Prevalence of primary angle-closure disease in retinitis pigmentosa

To determine the prevalence of primary angle?closure disease (PACD) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods: This was a retrospective review of the electronic medical records of all RP patients over the age of 10 years attending the Genetics Eye Clinic of a tertiary?care hospital during a 7?year period. Information regarding age, gender, vision, refraction, lens, intraocular pressure (IOP), type of RP, and inheritance pattern using pedigree charts for all patients were obtained. Patients with a shallow anterior chamber, high IOP, or glaucomatous optic discs were referred to the glaucoma department where they underwent additional IOP measurements, a gonioscopy, and disc evaluation by a glaucoma specialist. The prevalence of PACD was determined. Results: A total of 618 RP patients were examined during the study period, of which 95.1% had typical RP. The prevalence of primary angle?closure suspects was 2.9%, primary angle closure was 0.65%, and primary angle?closure glaucoma (PACG) was 2.27%. In contrast, the prevalence of primary open?angle glaucoma was 1.29%. The prevalence of PACG in those older than 40 years was 3.8% (95% confidence interval: 1.6–6.0). Conclusion: The prevalence of PACG in RP patients over 40 years was higher than that found in the general population of a similar age (3.8% vs. 0.8%). In our cohort of RP patients, 5.9% had PACD. Hence, gonioscopy is warranted in all RP patients to identify this condition and treat it appropriately.

A comparative study on thyroid surgeries without drain versus with drain in tertiary care centre

Background: Thyroid surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgery for benign and malignant conditions of the thyroid gland worldwide. The thyroid gland is closely related to many vital structures and hence poses a unique challenge to the surgeon. Kocher and Billroth developed the approach to the thyroid gland, both revolutionized the understanding of treatment of thyroid disease. Drainage in thyroid Surgeries has been a routine but empirical practice with no scientific evidence to support its benefit. Materials and methods: The patients admitted in Govt. Stanley Medical College Hospital, Chennai at Department of General Surgery who were having thyroid swelling were included. Results: The mean duration of hospital stay in Group A patient was 2.30+1.20 days whereas it was 5.34+2.37 days in Group B patients, it has a statistical significance in the Cost effectiveness for the Group A patients and also regarding the patient satisfaction in early discharge with significant P value of < 0.001.The wound healing time in the Group A patient was 7+ 0.81 days which was considerably less compared to the Group B patients which was 10.08+0.97 which had a statistical significance with the P value of <0.001. Conclusion: In short the drains are not required in most cases of thyroidectomy. Drains cause discomfort, increase septic complications and prolong hospital stay. These may be useful in patients with Thyroid Swellings.

Safety and effectiveness of a biosimilar biphasic insulin in the management of diabetes mellitus during routine clinical practice in Asian patients

@#Introduction: Biosimilar insulins have the potential to increase access to treatment among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), reduce treatment costs, and expand market competition. There are no published studies evaluating the performance of biosimilar insulins in routine clinical practice in Asia. This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of biphasic isophane insulin injection in Malaysian DM patients. Materials and Methods: In this open label, single-arm, observational, post marketing study, patients received biphasic isophane insulin injection as per the Prescribing Information; and were assessed for safety (adverse events including hypoglycaemia), effectiveness (glycosylated haemoglobin [HbA1c]; fasting blood sugar, [FBS]; and patient’s condition by patient and physician) over a period of 24 weeks. Results: Adult male and female diabetes patients (N=119; type 2 DM, n=117) with a mean (SD) diabetes duration of 13 years were included. No new safety signals have been identified. Significant reduction in HbA1c was observed at weeks 12 and 24 (mean [SD] - baseline: 9.6% [1.9]; Week 12: 9.0% [1.7] and at Week 24: 9.1% [1.7]; p < 0.001). There were 10 serious and 9 non-serious adverse events reported in the study. Expected mild events included hypoglycaemia and injection site pruritus. However, the majority of the adverse events were non-study drug related events. No deaths were reported during the study. Discussion: Biphasic isophane insulin injection was well tolerated with no new safety concerns. It was found effective in post- marketing studies conducted in routine clinical settings when administered in DM patients in this study.

