From Molecular Pathology of COVID 19 to Nigella Sativum as a Treatment Option: Scientific Based Evidence of Its Myth or Reality / 中国结合医学杂志

COVID-19 virus is a causative agent of viral pandemic in human beings which specifically targets respiratory system of humans and causes viral pneumonia. This unusual viral pneumonia is rapidly spreading to all parts of the world, currently affecting about 105 million people with 2.3 million deaths. Current review described history, genomic characteristics, replication, and pathogenesis of COVID-19 with special emphasis on Nigella sativum (N. sativum) as a treatment option. N. sativum seeds are historically and religiously used over the centuries, both for prevention and treatment of different diseases. This review summarizes the potential role of N. sativum seeds against COVID-19 infection at levels of in silico, cell lines and animal models.

Polymer blend: a new approach for eliminating curing effect of aqueous dispersion coatings

The aim of present work was to investigate blends of Eudragit® NE 30D with Aquacoat® ECD using different ratios to eliminate curing effect associated with individual polymers. Propranolol HCl 10% w/w was layered onto sugar cores using 5% w/w HPMC as a binder. Drug-layered-cores were coated either with pure or blends of Aquacoat® ECD: Eudragit® NE 30D in a fluidized bed coater to obtain 20% w/w coating level. Talc 35% w/w was used as anti-tacking agent. The pellets were characterized for in vitro dissolution studies, morphology, water uptake-weight loss, osmolality and adhesion of coating after curing at 60 °C or 60 °C/75% RH for 24 h. The findings revealed that Aquacoat® ECD coated pellets showed curing effect due to further gradual coalescence of polymeric particles which resulted into better film formation upon curing. In contrast, the curing effect of Eudragit® NE 30D coated pellets was caused by decrease in adhesion of coatings after curing which provided entirely different swelling behavior of uncured (localized swelling) and cured (uniform swelling) pellets. The undesired curing effect of individual polymers was eliminated by using their blends in appropriate ratio.

Silymarin-Laden PVP-Nanocontainers Prepared Via the Electrospraying Technique for Improved Aqueous Solubility and Dissolution Rate

Abstract The aim of the present research was to develop a silymarin-laden PVP-nanocontainer providing ameliorated aqueous solubility and dissolution of the drug. Several silymarin-laden formulations were formed with varying quantities of PVP and SDS via the solvent evaporation method using the electrospraying technique. The influence of the hydrophilic carriers on solubility and dissolution was explored. The solid-state characterization was carried out by particle-size analysis, PXRD, DSC, FTIR and SEM. All of the formulations demonstrated better solubility and dissolution than did silymarin plain powder. Both the SDS and PVP had positive effects on solubility and dissolution of silymarin in the aqueous media. An increased solubility was attained as the drug/PVP ratio was 1/4; however, further increase in PVP did not provide significant improvement. In particular, a nanocontainer formulation prepared with silymarin, PVP and SDS (1/4/0.5, w/w/w) exhibited the best solubility (26432.76 ± 1749.00 μg/mL) and an excellent dissolution (~92 % in 20 min) than did silymarin plain powder. Also, it demonstrated similar dissolution profiles compared to a commercial product; therefore, might be bioequivalent to the commercial product (f 1 = 3 and f 2 = 69). Moreover, cumulative undersize distribution values as represented by X10, X50 and X90 were 201 ± 21.01 nm, 488 ± 36.05 nm and 392 ± 48.10 nm, respectively. The drug existed in the amorphous state in the PVP-nanocontainers with no strong chemical bonding with other excipients. Thus, this formulation might be used for more effective administration of silymarin via the oral route.

Association of metabolic syndrome with atypical antipsychotic drug [olanzapine] short term versus long term use

Objective: To determine the association of metabolic syndrome with atypical antipsychotic drug [olanzapine] short term versus long term use

Study Design: Case control study

Place and Duration of Study: Chemical pathology department Army Medical College Rawalpindi, from Nov 2014 to Oct 2015

Material and Methods: The study was carried out on 240 subjects, 120 cases and 120 controls. For the purpose of the study cases were divided into four groups A, B, C and D according to the duration of drug use. Group A patients included those who the last the drug olanzapine for the last three months. Group B patients included those who were using the drug olanzapine for the last six months. Group C and D included those who were using the drug for last 1 year and more than one year [2-5 years] respectively. By employing non probability convenience sampling technique the data was collected from patients having the diagnosis of psychosis as per DSM IV modified criteria through a proforma and fasting blood samples were drawn. These samples were tested for fasting serum lipid profile and fasting plasma glucose. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 21. For quantitative data Mean and SD were calculated. For qualitative data frequency and percentages were calculated. Qualitative data was compared using chi square test whereas quantitative data was compared using independent sample t-test

