Aminocellulose-grafted-polycaprolactone coated gelatin nanoparticles alleviate inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis: A combinational therapeutic approach

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder and serious cause of disability. Despite considerable advances in RA management, challenges like extensive drug metabolism and rapid clearance causes poor bioavailability. Core-shell nanocarriers for co-delivery of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and budesonide against RA were developed. GA-loaded gelatin nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and coated with budesonide encapsulated aminocellulose-grafted polycaprolactone (PCL-AC). GA- and budesonide-loaded PCL-AC-gel NPs had diameter of 200-225 nm. Dual drug-loaded (DDL) NPs reduced joint swelling and erythema in rats while markedly ameliorating bone erosion evidenced by radiological analysis, suppressed collagen destruction, restored synovial tissue, bone and cartilage histoarchitecture with reduced inflammatory cells infiltration. NPs also reduced various inflammatory biomarkers such as TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, iNOS. Results of this study suggest that dual NPs exerted superior therapeutic effects in RA compared to free drugs which may be attributed to slow and sustained drug release and NPs' ability to inhibit inflammatory mediators.

Naringenin prevents doxorubicin-induced toxicity in kidney tissues by regulating the oxidative and inflammatory insult in Wistar rats

This study is undertaken to investigate the effects of naringenin on doxorubicin- (Dox) induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. Dox 10 mg/kg body weight was administered intraperitoneally once and naringenin 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight was administered orally daily for 21 d. Dox-induced oxidative stress lead to steep elevation in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), compared to control, treatment with naringenin preserved kidney functions. With Dox treatment significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes with increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to control was observed. Naringenin treatment reversed these values compared to Dox in kidney tissue. Dox treatment showed increased tissue nitric oxide levels naringenin treatment decreased nitric oxide (NO) in kidney tissue. Furthermore, Dox-induced inflammatory burst as indicated by up-regulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) tissue levels and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE-2). All such events were normalised back to normal by naringenin treatment.

Neonatal Sepsis: Clinical characteristics, Epidemiology and Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of the Bacterial Pathogens in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Neonatal sepsis, a major newborn killer worldwide exhibits wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Epidemiology and aetiological organisms vary with geographical area and time. Objective of the study was to study clinical characteristics, epidemiology, bacterial aetiology and drug sensitivity pattern of isolated organisms in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh. This observational cross sectional study was carried out in NICU, DMCH from January 2014 to June 2015. The inclusion criteria were newborns having features of sepsis at admission or developing such features afterwards when admitted for other indications. A blood sample was collected aseptically immediately after clinical diagnosis and was sent for relevant laboratory investigations. Sample for culture sensitivity was inoculated bedside to culture bottle and sent to department of microbiology. The newborns were followed up till hospital discharge or death. All information regarding history, laboratory findings and follow up were recorded in a structured questionnaire. Of the 200 neonates, 59% were diagnosed as having late onset sepsis (LONS). Premature and low birth weight (LBW) babies mostly suffered from LONS. Respiratory distress, tachycardia, lethargy were the predominant symptoms in both early and late sepsis. Blood culture yielded growth in 55% of the septic newborns. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the predominant organism in both early and late sepsis. Most of the Gram negative bacteria were sensitive to colistin, meropenem and imipenem. Case fatality was 24.39% and 34.74% in early and late sepsis respectively.

Roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, attenuates cadmium-induced renal toxicity via modulation of NF-κB activation and induction of NQO1 in rats

Objective:

In the present study, the protective effect of Roflumilast (ROF, a selective phosphodiesterase (PDE-4) inhibitor) was investigated against cadmium (Cd)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Methods:

A total of 24 rats were selected and randomly divided into four groups ( n = 6). Group 1 served as the control; groups 2–4 administered with CdCl2 (3 mg/kg, i.p.) for 7 days; groups 3 and 4 were co-administered with ROF in doses of 0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg, orally for 7 consecutive days. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated by measuring urine volume, urea and creatinine levels in urine and serum. Oxidative stress was confirmed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels in kidney tissue followed by histopathological studies.

Results:

CdCl2 administration results in a significant ( p < 0.01) decrease in urine volume, urea, and creatinine levels in urine, as well as GSH, SOD, and CAT levels in renal tissue. In addition, Cd also produced significantly increased ( p < 0.01) urea and creatinine levels in serum and TBARS levels in renal tissues. Rats treated with ROF significantly ( p < 0.01) restore the altered levels of kidney injury markers, nonenzymatic antioxidant, as well as depleted enzymes in dose-dependent manner. An increased expression of NF-κB p65 and decreased expression of GST and NQO1 in the Cd only treated group were significantly reversed by high dose of ROF (1.5 mg/kg). Histopathological changes were also ameliorated by ROF administration in Cd-treated groups.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, ROF treatment showed protective effect against renal damage and increased oxidative stress induced by Cd administration.

Temperature-Responsive Polymer Microgel-Gold Nanorods Composite Particles: Physicochemical Characterization and Cytocompatibility

In this paper, we report an easy route for preparing new metal nanorod-polymer composites consisting of gold nanorods, Au NRs, and temperature responsive copolymer "microgel" particles. The microgel particles of ~200 nm in size, which contain carboxylic acid groups, were prepared by surfactant-free emulsion polymerization of a selected mixture made of N-isopropylacylamide and acrylic acid in the presence of a cross-linker N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide. The electrostatic interactions between the cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) stabilized Au NRs and anionic microgel particles were expected to occur in order to prepare stable Au NRs-microgel composite particles. The optical and structural characterization of the composite was achieved using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). TEM image shows that Au NRs are attached on the surface of the microgel particles. Dynamic light scattering measurements prove that the composite particles are temperature responsive, which means the particles undergo a decrease in size as the temperature increases above its phase transition temperature. In vitro cytotoxicity of the composite materials were tested by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and hemolysis assay, which showed non-toxicity (biocompatibility).

