ABSTRACT
Aims: This research investigated the Protective effect of methanolic extract of Hylocereus Polyrhizus fruits on carbon tetra chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss-albino rat. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacy, IIUC, Chittagong, Bangladesh and Functional Food Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Institute, Gangneung, Korea, between August 2011 to October, 2012. Methodology: Hepatoprotective potential was evaluated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver injured animal model using male albino rats. Carbon tetrachloride significantly elevated the serum levels of biochemical markers like ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, total protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides. Results: The methanolic extract of Hylocereus polyrhizus at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight (p.o.) significantly protected the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver toxicity in albino rat model. The activity of extract was also comparable to that of silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug. Conclusion: The study suggests that oral intake of Hylocereus polyrhizus fruits extract enhances the defense status against liver injury.
ABSTRACT
Objective. To study the iron profile and find out an accurate diagnostic tool which reflects iron status in different types of infection in severely malnourished children aged 12 months to 71 months. Methods. Hundred and Eight (108) children of whom 72 children were infected and 36 non infected severely malnourished children according to WHO criteria in the age group of 12-71 months were interrogated. 36 healthy control in the same age group were also interrogated. Results. Mean serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin concentration in normal children were significantly higher (P<0.001) than non-infected severely malnourished children. On the other hand mean serum ferritin concentration was significantly higher (P<0.001) in infected group than non-infected group but still lower than normal. Mean serum TIBC concentration significantly reduced in severely malnourished children than normal children but no significant difference was observed between non-infected and infected group. Mean serum iron, and transferrin saturation were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in parasitic infestation. Conclusion. Severely malnourished children had reduced mean serum iron profile. Parasitic infestation influenced the marked reduction of mean serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation level. Mean serum iron concentration was reduced in acute respiratory infection(ARI) and parasitic infestation than other infections. Serum ferritin concentration was elevated in all types of infection as acute phase protein but still lower than normal. So Iron, TIBC and Transferin saturation <16% constitute good evidence for iron deficiency in both infected and non-infected severely malnourished children.