Effect of Terminalia Chebula (Haritaki) on Serum Aspartate Aminotransferase, Alanine Aminotransferase in Paracetemol induced liver damage in Wister Albino Rats.

Background: Liver plays a major role in detoxification and excretion of many endogenous and exogenous compounds. Any injury may lead to severe liver damage and impairment of liver function. Harbal plants such as Terminalia chebula (Haritaki) may have free radical scavenging activity thereby can be used for the prevention and treatment of liver damage. Objective: To observe the effect of Terminalia chebula on paracetamol induced changes of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in Wister albino rats. Methods: This experimental study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from January to December’ 2013. Total 44 rats with age 90 to 120 days, weighing between 150 to 200 gm were selected. After acclimatization for 14 days, they were divided into base line control (BC, n=11), paracetamol treated control (PC, n=11),Terminalia chebula pretreated and paracetamol treated (TCP-PCT n=11) and paracetamol pretreated and Terminalia chebula treated group (PCP-TCT, n=11). All groups received basal diet for 21 consecutive days. In addition to basal diet, rats of BC received propylene glycol (2ml/kg body weight, orally) and PC received single dose of paracetamol suspension (750mg/kg body weight, orally) on 21st day. Rats of TCP-PCT received Terminalia chebula extract (200 mg/kg body weight, orally) for 21 consecutive days and paracetamol suspension (750mg/kg body weight, orally) on 21st day. Again, rats of PCP-TCT received paracetamol suspension (750mg/kg body weight, orally) on the 1st day and Terminalia chebula extract (200 mg/kg body weight orally) for 21 consecutive days. All rats were sacrificed on 22nd day and then blood samples were collected. For assessment of liver function serum AST and ALT levels were estimated by using standard laboratory kits. The statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni test as applicable. Results: The mean serum AST and ALT levels were significantly (p<0.001) higher in PC in comparison to those of BC. Serum AST and ALT levels of all experimental groups were significantly (P<0.001) lower than PC group. Conclusion: From the results of this study, it may be concluded that Terminalia chebula may have some hepatoprotective effects in paracetamol induced liver damage in rats.

Effect of Aging On Short Term Heart Rate Variability.

Background: Heart rate variability has been considered as an indicator of autonomic nerve function status. Few works have been done to assess the heart rate variability in normal healthy subjects in different countries. Objectives: To assess the cardiac autonomic nerve function status in healthy Bangladeshi population of different age groups by analyzing time domain measures of Heart Rate Variability. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from the period of July 2012 to June 2013. For this purpose, a total number of 180 healthy subjects were selected with the age ranging from 15-60 years of both sexes. All the study subjects were divided into 3 different groups according to age (Control 15-30 years; middle age 31-45 years; older age 46-60 years). Each group included 60 subjects of which 30 were male and 30 were female. The subjects were selected from different areas of Dhaka city by personal contacts. HRV parameters were recorded by a 4 active channels, RMS Polyrite-D-2 machine For statistical analysis, one way ANOVA, unpaired Student’s ‘t’-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test were performed. as applicable. Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were significantly (p<0.001) higher in older group in comparison to control & middle age group. Again RR interval and RMSSD (p<0.001), were significantly lower in older age group (p<0.05) compared to control & also to middle age group. But HR was found significantly higher (p<0.05)in both middle and older subjects than control and also in older (p<0.05) compared to middle age. Correlation analysis showed moderate negative correlation of mean R-R with age in middle age whereas significant negative correlation for RMSSD both in middle and older age subjects.. Conclusion: In this study, markedly decreased cardiac parasympathetic function were found with aging process.

Insulin Secretory Status in Obese Female.

Background: In obesity insulin hypersecretion is a key feature indicating the abnormal pancreatic beta cell function which is the fundamental defect in the development of NIDDM, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To assess the secretory status of insulin in adult obese female. Methods: The present study was a cross sectional analytical study and conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2012 to June 2013. 50 obese female subjects of 20-40 years were included from Out-patient Department (Obesity clinic) of BIRDEM Hospital, Dhaka and by personal contact from different areas of Dhaka city. 50 age matched, healthy non-obese female subjects selected as controls . Fasting serum insulin level was measured by ELISA and fasting glucose level was measured by Glucose oxidase method. The insulin secretory status was calculated by HOMA-%B using HOMA software. For statistical analysis unpaired Student’s ‘t’ test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) test were performed as applicable . Result: Mean fasting serum insulin and HOMA%B (P<0.001) were higher in the obese than that non obese. Fasting serum insulin level and HOMA%B showed significantly positive correlation with WHR. Conclusion: This study concludes that obese individual develops a state of insulin hypersecretion and hyperinsulinemia.

