Characterization of a Coliphage AS1 isolated from sewage effluent in Pakistan / Caracterização de um colifago AS1 isolado de efluente de esgoto no Paquistão

The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, which are posing a global health threat has developed the interest of scientists to use bacteriophages instead of conventional antibiotics therapy. In light of an increased interest in the use of phage as a bacterial control agent, the study aimed to isolate and characterize lytic phages from sewage effluent. During the current study, bacteriophage AS1 was isolated from sewage effluent against E.coli S2. The lytic activity of phageAS1 was limited to E.coli S2 strain showing monovalent behavior. The calculated phage titer was 3.5×109 pfu/ml. PhageAS1 was stable at a wide range of pH and temperature. The maximum stability was recorded at 37ºC and pH 7.0, while showing its normal lytic activity at temperature 60ºC and from pH 5.0 to 11.0 respectively. At temperature 70ºC, phage activity was somewhat reduced whereas, further increase in temperature and decrease or increase in pH completely inactivated the phage. From the current study, it was concluded that waste water is a best source for finding bacteriophages against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains and can be used as bacterial control agent.

O surgimento de cepas bacterianas multirresistentes (MDR), que representam uma ameaça global à saúde, desenvolveu o interesse dos cientistas em usar bacteriófagos em vez da terapia convencional com antibióticos. Diante do crescente interesse no uso de fago como agente de controle bacteriano, o estudo visou isolar e caracterizar fagos líticos de efluente de esgoto. Durante o estudo atual, o bacteriófago AS1 foi isolado de efluente de esgoto contra E. coli S2. A atividade lítica de phageAS1 foi limitada à cepa E. coli S2, apresentando comportamento monovalente. O título de fago calculado foi de 3,5 x 109 ufp/ml. PhageAS1 foi estável em uma ampla faixa de pH e temperatura. A estabilidade máxima foi registrada a 37ºC e pH 7,0, enquanto mostrou atividade lítica normal em temperatura de 60ºC e pH 5,0 a 11,0, respectivamente. Na temperatura de 70ºC, a atividade do fago foi um pouco reduzida, enquanto o aumento adicional da temperatura e a diminuição ou aumento do pH inativaram completamente o fago. Com base no estudo atual, concluiu-se que a água residual é a melhor fonte para encontrar bacteriófagos contra cepas bacterianas multirresistentes e pode ser usada como agente de controle bacteriano.

Characterization of a Coliphage AS1 isolated from sewage effluent in Pakistan

Abstract The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, which are posing a global health threat has developed the interest of scientists to use bacteriophages instead of conventional antibiotics therapy. In light of an increased interest in the use of phage as a bacterial control agent, the study aimed to isolate and characterize lytic phages from sewage effluent. During the current study, bacteriophage AS1 was isolated from sewage effluent against E.coli S2. The lytic activity of phageAS1 was limited to E.coli S2 strain showing monovalent behavior. The calculated phage titer was 3.5×109 pfu/ml. PhageAS1 was stable at a wide range of pH and temperature. The maximum stability was recorded at 37ºC and pH 7.0, while showing its normal lytic activity at temperature 60ºC and from pH 5.0 to11.0 respectively. At temperature 70ºC, phage activity was somewhat reduced whereas, further increase in temperature and decrease or increase in pH completely inactivated the phage. From the current study, it was concluded that waste water is a best source for finding bacteriophages against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains and can be used as bacterial control agent.

