ABSTRACT
Nowadays anxiety and depression are most commonly encountered diseases. They are not only difficult to diagnose but even difficult to treat since both are sometimes seen together or one predisposes the other. Apart from this side effect profile of these drugs is also high; hence there is immense scope for the herbal drugs to treat these disorders. Present study was therefore performed to evaluate the antianxiety and antidepressant effect of Carthamus tinctorius petal extract. 28 white albino rats bred in the animal house of Department of Pharmacology, University of Karachi weighing 180-220gm were r and omly divided into four groups [n=7/group] to assess behavioral effects. The anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Carthamus tinctorius petal extract were evaluated using elevated plus maize and forced swim test respectively at100 and 200mg/kg. These effects were compared with st and ard drugs Diazepam [anxiolytic] 2mg/kg and Nortriptyline [antidepressant] 12.5mg/kg. Results show that CT produced highly significant anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects at both doses as compared to control, similar to st and ard anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs diazepam and nortriptyline. It increased the latency of first entry to closed arms and the time spent in open arms very significantly at both doses while entries to open arm were increased significantly at 100mg/kg and very significantly at 200mg/kg in EPM test and increased the immobility time very significantly in FST. Hence it can be concluded that CT may be used as an alternative therapeutic agent while treating patients with anxiety and depressive disorders.
ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus is a major threat to present and future generations. The role of herbal medication has emerged as a safe alternative to currently available medication due to its decreased potential to produce side effects, hence effect of Carthamus tinctorius was observed on fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. Thirty five healthy male rabbits were divided into 5 groups with 7 rabbits in each [Normal control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with glibenclamide, diabetic treated with Carthamus tinctorius extract at doses of 200 and 300mg/kg of body weight]. Drug and extract were given orally for 30 days and the values for blood glucose levels were observed after 15[th] and 30[th] day of treatment by using standard reagent kits provided by Human Germany. While insulin levels were checked at the end of the study by using Architect i1000 by Abbott Diagnostics USA. Animals were also observed for any gross toxicity during the study. Results revealed that Carthamus tinctorius has significant hypoglycemic effect at 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg doses as compared to diabetic control group. Insulin levels were significantly increased in Glibenclamide treated as well as Carthamus tinctorius treated groups as compared to diabetic control
ABSTRACT
Objective: To find out frequency of tea use with possible health effects in urban population of Hyderabad Sindh
Place and duration: At Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro from 1[st] March 2010 to 30[th] April 2010
Study design: A cross sectional study
Methodology: The study was performed on 1432 healthy individuals. The baseline demographic characteristics were recorded on a specially designed proforma. The socioeconomic status was divided in five categories according to monthly earnings. Consumption of tea was estimated by the number of cups/day and type of tea consumed. Sugar added to tea was calculated by the number of teaspoons. Waist to hip ratio was also calculated. Persons with history of chronic diseases were excluded from the study
Results: 1102 males and 330 females participated in the study [n=1432], the mean age for men was 38+1.54 years and for women it was 30+1.25years. Among the 1102 males, 22.68% consumed 5-6 cups/day, 58.98% 3-4 cups/day and 18.33% only 2 cups/day, while females when inquired only 22% were consuming 2 cups/day with 48.48% 3-4cup/day and 31.5% were having 5-6 cups/day. Tea was prepared mostly by adding milk. 805 [73.04%] males and 250 [75.7%] females were having such tea, while only 3.62% of males 3.03% females were using black tea. The habit of having green tea was seen in 257 [23.32%] males, while none of the females in the present research was using green tea. Socioeconomically most of the participants belonged to lower socio economic group [Table - I] earning 3000-9000 rupees / month [36.47% males and 39.3% females]: Waist to hip ratio was positively correlated with the amount of sugar and frequency of tea intake
Conclusion: Tea can be hazardous for health if the pattern continues to be same, so habit of green tea ingestion should be encouraged as tea mixed with milk and sugar further adds to the burden of future diabetics
ABSTRACT
Objectives: To compare the lipid lowering affects of Atorvastatin in hypertensive dyslipidemic patients receiving Enalapril and Amlodipine
Study Design: Prospective descriptive and comparative study
Place and Duration: Study was conducted by the Department of Pharmacology LUMHS Jamshoro from 2007 to 2009 at Red Crescent Hospital Hyderabad
