ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The plant Cajanus cajan had earlier shown protective effect against hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in rats. OBJECTIVE: Hence, hydroalcoholic extract of C. cajan Linn leaves (HECC) was evaluated for its protective role against memory impairment in sleep-deprived Sprague Dawley rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult rats were divided into five groups each consisting of 5 rats (n = 5). Groups I, II, III, IV and V received 1 mL/kg 1% CMC, 1 mL/kg 1% CMC, 200 mg/kg HECC, 400 mg/kg HECC and 200 mg/kg piracetam respectively as per b.wt. orally everyday for 14 days. Animals of every groups except group-I were subjected to sleep-deprivation from 15th to 19th day for induction of memory impairment. Behavioral activities i.e., elevated plus maze test and locomotor activity were evaluated. Afterwards, brain was isolated from the sacrificed animals for biochemical investigation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE); antioxidant activities i.e., catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxide; and histopathological changes. RESULTS: The percent number of entries, number of entries in open arm, AChE activity, lipid peroxide activity of HECC-treated group-III and group-IV were significantly (p < 0.01) decreased while, their CAT and SOD activities were significantly (p < 0.01) increased in dose-dependent manner as compared to sleep-deprived group-II. The activities of group-IV were almost significantly equivalent to that of piracetam-treated group-V. Protective effect of HECC was well supported with brain's histopathology. CONCLUSION: HECC possesses a protective effect against memory impairment indicating its therapeutic efficacy against memory loss as in Alzheimer's disease. Probable underlying mechanisms may be brain's AChE inhibition and increased antioxidant potential by HECC.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen test (HpSA), compared with endoscopic histopathology for the diagnosis of gastric Helicobecter pylori infection. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF THE STUDY: Medical Unit ll, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, from March 2003 to March 2004. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients underwent endoscopy for gastric antral mucosal tissue biopsy for histopathology of H.pylori and advised for HpSA. Patient's information including age, gender, past history, presenting signs and symptoms, results of HpSA and histopathology were recorded. Sensitivity analysis was performed to calculate sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of HpSA. RESULTS: Among 50 patients, 48% males and 52% females (M: F 1: 1.08), a total of 27 (54%) were true positive while 20 (40%) were true negative. Two patients were false negative and only one was false positive. Sensitivity of HpSA was, therefore, 93.1%, specificity 95% and positive and negative predictive values were 96.42% and 90.9% respectively. CONCLUSION: Helicobacter pylori stool antigen was an accurate and reliable test for the diagnosis of gastric H. pylori infection.
