Determination of toxic and essential metals in rock and sea salts using pulsed nanosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

A spectrometer based on pulsed nanosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was employed for the quantitative determination of heavy and essential metals in salts from various sources available in Pakistan. Six salt samples were collected from sea salt and rock salt. Toxic metals (Cu, Cd, and Ni) and other microessentials (Fe, Ca, Co, Mg, Mn, S, and Zn) were investigated from the recorded spectra. The detection system was calibrated using a parametric dependence study. The quantitative analyses were accomplished under the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium and optically thin plasma. The results by the LIBS technique were in agreement with the outcomes of the same samples studied using a more standard approach like inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). When the concentrations of heavy and essential metals were calculated using a calibration-free LIBS method that does not need a standard salt specimen and dilution, both LIBS and ICP-AES were also in good agreement. The limit of detection of the experimental set up was determined for the observed heavy metals in the studied samples.

Benzo(a)pyrene induces lung toxicity and inflammation in mice: prevention by carvacrol

Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) is an environmental pollutant which causes various lung toxicities. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of carvacrol, a monoterpenic phenol against B(a)P-induced lung toxicity. In this study, Swiss albino mice were pretreated with carvacrol (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) orally for 7 consecutive days before administering oral B(a)P (125 mg/kg). Preventive efficacy of carvacrol was assessed in terms of membrane oxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, histopathological changes, and inflammatory (iNOS, NF-κB, and COX-2) markers. Carvacrol pretreatment in the two doses restored B(a)P-induced lipid peroxidation and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Protein expressions of iNOS, NF-κB, and COX-2 in the lung tissue were found to be upregulated by B(a)P. Carvacrol treatment, however, downregulated their expressions by decreasing the marker of positive stained cells and restored the histopathological architecture of lung tissue. Our results suggest that carvacrol can be used as a protective agent against B(a)P-induced lung toxicity and inflammation.

Controlled Synthesis of CeO2NS-Au-CdSQDs Ternary Nanoheterostructure: A Promising Visible Light Responsive Photocatalyst for H2 Evolution

With the advancement of promising multifaceted powdered photocatalytic systems, problems related to environmental pollution and energy requirements have been addressed to a significant extent. The major reason for this great achievement lies in the combined effect of both structure modification and integration of different functional materials. Here, we report a ternary hybrid containing wide band gap CeO₂ nanosheets with CdSQDs and Au nanoparticles, incorporated between this type II heterostructure through simple chemical reduction methods. Structural and morphological characterization of the fabricated samples was carried out by XRD, XPS, and TEM analysis. From a series of optical and photoelectrochemical measurements, it was found that the incorporation of Au nanoparticles into the interfaces of CeO₂ and CdSQDs was the major cause of the enhancement in the photocatalytic activity. Au nanoparticles play a dual character by acting as a mediator and also inject hot electrons through LSPR (light-induced surface plasmon resonance) effects in the ternary hybrid. The photocatalytic activity of the fabricated samples was tested toward H₂ evolution, where the ternary hybrid CeO₂NS-Au-CdSQDs lead the activity sequence with 499 μmol/2 h followed by the binary and neat counterparts. From the Mott-Shottky and linear sweep voltammetry measurements, a heterostructure relay mechanism was predicted where electrons from CdSQDs flow to the surface of CeO₂ via Au. The novelty of this work is that it provides useful information about the synergistic effect among three functional components, integrated in a nanosheet structured system, as the basic requirement for constructing good heterostructures in powdered photocatalytic systems.

