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Background: Renal tumors constitute approximately 3% of all malignancies in adults. They form a heterogenous group with variable morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features. Aim: The objective of this study was to analyze the spectrum of adult renal tumors at a tertiary care center and study the demographic and histomorphological features. Materials and Methods: In this study, 55/87 nephrectomy specimens resected for adult renal tumors during a 1-year period were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There were 4 benign (7.2%) and 51 (92.7%) malignant tumors. There was a male preponderance with a male: female ratio of 3.42:1. The tumors were seen to occur equally in both kidneys. The most common tumor was clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the conventional type accounting for 65.5% of our study group. There were one each of multilocular cystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential, papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC, Mit family RCC, oncocytoma and angiomyolipoma and two clear cell papillary RCC during this 1-year period. Uncommon tumors included neuroendocrine carcinoma (1), epithelioid angiomyolipoma (1), mixed epithelial stromal tumor (1), Ewings sarcoma (2), and glomangioma (1). Five cases of urothelial carcinoma of renal pelvis/ureter also were present. Conclusion: This article gives an overview of the spectrum of adult renal tumors at a tertiary care center with an in-depth literature review providing recent advances in each category of tumors.
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Introduction:The lumbar vertebrae are affected in conditions such as congenital defects, degenerative diseases, accidents, and cancer metastasis. A thorough knowledge of the morphometry of typical and atypical lumbar vertebrae in adults of South Indian population is needed for lumbar spine surgeries. MaterialsandMethods: Adescriptive study was done on 200 dry lumbar vertebrae, of which 100 were typical and 100 were atypical lumbar vertebrae. The following dimensions of both typical and atypical lumbar vertebrae were measured with digital vernier calipers: anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the body; anterior and posterior body heights; anteroposterior and transverse diameters of vertebral foramen; height, breadth, and width of the laminae; length, height, and width of the pedicles; transverse processes and spinous process; distance between the two superior articular processes; and the distance between the two inferior articular processes. All the measurements were tabulated. The mean and standard deviation were calculated for each of the parameters and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: The anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the body, the height of the laminae on both sides, the length and height of the spinous process, and the distance between the superior articular facets were significantly longer in atypical lumbar vertebrae than that of typical lumbar vertebrae (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in measurements between both sides. Conclusion: The dimensions of vertebral foramen, transverse processes, spinous processes, and distance between articular processes were different from the dimensions of previous studies. The morphometric data obtained will be useful for orthopedic procedures on the lumbar vertebrae in South Indian population
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Objective: This study aimed to detect metabolic bone disease and endocrinopathies in a cohort of patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT). Methods: This prospective study was conducted between March 2020 - August 2021. Children with TDT older than 5 years, receiving regular blood transfusion, underwent comprehensive endocrine and metabolic bone disease evaluation, which included screening for short stature, delayed puberty, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency and hypoparathyroidism. Children older than 10 years also underwent. X-ray of thoracolumbar spine, and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning. Results: Out of 37 patients (19 males), with mean (SD) age 15 (6) years, hypogonadism was the commonest endocrine deficiency seen in 15 (62%), followed by short stature, abnormal glucose metabolism, subclinical adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism. Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency was seen in 12 (60%) and hypocalcemia in 2 patients. Low bone mass was seen in 8, and osteoporosis, as evidenced by vertebral fractures, in 4 patients. Of the four patients with vertebral fracture, three were aged ?18 years, one was symptomatic, two each had grade 1 and grade 2 fractures, one had multiple vertebral fractures, and all four had hypogonadism and multiple endocrine deficiencies. Conclusion: Vertebral fractures occur even in the second decade among patients with TDT, and are often associated with endocrinopathies, most commonly hypogonadism. Early screening and prevention of vertebral fractures is necessary.