Methodology: One hundred essential hypertensive dyslipidemic patients were enrolled in the study. Study was approved by the ethical committee. After taking written consent patients were divided into two Groups [A and B] each group comprising of 50 patients. Atorvastatin 20 mg was combined to Group A patients at the bed time along with Enalapril 10 mg in the morning and to group B patients at the same time along with 5 mg of Amlodipine in the morning. Lipid profile was done at the base line and after 03 months [at the end of the study]
Results: At the end of the study when both groups were compared for the lipid lowering effect of Atorvastatin it was found that serum cholesterol reduced to 184.48 in group A [243.26 +/- base line] and 185.08 +/- 15.09 mg/dl in group B [240.44 +/- 31.5mg/dl base line] p value 0.78, LDL Cholesterol in group A decreased to 111.08+6.13 [243.26 +/- 22.70 at the base line] group B the LDL was decreased 104.40 +/- 4.37 which is highly significant HDL cholesterol was increased to 33.502 +/- .05 [29.90+2.65 base line] in group A, while in group B it was increased to 33.40 +/- 2.09 [29.240 at base line] triglycerides were reduced in both groups and the result were not significant. Results were compared and analyzed statistically by the SPSS version 16. Statistically the result was taken as significant. P value
Conclusion: There is significant mean change in the LDL cholesterol in group B [Atorvastatin + Amlodipine]
ABSTRACT
OBJECT: Two easy methods for the diagnosis of h pylori i.e: Serum Anti H Pylori Antibodies and Stool Antigen
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hundred serum and stool samples collected from the department of surgery, and Medicine were registered at Department of Pathology and Diagnostic and Research Lab LUMHS, Jamshoro/ Hyderabad for performing H. pylori diagnosis were included in this Study. Patients of all age groups and both sexes with complain of dyspepsia, or having the linical suspicion of H. pylori associated gastritis were included. Patients having H/O NSAIDs, or eradication therapy were excluded. A specially designed proforma was used for recording the relevant data. The Period of study was 15-10-2009 to 28-02-2011
RESULTS: From 100 cases of, H. pylori antibodies were found in 68 [68 %]. 38 [55.9%] were male and 30 [44.1%] were females. Sensitivity of this technique was 75.55% and specificity 60%. P value 0.007. From stool samples collected from 100 patients H. pylori antigen were positive in 48 [48%] cases detected on immunochromatography technique. Stool antigen positive was in 28 [58.3%] males and 20 [41.7%] Female patients. The stool antigen sensitivity was 52.74% and specificity 90% P value [0.011]
CONCLUSION: H. pylori positivity is highly significant in histological examination of endoscopic biopsies on H and E and Giemsa Stains The detection of anti H. pylori antibodies from serum by ELISA method and the H. pylori antigen from stool samples by immunochromatographies method, can be non invasive simplest, least expensive and alternatives in patients unwilling for endoscopy
ABSTRACT
OBJECT: To find out the frequency of H.pylori infection in patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted at surgical unit-I Liaquat University Hospital and private hospital located at Hyderabad Sindh from June 2010 to July 2011. After taking written consent those Patients were enrolled who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Study was approved by ethical committee. Presence of H.pylori infection was confirmed by histopathological examination of samples taken during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Presence or absence of gastritis was also observed. GIF 140 Olympus gastro-video-scope was used for the procedure
RESULTS: 165 patients were enrolled in the study, among them 82 were males and 83 females with mean age 41.04 +/-15.9 and 35.9 +/-11.5 years respectively, among males 43 [52.43%] were positive and 39 [47.5%] were negative for H.pylori infection, while in females 38[45.78%] were positive and 45 [54.2%] negative for the same. When compared for gender differences there was slightly higher prevalence in males. Antral Gastritis was common association with H.pylori infection in both genders with higher prevalence in males as compared to females. 5 patients [5%] were found to have gastric carcinoma without any H.pylori association CONCLUSION: Helicobacter pylori infection is quite frequently found in association with gastritis in males as well as females with slightly higher prevalence in male
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To find out the correlation between Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria and H.pylori infection and to observe the effect of Eradication therapy
STUDY DESIGN: Observational study
MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 patients giving history of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria were enrolled in the study. Serological testing for the presence of H. pylori infection done and were given eradication therapy [Capsule Esomeprazole 40 mg o.d, Tablet Metronidazole 400 mg t.d.s and Tablet Clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d] for a period of 2 weeks. Clinical assessment was done at day 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 by a scoring system [symptom evaluation scale], H.pylori status was reassessed at day 60 to confirm eradication effectiveness or to see any relapse of symptoms