Fasting Insulin in Essential Hypertension.

Background: An association between essential hypertension and defective insulin secretion has been identified. Objective: To estimate fasting serum insulin level in adult male with essential hypertension to observe its relationship to hypertension. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2012 to June 2013. A total number of one hundred fifty male subjects were selected with age ranging from 25 to 45 years. Seventy five male essential hypertensive were enrolled from Out- patient Department of Medicine, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Age matched seventy five apparently healthy males were studied as control. Fasting serum insulin level was measured by ELISA method and fasting blood glucose by glucose oxidase method. For statistical analyses, unpaired Student’s ‘t’ and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) tests were performed. Results: Fasting serum insulin level was significantly (P<0.001) higher in essential hypertensive male patients than normotensive subjects. Fasting serum insulin level shows significant positive correlation with systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Conclusion: This study reveals that essential hypertension has positive and significant relationship with fasting serum insulin level.

Assessment of Coagulation Disorder in Women Taking Oral Contraceptives.

Background: Oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is related to development of hypercoagulability and the risk of thromboembolic effects in women. Objectives: To assess the coagulability status in women taking oral contraceptives by estimation of plasma fibrinogen level and total count of platelets. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, during the period of January 2012 to December 2012 on sixty apparently healthy female subjects aged 25 to 45 years taking OCPs for 1 to 10 years. Thirty subjects were 1 to 5 years user group and another 30 subjects were >5 to 10 years user group. They were collected from family planning clinics of Dhaka city. In addition, age matched 30 apparently healthy women of OCP nonusers were also studied as control. For assessment of coagulability state, plasma fibrinogen and total counts of platelet levels were estimated by automated coagulation analyzer and automated hematology analyzer. Statistical analysis was done by unpaired Student’s t’ test. Results: The mean (±SE) total count of platelet level was significantly higher (P<0.001) in contraceptive user group and plasma fibrinogen level was higher in users but it was not significant. Conclusion: This study concludes that OCP users had more tendency of hypercoagulability and therefore these women are at higher risk of thromboembolic effects.

Association of Age with Thyroid Hormone Status and Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD).

Background: Aging is associated with increased prevalence of thyroid function abnormalities including hypothyroidism. A meta-analysis showed an increased prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular mortality only in a relatively younger population. Objective: To compare the thyroid function status in IHD patients of different age groups. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out on 31 IHD subjects aged 35-59 years (Group B1) and 19 IHD subjects aged 60-85 years (Group B2) in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2009 to June 2010. For comparison 24 healthy subjects aged 35-59 years (Group A1) and 26 with age 60-85 years (Group A2) were studied. The IHD subjects were selected from coronary care unit of cardiology department and OPD of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Serum FT3, FT4 and TSH of all subjects were measured by radioimmunoassay. Statistical analysis was done by unpaired Student’s ‘t’ test. Results: The mean ± SD of FT3 and FT4 were significantly lower and TSH was significantly higher in Group B1 IHD patients than that of Group A1 healthy subjects, but no difference was found between Group A2 and Group B2 and between Group B1 and Group B2. Conclusion: Thyroid hormone levels are significantly lower in younger IHD population (age 35-59 years) than the age-matched normal controls.

Study of Thyroid Hormone Status in Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD).

Background: Thyroid dysfunction especially hypothyroidism is cardiovascular risk factor because of its association with elevated serum total and LDL cholesterol. Objective: To assess the association of thyroid hormone levels with IHD. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 50 IHD subjects aged 35 to 85 years (Group B), in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from of July 2009 to June 2010. For comparison 50 age, sex, and BMI matched apparently healthy subjects (Group-A) were also studied. The study subjects were selected from coronary care unit (CCU) of Cardiology Department & OPD of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Serum FT3, FT4 and TSH were assessed by radio-immuno assay. Statistical analysis was done by student’s unpaired ‘t’ test and chi-square test as applicable. Result: The mean ±SD of serum FT3 and FT4 were significantly lower and serum TSH was significantly higher in IHD patients than that of healthy subjects (p<0.05). Conclusion: Hypothyroidism occurs in patients suffering from IHD.