Optimization of antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of eucalyptus tereticornis and nigella sativa: response surface methodology

The screening of plants for medicinal purposes represents an effort to discover newer, safer, and possibly more effective drugs. Design of the present study was made aiming to the optimization of the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of Eucalyptus tereticornis [leaves] and Nigella sativa [seeds] against bacteria belongings to both Gram-positive [Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus] and Gram-negative [Escherichia coli] spectrum by using response surface methodology. 20 g powder of each E. tereticornis [leaf] and N. sativa [seeds] were mixed with 200ml of ethanol at room temperature, and then it was centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 min to separate the supernatants, and allowed to dry in order to obtain ethanol free extracts. A fresh bacterial culture of 100microl of test microorganism was inoculated onto media and spread homogeneously. The antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts showed that all the concentrations tested were effective against the test microorganisms. The diameters of zones of inhibition exhibited by S. aureus PCSIR-83 were in the range of 0-28mm, E. coli PCSIR-102 [0-28mm] and B. subtilis PCSIR-05 [15-26mm]. The combination of N. sativa [15mg/micro l] and E. tereticornis [20mg/micro l] were found most effective at pH 9.0 and temperature 35°C. Our results clearly indicate that Gram positive bacteria showed more sensitivity than Gram-negative bacteria

Efficient hepatoprotective activity of cranberry extract against CCl

Objective To investigate the hepatoprotective efficacy of cranberry extract (CBE) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl

Efficient hepatoprotective activity of cranberry extract against CCl-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rat model: Down-regulation of liver enzymes and strong antioxidant activity

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the hepatoprotective efficacy of cranberry extract (CBE) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl)-induced hepatic injury using in-vivo animal model.@*METHODS@#The hepatoprotective efficacy of CBE (200 and 400 mg/kg) was investigated against CCl (4 mL/kg)-induced hepatotoxicity, elevated liver enzymes [ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)], and total protein (TP) contents in the serum. Moreover, CBE-aided antioxidant defense against hepatotoxic insult of CCl was measured by evaluating a number of anti-oxidative biomarkers including reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum by using spectrophotometric analyses.@*RESULTS@#Results showed that the exposure of experimental animals to CCl did induce significant hepatotoxicity compared to the non-induced (untreated) group. The oral administration of CBE demonstrated a significant dose-dependent alleviation in the liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP), increased antioxidant defense (GSH, SOD, and CAT), and reduced MDA levels in the serum of treated animals compared to the animals without treatment. The resulting data showed that the administration of CBE decreased the serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP compared to the CCl-induced group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The resulting data evidenced that CBE exhibits promising hepatoprotective potential against the chemical induced hepatotoxicity, maintains homeostasis in liver enzymes, and can provide significant antioxidant defense against free radicals-induced oxidative stress.

Phytopharmacological potential of different species of Morus alba and their bioactive phytochemicals: A review

Medicinal plants of Moraceae family have been well-recognized traditionally due to their versatile applications in various fields including agriculture, cosmetic and food as well as in pharmaceutical industries. Their biomedical and medicinal importance is reflected from their broad range of pharmacological activities for treatment of various inflammatory conditions, cancer, infectious diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. The present review was aimed to summarize and critically discuss the biomedical implications of Morus species, their bioactive compounds, and phytochemicals. Bioactivity guided fractionation of these medicinal plants revealed that different types of bioactive phytochemicals and secondary metabolites such as steroids, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides and phenolic compounds including terpenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins and tannins were present. The critical analysis of the literature revealed that the aqueous, methanolic, and ethanolic extracts of Morus species and their bioactive compounds exhibit remarkable anti-oxidative, anti-diabetic, anti-stress, nephroprotective, antimicrobial, anti-mutagenic, anticancer, anxiolytic, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, immune-modulatory and cholesterol lowering effects. Based on the literature review and bioactivity guided investigation of Morus species and their phytomedicinal effects, we anticipate that these herbal products hold excellent potential for future research.

