Glycemic control and antioxidant potential of distinct fractions of camelus dromedaries fresh milk in streptozocin induced diabetic rats.

To analyze the antiglycemic effects and to evaluate the anti-oxidant levels in pre and post-camel milk fractions treated albino diabetic rats, sixty male Swiss albino rats weighing 30-40gm aged 2 to 3 months were randomly divided into six groups, A, B, C, D, E & F, each comprised of 10 animals. as Group A: Normal control, Group B: Streptozocin induced Diabetic group while Groups C, D, E & F were diabetic groups treated with various fractions of camel milk. Noteworthy alteration in blood glucose and antioxidant activity was observed between disease control (group B) and all the treated groups with a percentage decrease of about 25%, 12.98%, 11.57% and 10.17% in blood sugar in groups C, D, E and F respectively. Changes in total antioxidant capacity were significant with the rise of 92.30%, 30.76%, 46.15% and 38.46% respectively in groups C, D, E and F. Percentage difference in superoxide dismutase between group B and Group C of 85% was highest as compared to 45.90 %, 52.45% and 39.34% for groups D, E and F. Group C also showed a significantly higher increase in serum copper, zinc and Vitamin C. It is inferred that Camel milk has significant antiglycemic and antioxidant potential and may prove good complementary therapeutics for diabetes.

Analysis of dose and duration dependent effects of Allium sativum Linn and other hypocholesterolemic agents exhibited on dyslipidemia in patients with essential hypertension.

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the most significant cause of organ failure, mortality and substantial escalation of health care cost. Dyslipidemia and hypertension poses significant risks in cardiovascular diseases and morbidity and mortality can be minimized by altering risks factors. Dyslipidemia is one of the major leading cause of rise of global incidences and socioeconomic burden which necessitates to explore the pharmacological options of significant antilipemic activity with minimal untoward effects at affordable price. Allium Sativum (Garlic) proved medicinally effective in different clinical trials, but further investigations are required to investigate its effects on diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia based on variable doses and duration. In this study dose and duration dependent effects of Garlic were evaluated on hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia. Study was randomized, single blind and placebo controlled. Effects of tablets of garlic (KWAI) 300 mg in doses of daily 0.3g, 0.6g, 0.9g, 1.2g and 1.5g for 24 weeks were compared in humans. Each tablet contains 1.3 percent of alliin and 0.6 % of allicin. Results showed remarkable improvements in different serum lipid levels (Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Low density lipoproteins and High density lipoproteins) based on different doses and duration as compared to placebo and standard Lipid-lowering agent simvastatin.

The effects of alendronate treatment in the diagnosis and management of proximal femur osteoporosis: A real-life scenario.

Currently the increased focus is being given to reforming osteoporosis regimens. Optimizing the evaluation of pharmacological intervention occurs once a medicine has been approved. There is literature available on the use of alendronate in bone loss. The current study focuses on the efficacy assessment of alendronate on proximal femur bone density loss. Current work was carried out to analyze the data of the BMD. The study comprised of females who had received at least six months of Alendronate (70mg/week) for proximal femur osteoporosis. SPSS version-22 was used for analysis and a comparative change was regarded therapeutically significant. The reliability of the research was ensured by reporting cover-up and withdrawals. Among all the study participants who received Alendronate therapy the median height of females in centimeters (cms) was 155 (IQR=16) and the median weight was 55.5 Kilograms (Kgs) (IQR=15). The mean age of the population was 50.59±14.714. The study found the median T-score before therapy was -2.9 (IQR=0.7) and the median T-score after therapy was -2.51(IQR=1). The estimated difference of mean rank was statistically significant for pre- and post-therapy T-score (p=0.008). Hence, the results of this study indicate an improvement in BMD as a result of therapy. Alendronate at 70 mg per week is effective in reducing hip osteoporosis.

Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin in Reversing the Depression and Associated Pseudodementia via Modulating Stress Hormone, Hippocampal Neurotransmitters, and BDNF Levels in Rats.

