ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate some pharmacological effects including gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and in vitro antioxidant effects of Artemisia herba-alba extract in different experimental models. Methods: Inflammation was induced in rat paw by subcutaneous injection of 1% (v/v) carrageenan solution. Writhes was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of 0.6% (v/v) acetic acid solution. Pyrexia was induced using Brewer's yeast suspension. Gastric lesion was induced in rats by oral administration of 99% ethanol. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and gastroprotective activities of Artemisia herba-alba extract were investigated respectively. In vitro antioxidant effect was investigated using DPPH free radical. Results: The plant extract showed anti-inflammatory effect in carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, analgesic effect against acetic acid-induced writhing, and antipyretic activity in Brewer's yeast model of pyrexia. Besides, it was shown to be a gastroprotective agent against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. The plant also exhibited a free radical scavenging potential in an in vitro antioxidant study using DPPH. Conclusions: The results validate the use of the investigated plant in traditional medicine for different ailments.
ABSTRACT
Oral and maxillofacial trauma studied has been directed extensively towards improvement of surgical approaches, appliances, and techniques, yet the study of surgical trauma with regards patient's immunocompetence has not received the same attention. The present investigation was directed to clarify the effect of open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF] and surgical insult in cases of parasymphyseal mandibular fractures on salivary immunoglobulin A [SIgA]. It was hoped to rationalize the trauma associated with surgery, especially in cases of already traumatized patients. This was an attempt to give the oral mucosal immune system the due attention in planning of different surgical techniques. Fourteen adult Egyptian patients with parasymphyseal mandibular fractures were the subjects of this study. All patients have been treated under general anaesthesia [G.A.]. Patients were divided randomly into two equal groups; Group I: parasymphyseal fractures were managed by non-surgical lingual splint. Group II: parasymphyseal fractures were managed by surgical open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF]. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from the patients preoperatively [on the day of admission], postoperatively [before discharge], 24 hours postoperatively, then at one week, three weeks, six weeks, and eight weeks postoperatively. The quantitative determination of the concentration of salivary immunoglobulin A [SIgA] was done by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. The data was tabulated and statistically analyzed. Group II patients returned to normal level of SIgA by the seventh day of postoperatively. The results revealed that though it seems that the surgical procedures of the ORIF are more insulting to the oral mucosal immune system than the application of the interdental wires of the splint, but the results of the study showed that the lingual splint to be more traumatizing and insulting to the oral mucosa
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Fracture Fixation, Internal , Saliva , Immunoglobulin A/immunology , Anesthesia, General , Medical Errors , MalpracticeABSTRACT
To evaluate the degree of dryness in external ocular surface and any cellular damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using impression cytology technique. Forty female patients with rheumatoid arthritis were included in this study, all were from Ain Shams University hospital, out-patient clinic and of the same social class and age group [45-50 years]. Impression cytology was done bilateral in each patient and the finding were classified according to Tseng [1985]. Any other cytological changes found were recorded. Dry eye was found to be a common finding in all, our cases. Increase in severity of ocular surface damage was found in periods of exacerbation of the disease, which was different from one patient to another. The prevalence of mucousstrands was obvious. Dry eye is a common finding in Rheumatoid arthritis patient. Ophthalmological examination in these cases must be a routine to avoid ocular complications. Impression cytology is a useful tool in diagnosis and prognosis of dry eye
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Conjunctiva/cytology , Sclera/cytology , Dry Eye Syndromes , HistologyABSTRACT
This study included 20 adult patients with type II diabetes mellitus and 10 normal controls. We estimated serum glucose and zinc [Fasting and at 60, 120, 180 minutes after oral ingestion of gelatin capsule containing 25 mg zinc sulfate], serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urine volume/ 24 hours and its contents of zinc, glucose and protein. We found that all patients had diminished serum zinc concentrations, and all demonstrated hyperzincuria as compared to the control group. Urinary loss was greater when proteinuria was present. Studies of gastrointestinal zinc absorption suggested zinc mal-absorption in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Glucose metabolism was improved by zinc supplementation. It is concluded that zinc deficiency in our diabetics may be due to malabsorption of zinc, hyperzincuria, or both. We also concluded that glucose metabolism was improved by addition of zinc