Asiatic Acid Protects Dopaminergic Neurons from Neuroinflammation by Suppressing Mitochondrial ROS Production

This study sought to evaluate the effects of Asiatic acid in LPS-induced BV2 microglia cells and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridine (MPP⁺)-induced SH-SY5Y cells, to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Asiatic acid in Parkinson’s disease (PD). SH-SY5Y cells were induced using MPP⁺ to establish as an in vitro model of PD, so that the effects of Asiatic acid on dopaminergic neurons could be examined. The NLRP3 inflammasome was activated in BV2 microglia cells to explore potential mechanisms for the neuroprotective effects of Asiatic acid. We showed that Asiatic acid reduced intracellular production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and altered the mitochondrial membrane potential to regulate mitochondrial dysfunction, and suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia cells. We additionally found that treatment with Asiatic acid directly improved SH-SY5Y cell viability and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by MPP⁺. These data demonstrate that Asiatic acid both inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by downregulating mitochondrial reactive oxygen species directly to protect dopaminergic neurons from, and improves mitochondrial dysfunction in SH-SY5Y cells, which were established as a model of Parkinson’s disease. Our finding reveals that Asiatic acid protects dopaminergic neurons from neuroinflammation by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia cells as well as protecting dopaminergic neurons directly. This suggests a promising clinical use of Asiatic acid for PD therapy.

Ameliorative effect of hydro-methanolic extract from roots of Rauwolfia serpentina on some biochemical parameters of type 1 diabetic mice

Present work seeks to investigate the biochemical parameters in terms of hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of hydro-methanolic roots extract [HyMREt] of Rauwolfia serpentina in type 1 [alloxan induced] diabetic mice. Animals were divided into seven groups, four control groups, and three were test groups [HyMREt at 50, 100, and 150mg/kg]. Each treatment was repeated for 14 days regularly in all seven respective groups and afterwards the body weights, fasting blood glucose [FBG], insulin, and serum lipid levels were determined. Total body weights of diabetic mice treated with HyMREt extract were dose dependently [p

Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in non-diabetic heart failure patients: a case-control investigation at tertiary care Hospitals of Karachi

Heart failure is a progressive, chronic disorder. Insulin resistance [IR] has been more and more involved as a preliminary metabolic perturbance predisposing to hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis with others heart diseases. To investigate the relation of insulin resistance [IR] in non-diabetic heart failure patients this case-control study was carried out to ascertain the presence of IR with the aid of Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR] in non-diabetic heart failure patients [NDHF patients] compared with healthy controls. The sample size was calculated for both, cases [NDHF patients] and control [healthy subjects], which was initially consisted of 113 respondents each. The study consisted of two phase duration. In Phase I, NDHF patients were approached initially; only 80 patients with NDHF completed the study procedure. In Phase II, 80 healthy subjects were targeted and matched. Fasting blood glucose level [FBGL] and serum insulin was estimated. Mathematical model to quantify beta-cell function and insulin resistance was also computed through Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR] in both groups. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 16. Mean values with +/- standard deviation [SD] of insulin [10.2+/-4.36] and HOMA-IR [2.52+/-1.15] were significantly [p <0.05] higher in NDHF patients as compared to control subject [6.4+/-3.39, 1.45+/-0.80]. Average insulin to glucose ratio was 0.10+/-0.044 in NDHF patients which was significantly [p <0.0001] lowered in controls i.e., 0.073+/-0.039. Marginal and matrix plot analysis revealed that a higher patients count have had the HOMA-IR values <1.5 units while opposite scenario was observed in control group. Regression analyses of HOMA-IR with FBGL [as independent indicator] also authenticate the similar pattern. The present study concludes that insulin resistance [decreased insulin sensitivity] is a characteristic finding in Pakistani population of heart failure as compared to matched healthy controls

Ethanolic seeds extract of Centratherum anthelminticum reduces oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes

This work was accomplished to assess the in-vitro antiglycation and antioxidant activities of ethanolic seeds extract of Centratherum anthelminticum [CSEt], followed by its in-vivo examination in type 2 diabetes. Overnight fasted rabbits were divided into control and diabetic groups. Rabbits in diabetic group were fed with 35% fructose solution to develop hyperglycemia that was well-monitored by glucometer. These were divided into diabetic control [distilled water 1ml/kg], positive control group [pioglitazone 15mg/kg] and two test groups [CSEt 400 and 600mg treated]. All treatments were given orally. After 14 days, rabbits were sacrificed and blood samples were used to estimate glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] while total bilirubin [direct and indirect], uric acid, alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and creatine kinase [CK] were done in sera. In addition, antioxidant parameters viz., catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], reduced glutathione [GSH] and lipid peroxidation [LPO] were in liver tissues. The in-vitro studies showed good antiglycation and antioxidant potential of CSEt. Similarly, in-vivo investigation showed significant reduction in glycemia and body weights in type 2 diabetic test groups. Plus values of HbA1c, ALT, CK, uric acid and bilirubin were almost back to normal along with improvement found in efficiency of antioxidant parameters

