Effect of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) Juice on High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Level in Experimentally Induced Dyslipidaemic Male Long Evans Rat

Background: Evidence shows that high density lipoproteins (HDLs) may exert multiple anti-atherogenic and anti-thrombotic effects that together decrease the risk of cardiovascular morbidity in hyperlipidaemic state. Experimental studies showed that fresh wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum Linn.) juice exerts lipid lowering effect as well as increases HDL-cholesterol level in rats. Objective: The present study was done to observe the effect of wheatgrass juice on serum HDL-cholesterol on experimentally induced dyslipidaemic rats evident by reduced HDL-cholesterol level. Materials and method: This experimental study was carried out in the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2009 to June 2010. A total number of 48 healthy adult male Long Evans rats, age ranging from 2-3 months, and weighing from 140-200 grams were used for the present study. Six rats were taken in each group of total 8 groups treated differently with 1 control group. Rats of the first 5 groups were sacrificed at 29th day and their lipid profile was measured. Rests of the rats were sacrificed at 57th day and their lipid profile was measured. Results: Mean HDL-cholesterol of the group of rats treated with 10 mL/kg grass juice and 1% cholesterol diet, with 10 mL/kg grass juice and with 20 mL/kg grass juice were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.05, P<0.01 respectively). The mean HDL-cholesterol of the group treated with Atorvastatin for 28 days were also significantly increased (P<0.001). Conclusion: The present experiment showed that HDL-cholesterol level is increased by ingestion of wheat grass juice in experimental animals. Therefore, it provides the initial step for demonstrating cardio-protective effect of wheatgrass juice by increasing HDL-cholesterol level in blood in dyslipidaemic state.

Histomorphometric Study of the Proportion of Different Zones of Adrenal Cortex – A Postmortem Study.

Background: The human adrenal cortex shows a distinct proportion of three zones, named zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculate & zona reticularis, from outer inwards, in its histological appearance with differences in its cellular components and functions. Objective: The aim of the present study was to see the variation in the proportion of zones of the adrenal cortex in different age-group in a Bangladeshi population. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2008 to June 2009, based on collection of 140 post mortem human adrenal glands from 70 unclaimed dead bodies which were in the morgue under examination in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. The samples were divided into four age-groups including A (11-20 years), B (21-30 years), C (31-40 years) & D (41-60 years). Histological slides were prepared by using routine haematoxylin and eosin stain (H & E). Five best prepared slides from each group were examined under light compound microscope with low magnification. The thickness of different layers adrenal cortex were measured by using ocular and stage micrometer and then converted into percentage volume. Results: The mean volume of the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis of the right adrenal cortex were found 14.16±0.79%, 78.40±1.14%, 7.44±0.52% in group A; 14.58±0.38%, 78.00±0.71%, 7.42±0.38% in group B; 14.34±0.83%, 78.56±0.52%, 7.30±0.50% in group C; 14.08±1.23%, 78.80±1.10%, 7.10±0.22% in group D respectively. The mean volume of the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis of the left adrenal cortex were found 14.66±0.34%, 78.84±0.82%, 7.72±0.48% in group A; 14.62±0.30%, 78.54±0.84%, 7.58±0.43% in group B; 14.90±0.96%, 79.20±0.45%, 7.34±0.42% in group C; 14.70±1.25%, 79.40±0.55%, 7.30±0.35% in group D respectively. Conclusion: No difference was found statistically significant in the percentage volume of the three zones of the adrenal cortex with advancing age in Bangladeshi people.

Cadaveric Study of The Anatomical Variations of The Accessory Pancreatic Duct.