Incidence of Diabetes Insipidus in Postoperative Period among the Patients Undergoing Pituitary Tumour Surgery

Post operative complications after pituitary tumour surgery vary according to procedure. There are several surgical procedures being done such as transcranial, transsphenoidal microsurgical and transsphenoidal endoscopic approaches. One of the commonest complications is diabetes insipidus (DI). Our main objective was to find out the incidence of diabetes insipidus in post operative period among patients undergoing surgical intervention for pituitary tumour in our institute. The presence of diabetes insipidus in the postoperative period was established by measuring serum Na+ concentration, hourly urine output and urinary specific gravity to find out the incidence of diabetes insipidus in postoperative period in relation to age, gender, tumour diameter, function of tumour (i.e., either hormone secreting or not) and operative procedure used for surgical resection of pituitary tumor. As it is the most common postoperative complication so, in this study we tried to find out how many of the patients develop diabetes insipidus in postoperative period following surgical resection of pituitary tumour. This cross sectional type of observational study was carried out in the department of Neurosurgery, BSMMU from May 2014 to October 2015 on 33 consecutive patients who underwent surgical intervention for pituitary tumour for the first time. Data was collected by using a data collection sheet. The incidence of diabetes insipidus was found 23.1% of patients in <30 year age group, 38.5% of patients in 31-40 year age group and 38.5% of patients in ≥40 year age group (p=0.764). In case of distribution of patients according to gender 38.5% of male and 61.5% of female developed diabetes insipidus (p=0.073). Regarding tumour size 30.8% and 69.2% of patients developed diabetes insipidus having tumour diameter <30mm and ≥30mm respectively (p=0.590). In case of operative procedure 69.2% of patients developed diabetes insipidus who was operated by transsphenoidal endoscopic approach, 23.1% and 7.7% of patients developed diabetes insipidus who underwent pituitary tumour resection through transsphenoidal microscopic approach and transcranial microscopic approach respectively (p=0.432). 17.6% of patients develop DI having functioning pituitary macroadenoma and 62.5% of patients develop DI having nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma. This observational study has been performed to find out the incidence of diabetes insipidus. Incidence of postoperative DI is more at or around the age of 40 years. It is slightly predominant in female. Most of the patients manifest DI in the first 24 hours of surgical intervention. Incidence of DI is low among patients having functioning pituitary macroadenoma.

Effectiveness of Topical Corticosteroid, Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors and Combination of Them in the Treatment of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary skin disorder which is disfiguring and difficult to treat. Cure and response rates for vitiligo are significantly lower. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of topical corticosteroid, topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus) and combination of them in the treatment of vitilligo in two tertiary care Hospital, in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology OPD (out patient department) in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and Jahurul Islam Medical College Hospital, Bajitpur, Kishoregonj from January 2015 to December 2015. Newly diagnosed 112 vitiligo patients, aged more than 1 year to 70 years were assigned for therapy and to observe the response. This study indicates that, in case of vitiligo treatment topical tacrolimus was the most effective drug. Topical tacrolimus, topical corticosteroid and combination of them are to be effective in the treatment of vitiligo with reduction in the number of vitiliginous spots by increased repigmentation. But topical tacrolimus was the most effective drug, as it caused highest percentage of repigmentation of vitiliginous spot.

Open angle glaucoma, glaucoma suspect and ocular hypertension in thyroid related immune orbitopathy and other thyroid diseases

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The eye changes associated with thyroid disease are referred to as Thyroid related Orbitopathy. A well described association exist between open angle glaucoma and thyroid related orbitopathy, the possible relationship between open angle glaucoma and either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism without orbitopathy is variable.</p><p><strong>Objective:</strong> To observe the relation of open angle glaucoma (OAG), glaucoma suspect (GS) and ocular hypertension(OHT) between Thyroid related immune orbitopathy (TRIO) and other thyroid diseases (toxic multinodular goiter and hypothyroidism).</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> With purposive type of sampling technique 40 patients of Graves' disease disease in Group-A and 40 patients of other thyroid diseases in Group-B which was subdivided into 20 patients of toxic multinodular goiter in Group-B 1, 20 patients of hypothyroidism in Group-B2 were selected in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) for this cross sectional study. The diagnosis of Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter and hypothyroidism were carried out by history, clinical examination and clinical test in endocrinology department. All the patients underwent complete ocular examinations, measuring of intraocular pressure (IOP), fundus examination, visual field analysis, gonioscopy and exophthalmometry.</p><p><strong>Result:</strong> The OAG, GS and OHT was 7.5% (3 cases), 5.0% (2 cases) and 17.5% (7 cases) respectively in Group-A. In contrast OAG, GS was 5% (lease), 5% (1 case) respectively in Group-Bl, only 5% (1 case) OAG in Group-B2. There was no incidence of OHT in Group-B (B1+B2). Although the occurrence of OAG and GS were higher in Group-A than Group-B, this difference was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). However OHT was more common in Group-A than Group-B and is statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Among the 12 patients with OAG, GS and OHT in Group-A, 11 had ≥22mm exophthalmos. In Group-A, ≥22mm exophthalmos in 60% cases, in contrast none of Group-B have ≥22mm.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The occurrence of OHT was higher in thyroid related immune orbitopathy than other thyroid diseases.</p>

