Effect of 4 % chlorhexidine on cord colonization among hospital and community births in India: a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Infections are the single most important cause of neonatal mortality in developing countries. Results from trials in Asia evaluating the effect of chlorhexidine on neonatal mortality have been encouraging but limited data are available on the impact of cord cleansing on bacterial colonization. Further, no data from facility deliveries and impact with time is available. This pilot study was aimed to evaluate the impact of 4 % commercially prepared chlorhexidine on cord colonization and density of colonization among newborns in India.

METHODS

Three hundred twenty-six newborns (hospital-247; community-79) were enrolled within 24 h of birth and randomly assigned to one of three groups: chlorhexidine, placebo or dry cord care. Umbilical swabs were collected at baseline, 2- and 48- hours after intervention application.

RESULTS

At baseline, growth positivity (any bacterial growth) was 20 % (50 of 247 swabs) and 81 % (64 of 79 swabs) among hospital and community born neonates, respectively. In both settings, chlorhexidine compared to placebo and dry cord care, reduced colonization following 2- and 48-hour post application. Chlorhexidine significantly reduced 48-hour post application colony counts in comparison to placebo [Hospital: mean difference = -1.01; 95 % CI: -1.72, -0.30 Community: mean difference = -1.76; 95 % CI: -2.60, -0.93] and dry cord care [Hospital: mean difference = -1.16; 95 % CI: -1.93, -0.39 Community: mean difference = -2.23; 95 % CI: -3.18, -1.29]. Differences were similar for gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Cord cleansing with 4 % chlorhexidine soon after birth reduced colonization as well as density of colonization significantly; however this pilot study does not address the impact of chlorhexidine on mortality. The control preparation neither increased or decreased colonization.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01528852, Registered February 7, 2012.

Compliance with home-based fortification strategies for delivery of iron and zinc: its effect on haematological and growth markers among 6-24 months old children in north India

Compliance is a key component in successful implementation of the delivery of micronutrients among children. The present study evaluates the compliance with two home-based food fortification strategies (fortified complementary food or sprinkle) for providing iron and zinc among children aged 6-24 months. A total of 292 children were randomly allocated to receive either rice-based fortified complementary food and nutrition education (Cf = 101), sprinkle and nutrition education (Mp = 97), or nutrition education alone as control (Ed = 94). All the enrolled children were breastfed at the beginning of the study and were advised to continue breastfeeding. Biweekly information on compliance and anthropometry was collected. Complete haemogram estimation was conducted at baseline and end of the study. Compliance with the fortified complementary food was higher compared to sprinkle (Cf = 81%, Mp = 64% child-days). Consumption of the fortified complementary food for 6 months resulted in a significant increase in mean haemoglobin in the intervention group compared to control group (Cf 1.29 +/- 1.6 g/dL; Ed 0.23 +/- 1.3 g/dL; p < 0.001). Our results showed that fortified complementary food had higher compliance than sprinkle and is a suitable delivery mechanism for iron and zinc in preschool children.

Efficiency of red cell distribution width in identification of children aged 1-3 years with iron deficiency anemia against traditional hematological markers

Background

Current strategy to identify iron deficiency anemia relies on markers involving high costs. Reports have suggested red cell distribution width (RDW) as a potential screening test for identifying iron deficiency anemia (IDA) but studies in pediatric populations are lacking. Our study elucidates the discriminative ability of RDW for detecting IDA among young children.

Methods

2091 blood reports of children aged 1–3 years from an urban low socio-economic population of Delhi were analyzed to evaluate the sensitivity of RDW in discriminating IDA using receiver’s operating characteristic curve. Hemoglobin and RDW were estimated using coulter, zinc protoporphyrin with AVIV fluorometer and serum ferritin by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

A total of 1026 samples were classified as iron deficient anemia using gold standard. As a marker of overall efficiency, area under the curve for RDW was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.81- 0.84; p < 0.001). Sensitivity of RDW at cut-off of 18% to detect iron deficiency anemia was 76.5% and specificity 73.1% yielding a positive predictive value of 73% and negative predictive value of 76%. At a cut-off of RDW 16.4%, the sensitivity was 94% and at a cut-off of 21%, the specificity was 95%. Combination of hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL and RDW >15%, yielded a sensitivity of 99% and specificity of 90%. These data suggest that simple coulter analysis estimating hemoglobin and RDW can be used for identification of children in need for iron therapy.

Conclusions

In India and similar settings, RDW >15% with hemoglobin ≤10.0 g/dL identifies iron deficient anemic children without need for iron status markers which could help reduce cost of management especially in poor settings.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00255385.

Anti-inflammatory role of naringenin in rats with ethanol induced liver injury

The aim of the study was to investigate the antiinflammatory effects of naringenin in rats induced liver damage by exposure to ethanol. Rats were divided into four groups, groups 1 and 2 received isocaloric glucose; groups 3 and 4 received 20% ethanol equivalent to 6 g/kg body weight everyday for the total experimental period of 60 days. In addition, groups 2 and 4 were supplemented with naringenin (50 mg/kg p.o.) everyday for the last 30 days of the experiment. The results showed significantly elevated levels/activities/expression of serum aspartate and alanine transaminases, iron, ferritin, transforming growth factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) and CD14 in ethanol fed rats as compared to those of the control. Ethanol-fed rats exhibited increased staining for the presence of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) protein adducts in the liver. Supplementation with naringenin for the last 30 days to ethanol-fed rats, significantly decreased the levels/activities/expression of serum aspartate and alanine transaminases, iron, ferritin, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, COX-2, MIP-2, CD14 and iNOS protein adducts in the liver as compared to the untreated ethanol fed rats. The inhibition of TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, COX-2, MIP-2, iNOS and CD14 by naringenin may contribute to its antiinflammatory activity in ethanol fed rats.