Results: There was statistically no significant difference in fasting plasma glucose between group A and B and their controls whereas in group C and D these levels were significantly high as compared to controls. Triglyceride levels were significantly higher and HDL cholesterol levels were significantly lower in all four groups as compared to controls. Comparison of qualitative data which included waist circumference and blood pressure showed statistically no significant rise for group A whereas waist circumference showed insignificant rise and blood pressure showed statistically significant rise for group B. On the other hand both waist circumference and blood pressure were significantly higher for group C and D as compared to controls. Overall study revealed a graded increase in components of metabolic syndrome with duration of olanzapine use. Out of thirty patients in each group two patients in group A, 5 in group B, 7 in group C and 10 patients in group D developed metabolic syndrome as per NCEP ATP III modified criteria

Conclusion: Development of metabolic syndrome is strongly associated with long term use of atypical antipsychotic drug olanzapine

Metformin attenuate PTZ-induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in human cortical neuronal cells

Objective: Seizures are one of the neurodegenerative disorders of human being. Metformin has antioxidant properties and commonly used as an oral antidiabetic drug. The current study was aimed to observe the neuroprotective effect of metformin against PTZ-induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in human cortical neuronal cell culture

Methods: To observe that exposure of pentylenetetrazol [PTZ] at the dose of [30mM] for 30 minutes induced neuronal cell death by activation of caspase-3 in human cortical neuronal 2 [HCN-2] cell line. While the metformin at the dose of [20mM] along with PTZ for 30 minutes showed neuroprotection against PTZ-induced neuronal cell loss by MTT assay and Western blot analysis

Results: The results of this study showed that PTZ-induced neuronal cell death by activation of pro apoptotic proteins caspase-3 and 9 whereas the exposure of metformin showed its protective effect against neuronal loss in HCN-2 cell line. Finally, our results showed that exposure of metformin can prevent the harmful effect induced by PTZ in neuronal cells cultures

Conclusions: Our finding suggest that metformin exposure attenuates PTZ-induced neuronal cell death may act as a safe therapeutics and neuroprotective agent for the treatment of neuronal loss as result of seizure

Homozygous mutations in NTRK1 gene underlie congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis in Pakistani families

Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder presenting with loss of pain sensation, thermal sensation defects, and self-mutilating behavior. In the present study, we recruited two consanguineous pedigree showing pain insensitivity symptoms from Pakistan for clinical and molecular investigations. In family A, one female patient displayed classical CIPA symptoms along with microcephaly and severe intellectual disability. During course of the disease, her right foot was amputated and had remarkable dental degeneration and teeth shedding. In family B, one boy presented with classical symptoms of congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. Blood was collected from both families for molecular studies. Sequencing with the Ilumina Trusight One Sequencing Panel covering 4813 OMIM genes revealed a known homozygous mutation c.2084C>T; p.P695L of NTRK1 in family A and a novel truncated mutation c.2025C>G; p.Y681X in family B. Protein modeling analysis of both mutations (p.P695L and p.Y681X) predicted loss of the rigidity in tyrosine kinase domain of NTRK1 that led to conformational changes as well as deleterious effect on protein function. The known mutation was reported more than a decade ago in a family from Northern Israel and other non-sense mutation is newly identified. It is interested that most of NTRK1 mutations are associated with this domain. This is first ever report of NTRK1 variants in congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis patients from Pakistan.

Comparative hypoglycemic activity of different fractions of Thymus serpyllum L. in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits

The aim of present study was to evaluate and compare the hypoglycemic activity of different solvents extracts of Thymus serpyllum in rabbits. Diabetes was induced with single intravenous injection of alloxan monohydrate [150mg/kg]. Glibenclamide and acarbose were used as standard drugs. The crude powder of Thymus serpyllum [500 mg/kg b.w] significantly reduced blood glucose level in both normal and diabetic rabbits. Various extracts of Thymus serpyllum were compared for their hypoglycemic activity in diabetic rabbits. Ether and aqueous extracts significantly reduced the blood glucose level with maximum effect [p<0.001] produced by aqueous extract, which was selected for further study. Aqueous extract significantly inhibited the rise in glucose level in oral glucose tolerance test. The extract showed synergistic effect with different doses of insulin; however serum insulin level of the diabetic rabbits was not significantly increased by the extract. HbA1c level was significantly [p<0.05] reduced whereas hemoglobin level was significantly increased in three months study. Phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpinoids, reducing sugar and cardiac glycosides. It is concluded that the aqueous extract might be used alone or in combination with insulin to manage diabetes and its associated complications

Cardiotonic and vasoconstriction effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Paspalidium flavidum L.

