Comparative characterization of cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde and kaempferol for phytochemical, antioxidant and pharmacological properties using acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress mouse model / Caracterización comparativa de canela, cinamaldehído y kaempferol para propiedades fitoquímicas, antioxidantes y farmacológicas utilizando el modelo de ratón con estrés oxidativo inducido por acetaminofeno

This study was aimed to explore the comparative efficacy of cinnamon bark extract, cinnamaldehyde and kaempferol against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced oxidative stress. Cinnamon bark extract, cinnamaldehyde and kaempferol were utilized or in-vivo analysis. From the results of in-vitro screening tests, cinnamon ethanolic extract was selected for in-vivo study in mouse model. For this, Balb/c albino mice were treated with cinnamon ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg), cinnamaldehyde (10 mg/kg) and kaempferol (10 mg/kg) orally for 14 days followed by single intraperitoneal administration of APAP during 8 hours. Blood and organ samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. The results showed that cinnamon bark ethanolic extract, cinnamaldehyde and kaempferol ameliorated APAP-induced oxidative stress and organ toxicity in mice. In conclusion, cinnamaldehyde and kaempferol possess comparable antioxidant potential even at 20-times less dose as compared to cinnamon bark ethanolic extract suggesting therapeutic potential in oxidative stress-related disorders.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar la eficacia comparativa del extracto de corteza de canela, cinamaldehído y kaempferol contra el estrés oxidativo inducido por acetaminofén (APAP). Se utilizaron extracto de corteza de canela, cinamaldehído y kaempferol para el análisis in vivo. De los resultados de las pruebas de detección in vitro, se seleccionó el extracto etanólico de canela para estudio in vivo en modelo de ratón. Para ello, los ratones albinos Balb/c fueron tratados con extracto etanólico de canela (200 mg/kg), cinamaldehído (10 mg/kg) y kaempferol (10 mg/kg) por vía oral durante 14 días, seguido de la administración intraperitoneal única de APAP durante 8 horas. Se recogieron muestras de sangre y órganos para análisis bioquímicos e histopatológicos. Los resultados mostraron que el extracto etanólico de la corteza de canela, el cinamaldehído y el kaempferol mejoraron el estrés oxidativo inducido por APAP y la toxicidad orgánica en ratones. En conclusión, el cinamaldehído y el kaempferol poseen un potencial antioxidante comparable, incluso a una dosis 20 veces menor en comparación con el extracto etanólico de la corteza de canela, lo que sugiere un potencial terapéutico en los trastornos relacionados con el estrés oxidativo.

Potential of botanical driven essential oils against Haemonchus contortus in small ruminants / Potencial de aceites esenciales botánicos contra Haemonchus contortus en pequeños rumiantes

The livestock sector is continuously facing problems in controlling parasitic diseases especially Haemonchosis due to emergence of anthelminthic resistance and failure in vaccination control programmes. Therefore, to increase milk and meat production and emerging demand of meat free from drug residues development of new alternative approaches are appealing for prevention and control of Haemonchosis in small ruminants. Among alternatives, plants driven essentials oils have shown promising results in control of Haemonchus contortus infection at various concentrations by different assays including egg hatch assay, larval development assay, larval exsheathment assay and adult motility assay. Essential oils are complex mixtures of various impulsive or volatile compounds which have potential to control Haemonchosis. The current study reviews the therapeutic effects of essential oils of plants against Haemonchus contortus and to be used them against Haemonchus contortus for future perspectives.

El sector ganadero enfrenta continuamente problemas para controlar las enfermedades parasitarias, especialmente la hemoncosis, debido a la aparición de resistencia antihelmíntica y al fracaso en los programas de control de vacunación. Por lo tanto, para aumentar la producción de leche y carne, y la demanda emergente de carne libre de residuos de medicamentos, el desarrollo de nuevos enfoques alternativos es atractivo para la prevención y el control de la hemoncosis en pequeños rumiantes. Entre las alternativas, los aceites esenciales producidos por las plantas han mostrado resultados prometedores en el control de la infección por Haemonchus contortus a diversas concentraciones mediante diferentes ensayos, incluido el análisis de eclosión de huevos, el desarrollo de larvas, el análisis de vaciado de larvas y el ensayo de motilidad en adultos. Los aceites esenciales son mezclas complejas de varios compuestos impulsivos o volátiles que tienen potencial para controlar la hemonchosis. Este estudio revisa los efectos terapéuticos de los aceites esenciales de las plantas contra Haemonchus contortus y evalúa sus perspectivas futuras como agentes para combatir las enfermedades causadas por este parásito.