Role of pRIFLE Criteria in Early Diagnosis of Severity Staging of Neonatal AKI and its Impact on Management

Mortality is high among sick neonates who have concomitant acute kidney injury (AKI). This observational study was done at Special Care Baby Unit (SCABU) of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Bangladesh from October 2013 to March 2014 to find out the role of pRIFLE criteria in prediction of severity stages of AKI in neonate and early intervention to see the immediate outcome. A total of 44 neonates with AKI were included, all were treated conservatively and with intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD) as needed. The neonate of ≤7 days old comprised the main bulk (n=28) and M: F = 21: 23. The diagnosis was based on eCCL criteria of pRIFLE showed that 40.9% neonates were at risk of AKI, 20.5% have had already injured. Higher proportions of neonates were classified as failure (38.6%). The distribution of biochemical parameters among three stages of AKI showed serum potassium was significantly higher in failure group (p<0.001). The serum creatinine both at baseline and at next evaluations were significantly raised in the failure group (p<0.001). However, failure group had a significantly longer hospital stay compared to risk and injury group (p<0.001). Multiorgan failure was found to be lower in the risk group compared to other two groups (p=0.026). Majority of the failure group needed dialysis as compared to the risk and injury group (p<0.001). The mortality was progressively higher from risk to failure groups (p=0.106). Overall 27% of the neonates diagnosed AKI by pRIFLE were died of the disease. The study concluded that pRIFLE staging in AKI is useful and sensitive in the diagnosis and management of AKI in neonates.

In vitro screening for drought tolerance of some chickpea varieties in Bangladesh

The aim of the present study was to study physiological response of seven chickpea varieties viz. Binachola-2, Binachola-3, Binachola-4, Binachola-5, Binachola-6, Binachola-7 and Binachola-8 at different levels of drought stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG).  Five different concentrations (0, 20, 35, 50, 60 g/L) of PEG 6000 was added in MS medium to create five different levels of drought stress for  in vitro screening of drought tolerant chick pea varieties. Data were recorded on germination percentage, fresh weight, shoot length, root length, dry weight, turgid weight, relative water content (RWC) and proline content. The seven chickpea varieties differed significantly for different parameters in response to the drought stress. Binachola-2 and Binachola-7 showed the best performance for all the parameters studied. At the highest dose of PEG (60 g/l), in the most water deficient condition, fresh weight was recorded 0.59 g and 0.84 g, Shoot lengths of 2.10 cm and 3.75 cm, root lengths of 1.15 cm and 1.00 cm, turgid weight of 0.960 g and 0.970 g, dry weight of 0.13 g and 0.21 g, relative water contents (RWC) of 85.71% and 83.33% were recorded in Binachola-2 and Binachola-7, respectively. Increased proline content was recorded with the increasing level of PEG concentration. Proline content 0.533g/100g FW and 0.598g/100g FW were observed in Binachola-2 and Binachola-7, respectively under the influence of PEG at 60 g/l. Data recorded for Binachola-3, Binachola-4, Binachola-5, Binachola-6 and Binachola-8 for the studied parameters revealed that they showed susceptible response against higher drought stress level gen­erated by PEG. The data of this experiment revealed that, the accumulation of proline was significantly greater under drought stress. Thus, it is evident that Binachola-2 and Binachola-7 performed better against drought stress condition. These results of physiological and biochemical parameters may be utilized as a selection indicator for breeding program and used as a baseline for improvement of chickpea varieties in Bangladesh.Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 110-118, 2016

Ameliorative effect of methanol extract of Rumex vesicarius on CCl4-induced liver damage in Wistar albino rats

CONTEXT

Rumex vesicarius L. (Polygonaceae), an edible plant, is reported to have many bioactive phytochemicals, especially flavonoids and anthraquinones with antioxidant and detoxifying properties.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the methanolic extract of R. vasicarius (MERV) for hepatoprotective activity in rats against CCl4-induced liver damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The whole plant extract was prepared and investigated for its hepatoprotective activity. Rats were pretreated with MERV (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 d prior to the induction of liver damage by CCl4. Animals were then sacrificed 24 h after CCl4 administration for the biochemical (AST, ALT, and ALP activity in serum; lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) levels in liver tissue) and histological analyses.

RESULTS

CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity was confirmed by an increase (p < 0.05) in serum AST (4.55-fold), ALT (3.51-fold), and ALP (1.82-fold) activities. CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity was also manifested by an increase (p < 0.05) in LPO (3.88-fold) and depletion of reduced glutathione (3.14-fold) activity in liver tissue. The multiple dose MERV administration at 200 mg/kg showed promising hepatoprotective activity as evident from significant decrease levels of serum AST (230.01 ± 13.21), serum ALT (82.15 ± 5.01), serum ALP (504.75 ± 19.72), hepatic LPO (3.38 ± 0.33), and increased levels of hepatic glutathione (0.34 ± 0.04) towards near normal. Further, biochemical results were confirmed by histopathological changes as compared with CCl4-intoxicated rats.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results obtained from this study indicate hepatoprotective activity of Rumex plant against CCl4-induced liver toxicity; hence, it can be used as a hepatoprotective agent.

Antioxidant potential of Rumex vesicarius L.: in vitro approach

OBJECTIVE

To assess in-vitro antioxidant activity of different fraction and perform high performance thin layer chromatography fingerprint analysis of most active fraction of Rumex vesicarius L. (R. vesicarius).