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of crude seeds of Centratherum anthelminticum in healthy volunteers and type 2 diabetic patients

This study first time reports the hypoglycaemic activity of crude seeds powder [CSP] of Centratherum anthelminticum in healthy and type 2 diabetic volunteers. In addition, hypolipidemic effect of same CSP was also determined in healthy volunteers. Healthy individuals were divided into control and two test groups T1 and T2 treated with 200 and 400mg of CSP. Similarly, type 2 diabetic patients were also divided into positive control [PC] treated with metformin 600mg and two test groups DT1 [CSP 400mg + metformin 600mg] and DT2 [CSP 400mg]. Each group has 6 individuals and each treatment was done orally. CSP 400mg was found more hypoglycaemic on all time intervals from 30 to 120min when oral glucose tolerance test was conducted in healthy volunteers. Both test quantities of CSP 200 and 400 mg were found successful in same healthy personsin decreasing the levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol [p<0.05], low and very low density lipoprotein cholesterols [p<0.01] and keeping the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol as same as it was observed in control group. Similarly, CSP 400mg along with metformin and alone was also found helpful in lowering the fasting blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic patients [DT1 and DT2] -24.99% and -20.62% respectively as compared to diabetic group only treated with metformin [PC], [p<0.01]. Therefore, CSP of C. antheminticum proves effective hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic agent by possibly inducing glucose tolerance in healthy individuals and type 2 diabetic patients

Effects of extreme dry climate of Sudan on Pakistani peacekeepers

Objective: To determine the frequencies of nasal itching, epistaxis, dry/chapped lips and xerosis of skin among Pakistani peacekeepers exposed to the dry climate of Nyala, Sudan

Study Design: Prospective cohort study

Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Field Hospital 6 Nyala, Sudan, from February 2014 to May 2012

Material and Methods: Total 144 United Nations Pakistani Peacekeepers of Pakistan Field Hospital 6[all ranks] were selected by non-probability convenient sampling. The data consists of frequency of four symptoms was collected after three months of exposure to dry climate

Results: The most common symptom was dryness of skin [36.1%] followed by chapping of lips [29.9%] while nasal bleeding [epistaxis] was least common [9%]. Significantly higher number of subjects of ages more than 40 years had nasal bleeding compared to the younger group [p value 0.002]

Conclusion: Exposure to extreme dry climate affects skin and nasal mucosa. Frequency of epistaxis found to be significantly more in subjects older than 40 years as compared to younger ones

Comparison of clinical characteristics of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in pseudophakic and phakic eyes

Objective: To compare the clinical profile, systemic risk factors, and characteristics of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment [RRD] in pseudophakic and phakic eyes

Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative study

Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi from August 2013 to August 2015

Methodology: A total of 164 eyes [96 pseudophakic patients and 68 phakic patients] with RRD were analyzed. Demographic data and associated known risk factors of study population were acquired. Retinal examination was done by single experienced retinal surgeon using indirect ophthalmoscopy for type of retinal break, location and number of retinal breaks, status of macula, morphological extent of RRD and retinal degenerations. All the findings were endorsed on a pre-devised proforma

Results: Mean age of patients in pseudophakic and phakic groups was 61.18 +/- 10.39 and 59.27 +/- 9.57 years, respectively. Frequency of male patients in pseudophakic and phakic groups was 74% and 57.4%, respectively. Mean axial length in pseudophakic and phakic groups was 23.13 +/- 2.18 mm and 21.9 +/- 2.01 mm, respectively. Difference in axial length and gender distribution between two groups was statistically significant [p < 0.05]. Difference in frequency of patients with history of hypertension and myopia between two groups was statistically significant [p < 0.05]. Characteristics of RRD [type, location and number of retinal breaks, macula status, and extent of RRD] between groups were not statistically significant

Conclusion: RRD is more common in pseudophakic patients with male gender, increased axial length, myopia, and hypertension

Development of Maize Haploid Inducer Lines and Doubled Haploid Lines in Pakistan.

