Comparative bio-efficacy of nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) and Spinosad against American bollwormm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)

ABSTRACT American bollworm (ABW), Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), is considered as a major pest of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, all over the globe. Due to its destructive feeding nature and continuous consumption of the same chemicals, it devolved resistant against many insecticides. Therefore, a combined application of bio- and synthetic-pesticide need to evaluate against this pest. The entomopathogenic viruses like nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV), a member of baculoviruses, can be the potential candidates for better control against ABW. The present study was conducted to assess the comparative efficacy of NPV and Spinosad 240SC (with the concentration of 250 mL · ha-1) against ABW in the controlled environment. The ABW was treated with different concentrations of NPV and Spinosad separately and in a combination of NPV with 0.1% Spinosad. The results revealed that highest concentrations showed highest mortality (95%) followed by 95%, 92%, 84%, 82% and 78% mortality at 1 × 109, 1 × 108, 1 × 107, 1 × 106 and 1 × 105 POBs, respectively. Spinosad when mixed in diet give 100% mortality at 0.8% followed by 50.87%, 42.10%, 29.82%, 26.31% and 22.80% mortality at 0.4%, 0.2%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 0.025% respectively. The results of this study revealed that microbial control of ABW through NPV is an effective tool. The repeated use of synthetic pesticides caused the resurgence of many insect pests, and this study results would provide useful insight to build a framework for future investigations for the management of many major insect pests.

In vitro efficacy of linezolid against vancomycin resistant Enterococci

Vancomycin-resistance among Enterococci has been escalating in recent years in many countries. Linezolid, an oxazolidinone is one of the novel drug that promised effective therapy of infections caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococci [VRE].However, like with most of the previous antimicrobial agents, the clinical benefit of linezolid is being threatened by the emergence of resistant strains of MRSA and vancomycin resistant enterococci VRE, being reported in many countries. This study was conducted to establish linezolid susceptibility of VRE isolates by determining the in vitro activity of linezolid against vancomycin resistant Enterococci, isolated in our setup using fifty VRE isolates. The data collected from this study conclude that the vancomycin resistant Enterococci are 100% linezolid susceptible and presently there is no significant resistance against this unique oxazolidinone in our setup

Level ofsatifaction among medical students regarding curriculum and teaching methodology of pharmacology

Background: Pharmacology is one of the most progressive and constantly changing basic medical science subject. The current curriculum of pharmacology lacks uniformity. Lectures, tutorials and practical classes are the common methods of teaching. The scientific and integrated curriculum and innovative teaching methodology fulfils the academic objectives

Objective: To know the students satisfaction and effectiveness of current teaching methods and curriculum in pharmacology. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Pharmacology Department, Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan, from1stNovember to30th November 2017. A set of questionnaire was distributed among the 140, MBBS students of 3rd yearwho have studied pharmacology. Students were instructed to tick the best possible option of each question on the basis of their own perceptions. Analysis of data was done using SPSS version in 20. Descriptive analysis was used to assess different variables in the study

Results:140 students of 3rd year MBBS class participated in this study. Male students were 59 and 81 were female students with mean age of 21.5+/-1 with minimum age of 19 and maximum age of 24 years old. All students answered the questions and gave their opinion. Regarding the current teaching methodologies, 66.4% students were satisfied with current teaching methodology in comparison with 23.5 % who were not satisfied and 10% has no idea

Conclusion: In present study, overall students were satisfied with current teaching curriculum and they were of the view that integrated teaching should be added to the curriculum and teaching should include problem based learning, small group discussion, self-directed learning and bed side teaching in pharmacology

Effects of DPP-4 Inhibitors on Hemodynamic and Metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients

Objective: To investigate the impact of sitagliptin and vildagliptin on hemodynamic and metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients

Study Design: A comparative randomized clinical trial

Settings: Outdoor patient of diabetic clinic of Sheikh Zayed medical College/ Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. Duration: Six months, July to December 2017

Methodology: Overall 120 type 2 diabetic patients with dyslipidemia and mild to moderate hypertension were randomized at diabetic clinic for treatment with sitagliptin and vildagliptin respectively for a period of 12 week. Body weight, BMI, blood pressure and serum lipid profile were analyzed pre and post treatment by using SPSS 16