Effect of edaravone in diabetes mellitus-induced nephropathy in rats

Edaravone, a synthetic-free radical scavenger, has been reported to reduce ischemia-reperfusion-induced renal injury by improving tubular cell function, and lowering serum creatinine and renal vascular resistance. The present study investigated the effect of edaravone in diabetes mellitus-induced nephropathy in rats. A single administration of streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg, i.p.) was employed to induce diabetes mellitus in rats. The STZ-administered diabetic rats were allowed for 10 weeks to develop nephropathy. Mean body weight, lipid alteration, renal functional and histopathology were analysed. Diabetic rats developed nephropathy as evidenced by a significant increase in serum creatinine and urea, and marked renal histopathological abnormalities like glomerulosclerosis and tubular cell degeneration. The kidney weight to body weight ratio was increased. Moreover, diabetic rats showed lipid alteration as evidenced by a signifi cant increase in serum triglycerides and decrease in serum high-density lipoproteins. Edaravone (10 mg/kg, i.p., last 4-weeks) treatment markedly prevented the development of nephropathy in diabetic rats by reducing serum creatinine and urea and preventing renal structural abnormalities. In addition, its treatment, without significantly altering the elevated glucose level in diabetic rats, prevented diabetes mellitus-induced lipid alteration by reducing serum triglycerides and increasing serum high-density lipoproteins. Interestingly, the renoprotective effect of edaravone was comparable to that of lisinopril (5 mg/kg, p.o, 4 weeks, standard drug). Edaravone prevented renal structural and functional abnormalities and lipid alteration associated with experimental diabetes mellitus. Edaravone has a potential to prevent nephropathy without showing an anti-diabetic action, implicating its direct renoprotection in diabetic rats.

Study on utilization of health care services at secondary level setting and satisfaction among out patients.

Background: Patient care is the primary function of a hospital. Hospital performance can be best assessed by measuring patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction with the health care services largely determines their compliance with the treatment and thus contributes to the positive influence on health. Patient satisfaction is considered as one of the desired out comes of health care and is directly related with utilization of health. The objective of the study was to assess the level of satisfaction among out patients attending secondary level hospital and to assess the utilization of health care services. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among out patients (aged 18 – 85 years) attending Chidambaram Government Hospital, Tamilnadu, India. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. A total of 152 outpatients were taken for the study purpose. A self designed, pretested, semi structured questionnaire was developed to draw the patient‟s satisfaction to the health care services. Results: 99.3% of the patients were highly satisfied with the cleanliness of the hospital.91.4% of the respondents were satisfied with the doctor‟s behavior. 62.5% of the out patient were neutral with drinking water facility. Overall satisfaction among the patients was a mean of 3.75 out of 5 (75%). Conclusions: Patients are generally satisfied with the hospital facilities. Patients inputs on various deficiencies should always be taken care by the hospital administration to improve its services to the patients satisfaction.

Giant cell tumour with intra-articular extension: a case report.

Giant cell tumour is usually a benign but locally aggressive tumour. Intra-articular extension of giant cell tumour is rare. Treatment options are limited in such cases. I present here a 33 year old male with a history of swelling around his right knee for 6 months. Patient was diagnosed clinically, radiologically and histologically as giant cell tumour. Patient was treated by surgical excision of the tumour and reconstruction with custom mega prosthesis.

Simple and effective HPLC method development and its validation for clindipine in human drug free plasma

Simple and effective high performance liquid chromatographic [HPLC] method was developed for estimation of Clindipine in drug free human drug free blank plasma. The internal standard used as Nifidipine [IS]. The current method was used protein precipitating extraction of Clindipine from blank plasma. Separation was achieved on reversedphase c[18] column [25cm × 4.6mm, 5 micro] and the detection was monitored by UV detector at 260 nm. The optimized mobile phase was used acetonitrile: 5mM potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate [pH 4.5], in the ratio of 60:40% v/v at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. This linearity was achieved in this method range of 10.0-125.0 ng/ml with regression coefficient range is 0.99. The present method is suitable in terms of precise, accurate and specific during the study. The simplicity of the method allows for application in laboratories that lack sophisticated analytical instruments such as LC-MS/MS or GC-MS/MS that are complicated, costly and time consuming rather than a simple HPLC-UV method. The present method was successfully applied for pharmacokinetic studies