Background: The accessory pancreatic duct enters the duodenum at the minor duodenal papilla, developmentally draining the dorsal pancreatic bud; however, it is smaller and less constant than the main pancreatic duct and undergoes varying degrees of atrophy at the duodenal end. Objective: The objective of this study was to see the variations in course, opening and communication pattern of the accessory pancreatic duct in different age-groups in a Bangladeshi population. Methods: This crosssectional, descriptive study was done was done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from August 2005 to December 2006, based on collection and dissection of 75 postmortem male human pancreas. The collected samples were divided into seven age groups: 10-19 years, 20-29 years,30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years),60-69 years and(eˆ70 years. However, 65 samples were taken for final observation. Results: The accessory pancreatic duct was found in 27.69% specimens. Straight course was found in 50% specimen, while spindle course in 27.78% and cudgel course in 22.22% specimens were observed. In only 4 (6.15%) specimens, the accessory pancreatic duct communicates with the common bile duct, while in 11 (16.93%) specimens, the accessory pancreatic duct communicates with the main pancreatic duct. 12 (66.67%) accessory pancreatic ducts opened into the minor duodenal papilla, while 5 (27.78%) into the major duodenal papilla and 1 (5.55%) into the 3rd duodenal papilla. Conclusion: Several variations were observed in accessory pancreatic duct pattern in terms of their course, opening and communications. However, no significant differences were evident in any parameter among the age groups. Here, females were excluded due to less availability of the female cadaveric pancreas during study period.

Histomorphometric Study of the Glomeruli of the Kidney in Bangladeshi Population.

Background: Controversies still prevail on glomerular changes of kidney whether due to normal aging or its association with diseases. Objective: The aim of the present study was to see the variation in number and size of the glomeruli of kidney with increasing age in a Bangladeshi population based on autopsy. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2008 to June 2009, based on collection of 140 post mortem human kidneys collected from 70 unclaimed dead bodies from the morgue. All the samples were divided into three age-groups: 10-19 years, 20-39 years and 40-59 years. Histological slides were prepared by using routine Harris’ Haematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) stain. The number of glomeruli was measured by point counting technique, while the size (diameter) was measured by using ocular and stage micrometer. Results: The mean ± SE number of glomeruli per sq. mm found in the right and left kidney were 8.45±0.52 and 8.67±0.80 in group 10-19 years, 9.90±0.42 and 9.92±0.47 in 20-39 years, and 8.52±0.18 and 8.55±0.16 in 40-59 years respectively. Besides, the size (mean ± SE diameter) of glomeruli was found in the right and left kidney were 43.96±3.01ìm and 143.92±2.90ìm in group 10-19 years, 153.69±5.18ìm and 153.61±5.24ìm in 20-39 years, and 140.48±0.95ìm and 140.78±0.88ìm in 40-59 years respectively. Conclusion: No difference was found in number and size of glomeruli between right and left kidney in any group. Similarly, no difference was also evident among different age groups.

Institutional Review Board (IRB): its role and responsibility in making research ethical.

ABSTRACT: This is a review article prepared as a part of the assignment in the educational activity and training on research ethics titled “Ethical and Regulatory Aspects of Clinical Research” arranged by the Bangladesh Bioethics Society (BBS), Dhaka, Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Department of Bioethics of National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA, through video conferencing between September 25 and November 13 of 2013. The search was confined to ‘Google’, ‘HINARI’ and ‘PubMed’ published articles. Besides, some guidelines on roles and responsibilities of Institutional Review Board (IRB) were taken into consideration. Key words used for searching were ‘institutional review board’, ‘ethical review committee’ and ‘ethical research’. A total of 18 journal articles and some guidelines were selected for this writing. The systemic review from the databases revealed some important discussions on research, ethical research, roles and responsibilities of IRB/ERC and its challenges, and national/institutional research strategies.

Histomorphometric Changes of The Parietal Cell of The Stomach with Age - A Postmortem Study.

