Gastroprotective and antioxidant potential of Euphorbia prostrata against aspirin induced gastric ulcers in rabbits

Present study was planned to estimate the gastroprotective activity of Euphorbia prostrata plant against aspirin induced gastric ulcers in male adult albino rabbits. The ulcer was induced by oral administration of aspirin in all groups except normal control group. Gastric contents were used to estimate total acid output, gastric volume and gastric pH. Results showed that there was a significant decrease in gastric volume, total acid output, ulcer score and ulcer index in groups treated with extract of E. prostrata and it enhanced the pH of gastric mucosa. Blood samples were collected and serum was used for the estimation of total oxidant status [TOS], total antioxidant capacity [TAC], malondialdehyde [MDA] and catalase [CAT]. Results suggested that E. prostrata extract significantly [P<0.05] enhanced the TAC and CAT activity comparable to synthetic antiulcer drug cimetidine while it caused a significant [P<0.05] reduction in TOS and MDA levels. Results of this study revealed that extract of E. prostrata at 10, 20 and 40mg/kg showed gastric protection of 33.79%, 53.15% and 70.66% respectively. Cimetidine was used as a synthetic antiulcer drug in the study, which showed 72.85% gastric protection. From the above mentioned results it was demonstrated that E. prostrata extract at dose rate of 40 mg/kg showed gastroprotective activity similar as cimetidine

Dietary supplementation of bitter gourd reduces the risk of hypercholesterolemia in cholesterol fed sprague dawley rats

Functional and health endorsing benefits of various foods are often attributed to their phytochemistry. The bitter gourd holds potential in improving the health of the individuals owing to its incredible versatility in phytochemistry. However, the efficacy of different parts of bitter gourd needs attention of the researchers. In the current exploration, different parts of bitter gourd were evaluated for their cholesterol lowering potential in cholesterol fed Sprague dawley rats. For the purpose, four types of bitter gourd part i.e. whole fruit, seedless fruit, seeds, and seed extracts were used and compared with placebo in hypercholesterolemic rats. In placebo, momentous increase in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels was observed. All parts attenuate the cholesterol 18.79 to 40.17% triglycerides 25.97 to 37.01% and LDL 14.49 to 26.09%. However, 1% extract powder was most effective in reducing the cholesterol and triglycerides. From the present study, it is deduced that bitter gourd extract can be supplemented in food products for the management of hypercholesterolemia. However, future studies in human subjects needs to be conducted for meticulousness of the present findings

Multiple pesticide residues; in spinach and associated health risk

In past, no work has been done regarding the pesticide residues in spinach targeting peri-urban area of district Faisalabad. Keeping in view the persistent nature and cumulative behavior as well potential toxic effects of pesticides as a result of consumption of vegetable this is planned. Food safety is a major public concern worldwide. This is serious problem in the whole world especially in economically poor countries like Pakistan. The production of safe food is an important aspect of food quality assurance as well as human health. The people are demanding fresh, hygienic and quality food. To study the level of pesticide residues in spinach grown in peri-urban area of district Faisalabad and compare the level of contaminants respective their maximum residues limits [MRLS]. Ten farmers were selected randomly for spinach in the peri-urban area of district Faisalabad and vegetable samples were collected at optimum maturity in triplicate and transported to the laboratory of National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad for further processing. The residues of pesticide were determined by GC-ECD. The results regarding pesticide residues in different spinach samples showed variations and residues varied as deltamethrin 0.024 to 0.143 mg Kg[-1], permethrin 0.159 to 0.573 mg Kg[-1], cypermethrin 0.098 to 0.503 mg Kg[-1], profenofos 0.016 to 0.425 mg Kg[-1], chlorpyrifos 0.009 to 0.212 mg Kg[-1], bifenthrin 0.012 to 0.623 mg Kg[-1], endosulfan 0.043 to 0.103 mg Kg[-1], dimethoate 0.077 to 0.515 mg Kg[-1], respectively. The chlorpyriphos has no residues in any sample of spinach. The spinach samples are found to be contaminated with a number of different pesticides and these pesticides are not applied judiciously according to good agricultural practices and recommended doses. The farmers are unaware of pesticide use and other agricultural practices due to lack of extension as result causes of serious problems to all community

Histopathological evaluation of gastro protective effect of Berberis vulgaris [Zereshk] seeds against aspirin induced ulcer in albino mice

The present study was carried out to investigate the antiulcer activity of Berberis vulgaris [Zereshk] seeds in albino mice. After acclimatization, animals were divided into six equal groups. Aspirin 150mg/kg was used to induce gastric ulcer in all groups except normal control. Omeprazole 20mg/kg was used as synthetic anti ulcer drug in study. Three dose levels of B. vulgaris seed powder 300mg/kg, 600mg/kg and 900 mg/kg were used respectively orally. Histopathological analysis was carried out to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of B. vulgaris seed powder. Results of the study showed that in case of aspirin treated mice gastric luminal mucosa villi were decreased in height or were absent. In the glandular region there was connective tissue proliferation and also infiltration of cells. Similar infiltration of cells was present on muscularis mucosa. In esophageal region tumor cells were present. However three dose levels of B. vulgaris significantly reduced thetissue proliferation, infiltration of cells and sloughing induced by aspirin. Highest dose of B. vulgaris [900mg/kg] showed similar results as synthetic antiulcer drug omeprazole

Lipid lowering effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum in hyperlipidaemic albino rabbits