The work on maize doubled haploid development has started at the Maize Research Station, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2010 in collaboration with University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. The aim of current study was to develop locally adopted maize haploid inducer lines utilizing cheap and easy source of Stock6 and indeterminate gametophyte mutant ig1 gene lines imported from Maize genetic Coop Stock Centre. The lines were later utilized to produce doubled haploid inbred lines. The environmental conditions of Faisalabad are extreme in nature. In spring crop during pollination period temperature may reach up to 45°C. Therefore, locally adopted haploid inducers are needed. Best performing local inbred lines were screened having branched heavy tassel, bold seed, good pollen shedding ability and vigor. These lines were utilized as female donor parent while imported lines as recurrent pollen parent in back cross breeding program until BC4 generation. These lines were selfed twice until BC4F2 and evaluated for haploid induction rate (HIR). Lines with high HIR were further intercrossed to achieve maximum transgressive segregation. Mass selection for the adaptation traits was exercised for individual F2 plants followed by ear-to-row plantation of selected progeny. Four best haploid inducer lines with HIR up to 5% having very good tassel size, height and heat stress tolerance were selected in 2014. Haploid seeds collected in different induction crosses until 2012, were used for colchicine doubling treatment. The doubling percentage of the haploid plants was very low 0.15% and out of 1000 treated seedling 15 survived and only 5 reached up to maturity, where only one D0 cob was harvested. This was successfully selfed and was grown in three different locations for next two seasons and there was no segregation in the successive generations. Developing countries that cannot afford costly haploid inducer lines can work on Stock6 and other cheap sources available free of cost and can develop their own haploid inducer lines well adapted to their own climatic conditions.

Assessment of determinants of decrease in tendency for breast feeding in Mothers Visiting Services Hospital Lahore

Objective: assesment of the determinants of decrease in tendency for breast feeding among mothers visiting Gynae and Peads OPD of Services Hospital Lahore

Material and Methods: this was a cross sectional, descriptive study, carried out at Services Hospital, Lahore. Study duration was 3 months from June 2014 to August 2014. Study population included all mothers before menopause in Gynae and Paeds OPD of Services Hospital Lahore. A predesigned structured questionnaire was used to collect data from mothers. Data was entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Consent was obtained on the form beforehand

Results: breastfeeding practices were more in the mothers who had knowledge about benefits of breastfeeding. The percentage of women having knowledge of benefits had increased tendency to start breastfeed their child within 30 minutes of birth and to continue it for 2 years. Mothers who had breastfeeding as a family tradition were provided with more suitable environment which led to increased tendency for breast feeding. On contrary the mothers who we're not provided with a suitable environment and did not have breastfeeding as family tradition had decreased tendency to breast feed their children. Mothers who were in good health condition had increased tendency to breastfed their children. Breast feeding practice in women who did not consider breastfeeding as old fashion and did not think breast feeding to affect their figure was more than the mothers who preferred top feeding as a fashion. The breastfeeding practice in women who had a good health status i.e. did not have systemic disease ,breast abnormality and felt healthy after breast feeding is more than the mothers who had poor health status

Conclusion: from the results it was concluded that lack of knowledge about benefits of breastfeeding, misconceptions about taboos regarding breastfeeding affecting figure and is an old fashioned practice, poor health status of mothers, increased work load on the part of mothers and lack of suitable environment to breastfeed led to decrease in tendency for breastfeeding

Conditioned Place Preference and Self-Administration Induced by Nicotine in Adolescent and Adult Rats

Nicotine addiction is a worldwide problem. However, previous studies characterizing the rewarding and reinforcing effects of nicotine in animal models have reported inconsistent findings. It was observed that the addictive effects are variable on different factors (e.g. route, dose, and age). Here, we evaluated the rewarding and reinforcing effects of nicotine in different routes of administration, across a wide dose range, and in different age groups. Two of the most widely used animal models of drug addiction were employed: the conditioned place preference (CPP) and self-administration (SA) tests. Nicotine CPP was evaluated in different routes [intraperitoneal (i.p.) and subcutaneous (s.c.)], doses (0.05 to 1.0 mg/kg) and age [adolescent and adult rats]. Similarly, intravenous nicotine SA was assessed in different doses (0.01 to 0.06 mg/kg/infusion) and age (adolescent and adult rats). In the CPP test, s.c. nicotine produced greater response than i.p. The 0.2 mg/kg dose produced highest CPP response in adolescent, while 0.6 mg/kg in adult rats; which were also confirmed in 7 days pretreated rats. In the SA test, adolescent rats readily self-administer 0.03 mg/kg/infusion of nicotine. Doses that produced nicotine CPP and SA induced blood nicotine levels that corresponded well with human smokers. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that nicotine produces reliable CPP [0.2 mg/kg dose (s.c.)] in adolescents and [0.6 mg/kg dose (s.c.)] in adults, and SA [0.03 mg/kg/infusion] in adolescent rats. Both tests indicate that adolescent rats are more sensitive to the rewarding and reinforcing effects of nicotine.