Evidences of hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of Citrullus colocynthis fruits in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity

The objective of present study was to explore the hepatoprotective and antioxidant profile of Citrullus colocynthis fruits. Hepatoprotective profile of methanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis fruits [MECCF] was investigated on rats, which were made hepatotoxic using paracetamol. The antioxidant profile of MECCF was evaluated by conducting Catalase, Super oxide Dismutase, Lipid Peroxidation and Diphenyl Picryl Hydrazyl tests. During hepatoprotective investigation, the Paracetamol treated group II showed significant increase in total bilirubin [TB], serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase [SGOT], serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase [SGPT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] level. The results so obtained showed that pretreatment of rats with MECCF 300mg/kg p.o. decreases the elevated TB, SGOT, SGPT and ALP serum levels. Also, MECCF inhibitory profile was found comparable with toxicant group [Paracetamol 2g/kg, p.o.]. The present study concludes that MECCF fruit possess significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity

Patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty: an Asian perspective

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective method for alleviating pain and restoring knee function in patients with severe osteoarthritis. However, despite the improvements in surgical technique and postoperative care, it has been reported that up to 19% of patients are dissatisfied after their operations. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction levels after TKA in an Asian cohort, as well as assess the correlation between patient satisfaction levels and the results of traditional physician-based scoring systems.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The medical data of 103 Asian patients who underwent 110 TKAs between December 2008 and June 2009 were obtained from our hospital's Joint Replacement Registry. The minimum follow-up period was one year and patient expectations were assessed before TKA. Patient satisfaction was assessed postoperatively using a 5-point Likert scale. Reasons for patient dissatisfaction were recorded. Standardised instruments (e.g. the Knee Society Score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC] and the generic Short Form-36 health survey) were used to assess the patient's functional status and the severity of symptoms pre- and postoperatively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 110 TKAs performed, 92.8% resulted in patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction correlated with postoperative WOMAC function scores (p = 0.028), postoperative WOMAC final scores (p = 0.040) and expectations being met (p = 0.033).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Although there was a high level of patient satisfaction following TKA in our cohort of Asian patients, a significant minority was dissatisfied. Patient satisfaction is an important outcome measure and should be assessed in addition to traditional outcome scores.</p>

Solid State Characterization and Effect of PEG 20000 and Lecithin on Particle Size Reduction and Stability of Complexed Glibenclamide Nanocrystals.

Aims: To formulate and characterize GLB-PEG-LEC NCs (lecithin complexed Glibenclamide nanocrystals) and to analyze the effect of PEG 20000 and lecithin on drug properties, particle size reduction and stability of GLB NCs. Study Design: Precipitated (GLB-PEG) and complexed nanocrystals (GLB-PEG-LEC) of glibenclamide were characterized for particle size, size distribution, zeta potential and stability assessment using photon correlation spectroscopy. The crystallinity was analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The chemical stability was assessed by means of infrared spectroscopy and surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy. Place and Duration of Study: Asian Institute of Medicine Science and Technology, Malaysia, between May 2102 and June 2013. Methodology: GLB-PEG NCs were prepared by precipitation technique using PEG 20000 and complexed by soybean lecithin. The effect of lecithin in particle size reduction, change in crystallinity, stability and surface properties of NCs were analyzed and compared with pure glibenclamide (GLB) and precipitated NCs. The formulations were optimized and its stability was assessed during a 3 month period. Results: Pure GLB exhibited an average particle size of 1551 nm. The average particle size of precipitated NCs was between 236 - 7000 nm, while that of complexed NCs was between 155 - 842 nm. The particle size of NC was found to decrease, whereas its zeta potential was found to increase after complexation. DSC studies showed no change in crystalline structure. PXRD studies proved that crystallinity was maintained in NCs. SEM analysis showed presence of spherical shape particles with a lipid coat on the surface after complexation. Stability studies revealed no change in particle size during 3 month period. FTIR studies showed the compatability of excipients with the drug. Conclusion: These results show that lecithin complexed GLB NCs could be utilized as promising carriers in development of various formulations due to its high stability and decreased particle size.

