ABSTRACT
Background: Angiotensin II receptor blockers and Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are widely used drugs for cardiovascular disorders, renal disease, and diabetes. Recently, they have been recognized for neuroprotective activity and are used in many brain disorders. Aim and Objective: The present study was done to explore effects of perindopril and valsartan on experimentally induced learning and memory impairment in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: 40 Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups, eight rats in each group, namely normal control, disease control, positive control (Piracetam 600 mg/kg), test group I (Perindopril 4 mg/kg), and test group II (Valsartan 15 mg/kg). Except normal control group, all animals received intraperitoneal injection of Scopolamine 1 mg/kg for 21 days to induce memory impairment. Piracetam and Test drugs were administered once daily orally for 21 consecutive days. On day 0, 7th, 14th, and 21st of the experiment, muscle grip strength (Wire hanging grip test) and memory functions Elevated plus maze (EPM) of all the animals were assessed. On 8th, 15th, and 22nd day of the experiment, retention memory functions (EPM) were assessed. Results: Animals treated with Scopolamine showed significant reduction in grip strength and significant rise in transfer latency (TL) (EPM model). Rats treated with piracetam and test drugs showed significant increase in grip strength. The animals treated with piracetam and test drugs showed significant reduction in TL (EPM model) when compared with disease control group. Similar results were seen in retention memory test. Conclusion: Perindopril and valsartan demonstrated neuroprotective effect in scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats. Memory improvement by these test drugs was comparable with positive control piracetam.
ABSTRACT
Background: Adequate importance should be given to antimicrobial chemotherapy and the antibiotics resistance issues during undergraduate training. For successful and sustained intervention, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of antimicrobials should be done. So accordingly, this study was planned. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to compare KAP of antibiotic use among the 2nd year medical and dental students before and after intervention. Materials and Methods: Questionnaire-based study was done in medical and dental undergraduate students. After taking consent, responses were collected before and after intervention. Each correct response was given a score of 1 and responses were graded as satisfactory and unsatisfactory. Data collected was statistically analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and results were expressed in percentage. Paired t-test was used to analyze pre and post-interventional data. Results: Significant rise in mean knowledge, attitude, practice, and overall scores after intervention in medical and dental students were observed. Satisfactory responses were significantly reduced from 73% to 63% in medical students. Casual attitude towards self-use and irregular use of antimicrobial agents (AMA) was observed which may lead to antibiotic resistance. Significant improvement in overall satisfactory responses was also observed after intervention. Conclusion: Medical and dental students showed improved knowledge about AMA use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) after pharmacology teaching. However, predominant low scores of attitude and perception indicate the need for further educational interventions such as small group exercises, prescription audits, frequent discussion on rational pharmacotherapy, skillful communication with the patient about prescription. To reduce AMR, students should be trained about AMA use and its adherence by patients as well.