Acaricidal and insecticidal effects of essential oils against ectoparasites of veterinary importance / Efectos acaricidas e insecticidas de los aceites esenciales contra los ectoparásitos de importancia veterinaria

Ectoparasitism in animals has become an issue of great concern that needs to be resolved to prevent huge economic losses occurring to livestock industry all over the world. Synthetic adrugs have been playing a major role in controlling ectoparasites, but their frequent and irrational use has resulted in drug resistance to routinely used chemicals and their residual effects on food and environment. Therefore, this approach of using chemical acaricides and insecticides is losing its popularity and effectiveness in controlling ectoparasites. So, the development of alternative approaches in ectoparasite management is currently required. Among alternative protocols, plants and their essential oils have played remarkable role in controlling different ectoparasites (ticks, flies, mites, lice) of veterinary importance. Essential oils have been proved to be cheaper, more effective and safer therapeautic agents against different ectoparasites of livestock importance.

En los animales el ectoparasitismo se ha convertido en un tema de gran preocupación que debe resolverse para evitar que se produzcan grandes pérdidas económicas para la industria ganadera en todo el mundo. Los aditivos sintéticos han desempeñado un papel importante en el control de los ectoparásitos, pero su uso frecuente e irracional ha dado como resultado la resistencia a los fármacos utilizados habitualmente y efectos residuales sobre los alimentos y el medio ambiente. Por lo tanto, el enfoque basado en el uso de acaricidas e insecticidas químicos está perdiendo popularidad y efectividad en el control de los ectoparásitos. Por lo tanto, actualmente se requiere el desarrollo de enfoques alternativos en el manejo de ectoparásitos. Entre los protocolos alternativos, las plantas y sus aceites esenciales han jugado un papel notable en el control de diferentes ectoparásitos (garrapatas, moscas, ácaros, piojos) de importancia veterinaria. Se ha demostrado que los aceites esenciales son agentes terapéuticos más baratos, más efectivos y más seguros contra diferentes ectoparásitos de importancia ganadera.

Food intake regulation by leptin: Mechanisms mediating gluconeogenesis and energy expenditure

Regulation of blood glucose levels and body fat is critical for survival. Leptin circulates freely in blood and controls body weight and food intake mainly through hypothalamic receptors and regulates glucose metabolism in the liver both directly through leptin receptors and indirectly via the hypothalamic receptors of central nervous system. Leptin affects food intake regulation and eventually glucose metabolism, lipometabolism, endocrine and immune functions, reproductive function, adipose tissue metabolism and energy expenditure. Leptin also exerts peripheral effects directly on glucose metabolism and gluconeogenesis. Most of obese human subjects have elevated plasma levels of leptin associated to the size of their total adipose tissue mass. Hence gluconeogenic function may be an essential factor in the regulation of nutritional intake and weight gain. The aim of this review is therefore to identify and module the possible effects of leptin with special application in gluconeogenesis. In addition, this review includes the study of fat consumption and energy expenditure in the body. Specific modulation of leptin receptors and adipose tissues functioning could have important inference on therapeutic strategies.

In-vitro anticoccidial potential of Saccharum officinarum extract against Eimeria oocysts / Potencial in vitro anti coccidial de un extracto de Saccharum officinarum contra oocistos de Eimeria

Present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aqueous methanolic extract from Saccharum officinarum on the sporulation and morphology of oocysts of four Eimeria species (Eimeria tenella, E. necatrix, E. mitis, E. brunetti) of poultry. Sporulation inhibition bioassay was used to evaluate the activity of Saccharum officinarum extract (SOE) on the sporulation of coccidian oocysts. In this assay, unsporulated oocysts were exposed to six concentrations of S. officinarum in 10 percent dimethyl sulfoxide solution (w/v; 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 and 0.31 percent) while DMSO and potassium dichromate solution (K2Cr2O7) served as control groups. The Petri dishes were partially covered to allow the passage of oxygen and incubated at 25-29° C for 48 h, providing 60-80 percent humidity. The sporulation of the oocyst was confirmed by examining sporocysts under inverted microscope at 40x. Results showed anticoccidial activity of SOE against all Eimeria species as proved by its ability to inhibit the sporulation of the oocysts under laboratory conditions. Inhibition of sporulation was observed in dose dependent manner. S. officinarum extract at higher dose also damaged the normal morphology and shape of oocysts of Eimeria species.

