Effect of some Indian herbs on dyslipidemia in streptozotocin induced diabetic Rats.

Background: Diabetes is one of the commonest and serious metabolic disorders. Much of the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes is primarily attributed to sequelae requelac of microvascular and macrovascular changes, in which diabetic dyslipidemia is one of the many modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Objectives: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antidyslipidemic effect of selected Indian plants in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Material and Methods: Azadirachta indica and Ocimm sanctum leaves, Allium sativum bulbs and Momordica charantia fruits were collected, identified taxonomically and extract was obtained. Male Albino rats was used and divided into 8 groups, each consisting of 6 animals, one group act as a control. Diabetes in rats was induced with streptozotocin. Blood samples were collected and biochemical analysis was done for blood sugar, lipid peroxide and lipid profile. The diabetic group without drug treatment was compared with the control, and diabetic plus drug-treated groups were compared with the diabetic group without drug treatment. Data were analyzed using Student ‘t’ test. Results: Our results revealed that administration of streptozotocin in rats caused increase in the levels of glucose, lipid peroxides, cholesterol and triglycerides with lessening of the HDL-cholesterol. Treatment with aqueous extracts of Momordica charantia, Allium sativum, Azadirachta indica and Ocimum sanctum not only reduced the level of blood glucose but also caused lowering of total cholesterol and triglycerides following an increase in the level of HDL-cholesterol. Conclusion: We concluded that the herbal plants tested possess both hypoglycemic and antidyslipidemic activities and their use as a therapeutic tool in diabetes related complications encourage further investigation in this field.

Pediatric gliosarcoma with fibrosarcomatous differentiation: Report of a rare case.

Gliosarcoma is a rare variant of glioblastoma with a biphasic pattern showing glial and mesenchymal differentiation. It is seen in adults during their fifth to sixth decades of life and is extremely rare in children. We report a case of primary gliosarcoma with fibrosarcomatous differentiation in an 11-year-old boy presenting with headache and vomiting. Imaging showed a contrast-enhancing isodense space-occupying lesion with areas of calcification in the right temporoparietal cortex. A total excision was done and, on histopathologic examination, a differential diagnostic consideration of gliosarcoma and teratoma with malignant transformation was made. After immunohistochemical analysis, a final diagnosis of gliosarcoma with fibrosarcomatous differentiation was then made. Primary gliosarcoma is a very rare tumor in children with a poor prognosis.

Epidemiology of hepatitis E and A in Ludhiana.

AIM: To study the epidemiology of hepatitis E and A in Ludhiana. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of laboratory data of the year 2001 was done, to study the epidemiology of hepatitis E and A in Ludhiana in relation to prevalence, age, sex, area of residence and seasonal variation. RESULTS: Prevalence of HEV was 13.9%. Infection with it occurred through out the year with no preponderance of cases following the monsoons. Young male adults between 20-40 years of age were predominantly affected. Prevalence of HAV was 5.5% affecting mainly children below 14 years of age. Population of urban areas around "Gandha Naliash" (a large open sewer) was at high risk as there was clustering of HEV & HAV cases around that area.

Hepatoprotective activity of ellagic acid against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Administration of CCl4 to normal rats and consequent oral feeding with ellagic acid (50 mg/kg) provided a significant protection against the biochemical alterations in serum and liver produced by CCl4. In vitro experiments showed that liver microsomes from animals treated with ellagic acid and CCl4, decreased lipid peroxidation compared to microsome prepared from rats exposed to CCl4 alone.

Protective effect of ellagic acid on t-butyl hydroperoxide induced lipid peroxidation in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Ellagic acid, a plant polyphenol, showed protective effect on isolated rat hepatocytes against destruction due to lipid peroxide formation induced by t-butyl hydroperoxide in vitro. Ellagic acid inhibited the generation of superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals both in enzymic and non enzymic systems, thus providing protection against oxidative damage.

Immunomodulation of macrophages by radio-detoxified lipopolysaccharide of Salmonella typhimurium.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ratio-detoxified LPS (Rd-LPS) from Salmonella typhimurium were analysed for their ability to stimulate murine peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) and macrophages. Rd-LPS induced much more inflammatory response as compared to LPS. PEC numbers/mouse obtained were significantly higher (3-fold) in response to Rd-LPS than LPS. The haemorrhage was induced in mice by LPS but not by Rd-LPS. Activation of macrophages in vivo by Rd-LPS was significantly higher as compared to LPS. This was evident from the increase levels of their lysosomal enzymes and cytokines. Rd-LPS induced 10-fold increase in acid phosphatase contents of macrophages as compared to controls while only 7-fold increase was obtained with LPS. Arylsulfatase and beta-glucuronidase increased by about 2-fold by Rd-LPS and LPS. Macrophages incubated with Rd-LPS in vitro showed 16-fold and 20-fold increase in the cell associated levels of arylsulfatase and beta-glucuronidase respectively as compared to unstimulated cells. On the other hand, only 6-fold increase was observed in response to LPS in the levels of both the enzymes. TNF-[symbol: see text] and IL-1 secreted by macrophages increased considerably in response to Rd-LPS as compared to those released by LPS. Rd-LPS, thus seems to be a better immunomodulator than untreated LPS.

