Supplementation with β-carotene aids minimize inflammation in monosodium urate crystal- induced gouty arthritis in Wistar albino rats

Abstract Gout is a form of metabolic arthritis originated on grounds of increased accumulation of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joints. Current study focuses on anti-arthritic activities of β-carotene on MSU crystal-induced gouty arthritis rats in comparison with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin. The evaluation was done by taking into account paw oedema, lysosomal enzymes, anti-oxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, serum biochemical parameters (uric acid, creatinine), serum cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and histopathological studies. After the induction of MSU crystals, the lysosomal enzymes were increased, antioxidant enzymes were reduced, lipid peroxidation increased and paw volume increased. β-carotene treated at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight stabilizes lysosomal enzymes, increases anti-oxidant enzymes, regulates lipid peroxidation and decreased paw volume. The drug β-carotene potentially influences anti-inflammatory effects in arthritic group which is evident from the reduction in the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β. Current study is an evidence of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of β-carotene against MSU-crystal induced gouty arthritis rats.

Analgesic efficacy of peritubal infiltration of ropivacaine versus ropivacaine and morphine in percutaneous nephrolithotomy under ultrasonic guidance

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe and effective endourologic procedure which is less morbid than open surgery. However, pain around a nephrostomy tube requires good post-operative analgesia. We hypothesize that infiltration of local anesthetic with opioid from the renal capsule to the skin around the nephrostomy tract under ultrasonic guidance would alleviate the postoperative pain for a long period. A total of 60 ASA physical status I to II patients were selected for a prospective randomized double-blind controlled study in percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgeries. Patients were divided into group R [n=30] and group RM [n=30]. Balanced general anesthesia was given. After completion of the surgical procedure, a 23-gauze spinal needle was inserted at 6 and 12 O'clock position under ultrasonic guidance up to renal capsule along the nephrostomy tube. A 10 ml drug solution was infiltrated in each tract while withdrawing from renal capsule to the skin. After extubation, the patient was shifted to the post-anesthesia care unit for 24 hours. Post-operative pain was assessed using the visual analog scale [VAS] and dynamic visual analog scale [DVAS] [during deep breathing and coughing] rating 0-10 for initial 24 hours. Rescue analgesia was given in the form of injection tramadol 1.0 mg/kg intravenously when VAS >/= 4 and maximum up to 400 mg in 24 hours. Time to 1[st] rescue analgesic, number of doses of tramadol and total consumption of tramadol required in initial 24 hours were noted. Patients were observed for any side effect and treated accordingly. Time to 1[st] rescue analgesic, i.e., duration of analgesia in group RM is more prolonged than group R [P=0.0004]. The number of doses of tramadol in 24 hours in group R were higher as compared to group RM [P=0.0003]. The total amount of tramadol in 24 hours in group R was more than in group RM [P=0.0013]. Side effects like nausea and vomiting and sedation were comparable in both the groups. Addition of morphine to ropivacaine for nephrostomy tract infiltration significantly prolonged the duration of post-operative analgesia and reduced the number of doses and total consumption of rescue analgesic in initial 24 hours in percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery

Production of murine monoclonal anti-B.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Monoclonal antibodies against red blood cell antigens used in research and as diagnostics in India are commercially procured from western countries. Indigenously generated potent clones are not available in India. Hence, the objective of the present study was to raise potent murine monoclonal antibodies against A, B and H blood group antigens indigenously and establish a stable clone of anti-B secreting cells. METHODS: Spleen cells of female BALB/c mice immunized with B group red blood cells were fused in presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 1500 with a mouse myeloma cell line Sp 2/0 Ag. 14 in hypoxanthine aminopterine thymidine (HAT) selective medium and incubated at 37 degrees C, 5 per cent CO(2) and 95 per cent humidity for a week. RESULTS: The culture supernatant of the wells showing anti-B activity, were further subcloned and a clone 2C4D5F10 was generated which showed a good potency, avidity and specificity. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The anti-B clones thus produced indigenously provided a useful reagent in blood group typing. The unlimited availability unlike polyclonal antisera makes this reagent more cost-effective. It also ensures a regular supply with the similar specificity.