Results: There was significant improvement in HbA1C after 12 weeks treatment with sitagliptin[8.1+/-2.2 to 6.8+/-3.5]vildagliptin[8.5+/-3.1 to 6.4+/-4.2] with in group. However no significant changes were observed between groups [p-0.64]. This improvement in glycemic control was further accompanied by reduction in blood pressure within groups i.e. systolic [152+/-12.2 to 130.2+/-9.8 vs142+/-15.5 to 122+/-12.4] diastolic [90.5+/-8.4 to 80.4+/-6.5 vs 93+/-9.4 to 82.5+/-10.6]. When comparison was done between two groups in terms of blood pressure it found to be non-significant [p=0.82 and p=0.77]. Serum lipid profile also improved significantly with in groups but non significantly between groups i.e. total cholesterol [265+/-14.5 to 202+/-17.2 vs 255+/-14.82 to 210+/-14.5 p=0.12] triglycerides [210+/-20.5 to182+/-27.2 vs 192+/-32.5 to 148+/-42.55 p=0.37]LDL-cholesterol [152+/-14.4 to120+/-20.6 vs 158+/-15.4 to 110+/-9.5 p=0.86] HDL-cholesterol[42.4+/-3.5 to 47.4+/-3.8 vs 44+/-2.8 to 49+/-2.2 p=0.21] However no significant changes were recorded in terms of body weight and body mass index[BMI] within and between both study groups

Conclusion: DPP-4 inhibitors [sitagliptin andvildagliptin] significantly improved hemodynamic and metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients

Comparison of contractile properties between slow and fast skeletal muscles of female diabetic Sprague-dawley rats

Objective: To compare isometric contraction, force-frequency relationship and muscle fatigue between slow and fast muscles of female type 2 diabetes mellitus Sprague-Dawley rats

Study Design: Experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: Physiology Department, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi and National Institute of Health, Islamabad from Jan to Dec 2015

Material and Methods: Twenty healthy female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups with 10 rats in each group. Group-I [control] was fed with normal diet and group-II [diabetic] was given high fat diet. Group-II was given intraperitoneal streptozotocin [STZ] [35mg/kg body weight] on 15th day. Body weight, blood glucose and TG: HDL ratio were estimated on 21st day to confirm type II diabetes mellitus [T2DM] induction. Soleus and extensor digitorum longus [EDL] muscles were removed intact and fixed in organ bath system containing Krebs Ringer buffer solution and connected to data acquisition unit [iWorx] to study their contractile parameters

Results: Isometric twitch tensions of slow [soleus] and fast [EDL] muscles were similar in diabetic and control rats. Contraction and half relaxation times were slower in diabetic soleus muscles in comparison to control muscles. Diabetic soleus and EDL muscles displayed significantly [p<0.05] increased fatigability

Conclusion: In STZ induced type II diabetic slow muscles, the tetanic tension remains unaffected while contraction and half relaxation times were longer. In fast muscles, tetanic tension and the speed related properties remain unaffected. There was reduction in resistance to and recovery from fatigue in both slow and fast skeletal muscles

Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio [NLR]: a well assessment tool of glycemic control in type-2 diabetic patients

Background and Objective: Increased neutrophil lymphocyte ratio [NLR] is a marker as well as predictor of various cardiac and non cardiac disorders. Our aim was to assess the relationship between NLR and different level of glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients

Methods: An observational study was conducted at diabetic clinic of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/ Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan from September 2016 to February 2017 in which 330 type 2 diabetic patients were randomly divided in to three groups based upon diabetes control according to ADA criteria. Patients in group A with HbA1c /= 9 %[ worst control]. Patients were assessed in terms of complete blood count and C - reactive protein

Results: As compared to excellent control [Group A] patients with worst control [Group C]showed a high leukocyte count [p .001], high neutrophil count [P .003] and lower lymphocyte count [P 0.44] while patients in poor control [Group B]did not differ significantly. Similarly value of NLR was also significantly higher in worst control [Group C] as compared to poor control[Group B] and excellent control [Group A] diabetes [4.3+/-2.8, 2.7+/-1.0 and2.0+/-0.5[p.001]. NLR were found independent predictor of worst diabetes control [OR: 1.809, 95% CI: 1.459-2.401] along with fasting blood sugar [OR: 0.938, 95% CI: 0.995-0.982] and CRP [OR: 1.020, 95% CI: 1.003-1.028]

