Parental History of Hypertension: A Risk for Autonomic Dysfunction and Metabolic and Vascular Derangement in Normotensive Male Offspring

BACKGROUND

Children of hypertensive parents have an increased propensity of developing hypertension, at an age very much prior to their parents. Understanding the pathophysiology of hypertension in such young individuals, especially baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), is necessary. Reduced heart rate variability (HRV), insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, and decreased vasodilatory adipokines, namely, apelin and relaxin, in normotensives may predispose to the onset of hypertension. Thus, this study compared autonomic functions, vascular markers, and metabolic profiles between normotensive male offspring with and without parental hypertension.

METHODS

This analytical cross-sectional study comprised 40 male normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents, aged 18-35 years, recruited as the study group and 40 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched normotensive male offspring with non-hypertensive parents enrolled as controls. Cardiovascular autonomic functions, including BRS, HRV, diastolic blood pressure response to isometric handgrip test (ΔDBPIHG), Valsalva ratio, and metabolic and vascular markers, were assessed.

RESULTS

The study group exhibited reduced BRS, HRV, and Valsalva ratio and higher ΔDBPIHG compared to controls, indicating impaired autonomic functions. The study group had higher IR and triglyceride levels and reduced apelin and relaxin levels. BRS showed significant correlations with HRV, Valsalva ratio, ΔDBPIHG, and metabolic and vascular markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Normotensive male offspring of hypertensive parents exhibit impaired autonomic functions, as evidenced by reduced BRS, HRV, and Valsalva ratio. Additionally, they have higher IR, dyslipidemia, and decreased levels of vasodilatory adipokines, indicating an increased risk for future hypertension development. These findings signify that early identification of hypertensive potential in this high-risk population is warranted, which would enable taking necessary preventive measures.

Single Blind Randomized Control Clinical Study to Assess the Effect of Cow-Ghee On Lipid Profile and Blood Glucose in Healthy Volunteers

Ayurveda consider cow ghee as healthiest source of dietary fat and have rejuvenating property, improves memory and strengthens nervous, eyes and protects the body from various diseases by balancing all three Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kaph) and advocates it’s use in daily diet to maintain health. Though, today concept of healthy eating has become synonym to avoid ghee. Aim: To assess the efficacy of Cow Ghee on Lipid Profile and Blood Sugar levels in Healthy Volunteers. Materials and methods: This was a Single blind randomized control clinical study. 60 healthy volunteers (30 in each group) between the age group 25-45 years were randomly selected. FBS was assessed based on WHO Guideline and Complete lipid profile was assessed based on ATP III Guideline.  Statistical analysis used:  result was assessed using Paired and unpaired t test with the help of Graph Pad InStat-3 software. Results: The slight increase in FBS, TC, TGs, VLDL, and HDL was recorded with mean difference 2.054, 2.91 (p = 0.4376), 21.568 (p = 0.0024), 4.141 (p = 0.0039), and 2.068 (p=0.0483) respectively compare to mean difference 10.260, 5.835 (p=0.2348), 16.88 (p=0.0297), 3.39 (p = 0.0274), and no change in HDL in placebo control group. While decrease in LDL by mean difference 3.291 (p = 0.3786) was recorded in cow ghee group compare to increase in mean difference 1.497 (p = 0.7844) in placebo control group. Conclusion: study reveals no adverse effect of consumption of 15-gram cow ghee daily for 45 days on lipids and FBS. 

