Evaluation of antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of aegle marmelos l. correa fruit extractdn the diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is regarded as a serious chronic disease that carries a high risk for considerable complications

The use of natural plant products for management of diabetes is increasing due to their minimal side-effects and economical aspects. Aegle marmelos L. Correa [A. marmelos], family Rutaceae is highly reputed medicinal plant commonly known as bael. A. marmelos fruit is widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Aim of the work: This study was aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of A. marmelos fruit ethanolic extract against alloxan-induced diabetes in male rats

Material and Methods: Twenty five male albino rats with an average body weight 180-195g were divided into two main groups; first group: control [n=5] and the second group: diabetic rats [n=20], which were divided equally to four subgroups as follows: diabetic untreated rats , diabetic rats which were treated with 125 mg/kg/day A. marmelos fruit extract; diabetic rats which were treated with 250 mg/kg/day A. marmelos fruit extract and diabetic rats treated with 500 mg/kg/day A. marmelos fruit extract. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitonial injection of alloxan [120 mg/kg]

Results: Phytochemical screening of A. marmelos fruit extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, sterols and triterpenoids. Results of the biological study reported that alloxan-induced diabetic group exhibited hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, elevation in malondialdehyde [MDA] level accompanied with weight loss and reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] level, reduced glutathione [GSH] level and superoxide dismutase [SOD] enzyme activity when compared to control group. Treatment with A. marmelos fruit extract at the three dose levels reported improvement in the biological evaluation, lipid profile, glucose, insulin, MDA and GSH levels and SOD enzyme activity when compared to the diabetic group

The improvement was most pronounced in 500 mg/kg A.marmelos treated group.Conclusion: It could be concluded that A. marmelos fruit extract had hypoglycemic activity; this effect may be attributed to its antioxidant activity and its high content of active constituents which was proved in this study. Therefore, it could be recommended that A.marmelos fruit may be useful as a healthy food and in the development of antidiabetic drugs

inner ear neuroepithelium is a vulnerable target for impact during cisplatin chemotherapy a histological study in albino rabbits

Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent with potential toxicity to normal tissues including the inner ear. Cochlear damage has been always recognized as its primary ototoxic side effect with negligence to the vestibular involvement. The present study aimed to provide a histological assessment for the vulnerability of the inner car cochlear and vestibular tissues in albino rabbits to the impact by cisplatin administration. Ten adult male albino rabbits were divided among a control group and another experimented group. The latter received 8 therapeutic - equivalent doses of cisplatin [2mg/kg body weight/ dose; intraperitoneal injection every other day]. Two days after the last injection, animals were subjected to intravital perfusion by 5% gluteraldehyd under light ether anaesthesia then sacrificed by decapitation. The petrous temporal bones were dissected out, fixed, properly decalcified, and further processed for examination by the light microscope using routine hematoxylin and eosin stain and by the scanning electron microscope. Light microsopic findings showed histological degenerative changes involving the outer and inner hair cells of the organ of Corti, the supporting cells, the spiral ganglion cells and the epithelium of the stria vascularis. It also revealed degeneration of the epithelium of the crista ampullaris. The scanning electron microscopic examination explored the architectural damages affecting the cochlear hair cells and the vestibular otoconia. Cisplatin can affect both the cochlear as well as the vestibular epithelium of the inner ear in albino rabbits. Emesis in patients receiving cisplatin therapy should not mask the possibility for a vestibular impact. Accordingly, an ongoing counseling of an otolaryngeologist is mandatory for the follow up assessment of the auditory-vestibular functions during the cisplatin chemotherapy. On the other hand, multidisciplinary research studies should be expanded, particularly on the molecular level, to came out with new generations of platinum drugs that could be selectively targeted to cancer cells and escape the damage to the normal tissues

Forage production in sole and mixed stands of fodder maize [Zea map L.] and mungbean [Vigna radiata L. wilczek]