Amelioration of Benzo[a]pyrene-induced oxidative stress and pulmonary toxicity by Naringenin in Wistar rats: A plausible role of COX-2 and NF-κB

Naringenin is a naturally occurring flavanones and has been found to exhibit free radical scavenging, enzyme inhibition, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Present study was designed to evaluate the protective role of naringenin against benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)-induced oxidative stress and pulmonary toxicity. Rats were treated with naringenin at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight (b. wt.), by oral gavage. B[a]P in a single dose of 50 mg/kg b. wt. was given intraperitoneally. Total protein, total cell counts, lactate dehydrogenase, lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, antioxidant enzymes activities, lung histology and expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) was assessed to evaluate protective effects of naringenin. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were also carried out to observe lung toxicity and inflammation. B[a]P administration enhanced the levels of lung injury markers and reduced antioxidant enzymes activities. Naringenin treatment attenuated the levels of oxidative stress by restoring antioxidant enzymes, further improved lung histological damage and significant decrease in inflammatory responses. Naringenin also effectively decreased the expression of NF-κB, and COX-2 induced by B[a]P. These findings suggest that naringenin supplementation is beneficial in maintaining the integrity of alveoli and the epithelium that may be used as a protective agent in B[a]P-induced oxidative stress and lung damage. However, further studies are warranted to elucidate the potential mechanism of action of naringenin.

Hybrid mesoporous microspheres from aqueous droplets containing a silica nanoparticle–polymer network in a W/O suspension

Mesoporous hybrid microspheres were fabricated from aqueous droplets of homogeneously distributed silica nanoparticles and reactive polymer in W/O suspension. Further calcination provides mesoporous silica microspheres.

HLA-B27 antigen frequency among suspected Spondyloarthropathy patients attaining a tertiary level hospital of Bangladesh

Human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27), a class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex has a strong disease association with different types of spondarthropathies (SpA). The strength of this disease association varies markedly among racial and ethnic populations. The present study aimed to identify the HLA-B27 antigen frequencies among suspected SpA patients as well as healthy Bangladeshi individuals. The frequency of HLA-B27 was determined in 1500 patients and 1000 healthy subjects attending the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). HLAB 27 typing was done by microlymphocytotoxicity test using commercial kit. A total of 738 (49.2%) suspected SpA patients and 107 (10.7%) healthy subjects tested positive for HLA-B27 antigen with higher frequency among younger age groups (54.9%, 52.4% and 56.2% in 0-14 years, 15-24 years and 25–34 years of age respectively). The male female positivity was almost same (11.4% and 9.6%) among control group, but in patient group it was 53.0% and 41.2% respectively. The findings of this hospital based study showed a high frequency of HLA-B27 among suspected SpA patients with male preponderance which is comparable with neighboring countries.Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40 (3): 102-106