METHODS

In the present study, acetone, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and methanol extracts of R. vesicarius were evaluated for radical scavenging activity by studying the inhibition of the level of lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(++)/ascorbate, DNA sugar damage, scavenging of hydrogen peroxide, diphenylphosphine DPPH radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, total flavonoids content and total proanthocyanidin. High performance thin layer chromatography finger print profiling of R. vesicarius L. was also done.

RESULTS

Lipid peroxidation induced by the iron/ascorbate system, hydrogen peroxide, diphenylphosphine and DNA sugar damage were inhibited by the addition of different extract of R. vesicarius. Among them, methanolic extract showed maximum efficacy. The methanolic extract showed the highest total phenolic, total flavonoids and total proanthocyanidin contents.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the extracts can be a vital source of phytochemical antioxidants.

Oral dose of citrus peel extracts promotes wound repair in diabetic rats

Diabetic patients wound healing is slower than the healthy individuals. Three citrus peel extracts; Lemon (Citrus limon), Grapes fruits (Citrus paradise) and Orange (Citrus sinensis) promote wound healing in experimental animals. This study investigated the effect of oral treatment with citrus peel extracts on wound repair of the skin of diabetic rats. The extracts were estimated for vitamin C and total carotenoid contents prior to animal study. Diabetes mellitus was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 75 mg kg(-1) b.wt.). One week after diabetes induction, full thickness excision wounds were made in hyperglycemic rats and were divided groups, each containing 6 rats. The different test group animals were treated with different citrus peel extract orally at the dose of 400 mg kg(-1) body weight daily for 12 days. The blood glucose, body weight and rate of wound closure of each rat were measured every 3rd day during the experimental period. At the end of experiment, granular tissues of wounds were removed and estimated for hydroxylproline and total protein content. The results showed significant reduction in blood glucose and time to wound closure. Tissue growth and collagen synthesis were significantly higher as determined by total protein and hydroxyl proline content. From our experimental data, we propose that oral administration of citrus peel extracts has a therapeutic potential in the treatment of chronic wounds in diabetes.

Maternal smokeless tobacco use and adverse pregnancy outcome

This study was conducted to determine the association between prolonged smokeless tobacco (ST) use for more than 5 years by mothers and pregnancy outcome. It was a retrospective cohort study done on department of paediatrics and department of gynecology & obstetrics, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from January 2009 to December 2010. A total of 340 mother-neonate pairs were included in the study. A total of 170 mothers using smokeless tobacco for more than 5 years and their recently delivered newborn infants (mother-neonate pair) were enrolled as cases and 170 mother-neonate pairs without history of taking ST as controls. Frequency of spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm delivery and LBW baby in case & control groups was assessed. Smokeless tobacco used by mothers for >5 years had significant association with spontaneous abortion (p<0.01), stillbirth (p<0.01), preterm delivery (p<0.001) & LBW baby (p<0.001) and carries a risk of having spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm delivery & LBW 2.2 times, 2.1 times, 2.9 times & 3.3 times respectively more than non users of smokeless tobacco. It can be concluded that prolonged use of smokeless tobacco for more than 5 years is significantly associated with spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm delivery and LBW baby.

Alleviation of free radical mediated oxidative and genotoxic effects of cadmium by farnesol in Swiss albino mice

Farnesol is an isoprenoid found in essential oils of ambrette seeds, citronella and in various aromatic plants. Exposure to cadmium from various sources affects the renal system adversely and Cd is an established genotoxic agent. In the present study, we evaluated the antigenotoxic and antioxidant efficacy of farnesol against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced renal oxidative stress and genotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. Single, intraperitoneal doses of CdCl2(5 mg/kg body weight) for 24 h resulted in a significant (P < 0.001) increase in chromosomal aberration and micronuclei formation. The oral administration of farnesol at two doses (1% and 2% per kg body weight) for seven consecutive days showed significant (P < 0.05) suppression of the genotoxic effects of CdCl2 in the modulator groups. To study the mechanism by which farnesol exerts its antigenotoxic potential, enzymes involved in metabolism and detoxification were estimated. CdCl2 intoxication adversely affected the renal antioxidant armory and increased TBARS formation and xanthine oxidase levels significantly (P < 0.001). Farnesol showed a significant (P < 0.001) recovery in antioxidant status viz, GSH content (and its dependent enzymes) and catalase activity. Farnesol pretreatment in CdCl2-intoxicated mice showed marked (P < 0.001) suppression of TBARS' formation and XO activity. Our results support the conclusion that the anticlastogenic effect of farnesol could be due to restoration of antioxidants and inhibition of oxidative damage.

Effect of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) for the treatment of neonates in presumed sepsis with neutropenia

Bacterial sepsis continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. In newborn with presumed sepsis, short-term treatment with rhG-CSF increased the neutrophil count and more importantly improved survival. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of rhG-CSF for the treatment of neonates in presumed sepsis with neutropenia. This interventional study was conducted in the Department of Neonatology, BSMMU, Dhaka during July 2009 to May 2010. Total 30 neonates of presumed sepsis with absolute neutrophil count ≤5000/cumm, age<28 days and birth weight 1000-2000g were included in the study. A subcutaneous injection of rhG-CSF (10μgm/kg/day) was administered to 15 neonates for 5 consecutive days (study group) and 15 neonates did not receive it (control group) in addition to standard antibiotic protocol for neonatal sepsis. Baseline characteristics of 30 neonates shows male/female ratio, weight on admission, gestational age were similar in both groups. Among 30 neonates of clinically presumed sepsis 7(23%) were culture proven. E. coli was the most common organism. After 24 hours of treatment mean ANC was increased more in study group (p<0.05) compared to control group. Mean ANC after 72 hours of treatment was increased significantly in study group than control group: 5940.00 versus 5706.00 (p=0.01). At the end of treatment, the mean ANC was higher than that of control (p=0.001). Twelve neonates in study group and ten neonates in control group survived to hospital discharge. The mortality rate in the study group 3/15(20%) and in control group 5/15(33%) were not significant. Duration of hospital stay was less in study group but not significant. The study concluded that before routine use of rhG-CSF in neonatal sepsis with neutropenia further large scale, multi-centre, randomized, placebo controlled trial are needed to validate the beneficial effect.