Ferulic acid influences hepatic expression pattern of matrix metalloproteinases during alcohol and PUFA induced toxicity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Alcoholic fibrosis and its end stage cirrhosis represent a major health problem worldwide. Liver fibrosis occurs when the rate of matrix synthesis exceeds matrix degradation. The degree of matrix remodeling depends on the ratio of active matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The objective of the present work was to study the influence of ferulic acid, a polyphenolic compound, on the expression of MMPs and TIMPs during alcohol and heated polyunsaturated fatty acid (delta PUFA) induced liver toxicity in male albino Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The levels of collagen, the activity of MMPs, the activity of TIMPs, the expression pattern of MMP were analyzed in liver.

RESULTS

The matrix metalloproteinase expression was found to be significantly increased in alcohol as well as delta PUFA treated rats and significantly decreased in alcohol + delta PUFA treated rats. The levels of TIMPs and the collagen were significantly increased in alcohol, delta PUFA and alcohol + delta PUFA groups. Administration of ferulic acid significantly decreased the levels of collagen, TIMPs and positively modulated the expression of MMPs.

CONCLUSIONS

Ferulic acid influences MMPs, TIMPs expression and effectively protects liver against alcohol and DPUFA induced liver fibrosis.

Protective effect of dendrodoine analog, an aminothiazole derivative against X-radiation induced hepatocellular damage in mice

This study evaluated the radioprotective effect of dendrodoine analog (DA) against radiation-induced damage in the liver of mice. The study was divided into two phases; in the first phase, the effective concentration of DA was fixed by performing a survival study. In the second phase, the fixed effective concentration of DA was orally administered to mice to evaluate its radioprotective efficacy by performing various assays. The results indicated that the radiation-induced decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and comet parameters were altered by pre-administration with the effective concentration of DA which restored the antioxidant status to near normal and decreased the level of the TBARS and comet parameters. The histopathological examinations further confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of DA in mice. Thus, the current study showed DA to be an effective radioprotector against radiation induced damage in the liver of mice.

Changes in Activities of MMP in Alcohol and Thermally Oxidized Sunflower Oil-Induced Liver Damage: NAC Antioxidant Therapy

Liver fibrosis is the result of imbalance between extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and breakdown. Ethanol-induced increase in redox state is a sign of major change in hepatic metabolism and this inhibits tricarboxylic acid cycle activity and, fatty acid oxidation and increases fatty acid uptake, thus predisposing fatty liver. Fibrotic changes induced by alcohol are provoked by diets rich in PUFA. Heating of oils rich in PUFA produces toxic volatile and nonvolatile compounds, which aggravate liver damage. Hepatotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by administering alcohol (20%) and thermally oxidized sunflower oil (Delta PUFA) (15%). When N-acetyl cyteine (NAC) (150 mg/kg body weight), an ROS scavenger, was administered, there was a reversal of liver damage, which was demonstrated biochemically. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), being potential biochemical indicators of fibroproliferation, were estimated in the present study, which were found to be altered in alcohol, Delta PUFA, and alcohol + Delta PUFA. The altered activities of MMPs in these groups were effectively modulated by treatment with NAC. Thus, in this study, NAC was found to modulate the effect of alcohol and Delta PUFA-induced liver damage.

Combined treatment of tetrahydrocurcumin and chlorogenic acid exerts potential antihyperglycemic effect on streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats

We have shown that separate dose of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) at a dose of 80 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. exerts antidiabetic potential in streptozotocin (STZ) (45 mg/kg b.w.) nicotinamide induced diabetic rats. In the present study we have attempted to compare the antihyperglycemic activity exerted by the combined treatment of THC/CGA with THC and CGA alone treated diabetic rats. After the experimental period of 45 days we observed that supplementation with combined dose of THC/CGA significantly decreased glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1C)) and increased the levels of plasma insulin, C-peptide, hemoglobin and glycogen which were decreased upon STZ treatment and also significantly reversed the altered activities of gluconeogenic enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, and of glycolytic enzymes such as glucokinase and hexokinase in the tissues of experimental rats as compared to their individual supplementation. Thus our results substantiate that though THC and CGA alone found to exert hypoglycemic activity the maximum hypoglycemic effect was always observed in diabetic rats treated THC/CGA and this summed effect seems to have a promising value for the development of a potent phytomedicine for diabetes.

Prebiotic and probiotic fortified milk in prevention of morbidities among children: community-based, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

Background

Recent reviews suggest common infectious diseases continue to be a major cause of death among preschool children in developing countries. Identification of feasible strategies to combat this disease burden is an important public health need. We evaluated the efficacy of adding prebiotic oligosaccharide and probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 to milk, in preventing diarrhea, respiratory infections and severe illnesses, in children aged 1–4 years as part of a four group study design, running two studies simultaneously.