To increase the productivity and quality of forage per unit area under summer conditions, fodder maize cv. Giza-2 and mungbean cvs. Kawmy-1 and King were grown in mixture at different proportions [100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100] for two seasons, i.e., 2004 and 2005 at the Agriculture Experimental Station of National Research Centre, Shalakan, Kalubia Governorate, Egypt. Solid maize produced higher green and dry forage yield and total digestible nutrients, followed by 75% fodder maize + 25% mungbean mixture. Which recorded the highest protein yield and an increase in land equivalent ratio. Herbage forage mixtures including cv. Kawmy- 1 mungbean produced herbage of better quality than mixtures with mungbean cv. King. It can be concluded that producing mixed forage of 75% fodder maize + 25% mungbean cv. Kawmy-l can realize a reasonable yield of forage with a high percent of protein

Acute pancreatitis: a clinical study in some toxicity with helical computed tomography

This study was conducted on 15, 48, 23 patients exposed to scorption sting, anticholinesterase insecticide, and methanol intoxication respectively with total number of 86 patients admitted to Poison Control Centre, Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo Egypt. On admission, and on discharge, serum amylase, and serum lipase, in addition to pseudo-cholinesterase [butyryl cholinesterase Bu-ChE], blood pH, and blood bicarbonate were determined and compared with those of normal control subjects. Abdominal ultrasonography and helical computed tomography [CT] were performed for cases with increased serum amylase and lipase. Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed in 6, 20, and 8 patients exposed to scorpion sting, anticholinesterase insecticide, and methanol intoxication respectively. All those patients demonstrated significantly elevated serum amylase, and lipase levels when compared with control group and other patients. Helical Computed Tomography [CT] showed findings suggestive of acute pancreatitis in 31 patients [91%]. There was a significant correlation between developing acute pancreatitis and severity of toxicity. Pancreatic necrosis, estimated on early, contrast-enhanced CT and seen only in patients with severe manifestations, was a specific predictor of morbidity. The present study showed that acute pancreatic injury might be more common than was previously thought. So, it is suggested that diagnosis of acute pancreatic injury should be considered in such cases to avoid deterioration and improve prognosis

Medicolegal aspects of blunt splenic trauma with special reference to delayed rupture/presentation [a prospective study]

Deaths due to splenic rupture are still reported in hospital statistics. It is either acute or delayed rupture. Delayed splenic injury includes either true delayed rupture that represents an actually delayed development of an initially latent, insignificant, splenic injury [i.e. injury in evolution] minor enough to go undetected on initial CT scans of the abdomen, or delayed presentation which represents an initially missed injury [i.e. delay in diagnosis]. We had encountered a number of patients presented with splenic rupture days after blunt abdominal trauma. We conducted this study to review the experience with this clinical entity of blunt splenic rupture with special emphasis on delayed rupture/presentation for patients presented 48 hours or more after trauma. Ninty five emergency examinations were performed for the sole purpose of detecting splenic rupture in patients who had experienced blunt abdominal trauma during a period of 8 years. Twenty three patients out of the ninty five underwent urgent laparotomy and splenectomy within 48 hours from the occurrence of the trauma [24.2%] due to hemodynamic instability as a result of continuously bleeding splenic injury. Left rib fracture was encountered in 47.8% of the cases and bowel and mesenteric injury was found in 17.4% of the cases. Nine patients presented with delayed rupture/presentation of spleen 48 hours or more after the initial trauma [9.4%] were analyzed and formed the basis of this study. The mechanisms of injury and accompanying injuries were documented. The time lag from trauma to operation and the cause of delay were also documented. Regarding the cases of delayed rupture, abdominal computed tomography [CT] was performed in eight hemodynamically stable patients, as the 9[th] patient presented in shock with acute abdomen and emergency laparotomy was performed after positive diagnostic peritoneal lavage. CT demonstrated hemoperitoneum in 7 patients, 2 had subcapsular hematoma, 2 had grade II injury, 2 had grade III injury and one patient had grade IV injury with multiple pseudoaneurysms. Emergency laparotomy was performed for 2 patients due to hemodynamic instability. Three patients were operated upon after a brief period; the reaons for operating were hemodynamic instability or they showed manifestations of diffuse peritoneal irritations. Two patients were diagnosed to have true delayed rupture of sleen and managed initially conservatively; unfortunately, nonoperative management failed because of deterioration of clinical condition in one patient and repeated blood transfusions in the other patient. Splenectomy was performed in 8 patients. The last patient was managed nonoperatively and followed with repeat CT scans. In conclusion, Splenic rupture is frequently associated with collapse and other organ injury specially left rib fractures. This may be a useful marker for suspecting cases of delayed rupture. Also, delayed splenic rupture/presentation represents either an actually delayed development of an initially latent, minor splenic injury or an initially missed injury with late presentation. Patients may be displaced from one grade to another within few days. So, a high index of suspicion, observation, follow up of hematological parameters and liberal utilization imaging techniques are essential for the identification of delayed splenic rupture, which may be hazardous to patients life, and an actual challenge for physicians to avoid being condemned with negligence or malpractice

