Neuroprotective Activity of Protocatechuic Acid (3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid) to Treat Parkinson s Disease

The present study was designed to explore the possible neuroprotective role of protocatechuic acid (3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid) against rotenone induced locomotor, oxidative and mitochondrial dysfunction in mice. We also wanted to evaluate its ability to prevent neuronal degeneration in rotenone intoxicated mice. MethodsThirty mice, Albino strain, between 20 – 25 g, were included in the study. Group 1 is control group. It received sunflower oil 0.1 mL subcutaneously for two weeks. Group 2 received rotenone (1 mg / Kg) S.C. Group 3 also received rotenone (1 mg / Kg / day) S.C. in sunflower oil alternatively and Protocatechuic acid 10 mg / Kg B.W. P.O. for 2 weeks. Group 4 and 5 received rotenone as same in group 2 and Protocatechuic acid (25 mg / Kg) and (50 mg / Kg) B.W. P.O. After the finish of trial, open field test, stride length measurement, catalepsy, forced swim test, sucrose preference test and elevated plus maze test were conducted. ResultsExposure to Rotenone in mice led to reduction in peripheral and central movements. Pre-treatment with protocatechuic acid prior to rotenone exposure was able to maintain the both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. However, protocatechuic acid was effective in the maintenance of dopaminergic and nondopaminergic pathways. ConclusionsThis study strengthens the fact that the protocatechuic acid in rotenone-affected areas might offer neuroprotection.

Antibiotic Use Evaluation in Genitourinary Tract Infections in Female Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Genitourinary tract infections are some of the most common infections in females. These problems are a challenge in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The present study was conducted to evaluate the prescribing pattern in three of the most common types of female genitourinary tract infections.METHODSA prospective and observational study was conducted on genitourinary tract infections in female patients at the gynaecology outpatient department in a tertiary care university hospital.RESULTSMajority of the infected female patients were in 26 - 35 years age group (31.8%) followed by 36 - 45 years age group (25.9%). The common infection noticed was urinary tract infection (42.2%), followed by pelvic inflammatory disease (32.2%) and vaginitis (25.5%) in infected female patients. The types of antibiotics prescribed for urinary tract infection were aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins and penicillins. The commonly prescribed antibiotics for pelvic inflammatory disease were tetracyclines, azoles, fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, and for vaginitis azoles and aminoglycosides. The most commonly prescribed class of antibiotics for urinary tract infection, pelvic inflammatory disease and vaginitis were fluoroquinolones (11.8%), azoles (11.8%) and aminoglycosides (15.7%), respectively. Oral route was the preferred mode of administration (71%), followed by rectal (suppositories, 17.2%) and topical (cream, 11.8%).CONCLUSIONSYoung married women in this urban Indian community have a high prevalence of genitourinary tract infections but seldom seek treatment. Education and outreach are needed to reduce the stigma, embarrassment and lack of knowledge related to genitourinary tract infections