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Background & objectives: With the availability of a wide range of drugs to treat patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have become inevitable in clinical practice. Thorough knowledge of such reactions is essential for the treating physician for optimal treatment and better outcomes. There are many scales to define, measure and assess the ADRs, but there is a dearth of data available on such drug reactions among ACS patients. Hence, this study attempted to analyze the pattern, causality, severity, predictability and preventability of ADRs in ACS patients. All the ADRs reported during the study period were analyzed for causality by the World Health Organization–Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC), Naranjo’s and Karch and Lasagna scales; severity by modified Hartwig and Siegel scale; predictability by Rawlins and Thompson criterion and preventability by Schumock and Thornton scale. Methods: A single-centre, record-based analysis for the occurrence of ADRs was done among ACS patients admitted to the department of Cardiology between January and October 2017. Demographic data, comorbid conditions, reported ADRs and ADR assessment details were noted from the hospital case records and ADR monitoring centre (AMC) records. The data were analyzed and presented in a descriptive manner using percentages, mean and standard deviation. The Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to ascertain the significance of the association between different groups. Results: Out of 324 patients under evaluation, 67 had developed one or more ADRs. There were 30 different types of ADRs reported, headache being the most common. Among the drugs, heparin was the most common factor, causing 27 per cent of ADRs. Definite causality of a suspected drug causing ADRs was seen in 11.9 (n=8), nine (n=6) and 7.5 (n=5) per cent cases as per WHO-UMC, Naranjo (Naranjo algorithm) and Karch and Lasagna scales, respectively. In the severity of ADRs, the most severe reactions according to the modified Hartwig-Siegel scale (level 4a in our study) were seen in 17.5 (n=12) per cent of patients, and the rest were either level 2 or 3 reactions. Nearly 92.5 (n=62) per cent of reactions were predictable according to the Rawlins and Thompson criterion. Application of the modified Schumock-Thornton scale showed that 22.4 per cent of ACS patients had preventable reactions, and the rest were not preventable.Interpretation & conclusions: The study results suggest that ADRs are relatively common among ACS patients. Most of these can be identified and assessed for causality, severity, predictability and preventability using various available scales. Diligent pharmacovigilance for identifying and assessing ADRs may help manage and mitigate morbidity associated with these in high-risk ACS patients.
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Background: The estimated prevalence of self-medication practices globally and nationally are 95% and 71% respectively. Inappropriate self-medication leads to irrational use of drugs and development of drug resistance. Hence, the present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and patterns of self-medication practices in urban field practice area, SDMCMS&H, Dharwad. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during 2018-2019 among adult aged 18-60 years. The estimated sample size was 335. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the samples. Data was collected by administering questionnaire to the consented study participants. Results: A total of 335 adults participated in our study. The prevalence of self-medication practices was 46%. Minor-illness 89(57.7%) and quick relief 50(32.46%) were the major reasons given for practicing self-medication. Fever and headache 146(94.8%) was the most common symptom and analgesic 128(83.11%) was the most common drug used. significant association was found between self-medication practices and religion, age, employment and presence of health care workers in the family. Conclusion: Around half of the study participants practiced self-medication. Easy availability and limited knowledge are the reasons for wide range of practice. Creating awareness about dangers of self-medication is important to prevent untoward effects and drug resistance.
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Objective: To define the spectrum of genetic disorders in patients with short stature visiting the genetic out-patient department in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A chart review was done for 455 individuals (10 months-16 yrs) with short stature, who were evaluated at the genetic clinic from 1 January, 2017 upto 31 October, 2018. 226 patients who needed detailed evaluation, the spectrum of genetic diagnosis is presented. Results: Proportionate short stature was identified in 63% individuals (n=142) of which 93 (65%) were recognizable syndromes such as Turner syndrome, and William syndrome, and RASopathies. In clinically undefined syndromes (39, 27%), a diagnosis could be made by karyotype (n=3/10), chromosomal microarray (6/12) and exome sequencing (1/6). In the 84 children in the disproportionate short stature group (37%), lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) (45%, n=38) were identified by enzyme analysis in 86.8% and skeletal dysplasias (44%, n=37) identified by skeletal survey in 89% cases. Conclusions: In undefined syndromic short stature, chromosomal microarray may be the first investigation of choice if phenotyping is not suggestive of a specific genetic syndrome. Exome sequencing can be useful in identifying newer genes among idiopathic and familial short stature cohorts.