A cross sectional study to assess prescribing pattern of AYUSH practitioners with respect to allopathic drugs and rationality.

Background and Objectives: Majority of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Yoga (AYUSH) practitioners use allopathic drugs. This study was conducted to assess frequency of use of AYUSH and Allopathic drugs, and rationality of allopathic drugs in prescriptions of AYUSH practitioners. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted after collecting prescriptions from patients attending clinics of AYUSH practitioners over a period of 5 weeks. Total 401 prescriptions were collected from patients after written informed consent. National list of Essential Medicines 2003, India and other parameters like drug dose, route of administration, indication were used to assess rationality of Allopathic drugs. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis. Results: Total 1037 drugs were studied from 401 prescriptions of AYUSH medicine practitioners. Total 999 (97.65%) Allopathy drugs were prescribed which contained 620 (62.06%) single drugs and 379 (37.93%) fixed drug combinations(FDCs) . 91.52% of total prescriptions contained only allopathic drugs. 19 (4.73%) prescriptions had combination of Ayurveda and Allopathic drugs while one(0.25%) prescription had combination of Homeopathy and Allopathic drugs. Out of 14 AYUSH presriptions containing only AYUSH drugs,13 (3.24%) prescriptions belonged to homoeopathy and one to Ayurveda.Proper diagnosis was written only in 29 (7.23%) prescriptions . 64% of total prescriptions reflected irrational use of Allopathic drugs.Irrational prescribing practices were found high in FDCs (37.13%) as compared with single drugs (26.92%) Conclusion: Allopathic drugs are highly and irrationally prescribed by AYUSH practitioners. Maximum irrational prescribing practice was seen in FDCs as compared to single drugs.

Self-medication practices among health care professionals in a Private University, Malaysia.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and analyze the prevalence of self-medication practice among healthcare professionals in a private university, Malaysia. Prospective, quantitative, cross-sectional design which attempts to measure the self-medication practices among the teaching healthcare personnel through questionnaire survey form, self-developed and pre-validated consisting of open and closed-ended questions. Among respondents, 77.6% were practicing self medication. The reasons were, familiar with treatment options (23.5%) and mild illness (20%) and the highest practicing respondents were 30-39 years (76.3%). The reason among those who did not practice self-medication was risk of adverse reactions (31.6%). Self-medication practice was more prevalent among medical professionals (86.5%) followed by pharmacy and dentistry (70%). Headache (15.7%), cough and cold (15%) among illness and analgesics (13.1%) and antipyretic (12.7%) among drugs induced most respondents to practice self-medication. This study reveals very high prevalence of self-medication practice among healthcare professionals in the local private university. Exposure to drugs, knowledge of their illness and treatment choice remains main contribu-tors. The healthcare professionals must be encouraged to enter the patient role.

Self-medication practices among health care professionals in a Private University, Malaysia.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and analyze the prevalence of self-medication practice among healthcare professionals in a private university, Malaysia. Prospective, quantitative, cross-sectional design which attempts to measure the self-medication practices among the teaching healthcare personnel through questionnaire survey form, self-developed and pre-validated consisting of open and closed-ended questions. Among respondents, 77.6% were practicing self medication. The reasons were, familiar with treatment options (23.5%) and mild illness (20%) and the highest practicing respondents were 30-39 years (76.3%). The reason among those who did not practice self-medication was risk of adverse reactions (31.6%). Self-medication practice was more prevalent among medical professionals (86.5%) followed by pharmacy and dentistry (70%). Headache (15.7%), cough and cold (15%) among illness and analgesics (13.1%) and antipyretic (12.7%) among drugs induced most respondents to practice self-medication. This study reveals very high prevalence of self-medication practice among healthcare professionals in the local private university. Exposure to drugs, knowledge of their illness and treatment choice remains main contribu-tors. The healthcare professionals must be encouraged to enter the patient role.

Invitro studies and evaluation of metformin marketed tablets-Malaysia.

