Mechanism of Action of Azadirachta Indica Linn. (Neem) Aqueous Leaf Extract as Hypoglycaemic Agent.

To find out the mechanism of action of Azadirachta indica aqueous leaf extract (ALE) as hypoglycaemic agent. Materials and Methods: Overnight fasted albino rats of Wister strain of either sex were divided into 3 groups-a) Control (5% aqueous gum acacia suspension 5ml/kg, PO), b) Test (ALE-500mg/kg, PO) and c) Standard (glibenclamide 0.5mg/kg, PO). Blood glucose was estimated before administration of drugs and at 30min, 60min & 120min after the administration of drugs. For glycogen estimation also different animals were taken and divided into similar groups and after 1h of administration of drugs, the animals were killed and glycogen concentration from the liver, skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle were estimated. Results: The ALE produces a marked decrease in blood glucose level in normal rats. The glycogen content of liver, skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle was increased significantly (p<0.001) after 1h of administration of ALE as compare to control. Conclusion: ALE decreases blood glucose level and increases glycogen concentration in liver, skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle significantly. Increased glycogen synthesis is one of the important mechanisms responsible for its hypoglycemic action.

An Interesting Case of Thyrotoxicosis with Choreoathetosis - A Rare Association.

Thyrotoxicosis may present with spectrum of movement disorders. Though tremor is most frequently associated, chorea has also been reported rarely. A rare case of thyrotoxicosis in a young female presenting with choreoathetotic movement is reported here. The choreoathetotic movement in this case was attributed to thyrotoxicosis based on clinical and biochemical criteria after exclusion of other causes.

Dry Eye — A Clinical Study in a Hospital Based Population.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dry eye based on dry eye symptoms attending the Department of Ophthalmology and Medicine, Tripura Medical College. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Tripura Medical College, Hapania, Agartala, from 1st December 2009 to 31st December 2010. Complete history and ocular examinations was recorded on a pre designed proforma in the Department of Ophthalmology. The diagnosis was made from history and objective dry eye test in the following sequence: tear meniscus height, tear break up time test,fluorescein staining, schirmer test, and rose Bengal staining. If 2 or more of the above test were positive, the patient was deemed to be suffering from dry eye. All patients were sent to the Dept. of Medicine for systemic examination and to rule out any systemic diseases. Results: In this study, total number of patients that presented with dry eye symptoms were 762 and among them dry eye was diagnosed in 403 patients. The Prevalence rate was 3.10% and it was highest in the age of more than 70 years of age. Females had higher prevalence (1.94%) than males (1.15%). Conclusion: The prevalence of dry eye is less in Tripura at around 3.10%. This may be due to the geographical and climatic implication with a high degree of humidity reigning in this region.

Pulmonary Spergilloma : An Interesting Case.

In many cases, the diagnosis of pulmonary aspergilloma become difficult on the basis of radiological sign by chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan as it can produce wide variety of radiographic changes. Often there is a diagnostic dilemma between lung malignancy and pulmonary aspergilloma. The diagnosis also can be established by sputum examination and culture. In our case, we report a 40-year old male presented with cough and hemoptysis. He was subsequently diagnosed as a case of pulmonary aspergilloma on the basis of evidence of radiological findings mainly.