Beneficial anti-Parkinson effects of camel milk in Chlorpromazineinduced animal model: Behavioural and histopathological study

Potential roles of natural products have been identified for preventing or treating various diseases. Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of camel milk in an animal model of Parkinson's disease and compare it with standard treatment [levodopa + carbidopa combination]. 40 Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 gram were divided into four groups of 10 animals each. Group I was kept on water and served as normal control, group II served as negative control, treated with chlorpromazine [5mg/kg i.p.], group III was given camel milk [33ml/kg p.o] and group IV the standard combination of levodopa + carbidopa [100+10mg/kg] respectively, 30 minutes after chlorpromazine treatment. All animals were subjected to the drugs treatment for 30 days. Catalepsy was assessed by Bar test on day 21 and day 30 at 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes interval. On 30th day animals were sacrificed and whole brains were examined for histopathological changes. The results revealed highly significant [p

Comparison on hepatotoxicity profile of diclofenac sodium and diclofenac potassium on rabbits

Aim of this study was to determine the clinical hepatotoxicity of diclofertac sodium and of diclofenac potassium, further to evaluate whether these drugs could elicit liver cell destruction and anemia, and which drug is comparatively safer for prolong use. Experimental study. This study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Duration of study was 30 days. Male 50 rabbits were equally divided into 5 groups, group A was served as control and the group B and C were diclofenac sodium [0.8mg/kg/day and 1.5mg/kg/day], and group D and E were of diclofenac potaasium [0.8mg/kg/day and 1.5mg/kg/day], treated. All the animals were caged in pair in an iron caged with free access to grass and hay of standard diet and tap water for a period of 30 days. At the end of 30 days blood was collected through cardiac puncture from each rabbit and was analyzed to determine the levels of SCOT, SGPT, Bilirubin, ESR and Erythrocyte count. The experimental results suggest that SCOT and SGPT levels were significantly increased in diclofenac sodium treated rabbits after 10 and 30 days [P < 0.01], while diclofenac potassium treated rabbits showed significant result, [P < 0.05] only after 30 days of treatment. The level of bilirubin was significantly increased in diclofenac sodium treated rabbits after 10 days and 30 days [P < 0.01] and diclofenac potassium also showed significant result [P < 0.05] after 30 days treatment. Erythrocyte count decreased in both control and treated rabbits after 10 days but control results are not significant. After 30 days diclofenac sodium showed highly significant decreased count of erythrocytes [P < 0.01] but diclofenac potassium showed only significant results [P < 0.05]. E.S.R values significantly increased in diclofenac sodium and diclofenac potassium treated rabbits after 10 days and 30 days. Our study concluded that as compared to sodium, potassium salt of diclofenac is safer for prolong pain management as the incidence of adverse effects were comparably lower in potassium salt

Effects on cardiac biomarkers in colorectal cancer patients treated with FOLFOX

Background: Colorectal carcinoma is treated successfully with 5-fluorouacil and leucovorin in combination with oxaliplatin. Although, the major adverse effects with this combination [FOLFOX] are hematological and gastrointestinal, a few cases of cardiac adverse effects have also reported. The effects on serum markers of cardiac status are yet to be investigated

Objectives: The clinical study is designed to assess the effects on cardiac biomarkers and enzymes in patients of colorectal carcinoma undergoing chemotherapy

Methods: Thirty eight patients with histologically confirmed colorectal carcinoma, subjected to different schedules of oxaliplatin based chemotherapy [FOLFOX] were included in the study. The serum biomarkers were assessed after each alternate cycle of treatment and compared with the pretreatment value. The individual case of elevation in cardiac biomarkers [CPK, Tropinin I, LDL and TGS] beyond diagnostic risk level were also assessed

Results: CPK and Tropinin I levels were significantly altered in FOLFOX patients after alternate cycles of treatment. High level of TGS was reported in 48% of the patients in FOLFOX4 treatment arm

Conclusion: The CPK levels and Tropinin I levels were adversely affected in FOLFOX7 schedule

Irrational drug use based on self medication for some common clinical conditions in an educated population of Karachi