The cardiovascular activity of aqueous methanolic extract of Paspalidium flavidum L. was evaluated on isolated rabbit heart and aorta. Heart rates, force of contraction and perfusion pressure were assessed in the presence of different concentrations of extract and adrenaline by using Langendorff's technique. Moreover, the vasoconstriction effects were studied in rabbit aorta using isolated organ bath. The results indicated that the extract [1ng-100[micro]g/ml] exhibited a significant increase in heart rate, contractility and perfusion pressure of isolated rabbit's heart; with a maximum effect at 1ng/ml, which was comparable to adrenaline [1[micro]g/ml]. Similarly, adrenaline at doses from 1-10[micro]g/ml produced a significant dose dependant increase in all the cardiac parameters. The cardiotonic effects of the extract were significantly blocked by propranolol [10[-5]M] while an increase in perfusion pressure was completely antagonized by verapamil [10[-6]M]. Activity of cardiac marker enzymes was also significantly raised in the perfusate of isolated heart pretreated with the extract. In rabbit aorta, the extract exhibited a dose dependent vasoconstriction effect however it did not increase the tone of aorta when pre-treated with verapamil [10[-6]M]. It is conceivable therefore; that the cardiotonic and vasoconstriction effects of the extract might be due to its agonistic actions on beta-receptors and Ca[+2] channels

Heart failure clinical outcomes in hyponatremic versus normonatremic patients

To compare the outcome in heart failure patients between normonatremic and hyponatremic cases in the short term. A cross-sectional study focusing on descriptive statistics at the Department of Cardiology, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar was performed from 9th August 2011, till 29th April, 2012. Both male and female patients aged 14 years and above admitted diagnosed with heart failure were enrolled and data observed. Those having serum sodium of ?135mmol/L were defined as hyponatremic. All the patients were managed according to guidelines. All patients were followed during their hospital stay. Patients who survived were discharged on standard HF medications and followed till the end of third month for 3 month mortality and re-admissions for heart failure. Total study population was 241. Mean age was 59.2 +/- 14.9 [18- 100] years. Female patients were 51% [123]. Mean serum sodium was 136 +/- 5.1mmol/L [116-151]. Hyponatremia was present in 35.3% [85] patients. Overall three month follow up mortality was 14.7%, while it was significantly higher in hyponatremic group 22.7% compared to normonatremic patients 10.7% [P=0.02]. Being followed for a period of 3 months 25% patients were readmitted to hospital with heart failure decompensation. Hyponatremic group had readmission rate of 26.7% compared with 24% in normonatremic patients [p=0.74]. Hyponatremia in patients diagnosed with heart failure possess a significant over all risk to a higher mortality as compared to those that are normonatremic. Re-admissions for heart failure are equally common in hyponatremic and normonatremic patients

Influence of oxidative stress in aging on antioxidant levels in healthy male and females

Specific objective of this study was to determine the oxidative stress and anti-oxidant level in aging among 30 to 62 years of healthy male and female of Peshawar City. Descriptive Study. This study was conducted in Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar with collaboration of Faculty of Pharmacy. Gomal University D.I. Khan from January 2013 to May 2014. Total 180 study. Subjects were examined and standardized according to essential parameter of age and sex with no history of any disease and were not talking any medicine with same Scioeconomic factor used for analysis. 90 male divide into three [03] Groups A,B,C and 90 female Subjects was also divide in 3 Groups A,B,C. Serum Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power [FRAP] assay of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Glutathione was determined and analyzed. Results were observed with the FRAP values of Vitamin C, E and Glutathione values which are summarized in the table in Show in Figure. Vitamin E, a Secondary antioxidant is very important for generation of other antioxidants. The decrease of value also indicate that define system is deceased during aging the GSH is an important for defense system of the body. Also decreased during aging, specially in old age after 40 years. It is important to use the supplement with diet to fulfill deficiency of their secondary antioxidant

pH-sensitive polyvinylpyrrolidone-acrylic acid hydrogels: Impact of material parameters on swelling and drug release

