Buspirone attenuates methylphenidate-induced growth inhibition

Methylphenidate is effective in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] in children and adults, but its long term use can cause potential adverse effect on growth rate and variable effects on appetite. Previous studies have shown that long term administration of psychostimulant drugs increases the effectiveness of somatodendritic 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT][-1A] receptors. Repeated administration of buspirone attenuates the effectiveness of somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that coadministration of buspirone may attenuate methylphenidate-induced effects on growth rate and food intake. Growth rate was calculated weekly in terms of change in body weight as percentage of preceding week's body weight and food intake was calculated weekly by subtracting the amount of food left in the hopper from the amount of food placed in the hopper as % in preceding week mg/gm of body weight after long-term administration of methylphenidate, buspirone and their co-administration. Long term oral administration of methylphenidate at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg/day decrease growth rate, but co-administration of buspirone at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day attenuates effect of methylphenidate on growth rate however food intake was significantly greater in all treated groups after 3 weeks of treatment. It is suggested that buspirone may oppose methylphenidate-induced growth inhibition by decreasing the sensitivity of somatodendritic 5- HT1A receptors. These findings may help to extend future therapeutics in ADHD

Attenuation of methylphenidate-induced sensitization by co-administration of buspirone

Methylphenidate, which inhibit dopamine transporter is effective in the treatment of ADHD [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder], but long term use of this drug is often associated with addiction and dependence. Locomotor sensitization development to psychostimulants like methylphenidate is an important contributor to drug abuse induced by psychostimulants. Different studies have shown that long term administration of drugs of abuse increases the effectiveness of 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT][-1A] somatodendritic receptors. Repeated buspirone administration reduces the effectiveness of 5-HT[1A] somatodendritic receptors. This study was designed to determine that buspirone coadministration may reduce methylphenidate-induced sensitization. The motor activity was compared by using familiar and novel environments after long-term administration of methylphenidate, buspirone and their co-administration. Long term oral administration of methylphenidate at a dose of 2.0mg/kg/day enhanced motor activity in home cage i.e activity of familiar environment monitored at alternate day. Locomotor enhancing effects of methylphenidate were augmented on 13[th] day of drug administration suggesting sensitization induced by the drug. The sensitization effects were significant in home cage monitored on alternate day and also in an open field monitored weekly. Buspirone co-administration at a dose of 10mg/kg/day prevented methylphenidate-induced sensitization. It is suggested that the sensitization development to methylphenidate may oppose by buspirone co-administration due to the reduction in the sensitivity of 5-HT[1A] somatodendritic receptors. These findings may help extend future therapeutics in ADHD

Efficacy of combination herbal product [Curcuma longa and Eugenia jambolana] used for diabetes mellitus

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of a combination herbal product that is traditionally used for managing diabetes mellitus. Herbal drug contains Curcuma longa and Eugenia jambolana in the ratio of 1:1. It was orally administered at the dose of 1082 mg/70 kg twice a day for a period of 6 weeks to alloxan induced diabetic rats and compared with glibenclamide [standard]. The effects of drug were observed at intervals, with respect to random and fasting glucose levels. HbA1C was also monitored after the drug treatment to monitor the overall diabetic effect. Results revealed that the combination of two herbs significantly reduced fasting and random glucose levels with HbA1C of less than 6% [p<0.001] in comparison to diabetic control. The control of fasting blood glucose levels by herbal combination is similar to the standard drug, glibenclamide [p<0.05]. Random glucose levels by herbal combination is better than standard drug after one week and six weeks of treatment [p<0.01 and p<0.001 respectively] and similar after third week of treatment [p<0.05]. Also, herbal drug combination showed HbA1C closer to the standard drug. It shows that this herbal combination can be of potential benefit in managing diabetes mellitus in future

Effect of repeated oral therapeutic doses of methylphenidate on food intake and growth rate in rats

Central nervous system stimulants are known to produce anorexia. Previous data suggest that methylphenidate can have variable effects on caloric intake and growth rate. A dose-response study was performed to monitor caloric intake, liquid intake and growth rate in rats following repeated administration of human oral therapeutic doses 2 mg/kg/day, 5mg/kg/day and 8mg/kg/day of methylphenidate. We found that food intake and water intake, increased in all weeks and at all doses used in the study. Growth rate increased more at higher dose [8mg/kg/day] and at low dose [2mg/kg/day] of methylphenidate in 1st and 2nd week whereas more decreased by the above doses in 3rd week, suggesting that food stimulation leads to initial increase in growth rate but long term administration of methylphenidate attenuate growth rate that is not due to modulation of appetite but may be due to anxiety and increased activity produce by stimulants. A possible role of DA, 5HT receptors in modulation of appetite and anxiety is discussed