Resumo O surgimento de cepas bacterianas multirresistentes (MDR), que representam uma ameaça global à saúde, desenvolveu o interesse dos cientistas em usar bacteriófagos em vez da terapia convencional com antibióticos. Diante do crescente interesse no uso de fago como agente de controle bacteriano, o estudo visou isolar e caracterizar fagos líticos de efluente de esgoto. Durante o estudo atual, o bacteriófago AS1 foi isolado de efluente de esgoto contra E. coli S2. A atividade lítica de phageAS1 foi limitada à cepa E. coli S2, apresentando comportamento monovalente. O título de fago calculado foi de 3,5 x 109 ufp/ml. PhageAS1 foi estável em uma ampla faixa de pH e temperatura. A estabilidade máxima foi registrada a 37ºC e pH 7,0, enquanto mostrou atividade lítica normal em temperatura de 60ºC e pH 5,0 a 11,0, respectivamente. Na temperatura de 70ºC, a atividade do fago foi um pouco reduzida, enquanto o aumento adicional da temperatura e a diminuição ou aumento do pH inativaram completamente o fago. Com base no estudo atual, concluiu-se que a água residual é a melhor fonte para encontrar bacteriófagos contra cepas bacterianas multirresistentes e pode ser usada como agente de controle bacteriano.

Characterization of a Coliphage AS1 isolated from sewage effluent in Pakistan / Caracterização de um colifago AS1 isolado de efluente de esgoto no Paquistão

The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, which are posing a global health threat has developed the interest of scientists to use bacteriophages instead of conventional antibiotics therapy. In light of an increased interest in the use of phage as a bacterial control agent, the study aimed to isolate and characterize lytic phages from sewage effluent. During the current study, bacteriophage AS1 was isolated from sewage effluent against E.coli S2. The lytic activity of phageAS1 was limited to E.coli S2 strain showing monovalent behavior. The calculated phage titer was 3.5×109 pfu/ml. PhageAS1 was stable at a wide range of pH and temperature. The maximum stability was recorded at 37ºC and pH 7.0, while showing its normal lytic activity at temperature 60ºC and from pH 5.0 to11.0 respectively. At temperature 70ºC, phage activity was somewhat reduced whereas, further increase in temperature and decrease or increase in pH completely inactivated the phage. From the current study, it was concluded that waste water is a best source for finding bacteriophages against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains and can be used as bacterial control agent.

O surgimento de cepas bacterianas multirresistentes (MDR), que representam uma ameaça global à saúde, desenvolveu o interesse dos cientistas em usar bacteriófagos em vez da terapia convencional com antibióticos. Diante do crescente interesse no uso de fago como agente de controle bacteriano, o estudo visou isolar e caracterizar fagos líticos de efluente de esgoto. Durante o estudo atual, o bacteriófago AS1 foi isolado de efluente de esgoto contra E. coli S2. A atividade lítica de phageAS1 foi limitada à cepa E. coli S2, apresentando comportamento monovalente. O título de fago calculado foi de 3,5 x 109 ufp/ml. PhageAS1 foi estável em uma ampla faixa de pH e temperatura. A estabilidade máxima foi registrada a 37ºC e pH 7,0, enquanto mostrou atividade lítica normal em temperatura de 60ºC e pH 5,0 a 11,0, respectivamente. Na temperatura de 70ºC, a atividade do fago foi um pouco reduzida, enquanto o aumento adicional da temperatura e a diminuição ou aumento do pH inativaram completamente o fago. Com base no estudo atual, concluiu-se que a água residual é a melhor fonte para encontrar bacteriófagos contra cepas bacterianas multirresistentes e pode ser usada como agente de controle bacteriano.

Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis among the PID Patients in Bangladesh.

A cross sectional study was conducted on patients attending at the outpatient department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka during the period of July, 2007 to December, 2007. Two hundred sexually active female in the age group of 15-45 years, with vaginal discharge and itching, were selected for the study. Among them 143 having only vaginal discharge and itching without PID (Pelvic inflammatory disease) and 57 patients having vaginal discharge and itching with PID. A detailed history and a thorough clinical examination of all the cases were done. After making the clinical diagnosis of BV (Bacterial vaginosis) by Amsels criteria, diagnosis also carried out with Acridine orange staining, Gram stain Nugent criteria. Out of 200 women, 48 (24%) cases were diagnosed as having bacterial vaginosis by applying Amsel's clinical criteria. The rate of detection of bacterial vaginosis was 23% by Gram stain Nugent criteria and 24.5% by acridine orange staining. In this study BV was diagnosed in 31(54.39) cases among the PID patients and 17(11.89) among the women having only vaginal discharge and itching. This study shows the increased association of BV in PID patients of Bangladesh.