In this research project, we are assigned a topic to study on the in vitro equivalency evaluation of Metformin tablets. The main focus of this research is to conduct dissolution test on the tablets to determine the compliance with a given official monograph. Dissolution testing is a method for evaluating physiological availability that depends upon having the drug in a dissolved state. The release profiles obtained from in vitro dissolution tests can be used for predicting in vitro in vivo correlation models. In vitro dissolution test is conducted on five different brands of Metformin tablets to evaluate their equivalency. Tablets or capsules taken orally remain one of the most effective means of treatment available. The effectiveness of such dosage forms relies on the drug dissolving in the fluids of the gastrointestinal tract prior to absorption into the systemic circulation. The rate of dissolution of the tablet or capsule is therefore crucial. In this research, our aim is to develop an in vitro test method that fully models the physiological conditions in the GI tract. The dissolution media used closely resembles the GI fluid in the stomach. Simulation of GI pH gradients, peristaltic movement, transit times, biliary and pancreatic secretions and water absorption are examples of features in such dynamic in vitro test model.

Supported and unsupported claims in medicinal drug advertisements in Indian medical journals.

The study assessed 292 supported and unsupported claims in 102 medicinal drug advertisements across 15 Indian medical journals published in 2009. WHO ethical criteria for medicinal drug promotion were applied. None of the advertisements satisfied all the WHO criteria. Safe prescribing information on major adverse drug reactions, contraindications and warnings was provided in only 19 advertisements.

Hepatoprotective properties of Caesalpinia sappan Linn. heartwood on carbon tetrachloride induced toxicity.

Aim of the study was to investigate the methanol and aqueous extracts of heartwood of C. sappan for its hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced toxicity in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and animals. Freshly isolated rat hepatocytes were exposed to CCl4 (1%) along with/without various concentrations of methanolic and aqueous extract of C. sappan (1000-800 µg/ml) and the levels of selected liver enzymes were estimated. Antihepatotoxic effect of methanolic extract was observed in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes at concentrations 1000-800 µg/ml and was found to be similar to that of standard drug silymarin. Wistar strain albino rat model was used for the investigation of in vivo hepatoprotective properties of aqueous and methanolic extract of C. sappan (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight). Liver damage was induced by ip administration of CCl4 (30%) suspended in olive oil (1 ml/kg body weight). Both the tested extracts showed potent hepatoprotective activity at 200 mg/kg body weight test dose which was comparable with that of the standard silymarin used in similar test dose. The methanolic and aqueous extract was able to restore the biochemical levels to normal which were altered due to CCl4 intoxication in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and also in animals.

Prevalence & determinants of depression in type 2 diabetes patients in a tertiary care centre.

Background & objectives: Depression is common among people with diabetes and it is associated with poor outcomes. This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and determinants of depression in patients with established type 2 diabetes (T2DM) attending a tertiary care hospital in north India. Methods: Patients with established T2DM were evaluated for depression by administering the nine-item PHQ-9 (Hindi version). Binary logistic regression model was used to examine association between predictor variables and risk of depression. Results were expressed as odds ratio and 95 per cent confidence interval. Cronbach alpha was calculated to assess internal consistency of PHQ-9. Results: Patients with T2DM (n=300) were evaluated [147(49%) male and 153(51%) female]. The median duration of diabetes (IQ) was 8(4-13) yrs. Of the study patients, 68 (23%) met the criteria for major depression, 54 (18%) for moderate depression and the remaining 178 (59%) had no clinically significant depression. Depression was strongly associated with age >54 yr (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.67; P<0.05), central obesity (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.04-1.64; P<0.001), neuropathy (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.03-3.66; P=0.002), nephropathy (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.02-3.21; P=0.041), peripheral vascular disease (OR 6.08, 95% CI 1.07-34.6; P=0.042), diabetic foot disease (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.06-5.86; P<0.001) and pill burden (>4) (OR 1.27, 95%CI 1.01-1.44; P=0.035 ). However, the likelihood of depression was not significant with duration of diabetes and insulin use. Interpretation & conclusion: This study showed high prevalence of depression in patients with T2DM. The risk factors for depression were age, central obesity, diabetic complications particularly neuropathy and diabetic foot disease and increased pill burden.

