ABSTRACT
Background: Ulcers of the lower part of the oesophagus, the stomach and the first part of the duodenum are also known as peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers can affect people of any age, but they are more common as you get older. There is a focus on research for better tolerated and efficacious anti-ulcer agents. Methods: Effect of anti-ulcer activity of fish oil and Arasco oil was evaluated in different animal models of ulcers i.e. ethanol induced, water immersion and pyloric ligation techniques. The Superoxide dismutase activity in gastric tissue was also ascertained in two groups of animals. The animals received either fish oil (40 μl, PO), Arasco oil (40 μl, PO), omeprazole (20 mg/kg PO) or ranitidine (30 mg/kg PO). The gastro-protection was calculated based on ulcer index, pH and gastric juice volume. Results: The results of this study suggest that poly unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contained in fish oil and Arasco oil have moderate anti-ulcer activity although probably lesser in potency than the available anti-ulcer drugs like omeprazole and ranitidine. Conclusion: These results have shown that PUFA containing oils provided moderate gastrointestinal protection in all the induced ulcer models employed. Thus it can be concluded that PUFA containing oils like the Fish oil and Arasco oil have anti-ulcer properties and the mechanisms involved in these actions need to be investigated.
ABSTRACT
Background: The effect of serine protease thrombin and its directly acting inhibitor dabigatran were evaluated on the heart rate, blood pressure, and phospholipase C (PLC) enzyme activity and the intracellular calcium levels in the platelets. Methods: Heart rate and blood pressure were estimated using electrophysiology equipment. Results: While thrombin was unable to significantly affect the heart rate and blood pressure, the inhibitor dabigatran was able to reduce the heart rate appreciably but its effects on the blood pressure were minimal. The thrombin induced increase in PLC enzyme activity, and intracellular calcium levels were attenuated by dabigatran in the platelets. The posterior pituitary hormone, vasopressin, and the adrenergic agonist noradrenaline were used to stimulate the PLC and calcium levels in platelets. Conclusion: The thrombin inhibitor, dabigatran reduces vascular oxidative stress and inflammation, improves endothelial function, and decreases atherosclerosis in rodents.
ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology is the application of science to control matter at the molecular level. It is a field that is burgeoning in the recent times, making an impact in all spheres of human life. Microorganisms play an important role in the eco-friendly synthesis of metal nanoparticles. The use of microorganisms for the synthesis of nanoparticles in the lime light of modern nanotechnology is a novel approach. Biological methods of synthesis have paved the way for the greener synthesis of these nanoparticles which can have application in biomedical sciences. In this study, we report the synthesis of nanoparticles of silver by the reduction of aqueous Ag+ by a culture of Micrococcus luteus. The formation of silver nano-particles was monitored by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and elucidated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).