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BACKGROUND Anti-tuberculosis drugs are thought to account for about 50% of drugs that cause liver injury in India. We show that the spectrum of drugs is much wider than previously reported. METHODS We evaluated all patients with unexplained acute liver injury presenting during 2006–2016 using a structured proforma for drug-induced liver injury (DILI). The Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method was used to assess causality. RESULTS DILI was found in 143 of 2534 patients with acute liver injury. Nineteen patients had probable ayurvedic DILI. The other common causes of DILI were statins (16 patients) and anti-tuberculosis drugs (11 patients). Eight patients had DILI post-liver transplant. Fluconazole was the most common cause of post-liver transplant DILI. Chronic DILI (abnormal liver function test after 12 months of stopping the suspected drug) was found in 2 patients. CONCLUSION In otherwise unexplained acute liver injury, DILI due to ayurvedic drugs should be sought. DILI should be considered in post-liver transplant patients. Patients with DILI should be monitored for at least 12 months to exclude progression to chronic DILI.
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Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to examine the relation between the PON1 polymorphisms and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Methods In a cross-sectional study, blood samples were collected from 100 females. DNA was extracted and PON1 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Results Regarding PON1 L55M, the mutated allele (M) frequency was found in 70.5% in RPL and in 53.5% in controls; theMallele was significantly associated with an increased risk of RPL (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj]=2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]; p<0.001). However, regarding PON1 Q192R, the R mutated allele frequency was found in 28.5% in RPL and in 33% in controls. The R allele did not show any risk for RPL (ORadj 0.81; 95%CI; p=0.329). Conclusion The present study suggests that there is an effect of genetic polymorphism on RPL and provides additional evidence that combines with the growing information about the ways in which certain PON1 genotypes can affect the development of the fetus in the uterus.
Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar a relação entre os polimorfismos PON1 e perda recorrente de gravidez PRG. Métodos Em um estudo transversal, foramcoletadas amostras de sangue de 100 mulheres. O DNA foi extraído e os genótipos PON1 foram determinados por amplificação por PCR. Resultados Com relação ao PON1 L55M, a frequência do alelo mutado (M) foi encontrada em 70,5% no PRG e em 53,5% nos controles; o alelo M foi significativamente associado a um risco aumentado de PRG (odds radio ajustado [ORadj] =2,07; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%; p<0,001). No entanto, em relação ao PON1 Q192R, a frequência do alelo mutado R foi encontrada em 28,5% no PRG e em 33% nos controles. O alelo R não mostrou qualquer risco para PRG (ORadj 0,81; IC 95; p=0,329). Conclusão O presente estudo sugere que há um efeito do polimorfismo genético sobre PRG e fornece evidências adicionais que se combinam com as informações crescentes sobre asmaneiras pelas quais certos genótipos PON1 podemafetar o desenvolvimento do feto no útero.
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Humans , Female , Pesticides , Abortion, Habitual/genetics , Polymorphism, Genetic , Cross-Sectional Studies , Aryldialkylphosphatase/geneticsABSTRACT
Background: WHO has declared COVID-19 infection a health emergency of international concern on 11th March, 2020. It is not clear whether clinical characteristics of pregnant women with COVID-19 differ from those of nonpregnant women and whether it aggravates COVID-19 symptoms and whether antiviral therapy is necessary for COVID-19 infected pregnant women.Methods: This is prospective study of 125 cases based on the compiled clinical data for pregnant women with COVID-19 between 15th April 2020 and 10th June 2020. A laboratory confirmed positive case of COVID-19 infection in pregnant women were included.Results: The most common symptoms at presentation were cough in 61.6% (77/125) and fever in 46.4% (58/125). Other reported symptoms were sore throat in 13.6% (17/125), myalgia in 10.4% (13/125) while 38.4% (48/125) were asymptomatic. There were total 97 deliveries (including 2 twins’ deliveries) among which 3 cases had IUD. Present study reported 96 live births. The incidence of missed abortion was 2.4% (3/125). The incidence of preterm birth before 37 weeks was 8.2% (8/97). Ninety-six (96.9%) of neonates were tested for SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleic acid on nasopharyngeal and pharyngeal samples and 16.67% (16/96) were resulted positive.Conclusions: At present, there is no evidence regarding the greater risk of pregnant women to succumb to COVID-19 infection and experience severe pneumonia. The risks of spontaneous abortion and preterm birth are not increased as reported in this study but shows possibility of vertical transmission when it manifests during the third trimester of pregnancy.