Insinuation of prophetic variables and their role in development of autoimmune thyroid dysfunction in HCV patients receiving interferon therapy

Background: Chronic liver disease has remained a major threat to human health. Hepatitis C patients administered combined interferon with ribavirin therapy, and lacking vitamin-D, are susceptible to extra-hepatic manifestations, particularly autoimmune thyroid disorders [AITDs]. The present study was designed to assess the effects of interferon and vitamin D in attaining sustained virological response in autoimmune thyroid disorders

Methods: Seventy-five patients of HCV of age 25-70 years were enrolled and screened at Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore, and 50 age and sex matched healthy individuals served as control. Their sera were separated and estimated for thyroid profile, lipid peroxidation and Vitamin D. Real time HCV PCR was performed with the serum of patients before and after the therapy

Results: Variables of oxidative and inflammatory like malondialdehyde [MDA], interleukin-6 [IL-6] and tumour necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha] differed significantly. The levels of MDA [3.68+/-1.14 etamoles/ml], IL-6 [6.80+/-0.79 pg/mI] and TNF-alpha [31.95+/-4.35 pg/ml] were recorded in HCV patients. The thyroid profile of HCV patients showed highly significant differences among the studied groups [FT4 [10.11+/-1.93], FT3 [19.18+/-2.06], and TSH [19.68+/-2.09] pmol/ml]. Higher levels of thyroid antibodies were recorded in HCV patients subjected to interferon therapy. The levels of vitamin D [9.36+/-1.22 etag/ml] in HCV patients differed significantly compared to controls [13.22+/-0.81 etag/ml]

Conclusion: Hepatitis C patients receiving interferon therapy and deficient in vitamin D dysregulate autoimmune response rendering them to develop thyroid disorders

1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, a potential role player in the development of thyroid disorders in schizophrenics

Objective: The present study was designed to assess the role of vitamin-D, in the development of autoimmune thyroid dysfunction in newly diagnosed schizophrenics

Methods: For the present study 100 patients and 100 controls were screened out and studied for their thyroid antibodies, GSH, homocysteine, NOS and vitamin D levels by appropriate protocols to assess the underlying mechanism involved in the schizophrenics susceptible to autoimmune thyroid diseases

Results: The results of the present study depicted that in schizophrenics, levels of cytokines like IL-6 [7.98 +/- 0.67 pg/ml], TNF-alpha, [40.76 +/- 6.98 pg/ml], homocysteine [16.98 +/- 1.09 micro mol/L], Tg-Ab [30.93 +/- 3.87 IU/L], TPO-Ab [10.33 +/- 1.78 IU/L] and TSHr-Ab [3.76 +/- 0.055 IU/L] increased whereas, those of Vit-D [12.76 +/- 0.99 pmol/L], NOS [5.99 +/- 0.87 IU/L], GSH [4.48 +/- .965 micro g/dl] and NO [16.87 +/- 3.98 ng/ml] were decreased in the patients as compared to healthy control subjects

Conclusion: Vitamin-D in schizophrenia is involved in augmentation of hyperhomocysteinemia, inflammation, oxidative stress and thyroid antibodies, thereby playing a significant role not only in induction of schizophrenic symptoms but may also result in autoimmune thyroid diseases. Thus, earlier detection and rectification of its levels are helpful to limit the miseries of schizophrenia

Evaluation of serum triglyceride and cholesterol in subclinical Hypothyroidism

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of subclinical hypothyroidism on lipid profile with special reference to total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Analytic study. This study was carried out at the Punjab Institute of Nuclear Medicine [PINUM], Faisalabad and IMBB, university of Lahore from January 2011 to September 2011. [Eight months] 100 female patients of age ranges from 20-50 years having subclinical hypothyroidism [SCH] and 20 euthyroidsubject of same age and sex [control] were included in this study. Serum FT[4], FT[3], TSH, total cholesterol and triglyceride of subclinical hypothyroid patients and control group were determined. In subclinical hypothyroid patients total cholesterol were significantly increased as compared to euthyroid group. Serum TSH and total cholesterol showed positive correlation. Serum triglyceride did not significantly increased in SCH. The total cholesterol level elevated in SCH. This increases the risk of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease [CAD] in subclinical hypothyroid patients

Alcoholic liver disease [ALD]; implication of oxidative stress and extrapolative factors in patients suffering, update from local population of punjab-Pakistan