Methods and Findings

In a community based double-masked, randomized controlled trial, children 1–3 years of age, willing to participate, were randomly allocated to receive either control milk (Co; n = 312) or the same milk fortified with 2.4 g/day of prebiotic oligosaccharide and 1.9×10⁷ colony forming unit (c.f.u)/day of probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 (PP; n = 312). Children were followed up for 1 year providing data for 1–4 years. Biweekly household surveillance was conducted to gather information on compliance and morbidity. Both study groups were comparable at baseline; compliance to intervention was similar. Overall, there was no effect of prebiotic and probiotic on diarrhea (6% reduction, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: −1 to 12%; p = 0.08). Incidence of dysentery episodes was reduced by 21% (95% CI: 0 to 38%; p = 0.05). Incidence of pneumonia was reduced by 24% (95% CI: 0 to 42%; p = 0.05) and severe acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) by 35% (95% CI: 0 to 58%; p = 0.05). Compared to children in Co group, children in PP group had 16% (95% CI: 5 to 26%, p = 0.004) and 5% (95% CI: 0 to 10%; p = 0.05) reduction in days with severe illness and high fever respectively.

Conclusions/Significance

Milk can be a good medium for delivery of prebiotic and probiotic and resulted in significant reduction of dysentery, respiratory morbidity and febrile illness. Overall, impact of diarrhea was not significant. These findings need confirmation in other settings.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00255385

Micronutrient fortified milk improves iron status, anemia and growth among children 1-4 years: a double masked, randomized, controlled trial

Background

Multiple micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent among preschool children and often lead to anemia and growth faltering. Given the limited success of supplementation and health education programs, fortification of foods could be a viable and sustainable option. We report results from a community based double-masked, randomized trial among children 1–4 years evaluating the effects of micronutrients (especially of zinc and iron) delivered through fortified milk on growth, anemia and iron status markers as part of a four group study design, running two studies simultaneously.

Methods and Findings

Enrolled children (n = 633) were randomly allocated to receive either micronutrients fortified milk (MN = 316) or control milk (Co = 317). Intervention of MN milk provided additional 7.8 mg zinc, 9.6 mg iron, 4.2 µg selenium, 0.27 mg copper, 156 µg vitamin A, 40.2 mg vitamin C, and 7.5 mg vitamin E per day (three serves) for one year. Anthropometry was recorded at baseline, mid- and end-study. Hematological parameters were estimated at baseline and end-study. Both groups were comparable at baseline. Compliance was over 85% and did not vary between groups. Compared to children consuming Co milk, children consuming MN milk showed significant improvement in weight gain (difference of mean: 0.21 kg/year; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12 to 0.31, p<0.001) and height gain (difference of mean: 0.51 cm/year; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.75, p<0.001). Mean hemoglobin (Hb) (difference of 13.6 g/L; 95% CI 11.1 to 16.0, p<0.001) and serum ferritin levels (difference of 7.9 µg/L; 95% CI 5.4 to 10.5, p<0.001) also improved. Children in MN group had 88% (odds ratio = 0.12, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.20, p<0.001) lower risk of iron deficiency anemia.

Conclusions/Significance

Milk provides an acceptable and effective vehicle for delivery of specific micronutrients, especially zinc and iron. Micronutrient bundle improved growth and iron status and reduced anemia in children 1–4 years old.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00255385

Hepatoprotective role of bis-demethoxy curcumin analog on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase induced by alcohol and polyunsaturated fatty acid in rats

Liver fibrosis is one of the major health problems worldwide. Chronic alcohol abuse is one of the main causes of fibrosis. Ingestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) along with alcohol further aggravates the toxicity of alcohol. Fibrosis results due to increased deposition of extra cellular matrix (ECM). The degree of abnormal ECM degradation depends on the ratio of active matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The present work studied the influence of bis-desmethoxy curcumin analog (BDMC-A) on the expression of MMPs and TIMPs during alcohol and DeltaPUFA induced liver toxicity. Male albino Wistar rats were used for the study. The MMP expression was found to be increased in alcohol as well as DeltaPUFA treated rats and decreased in alcohol + DeltaPUFA treated rats. The levels of TIMPs and the collagen were increased in alcohol, DeltaPUFA, and alcohol + DeltaPUFA groups. Administration of BDMC-A significantly decreased the levels of collagen and TIMPs; and positively modulated the expression of MMPs. From this study, it is concluded that BDMC-A influences MMPs, TIMPs expression, and acts as an efficient anti-fibrotic agent.