Pluchea lanceolata attenuates cadmium chloride induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in Swiss albino mice

Cadmium intoxication induces lipid peroxidation and causes oxidative damage to various tissues by altering antioxidant defence system enzymes. At 24h after treatment with a single intraperitoneal dose of cadmium chloride (5 mg kg−1), Swiss albino mice showed a significant increase in the levels of malanodialdehyde and xanthine oxidase (P&lt;0.001), and a concomitant depletion of renal glutathione, catalase (P&lt;0.001) and other antioxidant enzymes. CdCl2 also led to a simultaneous increase in micronuclei formation (P&lt;0.001) and chromosomal aberrations (P&lt;0.05) in mouse bone marrow cells. Oral pre-treatment with Pluchea lanceolata extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg kg−1 for 7 consecutive days before CdCl2 intoxication caused a significant reduction in malanodialdehyde formation and xanthine oxidase activity (P&lt;0.001). A significant restoration of the activity of antioxidant defence system enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase (P&lt;0.05), glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione reductase (P&lt;0.001) was observed. A significant dose-dependent decrease in chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei formation was also observed (P&lt;0.05). The results indicate that pre-treatment with P. lanceolata attenuates cadmium chloride induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity by altering antioxidant enzymes and reducing chromatid breaks and micronuclei formation.

Abrogation of DEN/Fe-NTA induced carcinogenic response, oxidative damage and subsequent cell proliferation response by Terminalia chebula in kidney of Wistar rats

In an effort to identify a new chemopreventive agent, the present study was conducted to investigate the role of T. chebula in the prevention of ferric nitrilotriacetic acid (Fe- NTA) induced oxidative stress and renal tumorigenesis in Wistar rats. A single application of Fe-NTA (9 mg Fe/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) significantly induced oxidative stress and elevated the marker parameters of tumor promotion. However, the pretreatment of animals with different doses of T. chebula extract (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) restored the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and cellular protective enzymes (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and hydrogen peroxide content were also reduced significantly (p < 0.05) at both the doses. The promotion parameters tested (ornithine decarboxylase activity and DNA synthesis) were also significantly suppressed (p < 0.05). T. chebula also inhibited N-diethyl nitrosamine initiated renal carcinogenesis by showing reduction in the number of animals with renal cell tumors and percentage incidence of tumor as compared to the DEN initiated and Fe-NTA promoted rats. The study was further histologically confirmed. These results suggest a potential role of T. chebula in protection from Fe-NTA-induced renal carcinogenesis and oxidative damage.

Inhibitory effect of apigenin on benzo(a)pyrene-mediated genotoxicity in Swiss albino mice

Apigenin, a bioflavonoid, is abundantly present in fruits and vegetables and possesses potential chemopreventive properties against a wide variety of chronic diseases. In this study we investigated the anti-genotoxic effects of apigenin against a known genotoxicant, benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) (125 mg kg(-1) orally) toxicity in Swiss albino mice. B(a)P administration led to induction of cytochrome P-450 (CYP), aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and DNA strand breaks (P < 0.001), which was suppressed by apigenin (2.5 and 5 mg kg(-1) orally) dose dependently (P < 0.001). B(a)P-induced depletion in the level of reduced glutathione (GSH), quinone reductase (QR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) was also shown to be restored by apigenin pre-treatment (P < 0.001). A simultaneous significant and dose-dependent reduction was noted in DNA strand breaks and in-vivo DNA damage (P < 0.001), which gives some insight into restoration of DNA integrity in modulator groups. These results strongly support the protective nature of apigenin against B(a)P-induced toxicity.

The effects of GnRH analogue (buserelin) or hCG (Chorulon) on Day 12 of pregnancy on ovarian function, plasma hormone concentrations, conceptus growth and placentation in ewes and ewe lambs

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of GnRH analogue (buserelin) or human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG, Chorulon) treatment on Day 12 of pregnancy on ovarian function, plasma hormone concentrations, conceptus growth and placentation in ewes and ewe lambs. After oestrus synchronization with progestagen sponges and eCG, all the animals were mated with fertile rams. Both ewes and ewe lambs (20 per treatment group) were given either normal saline or 4 microg GnRH or 200 IU hCG on Day 12 post-mating. Pre- and post-treatment plasma hormone concentrations were determined in seven pregnant animals per treatment group in samples collected 1h before and 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment. Overall mean progesterone concentrations were higher (P<0.001) in ewes as compared with ewe lambs in saline-treated controls. GnRH or hCG treatment increased (P<0.001) mean plasma progesterone concentrations in both age groups, however, post-treatment concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) higher in ewes than in ewe lambs. Oestradiol concentrations were similar in the two control groups. In ewes, but not in ewe lambs, both GnRH and hCG treatments significantly (P<0.05) increased the mean oestradiol concentrations above pre-treatment levels. Moreover, post-treatment oestradiol concentrations in GnRH- and hCG-treated animals were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those in the saline-treated controls. LH release in response to GnRH treatment was greater (P<0.05) in ewes than in ewe lambs, whereas FSH release in ewes was less (P<0.05) than that of ewe lambs. The effects of GnRH or hCG on conceptus growth and placentation was determined at slaughter on Day 25. In ewes, GnRH treatment increased (P<0.05) luteal weight, amniotic sac width and length, and crown-rump length compared with controls, but had no effect on these parameters in ewe lambs. In ewes, hCG treatment also enhanced (P<0.05) luteal weight, amniotic sac width and length, crown-rump length, embryo weight and number of placentomes as compared with controls. In ewe lambs, there was no difference (P<0.05) between hCG and control groups in luteal weight, embryo weight and amniotic sac width but crown-rump length, amniotic sac length and the number of placentomes forming the placenta were greater (P<0.05). In conclusion, GnRH or hCG treatment on Day 12 of pregnancy can increase ovarian function, conceptus growth and placental attachment in ewes. However, these treatments were less effective in ewe lambs.