To assess the irrational treatment approach for some common clinical conditions by females in higher educational institutes of Karachi, Pakistan. The study was conducted in two private sector institutes for higher education in Karachi from Jan 2011-June 2011. A pretested questionnaire containing open-ended and closeended items was administered to female students and teachers. The tendency to self diagnose and self medicate [63.78%] is more than seeking appropriate medical treatment [36.21%]. The most common condition treated by self medication is Headache [96.52%] and the most common condition in which appropriate medical treatment sought, is Respiratory infection[58.70%].Self medication is also reported in fever [80%], GI infections [61.30%], menstrual pain [73.91%], allergies [72.61%], cough [71.30%], minor cuts/wounds [85%] and [54.57%] in anemia/fatigue and general weakness. Irrational drug use of OTC medicines and antibiotics commonly prevail in the educated population instigating the abuse potential and relative hazard. Effective regulation, control and pharmacovigilance in line with core intervention policies of WHO is required

Assessment of self medication in female university students of pharmacy and medicine- a prevalence study

To evaluate the tendency, incidence, relevant awareness, attitude and practice of self-medication in female students of pharmacy and medicine. Self medication is a common trait in those students who are studying medicine, pharmacy or other health sciences. Socio economic features, lifestyle status and awareness about the indications of the medicine are direct factors that affect the practice of self medication. Observational Comparative Study. The study was conducted in three universities of Karachi, two institutes of pharmacy education and one institute of medical sciences from January 2011 to September 2011. A self-developed, pre-validated questionnaire containing open-ended and close-ended items was used for data collection. 460 female students [age 20-25] enrolled for study after informed consent and knowledge of the study purpose, filled in the questionnaire anonymously. The study based on 460 student shows that self-medication prevails for the OTC medicines [76.27%] and Prescription Only medicines [51.30%]. The use of minerals and vitamins by self medication is 54.5%. The most common reason for self medication shown in 306 count is "previous knowledge of drug use". The students of medical and pharmacy practice self medication to varying degree for both the OTC and Prescription Only medications. The easy access to medications promotes such practice, where as large expense of proper health care plays a pivotal role. This tendency with peril signifies the role of an effective and well regulated pharmaceutical care system with its essential components

comparative study on liver toxicity profile of diclofenac sodium and piroxicam on rabbits

Aim of this study was to determine the clinical hepatotoxicity of diclofenac sodium and of piroxicam, and to evaluate whether these drugs could elicit liver cell destruction and anemia, and which drug is comparatively safer for prolong use. This study was conducted in the department of Pharmacology, Faculty of pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi. Duration of study was 30 days. Male 40 rabbits were equally divided into 4 groups, group A was served as control and the group B and C was diclofenac sodium [0.8mg/kg/day and 1.5 mg/kg/day], and group D was of piroxicam [0.31 mg/kg/day] treated. All the animals were caged in pair in an iron caged with free access to grass and hay of standard diet and tap water for a period of 30 days. Diclofenac sodium in 2 different doses 0.8mg/kg/day, 1.5 mg/kg/day and similarly Piroxicam [0.31mg/kg/day] dissolved in drinking water and was given orally for a period of 30 days. Control rabbits were given tap water. At the end of 30 days blood was collected through cardiac puncture from each rabbit and was analyzed to determine the levels of SGOT, SGPT, Bilirubin, ESR and Erythrocyte count. It was found that these drugs can induce severe hepatic damage but the ratio of liver toxicity is different, as evident by the elevation of serum aminotransferases, bilirubin and changes in hematological profile. The experimental results suggest that SGOT and SGPT levels were significantly increased in diclofenac sodium treated rabbits after 10 and 30 days [P> 0.01], while piroxicam treated rabbits showed significant result, [P<0.05] only after 30 days of treatment. The level of bilirubin was significantly increased in diclofenac sodium treated rabbits after 10 days and 30 days [P<0.01] and piroxicam also showed significant result [P<0.05] after 30 days treatment. Erythrocyte count decreased in both control and treated rabbits after 10 days but control results are not significant. After 30 days diclofenac sodium showed highly significant decrease in count of erythrocytes [P<0.01], but piroxicam showed less significant results [P<0.05]. E.S.R values significantly increased in diclofenac sodium and piroxicam treated rabbits after 10 days and 30 days. It can be concluded that diclofenac sodium and piroxicam both can play a role in inducing hepatocellular damage, but a greater increase in liver toxicity was seen in diclofenac sodium treated rabbits rather than piroxicam treated rabbits