Conclusion: Increased NLR level is associated with elevated HbA1c and poor glycemic control in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can be used as a disease monitoring tool during the follow up of diabetic patients

Therapeutic benefits of green tea extract on various parameters in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients

Background and Objective: NAFLD affecting up to 30% of the population globally. Drug treatment option are limited with disappointing results. The dietary supplementation in the form of green tea is another option. Our objective was to investigate the effect of Green tea extract [GTE] supplementation on varioi parameters in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] patients

Methods: This study was conducted Dept. of Medicine of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahii Yar Khan from 15 April 2016 to 15 July 2016. Eighty overweight, non diabetic and dyslipidemic patients c NAFLD, diagnosed on the basis of ultrasound and aminotransferases level were randomized for treatmer with capsule GTE SOOmg [n=40] and capsule placebo [n=40] twice a day for twelve weeks. Anthropometri parameters, liver enzymes, inflammatory markers and liver ultrasound imaging were estimated by SPSS-1 pre and post treatment

Results: As compared to placebo, GTE caused a significant improvement in body weight [29.5+/-3.8 t 27.2+/-3.2 kg/m[2] p=0.03], BMI [86+/-10.5 to 80+/-12.4 kg p=0.026], HOMA-IR [4.32+/-2.25 to 3.16+/- 1.6 p=0.0081 lipid profile [i.e. TC: 242.5+/-20.5 to 215.4+/-18.6 mg/dl p=0.005; TG:175+/-22.6 to 145+/-18 mg/dlp=0.003 LDL-C: 155+/-12.5 to 140+/-16.7 mg/dl p=0.011; HDL-C: 36.8+/-6.7 to46.4+/-5.8 mg/dl p =0.001, Aminotransferase: [i.e. ALT: 70.4+/-15.8 to 52.8+/-12.2 IU/L p=0.04; AST:65.8+/-12.4 to 44.3+/- 8.5U/L p =0.002] and Inflammator] markers [hs-CRP: 3.14+/-0.58 to 2.18+/-0.32 p =0.023Adiponectin: 8.46+/-1.02 to 10.55+/-3.42microg/ml p =0.003; GTE also caused a 67.5% regression of fatty liver changes on ultrasound as compared to placebo which is 25% only

Conclusion: GTE therapy resulted in significant improvement in metabolic, chemical, inflammatory and radiological parameters of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients who were non-diabetic and dyslipidemic

Effect of pomegranate peel alone and in combination with rosiglitazone on hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: To evaluate the effect of pomegranate peel extract with or without rosiglitazone on plasma glucose and lipid profile in insulin resistant diabetic rats

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physiology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with National Institute of Health [N.I.H], Islamabad from 1[st] January 2011 to 28[th] May 2011

Material and Methods: Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced in sixty healthy rats. The diabetic rats were divided into four groups, namely diabetic control group which received intraperitoneal injection of normal saline daily, pomegranate group which was treated similar to control group and also received pomegranate peel extract [200mg/kg body weight] orally once daily, rosiglitazone group which received intraperitoneal injection of rosiglitazone [5mg/kg body weight] daily and the combined group received both pomegranate extract [100 mg/kg body weight, orally] and intraperitoneal injection of rosiglitazone [2.5 mg/kg body weight] daily for 28 days. After four weeks of treatment, terminal intracardiac sampling was done to measure plasma glucose and lipid profile

Results: The plasma glucose and mean serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoproteins and very low density lipoproteins was significantly reduced [p<0.001] in pomegranate, rosiglitazone and combined groups respectively as compared to the diabetic control. The mean serum levels of high density lipoproteins were significantly [p<0.001] elevated in above mentioned groups as compared to the diabetic control

Conclusion: Pomegranate peel extract is hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic agent in low doses when used alone or in combination with rosiglitazone in type 2 diabetic rats

Vildagliptin ameliorates biochemical, metabolic and fatty changes associated with non alcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective: To determine the effect of Vildagliptin in non-alcoholic, fatty liver disease patients with dyslipidemia

