Change in normal morphology of placenta and its possible effects on fetal outcome in diabetic mothers as compared to non-diabetic mothers

OBJECTIVES: To observe and compare gross and histological changes of the placenta of nondiabetic and diabetic mothers. And observe possible changes in the fetal weight of diabetic and non diabetic mothers

STUDY DESIGN: Case control study

PLACE AND DURATION: This study was conducted from June 2009 to July 2010 at the department of Anatomy of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro. The placentae were collected from department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Liaquat University Hospital

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty freshly delivered placentae were collected forty placentae from diabetic's mothers and forty placentae from parturient belonged to uncomplicated pregnancy [control group]. Ages of all parturient were between 17 to 32 years. Fetal outcome and data was recorded. Placentae were measured on a weighing machine graduated in grams and diameter was measured with the help of a measuring tape in centimeters. Approximately five mm piece of from diabetic placenta was taken and processed for histological examination. Fetal weight was also recorded

RESULTS: Morphological examination of placentae showed larger, heavier and more cotyledenous placentae group as compared to controls. Similarly microscopic examination revealed dilated blood vessels, necrotic and degenerative foci in placentae of diabetics as compared to controls

CONCLUSION: Diabetes Mellitus produces profound gross as well as histological changes in placentae which might result in large for date babies because of fetal compromises. A good glycemic control might be a better option for reducing diabetes induced abnormalities

Effect of Azadirachta indica "Neem" Gum on blood glucose level in normal and diabetic rats

The tree Azadirachta indica A. Juss [N.O. Meliaceae], popularly known as Neem is an indigenous plant widely available in India. Almost every part of the tree has long been used in Unani system of medicine for the treatment of a variety of human ailments. The present study investigates the effect of oral administration of the Neem [Azadirachta indica] gum on blood glucose level in normal, glucose-fed hyperglycemic, adrenaline-induced hyperglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Neem-gum [2 g/kg] was found to possess significant blood sugar lowering effect in adrenaline-induced hyperglycemic rats but such effect was not observed in normal, glucose-fed hyperglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats