ABSTRACT
Curcumin possesses wide spectrum of biological actions, on that account the current study was aimed to investigate the beneficial effectiveness of curcumin on memory and oxidative stress if any, over synthetic drug donepezil approved for the treatment of memory disorders. Eighteen Albino wistar [male] rats were divided into 3 groups namely vehicle control which received neutral oil orally and 0.9% saline intraperitoneally, curcumin which received curcumin orally dissolved in neutral oil at the dose of 100mg/ml/kg for seven days, donepezil which received donepezil intraperitoneally at the dose of 1mg/ml/kg for seven days. To assess memory and cognition Elevated Plus Maze and Morris Water Maze tests were performed. Rats were sacrificed after behavioral analysis and their brains were removed for biochemical assays including lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase. Acetylcholine esterase activity and acetylcholine levels were also determined. Our results showed that both curcumin and donepezil improved memory and inhibited acetylcholinesterase, however curcumin inhibited AchE with more potency than donepezil when compared to vehicle control rats. Moreover curcumin exhibited greater antioxidant potential to decrease the load of oxidative stress in brain cells than donepezil as compared to vehicle control rats. In conclusion present study proposed that increased antioxidant potential of curcumin may be responsible for its increased acetylcholine levels and associated enhanced memory performance
ABSTRACT
Post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] is a condition which is triggered shortly after experiencing traumatic events. PTSD is complicated by the fact that people with PTSD often develop additional disorders such as phobias, addiction, depression, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Beta-adrenergic and cholinergic system both are involved in memory formation as well as in emotional response associated with memory. It is reported that the administration of beta-adrenergic and cholinergic antagonist results in the impairment in memory formation. Here, we examined the potential of beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol and muscarinic cholinergic antagonist atropine for impairing the recently formed fear memory associated with PTSD. Reconsolidation is the memory process during which labile memory converts into permanent memory. In this study it is hypothesized that if recently formed fear memory is disturbed during reconsolidation phase by pharmacological intervention then it could be possible to impair wellconsolidated fear memory. Atropine and propranolol were injected in separate set of rats [n=6] just after the reactivation of fear memory. Short term memory and long term memory were monitored after 2 h and 24 h of reactivation respectively. Results of current study demonstrated that only atropine showed significant impairment of reconsolidation of newly formed fear memory whereas propranolol did not show fear memory disrupting effects. The results emphasize the significance of pharmacological intervention to impair reconsolidation of newly formed fear memory
ABSTRACT
Parkinson's disease [PD] is a long-lasting neurodegenerative brain disease. It is characterized by a gradual decline in motor and non motor symptoms especially postural instability, tremors and memory impairment with localized loss of neurons mainly in the Substantia nigra. In the current research we evaluated the effects of Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] on motor coordination and memory in chlorpromazine [CPZ] induced Parkinson's experimental model. Intraperitoneal [i.p.] injection of CPZ [3 mg/kg] was given to all rats for 21 days to induce Parkinson like symptoms; ibuprofen [40mg/kg/day] and celecoxib [20mg/kg] were administered 30 minutes after CPZ injection. Behavioral parameters like Catalepsy, muscle strength [wire hanging test], locomotor activity [open field test] were observed. Moreover, its effect on memory was explored by the use of water maze and passive avoidance test. Our results showed CPZ significantly induced motor fluctuation and cognitive impairment in a period of 21 days. Celecoxib and ibuprofen significantly improved cataleptic scores [P<0.01], locomotion and muscular coordination in open field [P<0.01] and in wire hanging test [P<0.01]. Significant improvement in memory was observed with celecoxib [P<0.01] and ibuprofen [P<0.05] in water maze test as well as in passive avoidance test. Therefore, the present study showed neuroprotective and memory enhancing effect of ibuprofen and celecoxib against CPZ induced Parkinson's model
ABSTRACT