The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in biochemical parameters including lipid profile, liver and kidney profile as well as oxidative stress profile, particularly in patients suffering from alcoholic liver disease [ALD]. Fifty chronic alcoholics admitted for treatment to the in-patient wards at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore-Pakistan. Chronic alcoholics with alcohol abuse for more than four to five years, and with or without clinical complications, were included. Apparently twenty healthy individuals served as control. 2012-2013. Various circulating biochemical biomarkers including renal profile, hepatic and lipid profile were evaluated. Moreover, stress markers [MDA. SOD, GSH and catalase] were also investigated. A very strong direct and indirect correlation of ALP was found with TB, MDA and GSH [r=.950**, r=.929** and r=-.967** respectively, P<0.01]. MDA was observed having very strong indirect correlation with GSH and catalase [r=-.909** and r-.777** respectively, P<0.01]. All parameters in combinations may be useful indicator or may be good and reliable biochemical markers for identification and determination of severity of alcoholic liver diseases [ALD]. The damaging of hepatocytes due to the consumption of alcohol disturbs almost all types of biochemical coordination in the biological system

Assessment of biochemical and antioxidative status in patients suffering from dengue fever / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

A multi-centred study was designed to collect dengue epidemiologic data from government and registered private hospitals/clinics and maintained archive of frozen specimens in bio-bank to be used for future dengue epidemic control program, and assess the epidemiology of dengue fever (DF) by evaluating biochemical and oxidative status of patients. ELISA IgM antibodies test was done to confirm DF. From August 2010 to December 2011, 101 confirmed blood samples of DF patients referred to pathology lab of Jinnah Hospital Lahore were subjected to the epidemiologic assessment by evaluating the biochemical and physiological indices and alterations of circulating antioxidants. Clinical features of DF patients and effect of fever on blood components and serum proteins of liver were recorded. The hospital stay in DF, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) showed significant difference. Significant increases in serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) (P=0.000), aspartate amino transferase (AST) (P=0.000), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P=0.000), malondialdehyde (MDA) along with significant decreases in total protein (TP) (P=0.000), reduced glutathione (GSH) (P=0.000), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) (P=0.000), and sialic acid contents (P=0.016) were observed. A positive correlation existed between bound sialic acid levels, liver enzymes and circulating antioxidants (r=0.656, P=0.016). In the present study, alterations of circulating antioxidants in DF suggest that DF might be a metabolic response to an acute, self-limiting tropical viral infection, and a consequence of the viral inflammatory process.

Comparative study of alterations in tri-iodothyronine [T3] and thyroxine [T4] hormone levels in breast and ovarian cancer

The present study was designed to investigate variations in the levels of thyroid hormones [T3, T4] in breast and ovarian cancers patients. A total 120 subjects were recruited [without thyroid history] divided into three groups; A, B and C. Group A as control with healthy individuals. While group B and group C were consisting of breast cancer and ovarian cancer patient respectively. Blood samples [5 ml] were taken and analyzed to estimate the levels of serum T3 [tri-iodothyronine] and T4 [thyroxin] hormones. Statistically significant difference [P=0.000* and P=0.017*] was obtained among all groups. A significant increase in T3 [P=0.000*] and T4 [0.005*] levels was observed among breast cancer patients as compared to healthy controls. While for ovarian cancer patients conflicting results were found for T3 and T4 levels in the serum i.e. insignificant difference was found in T3 [P=0.209] and T4 [P=0.050] as compared to control. Our results showed that in the breast cancer and ovarian cancer patients the thyroid hormone [T3 and T4] level has been altered from the normal ranges as compared to the normal healthy individuals. We conclude that hyperthyroidism has profound effects on breast cancer and ovarian cancer cells proliferation

Inter-relationship of circulating biochemical markers of oxidative stress and thyroid hormones in newly diagnosed schizophrenics: perspective study from local population of Punjab Pakistan

Current study was conducted to determine the fluctuations of various circulating biomarkers including thyroid hormones, hepatic enzymes, oxidative stress markers as well as electrolytes in schizophrenics. Cross Sectional Study. This study was conducted at Psychiatric Clinic of Jinnah Hospital, Mental Hospital from Jan. 2013 to Oct. 2013. Seventy five acute schizophrenics and twenty five healthy individuals were selected for this study. Patients with chronic infections, diabetic history, liver disease or any other history of drugs including smoking and/or drinking alcohol were excluded from the study. Elevated levels of oxidative stress in the form of malondialdehyde [MDA] [7.8 +/- 2.71*] were observed in schizophrenics. Similarly raised levels of T3 [6.9 +/- 1.31*] and T4 [61.2 +/- 15.44*] were found in patients as compared to control. Electrolytes like Na, K, Ca and Mg showed alterations in the serum of both patients and control. All the circulating biochemical markers were statistically significant [P<0.05]. It is concluded that lipid peroxidation may has association with thyroid hormones and electrolytes. Moreover, alleviated concentration of anti-oxidant biomarkers like SOD, catalase and GSH may play a central role in schizophrenics and anti-oxidant therapy may be useful for the management of this psychiatric disorder

Significance of hepatic profile and malondialdehyde as marker of lipid peroxidation in HCV patients: a perspective study from local population of Punjab

All over the world Hepatitis C virus [HCV] remains to be a main etiological mediator of liver disease. Approximately, 10 million people in Pakistan are diseased with HCV. Pegylated interferon plus ribavirin signifies the gold standard therapy but various side effects may occur. Comparative study. This study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore from August 2013 to March, 2014. Thirty five patients of hepatitis C virus and Twenty three age and sex-matched clinically apparently healthy individuals were eligible for inclusion in the study at Jinnah Hospital Lahore during the year 2013-2014. 1.0 ml blood sample were taken and subjected to centrifuge at 3000-4000 rpm for 10-15 minutes for the separation of serum. All the analytical work was performed at the Institute of molecular biology and biotechnology [IMBB], and Centre for research in molecular medicine [CRiMM], The University of Lahore-Pakistan. The estimation of AST, ALT, ALP, TP and T.Bilirubin were estimated. The AST level in HCV patients was increases [47.88 +/- 40.49] as compared to the control persons [31.43 +/- 7.31] and statistically significant [0.02<0.05]. Total Protein level in HCV patients was [4.20 +/- 0.61] and in healthy individuals [6.23 +/- 0.51] and statistically significant [0.000<0.05]. MDA level in HCV patients was increases remarkably [8.58 +/- 1.19] and in control persons [1.47 +/- 0.54] and it was statistically significant [0.000<0.05]. There is a relationship between oxidative stress and ALP, ALT, AST and Albumin. The results of the present study confirmed a perfect sketch regarding the circulating biochemical markers and lipid peroxidation [MDA] profile between the studied groups i.e., control and HCV patients with interferon induced Hepatitis C virus infection

Response of antiretroviral therapy [ziduvidune, lamivudine, niverapine] in patients suffering from acquired immuno deficiency syndrome [AIDS]

Purpose of current study was to evaluate the effect of antiretroviral drugs [Three regimen] Ziduvodine, Lamivudine and Niverapine to HIV patients presented in D.G. Khan Zone in regard to CD4 level and viral loads before start of drugs and after one year treatment. Comparative study. This study was carried out at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine, The University of Lahore-Pakistan from April 2013 to June 2014. Seventy five [75] patients suffering from HIV and thirteen [13] control individuals were selected for the study. Rapid testing and ELISA screening were performed for identification of presence/absence of virus and antibodies respectively. Viral load and CD4+ absolute count were also evaluated by PCR and Multiset software respectively. All the analytical work was performed at the Institute of molecular biology and biotechnology [IMBB], and Centre for research in molecular medicine [CRiMM], The University of Lahore-Pakistan. Statistically highly significant difference [P=.000] was observed regarding viral load before and after the treatment in HIV patients receiving combination therapy, ART [antiretroviral therapy]. The viral load in control and HIV patients before and after the treatment was [0.00, 3.23x10[4]] and [0.00, 1.45x10[2]] respectively. Levels of CD4+cells were increased and a highly significant difference was recorded among control and ART treated patients. Inverse correlation was recorded between viral loads [After] and CD4+ levels [After], [Viral Load Vs CD4+, r = -.678**]. It can be concluded that ART is highly effective in AIDS patients with minimal adverse effects, makes the life of AIDS patients less miserable and improve the quality of life

Inter-relationship of viral load and CD4+ cells in patients suffering from acquired immuno deficiency syndrome [AIDS]: update from Punjab, Pakistan