Effectiveness of Shadbindu Taila Pratimarsha Nasya Along with Ghrit Bhrisht Haridra in Vataja Pratishyaya (Allergic Rhinitis): A Randomized Open Label Clinical Study

Allergic Rhinitis has been recognized as global health problem which impairs quality of life and work efficiency of the person. It is an IgE mediated inflammation of nasal mucosa caused by allergen. Aim: Combined efficacy of the Shadbindu Taila Pratimarsha Nasya along with oral administration of Ghrit Bhrisht Haridra powder (Cow ghee roasted Curcuma longa L.) compare with oral administration of Ghrit Bhrisht Haridra powder alone in the management of Vataja Pratishyaya (Allergic Rhinitis). Material and Methods: This was randomized, open label clinical study. Randomly selected 60 patients of Vataja Pratishyaya were randomly divided into two groups (30 in each group). Allergic Rhinitis was assessed based on TNSS score, ESR and AEC. Group A patients were treated with combine therapy while Group B were advised to take only Ghrit Bhrisht Haridra powder for 45 days. Statistical analysis used: Relief in the symptoms were assessed in percentage and result were assessed by signed-ranks test, Mann Whitney, paired and unpaired ‘t’ test. Results: In group ‘A’ patients, 12.04% decrease in ESR was reported with (p<0.0001), while in group B only 3.57% decrease in ESR reported with (p=0.0029). Relief observed in Group ‘A’ on symptoms Rhinorrhoea, Nasal Itching, Nasal Obstruction and Sneezing were 73.66%, 94.74%, 86.90%, 88.15% respectively compare to 47.56%, 38.05%, 54.24%, 44.16% in Group ‘B’ with (p<0.0001) in both groups. Conclusion: Study suggested use of combined Ayurvedic therapy (Shadbindu Taila Pratimarsha Nasya along with oral administration of Ghrit Bhrisht Haridra powder) as therapeutic measure for Vataja Pratishyaya.

Altered baroreflex sensitivity at rest and during Valsalva maneuver in healthy male offspring of hypertensive patients

INTRODUCTION

A family history of hypertension puts young adults at a higher risk of developing hypertension, that too, at an earlier age than their parents. Recent studies suggest that the baroreflex mechanism, which takes care of the short-term regulation of blood pressure (BP), also plays a role in the long-term regulation of BP. Studies have reported decreased baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in hypertensives. Reduced BRS is shown to herald the future occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and helps in risk stratification AIM: To assess BRS at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver among apparently healthy male offspring (age 18-35 years) of hypertensive patients.

METHODS

We recruited 37 participants whose parents (either/both) were hypertensive in the study group and whose parents (both) were not hypertensive in the control group. We measured basic anthropometric parameters (height, weight, waist circumference), cardiovascular parameters (heart rate and BP), short-term heart rate variability, and BRS (at rest and during Valsalva).

RESULTS

We found that BRS at rest and BRS during the Valsalva maneuver were reduced among healthy male offspring of hypertensive parents than in healthy male offspring of non-hypertensive parents. Further, HRV indices and Valsalva ratio showed a sympathovagal imbalance in the form of decreased vagal and increased sympathetic activity.

CONCLUSION

The reduced BRS and sympathovagal imbalance in male offspring of hypertensive parents reveal the early risk of developing hypertension in the future.

Cooperative B-H activation by Cp* based κ2-N,S-chelated Ru(II) and Mo(II) complexes (Cp* = η5-C5Me5)

The chemistry of the Cp* based κ²-N,S-chelated ruthenium complex, [Cp*RuPPh₃(κ²-N,S-(NC₇H₄S₂)], 1 with different boranes has been explored. The room temperature reaction of 1 with BH₃·THF and bulky boranes, such as MesBH₂ and H₂BAr^F, led to the formation of different dihydridoborate complexes, [{κ³-S,H,H-(NBH₂R)(S₂H₄C₇)}RuCp*], 2-4 (2: R = H, 3: R = Mes, and 4: R = Ar^F; Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, and Ar^F = 3,5-bistrifluoromethyl-benzene). In contrast, the Cp* based κ²-N,S-chelated molybdenum complex, [Cp*Mo(CO)₂{κ²-N,S-(NC₇H₄S₂)}], 5, yielded the agostic borate species, [Cp*Mo(CO)₂{κ²-S,H-(NBH₂R) (NC₇H₄S₂)}], 6 and 7 (6: R = Mes and 7: R = Ar^F) at elevated temperatures.