SETTING: The study was conducted by the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, BMSI, JPMC with the collaboration of Department of Dermatology JPMC Karachi from May 2008 to August 2008
RESULTS: Among 20 patients, 19 were positive for H.pylori infection and were given eradication therapy. Eradication therapy was successful in 18 patients one patient could not complete the study and there was relapse in one patient The mean SES scores decreased from 3.73 +/- 0.45 on day 0 to 2.52 +/- 0.51 on day 30, 1.52 +/-0.51 on day 60, 1.15 +/- 0.51 on days 90 and 0.47 +/- 0.77 on day 120. A percentage change of 59.13% was observed with a p value of <0.002
CONCLUSION: There is a possible role of H.pylori infection in pathogenesis of chronic idiopathic Urticaria
ABSTRACT
To see the frequency of ABO, subgroup ABO and Rh[D] blood groups in Patients, and donors, who attended the Liaquat university hospital for any type of surgery, Gynaecology and Obstratical problem, etc, of Hyderabad and its territory. Cross- sectional study. Department of Pathology and Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, LUMHS, Jamshoro/ Hyderabad, from February, 2012 to March, 2012. Donors and patients of both sexes, blood samples were collected under aseptic condition from anti-cubital vein for determination of blood groups. Subjects belonging to Hyderabad and its Territory, were included in this study. ABO blood grouping was determined by tile method using commercially prepared anti sera, anti A, anti B, anti AB [Plasmatic Kent, UK]. Presence of Rh D antigen was determined by anti-D [Biotic Laboratories Ltd UK]. For Rh-negative Du test was done. Our study shows, A positive-22.88%, A negative-02.31%, B positive-33.85%, B negative -03.27%, AB positive-08.27%, AB negative-0.77%, O positive-26.73%, O negative -01.92%. Regarding the management of blood bank and transfusion services in this area. ABO and Rh antigenic structure differs between regions and nations. Knowledge of blood group distribution may also play an important role for clinical studies, reliable geographical information and for forensic studies in the populations. Such studies need to be carried out at all the regional levels of Pakistan
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Male , Rh-Hr Blood-Group System , IncidenceABSTRACT
Objective: to assess the effect of methanol extract of Ajwain on coagulation parameters PT and aPTT and to determine usefulness
Design: this comparative study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Pakistan
Methods: antithrombotic tests PT and aPTT were conducted after multiple dosing of Ajwain on rats using standard kits and reagents, which were performed on Humaclot duo Germany. The data was subjected to analysis by taking mean and standard error to the mean using student T- test
Results: the results revealed that Ajwain extract did not show any significant effect on aPTT whereas increase in PT was highly significant [P < 0.001]
Conclusion: the results suggested that the methanol extract of Ajwain prolonged PT, similar to that of Warfarin suggesting its possible effects on the extrinsic pathway, while aPTT was not altered suggesting that it may have no effects on the intrinsic pathway
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To compare the antihypertensive effect of Enalapril and Amlodipine along with Atorvastatin in hypertensive dyslipidemic patients
STUDY DESIGN: Prospective and descriptive case study
PLACE AND DURATION: Study was conducted by the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, LUMHS, Jamshoro at Red Crescent hospital, Latifabad, Hyderabad, Pakistan from 2007 to 2009
METHODS: One hundred [100] essential hypertensive, dyslipidemic patients were enrolled in the study
Protocol was approved by ethical committee. After taking written consent patients were divided into two groups [A and B[, each comprising 50 patients. Group A received Enalapril 10mg in the morning along with 20mg Atorvastatin at bed time while group B received 5mg of Amlodipine in morning along with 20mg of Atorvastatin at bed time. Blood pressure and lipid profile were done at the start [Baseline] and after 3 months [end of study] by mercury sphygmomanometer. Results were compared and analyzed statistically by using SPSS-V16 at the end
RESULTS: At the end of the study when both groups were compared for antihypertensive effects. It was observed that the both the antihypertensive drugs have significantly lowered the blood pressure separately but when the effects were compared for both groups there was no significant change at the end of study. Enalapril reduced mean systolic blood pressure from 155.7 + 16.38mmHg at baseline to 140.1 + 8.36 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure to 93.6 + 5.81mmHg to 82.6 + 10.65 mmHg [P value 0.001]. Amlodipine reduced the systolic blood pressure from 157 + 16.72 mmHg to 142.1 + 9.37 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure from 95.6 + 7.11mmHg to 81.4 + 11.06 mmHg [P value 0.001]