Comparison of efficacy and tolerability between sertraline and fluoxetine in patients with major depression

Aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability between Sertraline and Fluoxetine to determine suitable treatment of major depression in Pakistani population. This study was conducted in the outpatients department of psychiatry, Jinnah Postgraduate depressive disorder were selected. Two groups A1 and A2 were made of 50 patients each. Group A1 received Tab Sertraline while Group A2 received Cap Fluoxetine daily for 24 weeks after going through screening tests and diagnostic evaluation. Efficacy was evaluated by using 21 item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS] and 20 item Self Reporting Questionnaire [SRQ]. The patients were asked to attend the OPD every 15 days. Side effects and compliance of the patients was noted at each visit. The results showed that both groups showed significant improvement in depression from week 0 to week 24 with minimal adverse effects. Compliance of the patients in both groups was good. Although HDRS and SRQ scores were significantly reduced in both groups, it was noted that Tab Sertraline improved the symptoms earlier than Cap Fluoxetine. It can be concluded that both sertraline and fluoxetine are efficacious in major depression causing few adverse effects but because sertraline improves symptoms earlier and it is cost effective it may be preferred to fluoxetine

Assessment of lipid lowering effects of vitamin E

Aim of this study was to determine the role of antioxidant vitamin E in lowering the serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This study was conducted in the department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi. Duration of study was 42 days froml-03-2008 to 11-4-2008. Male 20 rabbits were equally divided into 2 groups, group A was served as control and the group B was vitamin E treated. All the animals were maintained on cholesterol rich diet for a period of 30 days in order to induce hypercholesterolemia. After induction of hypercholesterolemia the group B was given vitamin E in a dose of 8.57mg/kg/day while the control group A was maintained on distilled water only for a period of 42 days. At the end of 42 days the blood samples were collected from marginal ear vein of rabbits and were analyzed to determine the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. The results showed that there was decrease in the level of cholesterol but the level of triglyceride was reduced much significantly by administration of vitamin E. It has been reported earlier that vitamin E has potential to decrease levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. It can be concluded that vitamin E use can reduce the level of cholesterol and triglyceride in hypercholesterolemia and may prove to be beneficial

therapeutic role of magnesium in different depressive syndromes of female patients

Numerous studies have proven that low levels of B vitamins, vitamins C and magnesium have been associated with depression. These all help in the brain's production of neurotransmitters and may enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant medications. Calcium and magnesium have a soothing effect on the nerves and can be particularly helpful when depression interferes with sleep. Previous studies have shown that there are depleted magnesium levels in the depressed patients. The present study is based on the finding that magnesium supplements can reduce the signs and symptoms of depression. In this experiment behavioral and somatic features were evaluated such as agitation, guilt feeling, psychomotor retardation, insomnia, anxiety, weight loss, hypochondria which are the hall marks of clinical depression. The female subjects who were diagnosed with clinical depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder were treated with daily dose of 360 mg. of magnesium. Depression was evaluated for three months. Nearly all the female patients responded positively to the magnesium therapy with elevation of mood, relaxation and sleep duration

Toxicological profile of typical and atypical anti-psychotic drugs in psychotic disorders

To evaluate the safety of antipsychotic drugs in psychotic patients. Randomized, comparative and categorical study. This study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi collaboration with Sir Cows Jee Jehangir Institute of Psychiatry Hyderabad and duration of study 1[st] Nov. 2007 to 3[rd] Jan. 2008. Patients were selected from OPD, Male and Female wards of Sir Cows Jee Jehangir Institute of Psychiatry Hyderabad. Total two hundreds patients were enrolled in the study out of them 192 patients continue through out study and eight lost follow up the study. The side effects were noticed according to UKU side effect scale. Same criteria was followed for both drugs in the study, assessments was done on the 07, 14, 28 and 42 days. Adverse effect of two drugs presented rigidity and tremors were the most common adverse effect in halopenridol 14.6% and 12.5% and in Risperidone 4.2% and 4.2% respectively. Overall Risperidone in our study proved efficacious and economical drug in psychotic patients. On the other hand haloperidol was also effective and cost effective but produced more side effects. Overall Risperidone in our study proved less toxic and cost effective drug in psychotic patients, on other hand halopendol was also effective and economical drug but should be more side effects