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Caesarean scar ectopic involves an abnormal implantation of the embryo within the myometrium of previous caesarean scar. It is a rare and serious entity involving maternal complication like abnormal placentation, hemorrhage or death due to uterine rupture. Authors present a case report of 32 years old female diagnosed as a case of caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy on TVS and MRI and managed conservatively by USG guided D and C.
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Background: The objective of this present study was to compare the efficacy of oral mifepristone and balloon catheter for cervical ripening and induction of labour in women with previous caesarean section.Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 130 pregnant women with previous 1 caesarean section and term singleton pregnancy admitted for induction of labour. Sixty-five patients were induced with oral mifepristone (Group 1) and in another 65 transcervical balloon catheter (Group 2) was inserted for induction of labour. Both groups were than compared with respect to change in bishop score, induction to active phase interval, induction to delivery interval, dose of oxytocin in milliunits, mode of delivery, maternal complication and fetal outcomes.Results: Change in bishop score after induction was more in mifepristone group than balloon catheter group (p=0.002). Favorable bishop score was more in Group 1 (83.07%) than Group 2 (66%), p=0.05. There was significant difference in mode of delivery between two groups, 61.53% in Group 1, and 32.3% in Group 2 delivered vaginally (p<0.001).Conclusions: Present study showed that mifepristone is an alternative to balloon catheter for induction of labour in women with previous one caesarean section with poor bishop score.
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Background: Escherichia coli is one of the most frequent causes of many bacterial infections, including Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), blood stream infections, otitis media, pneumonia, meningitis, traveler’s diarrhoea, enteric infections and systemic infections. This study was done with the aim to surveying antibiotic sensitivity pattern of isolated Escherichia coli in both sex attended in NIMS Hospital, Jaipur under the taken time period.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 62 Escherichia coli were isolated from various clinical specimens of the patients attending both OPD and IPD. The strains were selected using the laboratory standard methods and culture-specific. The antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method.Results: Out of total 62 isolates of Escherichia coli 26(41.93%) isolates were from male while 36(58.064%) from female patients. Maximum sensitivity were shown by Polymyxin B and Colistin i.c 100% followed by Nitrofuratonin 82.5% followed by Meropenem 79.03%, Aztreonam 72.58%, Piperacillin/ Tazobactam and Ciprofloxacin 61.30%, each Amikacin 56.45%, Imipenem 54.83%, Ofloxacin 45.16%, Cefepime 43.54%, Ceftazidime 38.71%, Gentamycin and Ceftriaxone 37.09% each, Cefotaxime 30.64%, Norfloxacin 27.5%. Maximum resistance shown against Norfloxacin 72.5%, followed by Gentamycin and Ceftriaxone 62.90%, Ceftazidime 61.30%.Conclusions: Escherichia coli infected more in urinary tract infection as compare to other sample in human, and it is common in female than male. Regular monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility for E.coli is recommended to improve treatment. A changing trend in antibiotic sensitivity profile of the isolates need to be monitored as there is limited availability of newer drugs and the emergence of resistant bacteria far exceeds the rate of new drug development.
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Homicidal cut-throat injuries are potentially life threateningbecause of the many vital structures that course through thisarea. Management of homicidal cut-throat injuries requires amulti-disciplinary approach. The role of an anesthesiologist ininstituting an airway using an endotracheal intubation ortracheostomy before wound exploration and repair oftransected tissues, is challenging, as, such injuries are most ofthe time associated with distortion of the normal anatomy ofthe airway. Anaesthesiologist is pivotal in securing a definitiveairway in such cases thereby facilitating the wound explorationand surgical repair. We present a patient who was the victimof a homicidal cut-throat injury.
