Insulin resistance and liver cirrhosis

This work was performed on 15 patients with liver cirrhosis or fibrosis and 15 healthy control subjects to study glucose utilization and insulin level using the intravenous glucose tolerance test [IVGTT]. The results of glucose and insulin were illustrated on a curve, then glucose area and insulin area under the curve were calculated. In addition, insulin area/glucose area ratio [insulinogenic index] and insulin stimulating activity [ISA] were estimated to evaluate B-cell response to hyperglycemia. Also, the Kg- value was estimated to assess the rate of glucose assimilation per minute. The results obtained showed that the rate of glucose utilization in cirrhosis [Kg-value] was significantly decreased compared to controls. At the same time, the B-cell function was not affected in cirrhosis, as concluded from the insignificant change in insulinogenic index and ISA compared to healthy controls. Also, there was fasting hyperinsulinemia associated with fasting euglycemia indicating insulin resistance. It has been concluded that the cause of hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance and consequently insulin resistance in cirrhosis is defective peripheral tissue response to insulin, whether the defect is in the receptor binding or post- receptor defect, this remains to be investigated

Plasminogen, fibrinogen and bradykinins in alveolar osteitis in patients receiving oral contraceptives

Two hundred females were examined for the incidence of alveolar osteitis [dry socket], after simple extraction of a mandibular molar. The control group [100 Patients] included 12% positive cases at the middle of their menstrual cycle. In the contraceptive pill users group, the incidence of alveolar osteitis was 36% at the middle of the tablet cycle No cases were reported during menstruation in both groups. The highest levels of plasma plasminogen and bradykjnin were found at the middle of the tablet cycle. These levels were significantly higher than those found at the middle of the menstrual cycle. Blood level of fibrinogen was significantly reduced in females using pills, compared to the control group at the middle of both cycles. A marked elevation of plasminogen and bradvkinin levels was associated with proportionate decrease in the level of fibrinogen in dry socket eases. The difference between the control and pill users groups was significant

Biochemical studies of safsaf F. used in Egyptian folk medicine as antidiabetic drugs

Phytochemical screening of an aqueous extract of Salix Safsaf F. revealed the presence of salicin, salicylaldhyde, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates and sterols. The hypoglyoemic effect of an aqueous extract of Salix Safsaf F. leaves in normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits was studied. The extract was given orally in a dose equivalent to 5 gm of dry powder/kg once and twice/day for 15 days. Alloxan diabetic rabbits showed significant reduction in serum level of glucose and significant increase in serum insulin and C-peptide after Salix treatment in normal rabbits, insignificant change was observed in the serum level of glucose, insulin and C-peptide after treatment with Salix extract for 15 days. No side effects was observed after the use of Salix extract as proved by studying some liver function tests [SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphatase], kidney function tests [serum urea and creatinine] and the concentration of hemoglobin in the different groups studied