ABSTRACT
Every year, more than 33 million people worldwide experience an acute stroke. ischemic stroke is caused by loss of blood supply to brain tissues due to sudden occlusion of arterial system by an embolus or a thrombus. Non-modifiable risk factors are age, sex & genetic factors whereas modifiable ones include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, tobacco chewing, dyslipidaemia, obesity, cardiac disease etc. Aim of the present study is to evaluate & compare the presence of various risk factors of ischemic stroke among males & females.METHODSThe study was conducted at BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, during the academic year 2019-2020. All patients with ischemic stroke on CT Head & age >18 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Detailed history including age, addictions, comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension), previous stroke history & compliance to treatment was taken. A short neurological & laboratory examination was performed in each patient.RESULTSIn this study, a total of 100 patients was included out of which 57 were male & 43 were female. The mean age of stroke was 64.82 years [males-65.62 years, females-63.5 years]. The most common risk factors responsible for ischemic stroke was hypertension- 52% [males- 50.4%, females- 53.57%]. Other risk factors were diabetes- 28% [males- 29%, females- 25.6%], cardiac disease-13% [males-8.8%, females-18.6%], dyslipidaemia-12.3% in males & none of females. Smoking & tobacco chewing were more common among males (54.4% each). Dyslipidaemia & tobacco use was significantly associated with ischemic stroke in male patients.CONCLUSIONSThere is increasing incidence of acute ischemic stroke which is directly related to modifiable risk factors like dyslipidaemia, smoking & tobacco use in male patients. Advanced age is strongly related to acute stroke in both males & females. Hypertension is the commonest risk factor overall for ischemic stroke.
ABSTRACT
This study was undertaken to determine the healing of ulcers induced by indomethacin due to antioxidant role of fruit extract of Benincasa hispida (Ashgourd) on ulcers in rats. Malondialdehyde (MDA) in RBC and antral homogenate was determined to measure tissue oxidation. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in RBC and antral homogenate, plasma and homogenate vitamin C were estimated as measures of antioxidant defense. On induction of gastric ulcer, there was significant increase in SOD in RBC and homogenate levels and vitamin C in plasma. There was an apparent decrease in ulcer index in animals treated with fruit extract. There was significant decrease in MDA with concomitant decrease in SOD and vitamin C levels in the treated rats when compared to those not treated with fruit extract. Benincasa hispida has been shown to contain certain active principles like terpenes, flavanoid C--glycosides and sterols which have antioxidant effects. These probably inhibit gastric mucosal injury by scavenging the free radicals and repress production of SOD and vitamin C in these rats.