Demographic profile, vaccination status and outcome of measles patients at civil hospital, Bahawalpur during measles epidemic

Background: Measles is a vaccine preventable disease of childhood. It occurs in epidemics in developing world like Pakistan. It has significant morbidity and mortality due to its complications

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the demographic factors, immunization status, complications and outcome in measles patients, admitted at Civil Hospital, Bahawalpur during measles epidemic

Material and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Civil Hospital, Bahawalpur from 4[th] March, to 15[th] August, 2013. A total of 166 patients were admitted who presented with signs and symptoms of measles according to WHO criteria. Demographic profile including age, gender, residential status, immunization status and nutritional status of these patients was observed. They were evaluated for complications like pneumonia, gastroenteritis, encephalitis, otitis media, post measles state, dysentery and myocarditis. The outcome of these admitted patients was seen in terms of discharge, leave against medical advice, referral and death. The data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS 15

Results: In the patients, 93 [56%] were males and 73 [44%] were females. Mean age was 3.72 + 2.7 years. One hundred and fifty seven [94.6%] patients were unvaccinated and 9 [5.4%] were partially vaccinated for measles. One hundred and seven [64.5%] were from rural area and 59 [35.5%] to urban area. Fifty nine [35.5%] were well nourished and 107 [64.5%] undernourished. Seventy two [43.4%] patients were having pneumonia. Thirty seven [22.3%] patients were having gastroenteritis. Nine [5.4%] patients were having encephalitis. Post measles state was found in 11[6.6%]. Majority of patients [88.6%] were discharged in a satisfactory condition while 9 patients [5.4%] expired

Conclusion: Measles was mainly found in unvaccinated children aged 1-5 years. Malnutrition was a major risk factor for mortality in our study. So we recommend two doses measles vaccine schedule and > 90% routine coverage in order to minimize the chances of measles outbreak

Hypoglycemia; a study in hospitalized neonates at Bahawal Victoria hospital, Bahawalpur-Pakistan

Hypoglycemia is a common condition found in neonates. Much of morbidity and mortality is related to it, although it can be prevented and managed promptly. It is important to estimate the frequency of hypoglycemia in neonates particularly who are sick and are admitted in hospital. To estimate the frequency of hypoglycemia in hospitalized neonates. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Convenience sampling. The study was conducted in nursery section of Pediatrics unit I at B.V. Hospital, Bahawalpur. from 01-10-2011 to 31-03-2012. 60 neonates were taken who were admitted for various ailments in Nursery Section. They were checked for blood sugar level at the time of admission/presentation by glucometer. If found hypoglycemic, blood sample taken for laboratory conformation. Blood sugar levels were taken and analyzed to compare qualitative variables by chi-square test at 5% level of significance. 30% among hospitalized neonates were found hypoglycemic including both symptomatic and asymptomatic. Neonatal hypoglycemia is observed commonly in hospitalized neonates so blood sugar level of every neonate brought to hospital should be checked

Frequency of microalbuminuria in patients with ischemic stroke

To determine the frequency of microalbuminuria in patients with ischemic stroke. This cross-sectional study was conducted from 1[st] April 2009 to 30[th] September 2009 at Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. 195 patients of ischemic stroke, with or without diabetes mellitus and hypertension were tested for early morning urine albumin to creatinine ratio. A urinary albumin to creatinine ratio of 30 to 300 micro g/mg was considered as microalbuminuria. Out of 195 patients, microalbuminuria was present in 94 [48.2%] patients. Out of 68 diabetic patients, microalbuminuria was present in 37 [54.4%] patients while out of 127 non- diabetics, 57 [44.9%] had microalbuminuria. Out of 113 hypertensive patients, microalbuminuria was present in 56 [49.6%] while out of 82 non hypertensives, 38 [46.3%] had microalbuminuria. Among 28 patients having both diabetes mellitus and hypertension, 16 [57.1%] had microalbuminuria. Out of 42 patients without both diabetes and hypertension, 17 [40.5%] had microalbuminuria. We found high frequency of microalbuminuria in patients with ischemic stroke. Therefore, microalbuminuria could be is a useful modifiable factor, in addition to conventional risk factors, in identifying those at increased risk of ischemic stroke

