RESUMO
Chyawanprash is an ayurvedic formulation used in Indian traditional medicinal system for its beneficial effect on human health. We investigated the immunostimulatory effects of Chyawanprash (CHY) using in vitro assays evaluating the secretion of cytokines such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1-alpha (MIP-1-α) from murine bone marrow derived Dendritic Cells (DC) which play pivotal role in immunostimulation. The effects of CHY on phagocytosis in murine macrophages (RAW264.7) and Natural Killer (NK) cell activity were also investigated. At non-cytotoxic concentrations (20–500 µg/ml), CHY enhanced the secretion of all the three cytokines from DC. CHY also stimulated both, macrophage (RAW264.7) as well as NK cell activity, in vitro. In conclusion, the data substantiates the immunoprotective role of CHY at cellular level mediated by immunostimulation in key immune cells viz. dendritic Cells, macrophages and NK cells.
Assuntos
Adjuvantes Imunológicos/farmacologia , Animais , Linhagem Celular , Citocinas/análise , Citotoxicidade Imunológica/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Dendríticas/efeitos dos fármacos , Avaliação Pré-Clínica de Medicamentos , Técnicas In Vitro , Células Matadoras Naturais/efeitos dos fármacos , Macrófagos/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Ayurveda , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Fagocitose/efeitos dos fármacos , Preparações de Plantas/farmacologia , Organismos Livres de Patógenos Específicos , Baço/citologia , ZimosanRESUMO
Children presenting with recurrent infections have a high risk of developing vitamin A deficiency. Conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) was used in the present study in such children to detect subclinical deficiency and to monitor the outcome after therapy. Seventy children with history of recurrent infections, and 10 healthy children in the age group of six months to five years were included in the study. CIC was performed using millipore filter paper and stained with PAS stain. A three tier grading system was used consisting of normal, borderline abnormal and abnormal for interpretation. Vitamin A supplementation was given in children in the latter two categories. Repeat cytology showed reversal to normal in these children. Hence in children with high risk of developing vitamin A deficiency, it is suggested to do CIC for detection and monitoring it.
Assuntos
Pré-Escolar , Túnica Conjuntiva/patologia , Feminino , Humanos , Incidência , Índia/epidemiologia , Lactente , Infecções/complicações , Masculino , Oftalmologia/métodos , Prognóstico , Recidiva , Valores de Referência , Medição de Risco , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Vitamina A/administração & dosagem , Deficiência de Vitamina A/diagnósticoRESUMO
A study was undertaken to assess the health, nutrition and psychosocial profile of Institutionalized children in four States--Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and West Bengal. A sample of 3,822 children from 70 institutions in 6-18 years age group formed the subjects of the study. It was observed that the destitute children were mainly taken care of in three types of institutions, viz, Voluntary, Government Aided and Government run institutions. Calorie deficiency and deficiency of Vitamins and minerals characterized the diets of these children. In general, there was no deficit of protein in their diets. Growth wise, these children were retarded both in height and weight compared to standards. However, they fared better in comparison to their age and sex counterparts in the rural and urban poor. Psychosocial profile of these children indicated that the prevailing environment in the institutions is less conducive for intellectual stimulation but not so for the development of skills of self-help, locomotion, socialization and imagery.