Effect of rosuvastatin on obesity-induced cardiac oxidative stress in Wistar rats—A preliminary study.

The prevalence of obesity has been rising alarmingly and it has now become a global concern causing an enormous economic burden on the health care system. Obesity is generally linked to complications in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg, po) on obesity-induced oxidative stress in high fat-fed Wistar rats. Oral administration of rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg) for 21 days along with high fat diet brought about significant elevation in serum high density lipoprotein and cardiac antioxidant enzymes levels (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase-, glutathione reductase- and glutathione-S-transferase) while decreasing in serum lactate dehydrogenase, apolipoprotein-B, lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and atherogenic index) and cardiac thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels. The results were comparable with orlistat, a standard antiobesity drug. These preliminary results for the first time demonstrate that administration of rosuvastatin can be beneficial for the suppression of obesity-induced oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in high fat-fed Wistar rats.

Effect of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) gel on doxorubicin-induced myocardial oxidative stress and calcium overload in albino rats.

Administration of a single dose of doxorubicin (DOX) (7.5 mg/kg, iv) produces cardiotoxicity, manifested biochemically by significant decrease in blood glutathione (GSH) and tissue GSH along with elevated levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK). In addition, cardiotoxicity was further confirmed by significant increase in lipid peroxides expressed as malondialdehyde (MDA, secondary indicator of lipid peroxidation), tissue catalase and tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD). Administration of A. vera gel (100 and 200 mg/kg) orally for 10 days produced a significant protection against cardiotoxicity induced by DOX evidenced by significant reductions in serum LDH, serum CPK, cardiac lipid peroxides, tissue catalase and tissue SOD along with increased levels of blood and tissue GSH. The results revealed that A. vera gel produced a dose dependent protection against DOX induced cardiotoxiaty.

Causality assessment of suspected adverse drug reaction with anti-tubercular therapy by WHO probability scale.

The objectives of the study is to monitor and causality assessment of suspected ADRs by WHO Probability Scale in patients of tuberculosis undergoing treatment with anti-tuberculous drugs. An Open, Non- Comparative Study was carried out in the Medicine Department of Majeedia Hospital, Jamia Hamdard, over a period of 6 months. A total of 139 patients, satisfying Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria of the Study were enrolled. Potential study subjects were thoroughly interrogated for history in local dialect along with thorough clinical examination for both Pulmonary and Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. The patients were followed upon a weekly basis during the period of treatment. Assessment of ADRs was done by formal methods; Timing, Pattern Recognition, Background Frequency and Re-challenge and the same was recorded in ADR Reporting and Documentation Form. All the categorical data was analysed by chi-square test on 120 patients. Causality assessment of ADRs was found to be statistically significant by WHO probability scale. 46.7% of patients reported ADRs to anti-tuberculous drugs. The severity of ADR’s was graded on 3- point scale (Mild-34.2%, Moderate-9.2%, Severe-3.3%). Close clinical monitoring in all tuberculosis patients for ADRs is important. ADRs remain one of the key factors for non-compliance of treatment, a reason for multi-drug resistance tuberculosis.

Statistical tools for analysing the data obtained from repeated dose toxicity studies with rodents: A comparison of the statistical tools used in Japan with that of used in other countries.

In the present study, an attempt was made to compare the statistical tools used for analysing the data of repeated dose toxicity studies with rodents conducted in 45 countries, with that of Japan. The study revealed that there was no congruence among the countries in the use of statistical tools for analysing the data obtained from the above studies. For example, to analyse the data obtained from repeated dose toxicity studies with rodents, Scheffé’s multiple range and Dunnett type (joint type Dunnett) tests are commonly used in Japan, but in other countries use of these statistical tools is not so common. However, statistical techniques used for testing the above data for homogeneity of variance and inter-group comparisons do not differ much between Japan and other countries. In Japan, the data are generally not tested for normality and the same is true with the most of the countries investigated. In the present investigation, out of 127 studies examined, data of only 6 studies were analysed for both homogeneity of variance and normal distribution. For examining homogeneity of variance, we propose Levene’s test, since the commonly used Bartlett’s test may show heterogeneity in variance in all the groups, if a slight heterogeneity in variance is seen any one of the groups. We suggest the data may be examined for both homogeneity of variance and normal distribution. For the data of the groups that do not show heterogeneity of variance, to find the significant difference among the groups, we recommend Dunnett’s test, and for those show heterogeneity of variance, we recommend Steel’s test.

