In vitro, in vivo and in silico anti-hyperglycemic inhibition by sinigrin

Objective To evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic potential of sinigrin using in vitro, in silico and in vivo streptozotocin (STZ) induced hyperglycemic zebrafish model. Methods The in vitro enzyme inhibition assay was carried out to determine the IC

In vitro, in vivo and in silico anti-hyperglycemic inhibition by sinigrin

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic potential of sinigrin using in vitro, in silico and in vivo streptozotocin (STZ) induced hyperglycemic zebrafish model.@*METHODS@#The in vitro enzyme inhibition assay was carried out to determine the IC value against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, in silico molecular docking was performed against both enzymes with PyRx tool and simulations were performed using GROMACS tool. Hyperglycemia was induced in zebrafishes using three intraperitoneal injections on alternating days for 1 week at 350 mg/kg of STZ. Hyperglycemic fishes were treated intraperitoneally with 50, 100 and 150 mg of sinigrin/kg of body weight for 24 h and glucose levels were measured.@*RESULTS@#The sinigrin showed very strong inhibition against α-glucosidase and α-amylase with 0.248 and 0.00124 μM while reference drug acarbose showed IC value of 73.0700 and 0.0017 μM against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively. Kinetic analysis revealed that sinigrin has the mixed type mode of inhibition against α-glucosidase. Molecular docking results revealed its strong binding affinity with α-glucosidase (-10.00 kcal/mol) and α-amylase (-8.10 kcal/mol). Simulations graphs confirmed its stability against both enzymes. Furthermore, in hyperglycemic zebrafishes most significant (P < 0.001) reduction of glucose was occurred at 150 mg/kg, moderate significant reduction of glucose was observed at 100 mg/kg and no any significant reduction of glucose was measured at 50 mg/kg.@*CONCLUSIONS@#It can be evident from the present results that sinigrin has potent anti-hyperglycemic activity and it may prove to be effective treatment for the hyperglycemia.

Marine Sponges as a Drug Treasure

Marine sponges have been considered as a drug treasure house with respect to great potential regarding their secondary metabolites. Most of the studies have been conducted on sponge's derived compounds to examine its pharmacological properties. Such compounds proved to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antimalarial, antitumor, immunosuppressive, and cardiovascular activity. Although, the mode of action of many compounds by which they interfere with human pathogenesis have not been clear till now, in this review not only the capability of the medicinal substances have been examined in vitro and in vivo against serious pathogenic microbes but, the mode of actions of medicinal compounds were explained with diagrammatic illustrations. This knowledge is one of the basic components to be known especially for transforming medicinal molecules to medicines. Sponges produce a different kind of chemical substances with numerous carbon skeletons, which have been found to be the main component interfering with human pathogenesis at different sites. The fact that different diseases have the capability to fight at different sites inside the body can increase the chances to produce targeted medicines.

Erratum to “Marine Sponges as a Drug Treasure” Biomol.Ther. 24 (2016) 347–362

The authors request to correct the title of Table 3.

Anti-hyperglycemic and Anti-nephropathic effects of Woodfordia fruticosa linn. in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes is a serious medical problem and affects millions of people worldwide. In Indian folk medicine, many plant species are suggested to be antidiabetic but lack concrete scientific proof. The present study investigated the antidiabetic potential of one plant species namely Woodfordia fruticosa [Linn]. Crude extract was administered acutely [3 g/kg b.w] and chronically [142 mg/kg b.w/day for 21 days] to alloxan monohydrate -induced diabetic rats. Controls were treated with DM SO and glibenclamide. Glucose levels were estimated at 0, 1, 3 and 5 hrs [for acute] and at day 1, 7. 14 and 21 [for chronic]. At end of treatments rats were sacrificed. Serum samples were evaluated for creatinine, urea, liver enzymes, ALT, AST ALP, cholesterol and tnglycerides. Histology of pancreas was done to assess histomorphology. Results showed that Woodfordia fruticosa extract caused a greater reduction [P< 0.001] in plasma glucose concentration in both acute and chronic treatments. ALT: AST and ALP and serum urea were significantly reduced in the extract treated diabetic rats [P < 0.001]. Cellular deformities in diabetic rat pancreas demonstrated restoration of pancreatic architecture. The present study demonstrates that Woodfordia fruticosa extract contains glucose lowering activity and can prove useful in diabetic and diabetes related pathologies