Mean systolic blood pressure after treatment in group A was 140.1 + 8.36 mmHg and in group B was 142.1 +9.37 and mean diastolic blood pressure in group A and B after treatment was 82.6 + 10.65 mmHg and 81.4 + 11.06 mmHg respectively [P value 0.58]
CONCLUSION: Both drugs individually reduced the systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly but when compared, there was no significant change noted and both were equally effective
ABSTRACT
Objective: To find out the pattern of Dengue virus infection in patients who presented with fever
Study Design: Prospective observational study
Setting: This study was conducted at Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences at Hyderabad. Sindh from November 2006 to December 2006
Methods: During this period all blood samples from 173 patients, suspected to be suffering from dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever and/or dengue shock syndrome, were received and tested for dengue IgM and IgG antibodies. Complete blood counts were also done. Patients with history of headache, retro-orbital pain, arthralgia, rash, and hemorrhagic manifestations, having leucopenia and thrombocytopenia were included in the study
Results: Most of the patients positive for dengue IgM antibodies were between the age group of 14-years to 50-years [49 males and 12 females]. Out of 173 samples 28 were positive for dengue IgM [primary infection] and 21 were positive for dengue IgG [secondary infection]. While 12 patients found to have late primary and early secondary response with both dengue IgM and IgG antibodies
Conclusion: Dengue fever presented in all three patterns in Sindh province; males predominated mostly with primary infection
ABSTRACT
Objective: the objective of this study was to identify the risk factors in NSAID users
Study design and setting: comparative prospective study, performed at the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics BMSI, JPMC with the collaboration of Departments of Medicine and Rheumatology JPMC Karachi from February 2008 to August 2008
Materials and methods: this study was performed on endoscopically diagnosed patients of NSAID induced peptic ulcers, in whom a clinical trial was performed between Ranitidine [H2 Receptor blocker] and new proton pump inhibitor Esomeprazole. Eighty Patients were selected and evaluated for presence of risk factors and dyspepsia after consumption of NSAIDs or low dose aspirin for last 6 months to 1 year. They were asked to fill in a specially designed proforma regarding the use of NSAIDs, which also included the questions for their social setup, habits and diseases for which they were taking them. All the patients were tested for presence of H. pylori infection and anti-H. Pylori IgG antibody titers were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients taking anticoagulants and steroids were excluded from the study
Results: important factors that have been shown to increase the risk of NSAID-associated GI complications in our study included female gender [76%] presence of H.pylori infection [71%], combination of two NSAIDs [23.75%] and high-dose NSAID use [20%]. Other factors that may increase risk include social habits like heavy consumption of tea [30%], pan or Gutka consumption [8.75%]. Current evidence supports that H. pylorus potentates the risk of NSAID-induced gastrointestinal ulcers or clinical events, and a strategy of H. pylori testing and treatment in NSAID users may be adopted
Conclusions: the incidence of NSAID related gastrointestinal problems was present in 10- 15% of patients who belonged to high risk group. Identifying them is strongly recommended to avoid serious complications. H. pylori infection may also be eradicated before initiating NSAID therapy
ABSTRACT
To compare the changes on Glucose metabolism in essential hypertensive patients. Randomized, open-labeled, prospective comparative study. The study was carried out in the department of pharmacology and therapeutics, Basic Medical Sciences Institute [BMSI], Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre [JPMC], Karachi, from January 2007 to December 2008. In this study [80] newly diagnosed essential hypertensive patients were enrolled and divided into two groups [DR1] and [DR2] respectively. DRI patients received Candesartan 16 mg once a day and DR2 patients received Atenolol 50mg once a day for 3 months duration. At the end of study period the parameters examined were fasting and random blood glucose levels. The results have been expressed as mean +/- SEM [Standard error of Mean]. The mean fasting blood glucose level was decreased [from 90.22+ 1.34 mg/dl to 89.20 +/- 1.70 mg/dl; for DR1] versus DR2 in which mean fasting blood glucose level was increased [from 91.82 +/- 1.34 mg/dl to 97.91 +/- 1.22 mg/dl; p<0.001]. A reduction of 1.13% in case of DR1 and an increase of 6.63% were observed in case of DR2 group. The mean random blood glucose level was decreased for DRI group [from 151.12 +/- 0.99 mg/dl to 149.36 +/- 0.80 mg/dl] versus DR2 in which mean random blood glucose level was increased from [155.47 to +/- 0.96 mg /dl to 168.83 +/- 0.81 mg/dl; p<0.001]. A reduction of 1.16% was observed in case of DR1 group while and increase of 8.59% was observed in case of DR2 group, respectively. Candesartan cilexetil is a newer and safer alternative for the treatment of diabetic hypertensive patients in comparison to Atenolol treatment