ABSTRACT
Cancer is a potentially lethal disorder with abnormal cell growth and metastasis, warranting multimodal treatment owing to its diversity and complexity. Head and neck cancers are physically and emotionally devastating disease, with profound impact on the most fundamental activities of the subjects’ daily life such as the ability to speak, breathe, eat, drink, and socialize. The side-effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy get superimposed on the existing problems and cause new problems resulting in significant morbidity and suffering. Methods: This Prospective Observational study was conducted at the Department of ENT, Southern Railway Headquarters Hospital, Chennai, India. All subjects were evaluated for toxicities using RTOG/EORTC toxicity criteria and Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC). Results: Hypopharynx was the most common site of malignancy observed (31.6 %). Pain (90%) and appetite loss (84.2%) secondary to Mucositis and Xerostomia were the most predominant, serious and lasting adverse effects noted. Subjects also experienced markedly altered smell (63%) and taste (78%). Skin changes and alopecia was observed in all the subjects. Overall treatment duration was prolonged in 78.9% owing to severe toxicities, which necessitated withholding of last few cycles of chemotherapy. Conclusion: Subjects receiving concurrent Chemo-Radiotherapy experience a substantial number of treatment related adverse events, which had considerable effect on their Quality of life.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: To evaluate the preventive effects of aqueous extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark on dexamethasone induced insulin resistance and to compare it with rosiglitazone. Methods: The animals were categorized into two series of dexamethasone (dexamethasone 4mg/kg, dexamethasone 8mg/kg series) with 5 groups in each [plain control, dexamethasone 4/8mg/kg as per series, rosiglitazone 8mg/kg and 16mg/kg, cinnamon bark extract (CZE) 250mg/kg BW]. Six animals were studied in each group. In a12 day study period, rosiglitazone and CZE groups received respective drug treatments and dexamethasone dosing (4mg/kg or 8mg/kg) was started from day 7onwards. On day 12, fasting blood, urine and post IPGTT blood samples were collected and processed for glucose, insulin and ketone estimations. Results: In both series, CZE 250mg/kg treatment showed significant reduction in mean fasting glucose and insulin compared to rosiglitazone 8mg/kg and 16mg/kg groups and dexamethasone controls (4mg/kg, 8mg/kg groups) (P<0.05). The fall in glucose and insulin levels observed with CZE treatment at 30, 60 min post IPGTT in both series were significant compared to rosiglitazone and dexamethasone treatment groups (P<0.05). Glycosuria and ketonuria were absent in CZE groups, whereas these were reduced significantly in rosiglitazone groups compared to dexamethasone groups (P<0.05).Conclusion: The aqueous extract of C. zeylanicum bark prevented the insulin resistance as evidenced by reduced fasting and post IPGTT glucose and insulin levels in steroid induced insulin resistance model.
ABSTRACT
The main aim of the present study was to evaluate analgesic and CNS depressant activity of methanolic extracts of stem and roots of Cissus pallida and aerial parts of Cissus vitegenia in experimental animals. The analgesic activity was evaluated by Eddy’s hot plate method and CNS depressant activity was evaluated by using digital actophotometer. The study was carried out by using two different doses (200 and 400mg/kg body weight) of both the extracts. The preliminary pharmacological screening showed that both the extracts showed moderate analgesic activity and significant CNS depressant activity.