Coil Occlusion of Coronary Cameral Fistula: A Case Report.

Congenital coronary artery fistula is a rare anomaly that can cause several types of morbidity and mortality. Interventional occlusion of coronary artery fistula has become a well-accepted alternative to surgical therapy. A coronary cameral fistula originating from right coronary artery (RCA) and draining to right atrium (RA) was occluded with a detachable coil in a two years old girl in catheterization laboratory of Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Dhaka. This is the first ever case of coil occlusion of coronary cameral fistula in Bangladesh, which led to the writing of this report.

FVC, FEV, and FEV, FVC% in Type 2 Diabetes and Their Relationships with Duration of the Disease.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic debilitating disease affecting various organs including lungs. The magnitude of the complications of this disease is related to its duration. Objective: To observe FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% in type 2 diabetic patients and their relationship with duration of the disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, Dhaka, from July 2007 to June 2008 on 60 type 2 diabetic male patients of age 40-60 years (Group B). For comparison, 30 age and BMI matched apparently healthy non diabetic subjects (Group A) were also studied. Patients were selected from the out patient department of Bangladesh Institute of research on diabetes, endocrine and metabolic diseases. Based on duration of diabetes, diabetic patients were divided into B1 (5-10 years) and B2 (10-20 years). FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% of all the subjects were measured by a digital microspirometer . Data were analyzed by One way ANOVA test, Unpaired Student’s ‘t’ test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test as applicable. Results: Mean of the percentage of the predicted values of FVC and FEV1, were significantly (p<0.001) lower in both those of Gr. B1and B2 than that in A and were also significantly (p<0.001) lower in Gr. B2 when compared with Gr. B1. Again, FEV1/FVC% was significantly (p<0.01)higher in Gr. B2 than those in Gr. B1 and A whereas this value was lower in Gr. B1than those of group A but it was not statistically significant. However, FVC and FEV1 showed negative and FEV1/FVC% showed positive correlations with duration of diabetes. All these correlations were statistically non significant. Conclusion: From the result of this study it can be concluded that the ventilatory function of lung may be reduced in type 2 diabetes which may be related to the duration of the disease.

Serum Zinc and Copper in Iron Deficient Adolescents.

Background: Adolescents are vulnerable to iron deficiency. Deficiency of iron may be associated with deficiency of zinc and high copper level. Objectives: To observe serum zinc and copper status in iron deficient anemic adolescents. Methods: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, between January and December 2007. For this, total 60 adolescents of both sexes aged 11-18 years were selected. Of them,on the basis of hemoglobin and serum Ferrtin level 15 iron deficient male adolescents (Hb<13g/dl, SF<30ìg/L) and 15 iron deficient female adolescents (Hb<11.5g/dl, SF<22ìg/L)were included into study group as group B1and B2 respectively. Age and sex matched apparently healthy 15 male and 15 female subjects without iron deficiency were taken as control(group A1, A2). Serum zinc and copper status were assessed by measuring serum zinc and copper levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometric method and | serum ferritin and serum iron levels by micro particle enzyme immunoassay method. Data were analyzed by un paired student t test. Results: In both male and female iron deficient adolescents, mean serum zinc level was significantly (p<0.01) lower and serum copper level was significantly higher(p<0.01) than those of their respective healthy control. No statistically significant differences of these values were observed between A1 vs A2 and B1 vs B2. In this study, hypozincemia and hypercupremia were observed in both male and female iron deficient adolescents Conclusion: Therefore, from this study concludes that deficiency of iron may be associated with hypozincemia and hypercupremia in anemic adolescents and the supplementation of zinc along with iron is suggested for the correction of iron deficiency anemia especially in adolescents when their metabolic demand is high.

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Status in Neonatal Jaundice and Its Relationship with Severity of Hyperbilirubinemia.

