Protective effect of Barringtonia racemosa Ethyl Acetate Fraction against Cisplatin-induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Cisplatin is a major antineoplastic drug for the treatment of solid tumors. Nephrotoxicity is dose- limiting side effect associated with clinical use of cisplatin. The present study was executed to determine whether bartogenic acid containing fraction of Barringtonia racemosa fruits (BREAF) possesses a nephroprotective effect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Furthermore, the study was also aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying this effect of BREAF. The BREAF was orally administered at the doses of (2, 5 and 10 mg/kg) for five consecutive days following single dose administration of cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.). Treatment of animals with cisplatin resulted into the significant body weight changes, oxidative stress, elevated levels of serum biomarkers and histological alterations in the kidney architecture. The BREAF administration reduced relative body weight and organ weight changes in cisplatin-treated rats. The BREAF exhibited nephroprotective effect through the significant reduction of cisplatin-induced rise in the serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels as well as renal levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) the makers of lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the treatment with BREAF resulted into the increased renal levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity. Histopathological examination established the nephroprotective effect of BREAF. In conclusion, the anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of BREAF has important role underlying its nephroprotective effect.

Animal model for liver dysfunction using lomustine in Wistar rats.

AIM: To induce intrahepatic cholestasis in rats using lomustine 1(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-l-nitrosourea (CCNU). METHODS: Doses of 10 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg/Kg body weight of CCNU were injected intraperitoneally in separate groups of animals. RESULTS: With 10 mg/Kg body weight of CCNU, serum bilirubin levels increased for up to 72 hours and then slowly returned to normal. With a dose of 20 mg/Kg body weight of CCNU, serum bilirubin, AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase levels increased for 72 hours and then returned to normal over 4-5 weeks. With a dose of 30 mg/Kg body weight peak levels of serum bilirubin were reached on day 17. Pathological studies were carried out after injection of 30 mg/Kg body weight of CCNU. After 72 hours hepatocytes were normal, with minimal nonspecific inflammation and bile duct proliferation. After 16 days, triaditis was observed with deposition of collagen. Focal fibrosis was also noticed. There was no significant abnormality of hepatocytes. After 75 days, hepatocytes showed focal ballooning. Bile duct proliferation was seen invading the parenchyma. Nodules of hepatocytes separated by irregular fibrous bands indicated cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS: An animal model of intrahepatic cholestasis has been developed using CCNU; this model may be used to assess the utility of hepatobiliary radiopharmaceuticals.

Care of low birth weight babies in slums.

We studied 289 newborn infants from birth till one year of age. Low birth weight babies (less than 2.5 kg) were 52.9%. Boys suffered 9.7 episodes of sickness, and girls 8.6 episodes of sickness. The mean episodes of various sicknesses, and their impact on weight gain, feeding pattern and growth pattern are discussed. Six deaths were observed, of which 4 were among the low birth weight babies. Mortality in babies born less than 2 kg was 44.4% and above 2 kg was less than 1%.

Klebsiella pneumoniae osteomyelitis in sickle cell anemia.

A case of Klebsiella pneumoniae osteomyelitis in a patient with sickle cell anemia is reported. The literature is briefly reviewed. The case is presented because of the rarity of Klebsiella pneumonia osteomyelitis in sickle cell disease.

Effect of chlorine gas leak on the pulmonary functions of school children.

Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed on 84 children studying in a Municipal School, near a plant manufacturing chemicals in Chembur, a suburb of Bombay, from where large amounts of chlorine gas leaked out on 30th August, 1985. It was found that only 23.8% had normal PFT's. 66.7% showed an obstructive pattern and 9.5% showed a restrictive pattern of PFT's. This is a preliminary report to establish the prevalence of lower PFT values in children staying in an area of air pollution in Bombay.