Argemone mexicana extract alleviates gastrointestinal disorders by stimulating muscarinic receptors and blocking voltage-gated L-type calcium channels

Objective: To investigate the pharmacological potential of Argemone mexicana in treating constipation and emesis by using in vitro and in vivo models. Methods: The spasmogenic and spasmolytic effects were evaluated on isolated rabbit jejunum fragments loaded in a tissue organ bath. The response was recorded with an isotonic transducer attached with Power Lab Data Acquisition System. The laxative and antiemetic activities were assessed in BALB-c mice and poultry chicks challenged with carbamylcholine and copper sulphate stimulated emesis, respectively. Results: The total phenolic and total flavonoids contents of the extract were (267.75 ± 5.77) mg GAE/g and (73.86 ± 6.01) mg QE/g, respectively. Argemone mexicana extract exerted spasmogenic effect on isolated rabbit jejunum segments with an EC50 value of 0.016 mg/mL, which was blocked by atropine (0.3 μM). Argemone mexicana extract exerted spasmolytic effect in atropine treated jejunum fragments with an EC50 value of 2.185 mg/mL. Furthermore, Argemone mexicana extract relaxed potassium (80 mM)-induced contractions (EC50: 9.07 mg/mL), similar to a standard drug verapamil. The calcium channel blocker activity was confirmed by a rightward shift of concentration-response curve of calcium in the presence of Argemone mexicana extract (1-5 mg/mL) and verapamil (0.1-1 μM). In addition, the extract increased the distance travelled by a charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract and exhibited antiemetic effect on copper sulphate induced emesis in chicks. Conclusions: Argemone mexicana shows cholinergic agonist and calcium channel blocker activities, as well as antiemetic effect. It may be used as a potential agent for treating gastrointestinal disorders.

Argemone mexicana extract alleviates gastrointestinal disorders by stimulating muscarinic receptors and blocking voltage-gated L-type calcium channels

Objective: To investigate the pharmacological potential of Argemone mexicana in treating constipation and emesis by using in vitro and in vivo models. Methods: The spasmogenic and spasmolytic effects were evaluated on isolated rabbit jejunum fragments loaded in a tissue organ bath. The response was recorded with an isotonic transducer attached with Power Lab Data Acquisition System. The laxative and antiemetic activities were assessed in BALB-c mice and poultry chicks challenged with carbamylcholine and copper sulphate stimulated emesis, respectively. Results: The total phenolic and total flavonoids contents of the extract were (267.75 ± 5.77) mg GAE/g and (73.86 ± 6.01) mg QE/g, respectively. Argemone mexicana extract exerted spasmogenic effect on isolated rabbit jejunum segments with an EC50 value of 0.016 mg/mL, which was blocked by atropine (0.3 μM). Argemone mexicana extract exerted spasmolytic effect in atropine treated jejunum fragments with an EC50 value of 2.185 mg/mL. Furthermore, Argemone mexicana extract relaxed potassium (80 mM)-induced contractions (EC50: 9.07 mg/mL), similar to a standard drug verapamil. The calcium channel blocker activity was confirmed by a rightward shift of concentration-response curve of calcium in the presence of Argemone mexicana extract (1-5 mg/mL) and verapamil (0.1-1 μM). In addition, the extract increased the distance travelled by a charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract and exhibited antiemetic effect on copper sulphate induced emesis in chicks. Conclusions: Argemone mexicana shows cholinergic agonist and calcium channel blocker activities, as well as antiemetic effect. It may be used as a potential agent for treating gastrointestinal disorders.

Ameliorating effect of Malva Neglecta on hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats

The plant, Malva neglecta wallr., is widely consumed for medicinal and nutritional purposes. The current study was carried out to assess the hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic potential of aqueous methanolic extract of M. neglecta. Chemical evaluation of the extract was performed by high pressure liquid chromatography. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done in diabetic rats pre-exposed to 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg plant extract via the oral route. For hypoglycemic and biochemical study, the same therapy was administered to alloxan induced diabetic rats for 14 days. The standard control group received Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). Ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid and other phenolic acids were detected and estimated in the extract. Administration of the plant extract significantly reduced blood glucose level in diabetic rats subjected to OGTT. The plant extract lowered the fasting blood glucose and alpha amylase, and prevented the damage to pancreas. It also corrected dyslipidemia in diabetic animals following 14 days therapy. Hence, this experimental study establishes the fact that M. neglecta exhibited significant antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: Etiology, diagnosis, management and potential alternative therapy