Comparative and combined effect of chlorogenic acid and tetrahydrocurcumin on antioxidant disparities in chemical induced experimental diabetes

The present study evaluates the combined effect of tetrahydrocurcumin and chlorogenic acid on oxidative stress in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats. Rats were rendered diabetic by a single intraperitoneal injection (i.p) of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg BW), 15 min after an i.p injection of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg BW). The levels of fasting plasma glucose and insulin were estimated. As an index of oxidative stress, the levels of enzymic antioxidants and lipid peroxidation products were analyzed in liver and kidney. Diabetic rats showed an increase in the levels of fasting plasma glucose, lipid peroxidative products such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides and a decrease in plasma insulin, and enzymic antioxidants viz., superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase. Combined administration of tetrahydrocurcumin (80 mg/kg BW) and chlorogenic acid (5 mg/kg BW) to diabetic rats for 45 days, reversed the biochemical changes to near normal. The above findings were supported by histological observations of the liver and kidney. Together the present study clearly reflects that combined dosage of tetrahydrocurcumin and chlorogenic acid augments enzymic antioxidants with a concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation and protects against streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetes in experimental rats.

Zinc deficiency: descriptive epidemiology and morbidity among preschool children in peri-urban population in Delhi, India

Community-based data relating to factors influencing zinc deficiency among preschool children in India are inadequate. Data of a large, double-blinded, randomized, controlled zinc-supplementation trial were used for assessing the descriptive epidemiology of zinc deficiency among children aged 6-35 months (n = 940). In total, 609 children were followed up for 120 days for information on morbidity. Of these children, 116 from the control group belonging to the upper and the lower 25th quartile of plasma zinc status at baseline were selected for assessing the association of zinc deficiency with prospective morbidity. At baseline, demographic, socioeconomic and dietary information was collected, and anthropometric measurements and levels of plasma zinc were assessed. At baseline, 73.3% of the children were zinc-deficient (plasma zinc < 70 microg/dL), of which 33.8% had levels of plasma zinc below 60 microg/dL. A significantly higher risk of morbidity was prevalent among the subjects with lower plasma zinc compared to those with higher levels of plasma zinc.

Resveratrol enhances GLUT-4 translocation to the caveolar lipid raft fractions through AMPK/Akt/eNOS signalling pathway in diabetic myocardium

Homeostasis of blood glucose by insulin involves stimulation of glucose uptake by translocation of glucose transporter Glut-4 from intracellular pool to the caveolar membrane system. In this study we examined resveratrol (RSV)-mediated Glut-4 translocation in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic myocardium. The rats were randomized into three groups: Control (Con), Diabetes Mellitus (DM) (STZ 65 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) & DM + RSV (2.5 mg/kg b.wt. for 2 weeks orally) (RSV). Isolated rat hearts were used as per the experimental model. RSV induced glucose uptake was observed in vitro with H9c2 cardiac myoblast cells. Decreased blood glucose level was observed after 30 days (375 mg/dl) in RSV-treated rats when compared to DM (587 mg/dl). Treatment with RSV demonstrated increased Adenosine Mono Phosphate Kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation compared to DM. Lipid raft fractions demonstrated decreased expression of Glut-4, Cav-3 (0.4, 0.6-fold) in DM which was increased to 0.75-and 1.1-fold on RSV treatment as compared to control. Increased Cav-1 expression (1.4-fold) in DM was reduced to 0.7-fold on RSV treatment. Increased phosphorylation of endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) & Akt was also observed in RSV compared to DM (P< 0.05). Confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated decreased association of Glut-4/Cav-3 and increased association of Cav-1/eNOS in DM as compared to control and converse results were obtained on RSV treatment. Our results suggests that the effect of RSV is non-insulin dependent and triggers some of the similar intracellular insulin signalling components in myocardium such as eNOS, Akt through AMPK pathway and also by regulating the caveolin-1 and caveolin-3 status that might play an essential role in Glut-4 translocation and glucose uptake in STZ- induced type-1 diabetic myocardium.

In vitro radical scavanging activities of Chrysaora quinquecirrha nematocyst venom

The venom of Chrysaora quinquecirrha (sea nettle) contains several toxins that have bioactivity in mammals. In our study we aimed to extract proteins from Chrysaora quinquecirrha and to test the antioxidant potential of both crude protein and purified fractions. Proteins extracted from sea nettle nematocyst venom were purified through Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. The molecular weight of purified proteins was determined by gel filtration and SDS-PAGE and was found to be 105, 65, and 9 kDa for Frc-1, Frc-2, Frc-3, respectively. The in vitro antioxidant potential of Chrysaora quinquecirrha was evaluated in different systems viz. radical scavenging activity by DPPH reduction, superoxide radical scavenging activity in PMS/NADH-NBT system, hydroxyl radical by Fe(3+)-Ascorbate-EDTA-H2O2 system and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging activity in sodium nitroprusside/Greiss reagent system. Frc-3 displayed the maximal antioxidant activity and found to have different levels of antioxidant properties in the models tested. In scavenging hydroxyl radicals, its activity was intense (IC(50) = 50.8 μg/mL) while in scavenging NO radical, it was moderate (IC(50) = 381.4 μg/mL).