Assessment of the Effect of Raga Therapy & Nisha Amalaki Churna on Prehypertension - A clinical study

Background: Prehypertension is classified as elevated blood pressure above normal by American medical classification. JNC 7 suggested systolic between 120 to 139 mmHg or diastolic 80 to 89 mmHg should be consider as Pre-hypertension. Oxidative stress develops due to stress and anxiety is recognized as main risk factor for initiation of hypertension. The Nada Yoga (sound based yoga) practices has been reported to decreases stress and anxiety. Nisha Amalaki Churna the combination of Amalaki (Indian gooseberry) and Haridra (turmeric) powder also reported to effectively reduces oxidative stress. Aim - To assess the combined effect of Indian Classical Raga Ahirbhairav and Hindol along with Nisha Amalaki Churna on Prehypertension. Material and method- It was clinical study. Total 48 patients selected by purposive sample technique and then divided into 2 groups (n = 24 each) randomly. Assessment was done by criteria of pre hypertension given by JNC 7. Result - In present study group A (Raga Ahirbhairav, Raga Hindol and Nisha Amalki Churna) patients the mean score of Systolic B.P. had decreased from 135.50 to 120.76 (Mean difference 14.74) with extremely significance (p <0.0001) compare to group B (only Nisha Amalki Churna orally) and mean score of Diastolic B.P. had decreased from 88.61 to 79.706 (Mean difference 8.904) with extremely significant (p <0.0001) compare to group B. Relief in mild headache 31.94% (p<0.01), relief in Anxiety 52.67% (p<0.0001) and relief on stress was reported 34.56% (p<0.0001) in Group A were reported, compare to Group B. Conclusion- result of study indicating that Raga therapy with Nisha Amalaki Churna had potential in the management of pre hypertension.

Emotional Stress Consequences in the Development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Solutions

India is recognized as diabetic capital of the world now and among all chronic diseases increased prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus has been recognized globally. Though various modifiable risk factors are identified for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus such as prediabetes, overweight, obesity, poor diet, smoking, physical inactivity and given importance in the management of disease. But among all stress and anxiety has not been getting proper importance in development and management of Type 2 diabetes. Though number of studies have been identified stress as risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Thus, the present write up is aimed to review the effect of different emotional stressor as risk in the development and uncontrolled hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with effective solutions. Material and Methods: This review is based on data collected from classical Ayurvedic literature, and published research works in various journals. Observations and Results: cited based on research reviews to find out risk odds of different emotional stressor and type 2 diabetes with solutions based on Ayurveda and Yoga principles such as role of Raga therapy, Yogasan, Pranayama (breathing technique), Panchakarma procedures and use of Medhya Rasayana (nootropic) drugs. Conclusion: Counselling would be one of the best strategy to create awareness among healthy individual and type 2 diabetic to opt healthy behaviour to manage emotional stress and for the prevention and better control of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thus, Present write up is an effort to provide attention on various emotional stressor as risk factor and also discuss the various healthy behavioural techniques to control emotional stress.

Impact of Junk food on Physical and Mental health of the Youngsters in Bhopal city - A Cross Sectional Survey Study

Background- Ayurveda has given a unique concept of Viruddha Ahara. Junk food an energy-dense food could be consider as Viruddha Ahara because of its serious physical and mental health consequences. Aim - Find out the frequency of consumption of Junk food preparation and their effects on Physical & Mental health in the youngsters of Bhopal city with special reference to Viruddha Ahara. Study Design- was Observational cross sectional study. Material and Method- Modified Questionnaire based on WHO STEPS1, 2 and 3 guidelines was used to collect the data. 600 youngsters of age group between 12-25 years from various schools and colleges of Bhopal city were selected by stratified random sampling technique and Statistical Analysis was done with epi infoTM version 7 software. Appropriate statistical tests were applied such as frequency distribution, cross tabulation (M x N/ 2 x 2 Table), chi square test, z statistics and logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (C.I) and p-value (significant <0.05) were also calculated as per need. Result- It was observed that all subjects were consuming different kinds of junk food with high mean frequency that was 3.28 days per week.  Maximum youngsters were suffering from various physical and mental health consequences like 80.83% subjects were suffering from nutritional problem, 73.50% skin problems, 73.33 % GIT problems and 58.67% had anxiety disorder and 38.50% had recognised with mood disorder. Conclusion: The result of the survey study indicating that serious health consequences are developing in youngsters by consumption of viruddha ahara (Junk Food) and that could be converted them in chronic disease patients in near future.