El presente estudio se llevó a cabo para evaluar el efecto del extracto metanólico acuoso a partir de Saccharum officinarum en la esporulación de los ooquistes y la morfología de cuatro especies de Eimeria tenella (Eimeria, E. necatrix, E. mitis, E. brunetti) de aves de corral. Bioensayos de la inhibición de la esporulación se utilizaron para evaluar la actividad de extracto de Saccharum officinarum (SOE) en la esporulación de ooquistes de coccidios. En este ensayo, los ooquistes no esporulados se expusieron a seis concentraciones de S. officinarum en solución de dimetil sulfóxido 10 por ciento (w / v; 10, 5, 2,5, 1,25, 0,625 y 0,31 por ciento), mientras DMSO y una solución de dicromato de potasio (K2Cr2O7) sirvió como grupos de control. Las placas de Petri se cubren parcialmente para permitir el paso de oxígeno y se incubaron a 25-29° C durante 48 h, proporcionando el 60-80 por ciento de humedad. La esporulación de los ooquistes fue confirmado mediante el examen de esporoquistes bajo microscopio invertido a 40x. Los resultados mostraron actividad anticoccidial de SOE contra todas las especies de Eimeria como se ha demostrado por su capacidad para inhibir la esporulación de los ooquistes en condiciones de laboratorio. Se observó una inhibición de la esporulación de manera dependiente de la dosis. Extracto de S. officinarum en dosis más alta también dañó la morfología normal y la forma de ooquistes de las especies de Eimeria.

Protective potential of trachyspermum ammi seeds in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbit model / Potencial de protección de las semillas trachyspermum ammi en la nefrotoxicidad inducida por la gentamicina en modelo de conejo

Nephrotoxicity is one of the most important side effects and therapeutic limitations of aminoglycoside antibiotics, especially gentamicin. Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity involves free radical generation, reduction in antioxidant defense mechanism and renal dysfunction. A number of crude herbal extracts have potential to ameliorate gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity due to presence of various antioxidant compounds. Therefore the goal of current study was to evaluate the protective activity of T. ammi seeds aqueous extract against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rabbits. The results showed that gentamicin caused severe alterations in serum biochemical parameters and kidney markers along with severe alterations in kidney tissues. However, T. ammi extract, when given along with gentamicin, reversed the severity of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity by normalizing the indicators of kidney function e.g. serum urea, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albumin and serum electrolyte parameters indicating the nephroprotective potential of T. ammi. Similarly the extract has ability to augment the endogenous antioxidant enzymatic machinery by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzyme catalase and by reducing the total oxidant status. Nephroprotective potential was further confirmed by the histopathological examination. Nephroprotective potential might be due to the presence of antioxidative polyphenolic compounds in aqueous extract of T. ammi seeds.

La nefrotoxicidad es uno de los efectos secundarios más importantes limitaciones terapéuticas de los antibióticos aminoglucósidos, especialmente gentamicina. La nefrotoxicidad inducida por gentamicina implica generación de radicales libres, la reducción en el mecanismo de defensa antioxidante y la disfunción renal. Una serie de extractos de hierbas crudas tienen potencial para mejorar la nefrotoxicidad inducida por gentamicina debido a la presencia de varios compuestos antioxidantes. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la actividad protectora del extracto acuoso semillas de T. ammi contra la nefrotoxicidad inducida por gentamicina en conejos albinos. Los resultados mostraron que la gentamicina causó graves alteraciones en los parámetros bioquímicos séricos y los marcadores de riñón, junto con alteraciones severas en los tejidos renales. Sin embargo, el extracto de T. ammi, cuando se administra junto con la gentamicina, invierte la gravedad de la nefrotoxicidad inducida por gentamicina por la normalización de los indicadores de la función renal, por ejemplo, urea sérica, creatinina, nitrógeno ureico en sangre, albúmina y los parámetros de electrolitos séricos que indican el potencial nefroprotector de T. ammi. Del mismo modo, el extracto tiene la capacidad para aumentar la maquinaria enzimática antioxidante endógena mediante un aumento de la actividad de la enzima antioxidante catalasa y reduciendo el estado total de oxidante. El potencial nefroprotector fue confirmado por el examen histopatológico. El potencial nefroprotector podría ser debido a la presencia de compuestos polifenólicos antioxidantes en el extracto acuoso de semillas de T. Ammi.

