Alleviation of metabolic abnormalities induced by excessive fructose administration in Wistar rats by Spirulina maxima.

Background & objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia. Several natural products have been isolated and identified to restore the complications of diabetes. Spirulina maxima is naturally occurring fresh water cyanobacterium, enriched with proteins and essential nutrients. The aim of the study was to determine whether S. maxima could serve as a therapeutic agent to correct metabolic abnormalities induced by excessive fructose administration in Wistar rats. Methods: Oral administration of 10 per cent fructose solution to Wistar rats (n=5 in each group) for 30 days resulted in hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia. Aqueous suspension of S. maxima (5 or 10%) was also administered orally once daily for 30 days. The therapeutic potential of the preparation with reference to metformin (500 mg/kg) was assessed by monitoring various biochemical parameters at 10 day intervals during the course of therapy and at the end of 30 days S. maxima administration. Results: Significant (P<0.001) reductions in blood glucose, lipid profile (triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL, VLDL) and liver function markers (SGPT and SGOT) were recorded along with elevated level of HDL-C at the end of 30 days therapy of 5 or 10 per cent S. maxima aquous extract. Co-administration of S. maxima extract (5 or 10% aqueous) with 10 per cent fructose solution offered a significant protection against fructose induced metabolic abnormalities in Wistar rats. Interpretation & Conclusions: The present findings showed that S. maxima exhibited anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-hyperlipidaemic and hepatoprotective activity in rats fed with fructose. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms.

Investigation of the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of compound isolated from murraya koenigii.

In the present investigation, the compound responsible for antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in methanolic extract of leaves of Murraya koenigii L. was determined by Perkin- Elmer GC Claurus 500 system and Gas Chromatograph interfaced to a Mass Spectrometer GC/MS technique. GC-MS analysis of methanol extract of the leaves of the plant revealed the existence of 1- Methyl-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (69.00%), Ethyl α-d glucopyranoside (13.36%), Isolongifolene, Isolongifolene (3.68%), c-Himachalene (2.88%), 1,2-Ethanediol, monoacetate (2.79%), 1,2- Benzenedicarboxylic acid, di-isooctyl ester (2.55%). The pure compounds were separated using a Shimadzo LC 2010 HPLC system (Kyoto, Japan), equipped with a Shimadzo LC 2010 UV-VIS detector with a thermostated flow cell and a selectable two wavelengths of 190 - 370 nm or 371–600nm. These were further screened for their antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. All the compounds possessed some or the other activity. It was found that the compound 9, 12 octadecadienoic acid having the retention time 18.81 and the peak area 0.60 % had potent antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The compound showed potent antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, E.coli, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisae, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum at MIC value from 0.05-0.56 μg/ml. The compound showed less activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in comparison to other pathogens. The compound possessed to have strong antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 45.65 μg/ml as measured by DPPH assay. The compound possessed 85 % reduction in paw edema at a dose of 150 μg/ml in reference to standard anti-inflammatory drug, aspirin which showed 68.62 % reduction. The compound was further assayed for cellular toxicity to fresh sheep erythrocytes and found to have no cellular toxicity.

Impact of season on filarial vector density and infection in Raipur City of Chhattisgarh, India.

Background & objectives: Bionomics and transmission dynamics of vector population are profoundly influenced by local climatic conditions. The study monitored variations in density, infection and infectivity rates of Culex quinquefasciatus with respect to season in randomly selected localities of Raipur City of Chhattisgarh state. Methods: The indoor resting density of Cx. quinquefasciatus, Wuchereria bancrofti infection and infectivity rates were monitored in Raipur City at regular monthly intervals for over a period of 12 months and the impact of meteorological conditions on transmission indices were assessed. The frequency distribution of different stages of filarial larvae in naturally infected vector population, host efficiency and transmission intensity index of the vector population was also worked out. Results: The mean vector density of Cx. quinquefasciatus during the study period was 55.22 while the mean vector infection and infectivity rates recorded in Raipur were 4.05 and 0.25% respectively. A gradual increase in Culex infection rate was recorded from June onwards with a maximum (22.14%) in August and minimum (2.38%) in February. No vector with filarial infection was detected during December when the vector density was high. Analysis of frequency distribution of different stages of larvae revealed dominance of microfilarial stage with a mean larval intensity of 5.37. The highest infectivity rate was observed during June (1.15%) and the lowest was in March (0.41%). Both the infection and infectivity rates were at their low during winter season although the density of Cx. quinquefasciatus was at its maximum. Highest mean host efficiency of 0.44 was recorded in February. The annual transmission intensity index (TII) was 32.72. The highest TII was recorded during January and February months. Interpretation & conclusion: The climate appeared to have profound impact on vector density, infection and infectivity rates. The vector infection and infectivity rates were high in rainy season followed by summer and winter seasons. The highest host efficiency was observed in winter followed by summer and rainy seasons. An apparent negative correlation was observed between vector infection rate and vector density. Lower temperatures (23–25oC) with low rainfall favoured progression of mf to L3 in Cx. quinquefasciatus in the study region.