Post-traumatic stress disorder after myocardial infarction

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any forms of traumatic events including myocardial infarction [MI]. PTSD after MI may affect quality of life and cardiovascular outcome. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of PTSD after MI

Methods: This is a cross sectional study. A convenient sample of 98 patients with a documented history of MI, visiting the outdoor departments of 4 tertiary care hospitals in Lahore [Sheikh Zaid hospital and Jinnah hospital] and Faisalabad [Allied Hospital and Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology] for follow ups, were evaluated for the development of Post-traumatic stress disorder using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition [DSMIV], World Health Organization Quality of Life [WHOQOL]-BREF questionnaire and demographic questionnaire. Descriptive analysis of the data was carried out using the Statistical package for social services [SPSS] software version 17

Results: Out of 98 patients [59 males, 39 females] 8 [8.2%] patients [males 3%, females 5%] were found to develop PTSD after MI. Patients with older age [above 50 years] had a higher frequency of PTSD [21%], as compared to middle aged [between 30 and 50 years]and young aged [below 30 years] patients [5% and 0% respectively]. Illiterate patients developed PTSD [13.8%] while none of the literate patient developed PTSD. Frequency of PTSD in working and non-working patients was 4.5% and 11% respectively. The frequency in poor patients was 13.2%, in middle class was 2.8% whereas no patient falling in the rich socio economic class developed PTSD. Only patients with poor quality of life developed PTSD [13.8%]. Patients who experienced silent MI did not develop PTSD while those with severe MI developed PTSD [18.6%]

Conclusion: The study highlighted the development of PTSD after MI. The patients with female sex, old age, poor economic condition, poor quality of life, non-working status, low education and severe MI had a higher frequency of PTSD. These risk factors identified in the present study can be used to facilitate the detection of patients at risk for developing PTSD symptoms so they can later be offered psychological interventions as needed

Management of combat casualties received during war on terrorism in Federally Administered Tribal Area [FATA] and Swat Valley of Pakistan

The aim of this study was to highlight the excessive workload on the under staffed surgical teams, handling the combat mass casualties of 'war on terrorism'. Triage, nature of injuries sustained, operative management, post operative care and the outcome in terms of morbidity and mortality are discussed. This study was carried out at Combined Military Hospital [CMH] Peshawar Pakistan, from July 2008 to June 2009. A total of 1309 evacuated combat casualties were received at this hospital from the combat zone during this period and 1847 surgical procedures [1128 minor and 719 major] were performed. The major surgical procedures were performed for 80 abdominal, 204 orthopedic, 12 chest, 31 neurological, 17 vascular and 375 multiple injuries [including burns, amputations, foreign bodies, deep lacerated wounds, ENT, eye and orodental injuries]. Two surgical teams, each comprising of 2 anesthesiologists, 6 surgeons and 18 operating room assistants [ORA], worked alternatively, round the clock in 6 operating rooms. It was a race against the time as almost all the patients requiring major surgery, were in shock state. Resuscitation and surgical procedures had to start simultaneously. Only two trained nurses were looking after 11 critically ill patients in 1CU and just one nurse was available for 20-30 patients in the general ward at any given time. Out of a total of 1309 patients, 1298 survived, 29 required ventilatory support. Out of 10 patients of penetrating head injury 6 developed brain death and were removed from the ventilator, 4 were successfully weaned off. Five patients died due to septicemia, DIG [disseminated intravascular coagulation] and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome [MODS]. Combat casualties comprise of a spectrum of trauma; head injury, hemorrhage and septicemia are the main killers. Apart from optimal use of resources available, it is the shear dedication and commitment to the service that drives the men to work continuously for long hours to manage mass combat casualties efficiently and yield good result

Long term home ventilatory support in a patient of motor neuron disease [MND]- a case report

A 45 years old male patient was diagnosed as a case of motor neuron disease. Within four years he became paralyzed and bed ridden. Due to severe respiratory tract infection, the patient developed respiratory failure and was put on ventilator. Later on the infection was successfully treated but the patient could not be weaned from the ventilator because of the paralysis of respiratory muscles. It was obvious that the patient would require life long ventilatory support so the same was arranged at the patient's home and he was discharged from the hospital after nine months. Now, for the past six years the patient is on ventilatory support