In this study, we fabricated pH-sensitive polyvinylpyrrolidone/acrylic acid (PVP/AA) hydrogels by a free-radical polymerisation method with variation in the content of monomer, polymer and cross-linking agent. Swelling was performed in USP phosphate buffer solutions of pH 1.2, 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5 with constant ionic strength. Network structure was evaluated by different parameters and FTIR confirmed the formation of cross-linked hydrogels. X-ray crystallography showed molecular dispersion of tramadol HCl. A drug release study was carried out in phosphate buffer solutions of pH 1.2, 5.5 and 7.5 for selected samples. It was observed that swelling and drug release from hydrogels can be modified by changing composition and degree of cross-linking of the hydrogels under investigation. Swelling coefficient was high at higher pH values except for the one containing high PVP content. Drug release increased by increasing the pH of the medium and AA contents in hydrogels while increasing the concentration of cross-linking agent had the opposite effect. Analysis of the drug release mechanism revealed non-Fickian transport of tramadol from the hydrogels.

Nesse estudo, preparamos hidrogéis de polivinilpirrolidona/ácido acrílico(PVP/AA), sensíveis ao pH, por meio de método de polimerização de radical livre, com variações no conteúdo de monômero, de polímero e de agente de ligação cruzada. O inchamento foi realizado em soluções tampão fosfato USP pH 1,2, 5,5, 6,5 e 7,5, com força iônica constante. A estrutura reticular foi avaliada por diferentes parâmetros e o FTIR confirmou a formação de hidrogéis de ligação cruzada. A cristalografia de raios X mostrou dispersão molecular do cloridrato de tramadol. Realizou-se estudo de liberação do fármaco em soluções tampão fosfato pH 1,2, 5,5 e 7,5 para amostras selecionadas. Observou-se que o inchamento e a liberação do fármaco dos hidrogéis podem ser modificados mudando-se a composição e o grau de ligação cruzada dos hidrogéis em estudo. O coeficiente de inchamento foi alto em pH mais altos, exceto para um deles com alto conteúdo de PVP. A liberação do fármaco aumentou com o aumento do pH do meio e do conteúdo em AA nos hidrogéis, enquanto que o aumento na concentração do agente de ligação cruzada apresentou efeito oposto. A análise do mecanismo de liberação do fármaco revelou transporte não Fickiano do tramadol dos hidrogéis.

Frequancy of hyponatremia and in hospital clinical outcomes in these patients hospitalized for heart failure

To determine the frequency of hyponatremia and in-hospital clinical outcomes in hyponatremic patients hospitalized for heart failure.This was a descriptive study conducted in department of cardiology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Both male and female patients aged 14 years and above admitted with heart failure fulfilling the inclusion criteria, were included in the study. Patients were subjected to detailed history and clinical examination. Admission Serum sodium was measured in all patients. All the patients were managed according to guidelines. All patients were followed for in hospital mortality and length of hospital stay [LOHS].The total number of patients was 241. Mean age was 59.2 +/- 14.9 [range 18-100] years. Females were 123 [51%] patients. Mean serum sodium was 136 +/- 5.1mmol/L. Hyponatremia [serum sodium

Validity of pleural fluid protein in differentiating tuberculouse from malignant pleural effusion

Validity of pleural fluid protein in differentiating tuberculouse from malignant pleural effusion keeping histopathology as gold standard. Cross sectional study. This study was conducted in the Pulmonology department post graduate medical institute, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [KPK] Pakistan from March 2009 to March 2010. One hundred and seventy nine patients having clinical suspicion of pulmonary tuberculouse and malignancy and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were subjected to Abrams needle biopsy, plural tissue was examined by histopathology. Biopsy in order to know the significant difference of pleural fluid protein level between tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion, histopathology finding and protein concentration were determined their frequency and percentage. Among total number of 179 patients one hundred and fourteen [63.69%] were male and sixty five [36.32%] were female. The age limit from 15-80 years, the result shows that 60.9% were tuberculous and 39.9% were malignant pleuraleffusion, among these malignant 20 [11.2%] showed primary and 50 [27.9%] secondary malignancy. Tuberculous PE was more common in younger age group while malignant PE in older age group, 32 number of patients falling in category A, 59 in category B, and 88 in category C.A protein level in belonging to category C, there was statistically significant difference between tuberculous and malignant PE, tuberculous PE have high concentration of protein than malignant PE, The category [A] have malignant PE. Plural fluid total protein level determination and differentiating is a valuable tool in reaching to the diagnosis of suspectedtuberculouse from malignant pleural effusion provided it is used in addition to the adequate clinical scenario

role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of unsuspected pulmonary disease presenting with hemoptysis

To find out the usefulness of Bronchoscopy Tehcnique in the diagnosis of unsuspected pulmonary disease presenting with Hamoptysis. Case serious study. This study was carried out at the pulmonology Unit of Postgraduate Medical institute Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from 15-04-2011 to 15-04-2012. Two hundred and fifty male smoker patients with age limit of 40-70 years presenting with hemoptysis having clinical suspension of unsuspected pulmonary disease and fulfilling the inclusion criteria underwent bronchoscopy. The bronchoscopic finding and demographic information were determined regarding their frequencies and percentage. Frequency distribution of pulmonary Tuberculosis 94.59% in age range 40-50 years and 5.4% in 51-60 years. bronchietasis 88.3% 50-60 years and 11.6% in 61-70 years. Chronic Bronchitis with respect to age range of 27.58% in the age range 40-50 years 72.43% in age 51-60 years. Branchoscopy Techniques is a very useful for the determination of unsuspected cases of pulmonary diseases

Frequency of bronchogenic carcinoma in smoker patients with hemoptysis undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy

To know the frequency of bronchogenic carcinoma in smoker patients presenting with hemoptysis using fiberoptic bronchoscopy technique. Description case series study. This study was carried out at the pulmonology unit of Postgraduate Medical Institute Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, KPK from 18/09/2007 to 18/09/2008. Two hundred and fifty smoker patients presenting with hemoptysis, having clinical suspicion of bronchogenic carcinoma and fulfilling the inclusions criteria underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The bronchoscopic findings and other demographic information were determined regarding their frequencies and percentage. Fifty Nine point Two Percent [59.2%] patients were found to have pulmonary tuberculosis, seventeen Point Two Percent [17.2%] were diagnosed to have bronchiectasis, 11.6% chronic bronchitis, 5.2% with bronchogenic carcinoma and 6.8% remained with undertermined cause. Pulmonary tuberculosis is a major cause of hemoptysis in relatively younger smokers but the bronchogenic carcinoma is a major cause of hemoptysis in smokers of old age group

Antibacterial effect of mango [mangifera indica Linn.] leaf extract against antibiotic sensitive and multi-drug resistant Salmonella typhi

Alternative herbal medicine has been used to treat various infections from centuries. Natural plants contain phytoconstituents having similar chemical properties as of synthetic antibiotics. Typhoid fever is a serious infection and failure of its treatment emerged multi-drug resistant [MDR] bugs of Salmonella typhi. Due to multiple and repeated issues with antibiotics efficacy, it became essential to evaluate biological properties of plants from different geographical origins. Mango leaves have been reported for various medicinal effects like antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihelminthic, antidiabetic and antiallergic etc. Objective of present study was to investigate anti-typhoid properties of acetone mango leaf extract [AMLE] against antibiotic sensitive and MDR S. typhi isolates. A total of 50 isolates of S. typhi including MDR [n=30] and antibiotic sensitive [n=20] were investigated. Staphylococcus aureus [ATCC 25923] and Salmonella typhimurium [ATCC14028] were used as quality control strains. AMLE was prepared and its antibacterial activity was evaluated by agar well diffusion screening method and minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC], by agar dilution technique. Zone of inhibition [mm] of AMLE against MDR and antibiotic sensitive isolates was 18 +/- 1.5mm [Mean +/- S.D]. Zone of S. aureus [ATCC 25923] and S. typhimurium [ATCC14028] was 20 +/- 1.5mm [Mean +/- S.D]. MIC of AMLE was reported in range from 10-50 mg/ml. The present study described the inhibitory effects of mango leaves against S. typhi

Rho GTPase activating protein 15 [arhGAP15] siRNA effect apoptosis-induced by ethanol in bovine fibroblast cells