Side-chain degradation of phytosterols using ommobilized cells of a local culture of fusarium solani

In view of the paucity of knowledge on the microbial side chain degradation of some phytosterols in favour of the formation of 1,4- androstenedione and 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione [AD and ADD] by immobilized cells, the present work described a successful conversion of beta-sitosterol and the total sterols of sunflower oil to AD and ADD. Best conversion estimates [40.64,. 12.3% and 39.43, 10.43% for both AD and ADD] were achieved on performing the process in laboratory stirred fermentor using the fungal cells immobilized on agar agar [4%] at aeration rate equivalent to 1 v/v/min, cell loading 5.7 g% and 1 cm2 bead size

Studies on the induction and properties of 11-a-hydroxylasse from aspergillus nidulans

The induced cells of Aspergillus nidulans were homogenized with alumina and centrifuged for obtaining 11-alpha-hydroxylase. The results showed that the maximum 11-alpha-hydroxyprogetreone yield [98.5%] was obtained by using phosphate buffer at pH 7, transformation time 2 hr, at 35C, enzyme ratio [1:20] and Km value 6.15 mg/100 ml. The effect of some activators and inhibitors on 11-alpha-hydroxylase activity were also investigated. While, Mg+2, Co+2, Fe+2 and chloramphenicol appeared to be good inducers and Zn+2, Hg+2 and cyclohexamide showed different inhibitory effects. The 11-alpha- hydroxylase enzyme produced by A. nidulans was observed to be NADPH dependent

Importance of nucleophilic thiols in modulating cyclophosphamide toxicity on the heart, urinary bladder and bone marrow of adult albino rats

Cyclophosphamide [CPH] is a synthetic antineoplastic agent, N-acetyl cysteine [NAC] and mesna [sodium 2 mercaptoethane sulphonate] are two members of the nucleophilic thiols. One hundred adult albino rats were used in this study. They were calssified into 10 equal groups. Groups I, II and III were control groups [-ve and +ve controls]. Group IV: [Mesna alone]. The animals of this group received 4 doses of Mesna each of 25mg/kg I.P for 5 days as follows: the 1[st] dose was given followed by the 2[nd] dose after 1/3 of an hour, then the 3[rd] dose was given after 3 hours followed by the 4[th] dose after another 3 hours. Group [V] [NAC alone]: the animals of this group received NAC at a dose of 100 mg/kg orally for 5 days. Group [VI] [Mesna and NAC]: the animals of this group received 4 doses of mesna and one dose of NAC concomitantly with the 2[nd] dose of mesna for 5 days following the same regimen and dose for each. Group [VII] [CPH alone]: the animals of this group received cyclophosphamide in a dose of 50 mg/kg I.P for 5days. Group [VIII] [CPH and Mesna]: the animals received 4 doses of mesna. CPH was given concomitantly with the 2[nd] dose of mesna. Both were given at the same previously mentioned doses and routes for 5 days. Group [IX] [CPH and NAC]: the animals received CPH concomitantly with NAC at the same previously mentioned doses and routes for 5 days. Group [X] [CPH, mesna and NAC]: the animals of this group received 4 doses of mesna. CPH and NAC were given concomitantly with the 2[nd] dose of mesna. All were given at the same previously mentioned doses and routes for each for 5 days. Animals of all groups were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dose. Blood samples were collected for investigating complete blood count [CBC], serum lactic dehydrogenase [LDH] and creatine phosphokinase [CPK] enzymes. Heart, urinary bladder and bone marrow were examined both histologically and histochemically. Cyclophosphamide significantly reduced the total leukocytic count [TLC], platelet count, hemoglobin concentration and lymphocytic count and increased the blood levels of LDH and CPK enzymes. Histologically CPH caused focal areas of cardiac necrosis, intramyocardial hemorrhage and Dilated, congested blood vessels. Whereas, it caused urinary bladder mucosal ulceration, interstitial edema and congestion with mononuclear cellular infiltration. Bone marrow hypocellularity, undifferentiated leukocytic series were also noticed in CPH group. Concomitant administration of mesna recovered completely the CPH-induced urinary bladder toxicity. However, it didn't improve either the blood picture or the cardiac enzymes and didn't recover completely neither the hemopoietic nor the cardiac toxicity of CPH. Whereas, concomitant administration of NAC or NAC and mesna with CPH improved completely the CPH induced hemopoietic and cardiac toxicity as indicated biochemically and histologically and to lesser extent the urinary bladder toxicity. So, it is recommended to prescribe NAC and mesna together with alkylating agents particularly cyclophosphamide to modulate its toxicity