Investigation of the radioprotective efficacy of hesperidin against gamma-radiation induced cellular damage in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes

The present study was aimed to evaluate the radioprotective efficacy of hesperidin (HN), a flavonone glycoside against gamma-radiation-induced cellular damage in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Different concentrations of HN (3.27, 6.55, 9.83, 13.10, 16.38 and 19.65 microM) were pre-incubated with lymphocytes for 30 min prior to gamma-irradiation [4 Gy] and the micronuclei (MN) scoring, dicentric aberration and comet assay were performed to fix the effective dose of HN against gamma-irradiation induced cellular damage. The results indicated that among all the concentrations, 16.38 microM concentration of HN showed optimum protection by effectively decreasing the MN frequencies, dicentric aberrations and comet attributes. Based on the above results, 16.38 microM concentration of HN was fixed as the effective dose to further investigate its radioprotective efficacy which was then carried out by pre-incubating lymphocytes with 16.38 microM concentration of HN, exposing the lymphocytes to different doses (1, 2, 3 and 4 Gy) of radiation and investigating radiation induced genetic damage (MN, dicentric aberration, comet assay, DNA fragmentation assay) and biochemical changes (changes in the level of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants, lipid peroxidation). The results indicated a dose dependent increase in both genetic damage and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), accompanied by a significant decrease in the antioxidant status compared to HN treated groups which modulated the toxic effects through its antioxidant potential. Thus the current study shows HN to be an effective radioprotector against gamma-radiation induced in-vitro cellular damage in lymphocytes.

Ferulic acid inhibits 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

The aim of this study was to assess the chemopreventive efficacy of ferulic acid in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. We induced oral squamous cell carcinoma in the buccal pouch of male Syrian golden hamsters by painting with 0.5% DMBA in liquid paraffin three times a week for 14 weeks. The tumor incidence, tumor volume, and tumor burden that were formed in the hamster buccal pouch were determined. The activities of carcinogen detoxification agents and status of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants were also estimated by specific colorimetric methods. We observed 100% tumor formation in DMBA-painted animals. The status of carcinogen-detoxifying agents, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidants was significantly disrupted in DMBA-painted animals. Oral administration of ferulic acid at a dose of 40 mg/kg of body weight to DMBA-painted animals on days alternate to DMBA painting for 14 weeks significantly prevented the tumor incidence, tumor volume, and tumor burden. Ferulic acid exhibited potent anti-lipid peroxidative effects as well as the ability to modulate the status of carcinogen-detoxifying agents and antioxidants in DMBA-painted animals. Our results demonstrate that ferulic acid has potent chemopreventive and antioxidant functions in DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.

Chemopreventive efficacy of curcumin and piperine during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

INTRODUCTION

Oral carcinoma accounts for 40-50 percent of all cancers in India. Tobacco chewing, smoking and alcohol consumption are the major risk factors associated with the high incidence of oral cancer in India. Our aim was to investigate the chemopreventive potential of curcumin and piperine during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.

METHODS

Oral squamous cell carcinoma was developed in the buccal pouch of Syrian golden hamsters, by painting them with 0.5 percent DMBA in liquid paraffin, three times a week for 14 weeks. The tumour incidence, tumour volume and burden were determined in the buccal pouches. The status of phase II detoxification agents, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants were estimated by specific colorimetric methods.

RESULTS

We observed 100 percent tumour formation in DMBA-alone painted hamsters. Disturbances in the status of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and phase II detoxification agents were noticed in DMBA-alone painted hamsters. Oral administration of curcumin (80 mg/kg body weight) and piperine (50 mg/kg body weight) to DMBA-painted hamsters on alternate days to DMBA painting for 14 weeks completely prevented the formation of oral carcinoma. Also, curcumin and piperine restored the status of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and detoxifying agents in DMBA-painted hamsters.

CONCLUSION

The chemopreventive efficacy of curcumin and piperine is probably due to their antilipidperoxidative and antioxidant potential as well as their modulating effect on the carcinogen detoxification process.

Protective effect of Withaferin-A on tumour formation in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene induced oral carcinogenesis in hamsters

With an aim to investigate the protective effect of Withaferin-A on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced oral carcinogenesis in Syrian golden hamsters, tumour incidence, tumour volume and tumour burden and status of detoxication agents, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in DMBA administered (3 times/week for 14 weeks) hamsters were assessed. Hundred percent tumour formation in DMBA alone administered animal was observed. Oral administration of Withaferin-A (20 mg/kg body weight) to DMBA administered animals for 14 weeks completely prevented the tumour incidence, tumour volume and tumour burden. Also, Withaferin-A showed significant anti-lipid peroxidative and antioxidant properties and maintained the status of phase-I and phase-II detoxication agents during DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis. The results thus indicate that the protective effect of Withaferin-A is probably due to its anti-lipid peroxidative and antioxidant functions as well as modulating effect on carcinogen detoxication during DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis.

Protective role of withaferin-A on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced genotoxicity in bone marrow of Syrian golden hamsters

The present study has investigated the antigenotoxic effect of withaferin-A, a steroidal lactone obtained from the roots and leaves of Withania somnifera, in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced genotoxicity. Measurement of the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) and chromosomal aberrations is used as cytogenetic endpoints. A single intraperitoneal injection of DMBA (30 mg/kg b.w.) to golden Syrian hamsters resulted in marked elevation in the frequency of MnPCEs and aberrations in the chromosomal structure. Hamsters pretreated with withaferin-A intraperitonealy 2 h before the injection of DMBA, significantly reduced the frequency of MnPCEs and chromosomal aberrations such as chromosomal break, gap, minute, and fragment. Our results thus demonstrated the antigenotoxic effect of withaferin-A in DMBA-induced genotoxicity in the bone marrow of golden Syrian hamsters.