The Rho GTPases are the sub-group of Ras super family and identified in all eukaryotes. The Rho GTPases effect different cellular signaling pathways involved in a number of diseases such as cancer, neurological and cardiovascular disorders. Members of Rho GTPases including RhoA, RhoC and Rac1 play a major role in regulation of apoptosis in different kind of stress conditions. Here we investigated the Rho GTPase activating protein 15 [ArhGAP15] gene knock-down effect on apoptosis induced by ethanol in bovine fibroblast cells. The bovine Fibroblast cells were treated and transfected with two different concentrations [50 and 100 nM] of ArhGAP15 siRNA for 48 h respectively. Both concentrations of siRNA were effective and the results of RT-PCR revealed an efficient knock-down of ArhGAP15 mRNA in fibroblast cells. Further, the normal cells exposed to a 100 mM ethanol concentration showed a reduction in cell viability and induced the ratio of apoptosis related Bax/Bcl-2 proteins compared with ArhGAP15 siRNA transfected ethanol treated cells. Ethanol also increased caspase-3 expression in normal fibroblast cells compared with transfected cells. The ArhGAP15 knock-down cells treated with ethanol decreased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and lower caspase-3 protein levels in ArhGAP15 knocked-down cells. Our results suggest that apoptosis induced by ethanol involves the activation of Rho GTPase activating protein 15 and silencing of the said gene protects apoptosis

Use of circumferential fasciocutaneous penile skin flap in the reconstruction of complex urethral strictures

To find out stricture free rate of penile circumferential fasciocutaneous skin flap use in complex urethral strictures Descriptive case series. Surgical Unit Khyber Teaching Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, from January 2000 to December 2009. All patients with complex urethral strictures, more than 4 cm long, were included. Patients were followed-up for two years and on each visit ascending urethrogram was performed. A total of 48 patients with complex urethral strictures were managed. The average length of the stricture was 06 cm [range 04-12cm]. Total operation time was 01-03 hours [mean 02 hours]. Late postoperative complications included recurrent strictures [25%], urethrocutaneous fistula [4.2%], erectile dysfunction [8.3%] and mild postmicturition dribbling [8.3%]. The overall success rate at the end of two years follow-up was 75%[n=36]. Circumfrential fasciocutaneous penile skin flap for urethroplasty is a good option for managing complex urethral strictures with acceptable postoperative morbidity

Neuroprotective effect of vitamin c against ptz induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in adult rat brain

The present study was designed to observe the effect of PTZ on expression of caspsae-3, and to evaluate the neuroprotective role of vitamin C [vit-C] against PTZ-induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in adult rat brain. We observed that administration of a single conclusive dose of pentylenetetrazol [PTZ 50mg/kg] in adults rats induced epileptic seizure and increased activation of caspase-3 and caused neuronal death. Further, rats were injected with vit-C [250 mg/kg] 30 min before PTZ injection. The protective effect of vit-C against PTZ-induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in adult rat brain was observed using Western blot analysis and Nissl staining. The results showed that conclusive dose of PTZ-induced seizure, increased expression of caspase-3 and neuronal apoptosis in adult rat brain. Whereas, the pretreatment of vit-C along with PTZ showed significantly decreased expression of caspase-3 as compare to control group. Finally, our results indicated that vit-C can prevent some of the deleterious effect of seizure and neuronal degeneration induced by PTZ in adult rat brain

Anti-mycobacterial activity of garlic [Allium Sativum] against multi-drug resistant and non-multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Emergence of multi-drug resistant [MDR] and extensively drug resistant [XDR] TB throughout the developing world is very disturbing in the present scenario of TB management. There is a fundamental need to explore alternative anti-TB agents. Hence natural plants should be investigated to understand their antimicrobial properties and safety. Garlic [Allium sativum] is one of natural plant which possesses variety of biological properties like anti-tumor, anti-hyperlipedemic and anti-microbial etc. The present study was evaluated for antibacterial activity of garlic against non-MDR and MDR isolates of M. tuberculosis. A total of 20 clinical isolates of MTB including 15 MDR and 5 non-MDR were investigated. Ethanolic extract of garlic was prepared by maceration method. Minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] was performed by using 7H9 middle brook broth dilution technique. MIC of garlic extract was ranged from 1 to 3 mg/ml; showing inhibitory effects of garlic against both non-MDR and MDR M. tuberculosis isolates. Alternate medicine practices with plant extracts including garlic should be considered to decrease the burden of drug resistance and cost in the management of diseases. The use of garlic against MDR-TB may be of great importance regarding public health