Background: G6PD deficiency is one of the common inherited enzymatic disorder associated with high incidence of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Objectives: To observe G6PD status in male, term neonates with jaundice and its correlation with serum level of bilirubin. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 90 male, term neonates with jaundice, age ranged from 3 to 12 days (Group B) in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) between July 2007 to June 2008. On the basis of total serum bilirubin (TSB) level, study group was further divided into B1(TSB <15mg/dl), B2(TSB 15-20mg/dl) and B3 (TSB>20mg/dl). For comparison age and sex matched 30 apparently healthy neonates (Group A) were also included in the study. Erythrocyte G6PD level was measured by Spectrophotometric method by using kit of Randox. Serum bilirubin level was measured by standard laboratory technique. For statistical analysis ANOVA, independent sample “t” test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test were performed as applicable by using SPSS windows version-12. Results: In this study, erythrocyte G6PD levels were significantly lower in moderate (p<0.01) and severe (p<0.001) hyperbilirubinemic group in comparison to that of control group . However, this enzyme level was lower in mild group compared to that of control but the difference was statistically non significant. Again, this enzyme levels were significantly lower in moderate (p<0.05) and severe (p<0.01) group than that of mild group and also between severe and moderate hyperbilirubinemic group (p<0.05). In this study, G6PD enzyme deficient were found in 1(3.33%) and 6(20%) subjects of group B2 and B3 respectively. Though, percentage of the subjects with enzyme deficiency were higher in severe group ( B3 ) compared to that of moderate group( B2 ) but the difference was statistically not significant. However, no enzyme deficient patient were found in control group (A) and mild hyperbilirubinemic group (B1). Serum bilirubin level showed significant (p<0.05) positive (r=+.429) correlation with erythrocyte G6PD level in control group (A). On the other hand, this level was negatively correlated with G6PD enzyme in groups B1 (r= -.127), B2 (r=-.120) and B3( r= -.671) but significant negative correlation in group B3 (p<0.01). Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that severity of hyperbilirubinemia depends on degree of G6PD deficiency. Therefore, early detection of this enzymopathy and close surveillance of the affected neonates may be important in reducing the complications of severe hyperbilirubinemia.

Heart Rate Variability in Hyperthyroidism.

Background: Hyperthyroidism is associated with altered cardiac autonomic nervous activity (CANA). Heart Rate Variability (HRV) analysis is a promising technique to quantify CANA and therefore can be done in hyperthyroidism. Objective: To observe the HRV parameters in patients with hyperthyroidism to find out the influence of excess thyroid hormone on cardiac autonomic nervous activities. Method: The cross sectional study was carried out on 60 hyperthyroid patients (groupB)aged 30-50 years in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, Dhaka from 1st July 2007 to 30th June 2008. Age and sex matched 20 apparently healthy euthyroids were also studied for comparison (group A). On the basis of treatment, they were further divided into group B1 consisting of 30 untreated newly diagnosed patients and group B2 consisting of 30 hyperthyroid patients treated with antithyroid drugs for at least 2 months. The patients were selected from the Out Patient Department of Endocrinology, BSMMU, Dhaka. To assess thyroid status, serum TSH and serum FT4 levels were measured by AxSym system and time domain measures of HRV such as mean R-R interval, mean heart rate, SDNN and RMSSD were assessed from 5minute(short term) ECG recording by a polygraph. For statistical analysis Mann-Whitney U test was done. Results: Mean R-R interval was significantly (P<0.001) lower but mean heart rate was significantly (P<0.001) higher in untreated patients than those of treated and euthyroids subjects. These values were found almost similar when compared between euthyroids and treated hyperthyroids. Similarly SDNN and RMSSD were significantly lower in untreated hyperthyroids than both euthyroids (P<0.001) and treated hyperthyroids (P<0.01). Conclusion: This study concluded that decreased vagal modulation on heart rate may occur in hyperthyroidism, which may be restored following adequate treatment of the disease.