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus belongs to the genus Nairovirus and family Bunyaviridae. CCHF is a tickborne disease that has mostly been reported from Asia, Africa and Europe. Early diagnosis of CCHF is essential for patient care and preventing its spread to normal individuals. Treatment of CCHF is mostly limited to the use of ribavirin and palliative care. The practice of using interferon and vaccines has also been proved to be ineffective and unsafe. A search for an effective alternative treatment of the CCHF still continues. Therefore, the current review focusses on the cause, prevalence, mode of transmission, pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, diagnostic features and treatment options of CCHF. This review also highlights the possible alternative therapy in the form of antiviral medicinal plants which are effective against viral hemorrhagic fever. These medicinal plants have shown convincing evidence for their activities against different viral hemorrhagic fevers and may be used alone or in combination with existing therapies to achieve an optimum therapeutic response.

Influence of different formulation variables on the performance of transdermal drug delivery system containing tizanidine hydrochloride: in vitro and ex vivo evaluations

The present study was aimed at preparation of transdermal patches of tizanidine HCl, evaluation of the effect of polymers on in vitro release pattern of the drug, and the effect of permeation enhancers on the penetration of the drug through the rabbit skin. Various proportions of hydrophilic (HPMC) and hydrophobic (Eudragit L-100) polymers were used with PEG 400 as film-forming agent, and Span 20 or DMSO as permeation enhancer. The formulations were assessed for physicochemical characteristics and in vitro drug release studies using USP paddle over disc method in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) at 32.0±1°C. On the basis of in vitro studies and physicochemical evaluations, S03-A and S04-A were selected at Eudragit : HPMC ratios of 8 : 2 and 7 : 3, respectively, for further ex vivo analysis. The effects of different concentrations of Span 20 and DMSO were evaluated on excised rabbit skin using Franz diffusion cell. Cumulative drug permeation, flux, permeability coefficient, target flux, and enhancement ratio were calculated and compared with the control formulations. Kinetic models and Tukey's multiple comparison test were applied to evaluate the drug release patterns. Formulation SB03-PE containing Eudragit L-100:HPMC (7:3) with Span 20 (15% w/w) produced the highest enhancement in drug permeation, and followed zero order kinetic model with super case-II drug release mechanism.

APACHE II scores as predictors of cardio pulmonary resuscitation outcome: evidence from a tertiary care institute in a low-income country

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that APACHE II scores can be used as a predictor of the cardio-pulmonary resuscitation [CPR] outcome in hospitalized patients. A retrospective chart review of patients admitted, from 2002 to 2007, at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, was done for this study. Information was collected on 738 patients, constituting all adults admitted in general ward, ICU, CICU and SCU during this time, and who had under-went cardiac arrest and received cardiopulmonary resuscitation during their stay at the hospital. Patient characteristics, intra-arrest variables such as event-witnessed, initial cardiac rhythm, pre arrest need for intubation and vasoactive drugs, duration of CPR and survival details were extracted from patient records. The APACHE II score was calculated for each patient and a descriptive analysis was done for demographic and clinical features. The primary outcome of successful CPR was categorized as survival >24 h after CPR versus survival <24 h after CPR. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between the explanatory variables and successful CPR. Patients with APACHE II scores less than 20 had 4.6 times higher odds of survival compared to patients with a score of >35 [AOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 2.4-9.0]. Also, shorter duration of CPR [AOR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.9-4.4], evening shift [AOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3-3.5] and Male patients [AOR: 0.6, 95% CI: [0.4-0.9] compared to females were other significant predictors of CPR outcome. APACHE II score, along with other patient characteristics, should be considered in clinical decisions related to CPR administration

Venoarterial PCO[2] difference: a marker of postoperative cardiac output in children with congenital heart disease