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome: a cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome is an uncommon disorder manifested by cutaneous and gastrointestinal hemangiomas and gastrointestinal hemorrhage causing anemia. We describe a young man who presented with hematemesis and melena and had multiple bluish rubber bleb-like hemangiomas over the body and in the stomach, jejunum and colon. The patient was treated with iron supplements for anemia; he is doing well 6 months later.

Effect of gamma irradiation on chemical and biological properties of lipopolysaccharide from Salmonella typhimurium.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from S. typhimurium on exposure to gamma-radiation resulted in decrease in toxicity and was less mitogenic, Silver stained profiles of irradiated LPS on polyacrylamide gels revealed complete loss of its heteropolysaccharides which was confirmed further by analysing lipid A and LPS from Salmonella minnesota Re mutants on SDS-PAGE. Glucosamine and 2-keto 3-deoxy-octonate(Kdo) contents were significantly decreased on treatment. Lipid A obtained by removal of heteropolysaccharides from LPS was less toxic on exposure to gamma radiations.

Picroliv prevents oxidation in serum lipoprotein lipids of Mastomys coucha infected with Plasmodium berghei.

Picroliv, an iridoid glycoside mixture from the root and rhizome of Picrorhiza kurrooa, at the dose of 6 mg/kg p.o. for two weeks provided significant protection against the generation of lipid peroxidation products in serum beta-lipoproteins of P. berghei infected M. coucha. Incubation of normal rat hepatocytes with very low density lipoprotein or low density lipoprotein isolated from infected animals caused significant generation of lipid peroxides followed by a decrease in the viability of these cells, however these effects were partially reversed with the lipoproteins from infected and picroliv treated groups. High density lipoprotein from infected animals was not toxic to hepatocytes in vitro.

High density lipoprotein subclasses inhibit low density lipoprotein oxidation.

It has been reported earlier that high density lipoprotein (HDL) is a scavenger of superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals (OH-) and behaves like superoxide dismutase. In the present investigation, we have studied the effect of HDL subclasses: HDL2 and HDL3 on non enzymatically induced oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) by Fe2+ and sodium ascorbate. Both HDL2 and HDL3 showed protection against the oxidative degradation of LDL-lipids, measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, lipid hydroperoxide and conjugated diene. Oxidized LDL was more electronegative, as evidenced by the increase in relative electrophoretic mobility(REM) on agarose gel. HDL3 significantly protected LDL apoprotein as assessed by reversal of REM after oxidation. HDL2 and HDL3 significantly inhibited the generation of OH- in nonenzymic systems in vitro. However, HDL2 was more active against enzymic formation of OH- as compared to HDL3. Alpha-tocopherol could protect LDL lipids and apoprotein components by Fe2+ mediated oxidation but the effects were lower than HDL subclasses. Our findings suggest that HDL subclasses, the potent scavenger of oxygen derived free radicals, play an important role to prevent the oxidative modifications in LDL.

Picroliv affects gamma-glutamyl cycle in liver and brain of Mastomys natalensis infected with Plasmodium berghei.

Picroliv, the standardized preparation of iridoid glycosides from Picrorhiza kurrooa, at the dose of 6 mg/kg, po for two weeks provided significant protection against depletion of reduced glutathione levels in liver and brain of Plasmodium berghei infected Mastomys natalensis. The activation of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase enzyme and decreased levels of cysteine, sulphydryl groups as well as glutathione synthesis in both tissues due to P. berghei infection were reversed by picroliv. Enzymatic and non enzymatic lipid peroxidation in microsomes in vitro was significantly reduced by picroliv along with the recovery of reduced glutathione.

Role of free radicals in Plasmodium berghei infected Mastomys natalensis brain.

Lipid peroxide, lipid hydroperoxide, reduced glutathione, oxidised glutathione, lipofuscin contents and the activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase were assessed in P. berghei infected M. natalensis brain. The results showed significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxides, lipid hydroperoxides and lipofuscin in brain subcellular fractions of P. berghei infected M. natalensis. Furthermore, a depressed superoxide dismutase activity was observed along with regulation in glutathione content. An elevated level of lipid peroxidation products along with depressed activity of scavengers in brain during malaria highlights the role of free radicals in malarial pathology.

