Effect of sitagliptin on depression in male wistar rats

Background: Growing evidence supports relationship between depression and inflammation. The hypothesis of involvement of inflammatory pathways in depression is supported by the findings of increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines. So, we decided to evaluate the effect of sitagliptin on depression using forced swim test (FST) and possible effects of sitagliptin on serum oxidative stress markers and cytokine gene expression in rat hippocampus.Methods: FST model was used to evaluate antidepressant effect in male wistar rats. Rats in group I (control group) were given normal saline, group II (standard group) were given fluoxetine, group III and IV (test groups) were given sitagliptin 5 mg/kg and sitagliptin 9 mg/kg respectively. All the drugs in all groups were given per orally. At the end, animals were sacrificed and blood was collected. Hippocampus of rat brain was dissected out. Serum oxidative stress markers and hippocampal pro inflammatory cytokine gene expression analysis was carried out.Results: Sitagliptin 5 mg/kg and 9 mg/kg showed reduction in depressive symptoms and hippocampal cytokine gene expression in comparison to control. In case of serum oxidative stress markers, there was statistically significant reduction in nitric oxide levels with stagliptin 9 mg/kg. Although there was a decrease in the levels of catalase and increase in the levels of glutathione with standard and test groups, the results were not statistically significant.Conclusions: The present study showed significant antidepressant effect activity of standard and test groups. Hence, further research should be carried out to substantiate above results.

Effect of Ketogenic Diet and Intermittent Fasting on Complete Freund’s Adjuvant Induced Inflammation in Rats.

Background: Chronic low grade inflammation is anessential pathological feature of various Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). Carbohydrate rich food animportant modifiable risk factor contributing to NCDscan be restricted by Ketogenic Diet (KD) or IntermittentFasting (IF). So the present study was taken up toevaluate the role of the above interventions ininflammation induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant(CFA) in male Wistar rats. Aim and Objectives: Toevaluate the role of KD and IF in a model ofinflammation induced by CFA in rats. Material andMethods: Animals were divided into 4 equal groups of10 rats each. Groups were based on diet given. Group I -Control fed with standard diet; Group II - KD; Group III- IF and Group IV- Disease free group on standard diet.CFA injection into the hind paw 4 weeks after startingthe diet was made in all groups except in group IV afterwhich serum cytokines and oxidative stress markerswere measured on day 21. Results: KD and IF groupsshowed significantly lower inflammation in terms ofpaw edema volume and serum cytokines namely TNFα and IL-1β as compared to the control group. The KDand IF groups also showed lower oxidative stress interms of lower serum Thiobarbituric Acid ReactiveSpecies (TBARS) and less depletion of antioxidantenzymes namely superoxide dismutase and catalase ascompared to control group. Conclusion: The presentstudy proves that it is possible to lower inflammationand hence prevent NCDs by IF and KD. Since theimpact of both interventions on inflammation is similar,IF may be preferable to KD because, carbohydrate ispresent in a sizeable amount in most foodstuffs that weconsume and daily restriction of carbohydrate in theform of KD may not be a feasible option. Hence, IFalone may be a better option than daily carbohydraterestriction in the form of KD.

Drug price control order: the impact on pharmacoeconomics

Background: The objective of the present study was to analyze the prices of metformin, losartan, atorvastatin, paracetamol and aspirin for the doses which are included in the list of Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) 2013.Methods: Current index medical specialties India, 37th year, April-July 2015 issue was used for analysis. The retail prices of the drugs in INR were tabulated in Microsoft Office Excel 2013. The prices of the above listed drugs were compared with prices of DPCO 2013 for the same doses of drugs. The analysis of drugs costing more than the prices listed in the DPCO with the margin of the difference in percentage was carried out.Results: Out of 25 brands of metformin 500 mg tablet, 11 (44%) brands had price higher than listed in DPCO 2013. Similarly, prices for losartan 25 mg and 50 mg tablets, 8 (25%) out of 32 and 11 (31.42%) out of 35 were higher respectively. For atorvastatin 5 mg and 10 mg tablets, 2 (9.52%) out of 21 and 8 (13.55%) out of 59 brands had higher prices. For paracetamol 500 mg tablet, 12 (63.15%) out of 19 brands were priced higher than DPCO list. For aspirin 100 mg tablet and 325 mg tablet, 3 (100%) out of 3 brands and 1 (100%) out of 1 brand had higher prices.Conclusions: Many of the brand formulations have higher prices than the DPCO 2013 issued by government of India. The clinicians prescribing these drugs should be aware of these brand formulations to reduce the cost of the drug therapy.

