Comparison between duration dependent effects of Simvastatin and Gemfibrozil on dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes

To observe the duration dependent effects of two important classes of lipid lowering drugs i.e. simvastatin and gemfibrozil in type 2 diabetic patients with dyslipidemia in Pakistani population. Seventy type 2 diabetic patients with newly diagnosed dyslipidemia were enrolled and were divided randomly into two groups each, with 35 patients. Group I patients was given tablets Simvastatin 20 mg once daily and group II patients received tablet Gemfibrozil 600 mg twice daily. The study period comprised of 12 weeks. Fasting lipid profile and fasting blood sugar was analyzed on week 0 [day of inclusion], week 6 and week 12. At week 12 simvastatin decreased serum LDL cholesterol by 36.97% [P<0.001]. In contrast gemfibrozil did not reduce it significantly with a reduction of only 1.33% [P=N.S]. Simvastatin reduced serum total cholesterol and serum triglyceride by 29.88% [P<0.001] and 21.78% [P<0.001] respectively and increased serum HDL cholesterol by 16.67% [P<0.001]. While gemfibrozil decreased serum total cholesterol by 9.14% [P<0.001] and serum triglyceride by 30.84% [P<0.001]. Gemfibrozil raised serum HDL cholesterol levels by 18.08% [P<0.001]. Significant changes were observed in all lipid parameters with both simvastatin and gemfibrozil with regard to duration of treatment. Simvastatin was found to be more effective in lowering serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in comparison to gemfibrozil, which was found to be more effective in lowering serum triglyceride and elevating serum HDL cholesterol levels. Both of these drugs were well tolerated and none of the patients exhibited any significant adverse effects. Both can be given as monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and abnormal lipid profile

Effects of diazepam and promethazine on uterine contractions induced by prostaglandin E2 [PGE2]

This study was conducted at Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, Karachi. It was done to observe the inhibitory effects of diazepam and promethazine, on uterine contractions induced by prostaglandin E2 [PGE.2]. The drug interaction, in vitro, proved that both diazepam and promethazine are tocolytic in vitro

Effect of Losartan in ovalbumin sensitised guinea pig's bronchial tissue

To observe and evaluate response to antigen in presence of Losartan, in ovalbumin sensitized guinea pig's bronchial tissue. Design: Twenty five guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin. Isolated strips of bronchial tissue from sensitized animals were used to observe and evaluate the response of ovalbumin in presence of Losartan. Settings: Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, Karachi. Subject/Five strips of bronchial tissue from sensitized animal were used to determine EC., of ovalbumin. Each bronchial strip was individually incubated for 10 minutes in serial dilution of Losartan 10-5-10-Iglml and then exposed to ovalbumin EC50 Tissue response was recorded on Grass polygraph machine. Losartan caused an overall decrease in antigen responsefrom control ovalbumin EC50 value in sensitized bronchial tissue, along with progressive increase in antigen induced response with increasing concentration of Losartan. Our findings suggest that as Losartan shows a less severe increase in bronchial hyper-responsiveness, it can be used selectively in low doses with caution in patients with history of asthma, until more clinical experience with Losartan is accumulated

Effects of antihypertensive drug captopril on the metabolism in hypertensive NIDDM patients

Ten hypertensive diabetic patients with type 11 diabetes were treated with tablet captopril 25 mg twice a day for 5 weeks. It belongs to the class of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. In these patients mean fasting blood glucose level decreased by 29.04% [P<0.01], plasma insulin level increased by 124.3% [P<0.01], serum cholesterol decreased by 22.56% [P<0.05], serum triglycerides decreased by 3.04% [P=non-significant], HDL-cholesterol increased by 23.46% [P<0.01], LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol decreased by 2.68% [non-significant] and 3.04% [non-significant] respectively. Plasma fibrinogen level decreased by 14.46% [P<0.05]. Both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed highly significant decrease [P<0.001]. Weight and body mass index showed non-significant results. The administration of captopril appeared to be not only an effective way of lowering the blood pressure in hypertensive diabetic patients but it also have exerted beneficial effects on the carbohydrate, fats and protein metabolism

Effect of nifedipine on creatinine clearance and urinary proteins in renovascular hypertension

Hypertension and impaired renal functions are closely interrelated. Elevated blood pressure can cause renal damage and renal diseases can cause hypertension. Hence, to evaluate the effect of Nifedipine on renal function in a hypertensive patient, a study was planned which extending over a period of three months. Fortyfive patients of either sex, aged 25-75 years were given Nifedipine 10 mg twice daily. Their urinary proteins and creatinine clearance were measured. Results were evaluated with base line values on Day 0, Day 30, Day 60 and Day 90. On Day 90, these two parameters were compared to base line [Day 0] values. With Nifedipine therapy, urinary protein reduction was 11.38 percent whereas creatinine clearance was increased to 13.15 percent. These changes in urinary proteins were highly significant whereas less significant in creatinine clearance with Nifedipine for three months, thus improving functions in renal impaired patients with hypertension