Methods: A randomized placebo controlled trial was conducted at outpatient clinic of Medical Unit-I of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, in which fifty eight patients of NAFLD with dyslipidemia were divided in to two, case and control groups. The case group was given tablet Vildagliptin 50mg twice a day for twelve weeks and control group was given placebo in same way. Body weight, body mass index [BMI], lipid profile, liver enzymes and ultrasound finding of fatty liver were assayed before and after treatment

Results: After 12 weeks treatment of vildagliptin there was significant improvement in following parameters. Body weight and BMI decreased significantly from 88 +/- 11 to79 +/- 12 kg [p0.036] and 30 +/- 4 to 27 +/- 5 kg/m2 [p 0.005] respectively. Notable reduction in the value of TC, TG and LDL-C [TC: 252 +/- 24 to 220 +/- 20mg/dl [p 0.031]; TG: 190 +/- 24 to115 +/- 22 mg/dl [p 0.005]; LDL-C 160 +/- 15 to 145 +/- 13mg/dl [p 0.004]. HDL-C level increased significantly from 29 +/- 5to45 +/- 4 mg/dl [p 0.001].There was remarkable reduction in aminotransferases level [ALT: 78 +/- 17 to 48 +/- 14IU/L [p 0.036]. AST: 63.3 +/- 13 to41 +/- 11IU/L [p 0.002]. There was overall 65.5% improvement in fatty liver grading on ultrasound with vildagliptin while non significant effects were seen in placebo group in all of the above parameters

Conclusion: Vildagliptin exhibited beneficial effects in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Nondiabetic patients with dyslipidemia

Beneficial effects of sitagliptin and metformin in non-diabetic hypertensive and dyslipidemic patients

Obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and its associated complications. To evaluate the beneficial effects of sitagliptin and metformin in non-diabetic dyslipidemic and hypertensive patients. A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted on 70 newly diagnosed dyslipidemic patients with BMI >/= 25 and blood pressure >/= 130/80 at outpatient clinic of medical unit-1 of sheikh medical college /hospital Rahim Yar Khan. They were divided in to three groups each containing 35 patients; First group served as a healthy control while second and third study groups were given tablet sitagliptin 50mg and tab metformin 850mg respectively twice a day for twelve weeks. After three months treatment with sitagliptin and metformin there was significant reduction in body weight [Sitagliptin 6.5% vs Metformin 7.65%] and BMI [Sitagliptin 2.2% vs Metformin 2.8%] with p

Obesity; effect of high fat diet followed by atorvastatin administration onserum interleukin-6, white blood cell and platelet count in male and female spraguedawley rats

To study the effects of atorvastatin administration on serum IL-6, WBC and platelet count in obese male and female animal models. Randomized control trial [RCT]. The study was conducted at Department of Physiology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi in collaboration with National Institute of Health [NIH], Islamabad and Centre for Research in Experimental and Applied Medicine [CREAM], Army Medical College, Rawalpindi for funding, blood sampling and biochemical assays respectively. Ninety healthy male and female Sprague Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into three equal groups. Group I rats were fed normal diet for a period of three weeks. Group II rats were fed high fat diet for a period of three weeks to induce obesity. Group III rats were administered atorvastatin 10 mg/kg/day orally by gavage method for three weeks after obesity induction. Terminal sampling by intra-cardiac puncture was done at the end of study. Whole blood was used to perform blood complete picture by KX 21 Sysmex Hematology Analyzer which includes platelet count and WBC count and serum was used to measure IL-6 levels by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay [ELISA]. There was a significant decrease [p<0.05] in serum IL-6 levels and WBC count, whereas platelet count was not significantly [p>0.05] affected by atorvastatin administration. Although atorvastatin reduces obesity related inflammation by decreasing serum IL-6 levels and WBC count, it has no effect on platelet count in male and female obese animal models

Plant diversity and conservation status of Himalayan Region Poonch Valley Azad Kashmir [Pakistan]

The plant diversity of Himalayan region has been reduced to greater extent due to environmental degradation and human exploitation

Anthropogenic disturbance was the major factor responsible for fragmentation of forest Eegetation into small patches

Little research has been conducted in the Himalayan region of Poonch Valley of North eastern Pakistan with reference to plants biodiversity and its conservation