Effect of gallic acid on renal biochemical alterations in male Wistar rats induced by ferric nitriloacetic acid

The present study is an effort to identify a potent chemopreventive agent against various diseases (including cancer) in which oxidative stress and cell proliferation plays an important causative role. This study was designed to investigate the effect of gallic acid against ferric nitrilotriacetic acid (Fe-NTA)-induced carcinogen/ drug metabolizing phase I and phase II enzymes, antioxidative parameters, kidney markers, tumour promotion markers and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in kidney of male Wistar rats. Fe-NTA (9 mg Fe/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) caused significant depletion in the detoxification and antioxidant enzyme armoury with concomitant elevation in renal LPO, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, hydrogen peroxide generation, ornithine decarboxylase activity and [3H]thymidine incorporation into renal DNA. However, pretreatment of animals with gallic acid (10 and 20 mg/kg body weight) resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of the parameters measured (P <0.001). Renal glutathione content (P <0.001), glutathione metabolizing enzyme (P <0.001) and antioxidant enzyme levels were also recovered to a significant level (P <0.001). The enhanced reduced glutathione level and enzyme activities involved in xenobiotic metabolism and maintaining antioxidant status of cells are suggestive of a chemopreventive efficacy of gallic acid against Fe-NTA-mediated oxidative stress, toxicity and cell proliferative response in Wistar rats.

Acorus calamus extracts and nickel chloride: prevention of oxidative damage and hyperproliferation response in rat kidney

Nickel, a major environmental pollutant, is known for its clastogenic, toxic, and carcinogenic potential. In this article, we report the effect of Acorus calamus on nickel chloride (NiCl2)-induced renal oxidative stress, toxicity, and cell proliferation response in male Wistar rats. NiCl2 (250 micromol/kg body weight/mL) enhanced reduced renal glutathione content (GSH), glutathione- S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), lipid peroxidation (LPO), H2O2 generation, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine with a concomitant decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (p < 0.001). NiCl2 administration also dose-dependently induced the renal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity several-fold as compared to salinetreated control rats. Similarly, renal DNA synthesis, which is measured in terms of [3H] thymidine incorporation in DNA, was elevated following NiCl2 treatment. Prophylactic treatment of rats with A. calamus (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight po) daily for 1 wk resulted in the diminution of NiCl2- mediated damage, as evident from the downregulation of glutathione content, GST, GR, LPO, H2O2 generation, BUN, serum creatinine, DNA synthesis (p < 0.001), and ODC activity (p < 0.01) with concomitant restoration of GPx activity. These results clearly demonstrate the role of oxidative stress and its relation to renal disfunctioning and suggest a protective effect of A. calamus on NiCl2-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat experimental model.

Farnesol prevents Fe-NTA-mediated renal oxidative stress and early tumour promotion markers in rats

Excess iron deposition in tissues leads to organ dysfunction and impairment. In this study, the protective effects of farnesol (FL), an isoprenoid, against Fe-NTA (9 mg iron/kg body weight i.p.)-induced oxidative damage and early tumour promotion markers are evaluated. The pretreatment of iron-intoxicated rats with 1% and 2%/kg body weight oral dose of FL for 7 consecutive days significantly reversed the iron-induced increase in H2O2 content (P < 0.001), malondialdehyde formation, xanthine oxidase activity (P < 0.001), ornithine decarboxylase activity (P < 0.001) and 3[H]thymidine incorporation in renal DNA (P < 0.005) with simultaneous significant depletion in serum toxicity markers blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (P < 0.001). Significant dose-dependent restoration was recorded in renal glutathione content, its dependent enzymes and other phase II metabolizing enzymes viz., catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase (P < 0.001) with prophylactic treatment of FL. Present results support that FL markedly lowers the oxidative damage and appearance of tumour markers, which precludes its development as a chemopreventive tool.

Butea monosperma and chemomodulation: protective role against thioacetamide-mediated hepatic alterations in Wistar rats

The present study was carried out to study the effect of Butea monosperma, a known liver acting drug on the tumor promotion related events of carcinogenesis in rat liver. Thioacetamide (TAA) was used to induce tumor promotion response and oxidative stress and caused significant depletion in the detoxification and antioxidant enzyme armory with concomitant elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) generation, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and unscheduled DNA synthesis. However, B. monosperma pretreatment at two different doses restored the levels of the above-said parameters (p < 0.001) in a dose-dependent manner. The alcoholic extract of B. monosperma used in the present study seems to offer dose-dependent protection and maintain the structural integrity of hepatic cells. This was evident from the significant reduction in TAA-induced serum GOT, GPT, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase activity (GGT) activities (p < 0.001). These investigations validate the use of B. monosperma in liver disorders by Ayurvedic physicians. Overall results indicate that the methanolic extract of B. monosperma possesses hepatoprotective effects and also it might suppress the promotion stage via inhibition of oxidative stress and polyamine biosynthetic pathway.

