ABSTRACT
The potent phytotherapeutic modalities against the hepatotoxicity have motivated us to explore numerous plants and polyherbal preparations because conventional drug discovery is more expensive and tedious. So, this study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of a polyherbal formulation [PHF], comprising of Solanum nigrum, Silybum marianum, Atrmesia absinthium, Achillea millifolium and Cichorium intybus against carbon tetrachloride [CCl4] induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats. CCl4 intoxication induced vacuole formation and fast degeneration so selective liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and total bilirubin in rat's plasma, as well as liver histological architecture, were used to evaluate the effect of herbal treatments with different doses [ranging 100-500 mg/kg] for two weeks. Statistical analysis showed that PHF significantly [P<0.05] improved the level of liver enzymes as well as improved the liver architecture comparative to control groups. It could be concluded from current findings that PHF prepared from Solanum nigrum, Silybum marianum, Atrmesia absinthium, Achillea millifiloium and Cichorium intybus have some hepatoprotective activities
ABSTRACT
Diabetes is a condition where the fasting blood glucose level elevated above the normal range [80-120mg/dL]. This increase in blood glucose level may be due to the insulin deficiency i.e. insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM or type I] or due to insulin resistance i.e. non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM or type II]. Diabetes leads to severe complications in the body even life treating complications e.g. nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy increased vascular permeability and delayed wound healing if left untreated. Different drugs are used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, but synthetic drugs are costly and possess severe side effects. So, more emphasis is being placed on the use of traditional medicines because these sources have fewer side effects than the synthetics drugs and are economical. So the white skinned sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas L.] peel-off was selected for its anti-diabetic effect as well as to see its effects on biochemical parameters. Both young [3-4 months] and old [up to 1 year] Wistar rats were selected for current study. It was found that the aqueous extract of WSSP peel-off had shown beneficial effects. In addition to the decrease in blood glucose level it also decreased protein glycation level total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol. Increase in HDL-cholesterol was also observed after treating the rats with aqueous extract of Ipomoea batatas. Additionally, WSSP peel-off had also shown positive results on total protein concentration, albumin, globulin, and plasma enzymes [SGOT and SGPT]. Further research would be needed in order to purify the anti-diabetic components and it should be available in compact dose form for all diabetic patients
ABSTRACT
In diabetic patients, electrolyte disorders frequently occur with the characteristic changes in minerals like calcium and magnesium etc. Several medicines are used to manage diabetes mellitus but they exert adverse effects. Plants are a valuable alternative to synthetic medicines because they are easily available, economical and have fewer side effects. Ipomoea batatas L is a well-known antidiabetic plant [sweet potato] but its effects on calcium and magnesium concentration have not studied. The prime focus of this study is to estimate the potential of Ipomoea batatas L peel-off on magnesium and calcium level in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Alloxan monohydrate was mixed in 0.9% NaCl solution and administrated [150 mg/kg [S/C]] to male Wistar rats to induce diabetes. After three days blood samples were collected and blood glucose level was recorded. Wistar rats having a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dl and above were selected for the study. Methanol and water extract of Ipomoea batatas L peeloff was given orally with a dose rate of 4g/day. Calcium and magnesium estimation was done using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Our results revealed an increase in both the calcium and magnesium level in heart, brain, liver, hind limb, and forelimb after Ipomoea batatas extract treatment. In kidneys decreased calcium level was noted as they excrete calcium. Mineral [Calcium, magnesium] level was increased in all organs except kidney after both extracts treatment. Ipomoea batatas being anti-diabetic in nature also maintain the homeostasis of calcium and magnesium in diabetes. Therefore, we propose the long-term use of such agents might help in the prevention of diabetes-associated complications. However, the validation of these results to human population needs further extensive study
ABSTRACT
Hospital-acquired infections encompass almost all clinically evident infections that do not originate from a patient's original admitting diagnosis. Nosocomial infections are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in Pakistan. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of hospital-acquired infections and its causative organisms in patients admitted to a surgical intensive care unit. A prospective observational study was carried out at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi from July 2007 to April 2008. Clinical samples of tracheal aspirates, sputum, urine, blood, body fluids, pus and others were collected from patients admitted to intensive care unit and cultured. Bacterial isolates were identified along with their antimicrobial susceptibility. A total of 156 samples were collected. Bacteria or candida species were isolated in 89[57.1%] samples. Highest infection was seen in respiratory tract followed by surgical sites. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and candida spp. were the commonest organisms. The isolation rate of gram-positive bacteria was relatively low. Resistance pattern of gram-negative isolates was: ampicillin, 67[90.5%]; co-trimoxazole, 67[90.5%]; cefaclor, 66[89.2%]; co-amoxyclav, 64[86.5%]; tetracycline, 61[82.4%]; rifampicin, 59[79.7%] cephradine, 58[78.4%]; ceftriaxone, 58[78.4%], ceftazidime, 57[77.0%], lincomicin, 53[71.6%]; ofloxacin, 50[67.6%]; ciprofloxacin, 50[67.6%]; cefotaxime, 49[66.2%]; gentamicin, 47[63.5%]; chloramphenicol, 45[60.8%]; levofloxacin, 41[55.4%]; fosfomycin, 37[50%];sparfloxacin, 35[47.3%]; enoxacin, 29[39.2%]; imipenem, 27[36.5%]; moxifloxacin, 21[28.4%], amikacin, 21[28.4%]; and aztreonam, 14[18.9%]. The high frequency of hospital acquired infections suggests that infection control practices are not strictly observed along with indiscriminate prescription of antibiotics that are causing emergence of antimicrobial resistant organisms. Guide lines to control facility based transmission of infections should be strictly followed
Subject(s)
Humans , Cross Infection/etiology , Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/epidemiology , Gram-Negative Bacteria , Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial , General Surgery , Prospective Studies , Intensive Care UnitsABSTRACT
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a known complication of diabetes mellitus. The annual incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA] among subjects with type 1 diabetes is between 1% and 5% in European and American series respectively. This incidence appears to have remained relatively constant over the last decade in western countries whereas 20-30% of cases occur in newly diagnosed patients. Mortality rate is reported less than 5% in experienced centres whereas internationally overall mortality is 1-10 percent. The objective of this study was to find out mortality rate in patients of diabetic ketoacidosis admitted to east medical ward of Mayo Hospital, Lahore. A descriptive retrospective study was conducted on patients admitted to East medical ward with the diagnosis of DKA. There were 44 patients included in this study. Regarding outcome of patients 84.1% of patients were discharged. The mortality was found to be 15.9% that is much higher as compared to other studies where it was around 5%