The present research was carried out to provide a checklist of vegetation for biodiversity conservation. A total of 430 vascular and 5 nonvascular plant species with 5 species of Bryophytes [5 families], 13 species of Pteridophytes [6 families], 4 species of Gymnosperms [1 family] and 413 species of angiosperms [95 families] were enumerated from the Poonch valley Azad Kashmir

The genera were classified into three categories according to the number of species. 25 plant communities with phytosociological parameters and diversity indices were reported. Present study revealed that there were 145 threatened, 30 endangered, 68 mlnerable and 47 rare species. It is recorded that extensive grazing, uprooting of plants and soil slope erosion intensify the environmental problems

Since there is maximum exploitation of vegetation, the valley showed a decline in plant diversity

The study was also indicated that the main threats to the biodiversity are expansion of settlement and army installations in the forest area of the valley

For sustainable use In-situ and Ex-situ conservation, controlled harvesting and afforestation may be the solution. Moreover, forest area should be declared prohibited for settlements and army installations

Effect of chronic restraint stress on immune status of male sprague dawley rats

To determine the effect of chronic restraint stress on immune status of Sprague Dawley rats by comparing total leukocyte count [TLC], total lymphocyte count and levels of serum immunoglobulins A, E, G and M of the rats exposed to chronic restraint stress with that of healthy control rats. Quasi-experimental study. Centre of Research in Experimental and Applied Medicine [CREAM], Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, in collaboration of National Institute of Health [NIH], Islamabad, from June 2008 to June 2009. Sixty healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were obtained from NIH. Rats were divided into two groups, each having 30 rats. The rats of group-I were not exposed to chronic restraint stress, while rats of group-II were exposed to chronic restraint stress in meshwire restrainer for 6 hours daily for 15 days. Estimation of total lymphocyte count and serum immunoglobulins [IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE] was carried out and compared between the groups. TLC, lymphocyte count and serum IgA, IgE, IgG and IgM levels were found significantly lower in rats exposed to chronic restraint stress as compared to the rats which were not exposed to stress [p < 0.001]. Chronic restraint stress compromises immune status of rats by decreasing the levels of immunoglobulins and lymphocyte count

Adrenocortical response to 17-beta estradiol replacement in oophorectomized female Sprague Dawley rats

To determine the effect of estradiol treatment on serum corticosterone levels in Oophorectomized [OVX] female Sprague Dawley rats exposed to chronic restraint stress. Experimental study. Department of Physiology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi and National Institute of health, Islamabad, from January to December 2008. A total of 90 female Sprague Dawley rats [age: 90 +/- 10 days], were divided into three groups, each having 30 rats. Group-I comprised of healthy control female rats whereas group-II and III were experimental female rats exposed to chronic restraint stress after bilateral Oophorectomy and called estradiol treated and vehicle treated groups. Estradiol treatment of Oophorectomized rats was done once daily for 2 weeks. At the end of experiment, the rats were sacrificed and intracardiac blood sampling was done to measure serum corticosterone levels by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] kit. The restraint stress to estradiol treated rats for 2 weeks revealed that serum corticosterone levels were significantly increased [31.32 +/- 5.46 ng/ml, p < 0.05] as compared to the healthy controls [17.48 +/- 4.14 ng/ml]. Chronic restraint stress results increases the serum corticosterone levels in Oophorectomized Sprague Dawley rats. Estradiol treatment increases the responsiveness of adrenal cortex of Oophorectomized female rats

Serum levo-carnitine levels and skeletal muscle functions in type 2 diabetes mellitus in rodents

To study serum levo-carnitine [l-carnitine] levels and isometric contraction, force frequency relationship and fatigue of rodent skeletal muscles in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Randomized controlled trial. Physiology Department, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, from January 2009 to January 2010. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups; group I [control], fed on normal diet adlibitum and Group II [diabetic], fed on high fat diet and administered streptozocin to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]. At 21[st] day, plasma glucose and TG/HDL ratio were measured to confirm the development of T2DM in group II. At 28[th] day, blood was drawn by intracardiac puncture to estimate serum levo-carnitine levels. Contractile functions of skeletal muscles were assessed by using iWorx AHK/214 physiological data acquisition unit. Simple muscle twitches, maximum isometric twitch tension [MITT], time-to-peak twitch tension [TPTT] and time-to-relax to 50% of the peak twitch tension [1/2RT] of extensor digitorum muscles were recorded. Muscles were stimulated at higher frequencies to determine maximum fused tetanic tension [MFTT], maximum fused tetanic tension after fatigue protocol [TTFP] and recovery from fatigue [RF]. Serum levocarnitine level decreased significantly in the diabetic group. Both groups had similar MITT, TPTT and 1/2RT but decline in MFTT, TTFP and RF was significant in the diabetic rats. T2DM adversely affected serum levocarnitine levels and the contractile functions of rodent skeletal muscle at high frequency stimulation