Gamma interferon levels among Bangladeshi children after measles vaccination

Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) plays an important role in the immune response to live measles virus vaccination. To study the immune response to measles vaccination, IFN-γ level was estimated in 30 children. Of these, 24 children vaccinated with a single dose of measles vaccine at nine months of age and 06 children vaccinated with a second dose during the Measles Catch-up Immunization campaign. Measles vaccine strain was cultured in Vero cell line and the Tissue Culture Infective Dose (TCID)50 was used as standard live virus. Peripheral blood Mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was separated by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation and stimulated with measles virus antigens and mitogens (lectin), cultured in CO2 and iFN-γ level was measured from culture supernatant by ELISA. On stimulation with measles antigen and lectin respectively, IFN-γ level was highest (105 pg/ml and 226.54 pg/ml) in the 109-120 months age group while it was lowest (12.97 ± 8.16 pg/ml and 13.16 ± 8.0 pg/ml) in the 61-72 months age group. No significant difference was observed in IFN-γ level after stimulation with either measles antigen or lectin among well-nourished (p < 0.8) and mal-nourished (p < 0.7) children suggesting that nutritional status did not have any effect on IFN-γ level. However, IFN-γ level was higher in children who received two dose of measles vaccine than those who received a single dose (p < 0.001).

Anti-tuberculosis drug resistance in Bangladesh: reflections from the first nationwide survey

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) drug resistance in Bangladesh.

DESIGN

Weighted cluster sampling among smear-positive cases, and standard culture and drug susceptibility testing on solid medium were used.

RESULTS

Of 1480 patients enrolled during 2011, 12 falsified multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) patients were excluded. Analysis included 1340 cases (90.5% of those enrolled) with valid results and known treatment antecedents. Of 1049 new cases, 12.3% (95%CI 9.3-16.1) had strains resistant to any of the first-line drugs tested, and 1.4% (95%CI 0.7-2.5) were MDR-TB. Among the 291 previously treated cases, this was respectively 43.2% (95%CI 37.1-49.5) and 28.5% (95%CI 23.5-34.1). History of previous anti-tuberculosis treatment was the only predictive factor for first-line drug resistance (OR 34.9). Among the MDR-TB patients, 19.2% (95%CI 11.3-30.5; exclusively previously treated) also showed resistance to ofloxacin. Resistance to kanamycin was not detected.

CONCLUSION

Although MDR-TB prevalence was relatively low, transmission of MDR-TB may be increasing in Bangladesh. MDR-TB with fluoroquinolone resistance is rapidly rising. Integrating the private sector should be made high priority given the excessive proportion of MDR-TB retreatment cases in large cities. TB control programmes and donors should avoid applying undue pressure towards meeting global targets, which can lead to corruption of data even in national surveys.

Role of ultrasonography in diagnosis of solid space occupying lesion in the liver correlation with FNAC

This cross sectional study was carried enrolling 47 subjects with suspected solid liver mass, in the Department of Radiology and Imaging, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, over a period of twelve months. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of transabdominal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of solid SOL in the liver. Majority of the respondents (42.55%) were found between 41-60 years of age. Five (10.63%) subjects were found below 20 years of age. There were 31 men (65.95%) and 16 women (34.05%). Majority of the metastasis were multiple (85%), hypoechoic (35%) and only 15% had internal calcifications. HCC was single lesion (61.53%) with hyperechoic (38.35%) echogenicity, with a central halo (76.92%) and 15.38% had internal calcifications. Majority of the cholangiocarcinoma were solitary (80%), hypoechoic (60%) and 60% had internal calcifications. Hepatoblastoma were solitary and had calcifications (60%) with mixed echogenicity (60%). Majority of the adenomas were solitary (80%), hypoechoic (60%) and only 20 % had internal calcifications. The validity of transabdominal sonography for the diagnosis of metastasis was confirmed by calculating sensitivity (100%), specificity (96.42%), accuracy (97.87%), positive (95%) and negative predictive (100%) values by using the standard formula given. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values for HCC were 92.3%, 97.05%, 95.74%, 92.3% and 97.05% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values for cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma were 80%, 97.61%, 95.74%, 80% and 97.61% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values were 80%, 100%, 97.87%, 100% and 97.67% respectively for adenoma. From the study result it was concluded that transabdominal ultrasonography could be reliable, non- ionizing and relatively cheap procedure for diagnosis solid hepatic mass lesion.