Power Spectral Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in Adolescent Male Athletes.

Background: Cardiac autonomic nervous activities (CANA) deteriorate with age, obesity, sedentary life style and in various cardiac and noncardiac disease conditions. Regular physical exercise may improve CANA in health and diseases. Power spectral analysis (PSA) of Heart rate variability (HRV) is one of the most promising newer techniques to quantify CANA. Objective: To analyze HRV by Power Spectral method in order to find out the influence of regular physical exercise on CANA in male adolescent athletes. Method: This cross sectional study was carried out on 62 adolescent male athletes aged 12-18 years (group B), in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from 1st July 2007 to 30th June 2008. For comparison, 30 age, sex, BMI and socioeconomic condition matched apparently healthy sedentary subjects (group A) were also studied. The study subjects were selected from the BKSP (Bangladesh Krira Shikka Prothistan, Savar, Dhaka) and the control from a residential school of Dhaka city.Power spectral measures of HRV including Total Power (TP), Very Low Frequency Power (VLF) Low Frequency(LF), High Frequency (HF) LF/HF were measured by a Polygraph . For statistical analysis, Idependent-Sample t-test was used. Results: Total power, HFnu power and the VLF,LF,HF were significantly (P<0.001) higher and LFnu power and the LF/HF ratio were significantly (P<0.001) lower in athletes than those of nonathletes which indicate higher cardiac parasympathetic and lower sympathetic activity in athletes. Conclusion: Cardiac Autonomic regulation with increased parasympathetic and decreased sympathetic modulation may occur with in athletes engaged with regular physical exercise.

Parasympathetic Nerve Function Status in Postmenopausal Women.

Background: In postmenopausal women, the risk of cardiovascular diseases gradually increases and alterations in autonomic nerve functions commonly affect cardiac vagal control. Objective: To observe some aspects of parasympathetic nerve function status in apparently healthy post menopausal women. Method: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. In this study, 30 postmenopausal women with age 45 to 60 years were included in group B (study group) and 30 premenopausal women aged 20 to 30 years were taken in group A (control group). They were further divided into group A1(menstrual),A2(follicular), A3(luteal) according to phases of menstrual cycle during which they were studied. Serum estrogen and progesterone levels were measured in postmenopausal women and also during follicular and luteal phases in premenopausal women and were estimated by MEIA technique. To assess parasympathetic nerve function status, three noninvasive cardiovascular reflex tests such as heart rate response to valsalva maneuver, heart rate response to deep breathing and heart rate response to standing were performed in all the subjects. Data were collected by recording ECG in resting conditions. For statistical analysis, unpaired t test and multiple regression analysis was used. Results: In postmenopausal women, serum estrogen and progesterone levels were significantly (p<0.001) lower compared to those of follicular and luteal phases of premenopausal women except progesterone level during follicular phase which was though lower but not statistically significant. Heart rate response to valsalva maneuver were almost similar in all the groups.Heart rate response to deep breathing and heart rate response to standing were significantly lower in group B than those of group A1, A2 and A3 respectively. On regression analysis parasympathetic nerve function in post postmenopausal women showed significant association with estrogen level. Conclusion: From this study it may be concluded that parasympathetic nerve function was lower in postmenopausal women, which may be related to decreased level of estrogen.

FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC%, In Postmenopausal Women and Their Relationship with Serum Progesterone and Estrogen Level.