Purpose of current study was to evaluate the effect of antiretroviral drugs [Three regimen] Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Efavirenz to HIV patients presented in D.G. Khan Zone in regard to CD4 level and viral loads before start of drugs and after one year treatment. Comparative study. This study was carried out at the Institute of molecular biology and biotechnology [IMBB], and Centre for research in molecular medicine [CRiMM], The University of Lahore-Pakistan during May 2013 to Feb. 2014. Seventy five [75] patients suffering from HIV and twelve [12] control individuals were selected for the study from Dera Ghazi Khan during 2013-2014. Rapid testing and ELISA screening were performed for identification of presence/absence of virus and antibodies respectively. Viral load and CD4+ absolute count were also evaluated by PCR and Multiset software respectively. All the analytical work was performed at the Institute of molecular biology and biotechnology [IMBB], and Centre for research in molecular medicine [CRiMM], The University of Lahore-Pakistan. Statistically highly significant difference [P=.000] was observed regarding viral load before and after the treatment in HIV patients receiving combination therapy, ART [antiretroviral therapy]. The viral load in control and HIV patients before and after the treatment was [0.00, 3.22x10[4]] and [0.00, 1.61x10[2]] respectively. The CD4+ cells levels in control and HIV patients before and after the treatment was [330.67, 186.29] and [171.92, 372.64] respectively. Inverse correlation was also recorded between viral loads [After] and CD4+ levels [After], [Viral Load Vs CD4+, r=-.328**]. It is concluded that from one year antiviral therapy in AIDS patients the viral load decrease from 3.22x10[4] to 1.61x10[2] and CD4+ count increased from 186.29 to 372.64 with no significant complications hence improve the AIDS patients' lives and minimize the spread of infection

Physicochemical and phytochemical analysis of Euphorbia helioscopia [L.]

The present study aimed to standardize the crude drug from "Euphorbia helioscopia" by doing qualitative and quantitative analysis of different pulverized plant parts and extracts. Physicochemical analysis [determination of moisture contents, total ash, water insoluble ash, sulphated ash, acid insoluble ash, and water and alcohol extractives] was done on powdered raw materials [stem and leaves]. The moisture contents and the ash value were found within the normal recommended range [moisture contents 6% and ash value 20%]. The value of water-soluble extracts was higher as compared to alcohol soluble extractives. Percentage yield was highest in methanol solvent. The phytochemical analysis i.e. total lipids, total proteins and carbohydrates of crude powder showed that lipids and proteins contents were high [2.4% and 0.91% respectively] in pulverized stem while carbohydrate contents were high [78.27%] in pulverized leaves. Qualitative analysis by FTIR fingerprints and UV-scanning showed that stem and leaves of the plant contained the same constituents because their spectra are super-imposable. Aqueous-, ethanol-, petroleum ether-, chloroform- and methanol extracts were used in the study. Quantitative analysis was done by calculating the primary and secondary metabolites [total proteins, total glycosaponins, total alkaloids, total flavonoids, and total polyphenolics] in all the extracts using suitable markers. Chloroform gave very less percentage yield and nil primary metabolites so it was eliminated from secondary metabolites estimation. The maximum value of total proteins, total glycosaponins, total alkaloids, total flavonoids and total polyphenolics were found in the leaves methanol [36.56%], stem methanol [34%], stem ethanol [41.84%], leaves methanol [108.96%], and leaves petroleum ether [7.22%] respectively. Different pharmacological activities of the plants are due to their flavonoid contents. It is concluded that methanol is the best solvent for extraction. Any arial part of the plant can be used in pharmacological evaluations prior to pre-clinical and clinical studies because leaves and stem had superimposable spectra in FTIR and UV-scanning.

Comparative studies of salivary and blood sialic acid, lipid peroxidation and antioxidative status in oral squamous cell carcinoma [OSCC]

Oral squamous cell carcinoma [OSCC] is considered to be a serious life threatening issue for almost two decades. The objective of this study was to evaluate the over production of lipid peroxidation [LPO] byproducts and disturbances in antioxidant defense system in the pathogenesis of oral cancer. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in OSCC patients were estimated and compared the sensitivity and specificity of circulating biomarkers [MDA, Sialic acid, Catalase, SOD, GSH and Neuraminidase] with B-2 microglobulin [B-2MG] at different thresholds in blood and saliva using receiver operating characteristics [ROC] curve design. Our results showed that the levels of MDA and Sialic acid were significantly increased in plasma of OSCC patients as compared to healthy subjects whereas antioxidant level was significantly decreased. ROC analysis indicated that MDA in saliva is a better diagnostic tool as compared to MDA in blood and B-2MG in blood is better diagnostic marker as compared to B-2MG level in saliva