Causes of Insomnia and its effects on day to day activities of Rehman Medical College students

Introduction: The aim of this research is to identify the magnitude of self-reported insomnia in medical student in Rehman Medical College, Peshawar; to characterize sleeping habits of medical students; to identify the basic causes of insomnia and to determine how subjective sleep quality affects their day to day activities

Material and Methods: It was a cross sectional survey conducted at Rehman Medical College Peshawar. A total number of 200 students from both 1st year and 2nd year MBBS were enrolled. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire. The variables of questionnaire were derived from National Sleep Foundation [USA]. Data were entered in MS Excel and Data analysis was done on SPSS version 15 for descriptive statistics

Results: Response rate was 81.5%, amongst them 65.0% were day scholars while 35.0% were boarders; 22 students were found insomniac according to the National Sleep Foundation [USA] criteria for adult sleep, of these 13 insomniacs were Day scholars and 9 were boarders. Major causes for decreased sleep among the insomniac students were, Stress 14 [73.68%], Studies 14 [73.68%], Exams 13 [68.42%], load shedding 11 [57.89%], and disturbing events around them 6 [31.57%]. A sizable number of students, 17 [80.95%] believed that their performance was affected because of the sleep disturbance; also 17 [80.95%] students got irritated due to lack of sleep, 15 [71.42%] students thought that their concentration and retention of lessons in classrooms was greatly affected, 14 [66.67%] students thought that their studies and diet got affected due to less sleep, 13 [61.90%] felt that their personal appearance got affected, 12 [57.14%] students observed that their punctuality was affected by decreased sleep, whereas 7 [33.33%] mentioned that their relationship with friends and family got affected due to decreased sleep

Conclusion: Insomnia is fairly common among medical students in Rehman Medical College and is associated with stress, exam tension, load shedding, and medical studies. The preliminary data on insomnia categorizes student sleep disturbance as day scholars and borderline. The study provides data on causes and effect of insomnia, which may be used to guide sleep hygiene promotion and intervention among college students

Surveillance of antibiotic susceptibility patterns among Shigella species in stools of diarrheal children

The objective of the present study was to find out the frequency of Shigella spp. in diarrheal patients in Pakistan and the susceptibility of isolated Shigella to different antibiotics: ampicillin, nalidixic acid, meropenem, tetracycline, amikacin, azactam, ciprofloxacin and chloremphenicol. Experimental study. This study was conducted at Pediatric Department, Mayo Hospital, Lahore and study was approved by Pakistan Pediatric Association. Stool samples were collected from 50 diarrheal children less than five years of age who were admitted in the Paediatric department Mayo Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. The samples were cultivated on standard media for Shigella, and Enterobacteriaceae. Susceptivility of Shigella isolates was tested by disk method. The frequency of isolation was 80% for Shigella species and 20% in others. Shigella, dysenteriae [65%] was the most frequently isolated species, followed by S. flexneri [23%], S. boydii, [10%] and S. sonnei [5%]. All Shigella isolates were 100% sensitive to amikacin, azactam and ciprofloxacin, while multiple drug resistance patterns were observed by all four isolates to other antibiotics. Shigella resistance is increasing against most commonly used antibiotics. Now it is the time not only to explore new drugs but also to invoke awareness about the hazards of unhygienic conditions and self medication

burden of anxiety and depression among patients with chronic rheumatologic disorders at a tertiary care hospital clinic in Karachi, Pakistan

To study the burden of anxiety and depression as a comorbid among patients of chronic rheumatological disorders and to investigate possible determinants of depression and anxiety. It was a cross-sectional study conducted at the rheumatology clinic of The Aga Khan University Hospital [AKUH] Karachi, Pakistan. With convenient sampling, 111 patients who fulfilled inclusion/exclusion criteria were screened for anxiety and depression with help of Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale [AKUADS]. The data was entered and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences [Version 10.0]. The population consisted mainly of middle aged [mean age 41] females [80.2%]. The most common diagnosis was rheumatoid arthritis 57% followed by systemic lupus erythmatosis 17% and systemic sclerosis 9%. The permanent joint deformity was present in 33.3% patients and 36.9% patients were suffering from active disease with pain and inflammation. The frequency of anxiety and depression was 65.8%. Educational qualification, permanent joint deformity, active inflammation and time elapsed since diagnosis had significant association with anxiety and depression. Marital Status, gender, economic activity and monthly family income had no effect on the frequency of anxiety and depression. Almost two third of patients with chronic rheumatological disorders, also suffered from a concomitant mood disorder. Systematic evaluation of all patients for mood disorders and psychological distress in rheumatology clinics is highly recommended