Adeno-sh-beta-catenin abolishes ischemic preconditioning-mediated cardioprotection by downregulation of its target genes VEGF, Bcl-2, and survivin in ischemic rat myocardium

beta-Catenin, the downstream target of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), plays a vital role in ischemic preconditioning (IP)-mediated cardioprotection. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of IP-mediated cardioprotection through suppression of beta-catenin expression by intramyocardial injection of adeno-sh-RNA against beta-catenin (BCT) (4 x 10(8) pfu). Adeno-LacZ (LZ) was used as control. The rats were randomized into (a) LZ + ischemia-reperfusion (IR); (b) LZIPIR; (c) BCTIR; and (d) BCTIPIR. Isolated hearts from each group were subjected to 30 min of I followed by 2 h of R. Both IPIR group hearts were subjected to IP (5 min I + 10 min R; four cycles) before IR. Significant reduction in left ventricular functional recovery (78 vs. 88 mm Hg), dp/dt(max) (1,802 vs. 2,189 mm Hg/sec), and aortic flow (4 vs. 9 ml/min) was observed in BCTIPIR compared with LZIPIR at 120 min of reperfusion. Increased infarct size (42 vs. 24%) and apoptotic cardiomyocytes (122 vs. 58 counts/60 HPF) were observed in BCTIPIR compared with LZIPIR. Realtime PCR and Western blot analysis showed significant downregulation in mRNA and protein expression of VEGF, Bcl-2, and survivin in BCTIPIR compared with LZIPIR. These findings indicated for the first time that silencing beta-catenin abolished IP-mediated cardioprotection, probably through inhibition of VEGF-Bcl-2 and survivin.

Fat feeding potentiates the diabetogenic effect of dexamethasone in Wistar rats

Background

The role of cortisol and its increased action/availability is implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome but the mechanism of increased action/availability is not known. Availability of several other lipophilic hormones, drugs and pollutants are also reported to be increased in obesity. Increased lipids in the circulation are reported to alter the fluidity and permeability of membranes. Hyperlipidemia is also reported to alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of lipophilic molecules and also membrane fluidity and permeability. In this context we assumed that the hyperlipidemia associated with human obesity might play a role in the altered action/availability of cortisol and this in turn might have initiated the metabolic complications. To evaluate our assumption we have administered dexamethasone [low [50 μg/kg/day] or high [250 μg/kg/day] dose] to high-fat [coconut oil & vanaspati] fed rats and the results were compared with rats administered with either dexamethasone or high-fat.

Results and Discussion

Within two weeks, the rats co-administered with high-fat and dexamethasone developed severe hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance compared to rats treated either of them alone. High-fat fed rats treated with higher dose of dexamethasone were presented with severe hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and also severe glycosuria. The hyperlipidemia caused by high-fat feeding might have altered the transport and distribution of dexamethasone, probably by altering the physical state of membranes and transport proteins.

Conclusion

From the results obtained, it can be speculated that the altered lipid and cortisol metabolism could affect one another, forming a vicious cycle.

Antioxidant potential of aminothiazole derivative and its protective effect on H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative damage on pBR322 DNA and RBC cellular membrane

The present work was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of aminothiazole derivative by performing various in vitro assays; to study its protective effect on H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative damage on pBR322 DNA and on RBC cellular membrane. The in vitro assays were performed with different concentrations of aminothiazole derivative (6.15, 12.29, 18.44, 24.59, and 30.73 microM) and the results were compared with standards like ascorbic acid and trolox. Our results clearly indicated that aminothiazole derivative at a dose of 18.44 microM exhibited radical scavenging activity greater than that of ascorbic acid and trolox. The DNA protective effect on pBR322 DNA showed that there was a concentration-dependent inhibition of the disappearance of supercoiled (ccc) form of DNA on incubation with 30 mM H(2)O(2) in the presence of different concentrations of aminothiazole derivative. Thus our compound at 1.5 mM prevents the conversion from supercoiled (ccc) form to open circular form (oc) form of pBR322 DNA. Pretreatment with aminothiazole derivative at a dose of 18.44 microM prevents membrane damage and exhibits an IC(50) value, which is the concentration of the sample required to inhibit 50% of the radical formed greater than that of the standards (ascorbic acid and trolox). Thus our compound of interest aminothiazole derivative exhibits antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties greater than that of standards like ascorbic acid and trolox and thereby protects pBR322 DNA and RBC cellular membrane from free radical induced oxidative damage.

Effect of curcumin analog on gamma-radiation-induced cellular changes in primary culture of isolated rat hepatocytes in vitro

The present study was aimed to evaluate the radioprotective effect of curcumin analog, on gamma-radiation-induced toxicity in primary cultures of isolated rat hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were isolated from the liver of rats by collagenase perfusion. The DNA damage was analysed by single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). An increase in the severity of DNA damage was observed with the increase in gamma-radiation dose at 1-4 Gy in cultured rat hepatocytes. The levels of lipid peroxidative indices like thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) were increased significantly, whereas the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased in gamma-irradiated groups. The maximum damage to hepatocytes was observed at 4Gy gamma-irradiation. Pretreatment with different concentrations of curcumin analog (1.38, 6.91 and 13.82 microM) shows a significant decrease in the levels of TBARS and DNA damage. Pretreatment with curcumin analog prevents the loss of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants like GSH upon gamma-irradiation. The maximum protection of hepatocytes was observed at 6.91 microM of curcumin analog pretreatment. Thus, our result shows that pretreatment with curcumin analog protects the hepatocytes against gamma-radiation-induced cellular damage.