Correlation of inflammatory markers with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Pakistani patients

To study the levels of inflammatory markers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Pakistani patients and determine their correlation with the disease. This cross sectional study was conducted at Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, and Centre for Research in Experimental and Applied Medicine [CREAM], Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from June 2011-June 2012. We determined the levels of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate [ESR], Total Leukocyte Count [TLC], Interleukin 6 [IL-6] and Tumor Necrosis Factor- alpha [TNF- alpha] in 72 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus [T2DM] and 40 healthy controls. The levels were correlated with age, duration of the disease, Body Mass Index [BMI], lipid profile and insulin resistance. ESR, TLC, IL-6 and TNF- alpha were found to be significantly higher in T2DM patients. There was also statistically significant difference in BMI, fasting blood sugar, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia [except LDL] between diabetic and control group. All inflammatory markers except TNF- alpha were positively correlated with insulin resistance. Only TNF- alpha was found to be correlated to duration of the disease. Both TLC and Serum insulin were positively correlated to BMI. Inflammatory markers were not correlated to dyslipidemia. This is the first study reporting levels of cytokines in Pakistani diabetic patients and healthy controls. There is augmented inflammation in T2DM in Pakistani patients which plays role in higher insulin resistance in these patients. TNF- alpha levels increases with longer duration of the disease. Levels of inflammatory markers are not correlated to BMI, dyslipidemia or increasing age

Evaluation of oxidative stress, liver functions and anemia in lead intoxicated Sprague Dawley rats

To evaluate quantitative effect of lead exposure on the oxidative stress, liver functions and hematological profile. Seventy male healthy Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups with thirty five rats in each group. Rats of lead intoxicated group were given weekly intraperitoneal injection of lead acetate 10 mg/kg body weight. After 6 weeks, intracardiac sampling was done and blood was used to determine hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte count, red cell indices, serum MDA, serum ALT and AST levels. Lead intoxication of rats for 6 weeks revealed that serum MDA levels were increased to 7.8 +/- 0.48 micro mol/l [control = 3.2 +/- 0.27micro mol/l], ALT levels to 76.26 +/- 5.88 IU/l [control = 44.7 +/- 2.96] and AST levels to 258.06 +/- 13.30 IU/l [control = 156.8 +/- 5.04]. Hematological parameters of lead intoxicated group reveals lowered levels of hemoglobin, RBC count, MCHC and MCH while MCV remained statistically unchanged; manifesting hypochromic normocytic anemia. Lead intoxication for 6 weeks induces oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and hypochromic normocytic anemia

Effect of antioxidant supplementation on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity on exposure to acute restraint stress in sprague dawley rats

To determine the effects of ascorbic acid [AA] and alpha tocopherol [AT] supplementation on stress induced changes in serum malondialdehyde and serum superoxide dismutase levels in male Sprague Dawley rats. Quasi experimental study. Department of Physiology, Army Medical College Rawalpindi in collaboration with National Institute of Health, Islamabad during March 2009 to September 2009. Eighty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups with sixteen rats in each group. Group I served as control without stress and group II exposed to restraint stress for 06 hours, group III given ascorbic acid, group IV alpha tocopherol and group V was supplemented with both vitamins along with standard diet for one month. All antioxidant supplemented groups were exposed to restraint stress for six hours. Immediately after stress, the blood samples were analyzed colorimetrically to estimate serum malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase by commercially available kits. There was no significant fall in serum malondialdehyde in rats supplemented with ascorbic acid alone, however rats supplemented with alpha tocopherol or combination of ascorbic acid and alpha tocopherol revealed significant fall in serum malondialdehyde and increment in superoxide dismutase activity. Alpha tocopherol alone and in combination with ascorbic acid is effective to prevent reactive oxygen species induced increase in lipid peroxidation and fall in super oxide dismutase activity thereby conferring protection against oxidative stress