This study was designed to investigate the role of enriched environment in preventing and/or reducing the neurobehavioral deficits produced after nicotine administration in albino Wistar rats. Equal numbers of rat in two groups were either placed in social environment [control group] or social along with physically enriched environment for four weeks before the administration of nicotine. Exposure to different environmental conditions was followed by the intraperitoneal injection of nicotine at the dose of 0.6 mg/kg for seven consecutive days during which addictive behavior was monitored using conditioned placed preference paradigm. Behavioral responses to locomotor activity, anxiety and retention of short term memory were investigated in control and nicotine injected groups exposed to different environments. Results of this study showed that the rats pre-exposed to physical along with social enrichment exhibited a decrease in drug seeking behavior, hyper locomotion, anxiogenic effects along with improvement of working memory as compared to control and nicotine injected groups that were kept in social environment alone. This behavioral study suggests that the exposure to physical enrichment along with socialization in young age can later reduce the chances of compulsive dependence on nicotine and related neurobehavioral deficits
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The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of a combination herbal product that is traditionally used for managing diabetes mellitus. Herbal drug contains Curcuma longa and Eugenia jambolana in the ratio of 1:1. It was orally administered at the dose of 1082 mg/70 kg twice a day for a period of 6 weeks to alloxan induced diabetic rats and compared with glibenclamide [standard]. The effects of drug were observed at intervals, with respect to random and fasting glucose levels. HbA1C was also monitored after the drug treatment to monitor the overall diabetic effect. Results revealed that the combination of two herbs significantly reduced fasting and random glucose levels with HbA1C of less than 6% [p<0.001] in comparison to diabetic control. The control of fasting blood glucose levels by herbal combination is similar to the standard drug, glibenclamide [p<0.05]. Random glucose levels by herbal combination is better than standard drug after one week and six weeks of treatment [p<0.01 and p<0.001 respectively] and similar after third week of treatment [p<0.05]. Also, herbal drug combination showed HbA1C closer to the standard drug. It shows that this herbal combination can be of potential benefit in managing diabetes mellitus in future
ABSTRACT
Aging is a natural complex process that is regulated at genetic, cellular, molecular and systemic levels and leads to the development of a variety of changes including structural, chemical and genetic in the senescent brain. The major goal of the present study was to investigate the age associated cognitive dysfunction and other behavioral changes and their association with age related alterations in levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine [DA] and serotonin [5- HT] in the hippocampal region. Twelve male Albino Wistar rats were taken for the study including six young rats [04-05 months old] and six aged [20-22 months old] rats in each group. The learning and memory performance of rats was assessed by passive avoidance test [PA] and novel objective recognition task [NOR]. Ambulatory activity was monitored by Open field test. Light/Dark transition test was used to monitor anxiety, whereas depression like symptoms was examined by Forced Swim Test [FST]. Results showed that aged rats exhibited learning and memory impairment in PA and NOR. There was a negative relation between aging process and locomotion, consistent with previous findings. Moreover, an augmented increase in level of anxiety and depression was also observed in senescent rats. A marked decrease in DA and 5-HT was observed in the hippocampus of aged rats. Similarly, levels of 5-HIAA and DOPAC were also found to be decreased in aged rats. It is therefore concluded that age has a negative influence on cognitive function, depression, anxiety and locomotion in rats. Cells in all brain regions, especially hippocampus are affected by aging. In general aging exhibits a decline in sensory, motor and cognitive functions. These behavioral changes or functional deficits may be attributed to the age related decline in the levels of different neurotransmitters in brain /hippocampus. The present findings of behavioral deficits and altered neurotransmission in hippocampus of aged rats suggest a relationship between senescence, altered brain neurotransmitters and behavioral deficits
ABSTRACT
Background: Oxidative stress and antioxidative status caused by hepatitis C therapy plays a significant role in aggravating the disease. A number of reactive oxygen species are responsible for the damaging of cell machinery and ultimately disturbing the homeostasis of the cell
Objectives: To assess enzymatic, non-enzymatic antioxidants and circulating biomarkers in HCV patients receiving interferon therapy
Methods: Study subjects were divided into two groups; patients and controls. The levels of the Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS, as a marker of lipid peroxidation], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione [GSH], catalase [CAT] and lipid peroxidation product [MDA] in the serum were estimated
Results: There was statistically difference between patients and healthy controls in levels of CAT[p< 0.000**], SOD[ p< 0.000**], GSH [p< 0.000**] and MDA[p< 0.000**]. Similarly, the levels of ALT [p< 0.048*], AST [p< 0.005*] and ALP [p< 0.000**] were also statistically different between two groups
Conclusion: Imbalanced levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, MDA and serum enzymes [e.g. ALT, AST, ALP] revealed that interferon itself play a crucial rule in disturbing oxidative vs. antioxidative status which ultimately results in tissue damaging. Increased levels of MDA have a significant correlation with disease development during the course of therapy