Bromelain induces cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury through Akt/FOXO pathway in rat myocardium

Bromelain (Br), a proteolytic enzyme extracted from the stem of the pineapple, is known to possess anti-inflammatory activity and has been shown to reduce blood viscosity, prevent the aggregation of blood platelets, and improve ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in a skeletal muscle model. We investigated the capacity of Br to limit myocardial injury in a global I/R model. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: control (PBS) and Br at 10 mg/kg in PBS administered via intraperitoneal injection (twice/day) for 15 consecutive days. On day 16, the hearts were excised and subjected to 30 min of global ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Br treatment showed higher left ventricular functional recovery throughout reperfusion compared with the controls [maximum rate of rise in intraventricular pressure (dP/d tmax), 2,225 vs. 1,578 mmHg/s at 2 h reperfusion]. Aortic flow was also found to be increased in Br treatment when compared with that in untreated rats (11 vs. 1 ml). Furthermore, Br treatment reduced both the infarct size (34% vs. 43%) and the degree of apoptosis (28% vs. 37%) compared with the control animals. Western blot analysis showed an increased phosphorylation of both Akt and FOXO3A in the treatment group compared with the control. These results demonstrated for the first time that Br triggers an Akt-dependent survival pathway in the heart, revealing a novel mechanism of cardioprotective action and a potential therapeutic target against I/R injury.

Heterozygous disruption of Flk-1 receptor leads to myocardial ischaemia reperfusion injury in mice: application of affymetrix gene chip analysis

This study addresses an important clinical issue by identifying potential candidates of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling through the Flk-1 receptor that trigger cardioprotective signals under ischaemic stress. Isolated working mouse hearts of both wild-type (WT) and Flk-1^+/− were subjected to global ischaemia (I) for 30 min. followed by 2 hrs of reperfusion (R). Flk-1^+/− myocardium displayed almost 50% reduction in Flk-1 mRNA as examined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR at the baseline level. Flk-1^+/− mouse hearts displayed reduction in left ventricular functional recovery throughout reperfusion (dp/dt 605 versus 884), after 2 hrs (P < 0.05). Coronary (1.9 versus 2.4 ml) and aortic flow (AF) (0.16 versus 1.2 ml) were reduced in Flk-1^+/− after 2 hrs of reperfusion. In addition, increased infarct size (38.4%versus 28.41%, P < 0.05) and apoptotic cardiomyocytes (495 versus 213) were observed in Flk-1^+/− knockout (KO) mice. We also examined whether ischaemic preconditioning (PC), a novel method to induce cardioprotection against ischaemia reperfusion injury, through stimulating the VEGF signalling pathway might function in Flk-1^+/− mice. We found that knocking down Flk-1 resulted in significant reduction in the cardioprotective effect by PC compared to WT. Affymetrix gene chip analysis demonstrated down-regulation of important genes after IR and preconditioning followed by ischaemia reperfusion in Flk-1^+/− mice compared to WT. To get insight into the underlying molecular pathways involved in ischaemic PC, we determined the distinct and overlapping biological processes using Ingenuity pathway analysis tool. Independent evidence at the mRNA level supporting the Affymetrix results were validated using real-time RT-PCR for selected down-regulated genes, which are thought to play important roles in cardioprotection after ischaemic insult. In summary, our data indicated for the first time that ischaemic PC modifies genomic responses in heterozygous VEGFR-2/Flk-1 KO mice and abolishes its cardioprotective effect on ischaemic myocardium.

Antigenotoxic effect of ferulic acid in 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)-anthracene (DMBA) induced genotoxicity

The antigenotoxic effect of ferulic acid was carried out by evaluating the cytogenetic markers, the micronuclei frequency and chromosomal aberrations, in the bone marrow of hamsters in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced genotoxicity. Genotoxicity was induced in experimental hamsters by single intraperitoneal injection of DMBA (30 mg kg(-1) b.w.). Pretreatment of ferulic acid orally at a dose of 40 mg kg(-1) b.w. for five days significantly reduced the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) and the percentage of chromosomal aberrations in hamster's bone marrow. Our results thus suggest that ferulic acid has potent antigenotoxic effect in DMBA induced genotoxicity in golden Syrian hamsters.

Antioxidant properties of hesperidin in nicotine-induced lung toxicity

Nicotine, the principal alkaloid in tobacco, is generally considered to be an active pharmacological agent responsible for lung-related disorders. The actions of nicotine have been extensively investigated in animal and variety of cell systems. Nicotine is known to induce the lipid peroxidation by producing reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of hesperidin on nicotine toxicity. The parameters studied were marker enzymes and antioxidant status in blood, tissues, BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage cells) and BALF (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid). Lung damage was induced by subcutaneous injection of nicotine at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg body weight for 5 days a week. Hesperidin was administered orally at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight. The results showed an increase in the level of marker enzymes and decrease in the antioxidant status in nicotine-treated rats. Hesperidin treatment resulted in a decreased level of all the marker enzymes and the antioxidant status was brought back to near normal. Thus the study shows that hesperidin offers protection against the lung damage caused by nicotine.