Frequency of HCV infection and its genotypes among patients attending a liver clinic and voluntary blood donors in a rural area of Pakistan

To determine the frequency of Hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection and its genotypic distribution in a rural area of Sindh, Pakistan. Retrospective study of patients attending the Free Liver Clinic [FLC], and investigated for detectable HCV antibodies [n=1638], and those screened for HCV infection prior to voluntary blood donation [n=804] at a teaching hospital, located in rural Sindh. All patients had HCV antibodies tested by ELISA. A total of 1022 patients, who tested 'reactive' to HCV antibodies, and who could financially afford to have HCV RNA tested by PCR, had their results analysed. A total of 200 patients also had their HCV genotyped and analysed. Patients at FLC had a higher chance of being reactive for HCV antibodies, compared to voluntary blood donors [20% VS 14% - p = 0.004]. HCV RNA was detectable in 904/1022 [88%] patients. Among typeable genotypes, 125/166 [75%] had a single genotype, and 7 patients [4%] were infected with genotype 1, either alone [n=4] or in combination with 3a. One out of every five people tested in our FLC, and 14% of "healthy" voluntary blood donors were seropositive for HCV antibodies. Genotype 1 is very rare in our region

Spectrum of fungal infections in nasal polyps: a single center study in Karachi

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of fungal infection in nasal polyps and highlight the role of fungal culture in comparison with the histological evaluation in identifying fungal infections This was a descriptive study conducted over a period of one year from 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2008 during which consecutive samples of nasal polyps were examined. Only those samples were included in the study which were received in two containers, containing 10% formalin and normal saline, for histopathological examination and microbiological evaluation respectively. Results were recorded on a proforma containing age, sex, histological findings and results of culture. A total of 42 samples were studied. Nasal polyps were found to be more common in males as compared to females. They were predominantly common in adults with mean age of 23.7 years. Positive culture for fungus was seen in 25 cases with Aspergillus spp was the most common isolate seen in 19 cases. Out of 25 culture positive cases, only 12 were identified on histology slides using special stains. There was increased prevalence of fungal infections in nasal polyps and this may explain the etiology as well as the frequent recurrences associated with nasal polyps. The importance of fungal culture has been highlighted in final identification of fungus. So it is recommended that all nasal polyps be simultaneously examined both histopathologically and microbiologically for effective clinical management

Non-B, Non-C Hepatitis as a cause of advanced chronic liver disease requiring medical admission at a rural centre in Pakistan

To study the frequency and mortality of hepatitis B and C negative chronic liver disease [CLD] at a rural tertiary centre in Pakistan. Data was collected retrospectively from the case notes of all the 176 patients consecutively admitted with advanced CLD in our medical ward during one year period. Patients, who were seropositive for hepatitis B and / or C, were separated from those who were negative for them, and the data was analysed. Thirty five patients [20%] were negative for both viral markers. They were more likely to die during the admission than those who were seropositive [11% VS 25% - p = 0.029]. A significant proportion of patients with CLD are negative for viral markers. These patients are at higher risk of mortality, and need testing for other causes of CLD as some of them may benefit from curative treatments available