Antibacterial Effect of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) Against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

This observational study was conducted during the period from July 2010 to June 2011 in the Department of Pharmacology in the collaboration of Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh to determine the profile of antibacterial effect of Crude Turmeric paste aqueous turmeric extract, and standard antibiotic Amikacin against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Three separate experiments were done e.g. (Expt- I) Inhibitory effect of Crude Turmeric paste incorporated into nutrient agar (NA) media, (Expt- II) Minimum inhibitory concentration of (a) Aqueous Turmeric extract and (b) Amikacin by broth dilution technique and (Expt-III) their subculture study in nutrient agar (NA) media for confirmation of respective results of previous experiments. Inhibitory effects were observed against the growth of Staph Aureus and Esch coli at 10% and 30% respectively of Crude Turmeric paste incorporated into NA media. The broth dilution technique was followed to determine the MIC of Aqueous Turmeric extract and Amikacin. The MIC of Aqueous Turmeric extract was 800 μg/ml against Staph aureus and that against Esch coli was 2000 μg/ml and the MIC of Amikacin was 10 μg/ml for both the bacteria. The MIC of Amikacin was the lowest in comparison to MIC of Aqueous Turmeric extract for complete inhibition of growth of Staph aureus and Esch coli. The subculture study showed similar results with that of previous experiments in terms of inhibitory effects of Crude Turmeric paste and MIC of Aqueous Turmeric extract and Amikacin against all of the organisms studied.

Variations of Weight of Thyroid Gland in Different Age and Sex Groups of Bangladeshi Cadavers

A cross sectional descriptive study was designed to find out the difference in weight of the thyroid gland of Bangladeshi people in relation to age and sex. The present study was performed on 70 post mortem human thyroid gland (35 of male and 35 of female) collected from the morgue in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh by purposive sampling technique. The specimens were collected from Bangladeshi cadavers of age ranging from 10 years to 85 years. All the specimens were grouped into three categories Group A (upto 20 years), Group B (21 to 50 years) and Group C (>50 years) according to age. Dissection was performed according to standard autopsy techniques. The weight of the thyroid glands were measured and recorded. The mean weight of the thyroid gland was 6.94 ± 5.20 gm in Group A, 7.91 ± 5.89 gm in Group B and 10.42 ± 6.27 gm in Group C. The mean weight of the thyroid gland in male was 7.0 ± 5.77 gm in Group A, 9.94 ± 7.63 gm in Group B and 11.89 ± 5.73 gm in Group C and in female was 6.88 ± 4.88 gm in Group A, 5.88 ± 2.15 gm in Group B and 9.10 ± 6.74 gm in Group C. Variance analysis shows that there was no significant difference in mean weight between the Age Group A & B, B & C and C & A. There was significant difference of weight of thyroid gland between sex in age Group B but in Group A and Group C were statistically insignificant. The weight of the thyroid gland was found to increases with age. In statistical analysis, differences between age groups were analyzed by using one way ANOVA test. The present study will help to increase the information pool on the weight of thyroid gland of Bangladeshi people.

A case report on interhemispheric epidermoid tumor

A 30 year old man admitted with the complaints of generalized convulsions, headache and amnesia. The radiological and neuro-pathological findings were interhemispheric epidermoid tumor, which is a rare location. The tumor was removed completely. The diagnosis and management of epidermoid tumors are discussed by reviewing the literature.Pulse Vol.7 January-December 2014 p.46-49

Retrospective comparison of decompressive hemicraniectomy and hematoma evacuation for spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hematoma

Objectives: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC), compared with craniotomy with evacuation of hematoma, and would improve clinical outcomes of patients with supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH).Methods: We compared patients (November 2008–February 2014) with supratentorial ICH treated with DHC without hematoma evacuation and craniotomy with hematoma evacuation. DHC measured at least 150 mm and included opening of the dura. We analyzed clinical, radiological, and surgical characteristics. Outcome at 6 months was divided into good (modified Rankin Scale 0–4) and poor (modified Rankin Scale 5–6).Results: Fifteen patients (mean age 58 years) with ICH were treated by DHC. Median hematoma volume was 61 ml and mean preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 7. Ten patients had good and five had poor outcomes. In hematoma evacuation group 29 patients were treated. Median hematoma volume was 55 ml and mean preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 8. Seventeen patients had good and twelve had poor outcomes.Conclusions: DHC is more effective than hematoma evacuation in patients with SICH. Based on this small cohort, DHC may reduce mortality. Larger prospective study is warranted to assess safety and efficacy.Pulse Vol.7 January-December 2014 p.16-21