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To determine the effect of non-selective 5-HT2C antagonist mesulergine and 5-HT2C agonist mCPP [metachlorophenylpiperazine] on learning acquisition [LA], short-term memory [STM] and long-term memory [LTM]. Experimental study. Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, from December 2009 to June 2010. Twenty-four male albino Wistar rats were used in this study. The agonist and antagonist [mCPP and mesulergine] were injected intraperitoneally at a dose 3.0 mg/kg in volumes of 1 ml/kg. Control animals were injected with saline [1 ml/kg]. Animals were randomly divided into four groups [n=6]. 1st being control group, 2nd being mCPP injected group, 3rd being mesulergine injected group and 4th group being injected with both mesulergine and mCPP. Behavioural activities of rats were monitored after 30 minutes of injection. For assessment of memory functions, water maze apparatus was used. Administration of mCPP impaired STM, LTM and LA of rats. Mesulergine injected rats exhibited no alteration in memory functions. However, when it was injected with mCPP then there were no memory deficits induced by mCPP. Ability of 5-HT2C receptor antagonist mesulergine to block the memory impairment effect of mCPP indicated an important regulatory role of 5-HT2C receptors in cognitive processes
ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the frequency, risk factors,maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in uterinerupture
Study Design: A cross-sectional study
Patients and Methods: The study was conducted inDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AlliedHospital, Faisalabad [a tertiary care centre] fromJanuary 2010 to December 2010. All cases ofruptured uterus who where admitted with or whodeveloped this complication in the hospital wereincluded in the study
Results: The frequency ofuterine rupture was [0.39%]. Out of these, only 7patients [18%] were booked. The main risk factor wasscarred uterus in 30 cases [79%] and [21%] was inunscarred uterus. Amongst unscarred uterine rupture,risk factors were grand multiparity [9%], obstructedlabour [5%], oxytocic agents [5%] and forcepsdelivery [2%]. Repair of uterus was done successfullyin 29 cases [76%]. Obstetrical hysterectomy wasdone in 9 cases [24%]. There were two maternaldeaths [5.2%] and 32 [84%] still births
Conclusion:This study showed high frequency of seriousobstetrical problem which can lead to highfetomaternal mortality. The leading cause of uterinerupture was scarred uterus [cesarean scar]. Toprevent this serious complication from occurring,most important is assessment of risk factors foruterine rupture both antenatally and in intrapartumperiod and to counsel the patient properly.Improvements which could also be implementedinclude availability of transport facilities for thepatients and training sessions for the staff inemergency
ABSTRACT
Caffeine administration has been shown to enhance performance and memory in rodents and humans while its withdrawal on the other hand produces neurobehavioral deficits which are thought to be mediated by alterations in monoamines neurotransmission. A role of decreased brain 5-HT [5-hydroxytryptamine, serotonin] levels has been implicated in impaired cognitive performance and depression. Memory functions of rats were assessed by Water Maze [WM] and immobility time by Forced Swim Test [FST]. The results of this study showed that repeated caffeine administration for 6 days at 30 mg/kg dose significantly increases brain 5-HT [p<0.05] and 5-HIAA [p<0.05] levels and its withdrawal significantly [p<0.05] decreased brain 5-HT levels. A significant decrease in latency time was exhibited by rats in the WM repeatedly injected with caffeine. Withdrawal of caffeine however produced memory deficits and significantly increases the immobility time of rats in FST. The results of this study are linked with caffeine induced alterations in serotonergic neurotransmission and its role in memory and depression
ABSTRACT
The current research aimed to explore the impact of emotional and behavioral problems on the school performance of adolescents. 1571 participants [49% boys and 51% girls] were selected through multistage sampling technique from the mainstream schools of Lahore. The School Children Problems Scale [SCPS, Saleem and Mahmood, 2011] was given to assess emotional and behavioral problems and the school performance was measured in terms of percentage marks obtained in the recent examination. Regression analysis revealed that emotional and behavioral problems were a strong predictor of poor school performance [p<0.001]. Feeling of Rejection contributed most significantly towards poor school performance followed by Academic problems and Withdrawal. Quite interestingly, Aggression found to be unrelated to school performance. Results are discussed in terms of implications of the findings in school setting and counseling services
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Task Performance and Analysis , Affective Symptoms , Emotions , Adolescent Behavior , Schools , Regression AnalysisABSTRACT