To determine the relationship between venoarterial carbon dioxide gradient [delta pCO[2]] and central venous oxygen saturation [ScvO[2]] in children after cardiac surgery. A cohort study. The Paediatric cardiac intensive care unit of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from June 2006 to May 2007. All children admitted in the paediatric cardiac intensive care after complete repair of congenital heart defect using cardiopulmonary bypass were included in the study. Simultaneous arterial and central venous blood gas samples were obtained from a catheter placed in the artery [either radial or femoral] and superior vena cava respectively. Linear regression analysis was performed between ScvO[2] and delta pCO[2]. Fifty seven children aged from 5 days to 14 years were included and 272-paired simultaneous arterial and central venous samples were analyzed. Mean venous pCO2 was 47.82 +/- 9.03 mmHg and mean arterial pCO[2] was 40.50 +/- 9.06 mmHg. One hundred seventy four samples had ScvO[2] > 70% with mean delta pCO[2] of 5.44 +/- 2.55 mmHg and 98 samples had ScvO2 < 70% with mean delta pCO2 of 9.07 +/- 3.90 mmHg. With ScvO[2] < 70%, 77 samples had delta pCO[2] of > 6 mmHg while only 21 samples had delta pCO2 of < 6 mmHg [p < 0.001]. On the contrary with ScvO[2] > 70%, 71 samples had delta pCO[2] of > 6 mmHg and 103 samples had delta pCO[2] of < 6 mmHg. Coefficient of correlation [R[2]] between 0.340 was ScvO[2] and delta pCO[2]. Elevated delta pCO[2] is practical and can be utilized as a useful adjunct to low ScvO[2] in the assessment of low cardiac output syndrome in children after cardiac surgery

Brain natriuretic peptide, systolic and diastolic blood pressures

Hypertension is an increasingly important medical and public health issue. Because of life time risk of hypertension Joint National Committee-7 introduced a new term "Pre-hypertension" for those with systolic blood pressure 120-139 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure 80-89 mmHg. Individuals prone to the development of hypertension often have a hyperdynamic circulation antedating the onset of hypertension by several years. Brain Natriuretic Peptide is a new promising cardiovascular risk marker due to its association with high blood pressure via its key role in salt and water homeostasis and hence blood pressure. This study was designed to find out the levels of plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide in normotensive, pre-hypertensive and newly diagnosed hypertensive and to observe its association with increasing values of blood pressure. This was an cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Physiology Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, Karachi. Study included 85 adult males, aged between 20-60 years, non- smokers, non- diabetic and having no other chronic illness. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure values were measured and divided into three groups on the basis of normotensive to hypertensive as stated by Joint National Committee -7. Brain Natriuretic Peptide was assayed by AxSym technology. Brain Natriuretic Peptide developed a positive and statistically significant correlation with both systolic and diastolic blood pressures and was also found out to be significantly raised in prehypertensive group. His study concluded that Brain Natriuretic Peptide is positively related with increasing values of both variables i.e. systolic as well as diastolic blood pressures. It also concluded out Brain Natriuretic Peptide to be significantly elevated in pre-hypertensive stage which may remain increased in sustained hypertension

Comparison of two methods for recording frog's myocardiogram

Frog's myocardiogram gives the medical students a clear understanding of the normal sequence of atrial and ventricular contraction and the effect of temperature, sympathetic stimulation and parasympathetic stimulation on frog's heart. The purpose of this study was to compare two methods used for recording of frogs myocardiogram, namely kymographic method and iWorx data acquisition unit Method, keeping in view the difference between the recordings obtained by two methods and the convenience for the medical students in recording the myocardiogram by the two methods. Frog was dissected and myocardiogram recorded first with the kymograph and than with the iWorx data acquisition unit. Frog's saline was pored at regular intervals and both kymographic and iWorx readings were taken thrice at an interval of 5 min. In the myocardiogram height of the recording on the y-axis indicates the strength of contraction by the frog heart. The height of myocardiogram recorded on the kymographic recording at intervals of 5 min each was compared with the height of the myocardiogram recorded on iWorx data acquisition unit at the same time. Comparison of the results at the same time interval show that iWorx data acquisition unit system reflects the mechanical activity of heart better than the conventional kymographic method. Even when the kymograph show no record of myocardial contractility the iWorx data acquisition unit still show the activity of the myocardium. This study shows that iWorx system reflects the mechanical activity in myocardium even when the kymograph cannot record it

Relationship between smoking and serum ferritin levels

High serum lipid levels, smoking and lack of physical activity are recognized modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis and coronary heart diseases. Serum ferritin, the stored form of iron provides free iron for oxidation of lipids. It is being investigated as a risk factor for cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases. To find out the relationship between modifiable risk factors serum ferritin and smoking. Material and 38 smokers and 56 nonsmokers, male aged 20 to 66 were selected by convenient method. Smokers were divided in three groups according to smoking strength. Serum ferritin was done by ELISA 1-step sandwich assay. Sample of blood was collected after 14 hours fasting and abstinence of smoking. Serum stored at 20°C for future analysis. Result: Mean serum ferritin in non-smokers was found to be 154 +/- 15.11 ng/ml and in smokers 237.7 +/- 39.89ng/ml, which is highly significant [P< 0.009]. Results were evaluated by SPSS 7.5 software. Smoking contains free radicals that result in oxidative stress, which increases ferritin synthesis