Reversal of cadmium chloride-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity by Adhatoda vasica extract in Swiss albino mice

Adhatoda vasica Nees (Acanthaceae) that is used by Ayurvedic physicians possesses some established medicinal properties. Environmental and occupational exposure with cadmium affects the renal system adversely. Cadmium is an established genotoxic agent. In the present study, we evaluated the antioxidant and anticlastogenic efficacy of A. vasica against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced renal oxidative stress and genotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. A single intraperitoneal dose of CdCl2 (5 mg\kg BW) resulted in significant (p<0.001) increase in chromosomal aberration and micronuclei formation. Oral administration of A. vasica at two doses (50 and 100 mg/kg BW) for seven consecutive days showed significant (p<0.001) suppression of mutagenic effects of CdCl2 in plant-pretreated groups. To study the mechanism by which A. vasica exerts its antimutagenic potential, enzymes involved in metabolism and detoxification were also estimated. Cadmium intoxication altered the antioxidant levels and enhanced MDA formation significantly (p<0.001). A. vasica showed significant (p<0.001) recovery in antioxidant status, viz., GSH content, its dependent enzymes, and catalase activity. Prophylactic pretreatment of A. vasica extract in cadmium-intoxicated mice showed marked (p<0.001) inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity. The present findings support that antimutagenic efficacy of A. vasica can be attributed to its restoring effects on antioxidant status and suppression of MDA level formation.

Chemomodulatory effects of Terminalia chebula against nickel chloride induced oxidative stress and tumor promotion response in male Wistar rats

Nickel, a major environmental pollutant is a known potent nephrotoxic agent. In this communication we report the chemopreventive effect of Terminalia chebula on nickel chloride (NiCl(2)) induced renal oxidative stress, toxicity and cell proliferation response in male Wistar rats. Administration of NiCl(2) (250micromoL Ni/kg body weight) to male Wistar rats resulted in an increase in the reduced renal glutathione content (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), lipid peroxidation (LPO), H(2)O(2) generation, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine with a concomitant decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (p<0.001). Nickel chloride (NiCl(2)) treatment also induced tumor promotion markers, viz., ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and thymidine [(3)H] incorporation into renal DNA (p<0.001). Prophylactic treatment of rats with T. chebula (25mg/kg body weight and 50mg/kg body weight) daily for one week resulted in the diminution of NiCl(2) mediated damage as evident from the down regulation of glutathione content, GST, GR, LPO, H(2)O(2) generation, BUN, serum creatinine, DNA synthesis (p<0.001) and ODC activity (p<0.01) with concomitant restoration of GPx activity. Thus, the present investigation suggests that T. chebula extract could be used as therapeutic agent for cancer prevention as evident from this study where it blocks or suppresses the events associated with chemical carcinogenesis.

Apigenin induces apoptosis in Hep G2 cells: possible role of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma

Flavonoids are one of the biologically active plant food constituents, possessing potential chemopreventive properties against a wide variety of chronic diseases. Apigenin, a common dietary flavonoid abundantly present in fruits and vegetables is believed to possess preventive and therapeutic potential against various cancers. In the present study, we have evaluated regulation of apoptotic cell death by apigenin (25 and 50 microM) in human hepatoblastoma derived cell line Hep G2. Apigenin-induced programme cell death in terms of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma release and induction of caspases activity. TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma levels in apigenin-pretreated groups were significantly and dose dependently elevated as compared to the control values (28-39% and 66-85%), (208-336% and 579-1088%), respectively. Treatment of apigenin significantly induced caspase-3, -7, -10 and caspase-9 activity (160-209% and 203-270%) in a dose-dependent manner. The effects on caspases, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma processes mediate the plausible mechanism of apoptosis induction of apigenin.

Effect of post-mating GnRH analogue (buserelin) treatment on PGF2alpha release in ewes and ewe lambs

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of buserelin or saline treatment on ovarian function (Experiment 1), plasma PGFM concentrations and oxytocin stimulated prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) release (Experiment 2) in ewe lambs and ewes. Welsh Halfbred ewes (n=26) and ewe lambs (n=24) were mated to vasectomised rams at synchronised oestrus and on Day 12 post-mating each animal was injected intramuscularly either normal saline or 4 microg buserelin. In Experiment 1, plasma progesterone and oestradiol concentrations were determined in samples collected by jugular venepuncture 1h before and at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment (n=7 per treatment group). Progesterone concentrations increased (P<0.05) from 2 to 8h after buserelin treatment and returned to basal levels after 72 h, whereas oestradiol concentrations were maximal at 2h post-treatment and returned to basal levels after 24h (P<0.05). Oestradiol concentrations were lower (P<0.05) in buserelin-treated animals than controls at 72 h post-treatment. Basal and post-treatment progesterone concentrations were greater (P<0.05) in ewes than in ewe lambs but oestradiol levels were similar for both age groups. Ovulation rate, determined by laparoscopy on Day 14, was similar for both age groups (ewes 1.1; ewe lambs 1.0). Buserelin treatment induced accessory corpora lutea in ewes (4/7; 57%) but not in ewe lambs (0/7; 0%). In the Experiment 2, plasma PGFM concentrations were determined in samples collected at 20-min intervals for 6h on Day 14 and at 20-min intervals for 1h before and at 10-min intervals for 1h and then at 20-min intervals for a further 3h period after an intravenous injection of oxytocin (1IU/kg body weight) on Day 15 post-oestrus. In this experiment there were five ewe lambs and six ewes per treatment group. There was no effect of buserelin treatment or age on basal PGFM concentrations on either Day 14 or 15. Although peak PGFM concentrations tended to be lower in buserelin-treated animals, the difference was not significant (P>0.05). However, peak duration following oxytocin challenge on Day 15 post-mating was shorter (P<0.05) in control ewes compared with control ewe lambs. In conclusion, buserelin treatment given on Day 12 post-oestrus enhances luteal function more in ewes than ewe lambs and after a transitory increase, reduces oestradiol concentrations in both ewes and ewe lambs. However, buserelin treatment does not significantly attenuate the luteolytic signal.