Background: Exacerbation of asthma associated with worsening of lung function has been reported in women after menopause. The relationship between lung function and female sex hormones has been documented in postmenopausal women. Objective: To observe FVC, FEV1 , FEV1/FVC%, serum estrogen and progesterone levels in apparently healthy postmenopausal women to find out their interrelationships. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, from 1st January 17to 31st December 2007 in BSMMU, Dhaka. 30 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60 years and 30 premenopausal women aged 20 to 30 years during different phases of menstrual cycle were studied. FVC, FEV1and FEV1/FVC%, were measured by RMS computer based Spirometer. Estrogen and progesterone levels were estimated by Micro particle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) method. Data were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient test, one way ANOVA and unpaired‘t’ test. Results: The mean percentage of predicted values of FVC and FEV1 were significantly (p<.001) lower in postmenopausal women compared to those of follicular and luteal phases of premenopausal women. Mean serum estrogen and progesterone levels were significantly lower in postmenopausal women compared to any phases of menstrual cycle of premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, FVC, FEV1 showed positive correlation with progesterone but negative with estrogen level.FEV1/ FVC% Showed negative correlation with both serum estrogen and progesterone level. All these correlations were statistically non significant. In premenopausal women FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% showed positive correlation and FVC showed negative correlation with serum estrogen level in follicular phase and FVC, FEV1 showed positive and FEV1/FVC% showed negative correlation with serum estrogen level in luteal phase. Again FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% showed positive correlation with serum progesterone level in follicular and luteal phases of menustrual cycle. Conclusion: The out come of this study shows FVC, FEV1 may be reduced in postmenopausal women which in turn may be associated with low progesterone and estrogen levels.

Allergen Skin Test Reactivity and Serum Total IgE Level in Adult Bronchial Asthmatic Patients.

Background : Asthma affects more than 100 million people worldwide. Increased morbidity is multifactorial and may include increased exposure to indoor allergens and environmental pollutants, overuse of beta-2 agonist, underuse of anti-inflammatory mediators and limited education about health care. Allergy represents a specific alteration in biologic reactivity mediated by an immunologic mechanism and resulting in an adverse physiologic response. Objective : Some of the type of allergen’s sensitivity by skin prick test and serum total IgE level were studied in adult asthmatic patients to observe their relationships. Methods : This study was carried out in the department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheik Mujib Medical University, Dhaka and Asthma center,Mohakhali, Dhaka from January 2005 to December 2005. Allergen skin prick tests (SPT) were done by Pepy’s skin prick method and serum total IgE level by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay method on 30 asthmatic patients and 30 age and sex matched control subjects .Data were analyzed statistically by unpaired student’s ‘t’ test and Chi- squares test. Results: In this study, maximum numbers of asthmatic patients had positive SPT for dust mite which was followed by house dust and by cockroach. Frequency percentage for dust mite was significantly higher(P<0.05) than that of house dust and cockroach .It was also significantly higher in house dust than that of cockroach (P< 0.001). The mean serum total IgE level was significantly higher (P<0.001) in asthmatic adults compared to that of healthy subjects. . On the other hand, the association between the positive skin prick tests of all allergens used in this study and elevated serum total IgE were not statistically significant (P >0.05). Conclusion : Therefore , it can be concluded that different allergens like, house dust, dust mite and cockroach are responsible for bronchial asthma in our country which can be detected by SPT. Thus it can be used for identification of type of actual allergens responsible for bronchial asthma which may be a useful measure for earlier detection of allergens and for hyposensitization or desensitization of that patients accordingly with those allergens.

Relationship of anti-fertility effects of Andrographis paniculata and hormonal assay in female rats.

Aims: This study was aimed to find out anti-fertility effects of Andrographis paniculata (AP) plant. Study design & Methodology: A prospective case control animal study with 85 female and 30 male rats (Total 115 rats) was done in the Department of Pharmacology of Dhaka Medical College and Bangladesh Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2002 to December 2003. The total 85 female rats were grouped into case study or exposure group (N=60 female rats) exposed to water extract of AP & control or non exposure group (N=25 female rats, 30 male rats also considered as control group) Exposure group (water extract) of female were again subdivided in 3 groups according to duration of (A.P) exposure (N=20 in each group) e.g. 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks. Mating schedules were done after the completion of scheduled duration of exposure with A.P (Dose was 1 gm/kg). Results: In group I percentage of infertility was 33.33% in 4 weeks exposure, 50% in 6 weeks exposure & 100% in 8 weeks exposure respectively. In control group (Group II) percentage of infertility was 0%. In case study group of female rats the value of FSH was 1.20 1U/L (4 weeks), 1.12 1U/L (6 weeks), 1.00 1U/L (8 weeks), LH 0.78 1U/L (4 weeks), 0.70 1U/L (6 weeks), 0.64 1U/L (8 weeks), Estrogen 45.30 pg/ml (4 weeks), 44.80 pg/ml (6 weeks), 44.20 pg/ml (8 weeks) and Progesterone 4.84 nmol/L (4 weeks), 4.72 nmol/L (6 weeks) and 3.80 nmol/L (8 weeks). In non exposure group the value of FSH was 1.23 1U/L, LH 0.80 1U/L, Estrogen 47.05 pg/L and Progesterone 5.50 nmol/L. In exposure group all the values were lesser than the normal hormonal value. Conclusion: This study suggests that due to lower level of hormone, female rats have promising percentage of infertility with AP. Further study is needed with rat as well as clinical trial with human being.