Effect of combined treatment of thioperamide with some antiepileptic drugs on methionine-sulfoximine induced convulsions in mice.

Methionine-sulfoximine (MSO), a convulsant is known to increase the activity of histamine N-methyl transferase. The effect of a selective H3 receptor agonist R- ( ) methylhistamine (RAMH) and antagonist (thioperamide, THP) and some antiepileptic drugs (gabapentin and sodium valproate) have been evaluated on MSO-induced convulsions in mice. The effect of THP was also evaluated in combination with these antiepileptic drugs. Sodium valproate (300 mg/kg, po) and gabapentin (400 mg/kg, po) offered protection against MSO-induced convulsions as evidenced by a significant prolongation of latency to abnormal dorsoflexion and complete protection against mortality within 6 h of administration. THP (15 mg/kg, ip) alone and in combination with sub-effective doses of gabapentin (75 mg/kg, po) and sodium valproate (75 mg/kg, po) revealed no significant differences from the control group or either drug alone. Hence, the convulsant action of MSO does not appear to be mediated via histaminergic mechanisms.

Decoy cells in the urine cytology of a renal transplant recipient: An immunohistochemical study.

Human polyoma virus causes renal dysfunction and graft loss as a result of tubulo-interstial nephritis in renal transplant recipients after reactivation of latent virus in renal epithelium. The infected cells in the urinary sediments are characterized by large homogenous inclusions, which may cause diagnostic error in urine cytology. The epithelial cells with polyoma viral inclusions in urine cytology specimens are termed Decoy cells to caution pathologists not to misdiagnose these cells as cancer cells. We present a case of polyoma viral changes detected the first time in our laboratory in the urine of a 46year old male who underwent renal transplantation six months back and followed by immunotherapy. Urine cytological examination showed decoy cells and subsequently revealed on histopathology. Immunoperoxidase staining for SV-40 LT antigen (LT ag), expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p53 and Rb genes were also studied in the tissue sections for further observation. The expression of SV40 LT ag was negative, while PCNA showed strong positivity; p53 and Rb were expressed moderately in the nuclei of cells in the tubules. The report of a case of decoy cells in the urine of a patient with renal transplantation focuses the importance of cytologic analysis of urine as a diagnostic tool for screening renal transplant recipients at risk of polyoma viral infection.

Do we need to examine the quantitative data obtained from toxicity studies for both normality and homogeneity of variance?

Most of the statistical techniques used to evaluate the data obtained from toxicity studies are based on the assumption that the data show a normal distribution and homogeneity of variance. Literature review on toxicity studies on laboratory animals reveals that in most of the cases homogeneity of variance alone is examined for the data obtained from these studies. But the data that show homogeneity of variance need not always show a normal distribution. In fact, most of the data derived from toxicity studies, including hematological and biochemical parameters show a non-normal distribution. On examining normality of data obtained from various toxicity studies using different normality tests, we observed that Shapiro-Wilk test is more appropriate than Kolmogorov-Smimov test, Lilliefors test, the normal probability paper analysis and Chi square test. But there are situations, especially in the long-term toxicity studies, where normality is not shown by one or more than one of the dosage groups. In this situation, we propose that the data maybe analyzed using Dunnett multiple comparison test after excluding the data of the groups that do not show normality However, the biological relevance of the excluded data has to be carefully scrutinized. We also observed that the tendency of the data to show a normal distribution seems to be related to the age of the animals. Present paper describes various tests commonly used to test normality and their power, and also emphasizes the need of subjecting the data obtained from toxicity studies to both normality and homogeneity tests. A flow chart suggesting the statistical techniques that maybe used for both the types of data showing a normal or non-normal distribution is also proposed.