Attenuation of methylphenidate-induced tolerance on cognition by buspirone co-administration

Methylphenidate as a psycho stimulant drug has been prescribed in neuropsychiatric disorders to increase cognition and attention therefore is a medication of choice for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder however long-term administration of central nervous system stimulant produces tolerance on cognitive behavior. Previously it has been shown that long-term psychostimulant administration increases somatodendritic5HT-[IA] receptors effectiveness. Repeated buspirone administration attenuates 5-HT[IA] soma to dendritic receptors effectiveness. This study was designed to determine that buspirone co-administration may reduce methylphenidate-induced tolerance on cognitive behavior. Cognitive effects were compared by using water maze and passive avoidance test weekly after long-term administration of methylphenidate, buspirone and their co-administration. Methylphenidate at a dose of 2.0mg/kg/day in rats initially improve memory but after long-term treatment produce tolerance on cognitive behavior this effect is more pronounce in case of spatial working memory of water maze test than passive avoidance learning memory. However oral buspirone co-administration at a dose of 10mg/kg/day prevents methylphenidate-induce tolerance on cognition. It is suggested that buspirone may oppose methylphenidate-induced cognitive tolerance by reducing the sensitivity of 5-HT1A soma to dendritic receptors. These findings may help to extend future therapeutics in ADHD

Determination of heavy metal contents by atomic absorption spectroscopy [AAS] in some medicinal plants from Pakistani and Malaysian origin

This study depicts a profile of existence of heavy metals [Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Hg, Mn, Fe, Na, Ca, and Mg] in some important herbal plants like [H. Integrifolia, D. regia, R. communis, C. equisetifolia, N. oleander, T. populnea, M. elengi, H. schizopetalus, R pterocarpum] from Pakistan and an antidiabetic Malaysian herbal drug product containing [Punica granatum L. [Mast] Hook, Momordica charantia L., Tamarindus indica L., Lawsonia inermis L.] using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Heavy metals in these herbal plants and Malaysian product were in the range of 0.02-0.l0ppm of Cu, 0.00-0.02ppm of Ni, 0.02-0.29ppm of Zn, 0.00-0.04ppm of Cd, 0.00-1.33ppm of Hg, 0.00-0.54ppm of Mn, 0.22-3.16ppm of Fe, 0.00-9.17ppm of Na, 3.27-15.63ppm of Ca and 1.85-2.03ppm of Mg. All the metals under study were within the prescribed limits except mercury. Out of 10 medicinal plants/product under study 07 were beyond the limit of mercury permissible limits. Purpose of this study is to determine heavy metals contents in selected herbal plants and Malaysian product, also to highlight the health concerns related to the presence of toxic levels of heavy metals

Cognition-enhancing effect of oral therapeutic doses of methylphenidate in rats

To determine the effects of oral therapeutic doses of methylphenidate, on memory. It was thought that long term use of methylphenidate possibly may lead to tolerance in the ability of the drug elicit enhancement of learning and memory. A dose-dependent effect may therefore help to extend the therapeutic use of the drug for better clinical response. Experimental / Analytic study. This study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi for a period of period of 4 weeks. Twenty-four male Albino Wister rats [weighing 180-220g] were randomly assigned to four groups, one control and 3 test groups. The experimental protocol was designed to administer methylphenidate orally two times daily for 4 weeks. Four groups were: [i] Saline [1.0 ml/kg/ day], [ii] Methylphenidate [2mg/kg/day] [iii] Methylphenidate [5mg/kg/day] [iv] Methylphenidate [8mg/kg/day] treated groups. Behavioral activity of rats i.e. performance of rats in passive avoidance test was monitored weekly. The experiment was performed in a balanced design to avoid the order effect. In the present study methylphenidate treated rats exhibited an increased in Passive Avoidance learning as there was increased in the latency time to reach the punished compartment as compared to control rats. This memory improvement effect of methylphenidate on PA was dose dependent in 1[st] week as the rats treated with 8 mg/kg/day took greater time to reach the dark box than 5mg/kg/day and 2mg/kg/day, but in 2[nd], 3[rd] and 4[th] week it was seen that rats treated with fore mention doses took same time but greater than 1[st] week to enter the punishable compartment. It can be concluded that high dose produce greater cognitive effect in short term treatment than low and moderate doses, however in long-term treatment all the doses produce similar improvement in memory without tolerance in cognition