Biotransformation of progesterone to II alpha-hydroxy-progesterone using the immobilized spores and mycelium of Mucor racemosus NRRL 3639

Immobilized spores and mycelium of M. racemosus NRRL 3639 were used to transform progesterone to II-alpha-hydroxy-progesterone [II- alpha- HP], where different fermentation parameters; namely, alginate concentration, time course, different progesterone levels, progesterone coimmobilization, semi-continuous transformation, pH values of the used buffer and addition of some activators, were investigated. The results showed that good yield of II-alpha-hydroxy- progesterone was obtained by using 3% w/v alginate concentration, 48-hour transformation period and 20 mg progesterone, whereas the optimal progesterone concentration for the immobilized spores was 30 mg/50 ml medium. On the other hand, coimmobilization using 100 mg progesterone/10 g wet mycelium at pH 6 and enhancement by MgSO4.7H2O, FeSO4.7H2O and riboflavin gave better yield of II-alpha-HP

Microbiological transformation of progesterone to II alpha- hydroxy progesterone using mucor racemosus NRRL 3639

The filamentous fungus Mucor racemosus NRRL 3639 efficiently hydroxylated exogenous progesterone to its II-alpha- hydroxy derivative HP. The studies of some parameters affecting the transformation reaction were carried out involving the suitability of the fermentation medium, transformation period, pH, progesterone concentration, addition of some vitamins of B group, micro- and microelements and some steroids as inducers. The results showed that the suitability of Kenawy's medium with pH 6, progesterone concentration 10 mg/50 ml, 48-hour transformation period and II-alpha- HP as inducer, riboflavin 1 mg/50 ml, potassium ferricyanide 1 mg/50 ml, [Mg+2, Fe+2, Mn+2, PO4-3] ions gave the maximum bioconversion reaction [74.3%]

Study of vaginal cytology among patients in Menoufyia Hospitals

Evaluation of the different cervical lesions, especially premalignant lesions among patients attending the outpatient clinics in Menoufyia Hospitals through application of Papanicoulaou smear [Pap smear]. Pap smear was done for a randomly selected 502 patients attending the gynecological outpatient clinics of Menoufyia University Hospital, Shebin El-Kom Teaching Hospital and Menouf General Hospital. Colposcopy and directed biopsy were done in eighty patients. Normal vaginal smear was the diagnosis in 62.7% of the studied group, while non-specific infection was found in 6.2%, human papilloma virus [HPV] infection was diagnosed in 7.2% of cases. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] and invasive cervical neoplasia were diagnosed in 1.2% and 0.2% respectively. A program for cervical early cancer detection and treatment in Menoufyia is advisable due to considerable occurrence of premalignant cervical lesions

Construction of azospirillum lipoferum gene Library and cloning of Trans-zeatin secretion [TZS] gene

A gene library of total DNA of A. lipoferum ATCC 29708 was constructed using the cosmid vector pV 34. More than two thousand transductants were isolated with inserted fragments of 36.45 kb in average. Trans- zeatin secretion [tzs] gene was isolated by screening the gene library by DNA hybridization using the tzs gene of Agrobacterium tumefaciens as a probe. Three clones were found, p MAZ 1, 2 and 3. The clone p MAZ 1 was 43.5 kb and the tzs gene was localized on the eight kb-Sal I-fragment or on the 5.2 kb fragment of the double digestion Eco RI/Sal I of this plasmid. The successful cloning of tzs gene of A. lipoferum is an evidence for the involvement of DMA transferase enzyme in trans-zeatin [tz] production in Azospirillum