Soy isoflavones inhibits the genotoxicity of benzo(a)pyrene in Swiss albino mice

Dietary factors are considered important environmental risk determinants for various diseases. Isoflavones are one of the biologically active polyphenolic plant constituents that possess potential chemopreventive properties against a wide variety of chronic diseases. In the present study we have evaluated the antimutagenic potential of soy isoflavones against benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P) (125 mg/ kg) induced genotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. The effect of soy isoflavones was studied by in vivo bone marrow chromosomal aberration and micronuclei induction test. Using an alkaline unwinding assay we monitored the DNA strand breaks. Two doses of soy isoflavones (20 and 40 mg/kg b.wt) were given orally for seven days prior to the administration of B[a]P. Soy isoflavone inhibited the genotoxicity of B[a]P in terms of chromosomal aberration and micronucleus formation. DNA strand break levels in only B[a]P treated group remained significantly high from the control values (P < 0.001). The pretreatment of soy isoflavone showed gradual reduction in strand breaks significantly (P < 0.001) and dose dependently. Soy isoflavone pretreatment also decreased cytochrome P450 (CYP) content. The activity of CYP was also decreased dose dependently by pretreatment with soy isoflavone. The chemopreventive effect of soy isoflavone on the inhibition of CYP activity and DNA integrity mediate the possible mechanism of inhibition of genotoxicity.

Analgesic, antiinflammatory and CNS depressant activities of sesquiterpenes and a flavonoid glycoside from Polygonum viscosum

Analgesic, antiinflammatory and CNS depressant activities of four sesquiterpenes, viscosumic acid, viscozulenic acid, viscoazucine and viscoazulone, and a flavonoid glycoside, quercetin-3-O-(6''-feruloyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside isolated form the aerial parts of Polygonum viscosum (Polygonaceae) have been assessed. All test compounds exhibited CNS depressant activity in open field test, all but viscoazulone showed analgesic activity in Eddy's hot plate test, all sesquiterpenes inhibited acetic acid induced abdominal writhing in mice, and all but viscoazucine and the flavonoid glycoside exhibited mild to moderate antiinflammatory effect on carrageenan induced rat paw edema.

hCG treatment on day of mating improves embryo viability and fertility in ewe lambs

An investigation was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing hCG at mating time on luteal function, conceptus growth, placentation and reproductive performance in TexelxClun Forest ewe lambs. After oestrus synchronisation with progestagen sponges and PMSG ewe lambs were treated either with normal saline (n=102) or 150 IU of hCG (n=105) at mating time. At 25 days after mating 24 animals were slaughtered from each group to determine embryo viability and placental development. hCG significantly (P<0.05) increased crown-rump length (saline: 11.9+/-0.2 mm; hCG: 12.7+/-0.2 mm), amniotic sac width (saline: 11.4+/-0.4 mm; hCG: 12.0+/-0.3 mm) and the number of placentomes (saline: 90.8+/-7.3; hCG=122.4+/-6.3). Among the pregnant animals that were slaughtered on 25 days post-mating, ovulation rate tended to be higher in the hCG group compared to controls (saline: 1.16; hCG: 1.54). However, no difference was observed either in mean plasma progesterone concentrations (saline: 4.6 ng/ml; hCG: 4.9 ng/ml; sed 0.56) or in progesterone production from luteal slices when cultured in vitro (saline: 239.6+/-11.8 ng/mg; hCG: 263.2+/-13.6 ng/mg) between controls and hCG treated animals. Reproductive performance was also recorded in ewe lambs that were either treated with saline (n=78) or hCG (n=81). The total number of lambs born (saline: 38; hCG: 58) was significantly (P<0.05) greater in hCG group compared to saline-treated controls. Both lambing percentage (saline: 36%; hCG: 48%) and litter size (saline: 1.35; hCG: 1.48) tended to be greater (P<0.10) in hCG-treated animals compared to the controls. In conclusion, these data suggest that treatment of ewe lambs with hCG at the time of mating improves conceptus growth, placentation and number of lambs born.

The relationship of family income, family size, age and circumferences with blood pressure in the female students of the Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

In a randomly selected sample of 600 female students of the Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan, belonging to different socioeconomic groups, age, family income and family size were recorded and measurements were made of arm, waist, neck and total circumferences, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). The correlation coefficients between different independent (age, family income, family size, arm, waist, neck and total circumference) and dependent variables (SBP, DBP and MAP) showed that age had a strong association (p < 0.001) with all types of blood pressure, whereas the correlation coefficient of family income and family size was significant with SBP (p < 0.05) and non-significant with DBP and MAP. Moreover, all the circumferences had strong relationship (p 0.05 at least) with blood pressure. The regression coefficients of age were highly significant for SBP, DBP and MAP, whereas these were non-significant (p > 0.05) for family income and family size. The regression coefficients for arm and waist were significant (p < 0.05), whereas these were highly significant (p < 0.01 at least) for neck and total circumferences. The neck had a 0.46 mm Hg/cm with SBP, 0.41 mm Hg/cm for DBP and 0.44 Hg/cm for MAP, and these were highest among the circumferences.