Predictors of metabolic syndrome in Asian north Indians with newly detected type 2 diabetes.

Background & objectives: The identifi cation of metabolic syndrome (MS) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is of great importance, since those with MS carry a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors. This study evaluates suitable criteria with high effi ciency in diagnosing MS and to identify the strongest predictors of MS in newly detected type 2 diabetes individuals. Methods: Newly detected type 2 diabetes (<6 months) patients were assessed. The MS was assessed by WHO, National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), modifi ed NCEP-ATP-III and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves of serum triglycerides, HDL, and waist circumference were created for the prediction of MS and the area under the corresponding curves (AUC) were used to evaluate the predictive effi ciency of each MS parameter. Different cut points in the selected variables and the corresponding sensitivity, specifi city, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were estimated. Results: Among the 563 newly detected T2DM individuals, the presence of MS ranged from 57 to 68 per cent according to the different criteria. The higher percentage of MS was observed in modifi ed NCEPATP III criteria. In comparison to men, presence of MS was higher in women in all the four criteria [198 (67%) vs. 165 (62%); 209 (70%) vs. 111 (42%); 231 (78%) vs. 151 (57%); 222 (75%) vs. 129 (49%)] by modifi ed WHO, NCEP-ATP III, modifi ed NCEP-ATP III, and IDF, respectively. The predictive ability to diagnose MS was highest with modifi ed NCEP-ATP III and lowest with IDF criteria. The optimal cut-off of waist circumference in men and women were 90 and 88 cm respectively. Serum triglyceride in men effectively indicated the presence of MS in newly detected T2DM individuals, whereas, in women the HDL-C was the stronger predictor of MS. Interpretation & conclusions: The study results show that modifi ed NCEP-ATP III criteria predict highest occurrence of MS in newly detected T2DM patients. Elevated serum triglyceride for men and decreased serum HDL-C in women were the strongest single predictors, effectively indicating presence of MS in newly detected T2DM.

Prevalence and predictors of metabolic syndrome in non-obese Asian Indians with newly detected type 2 diabetes mellitus.

We measured the prevalence and have evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of different predictors according to different standard criteria for metabolic syndrome in non-obese newly detected type 2 diabetes. Two hundred and fifteen patients of BMI <25 kg/m2 were studied. Metabolic syndrome prevalence was high in non-obese newly detected type 2 diabetes mellitus individuals. Greater prevalence of metabolic syndrome was observed in modified WHO (50.23%) and lesser in IDF (30.69%) classification. Non-obese metabolic syndrome individuals display significantly higher BMI, per cent body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist hip ratio, blood pressure, triglyceride and a lower high density lipopratein than non-obese individuals without metabolic syndrome. The cut-off point for waist circumference in men was 86 cm and 79.7 cm for women (modified ATP III). Elevated serum triglyceride for men and low serum high density lipoprotein in women were the strongest predictors that effectively indicated the presence of metabolic syndrome in non-obese individuals.

Electrochemical, Antifungal, Antibacterial and DNA Cleavage Studies of Some Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)-Copolymer Complexes

Cyclic voltammetric measurements were performed for Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of 1 : 1 alternating copolymer, poly(3-nitrobenzylidene-1-naphthylamine-co-succinic anhydride) (L) and Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of 1 : 1 alternating copolymer, poly(3-nitrobenzylidene-1-naphthylamine-co-methacrylic acid) (L1). The in vitro biological screening effects of the investigated compounds were tested against the fungal species including Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizoctonia bataicola and Candida albicans and bacterial species including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumaniae, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by well diffusion method. A comparative study of inhibition values of the copolymers and their complexes indicates that the complexes exhibit higher antimicrobial activity. Copper ions are proven to be essential for the growth-inhibitor effect. The extent of inhibition appeared to be strongly dependent on the initial cell density and on the growth medium. The nuclease activity of the above metal complexes were assessed by gel electrophoresis assay and the results show that the copper complexes can cleave pUC18 DNA effectively in presence of hydrogen peroxide compared to other metal complexes. The degradation experiments using Rhodamine B dye indicate that the hydroxyl radical species are involved in the DNA cleavage reactions.