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Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) represents a major epidemic of non-communicable disease in the present century affecting families, community and nation as a whole. Objectives was to study the epidemiological determinants of RTAs.Methods: A hospital based study of RTA victims was conducted for a period of one year at the District General Hospital and Medical College hospital of Amravati, Maharashtra. A total of 1394 patients were studied. Descriptive statistics like percentage and proportions were calculated. Proportions were compared using Chi square test of significance.Results: 86.7% were males and the maximum affected age group was 21 to 30 years. Majority of accidents were seen in summer season and on Monday of the week. Accidents were highest from 12 noon to 6 pm. Alcohol consumption was seen in 27% of the drivers. Two-wheelers were the commonest vehicle involved in RTAs. A total of 481 (34.5%) victims had fractures at various sites of the body, out of this 52.8% was of lower limbs. Right sided bony injuries were more common.Conclusions: There are multiple factors associated with RTAs which due to the lack of road safety measures in the country are playing their role. It is the need of the hour to address this issue and formulate rules and regulations and evaluate its enforcement.
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Background: Shoulder pain is one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal pain and disability with rotator cuff disease was a common condition. The study aimed to assess the effect of TENS therapy on pain and functional disability level with rotator cuff disease patients. Methods: A parallel-group randomized controlled with 1:1 allocation, open-label, the trial is done at Orthopaedics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Out Patient Departments, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria total of 76 patients (42 males,34 females) of rotator cuff disease were selected through total enumerative sampling, and block randomization with a block size of two is used to allocate treatments. The intervention was TENS therapy (high frequency (100Hz) with a pulse duration 120μsand low intensity (30- 40mA) for 20 minutes.) for consecutive five days plus standard treatment for the experimental group and standard treatment (Shoulder ROM, twice a day) as followed at AIIMS, Rishikesh to control group and Followed after completion of the treatment session. (after five days). SPADI scale is used for pain and functional disability level measurement. Results: A total of 70 patients (38 males and 32 females) were analyzed. The experimental and control group were homogenous in terms of total SPADI, disability and pain score (p>0.05). Median post-intervention total SPADI, disability and pain scores of the intervention group were significantly less as compared to the control group (p=0.000). No side- effects of treatment in any group. Conclusion: TENS therapy is an efficient therapy for patients experiencing rotator cuff disease Trial registration- CTRI/2018/09/015659
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Aim: To study useful variability generated in an inter-specific hybrid between cultivated sunflower inbred (ARM-243B) and silver leaf sunflower, H. argophyllus (ARG-2126) through cytomorphological traits and hybrid confirmation by molecular markers.Methodology: The present study on hybridization was undertaken using cultivated sunflower inbred (ARM-243B) and silver leaf sunflower H. argophyllus (ARG-2126). Thirty one morphological characters were recorded of cultivated sunflower (ARM-243B), H. argophyllus (ARG-2126) and inter-specific hybrid. A total of 50 PMCs were analysed for cytological observations. 62 SSR primers were used for molecular characterisation and hybridity confirmation in inter-specific hybrid. Results: Considerable variability was observed in inter-specific hybrid, with common traits including branched stems, anthocyanin coloration in petiole and disk florets, leaf petioles, and stems etc. Cytological abnormalities and reduction in pollen fertility indicated that generated inter-specific hybrid was true type. Out of sixty two SSR primers, nineteen showed parental polymorphism. ORS-1021 showed 10 bp allelic variation in inter-specific hybrid in a co-dominant manner and, hence, was used for hybrid confirmation. Interpretation: The results of this investigation showed that inter-specific hybridization between cultivated sunflower and H. argophyllus and transfer of desirable traits into cultivated sunflower is possible.
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Background: Serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) levels fluctuate in continuation with the pregnancy and thus become an important standalone marker in monitoring the adverse outcomes that may occur in pregnancy.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology. A total of 240 pregnant women in their first trimester were included in the study. Serum PAPP-A levels were measured at 11-13+6week of gestation and were evaluated with respect to the feto-maternal outcome. The data was entered in MS excel spreadsheet and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0.Results: The mean age of the study population was 27 years. Among the maternal pregnancy parameters, PIH, pre-term labor and Emergency LSCS were significantly associated with low (<0.5 MoM) Serum PAPP-A levels, P<0.05. All the fetal outcome measures: IUGR, IUD, low birth weight, SGA babies, prematurity and NICU admissions, were significantly associated with low (<0.5 MoM) Serum PAPP-A levels, p <0.05.Conclusions: Serum PAPP-A in the early pregnancy showed significant correlation with feto-maternal outcome. Thus, it has the potential to be used as a prognostic factor and in the management of adverse outcomes by increasing surveillance for pregnant women with high-risk factors.