A donor hemovigilance study: evaluation of adverse reactions to blood donors at tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Donor hemovigilance is an important aspect of the hemovigilance system and contributes to decrease the blood donor’s complications and improving blood donor safety and functioning of blood bank. Reporting of adverse reactions associated with blood donations has been covered under National blood donor vigilance programme. This study was carried out to estimate the adverse events in blood donors and to promote their safety.Methods: The study was conducted over a period of 6 months, from 1st January 2017 to 30th June 2017 after getting approval from institutional ethics committee at tertiary care teaching hospital. Prior informed consent was obtained and donor confidentiality was ensured. The donors were observed for adverse event during or after donation. For delayed reactions, donors were requested to contact the researcher or designated departmental staff. Data was collected in case record form. Data entry was done in excel 2013 and appropriate Statistical test (chi square) was applied.Results: During study period total 7970 donors were registered, out of which 53.27% donors have donated their blood in blood camps and 46.72% have in blood bank. Incidence of donor reactions was 1.54%. Incidence of adverse reaction was higher at blood camps (58.53%). Authors found highest number of cases of mild vaso vagal type reactions (53%). Other types of reactions observed were painful arm, hematoma, delayed bleeding, tingling and moderate type of vaso vagal reaction.Conclusions: Authors did not find any major serious events like convulsion, thrombophlebitis or arterial puncture during study period. It considers that safety of donors was maintained.

Adverse drug reaction monitoring on antiretroviral therapy in human immunodeficiency virus patients in a tertiary care hospital.

Background: The aim of current study was to assess the pattern of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients receiving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Methods: A prospective, observational study was carried out for duration of 15 months. Clinical and treatment data were collected from patients, who underwent ARV therapy during the study period. CDSCO forms were used to record the ADRs. Causality, severity and preventability were assessed by suitable scales. Result: Out of 216 patients 165 (76%) patients develop ADRs. Total of 274 ADRs were noted among 165 patients (1.66 ADR/patient). Out of them 100 (60.60%) were males and 65 (39.39%) were females. The most common ADR was gastrointestinal disorders (83, 30.29%). The most numbers of ADRs were observed in ZLN (Zidovudine + Lamivudine + Nevirapine) regimen (54%) followed by SLN (Stavudine + Lamivudine + Nevirapine) regimen (26%). According to WHO causality assessment scale most ADRs were possible (236, 86.13%). Hartwig and Siegel severity scale show 243 (88.69%) ADRs were moderate. Schumock and Thornton scale show all, ADRs were “not preventable.” Conclusion: Early detection of drug toxicity helps to treat the patient and modify the drug regimen to minimize toxic effects.

Effect of rifampicin, isoniazid on acute and subacute inflammation in male Wistar rats: an experimental study.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is characterized by significant inflammation leading to complications like pulmonary fibrosis, constrictive pericarditis, etc. Drugs possessing anti-inflammatory activity can reduce the complications of infections occurring due to inflammation and fibrosis. To study the effect of rifampicin, isoniazid on acute and subacute models of inflammation in male Wistar rats. Methods: The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of rifampicin, isoniazid was studied using acute (carrageenan paw edema) and sub-acute (cotton pellet granuloma and histopathologic examination of grass pith) models of inflammation. Results: Rifampicin and isoniazid used in the present study showed significant antiinflammatory activity in acute as well as subacute models of inflammation. Conclusion: Rifampicin and isoniazid when administered to treat TB can reduce complications of TB by virtue of its anti-inflammatory activity.

Comparative study to evaluate anesthetic effect of Thiopentone Sodium and Propofol in electroconvulsive therapy.