The present study aimed to develop a measure of self-esteem for the university students. For this purpose, the expression of self-esteem was explored from 25 university students [15 male; 10 female] using the semi-structured interview based on the Mruk's definition of self-esteem [1999]. A list of 62 items was converted into a self report measure Self-Esteem Scale [SES]. For establishing the psychometric properties of SES was presented along with a demographic Performa and translated version of Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale [Rosenberg, 1965] to 445 university students [226 male; 219 female]. Factor analysis of SES showed a 5 factor solution namely Low Self-Esteem, Resilience, Withdrawn, Sociability and Self-Confidence. SES was found to have acceptable psychometric properties. Results are discussed in terms of factor structure of SES, gender differences in level of self-esteem in the cultural context
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to assess the occurrence and severity level of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms [PTSS] in 165 men who are Rescue 1122 workers of Lahore. A list of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and areas of life affected from Foa's PDS scale [1995] was given to the respondents. Factor analysis of the PTSD symptoms revealed three factors, namely, Re-experiencing symptoms, Heightened Arousa,Avoidance. The results showed that about 60% of Rescue 1122 workers have experienced the classical and well known Posttraumatic Stress symptoms. The severity of symptoms ranged from [moderate] to [severe] level in 45% of the workers. Almost 80% of the participants feel that their life has been largely affected by the nature of job. The continual stress if left unchecked can have cumulative effect on self-esteem, confidence level and finally eroding the ability to deal with crises efficiently. Results are discussed in the context of remedial and counseling services for personnel working in the emergency services
ABSTRACT
Simvastatin, an important member of statin family is widely prescribed as cholesterol-lowering agent. Like other statins it acts by inhibiting the rate limiting enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA [HMG-CoA] reductase, responsible for the endogenous production of cholesterol which forms an essential part of neuronal cell membranes. Lowering of cholesterol has been reported to alter the brain chemistry and hence neurotransmission. To understand the association between low cholesterol and brain serotonin [5-HT] we monitored the effect of oral administration of simvastatin for 4 weeks on brain serotonin levels. Drug treated rats exhibited significantly low plasma cholesterol levels. Brain serotonin and 5- HIAA[5-hydroxyindole acetic acid] levels were also decreased in drug treated rats. Plasma tryptophan [TRP] was significantly increased but brain tryptophan levels were significantly decreased in drug treated rats. Weekly food intake during the entire experimental period was comparable in control and drug treated rats. Results of the present study suggest that simvastatin induced lowering of cholesterol may be responsible for the decrease in brain 5-HT neurotransmission and hence may be a cause of depression observed in subjects taking simvastatin to lower cholesterol levels
Subject(s)
Male , Animals, Laboratory , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors , Serotonin , Synaptic Transmission , Rats, Wistar , Cholesterol , Hypercholesterolemia , BrainABSTRACT
Initially, a list of 69 problems reported by 80 referred university students [48 male and 32 female] was gathered and collated. After linguistic and contextual adjustments a list of 58 problems [Student Problems Checklist, SPCL- self report 4-point likert scale] was given to 803 university students along with General Health Questionnaire-28 [GHQ, Goldberg and Williams, 1991], the Eysenck Personality Inventory [EPI, Eysenck and Eysenck, 1976] and the Siddiqui-Shah Depression Scale [SSDS, Siddiqui and Shah, 1997]. Factor analysis of SPCL showed a four factor solution namely, Sense of being Dysfunctional Loss of Confidence, Lack of Self-Regulation, and Anxiety Proneness. The Cronbach Alpha was found to be 0.944 and one week test retest reliability was 0.811. The split half reliability of SPCL was 0.834.The SPCL was found to have significant correlation with GHQ-28, EPI, and SSDS [p<0.001]. Results are discussed in terms of factor structure in cultural context and its further use in assessing mental health issues of university students
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Physical exercise is among the key determinants of health. The role of physical exercise in health promotion was well known to the ancient Chinese. Even moderate activity such as daily brisk walking for 30 to 60 minutes, is associated with significant reductions in the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular disease. Benefits of increased physical activity have been shown among patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. Therefore, a need was identified to study the perceptions and practice concerning physical exercise among patients in Karachi, Pakistan. A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Family Practice Center, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from March to July 2002. A total of 393 patients were surveyed. This is a short Communication