Inter-cluster separation induced change in charge transport mechanism in Ni40Pd60 nanoclusters

Nanoclusters offer a fascinating possibility of studying the evolution of properties of a physical system by varying the number, size and inter-cluster separation of a given cluster to go from one limit to another. By systematically varying the inter-cluster separation in a nanocluster assembly of Ni₄₀Pd₆₀ alloy, that is known to be a metal in bulk, we observe an unusual and hitherto unreported, spatial dimension change as well as a change in the transport mechanism. In the nanocluster form, the temperature dependent resistance shows an activated behavior for virtually all inter-cluster separations, contrary to, the bulk metallic behaviour. At large average inter-cluster separation, the transport happens via three dimensional Efros-Shklovskii hopping, due to the opening of a Coulomb gap at the Fermi surface. With a reduction in the inter-cluster separation, the transport mechanism changes from three dimensional Efros-Shklovskii hopping to that of a three dimensional Mott variable range hopping (VRH) due to the closing up of the gap. With a further reduction in average inter-cluster separation, the three dimensional Mott VRH changes to that of a two dimensional Mott VRH with additional signatures of an insulator to a weak metal-like transition in this particular assembly. So, nanoclusters offer a paradigm for studying the important problem of evolution of charge transport in physical systems with the possibility of directly tuning the average inter-cluster separation enabling the system to go from insulating to metallic limit via intermediate changes in the charge transport mechanism.

Common genetic variants in pre-microRNAs and risk of breast cancer in the North Indian population

Objective

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short regulatory RNAs that can modulate gene expression and function as negative regulators. Common genetic variants like single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA genes may alter their expression or maturation resulting in varied functional consequences in carcinogenesis. Therefore, we evaluated the genetic variants in pre-miRNAs: hsa-miR-146a G/C (rs2910164), hsa-miR-196a2 C/T (rs11614913), and hsa-miR-499 T>C (rs3746444) for their role in breast cancer susceptibility.

Study design

The study comprised 121 breast cancer patients, 115 with benign breast disease, and 164 controls. The genotypic frequency of miRNA polymorphisms was determined by PCR-RFLP assay. Logistic regression was used for statistical analysis using SPSS Software version 15.0. In silico analysis was done using various bioinformatics tools (F-SNP, FAST-SNP).

Results

The heterozygous variant of miR-146a G/C (rs2910164) is associated with the reduced risk of breast cancer at the genotype level as well as at the allele level (p < 0.05, OR = 0.5) as compared to controls. On the contrary, no significant difference was observed in the distribution of miR-196a2 C/T (rs11614913) and miR-499 T>C (rs3746444) polymorphisms in any groups both at genotype and allele levels. On the other hand, in multivariate analysis, we found that the miR-196a2 (rs11614913) C>T was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer risk in postmenopausal females (p = 0.02, OR = 3.2). We also attempted to find out the risk of malignant breast disease in relation to each of the above SNPs on dividing our data on the basis of benign and malignant status, but no significant difference was observed. In silico analysis using F-SNP showed change in transcriptional regulation by miR-146a G/C (rs2910164), miR-196a2 C/T (rs11614913) and miR-499 T>C (rs3746444) variations; the functional score was 0.100, 0.065 and 0.277, respectively.

Conclusion

The results of the present study demonstrate that miR-146a G/C (rs2910164) polymorphism is associated with reduced genetic susceptibility to breast cancer. However, multivariate analysis showed as miR-196a2 (rs11614913) C>T to be associated with increased risk of breast cancer risk in postmenopausal females. Further multicentric studies involving a large number of cases need to be carried out to strengthen the present results.