Serum Immunoglobulin-G Level In Children With Respiratory Tract Infection.

Introduction- Acute respiratory tract infection is one of the important cause of death in children under 5 years of age in developing countries. Perhaps they have a reduced immunologic capacity. Objectives- To observe the serum IgG level in the children suffering from respiratory tract infection in order to evaluate the immunity status in this group of population. Study design- This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbagh, Dhaka from January to December 2001.Total 60 children age ranged from 3- 5 years of both sexes were included in this study. Of them 30 apparently healthy children were considered as control and 30 children suffering from respiratory tract infection were considered as study group and further subdivided into 2 subgroups on the basis of presence of type of RTI. Group B1 consisted of 15 children with acute attack and B2 with recurrent attack. Method: Serum imunoglobulin G level of all the children were measured by Radial Immuno diffusion Method. Datawere analyzed by unpaired t test. Result- The mean (±SE) of serum IgG levels were 10.17±0.37, 10.05± 0.40 and 10.01± 0.52 g/l in control group and two study subgroups respectively. The data were almost similar in all the groups and no statistically significant(p>0.05) differences were observed. Conclusion - This study reveals that there was no involvement of the IgG status with acute and recurrent respiratory tract infections in the children.

Parasympathetic Nerve Functions in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Relation to Glycemic Status and Duration of Diabetes.

Background: Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is associated with higher mortality and is a common health problem observed in diabetic patients. Early detection of autonomic dysfunction in diabetic patient is important for prevention of this complication. Objectives: The study has been designed to observe the parasympathetic nerve function status in type 2 diabetic subjects in order to assess the relationship between glycemic status and duration of diabetes and the parasympathetic nerve function. Study Design: This cross section study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabhandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Forty seven type 2 diabetic subjects were included in two groups. Group B consisted of 25 recently diagnosed diabetic subjects aged 40-68 years and group C consisted of 22 subjects having duration of diabetes for 10 – 20 years. Twenty five (25) age and BMI matched healthy subjects were included in group A (non diabetic) for control. Methods: Parasympathetic nerve functions were assessed by three simple non invasive cardiovascular reflex tests. These were Valsalva maneuver, Heart rate variation (HRV) to deep breathing, HRV to standing up. Glycemic status was assessed by serum glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Data were analyzed by ‘t’ test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Valsalva ratio was significantly lower in group C than that of group A but no significant difference was observed between group B & A and also between B and C. HRV in deep breathing and 30th:15th ratios were significantly lower in both the diabetic groups B and C than those of group A but these values were semilar in group B and C. Values of correlation of fasting plasma glucose with valsalva ratio, HRV in deep breathing and 30th:15th ratios in standing test in all three groups were not statistically significant. But correlation of duration of diabeties with valsalva ratio was stastically significant but with RHV in deep breathing and 30th:15th ratios were not significant. Conclusion: From this study it may be concluded that there was progressive deterioration of parasympathetic function with increase in duration of diabetes in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Effect of Ocimum Sanctum Linn (Tulsi) on body weight and some biochemical parameters in restraint stressed albino rats.

