Khat [Catha edulis]extract increases oxidative stress parameters and impairs renal and hepatic functions in rats

The habit of khat chewing represents a major socio-economic problem in many countries but research into its hepato-renal toxic effects has produced contradictory results. To evaluate the subacute effects of Khat [Catha edulis] extract on hepatic and renal functions in white albino rats. Randomized experimental animal study. Physiology laboratory, medical school of King Khalid University. Twenty white albino rats aged between 14 and 16 weeks were included in the study. The rats were assigned randomly into two groups, ten each. Treated rats received orally administered hydro-ethanol extract of Catha edulis for four weeks. Control rats received corresponding amounts of normal saline. There was statistically significant increase in the activities of hepatic enzymes in treated rats compared to the control group. In addition, serum urea, bilirubin and phosphorus concentrations were significantly increased compared to a decreased serum total protein and albumin concentrations. Oral administration of the extract induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in hepatic and renal tissues as shown by significant increases in lipid peroxidation biomarkers thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS] and significant decreases in levels of superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT] and glutathione [GSH]. Histological examination of Catha edulis treated rats revealed marked hepato-renal pathological changes compared to the control group. These results indicate that orally administered Catha edulis extract exerts severe hepato-nephro toxicity and the mechanism of this damage may be related to oxidation, increased lipid peroxidation, and generation of free radicals inside these tissues

Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress as measured by the depression, anxiety, and stress scale [DASS-42] among secondary school girls in Abha, Saudi Arabia

To determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress among secondary school girls. A cross- sectional study was carried out on secondary school girls in Abha city, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, using the Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale [DASS-42]. Of 545 female students recruited in this study, 73.4% had the symptoms of at least one of the three studied disorders; 50.1% had at least two disorders. The prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress was 41.5%, 66.2% and 52.5% respectively. The majority of symptoms were mild to moderate in severity. The scores for depression, anxiety, and stress were positively and significantly correlated. No significant association was found between the girls' sociodemographic characteristics and the scores of the three studied disorders. One of the most important aspects of a primary care physician's care of females is to screen for and treat common mental disorders

Olanzapine-induced diabetic ketoacidosis in a Saudi female

A twenty-seven-year-old Saudi woman with a 10-year history of bipolar affective disorder required numerous hospitalizations. On her last admission, Olanzapine [15 mg q.i.d.] and Clonazepam [2 mg bid] were initiated. Before treatment with Olanzapine, she had normal random serum glucose levels. Her body weight was 75 kg, and her body mass index [BMI] was 33.3 kg/m[2]. On discharge, controlled-release sodium valproate [750 mg bid] was added to her regimen and Olanzapine dose was decreased to 10 mg/day. After few months, she developed progressive somnolence, polyuria, and polydipsia. Serum glucose was 800 mg/dl, and urine was positive [+3] for ketones. She was diagnosed as diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA]. Her weight had increased 9 kg. The patient was treated with intravenous fluids and insulin. She was placed on a sliding scale insulin regimen besides Metformin. Olanzapine was discontinued and replaced with Haloperidol