Nigella sativa protects against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction by alleviating oxidative stress, biochemical alterations and histological damage

Objective To evaluate the cardioprotective effect of Nigella sativa L. (N. sativa) in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction (MI). Methods Groups were treated with different doses of ethanol extract of N. sativa (EENS) and N. sativa oil alone and along with enalapril for 28 days. MI was induced by subcutaneous administration of isoproterenol (85 mg/kg) in two consecutive doses. Levels of cardiac biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes such as creatine kinase–N-acetyl-L-cysteine, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and catalase were evaluated along with gross histopathological examination. Results Isoproterenol (85 mg/kg) induced MI by causing the significant (P < 0.01) reduction in the activity of cardiac biomarkers (creatine kinase–N-acetyl-L-cysteine, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase) and antioxidant markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione) along with significant (P < 0.01) increase in the level of malondialdehyde. Furthermore, histopathological evaluation also confirmed the isoproterenol-induced MI. Pretreatment with EENS (800 mg/kg) and combination of EENS (800 mg/kg) with enalapril (1 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.01) prevented the development of these alteration and restored activity of cardiac biomarkers as well as antioxidant markers almost near to normal levels. Histopathological evaluation of cardiac tissue further confirmed the restoration of biochemical activity. Conclusions Experimental findings thus indicate that EENS (800 mg/kg) demonstrated cardioprotective effect against isoproterenol-induced MI by restoring cardiac biomarkers and antioxidant status.

Rhinoplasty : a review of 67 cases

In 600 B. C. Sushruta first documented rhinoplasty in the Indian subcontinent. In western centers rhinoplasty is a very commonly performed operation but it has not gained popularity in Bangladesh due to lack of expertise and knowledge of availability of the procedure. This study was carried out to assess the outcome of our cases of Rhinoplasty. Retrospective, descriptive study carried out from April 2000 to April 2004. Setting: Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Sixty seven patients who underwent Rhinoplasty. Detailed history and examination, especially local examination, was carried out. The procedures involved and the possible complications were discussed with the patient. The procedure for augmentation rhinoplasty consisted of reconstruction of the dorsum of the nose by silicone implant, conchal cartilage and bone graft. Reconstructive rhinoplasty was performed with the median forehead flap. Excellent results were found in 55 cases, satisfactory in 10 and unsatisfactory in two cases. Complications were encountered in two patients; in one case there was graft necrosis [which was a composite graft taken from pinna and occurred due to accidental trauma to the recipient site by the patient herself], while in the other displacement of an implant occurred [that was corrected later on by a minor procedure]. We conclude that if expertise is developed rhinoplasty, whether cosmetic or reconstructive, can be performed more frequently and with satisfactory results