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Background: Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseasescharacterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects ininsulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The cold pressor testin healthy subjects triggers a vascular sympathetic activationand an increase in blood pressure. Hence; the present studywas undertaken for assessing the Impact of Cold Stress onHeart Rate and Blood Pressure in Healthy Offspring with andwithout Parental History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.Materials & Methods: 200 participants were enrolled in thepresent study and were divided into two study groups with 100patients in each group as follows: Group A- 100 healthy andnon-diabetic patients without parental history of type 2 diabetesmellitus; and Group B- 100 healthy and non-diabetic patientswith atleast of one parent with history of type 2 diabetesmellitus. Instructions were given to all the participants forimmersing their hands in cold water till their wrist portion for atime period of two minutes (or until toleration; whichever isearlier). Special care was taken for ensuring that all theparticipants avoided any form of isometric contractions, breathholding or performance of Valsalva maneuver. Continuousmonitoring of heart rate (HR), Systolic blood pressure (SBP)and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with the help of cardiacmonitor from the other arm at 60 seconds interval till timeperiod of two minutes.Results: While comparing the mean heart rate and bloodpressure in between the two study groups at different timeintervals, it was observed that heart rate and blood pressureafter CPT were significantly lower in study group patients(group B) in comparison to control group subjects (Group A).Conclusion: Heart rate and blood pressure show abruptchanges after CPT in subjects with atleast of one parent withhistory of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Since, oxidative stress has been suggested as one of the mechanisms underlying arsenic-induced toxicity, the present study focused on the role of antioxidant (curcumin) supplementation on behavioral, biochemical, and morphological alterations with context to mice hippocampus (CA1) following arsenic trioxide (As2O3) administration. Healthy male Swiss albino mice were divided into control and experimental groups. As2O3 (2 mg/kg bw) alone or along with curcumin (100 mg/kg bw) was administered to experimental groups by oral route for 45 days whereas the control groups received either no treatment or vehicle for curcumin. Animals were subjected to behavioral study towards the end of the experimental period (day 33–45). On day 46, the brain samples were obtained and subjected either to immersion fixation (for morphometric observations) or used afresh for biochemical test. Behavioral tests (open field, elevated plus maze, and Morris water maze) revealed enhanced anxiety levels and impairment of cognitive functions in As2O3 alone treated groups whereas a trend of recovery was evident in mice simultaneously treated with As2O3 and curcumin. Morphological observations showed noticeable reduction in stratum pyramidale thickness (CA1), along with decrease in density and size of pyramidal neurons in As2O3 alone exposed group as compared to As2O3 +Cu co-treated group. Hippocampal glutathione levels were found to be downregulated in animals receiving As2O3 as against the levels of controls and curcumin supplemented animals, thereby, suggestive of beneficial role of curcumin on As2O3 induced adverse effects.
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Since, oxidative stress has been suggested as one of the mechanisms underlying arsenic-induced toxicity, the present study focused on the role of antioxidant (curcumin) supplementation on behavioral, biochemical, and morphological alterations with context to mice hippocampus (CA1) following arsenic trioxide (As2O3) administration. Healthy male Swiss albino mice were divided into control and experimental groups. As2O3 (2 mg/kg bw) alone or along with curcumin (100 mg/kg bw) was administered to experimental groups by oral route for 45 days whereas the control groups received either no treatment or vehicle for curcumin. Animals were subjected to behavioral study towards the end of the experimental period (day 33–45). On day 46, the brain samples were obtained and subjected either to immersion fixation (for morphometric observations) or used afresh for biochemical test. Behavioral tests (open field, elevated plus maze, and Morris water maze) revealed enhanced anxiety levels and impairment of cognitive functions in As2O3 alone treated groups whereas a trend of recovery was evident in mice simultaneously treated with As2O3 and curcumin. Morphological observations showed noticeable reduction in stratum pyramidale thickness (CA1), along with decrease in density and size of pyramidal neurons in As2O3 alone exposed group as compared to As2O3 +Cu co-treated group. Hippocampal glutathione levels were found to be downregulated in animals receiving As2O3 as against the levels of controls and curcumin supplemented animals, thereby, suggestive of beneficial role of curcumin on As2O3 induced adverse effects.