Adverse effects on cardiovascular status and lipid levels of albino Wistar rats treated with cisplatin and oxaliplatin in combination with 5 Fluorouracil

The study was designed to comparatively assess direct damages on cardiac tissues and aorta associated with abnormalities in lipid profile and cardiac biomarkers induced by two platinum cytotoxic compounds with and without 5FU [5Fluorouracil] in rats

Albino Wistar rats were treated with 5FU [15mg/kg], cisplatin [0.8mg/kg] and oxaliplatin [0.8mg/kg] in different dosing schedules. The changes in the lipid levels, CPK and Tropinin I levels, following treatment with single and combination schedules of CDDP, 5FU and Oxaliplatin were compared with the control group maintained on normal saline. Changes in LDL and cholesterol levels were highly significant in cisplatin and oxaliplatin treated rats. Myofibrillar loss and vascular wall thickening was seen in cisplatin treatment groups in the acute model of toxicity

The damages were mild but progressive. Tropinin I levels were raised well above diagnostic risk levels in the delayed model of toxicity in the rats treated with oxaliplatin in combination of 5FU, indicative of definite cardiotoxic potential of oxaliplatin in combination of 5FU mimicking the FOLFOX regimen

Chamomile tea: Herbal hypoglycemic alternative for conventional medicine

Chamomile is considered as one of the oldest and also documented as medicinal plant. It has shown to be an anti-inflammatory, astringent and antioxidant especially in floral part since ancient times. Recent studies reported that chamomile has potential to lower blood sugar levels in hyperglycemia

In the present study we have investigated the pharmacological effects of chamomile tea on fasting and post prandial glucose levels and HbAlC in blood of diabetic rats [alloxan induced] and the results were compared with glibenclamide as standard. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. It has been observed in our study that it has reduced progressively the fasting and post prandial blood sugar levels, significantly in alloxan induced diabetic rats particularly on day 30and 60

It also reduced the level of HbAlC significantly at the end of the study and the effects were similar to that of the standard group

Chamomile tea administration has also controlled the reduction in weight in diabetic rats as compared to diabetic control and the results were not very much different from standard. Results from the present study indicate that chamomile tea have a glucose lowering effect in diabetic rats so its daily consumption can be potentially useful in hyperglycemia and it can be used as a substitute of conventional drug treatment. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the exact molecular mechanism involved in anti-diabetic action of chamomile

Evaluation of Iyengariastellata for its hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activity

Cholesterol is believed to be the major regulator involved in the formation and progression of atheroma plaque. Seaweeds are known to possess enormous biological activities. They contain variety of active constituents, which have pharmacological significance. The objective of this study is to explore hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activities of the brown seaweed Iyengariastellata. Ethanolic extract of seaweed was suspended in distilled water and administered orally at 10mg/200g body weight to rabbits for 30 days and total lipid level, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, VLDL, alkaline phosphatase, SGPT, SGOT, Gamma GT were assessed. The results showed overall decrease in lipid profile whereas Iyengariastellata increased liver enzymes except SGPT which was decreased highly significantly, since SGPT is more specific indicator of liver injury, decreased value of SGPT indicates that Iyengariastellata toxicity is less severe and reversible with marked hypolipidemic effect, but during the course of ingestion of the seaweed the liver enzymes must be carefully monitored to ensure liver safety

Comparative cardiac toxicity in two treatment schedules of 5-FU/LV for colorectal carcinoma

The purpose of the study is evaluation and assessment of parameters of cardiac toxicity in patients subjected to 5-FU based chemotherapy. Cardiac morbidity is a reported outcome in different 5FU/LV regimens; however none of them are definite or proximate. The bimonthly regimen of high dose leucovorin is reported to be less toxic and more effective as compared to the monthly regimen of low dose leucovorin. We report the detailed assessment of few cardiac parameter of toxicity in patients of advanced colorectal carcinoma subjected to two Schedules of high and low dose Folinic Acid, 5-Fluorouracil, bolus and continuous infusion. The correlation of elevated cardiac biomarkers, angina and hypertension is comparatively assessed in patients with normal general status, hyperglycemia and known cardiac disorders subjected to two different 5FU based chemotherapeutic regimen

Role of vitamin E and vitamin C as antioxidants in Parkinson's disease: a community based study in urban areas of Karachi