Interruption of Annual Single Dose DEC Regimen Administration : Impact on Wuchereria Bancrofti Microfilaraemia, Vector Infection and Infectivity Rates.

The effect of single dose diethylcarbamazine regimen (6mg/ kg body wt.) in comparison to standard DEC regimen i.e; 72mg/kg body wt (administered in 12 consecutive days) in clearing Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae from low density micro filariae carriers (1- 8 mf per 20 μl) and its impact on vector infection rate were studied in an urban region endemic for bancroftian filariasis. The efficacy of DEC regimens were determined by assessing the rate of successful treatment, percentage cure rate and percentage decrease in microfilariae count in treated subjects. The 12 days regimen was found very effective with 100% cure rate even after 4 years of drug therapy. In subjects, who received single dose DEC regimen, the rate of successful treatment, cure rate and percent decrease in micro filariae count was significantly low when assessed 24 hour after therapy. Reexamination of subjects in this group at 6, 12, 24 and 48 months after therapy showed a sharp decline in all therapeutic indices and the microfilariae count reached pretreatment levels by 4th year of drug therapy. The single dose regimen had a marginal impact on vector infection and infectivity rates in Culex quinquefasciatus. A marked increase of vector infection and infectivity rates in parallel to human microfilaraemia rate was recorded from the same households when examined after 4th yr after therapy. Thus the single dose 6mg/kg body wt. DEC regimen (administered only once) failed to clear microfilariae even in a situation of filarial low endemicity and did not influence the transmission potential of C. quinquefasciatus.

Natural rubber latex allergy.

Natural rubber latex (NRL) is a ubiquitous allergen as it is a component of > 40,000 products in everyday life. Latex allergy might be attributed to skin contact or inhalation of latex particles. Latex allergy is an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to NRL, presenting a wide range of clinical symptoms such as angioedema, swelling, cough, asthma, and anaphylactic reactions. Until 1979, latex allergy appeared only as type IV delayed hypersensitivity; subsequently, the proportion of different allergy types drifted towards type IV contact allergy reactions. Several risk factors for sensitization to NRL are already known and well documented. Some authors have established a positive correlation between a history of multiple surgical interventions, atopy, spina bifida malformation, and latex allergy incidence. We suspect an increase in latex allergy incidence in association with increased atopy and sensitivity to environmental allergens in the industrial population. It is often postulated in literature that the groups of workers at risk for this allergy are essentially workers in the latex industry and healthcare professionals. In this population, direct internal and mucosal contact with NRL medical devices may be the route of sensitization as factors such as the number of procedures and use of NRL materials (catheters and tubes) were associated with increased risk of latex sensitization and allergy.

Prevalence of mosquito species in Chhura block of Raipur district of Chhattisgarh state.

Mosquitoes act as vectors for several diseases including malaria and filaria. In Indian scenario, Chhattisgarh is endemic for both the diseases. The present study on prevalence of mosquito population in block Chhura of Raipur district of Chhattisgarh state was undertaken between August 2002 and March 2004 to asses the distribution pattern of various species of mosquitoes and their seasonal variations. Indoor resting mosquitoes were collected from five villages by aspirator tube in the morning (06:00-08:00 hr) using torchlight. Adult mosquitoes were identified using standard morphological and pictorial keys. Altogether 11 species belonging to three genera viz., Anopheles (7 species), Armigeres (1 species) and Culex (3 species) were recorded during study period. Average man-hour mosquito density was high in February 2003 (62.15) & March 2003 (69.35) and declined gradually till June 2003. From July 2003, it started rising again and reached a peak in August (94.10)-September (91.60) 2003. The vector species i.e. Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles annularis were recorded high in rainy and winter seasons.

Protective effect of ethanolic and water extracts of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) against the toxic effects of mustard gas.

Ethanolic extract of H. rhamnoides L. leaf (HL-EOH), water and ethanolic extract of H. rhamnoides fruit (HF-W and HF-EOH), and H. rhamnoides flavone from fruit (HR-flavone) were evaluated against percutaneously administered sulphur mustard (SM), a chemical warfare agent. The animals administered with SM (9.7, 19.3 and 38.7 mg/kg) died at various days depending upon the dose and there was a significant reduction in the body weight. The H. rhamnoides extracts (1 g/kg; 3 doses; po) significantly protected the lethality, with a protective index of 2.4, 1.7, 1.7 and 2.2 for HL-EOH, HF-W, HF-EOH and HR-flavone respectively. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutalthione (GSSG) levels were reduced, and malondialdehyde (MDA) was elevated after percutaneous administration of SM. Oral administration of HL-EOH and HR-flavone significantly protected the body weight loss. Recovery in the levels of GSH, GSSG and MDA were also observed following oral administration of HL-EOH and HR-flavone. All the extracts were non-toxic and the LD50 was more than 5 g/kg. The present study shows that percutaneous administration of SM induces oxidative stress and ethanolic extract of leaf of H. rhamnoides and H. rhamnoides flavone from fruit can significantly protect it.

Population dynamics of Culex quinquefasciatus filaria vector in Raipur City of Chhattisgarh State.