Comparative study on the effect of Saptamrita Lauha and Yoga therapy in myopia

Background:

Myopia is very common ophthalmic disease especially in children and adolescence. In Ayurvedic texts, only by the main feature impairment of distant vision myopia can be correlated with Drishtigata Rogas (2^ndPatalgata Timira).

Aim:

To compare the effect of Saptamruta Lauha and Yoga therapy in myopia.

Materials and Methods:

In present study, a total 60 patients with age group between 8 to 30 years were selected randomly from the out-patient Department of Swasthavritta and Shalakyatantra Department of Government Ayurveda College, Trivandrum, and were divided in two groups. In Group A, Saptamrita Lauha 250 mg twice daily with unequal quantity of honey and Ghrita was administered while in Group B, patients subjected to Yoga therapy (Jala Neti, Nadi Shodhana, Shitali Pranayama and point Tratak) for 3 months duration with 1 month follow-up.

Results and Conclusion:

The result obtained from the study reveals that there is no significant reduction in the visual acuity and clinical refraction, but associated changes were observed as reduced in group B when compared to group A. However, relief from headache was found to be equally effective in both the groups.

A Comparison of Low-Fluence 1064-nm Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser with Topical 20% Azelaic Acid Cream and their Combination in Melasma in Indian Patients

BACKGROUND

Melasma is an acquired symmetric hypermelanosis characterised by irregular light to gray-brown macules on sun-exposed skin with a predilection for the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose and chin. The management of melasma is challenging and requires meticulous use of available therapeutic options.

AIMS

To compare the therapeutic efficacy of low-fluence Q-switched Nd: YAG laser (QSNYL) with topical 20% azelaic acid cream and their combination in melasma in three study groups of 20 patients each.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty Indian patients diagnosed as melasma were included. These patients were randomly divided in three groups (group A = 20 patients of melasma treated with low-fluence QSNYL at weekly intervals, group B = 20 patients of melasma treated with twice daily application of 20% azelaic acid cream and group C = 20 patients of melasma treated with combination of both). Study period was of 12 weeks each. Response to treatment was assessed using melasma area and severity index score.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test, paired and unpaired student t-test.

RESULTS

Significant improvement was recorded in all the three groups. The improvement was statistically highly significant in Group C as compared to group A (P < 0.001) and group B (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the efficacy of low-fluence QSNYL, topical 20% azelaic acid cream and their combination in melasma. The combination of low-fluence QSNYL and topical 20% azelaic acid cream yields better results as compared to low-fluence QSNYL and azelaic acid alone.

Diagnostic importance of AgNOR pleomorphism in cervical carcinogenesis

Objective:

Nucleolar organizer region (NOR) associated proteins are argyrophilic and visualized by silver stains. AgNOR pleomorphic dots increase in cancer and most researchers have done a common count of single dots. Pleomorphic dots are few and perhaps indicate a more severe prognosis. The present study was aimed at investigating the relative preponderance and diagnostic value of both pleomorphic and single AgNOR dots in cervical carcinogenesis.

Study design:

Silver nitrate staining was performed in 50 cervical smears each of cytologically diagnosed normal, inflammatory, low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and squamous cell carcinoma cases registered at C.S.M. Medical University, Lucknow, India.

Results:

The accumulated data revealed a positive and significant correlation of cell counts of both pleomorphic (r = 0.94; p < 0.01) and single dots (r = 0.95; p < 0.01) with disease severity. The rate of increase in cell counts of pleomorphic dots (β = 2.61) was 1.1 times higher than the rate of increase in cell counts of single dots (β = 2.29).

Conclusion:

This study indicates the diagnostic potential of pleomorphic dots in the process of cervical carcinogenesis. The number of pleomorphic dots also varies significantly in different types of SIL, which may help in discriminating precancerous lesions of the cervix.