Prevalence of taurodontism in premolars among patients at a tertiary care institution in Trinidad

OBJECTIVES: A study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of taurodontism in premolars in a group of adult dental patients in Trinidad and Tobago since there is no such data available for the region. METHODS: Periapical and orthopantomograms of 1090 randomly selected patients were examined for the presence of an apically displaced pulp chamber without the usual constriction at the cementoenamel junction. RESULTS: Prevalence of taurodontism in a sample of 1090 patients was 11.28%. Of the 5324 premolars examined, 4.79% were taurodonts. Prevalence of taurodontism was higher in males (6.46%) compared to females (3.66%). A Statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) was observed in the prevalence of taurodontism in mandibular premolars compared to maxillary premolars (9.07% vs 0.56%). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of taurodontism in premolars among Trinidadian patients, as assessed by radiographic study, was 4.79% and it was higher in the males compared to females. Significant differences were also observed between mandibular and maxillary premolars.

Screening of hepatoprotective effect of a herbal mixture against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice.

The hepatoprotective potential of a herbal mixture was evaluated against CCl4 induced liver injury in Swiss albino mice. Liv 52, a commercially available polyherbal hepatoprotective drug was evaluated for comparison. The potential toxicity of the above herbal hepatoprotective agents was also compared. It was observed that there was a reduction in the enzyme biomarkers (Aspartate and Alanine Transaminase) of liver injury in the herbal mixture treated groups, which was similar to the reduction initiated by Liv 52. An increase in glutathione was observed in the herbal mixture treated groups and it was assumed that the herbal mixture protects the liver by virtue of its antioxidant nature along with high regeneration initiation potential. From the study it is also concluded that the herbal mixture is safer than Liv 52.

Radiological assessment of type II Stafne idiopathic bone cyst in a patient undergoing implant therapy: a case report / Evaluación radiológica del quiste óseo idiopático de stafne de tipo II en un paciente sometido a una terapia de implante reporte de un caso

This paper is intended to describe the confirmative role of radiology in the diagnosis of Stafne Idiopathic bone Cyst (SIBC) without the need for histopathology especially when dental implants are considered so as to avoid unnecessary invasive surgical exploration of this benign pathology. Other pathologies may present not unlike SIBC and as such it is mandatory to rule out such possibilities especially prior to dental implant therapy. The use of orthopanthomogram and non-sialographic computed tomography (CT) scan in the reported case together with a review of CT scan confirmatory role in the diagnosis of SIBC from the literature was the basis for this clinical report. Based on the CTscan findings of the jaw in this case and review of the literature, the implant procedure was commenced without the need of histopathology and/or for invasive surgical exploration of this pathology. All pathologic lesions of the jawbone seen on the orthopanthomogram should be confirmed prior to commencement of implant procedure even when such pathologies are seen in areas remote from the proposed implant site. The pre-implant radiological assessment utilizing non-sialographic CT scan alone is confirmatory of SIBC.

Ethanolic Zingiber officinale R. extract pretreatment alleviates isoproterenol-induced oxidative myocardial necrosis in rats.

Ethanolic Z. officinale (ZO) extract (200 mg/kg) pretreatment for 20 days in isoproterenol (ISO)-treated rats significantly increased the levels of endogenous myocardial antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase and tissue glutathione), decreased the levels of serum marker enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) and increased myocardial lipid peroxides. Histological examination of rat's heart section confirmed myocardial injury with ISO administration and near normal pattern with ethanolic ZO extract pretreatment. The results of the present study, for the first time, provide clear evidence that the ethanolic ZO extract pretreatment enhances the antioxidant defense against ISO-induced oxidative myocardial injury in rats and exhibit cardioprotective property.

Involvement of potassium channels in hypoglycemic effect of sertraline.

Effect of 21 days administration of sertraline (30 mg/kg, po) in streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, ip) induced diabetic and non-diabetic rats produced hypoglycemia in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Pinacidil (1mg/kg, po), when co-administered with sertraline or glimepiride antagonized the decrease in glucose levels in diabetic rats. Pinacidil (10(-6)-10(-3) M) produced dose dependent relaxation (EC50-1.58 x 10(-5) M). Neither sertraline nor glimepiride had any effect on the resting tension of ileum preparation. Both sertraline and glimepiride antagonized competitively the pinacidil-induced relaxation. The pA2 values of sertraline and glimepiride reversal of pinacidil-induced relaxation were 5.5 and 6.2 respectively. These studies suggest the involvement of K+ channels in hypoglyceimic effects of sertraline.

