Hepatoprotective evaluation of aqueous-ethanolic extract of Capparis decidua [Stems] in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rabbits

Liver diseases are the most common ailment all over the world mostly caused by viruses, toxic chemicals, excessive intake of alcohol, high doses of paracetamol, carbon tetrachloride, chemotherapeutic agents and peroxides oil, etc. There is a great need to assess the scientific basis for the medicinal plants that are claimed to have hepatoprotective activity. We investigate the hepatoprotective effects of aqueous-ethanolic extract of Capparis decidua [Stems] against paracetamol induced liver injury in experimental animals. To observe the level of improvement, biochemical parameters such as SGPT, SGOT, ALP and Total bilirubin levels as well as histopathological changes in liver tissues were studied. Silymarin [50mg/kg, p.o.] was used as reference drug. The levels of the biochemical parameters were increased in rabbits which were intoxicate by paracetamol. Capparis decidua extract [750mg/kg, b.w.] treated rabbits showed maximum reduction of biochemical parameters in a significant [p<0.001] manner. Histopathological examination of the liver tissues of control and treated groups also confirmed the hepatoprotective activity. The phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids. The results of the present study therefore suggest that the different doses of Capparis decidua possess significant hepatoprotective effect and this effect might be due to the presence of flavonoids and tannins

Gemtuzumab-induced orchitis in a patient with refractory acute promyelocytic leukaemia

We report the case of a 22-year-old Saudi male patient who was treated extensively in the past with various regimens for acute promyelocytic leukaemia that was refractory to all standard treatments. He was ultimately administered Gemtuzumab to induce remission and subjected to an allogeneic bone marrow transplant. However, he developed orchitis, which has not been previously reported with this agent

Novel influenza A [HINI] virus-induced hemophagocytosis: first case reported in Saudi Arabia

H1N1 is a novel subtype of the influenza A virus. Since its reemergence in 2008, it has been reported to cause a variety of illnesses ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe multiorgan failure. We report a case of a young immunocompetent man who presented with progressive shortness of breath and rapidly developed multiorgan dysfunction, including pancytopenia from H1N1 infection during the 2010-2011 influenza season. His H1N1 pneumonia caused severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, rhabdomyolysis, myocarditis, hepatitis, encephalitis, and renal failure. During the diagnostic workup, a bone marrow biopsy was performed, showing hemophagocytosis secondary to the H1N1 infection. Unfortunately the patient died despite aggressive measures. Published reports contain only a few records of H1N1-induced hemophagocytosis. This is the first case report from Saudi Arabia with H1N1-induced secondary hemophagocytosis. It also highlights the fact that the virus is still very virulent and will pose a major annual health risk along with the seasonal influenza for at least the next few years