Effect of picroliv on glutathione metabolism in liver and brain of Mastomys natalensis infected with Plasmodium berghei.

Administration of picroliv, the active principle from Picrorhiza kurrooa, at a dose of 6 mg/kg, po for two weeks showed significant protection against changes in liver and brain glutathione metabolism of Plasmodium berghei infected Mastomys natalensis. The depletion of reduced glutathione level and inhibition of glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities due to P. berghei infection were markedly recovered by picroliv. The increased levels of lipid peroxidation products in damaged tissues were also reduced along with the recovery of glutathione metabolism.

Hypolipidemic activity of Achyranthus aspera Linn in normal and triton induced hyperlipemic rats.

The alcoholic extract of A. aspera, at 100 mg/kg dose lowered serum cholesterol (TC), phospholipid (PL). triglyceride (TG) and total lipids (TL) levels by 60, 51, 33 and 53% respectively in triton induced hyperlipidemic rats. The chronic administration of this drug at the same doses to normal rats for 30 days, lowered serum TC, PL, TG and TL by 56, 62, 68 and 67% respectively followed by significant reduction in the levels of hepatic lipids. The faecal excretion of cholic acid and deoxycholic acid increased by 24 and 40% respectively under the action of this drug. The possible mechanism of action of cholesterol lowering activity of A. aspera may be due to rapid excretion of bile acids causing low absorption of cholesterol.

Hepatoprotective activity of picroliv against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats.

Administration of carbon tetrachloride to normal rats increased activities of hepatic 5(1)-nucleotidase, acid phosphatase, acid ribonuclease while the activities of succinate dehydrogenase, glucose 6-phosphatase, superoxide dismutase and cytochrome P450 were decreased. Levels of lipid peroxides, total lipids and cholesterol of liver were also increased. The activities of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were increased. Other serum parameters showing changes after carbon tetrachloride were: bilirubin, proteins, cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein-X. Picroliv (from the plant Picrorhiza kurroa) in doses of 6 and 12 mg/kg provided a significant protection against most of the biochemical alterations produced by carbon tetrachloride. The degree of protection afforded by picroliv, when administered simultaneously or as a pretreatment was almost equal.

Hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipid peroxidation products in Mastomys natalensis infected with Plasmodium berghei.

P. berghei infection in M. natalensis caused a significant reduction in the hepatic SOD and catalase activities. Cu-Zn SOD was more susceptible to infection than Mn SOD. The inhibition of enzyme activities was associated with marked increase in the levels of lipid peroxides, lipid hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes in infected M. natalensis. The alterations in the hepatic SOD, catalase and lipid peroxides are related with the severity of infection.

Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of picroliv (from Picrorhiza kurroa) in Mastomys natalensis infected with Plasmodium berghei.

Administration of picroliv, a standardized fraction of alcoholic extent of Picrorhiza kurroa (3-12 mg/kg/day for two weeks) simultaneously with P. berghei infection showed significant protection against hepatic damage in Mastomys natalensis. The increased levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase, lipoprotein-X (LP-X) and bilirubin in the infected animals were marked reduced by different doses of picroliv. In the liver, picroliv decreased the levels of lipid peroxides and hydroperoxides and facilitated the recovery of superoxide dismutase and glycogen. Picroliv had no effect on the degree of parasitaemia.

Hepatic low density lipoprotein receptor binding and lipid profile in Mastomys natalensis during Plasmodium berghei infection.

Plasmodium berghei infection to Mastomys natalensis showed hyper beta-lipoproteinemia. The increase in serum cholesterol is associated with decreased uptake of low density lipoprotein (LDL) by the liver through receptor mediated endocytosis. The membranes prepared from infected M. natalensis exhibit up to 50% decline in high affinity binding sites for human 125I-LDL. Significant increases in serum lipids, cholesterol, triglyceride and lipid peroxide (LPO) contents of liver membrane were observed. Effects of lipid constituents and LPO content of liver membrane in relation to LDL catabolism and other possible mechanisms have been explained.

Hepatoprotective activity of silymarin against hepatic damage in Mastomys natalensis infected with Plasmodium berghei.

Silymarin, a flavolignan from the seeds of Silybum marianum, showed significant hepatoprotective activity in P. berghei-induced hepatic damage in M. natalensis, as assessed by changes in several serum and liver biochemical parameters. Changes in lipoprotein-X, GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin were found to be protected by silymarin at different doses. Maximum activity was observed at a dose of 5 mg/kg bw, po. Silymarin had no effect on parasitaemia.