Pharmacological studies of vitamin E and vitamin C as antioxidants in patients with Parkinson's disease. Randomized, comparative and categorical study. This study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi in collaboration with Jinnah Post Graduate Medical College Hospital and Mamji Hospital from April 11, 2010 to August, 2010. On enrollment each patient received complete physical examination and laboratory tests were performed. All registered patients were advised to attend the respective outpatient department [OPDs] every week and at the end of 3[rd] month at a special counter allocated for the purpose of this study. Evaluation of the subjects was done on Patients Health Questionnaire and Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale [UPDRS]. Patients responded to this combination in a very energizing way making them more active, less depressed and motivated. In some patients who were younger around age of 43 [as compared to others

In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide with aqueous vehicles in dental treatment

The purpose of this study was to assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide associated with aqueous vehicles against aerobes and facultative anaerobic microorganisms commonly isolated from infected root canals. Experimental study. This study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, University of Karachi from Sept. 2007 to March 2009. The microbial strains were evaluated against calcium hydroxide pastes prepared with calcium hydroxide powder mixed with aqueous vehicles. Antimicrobial activity of the vehicles was also evaluated. For such purpose agar diffusion and broth dilution method was used. The results showed that calcium hydroxide mixed with aqueous vehicles was inhibitory against all the microbial strain tested. Calcium hydroxide pastes also eliminated the Enterococcus faecalis [the most resistant organisms in infected root canals] effectively. The results are statistically significant when calcium hydroxide was mixed with aqueous vehicles [p<0.05]. We concluded from our study that aqueous vehicles play a very important role in eliminating the endodontic bacteria particularly enterococcus faecalis which is very challenging for the endodontists while treating the patient

In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide with oily vehicles in dental treatment

The purpose of this study was to assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide with oily vehicles against aerobes and facultative anaerobic microorganisms commonly isolated from infected root canals. Experimental Study. This study was conducted in the Department of pharmacology, University of Karachi from April 2009 to March 2011. The microbial strains were evaluated against calcium hydroxide pastes prepared with calcium hydroxide powder mixed with oily vehicles. Antimicrobial activity of the vehicles was also evaluated. For such purpose agar diffusion and broth dilution method were used. The results showed that calcium hydroxide mixed with oily vehicles was inhibitory against all the microbial strain tested. Calcium hydroxide pastes eliminated the Enterococcus faecalis [the most resistant organism in infected root canals] as well as other microorganisms effectively and the oily vehicles have also inherent antibacterial properties. We concluded from our study that although calcium hydroxide when mixed with oily vehicles can eliminate the endodontic bacteria but such oily vehicles may be irritant to the periapical tissue. Therefore further studies should be done on their role as an intracanal medicine in different combinations with calcium hydroxide

Correlation of BMI with age and blood pressure in medical and pharmacy female students of Karachi, Pakistan

The study is designed to assess the prevalence of abnormalities in weight and blood pressure in educated females enrolled in professional degree programs of Pharm. D and M.B.B.S. BMI score less than 18.5[underweight] is more frequently reported in students of age 20 [9.8%] and 21 [10.9%] years. Obesity is also reported more frequently in students of age 20 [0. 70%] as compared to other age group. BMI score less than 18.5 [underweight] is seen in 39.8% female students within age group [16-32], whereas 3.90% students are overweight with a BMI score of 25-29.9. Obesity is reported in 2% students. There is no significant correlation between BMI and age within the age bracket 16-32 [p = 0.168]. Although most of the students were normotensive, low systolic B.P was reported in 31.73% and low diastolic B.P was noted in 26.73 students. Prehypertension was assessed in few students [systolic 19.3% / diastolic 10.8%]. Low blood pressure associated with BMI abnormalities are predisposing risk factors assessed in female students of child bearing age

Prevalence of depression in medical and pharmacy students in two private sector universities of Karachi, Pakistan

Depression is a debilitating psychological condition in young people which can affect their growth, health and performance laying profound effects on their quality of life. The objective of the study is to assess the degree of depression with feature specifications and diurnal variations in medical and Pharm. D students in two private sector universities of Karachi, Pakistan. Severity of symptoms was more frequently assessed as psychological anxiety [9.3%] than somatic anxiety [1.3%]. General feeling of wellbeing was distorted in 57.2% students with varying degrees of severity. The psychogenic condition implicated the quality of sleep [19.6%] and latency of sleep [34.3%]. Appetite was affected adversely in 23.3% students with mild symptoms, whereas 5% reported severity of symptoms. Severity of symptoms was majorly assessed in late insomnia. We concluded that the symptoms of depression in young individuals were fairly common with both psychogenic and somatic feature specifications