Effect of hesperidin on matrix metalloproteinases and antioxidant status during nicotine-induced toxicity

Cigarette smoking has been established as a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and also for lung cancer. Nicotine is an active substance present in tobacco. We have analyzed the effect of hesperidin, a bioflavonoid on nicotine induced toxicity. Antioxidant status and expression of MMPs (Matrix metalloproteinases) were analyzed to monitor the protective effect of hesperidin against nicotine toxicity. Our result demonstrated that nicotine significantly up regulates the expression of MMPs and depletes the antioxidant status. On treatment with hesperidin we found the down regulation of expression of MMPs and enhancement in antioxidant status. Hence it could be developed as a drug against tobacco related disease in near future.

Modulatory effects of curcumin on γ-radiation-induced cellular damage in primary culture of isolated rat hepatocytes

Ionizing radiation is known to induce oxidative stress through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in imbalance of the pro-oxidant and antioxidant in the cells, which is suggested to culminate in cell death. The present work was aimed to evaluate the radioprotective effect of curcumin, a yellow pigment of turmeric on γ-radiation-induced toxicity in primary cultures of isolated rat hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were isolated from the liver of rats by collagenase perfusion. The cellular changes were estimated using lipid peroxidative indices like thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), the antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH), ceruloplasmin, vitamins A, E and C and uric acid. The comet assay is a sensitive and rapid technique for quantifying and analyzing DNA damage in individual cells was exposed under γ-radiation. The increase in the severity of DNA damage was observed with the increase dose (1, 2 and 4Gy) of γ-radiation in cultured hepatocytes. TBARS were increased significantly, whereas the levels of GSH, vitamins C, E and A, ceruloplasmin, uric acid and antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased in γ-irradiated hepatocytes. The maximum damage to hepatocytes was observed at 4Gy irradiation. On pretreatment with curcumin (1, 5 and 10μg/ml) showed a significant decrease in the levels of TBARS and DNA damage. The antioxidant enzymes were increased significantly along with the levels of GSH, vitamins A, E and C, uric acid and ceruloplamin. The maximum protection of hepatocytes was observed at 10μg/ml of curcumin pretreatment. Thus, pretreatment with curcumin helps in protecting the hepatocytes against γ-radiation-induced cellular damage and can be developed as an effective radioprotector during radiotherapy in near future.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin

Curcumin, a yellow pigment from Curcuma longa, is a major component of turmeric and is commonly used as a spice and food-coloring agent. It is also used as a cosmetic and in some medical preparations. The desirable preventive or putative therapeutic properties of curcumin have also been considered to be associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Because free-radical-mediated peroxidation of membrane lipids and oxidative damage of DNA and proteins are believed to be associated with a variety of chronic pathological complications such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases, curcumin is thought to play a vital role against these pathological conditions. The anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin is most likely mediated through its ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), lipoxygenase (LOX), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). COX-2, LOX, and iNOS are important enzymes that mediate inflammatory processes. Improper upregulation of COX-2 and/or iNOS has been associated with the pathophysiology of certain types of human cancer as well as inflammatory disorders. Because inflammation is closely linked to tumor promotion, curcumin with its potent anti-inflammatory property is anticipated to exert chemopreventive effects on carcinogenesis. Hence, the past few decades have witnessed intense research devoted to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. In this review, we describe both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, the mode of action of curcumin, and its therapeutic usage against different pathological conditions.

VEGFR1 (Flt-1+/-) gene knockout leads to the disruption of VEGF-mediated signaling through the nitric oxide/heme oxygenase pathway in ischemic preconditioned myocardium

This report demonstrates that mice deficient in Flt-1 failed to establish ischemic preconditioning (PC)-mediated cardioprotection in isolated working buffer-perfused ischemic/reperfused (I/R) hearts compared to wild type (WT) subjected to the same PC protocol. WT and Flt-1+/- mice were divided into four groups: (1) WT I/R, (2) WT + PC, (3) Flt-1+/- I/R, and (4) Flt-1+/- + PC. Group 1 and 3 mice were subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion and group 2 and 4 mice were subjected to four episodes of 4-min global ischemia followed by 6 min of reperfusion before ischemia/reperfusion. For both wild-type and Flt-1+/- mice, the postischemic functional recovery for the hearts was lower than the baseline, but the recovery for the knockout mice was less compared to the WT mice even in preconditioning. The myocardial infarction and apoptosis were higher in Flt-1+/- compared to wild-type I/R. Flt-1+/- KO mice demonstrated pronounced inhibition of the expression of iNOS, p-AKT & p-eNOS. Significant inhibition of STAT3 & CREB were also observed along with the inhibition of HO-1 mRNA. Results demonstrate that Flt-1+/- mouse hearts are more susceptible to ischemia/reperfusion injury and also document that preconditioning is not as effective as found in WT and therefore suggest the importance of VEGF/Flt-1 signaling in ischemic/reperfused myocardium.