RESUMO
Objective: To compare the plasma level of surfactant protein-A in apparently healthy smokers, stable and exacerbation Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] patients
Methods: This was a comparative study conducted from January, 2015 to March, 2016. This study was conducted on 87 subjects of both gender and age between 30-70 years. Of the total 87 subjects; 29 subjects were ''healthy smokers'' selected from general population as control group. Another 29 were ''stable COP'' patients free of exacerbation since last six weeks. Lastly, another 29 subjects were ''exacerbated COPD'' patients with 7-10 days of exacerbation. COPD was diagnosed on the basis of relevant history and spirometry showing post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC <0.70. Surfactant Protein-A level [ng/ml] was estimated by a specific solid phase enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] using automated EIA analyzer
Results: The SP-A levels, determined by competitive ELISA, was significantly higher [P<0.025] in healthy smokers [44.19 +/- 39.17 ng/ml] and exacerbated [43.86 +/- 40.17] than the stable COPD [25.89 +/- 18.85] patients. The lung function parameters [FEV1, FVC and FEV1/ FVC] were lower in COPD patients compared to healthy smokers and were related to the duration of smoking
Conclusion: Current smokers and exacerbated patients had higher values of SP-A protein than stable COPD patients since they had stopped smoking
RESUMO
Objective: To find out the preventive effect of flaxseed oil on the hepatic damage produced by the Lipofundin, a soya-bean based lipid emulsion used in parenteral therapies
Study Design: Experimental study
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the University of Health Sciences, Lahore for a period of one year, from Jan 2015 to Dec 2015
Material and Methods: Experimental study has been performed to study the effect of flaxseed oil on the lipofundin induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty-two male adult albino rats were obtained from animal house of University of Health Sciences, Lahore and divided into four equal groups. Group A [control group] was given flaxseed oil 3ml/kg intraperitonially daily for 10 days and sacrificed on day 11. Group B was given Lipofundin 2ml/kg intravenously daily for 10 days and sacrificed on day 11. Group C was given Lipofundin 2ml/kg intravenously daily for 10 days and sacrificed on day 21. Group D was given Lipofundin 2ml/kg intravenously for 10 days followed by Flaxseed oil 3ml/kg intraperitonially for 10 days and sacrificed on day 21
Results: Flaxseed oil was observed to restore the hepatic tissue damage caused by the lipofundin administration
Conclusion: Flaxseed oil has an ameliorative effect on the hepatic tissue damage caused by the Lipofundin.Hence its use may help prevent hepatic tissue damage caused by lipofundin used in parenteral therapies
RESUMO
The current study was designed to determine in vivo the embryotoxic potential of retinoic acid during organogenic period of mouse embryo. Retinoic acid [60 mg/kg], was administered orally to pregnant mice on 7[th], 8[th] and 9[th] days of gestation. Animals were sacrificed on the 8[th] day. Fetuses, whose dams had received retinoic acid showed, growth retardation and cardiac malformations. The decrease in mean fetal weight and their CRL was statistically significant. Effects on the heart included enlargement and change in its shape; the myocardium showed myofibrillar disarray, apoptosis and hypoplastic compact zone. Retinoic acid, which is an effective therapy for cystic acne and other dermatological disorders, is highly teratogenic during the period of organogenesis and therefore, should be avoided in early pregnancy