Background: The quantity of acid produced by the stomach correlates with the functional capability and number of parietal cell mass. Researchers have found that the number of parietal cells tends to increase with advancing age in different population-based studies. Objective: A cross-sectional descriptive type of study was designed to see the variation in the number and diameter of the parietal cells of the stomach with advancing age in Bangladeshi people. Methods: The present study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2005 to June 2006, based on collection of 60 human stomachs from the unclaimed dead bodies that were under examination in the morgue of Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. The samples were divided into three age-groups including group A (2-16 years), group B (17-22 years) and group C (23-65 years). A total of 8 relatively fresh samples from group A, 8 from group B and 14 from group C were selected for histological study. Then best prepared histological slides from each group were taken and examined under the light compound microscope to determine the number per sq. mm and average diameter of the parietal cells by using the ocular micrometer. Results: The number of parietal cells per square mm of microscopic fields were found 1197.88±73.34 in group A, 1362.25±55.67 in group B and 1615.57±123.57 in group C. The difference between group A & B, B & C and A & C were statistically significant. The average diameter of the parietal cells were found 14.44±1.58ìm, 16.87±0.48ìm, 17.67±1.28ìm in group A, B and C respectively. The difference between group A & B and A & C were statistically significant. Conclusion: The number of the parietal cells increases with age, even in old age. However, the diameter of the parietal cell increases up to the 3rd decade of life and then remains static.

Ethical Debate on Animal Research.

ABSTRACT: Animal research or animal testing is done worldwide, where vertebrate animals, from zebrafish to non-human primates, millions in number are used annually. The practice is regulated to various degrees in different countries. Scientists and science authorities still have their arguments to justify animal testing. However, dialogues and protests are also evident against it. Awareness and campaign in recent years has made scientists and governments make statement that animal testing should cause as little suffering to animals as possible and that animal tests should only be performed where necessary. We should also look into the matter deeply and compassionately.

Histomorphometric study of the follicles of the ovary in Bangladeshi women.

Background: The accurate assessment of size and number of ovarian follicles are paramount to understanding the physiology of female reproduction. Objective: To observe the variation in size of the Graafian follicle and follicular number with age in Bangladeshi women. Methods: This descriptive type of study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from January to December 2009, on 140 post mortem human ovaries collected from 70 unclaimed female dead bodies from the morgue of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. The samples were divided into three age-groups including group A (10-13 years), group B (14-45 years) and group C (46-52 years). 10 best prepared histological slides from 14-45 years age group were examined to determine the average size of Graafian follicle and 20 slides from each group were taken to determine the number of follicles. Results: The average diameter of the Graafian follicles of the right is slightly higher than that of the left ovary but not statistically significant (p>0.05). No difference was found in follicular number in between the right and the left ovaries at any age group. However, the difference in number of the follicles of the ovary were statistically significant in between age groups A & C and B & C (p<0.001). Conclusion: The average diameter of Graafian follicle was found greater in the right ovary than the left ovary. However, the number of ovarian follicles was found to decrease in old age.

Ethics in dissection of cadaver in teaching and learning of anatomy.

Abstract: Dissection of dead body is a time honoured part of medical education. Undergraduate and postgraduate students do dissection as a part of the learning human anatomy. According to the state regulations, most of the cadavers are obtained from the forensic mortuary declared as ‘unclaimed body’. Some are collected through ‘body donation’ as well. However, use of human tissue for research and the use of human cadavers for teaching and training purposes are surrounded by ethical uncertainties. Moreover, the main ethical concern of cadaver dissection lies in respect to human life. This writing has been aimed to put a nominal guideline how to act in an ethical way in cadaver dissection by the medical students in medical colleges and pave the way for better understanding how to respond in an ethical manner in medical professional life. Some rules and regulations have been recommended for maintaining the highest standard of a dissection hall as well as the dignity of the cadavers.

Ethical Issues In Public Health Research.

Abstract: Public health is the societal approach to protecting and promoting health. Public health ethics can be defined as the identification, analysis, and resolution of ethical problems arising in public health practice and research. The emerging interest in ethical issues in public health research and practice reflects both the important societal role of public health and the growing public interest in the scientific integrity of health information and the equitable distribution of health care resources. This article provides an overview of ethical issues in public health research for young researchers and readers who do not necessarily have an in-depth knowledge of public health ethics. A framework of ethics analysis geared specifically for public health is needed to provide practical guidance for public health professionals and researchers in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Medical Research Council is playing a role in setting a standard in the field of biomedical research including public health concerning its strategy and ethical issues and by helping different health institutes to build up a research environment. Though public policy is based on many factors in addition to public health goals and ethical reasoning, it should not lead to the politically preferable option for a given time.