Contractile functions of slow and fast skeletal muscles in streptozotocin induced type 1 diabetic sprague dawley rats

To evaluate the contractile functions of slow and fast skeletal muscles in streptozotocin induced type 1 diabetic male Sprague Dawley rats. Randomized control trial. Department of Physiology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, from April 2010 to April 2011. Thirty healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups. The rats in group I [male control; n = 15] were fed on normal pellet diet and water ad libitum and received single intraperitoneal injection of normal saline at the start of study [day 1]. The rats in group II [male diabetic; n = 15] were fed on normal pellet diet and water ad libitum and rendered diabetic by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin [STZ] 65 mg/kg body weight at the start of study [day 1]. Development of diabetes was confirmed within 72 hours by measuring blood glucose levels by glucometer. At the end of four weeks, i.e on day 29, dissection of slow soleus and fast extensor digitorum longus [EDL] muscles was carried out. These muscles were selected because they represent two distinctly different fiber type populations, that is, soleus [80% type I, 20% type IIA, 0% type IIB] and EDL [0% type I, 11% type IIA, 89% type IIB]. Their contractile parameters were recorded by iWorx advanced animal/human physiology data acquisition unit [AHK/214], including maximum isometric twitch tension, time to peak twitch tension, time taken to relax to 50% of the peak twitch tension, maximum fused tetanic tension, maximum fused tetanic tension after the fatigue protocol and tetanic tension after 5 minutes of rest period following the fatigue protocol. After four weeks, no significant difference was found when maximum isometric twitch tension [ITT] in isolated soleus and EDL muscles of the male diabetic group was compared with the control group. Time to peak twitch tension [TPT] and time taken to relax to 50% of the peak twitch tension [HRT] in isolated soleus muscle of the male diabetic group were significantly longer [p<0.001] as compared to the control group. On the contrary, TPT and HRT in isolated EDL muscle of the diabetic group were similar to the control group. Maximum fused tetanic tension in isolated soleus muscle of the diabetic group was similar to the control group. On the contrary, maximum fused tetanic tension in isolated EDL muscle of the male diabetic group was significantly lower [p<0.001] as compared to the control group. Maximum fused tetanic tension after the fatigue protocol and tetanic tension after 5 minutes of rest period following the fatigue protocol in isolated soleus and EDL muscles of the male diabetic group were significantly lower [p<0.001] as compared to the control group. Streptozotocin induced type 1 diabetes mellitus manifests differential effects on the contractile properties of slow and fast skeletal muscles of male Sprague Dawley rats.

Levo-carnitine normalizes blood glucose and lipid profile in insulin resistant type II diabetic rats

This study was planned to determine the effect of levo-carnitine on blood glucose and lipid profile in high fat diet fed, streptozotocin induced insulin resistant type II diabetic rats. Randomized controlled trial [RCT] Department of Physiology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi from 20th to 15 Jan 2009. Ninety Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups; each having 30 rats. Group I [control] was fed on normal diet while in Group II [Diabetic] diabetes was induced by feeding high fat diet and giving the injection of streptozotocin. Group III [Carnitine] was treated like group II to induce diabetes mellitus and later Levo-carnitine 200 mg/kg body weight/day was administered intraperitoneally for 6 days. The blood glucose and lipid profile were significantly deranged in the diabetic and carnitine groups as compared to the control. After levo-carnitine treatment the blood glucose level decreased significantly [p <0.001] in carnitine group [6.2 mmol/1] as compared to the diabetic group [22.7 mmol/1]. The levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL were significantly decreased [P<0.001] in carnitine group 0.5 mmol/1, 1.3 mmol/1 and 0.2 mmol/1 as compared to the diabetic group 1.9 mmol/1, 4.4 mmol/1 and 3.1 mmol/1 respectively. HDL level was significantly raised [p<0.001] in the carnitine group [0.9 mmol/1] as compared to the diabetic group [0.4 mmol/1]. It is concluded that Levo-carnitine administration tends to normalize glycemic control and lipid profile in type II diabetes mellitus. However, human trial is recommended to ascertain its efficacy as an antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic agent for therapeutic use