Indoor resting Culex quinquefasciatus were collected from 17 localities of Raipur City using aspirator tube between 06.00 and 08.00 hrs. at monthly intervals for over a period of 12 months. Mosquitoes were also collected using animal and human baits. A total of 4973 C. quinquefasciatus were collected in 176 man hours from different locations of Raipur City with a mean density of 28.26 pmh. The vector was recorded throughout the year with higher densities during the months of March (44.29 pmh), February (41.29 pmh), August (38.58 pmh) and April (37.17 pmh). The lower densities were recorded during July (17.05 pmh), September (16.82 pmh) and November (16.64 pmh). The Gudhyari and Amanaka localities recorded the highest and lowest densities of C. quinquefasciatus respectively. No significant relationship was observed between the density variation of the vector and variation in temperature and/or humidity in the study region.

Host preference of Culex quinquefasciatus in Raipur city of Chattisgarh state.

Indoor resting freshly engorged Culex quinquefasciatus collected from three different habitats viz., human, cattle and mixed dwellings of six localities of Raipur city, were analyzed for the source of blood meal by precipitin test. Of the 60 specimens from human dwellings 52 were positive for human blood with an anthropophilic index of 90%. Of the 25 specimens from cattlesheds 15 were positive for human blood with an index of 60%. Of the 20 specimens from mixed dwellings 12 showed human blood with an anthropophilic index of 63.15%. Thus, the Culex quinquefasciatus at Raipur city in Madhya Pradesh state is predominantly anthropophilic in nature irrespective of the nature of habitat of the mosquito vector.

Suppression of Con A induced lymphocyte transformation by sera from filarial patients with clinical manifestations.

Reduced lymphocyte transformation to Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae excretory-secretory antigen and Con A were observed in clinical filarial patients. Pre-incubation of normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with sera from filarial patients with clinical manifestations such as hydrocele and elephantiasis suppressed Con A induced responses. Effect of fractionated clinical filarial serum on Con A induced lymphocyte transformation showed that the inhibitory activity was associated with high molecular weight serum fraction.

Efficacy of two different DEC regimens in the treatment of human filarial infection.

Two regimens of diethyl carbamazine (DEC) viz., 14 day and 5 day, were compared for microfilaricidal effect and side effects, in the treatment of bancroftian filariasis. The rate of successful treatment, cure rate and decrease in mf count were found to be significantly high with the 14 days regimen when assessed immediately after treatment. About 40 per cent of subjects on the 14 days regimen and 66 per cent of patients on 5 days regimen experienced side reactions. The severity of side reactions was more in patients on 5 days regimen. When the effect of DEC was assessed one year after treatment with the 14 days regimen and compared with the results immediately after treatment, the rate of successful treatment, cure rate and decrease in mf count were reduced significantly. The 14 days DEC regimen with initial low dose of DEC along with antipyretics may be better accepted in the control programmes of filariasis.

Relationship of C3 & C4 levels with filarial immune complexes in bancroftian filariasis.

C3 and C4 levels were determined by radial immuno-diffusion technique and filarial circulating immune-complexes by anti-C3 ELISA in microfilaraemic individuals and patients with clinical filariasis. Decreased levels of C3 and C4 were observed in both groups of filarial patients. Low levels of complement components were associated with low levels of circulating immune complexes.

Antigenic analysis of excretory-secretory products of Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi infective larval forms by SDS-PAGE.

Excretory-secretory (ES) products of W. bancrofti and the closely related B. malayi infective larval forms were analysed for their antigenic activity by SDS-PAGE followed by Western blotting as well as by gel elution-sandwich ELISA using filarial serum immunoglobulin-G (FSIgG) as a capture antibody. In W. bancrofti infective larval ES products, the protein molecules of 66, 46, 35, 33, 30 and 14 kDa molecular wt. showed antigenic activity by immuno blotting technique. In sandwich ELISA technique eventhough all SDS-PAGE fractions except ESA 6 (55-47 kDa) showed antigenic positivity, the fractions ESA 8 (37-31 kDa) and ESA 9 (31-25 kDa) showed high reciprocal antigen titre of 262144 and 32768 respectively. In B. malayi infective larval ES products, the protein molecules of 109, 102, 97 and 77 kDa molecular wt. showed reactivity with FSIgG by blotting technique, where as in sandwich ELISA except ESA 7 (47-37kDa), all fractions showed antigenic positivity. However, these fractions failed to show high antigen titre similar to W. bancrofti ES products with FSIgG.

Evaluation of fractionated Wuchereria bancrofti microfilarial excretory-secretory antigens for diagnosis of bancroftian filariasis by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

The Wuchereria bancrofti microfilarial excretory-secretory antigens were fractionated into ES1, ES2, ES3 and ES4 by ultra-membrane filtration and evaluated for their diagnostic utility by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Three of the four fractions showed antigenic activity (ES2, ES3 and ES4). The antigen fractions ES2 and ES4 were highly active in the detection of filarial IgM antibody in clinical filariasis and microfilaraemia respectively. The chemical characterization of the ES2 and ES4 antigen fractions showed that they were glycoproteins.