Relationship between physical activity and serum ferritin levels

Atherosclerosis, one of the most important events, is responsible for most of the coronary heart diseases and other cardiovascular diseases. Unfavorable lipid profile, smoking and lack of physical activity are well known risk factors. Serum ferritin, the stored form iron, provides free iron for lipidperoxidation and formation of foam cells of atheroma, is currently being listed as a new modifiable risk factor. To find out any relationship between serum ferritin and physical activity. Material And 45 physically active and 49 non-active, male aged 18 to 65 were selected by convenient sampling. Physically active subjects were divided into two groups, maximally active and moderately active. Blood sample was collected after 14 hours fasting and abstinence of smoking for the detection of serum ferritin by ELISA 1-step sandwich assay. The serum ferritin in physically non active subjects was found to be 205.5 +/- 18.2 ng/ml and in active subjects 168.4 +/- 26.56ng/ml which is weakly negative and non significant [P<0.246]. Became highly significant [P<0.003] when confounders were added. Results were evaluated on SPSS 7.5 Physical activity decreases the serum ferritin. Moderate physical activities are more important in lowering of serum ferritin than heavy

Protective effect of vitamin E against nicotine induced morphological changes in rat testis

To evaluate the protective effect of vitamin-E against nicotine induced toxicity in the testis of rats. Design: Experimental study of rat testis. Setting: Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi. Subjects: Thirty male adult albino rats were divided in three equal groups, i.e. Normal Control group [A], nicotine- treated - group [B] and vitamin E plus nicotine treated group[C]. Vitamin-E was given as 10mg/ animal, while nicotine as 1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally for 19 days. On completion of treatment all the animals were sacrificed. Their testis were removed and processed for paraffin embedding and stained with H and E and PAS. Simultaneous administration of vitamin-E and nicotine showed protective effect of vitamin E against the nicotine induced toxicity, with a highly significant [P < 0.001] increase in the count and diameter of seminiferous tubules and the thickness of germinal epithelium also the number of interstitial cell nuclei. There was a significant [P < 0.01] increase in the diameter of interstitial cell nuclei in comparison with the toxic changes produced by nicotine. Nicotine induced toxicity may partially be prevented by simultaneous administration with vitamin 'E' in albino rats

Effect of acute exercise on serum malondialdehyde levels in physically trained and untrained apparently healthy people

1. To study and compare the changes in serum malondialehyde levels after an acute about of exercise between physically trained and untrained healthy people. Department of Physiology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute [BMSI], Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center [LPMC], Karachi from June 1999 to May 2000. A total of 60 apparently healthy [30 males and 30 females] randomly selected subjects with a known history of regular physical exercise [i.e. trained control groups A and B respectively] and other total of 60 apparently healthy [30 males and 30 females] randomly selected subjects without history of any regular physical exercise [i.e. untrained Test groups C and D respectively] with age ranging between 18 to 40 years, underwent an acute bout of similar moderate intensity exercise of 30 minutes duration on a bicycle ergometer [after their age and body mass index matching]. Their pre and post exercise malondialdehyde levels were estimated and compared for statistical analysis. Serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly [P< 0.05] increased in both control and test subjects at the of an acute of physical exercise as compared to their basal levels. There was a significant [P< 0.05] decrease in 1-hour post exercise serum malondialdehyde levels in control group [A and B] subjects as compared to their immediate post exercise levels. However, no such decrease was found in test group [C and D] subjects whose 1-hour post exercise serum malondialdehyde levels remained almost the same as compared with their immediate pot exercise levels. Exercise-training results in decreased 1-hour post-exercise serum malondialdehyde levels as compared to their immediate post exercise levels in physically trained healthy people in comparison to untrained apparently healthy people

Typhoid fever presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy

Typhoid fever is an acute systemic febrile infection caused by the gram-negative bacillus Salmonella typhi. It is endemic in many parts of the world where there is inadequate water supply and poor hygiene. We report an uncommon presentation where typhoid fever presented with cervical lymphadenopathy