Melanocyte-Directed enzyme prodrug therapy (MDEPT): development of second generation prodrugs for targeted treatment of malignant melanoma

Evaluation of second generation prodrugs for MDEPT, by oximetry, has highlighted structural properties that are advantageous and disadvantageous for efficient oxidation using mushroom tyrosinase. In particular, a sterically undemanding prodrug bis-(2-chloroethyl)amino-4-hydroxyphenylaminomethanone 28 was synthesised and found to be oxidised by mushroom tyrosinase at a superior rate to tyrosine methyl ester, the carboxylic acid of which is the natural substrate for tyrosinase. The more sterically demanding phenyl mustard prodrugs 9 and 10 were oxidised by mushroom tyrosinase at a similar rate to tyrosine methyl ester. In contrast, tyramine chain elongation via heteroatom insertion was detrimental and the rate of mushroom tyrosinase oxidation of phenyl mustard prodrugs 21 and 22 decreased by 10 nanomol/min.

Melanocyte-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (MDEPT): development of a targeted treatment for malignant melanoma

A novel prodrug rationally designed to function as a tyrosinase substrate has been synthesised to allow targeted treatment of malignant melanoma. This agent has been evaluated for tyrosinase-mediated drug release, and has been shown to act in the desired manner. Furthermore, differential cytotoxicity has been demonstrated in cell lines which express tyrosinase and those which do not.

Novel inhibitors of carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2): potential use in antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy

The design and synthesis of potent thiocarbamate inhibitors for carboxypeptidase G2 are described. The best thiocarbamate inhibitor N-(p-methoxybenzenethiocarbonyl)amino-L-glutamic acid 6d, chosen for preliminary investigations of in vitro antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT), abrogated the cytotoxicity of a combination of A5B7-carboxypeptidase G2 conjugate and prodrug PGP (N-p-{N,N-bis (2-chloroethyl)amino}phenoxycarbonyl-L-glutamate) toward LS174T cells. This is the first report of a small-molecule enzyme inhibitor proposed for use in conjunction with the ADEPT approach.

Blood pressure and its correlates in the population of Multan, Pakistan

In a randomly selected sample of 1579 individuals (male = 1334 and female = 245), aging from 14 to 65 years and representing all the socioeconomic groups of Multan, age (Yr), height (cm), weight (kg), BMI (kg/ml) and blood pressure (mmHg) were recorded. Height was measured on a Holtain portable stadiometer, weight on beam scale and blood pressure was recorded with sphygmomanometer as per auscultatory method. The correlation coefficient between different independent (age, height, weight and BMI) and dependent (SBP, DBP and MAP) parameters in male, female and total population were calculated and strong association between different parameters was observed (p < 0.001 or p < 0.05). The regression equations (simple and multiple) were worked out. The regression coefficient of different independent parameters with dependent parameters are higher in female except for height and age-weight and age-BMI had higher contribution in female as compared with that of male.

Blood pressure distribution in a school age population of Quetta, Pakistan

Standardized measurements of blood pressure, height and weight were obtained in 8-11 years old children, attending school in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan. The sample consisted of 427 individuals (219 boys and 208 girls). The blood pressure was measured by auscultatory method. To calculate the body mass index (BMI), the weight (kg) of each subject was divided by the square of the subject's height. Association between various variables and blood pressure was judged through correlation coefficient. The net and joint effect of selected variables on blood pressure variability was calculated using simple/multiple regression. The correlation coefficients with that of systolic blood pressure were 0.365, 0.427 and 0.341 whereas these were 0.397, 0.430 and 0.320 for diastolic blood pressure. Height had a regression coefficient of 0.475 mmHg/cm with systolic pressure and 0.419 mmHg/cm with diastolic blood pressure. Weight had a regression coefficient of 0.878 mmHg/kg and 0.717 mmHg/kg with systolic and diastolic pressure respectively whereas BMI had a regression coefficient of 2.35 mmHg/BMI unit with systolic pressure and 1.79 mmHg/BMI unit with diastolic blood pressure.

Kinetics of Bacillus cereus phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C with thiophosphate and fluorescent analogs of phosphatidylinositol

Thiophosphate analogs (C-S-P bond) of phosphatidylinositol (Cn-thio-PI: racemic hexadecyl-, dodecyl-, and octylthiophosphoryl-1-myo-inositol) and a fluorescent analog (pyrene-PI: rac-4-(1-pyreno)-butylphosphoryl-1-myo-inositol) were all substrates for phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C from Bacillus cereus. Hydrolysis of thio-PI was followed by coupling the production of alkylthiol to a disulfide interchange reaction with dithiobispyridine. Hydrolysis of pyrene-PI was followed using a HPLC-based assay with fluorescence detection. The activity of PI-PLC with thio-PI analogs showed an interfacial effect. C16-Thio-PI, which had a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 7 microM, gave a hyperbolic activity versus concentration curve between 0 and 2 mM, while C8-thio-PI, which had a CMC above 10 mM, showed very low activity which increased greatly upon introduction of an interface in mixed micelles with hexadecylphosphocholine (HDPC). Pyrene-PI, which aggregates above 0.3 mM, gave a sigmoidal activity curve with much higher activity above the CMC. All three thio-PI homologs as mixed micelles with HDPC gave hyperbolic activity curves with PI-PLC that were a function of bulk concentration of substrate at constant surface concentration and surface concentration of substrate at constant bulk concentration. The maximal activity of PI-PLC with pure C16-thio-PI micelles was 6.25 mumol min-1 mg-1, while that with pyrene-PI was estimated to be 68 mumol min-1 mg-1. With pure C16-thio-PI micelles, 0.022 mM substrate gave half Vmax, similar to that in mixed micelles with HDPC.

Arthroscopic resection of chondroblastoma of the knee

We present a case of chondroblastoma of the upper tibia treated by complete arthroscopic excision. The diagnostic difficulties raised by the case are discussed. This method of treatment has not, to our knowledge, been reported in the literature.