Hypolipidemic effect of Coriandrum sativum L. in triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats.

In the biphasic model of triton-induced hyperlipidemia, C. sativum at a dose of 1g/kg body weight reduced cholesterol and triglycerides levels in both synthesis and excretory phases in rats, and the results were comparable with that of Liponil, a commercially available herbal hypolipidemic drug. The results suggest that coriander decreases the uptake and enhances the breakdown of lipids. From the study it can be assumed that coriander has the potential to be popularized as a household herbal remedy with preventive and curative effect against hyperlipidemia.

Biochemical evaluation of multiple herbal treatments in alloxan-induced diabetes in Wistar rats.

Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were treated with multiple herbal preparation besides a control group receiving distilled water. The levels of glucose and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased abnormally in the alloxan treated group and the same were normalized upon treatment with the herbal preparation. The levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), protein and albumin in all groups remained unaltered. However, weekly body weight gain which got significantly altered in the alloxan-treated group was normalized by treatment with the herbal preparation. On the whole, a profound hypoglycemic effect was observed by the multiple herbal treatment in the diabetic rats.

Retarding fluoride accumulation in Amaranthes viridis through liming and implications of phosphorous treatment.

With an objective to retard fluoride being taken up by the plants from soil, a study was carried out on Amaranthes viridis. Four groups of treatment were carried out vis-à-vis fluoride alone, fluoride and calcium, fluoride and phosphorous and fluoride, calcium and phosphorous together at three different concentration levels vis-à-vis 1, 10 and 25 mg/kg soil of each. Sampling was carried out first on day 45 and at the end of reproductive phase on leaf and seed for accumulation of fluoride in the plants. It was observed that fluoride accumulation in plants could be averted through soil amendment by calcium treatment in the form of calcium carbonate thereby reducing the risk of human and livestock exposure to abnormal levels of fluoride through food chain other than protecting plants from getting affected. At the same time, fertilizing the soil contaminated with fluoride by superphosphate would aggravate fluoride accumulation and exacerbate fluorosis problem in human and livestock through food chain. Therefore it is recommended to use acid water-soluble orthophosphate or anhydrous dicalcium phosphate or soluble pyrophosphate fertilizers as an alternative.

Implications of fluoride--an endless uncertainty.

Fluorosis has become pandemic and it has assumed global status in the public health point of view. The paper deals with the health issues pertaining to fluorosis with special emphasis in the Indian context. It explains the equivocal evidences of fluoride-related problems and discusses the control measures of fluorosis. In general, it reveals how fluoride is useful at very low concentrations and at the same time brings forth manifestation of clinical abnormalities at higher concentrations that are the basis of the principles of toxicology.

Investigations of anti-inflammatory activity of Jigrine.

Jigrine, a polypharmaceutical herbal formulation containing 14 medicinal plants is used in the Unani system of medicine for the treatment of liver ailments. The antiinflammatory activity of Jigrine (0.5 ml and 1.0 ml/kg, po), was evaluated against acute inflammation caused by carrageenin (injecting 0.1 ml of 1% carrageenin in 0.9% NaCl solution into plantar surface of the hind paw of the rat) and the effect of Jigrine (1 ml/kg/day, po for 7 days) was also studied on the sub-acute inflammation induced by cotton pellet granuloma. The paw volume, biochemical parameters like tissue AST, ALT, gamma-GTP and lipid peroxides and dry wt. of granuloma were measured to assess the anti-inflammatory activity. It showed a significant anti-inflammatory activity as evidenced by lowering the elevated levels of paw volume and biochemical parameters. But it could not reduce the sub-acute inflammation caused by cotton pellet granuloma. The study suggests that Jigrine has significant effect only on acute phase of inflammation caused by carrageenin. Antioxidant and membrane stabilizing action of Jigrine might be responsible for its anti-inflammatory effect.