Potential reproductive health effects and oxidative stress associated with exposure to potassium dichromate [K2Cr2O7] and magnesium sulphate [MgSO4] in male mice

To investigate the potential harmful effects of potassium dichromate and magnesium sulphate causing oxidative stress and reproductive toxicity in adult male mice model. The experimental work was conducted on sixty male mice [Mus musculus] divided into three groups. Mice in group B and C received potassium dichromate and magnesium sulphate of 5.0 and 500 mg/Kg body weight/ml respectively, for sixty days. The blood sample was analyzed to assess oxidative stress and cellular damage. Results showed high malondialdehyde [MDA] and low levels of antioxidant enzymes [catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]] in both potassium dichromate and magnesium sulphate administrated groups as compared to control group. Reduced number of sperm count and excessive destruction of testicular follicles, including destruction of spermatids, leydig cells and sertoli cells, were also seen in both groups. We concluded from present study that potassium dichromate and magnesium sulphate causes oxidative stress by generation of reactive oxygen species [ROS] and causing DNA damage in testicular cells leading to adverse reproductive abnormalities

Assessment of Circulating Biochemical, Heamatological and Oxidative Stress Markers in Females Using Contraceptives from Punjab, Pakistan

To Assess the circulating Biochemical, Heamatological and Oxidative Stress Markers in Females using Contraceptives from Punjab, Pakistan. Study Design: Case Control Study Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Gynae Units of Jinnah Hospital Lahore from January, 201 1 to December 201 1. Materials and Methods: Two injectable contraceptives [Depo-Medroxyprogesterone and NorethisteroneEnantate] and Oral contraceptive pills [COCs] were administered in females of reproductive age, the oxidative and nitrosative stress biomarkers [Malondialdehyde, Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Nitic oxide and Glutathione] were analyzed in these subjects. Results: DMPA, NET-EN and COCs treatment could induce oxidative stress with a significant change in lipid profile and other biochemical markers thus affecting the normal biological system. These effects after prolonged use can generate pathological events leading to disease pattern. Conclusion: These biomarkers can become diagnostic tools to evaluate the health of a woman using these methods as preventive measure in there

Assessment of oxidative stress in hepatitis C patients receiving interferon therapy

Background: Oxidative stress and antioxidative status caused by hepatitis C therapy plays a significant role in aggravating the disease. A number of reactive oxygen species are responsible for the damaging of cell machinery and ultimately disturbing the homeostasis of the cell

Objectives: To assess enzymatic, non-enzymatic antioxidants and circulating biomarkers in HCV patients receiving interferon therapy

Methods: Study subjects were divided into two groups; patients and controls. The levels of the Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS, as a marker of lipid peroxidation], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione [GSH], catalase [CAT] and lipid peroxidation product [MDA] in the serum were estimated

Results: There was statistically difference between patients and healthy controls in levels of CAT[p< 0.000**], SOD[ p< 0.000**], GSH [p< 0.000**] and MDA[p< 0.000**]. Similarly, the levels of ALT [p< 0.048*], AST [p< 0.005*] and ALP [p< 0.000**] were also statistically different between two groups

Conclusion: Imbalanced levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, MDA and serum enzymes [e.g. ALT, AST, ALP] revealed that interferon itself play a crucial rule in disturbing oxidative vs. antioxidative status which ultimately results in tissue damaging. Increased levels of MDA have a significant correlation with disease development during the course of therapy

Antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehydeconcentration in patients with urticaria induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Objective: The Urticaria caused by NSAIDs wasstudied for their antioxidant enzyme activity andmalondialdehyde [MDA] concentration

Methodology: Patients were divided into twogroups; group one act as a control and the remaininggroup was urticaria patients. The levels of theThiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS, asa marker of lipid peroxidation], superoxidedismutase [SOD], glutathione [GSH] and catalase[CAT] in the serum were estimated. The enzymaticactivity was estimated and compared with differentcategories of NSAIDs

Results: In present studyCAT, SOD and lipid peroxidation product [MDA]were statistically different from that of healthycontrol and showed significant changes [p< 0.05]while GSH showed a non-significant [p>0.05]value

Conclusion: It is concluded thatantioxidative system of the body is accelerated andshows variations in the patient of Urticaria.Moreover, present study shows the co-ordinatedenzymatic mechanism and the interrelationshipbetween enzymatic activities in allergy