was done in ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation model in guinea pigs.

RESULTS

The compound showed good (>57%) inhibition of lipoxygenase enzyme and also effectively protected mast cell degranulation (>63%). The compound showed good anti-asthmatic activity as inferred from the in vivo studies.

DISCUSSION

These results indicate that MCD-KV-10 has an inhibitory effect on airway inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Though, we have identified a potential candidate for management of asthma, further mechanistic studies are needed.

Temporal sutureless vitrectomy in infectious scleritis with retinal detachment

Nepal J Ophthalmol 2013; 5(9):138 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v5i1.7844

Atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention: is warfarin still an option?--No

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that increases the risk of stroke by 4.5 times. Anticoagulant/antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation has been inconsistent and inappropriate. Warfarin enjoyed the monopoly of being the primary medication used to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events. Warfarin has many limitations in its use as an ideal anticoagulant. To overcome this difficulty, now there are two main alternative groups to warfarin namely, direct thrombin inhibitors (ximelagatran and dabigatran) and factor Xa inhibitors (apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, etc.). The advantages of the newer anticoagulants over the conventional warfarin are numerous. There are three landmark trials which have shown some light to the path of newer anticoagulant era, which include the following: RE-LY, ROCKET AF and ARISTOTLE. Head to head comparison of warfarin with newer anticoagulants showed the superiority of newer anticoagulants over warfarin in terms of efficacy and favorable side effect profile. After few decades of using warfarin, it's high time to enter into the era of newer anticoagulants and bid adieu to warfarin.

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Bael) and Its Phytochemicals in the Treatment and Prevention of Cancer

Aegle marmelos, commonly known as Bael and belonging to the family Rutaceae is an important medicinal plant in the traditional Indian system of medicine, the Ayurveda. The extract prepared by boiling the bark, leaves or roots in water is useful as laxative, febrifuge, and expectorant. The extract is also useful in ophthalmia, deafness, inflammations, catarrh, diabetes, and asthmatic complaints. The fruits are used in treating diarrhea, dysentery, stomach ache, and cardiac ailments. Scientific studies have validated many of Bael’s ethnomedicinal properties and its potential antimicrobial effects, hypoglycemic, astringent, antidiarrheal, antidysenteric, demulcent, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, wound-healing, insecticidal, and gastroprotective properties. In addition, studies have also shown that Bael and some of the Bael phytochemicals possess antineoplastic, radioprotective, chemoprotective, and chemopreventive effects, properties efficacious in the treatment and prevention of cancer. For the first time, the current review summarizes the results related to these properties and emphasizes aspects that require further investigation for Bael’s safe and effective use in the near future.

Changing scenario for promotion and development of Ayurveda--way forward

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ayurveda, derives from the Sanskrit words Ayus (life) and Veda (knowledge) is the most ancient system of traditional medicine of the world. It has been practiced in Indian peninsula since 5000 BC to offer natural ways to treat diseases and to promote healthcare.

METHODOLOGY

We reviewed the literature on the history, principles and current status of Ayurveda. The data have been presented systematically including the initiatives from Government of India. Several aspects of administrative management, education, teaching and related aspects for promotion and development of Ayurveda and other Indian systems of traditional medicine have been discussed.

RESULTS

This paper reviews on different aspects of development of Ayurveda. Presently, there are 2420 hospitals with about 42271 beds, 15017 dispensaries, 429246 registered practitioners, more than 320 educational institutions, 7699 drug-manufacturing units to promote Ayurveda into the health care delivery system in the country. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is the official document for single Ayurvedic drugs (540 monographs) and different formulations (152 monographs). Several aspects in this regard for development of Ayurveda have been discussed.

CONCLUSION

Considering the widespread use and popularity of Ayurveda worldwide, administrative management and infrastructure facilities, indigenous practices and standards for quality control and it's evaluation have been highlighted. In India, all such efforts for integration of Ayurveda provide potential role in the health care benefits.

Molecular & phenotypic characterization of Staphylococcus epidermidis in implant related infections

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

The discrimination between the Staphylococcus epidermidis colonizing the deep seated indwelling devices and those which are mere commensals has always been a challenge for the clinical microbiologist. This study was aimed to characterize the S. epidermidis isolates obtained from device related infection for their phenotypic and molecular markers of virulence and to see whether these markers can be used to differentiate the pathogenic S. epidermidis from the commensals.

METHODS

Fifty five S. epidermidis isolates from various device related infections such as endophthalmitis following intra-ocular lens (IOL) implantation, intravascular (IV) catheter related sepsis and orthopaedic implant infections, were studied for slime production, biotyping, antibiotic sensitivity; and mec A and ica positivity by the recommended procedures.

RESULTS

Twenty three (41.8%) isolates were multi-drug resistant, 26 (65.2%) were slime producers, 30 (54.5%) were adherent, 23 (41.8%) possessed the intercellular adhesin (ica) gene, and 28 (50.9%) harboured the mec A gene. Biotypes I and III were the commonest, most members of which were multi- drug resistant. Twenty two (73.3%) of the 30 adherent bacteria were slime producers as opposed to only 4 (16%) of the 25 non-adherent bacteria (P<0.001). A vast majority i.e. 21 (91.3%) of the 23 ica positive organisms were adherent to artificial surfaces in contrast to only 9 (28.1%) of the 32 non-ica positive organisms (P<0.001). Twenty (86.9%) of the 23 ica positive bacteria were slime producers, as opposed to only 6 (18.7%) of the 32 ica negative bacteria (P<0.001). Of the 23 multi-drug resistant isolates, 19 (82.6%) carried the mec A gene.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

The present findings showed that ica AB and mec A were the two important virulence markers of S. epidermidis in implant infections and slime was responsible for the sessile mode of attachment on the devices.