ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of ether insoluble phenolic components of n-butanol fraction (EPC-BF) of flaxseed against CCl(4) -induced liver damage in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hepatotoxicity was induced to Wistar rats by administration of 0.2% CCl(4) in olive oil (8 mL/kg, i.p.) on the seventh day of treatment. Hepatoprotective potential of EPC-BF at doses, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. was assessed through biochemical and histological parameters. RESULTS: EPC-BF and silymarin pretreated animal groups showed significantly decreased activities of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and level of total bilirubin, elevated by CCl(4) intoxication. Hepatic lipid peroxidation elevated by CCl(4) intoxication were also found to be alleviated at almost normal level in the EPC-BF and silymarin pretreated groups. Histological studies supported the biochemical findings and treatment of EPC-BF at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. was found to be effective in restoring CCl(4) -induced hepatic damage. However, EPC-BF did not show dose-dependent hepatoprotective potential. EPC-BF depicted maximum protection against CCl(4) -induced hepatic damage at lower dose 250 mg/kg than higher dose (500 mg/ kg). CONCLUSION: EPC-BF possesses the significant hepatoprotective activity against CCl(4) induced liver damage, which could be mediated through increase in antioxidant defenses.
ABSTRACT
PIP: 5 deaths occurred out of the 3752 induced abortions carried out at J.J. Hospital attached to Grant Medical College, Bombay, between April 1972 and March 1977. 4 of these deaths occurred during the second trimester, indicating that delayed abortion brings increased risks. Most of the cases in the second trimester (total 1152) were terminated by intra-amniotic hypertonic saline (IAS), including the 4 deaths. The fifth death occurred after a suCtion curettage at 12 weeks. There was a relatively high incidence of complications mainly involving infection after administration of IAS. To minimize the mortality due to intra-amniotic hypertonic saline injection it is essential that 1) the patient is carefully evaluated by the specialist, who will do the procedure in a well equipped hospital; and 2) the patient should be kept under constant observation throughout the procedure and afterwards. Although induced abortion will never be without some risk, the risk may be minimized if the procedure is carried out in the first trimester under suitable conditions by an experienced person using well-established techniques.^ieng