Introduction: In therapeutic management of psychiatric illness the response to electroconvulsive therapy may be attenuated if anesthesia that is used abolishes or inhibits seizures. Anesthetic agents used for electroconvulsive therapy should provided smooth and rapid induction, a rapid recovery, minimal alteration of the physiological effects of electroconvulsive therapy as well as minimal antagonistic effects on seizure activity. Material and methods: In study of 120 patients with ASA grade I or II, having indication for Electroconvulsive therapy, half were randomly anaesthetized by 2.5% Thiopental Sodium with dose 3 mg/kg (Group I) and 1% Propofol in 1.5 mg/kg dose (Group II). A current of 110 volts was psychiatrist. Pulse and Blood pressure monitoring and Seizure response were evaluated along with side effects if any. Observation: After Induction, systolic BP in the 2 Groups did not show any significant (p>0.05) difference while the diastolic BP was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the propofol group. After suxamethonium systolic and diastolic BP were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the propofol group. After completion of seizure systolic BP came down to basal level at 10 mins and diastolic BP came down to basal level at 15 mins. While in the thiopentone sodium group, the BP did not come down even the end of 15 mins. The duration of seizure activity in the propofol group was markedly reduced (p<0.05) as compared to the thiopentone sodium group. The time from induction to eye opening and induction to walking unaided were significantly (p<0.001) lower in the propofol groups suggesting faster recovery. During induction, higher percentage of patients showed discomfort on injection in the propofol group while during recovery headache, nausea and vomiting were noted in more patients within thiopentone group. Conclusion: Propofol group compared to thiopentone sodium had reduced increase in BP and pulse rate, reduced duration of seizure activity. Recovery was faster and side effects were reduced during recovery.

Assessment of efficacy and safety of artesunate plus sulfadoxine pyrimethamine combination for treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria.

Background: Resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to antimalarial drugs is common in India. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT) to counter the development of resistance in P. falciparum. WHO recommends that ideally antimalarial drug treatment policy or guidelines should be reviewed regularly and updated at least once every 24 months. In consideration to the above recommendation, we planned to conduct the following study. The objective was to determine the efficacy and safety of artesunate + sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (AS + SP) in patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Methods: The study included 60 patients of uncomplicated P. falciparum. Each patient received AS + SP as per WHO guidelines. Diagnosis was confirmed by peripheral blood film. All patients were followed up on days 1, 3, 14, and 28 for detailed clinical and parasitological examination. Results: Of a total 60 patients, 55 patients were followed up for 28 days. Remaining 5 patients were lost in follow up. As per protocol analysis, 91% (50) of patients had demonstrated adequate clinical and parasitological response. Remaining 9% (5) had treatment failure in which 5.5% (3) had late parasitological failure and 3.6% (2) had late clinical failure. In our study, mean parasite clearance time was 45.2 ± 4.2 hrs. Conclusion: AS + SP is safe and effective drug for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria. However, the efficacy of this ACT needs to be carefully monitored periodically since treatment failure can occur due to resistance.

Antihyperglycemic activity, antihyperlipedemic activity, haematological effects and histopathological analysis of Sapindus mukorossi Gaerten fruits in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties of hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of Sapindus mukorossi Gaerten and its beneficial effect on haematological parameters with histopathological analysis in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.@*METHODS@#Sapindus mukorossi fruits extract (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) and standard drug glybenclamide (0.5 mg/kg body weight) were administered to diabetic rats. Effect of extract on hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and hematological parameters was studied in diabetic rats. Histopathological changes in diabetic rat pancreas were also observed after extract and glybenclamide treatment.@*RESULTS@#Daily oral administration of Sapindus mukorossi fruits extract (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) and glybenclamide for 20 days showed beneficial effects on blood glucose level (P<0.01) and lipid level. The extract has a favorable effect on the histopathological changes of the pancreas in streptozotocin induced diabetes.@*CONCLUSION@#These findings reveal that the hydroalcoholic extract of Sapindus mukorossi fruits extract possesses antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties. In addition, the extract can prevent various complications of diabetes and improve some haematological parameters.

Hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Ziziphus oenoplia (L.) Mill roots against antitubercular drugs induced hepatotoxicity in experimental models

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic (50%) extract of Ziziphus oenoplia (L.) Mill (Z. oenoplia) root against isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) induced liver damage in animal models.@*METHODS@#Five groups of six rats each were selected for the study. Ethanolic extract at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg as well as silymarin (100 mg/kg) were administered orally once daily for 21 d in INH + RIF treated groups. The serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (SALP), and bilirubin were estimated along with activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and hepatic melondialdehyde formation. Histopathological analysis was carried out to assess injury to the liver.@*RESULTS@#The considerably elevated serum enzymatic activities of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin due to INH + RIF treatment were restored towards normal in a dose dependent manner after the treatment with ethanolic extract of Z. oenoplia roots. Meanwhile, the decreased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase were also restored towards normal dose dependently. In addition, ethanolic extract also significantly prevented the elevation of hepatic melondialdehyde formation in the liver of INH + RIF intoxicated rats in a dose dependent manner. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver sections.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results of this study strongly indicate that ethanolic extract of Z. oenoplia has a potent hepatoprotective action against INH + RIF induced hepatic damage in rats.

Radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from GSM (0.9/1.8GHz) mobile phones induces oxidative stress and reduces sperm motility in rats

INTRODUCTION: Mobile phones have become indispensable in the daily lives of men and women around the globe. As cell phone use has become more widespread, concerns have mounted regarding the potentially harmful effects of RF-EMR from these devices. OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of RF-EMR from mobile phones on free radical metabolism and sperm quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male albino Wistar rats (10-12 weeks old) were exposed to RF-EMR from an active GSM (0.9/1.8 GHz) mobile phone for 1 hour continuously per day for 28 days. Controls were exposed to a mobile phone without a battery for the same period. The phone was kept in a cage with a wooden bottom in order to address concerns that the effects of exposure to the phone could be due to heat emitted by the phone rather than to RF-EMR alone. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last exposure and tissues of interest were harvested. RESULTS: One hour of exposure to the phone did not significantly change facial temperature in either group of rats. No significant difference was observed in total sperm count between controls and RF-EMR exposed groups. However, rats exposed to RF-EMR exhibited a significantly reduced percentage of motile sperm. Moreover, RF-EMR exposure resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and low GSH content in the testis and epididymis. CONCLUSION: Given the results of the present study, we speculate that RF-EMR from mobile phones negatively affects semen quality and may impair male fertility.

Phytotoxicity of copper fungicides to guava fruits.

The copper fungicides viz., Bordeaux mixture, stabilized Bordeaux mixture and copper oxychloride were found phytotoxic to guava fruits, while carbendazim, benomyl and mancozeb were non-phytotoxic. Bordeaux mixture was highly phytotoxic and caused heavy russetting, followed by stabilized Bordeaux mixture and then copper oxychloride. The higher concentrations of these fungicides were more toxic than their lower doses. Russetted fruits failed to attain normal size and thus reduced the quality of fruits to a greater extent.

Detection of antipneumolysin in invasive childhood pneumococcal infections.

Antibody levels against pneumolysin, a virulence factor in pneumococcal infections were evaluated by a neutralization test, using crude pneumolysin. A study population of 28 hospitalised children with culture proven pneumococcal meningitis and pneumonia were tested for detection of antipneumolysin antibodies in their serum. Results were compared with age and sex matched controls who were admitted with infections other than pneumococcal. Geometric mean titer (GMT) of antipneumolysin in serum of patients with pneumococcal infections showed a significant difference when compared with controls, GMT of 196.1 and 185.2 were noted in patients with meningitis and pneumonia respectively, in contrast to a titer of 40.32 among controls. A difference of more than 4-fold antibody titers between patients and controls was considered significant. Detection of antipneumolysin in serum can therefore be considered as a useful laboratory investigation in diagnosing invasive pneumococcal infections.

Fluorosis induced hypertrophic ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament resulting in spinal stenosis and progressive myelopathy

Hypertrophic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament causes an acquired spinal stenosis with attendant neurological manifestations in patients with skeletal fluorosis. Such cases are uncommon. In Asian and African countries where fluorosis is endemic it should definitely be considered while working up progressive myelopathy and or radiculopathy to effect an early diagnosis and surgical intervention. Severely affected individuals are crippled with kyphotic rigid spine, quadriplegia and deformed limbs with spastic contractures and have poor long-term prognosis. Two cases of severe fluorosis induced hypertrophic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament resulting in spinal stenosis are described