Background: With the increased trend of urbanization of our society, the incidence of various stress related diseases are increasing day by day. People under chronic stress often tends to seek relief through drugs, which may have side effects. But some natural supplements called adaptogen, can be more beneficial in reducing symptoms of stress. Objective: The present animal model experimental study was designed to observe the effects of restraint stress on body weight, serum ALT, AST, Glucose, Cholesterol and their modifications by Ocimum sanctum Linn (tulsi) pretreatment which is an Ayurvedic adaptogen and has a long history of therapeutic use. Study design: For this purpose, 30 albino rats aged 90 to 120 days were included in this study. Twenty rats of experimental group were further subdivided into two groups. One group consisted of 10 rats exposed to one hour restraint stress daily for 7 days and 10 rats of the second group were pretreated with tulsi for 7 days before exposure to stress in the same way. 10 non stressed , non pretreated rats were taken into control group.This study was undertaken in the laboratory of the Department of Physiology,BSMMU during the period from July 2003 to June 2004. Methods: The body weight of all control rats were recorded daily in the morning. Body weight of the experimental rats were recorded just before exposure to stress. After completing the experiment , the animals were sacrificed and blood was collected . Serum glucose, cholesterol and ALT,ASTwere determined by standard laboratory technique. Data were compared among the groups and the results were statistically analyzed using unpaired student t’ test. Results : The body weight in untreated stressed group was significantly lower (p<0.001) than those of the control group and tulsi pretreated group. Serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, aminotrasferases (ALT and AST) were significantly higher (p<0.001) in stressed group than those of control . Again in Tulsi treated group all these biochemical parameters were significantly lower (p<0.001) than those of stressed group. This restraint stress-induced changes in body weight and biochemical parameters may be due to hypophagia, altered secretion of various metabolic hormones and neurotransmitters, changes in membrane permeability & hypovolaemia resulting from stress induced secretion of corticosterone and epinephrine through hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis activation. Conclusion: Prevention of stress induced changes in biochemical parameter by tulsi pre treatment indicates its anti stressor effect.

Evaluation of Parasympathetic Nerve Function Status in Healthy Elderly Subjects.

Background: Autonomic control on cardiovascular activity is modified with age. Impaired autonomic nerve functions are common features of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases particularly in old age. Objective: To observe the influence of aging process on parasympathetic nerve function. Study design: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, Dhaka during the period of July 2005 to June 2006. For this purpose, 60 apparently healthy elderly subjects of both sexes were selected as study group and divided into two groups-one group consisted of 30 elderly subjects with age ranged from 51-60 years and another group consisted of 30 elderly subjects with age ranged from 61-70 years. Thirty sex and BMI matched healthy adults with age ranged from 21-30 years were studied as control. Methods: Parasympathetic nerve function status of all the subjects were assessed by three simple non-invasive cardiovascular reflex tests. These were heart rate response to valsalva maneuver, heart rate response to deep breathing and heart rate response to standing (30th:15th ). For statistical analysis one way ANOVA (Post Hoc Test) and the Pearson’s correlation co-efficient tests were done. Results: Mean (± SD) of valsalva ratio were 1.50±0.23, 1.32±0.14 and 1.28±0.15; HR response to deep breathing test were 25.36±3.90, 18.82±3.35 and 15.96±3.54 beats/min; 30th:15th ratio in standing test were 1.100.06, 1.05±0.03 and 1.04±0.02 in 21- 30, 51-60 and 61-70 years age groups respectively. All the 3 parameters were significantly lower in both elderly groups compared to that of control adults (p<0.001) Again, HR response to deep breathing was significantly lower in 61-70 years age group compared to that of 51-60 years age group. Valsalva ratio and 30th:15th ratio were also lower in 61-70 years age group than that of 51-60 years group but the differences were not statistically significant. All the 3 parameters were negatively correlated with age which were statistically significant. Conclusion: From this study it may concluded that aging process substantially impaired cardiovascular parasympathetic nerve functions.