Trichloroethylene-mediated cytotoxicity in human epidermal keratinocytes is mediated by the rapid accumulation of intracellular calcium: Interception by naringenin

Industrial solvents pose a significant threat to the humankind. The mechanisms of their toxicity still remain in debate. Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a widespread industrial solvent responsible for severe liver dysfunction, cutaneous toxicity in occupationally exposed humans. We utilized an in vitro system of human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells in this study to avoid complex cell and extracellular interactions. We report the cytotoxicity of organic solvent TCE in HaCaT and its reversal by a natural flavanone, naringenin (Nar). The cytotoxicity was attributed to the rapid intracellular free calcium (Ca(2+)) release, which might lead to the elevation of protein kinase C along with robust free radical generation, instability due to energy depletion, and sensitization of intracellular stress signal transducer nuclear factor κB. These effects were actually seen to induce significant amount of genomic DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, all these effects of TCE were effectively reversed by the treatment of Nar, a natural flavanone. Our studies identify intracellular Ca as a unique target used by organic solvents in the cytotoxicity and highlight the Ca(2+) ion stabilizer properties of Nar.

Monitoring of trace metals in tissues of Wallago attu (lanchi) from the Indus River as an indicator of environmental pollution

We aimed to assess the bioaccumulation of selected four trace metals (Cd, Ni, Zn and Co) in four tissues (muscles, skin, gills and liver) of a freshwater fish Wallago attu (lanchi) from three different sites (upstream, middle stream and downstream) of the Indus River in Mianwali district of Pakistan. Heavy metal contents in water samples and from different selected tissues of fish were examined by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The data were statistically compared to study the effects of the site and fish organs and their interaction on the bioaccumulation pattern of these metals at P < 0.05. In W. attu the level of cadmium ranged from 0.004 to 0.24; nickel 0.003–0.708; cobalt 0.002–0.768 and zinc 47.4–1147.5 μg/g wet weight. The magnitude of metal bioaccumulation in different organs of fish species had the following order gills > liver > skin > muscle. The order of bioaccumulation of these metals was Ni < Zn < Co < Cd. Heavy metal concentrations were increased during the dry season as compared to the wet season. The results of this study indicate that freshwater fish produced and marketed in Mianwali have concentrations below the standards of FEPA/WHO for these toxic metals.

18-β Glycyrrhetinic acid alleviates 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

2-Acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) is a known hepatic carcinogen which leads to tumour formation in rodents. 18-β Glycyrrhetinic acid (18 β-GA) derived from liquorice plant has various pharmacological properties such as anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatoprotective and antioxidant. This study is designed to elucidate the chemopreventive properties of 18 β-GA against 2-AAF-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats and evaluated its effect on inflammatory and tumour promotion marker and activities of different oxidative stress enzymes. Administration of 2-AAF at the dose of (50 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) intraperitoneally (i.p.)) for five consecutive days induces hepatic toxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress and hyperproliferation. Pretreatment with 18 β-GA at two different doses (45 and 75 mg kg−1 b.w.) significantly ameliorates 2-AAF-induced increased lipid peroxidation, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, xanthine oxidase activities and activities of phase-II detoxifying enzymes along with the levels of glutathione content. Administration of 18 β-GA also significantly restored the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclooxygenase 2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and nuclear factor κB. Furthermore, histological observations also support the preventive effects of 18 β-GA. Our findings suggest that pretreatment with 18 β-GA showed potential hepatoprotective effects via attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation and hyperproliferation.