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the lipid lowering effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum [Cinnamon] in hyperlipidaemic albino rabbits. For this purpose, forty eight albino rabbits were randomly divided into eight equal groups; untreated control on normal routine feed, untreated control on butter and cholesterol, treated control on synthetic cholesterol lowering drug simvastatin [Tablet survive[R] 20 mg], three treated groups on three respective doses of C. zeylanicum bark powder and two treated groups on water and methanol extracts of C. zeylanicum bark powder. Butter ad lib and cholesterol powder 500 mg/kg body weight were used to induce experimental hyperlipidaemia in all groups except untreated control group. The results suggested that C. zeylanicum bark powder at the rate of 0.50 g/kg, 0.75 g/kg and methanol extract equivalent to 0.75 g/kg powder produced respective percent reductions in total lipids by 45, 49 and 64; triglycerides by 38, 53 and 60; total cholesterol by 53, 64 and 69 and LDL-cholesterol by 50, 59 and 62. However, at these dosage levels HDL-cholesterol showed respective percent increase of 42, 48 and 53. Nonetheless, C. zeylanicum bark powder at the level of 0.25 g/kg and C. zeylanicum extract in water could not significantly reduce lipid profile indicators. Based on these studies, it can safely be said that C. zeylanicum bark powder methanol extract equivalent to 0.75 g/kg bark powder and simvastatin [0.6 mg/kg b. wt.] were equieffective in treating hyperlipidaemia

Therapeutic effects of ciprofloxacin on the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine in healthy adult male volunteers

Carbamazepine is a [CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 enzyme inducer] medicine which is used by epileptic patients for a long time. During the course of therapy, patients are generally caught by other diseases like urinary tract infections, upper respiratory tract infection, skin and soft tissue infection etc. To cure them, physicians commonly prescribe fluoroquinolones like Ciprofloxacin [CYP1A2 inhibitor] along with Carbamazepine [CBZ]. Interactions may result without recognition which may lead to unforeseen toxicity, untoward effects or even therapeutic failure. Therefore, studies were conducted to investigate the effect of Ciprofloxacin on the pharmacokinetics of Carbamazepine in healthy adult male volunteers. The main objective of this study was to generate new knowledge regarding CBZ and Ciprofloxacin interaction for physicians and research workers dealing with these medicines. Eight healthy adult male volunteers were selected to assess the effect of ciprofloxacin on the pharmacokinetics of Carbamazepine. After overnight fast the selected male volunteers were given CBZ orally. Blood samples were drawn at different time intervals after medication. Then the same volunteers were given CBZ along with ciprofloxacin. Blood samples were again drawn at the same time intervals as done previously. Plasma was separated from the blood samples. Concentration of CBZ in the plasma samples was determined by using HPLC technique. Results of the present study indicated that ciprofloxacin significantly increased the plasma concentration of CBZ when given concurrently to the healthy adult male volunteers. Ciprofloxacin increased C[max], AUC and t [1/2] while it decreased the CL and Vd of CBZ when administered concurrently to the adult volunteers. Change in pharmacokinetic parameters was due to slow metabolism or elimination of CBZ when given concurrently with ciprofloxacin to the adult volunteers. This is probably due to the inhibition of CYP3A4 isoenzyme by ciprofloxacin which is responsible for metabolism of CBZ. Ciprofloxacin increased the plasma concentration of CBZ so dose adjustment as well as drug monitoring of CBZ is required when both the drugs are given concurrently. The knowledge regarding interaction between ciprofloxacin and CBZ would be helpful for the pharmaceutical industries, physicians and a blessing for the patients

Hepatitis C; prevalence in paramedical staff of a teaching hospital

Hepatitis C is RNA virus isolated in 1988 but still no cultured in the laboratory. Hepatitis-C infection is a serious global public health issue, WHO estimates worlds 3% population is HCV positive. Pakistan is also facing the huge burden of this disease. Accurate prevalence information for hepatitis C infection is scant in Pakistan. Few population based studies are available, the most comprehensive being that of Luby et al which after testing a representative sample from a population of 150,000 in Hafizabad, Pakistan found an overall sero-prevalence of 6%. This increased to 30% with increasing age. They also found sero-prevalence of 16% in household members of HCV infected cases. Aslam et al reported a population prevalence of 16% from Lahore and 23.8% in Gujranwala. In our study published in Medical Forum showed prevalence of HCV antibodies in population attending our department of ophthalmology is 27.06%. There is no data from Pakistan about prevalence of hepatitis C in Paramedical staff. It appears that paramedical staff is at higher risk of contracting this infection as they are exposed to multiple risk factors like needle stick injuries. Little is known about the prevalence of Hepatitis C in this group of population. The objective of our study was to assess the perceived increased incidence of Hepatitis C in this group of population. The objective of our study was to assess the perceived increased incidence of Hepatitis C in this group of population. This is a retrospective audit of the data from the records kept by clinical laboratory on University Medical College, Faisalabad. All paramedical staff members were invited for HCV Antibody test on 13.1.2007 to 20.12007. Any staff member working in those days was included in the study. Persons on holidays or did not give free informed consent was excluded from the study. Serum of blood samples were analyzed by EXCEL a one step device for the qualitative detection of antibodies to Hepatitis C virus in serum or plasma by trained professional. This test has a relative sensitivity of 96.8%, relative specificity 99% and accuracy 98.9% as compared to HCV EIA test, Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS system. A total 80 staff members were working in the hospital at that time, 61 attended for the test [F:31,M:30]. We found 7 [11.4%] were HCV positive and 54 [88.52%] were HCV negative including 2 weekly positive. Among HCV positive 4 [6.55%] were male and 3 [4.91%] were females. Age distribution was 17-75 years with mean age 32.51 years. Among HCV positive 3 were analyzed by ELISA technique. 2 weekly positive by EXCEL were negative by ELISA and 1 positive by EXCEL was positive by ELISA. Paramedical staff is perhaps not at higher risk of contracting HCV infection. However more studies are required to further assess this finding