Knowledge about ionising and non-ionising radiation among medical students

The majority of patients remain concerned about radiation exposure and the health risk associated to it. A doctor is a person who can answer all pertinent questions regarding radiation and can satisfy their patients. Medical students, who are future doctors, can acquire this capability during their clinical rotation in the radiology department. The study is to assess knowledge, hazards, misconceptions and misunderstanding among medical students regarding equipments using ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. A questionnaire was self administered to medical students of a private medical college of Karachi. One hundred and twelve students who had completed their clinical rotation in the radiology department from fourth and final year MBBS class were included in the study. The obtained data was analyzed using statistical software. Nearly 40% of the students accepted that objects in the X-ray room emit radiation after an X-ray procedure and nearly the same percentage agreed that protective measures should be taken while performing an ultrasound and that dangerous radiation is emitted from good quality microwave equipment. Slightly more than one-third students viewed that gamma rays are more hazardous than X-rays while the same percentage agreed that intravenous contrast material used in angiogram is radioactive. Sixty-seven percent students agreed that nuclear material used in medicine is potentially explosive while 18% of students were in the opinion that MRI emits ionizing radiation. Twenty-eight percent of the students believe that a radiologist have a shorter life span as compared to other medical specialist. The majority of medical students in both years have limited knowledge about various aspects of radiation sources, the risk involved and its protection. Better teaching methods and programmes are required for medical students in the subject of radiology

Acquired haemoglobin H disease associated with myelodysplastic syndrome

A 60-year-old male patient presented with jaundice. Initial investigations showed anemia, indirect hyperbilirubinemia, raised Lactic Dehydrogenase [LDH] and increased reticulocyte count suggestive of hemolysis. Considering hemolysis low MCV and basophilic stippling on peripheral film, hemoglobin electrophoresis was done that showed Haemoglobin H [15.5%] that in the absence of family history was thought to be acquired. After bone marrow examination, the final diagnosis was Myelodysplastic Syndrome [MDS], Refractory anemia with excess of blast [RAEB] associated with acquired Haemoglobin H [Hb H] disease

Liver diseases: admissions and mortality in a medical ICU at a rural centre in Pakistan

To study the frequency of admissions, complications and death rates in patients with chronic liver disease [CLD] in a rural medical Intensive Care Unit [ICU]. Retrospective analysis of 174 consecutive admissions. Out of 174 consecutive admissions, 69 patients [40%] had background liver disease. However, 55 patients out of this total [32%] were admitted directly in ICU because of the features of complications of their liver disease. Twenty six out of fifty five [47%] died. Thirteen out of twenty six had signs of encephalopathy. Seven out of fifty five had more than one complications of liver disease-only one of them survived. Hepatitis C was the cause of liver-related deaths in 18/26 [69%]. CLD is the commonest cause of admissions [32%] in medical ICU-Hepatitis C being responsible for 69%. Liver disease and its complications were also the commonest cause of all deaths in medical ICU, of which Hepatitis C contributed 69%. Encephalopathy was the most common manifested complication of cirrhosis, causing highest mortality

Pattern of gallbladder diseases in Pakistan: an audit of 163 consecutive patients operated at a teaching hospital

To find out the presentation and histological diagnosis of patients with gallstones. A retrospective review of 163 consecutive patients who underwent cholecystectomy in a teaching hospital between 01-01-93 to 31-12-96. Baqai University Hospital, Nazimabad, Karachi. One hundred sixty three patients who underwent cholecystectomy. Histopathological reports of gallbladder. One hundred sixty three patients were operated between 1993 to 1996 at a teaching hospital of Karachi. 96 patients were started as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Of these, 12 were converted to open procedure. Rest were planned and done as open cholecystectomy. 11 patients had exploration of common bile ducts. The histological reports of all these patients were assessed. The commonest finding was chronic cholecystitis. We however, found that 9 female and 1 male patients had carcinoma of gallbladder. Our management of gallstone disease stems from conclusions based on figures from the West. This study shows that the risk of gallbladder carcinoma may be higher in this part of the world. We have seen that out of 163.patients, 10 patients had carcinoma of gallbladder [over 6%]. This is in sharp contrast to the West where the rate of incidental carcinoma is only 1-2% of routine cholecystectomy. It is about time that a large, multicentral, prospective study is designed in line of that done by Ranshoff et al. to find if the natural history of gallstones is any different in our country