Evaluation of Centella asiatica for its neuropharmacology

To determine the effect of Centella Asiatica on Neuro pharmacological activities as memory, behavior [anxiety, depression]. Experimental Study. This study was conducted in the department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi from 15[th] March 2011 to 30[th] April, 2011. Albino mice and albino rats were used. Animals were divided into control and treated groups [10 animals each]. Neuro pharmacological parameters were assessed using standard techniques as Stationary rod activity, Swimming induced depression [FST], Open field, Light and dark box test and water maze model. Control group was maintained on distilled water and treated group was fed with 8.3 mg/kg Centella asiatica for 10 days. Observations were taken on 1[st], 5[th] and 10[th] days. The results showed decline in the elapsed time taken by animal to reach the platform in Stationary rod and water maze model, significantly enhanced struggling time in FST, decreased number of peripheral square crosses but relatively increased central square crosses on 10[th] day in open field test and increased time spent in light box in Light and dark box mode. It can be concluded that Centella asiatica enhances memory and show antidepressant activity on acute administration while chronic use results in anxiolytic behavior

Hypophagic and hypolocomotive effects of metachloro phenyl piperazine in rats treated with theophylline and caffeine

Long term intake of coffee is known to produce anxiety and suppression of appetite. 5- hydroxytryptamine [5-HT] acting via 5-HT-2C receptors elicits anorexia and anxiety. The present study is design to monitor metachloro phenyl piperazine [m-CPP] at a dose of 3mg/ml/kg, induces hypophagia and hypolocomotion in rats taking a solution of caffeine [a component of coffee and tea] or theophylline [a component of tea] as a sole source of water. We found that hypophagic and hypolocomotive effects of m-CPP were attenuated in theophylline but not in caffeine treated animals suggesting that long term intake of theophylline may, attenuate anorexiogenic and anxiogenic effects of 5-HT. A possible role of 5-HT-2C receptors in the modulation of anxiety and appetite in people drinking coffee or tea discussed

Attitude of mothers regarding use of low osmolar oral rehydration solution [ORS] in diarrhea. an experience in rural area of Sindh

To assess the knowledge and attitude of mothers regarding use of low osmolar Oral Rehydration Solution [ORS] in diarrhea and to find out the causes of under use of ORS and knowledge regarding ORS. Cross sectional study. Pediatric OPD civil hospital Badin with collaboration of Department of Pharmacology and therapeutics Mohammad Medical College Mirpurkhas patient and method. 100 children of age 6 months to five years with various degrees of dehydration were enrolled in study. A questionnaire was given to mothers. It was a prospective, cross sectional and descriptive study conducted at Peadiatric OPD civil hospital Badin with collaboration of Department of Pharmacology and therapeutics Mohammad Medical College Mirpurkhas. 100 children of age 6 months to five years with various degrees of dehydration were enrolled in study. A questionnaire was given to mothers. A proforma was designed for question and answers. Data was analyzed. 100 children were enrolled, out of which 55 [55%, 28.0 +/- 16.02] were under 2 years of age, 45 [45%, 23.0 +/- 13.13] were under 5 years of age, 62 [62%, 31.50 +/- 18.0] were males, 38 [38%, 19.50 +/- 11.11] were females. 70 [70%, 35.01 +/- 18.53] children were brought to OPD by mothers. 30[30%, 15.50 +/- 8.80] were brought by parents. 60[60%, 30.50 +/- 17.46] attendants were uneducated and 40[58%, 20.50 +/- 11.69] educated. 58[58%, 29.50 +/- 16.89] children had duration of illness 1-3 days. 42[42%, 21.50 +/- 12.27] children has >3days. 35[35%, 18.0 +/- 10.25] 15.50 +/- 8.80] had only loose motion and 6[6%, 3.50 +/- 1.87] with blood in stool. Out of 100 only 22[22%, 11.50 +/- 6.49] children were given ORS and 78[78%, 39.50 =/-22.66] were not given ORS. Only 16[16%8.50 +/- 4.76], mothers knew the proper way to prepare the ORS. The P-value of all variables were not significant in table no one, but P-value significant in table two statistically. This study showed that there is insufficient use of ORS in rural areas of Sindh and those who use it do not know the proper way to prepare and serve it, As majority of mothers were uneducated and did not have knowledge regarding ORS use in diarrhea false belief and non availability were other reasons for under use of ORS. This needs to work harder in rural areas of Sindh, to educate mothers regarding use of ORS and recognition of signs of dehydration and initial home care. This task can easily be performed this needs cooperation of NGO and active participation of by lady health workers if they are fully committed and supported

Comparative study of drugs in hyperglycemic state

The purpose of this study is to compare the analgesic effect of drugs belonging to different chemical classes. It was observed that the analgesic effect is more rapid and persists for longer duration of action in normal as compared to diabetic animals