Depressive state adversely affects the memory functions, especially in the geriatric population. The initial stage of memory deficits associated with depression is particularly called as pseudodementia. It is the starting point of memory disturbance before dementia. The purpose of this research was to study depression and its consequent pseudodementia. For this purpose 24 male albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Depression was induced by 14 days of chronic restraint stress (CRS) daily for 4 h. After developing a depression model, pattern separation test was conducted to monitor pseudodementia in rats. Morris water maze test (MWM) was also performed to observe spatial memory. It was observed that model animals displayed impaired pattern separation and spatial memory. Treatment was started after the development of pseudodementia in rats. Curcumin at a dose of 200 mg/kg was given to model rats for one week along with the stress procedure. Following the treatment with curcumin, rats were again subjected to the aforementioned behavioral tests before decapitation. Corticosterone levels, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurochemical analysis were conducted. Model rats showed depressogenic behavior and impaired memory performance. In addition to this, high corticosterone levels and decreased hippocampal BDNF, 5-HT, dopamine (DA), and acetylcholine (ACh) levels were also observed in depressed animals. These behavioral biochemical and neurochemical changes were effectively restored following treatment with curcumin. Hence, it is suggested from this study that pseudodementia can be reversed unlike true dementia by controlling the factors such as depression which induce memory impairment.

Supplementation of Taurine Insulates Against Oxidative Stress, Confers Neuroprotection and Attenuates Memory Impairment in Noise Stress Exposed Male Wistar Rats.

Noise has always been an important environmental factor that induces health problems in the general population. Due to ever increasing noise pollution, humans are facing multiple auditory and non-auditory problems including neuropsychiatric disorders. In modern day life it is impossible to avoid noise due to the rapid industrialization of society. Continuous exposure to noise stress creates a disturbance in brain function which may lead to memory disorder. Therefore, it is necessary to find preventive measures to reduce the deleterious effects of noise exposure. Supplementation of taurine, a semi essential amino acid, is reported to alleviate psychiatric disorders. In this study noise-exposed (100 db; 3 h daily for 15 days) rats were supplemented with taurine at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 15 days. Spatial and recognition memory was assessed using the Morris water maze and novel object recognition task, respectively. Results of this study showed a reversal of noise-induced memory impairment in rats. The derangements of catecholaminergic and serotonergic levels in the hippocampus and altered brain antioxidant enzyme activity due to noise exposure were also restored by taurine administration. This study highlights the importance of taurine supplementation to mitigate noise-induced impaired memory via normalizing the neurochemical functions and reducing oxidative stress in rat brain.

Evaluation of Counseling Practices and Patient's Satisfaction Offered by Pharmacists for Diabetics Attending Outpatient Pharmacies in Al Ahsa.

INTRODUCTION: Patient counseling can be helpful in improving the outcome of disease management, particularly chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, which is common in Saudi Arabia. The present study looks to investigate the levels of counseling and satisfaction among patients attending diabetic clinics in outpatient hospital pharmacy in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional investigation, carried out by using interview-structured questionnaire, targeting diabetes mellitus patients with or without comorbid states. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts comprising of demographics, counseling types given while collecting prescription, and satisfaction rating of services provided. RESULT: More males than females participated; most of whom were college graduates older than 51 years. Sixty-three percent of the entire participants are type 1 diabetic patients, while 37% are type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Coexistence of hypercholesterolemia was higher among type 1 diabetes patients with 51.9%, while hypertension was more common among type 2 diabetic patients representing 68.2%. Findings also showed that counseling was provided for medication use among type 1 diabetic patients but was deficient in the case of type 2 diabetic patients. Patients received low level of counseling on side effects and healthy lifestyle living. Satisfaction level was only 11.1%, indicating that counseling services might be deficient. CONCLUSION: This study has revealed poor counseling practices and low satisfaction levels in services provided by outpatient hospital pharmacies to diabetic patients. In the face of increasing prevalence of diabetes and comorbidity, counseling of diabetic patients is critical.

Spirulina platensis (Blue-green algae): A miracle from sea combats the oxidative stress and improves behavioral deficits in an animal model of Schizophrenia.

Spirulina platensis (blue-green algae) is a nutritional supplement. It constitutes of high content of protein, antioxidants, various phytopigments and possesses neuroprotective activities. Schizophrenia (SZ) is recognized as a neuropsychiatric disorder in humans with a reduced lifespan followed with impairments in social as well as vocational functioning. Major psychotic symptoms of SZ cluster into three categories: positive, negative and cognitive dysfunctions. Dizocilpine recognized as one of the best drugs to mimic full spectrum of SZ can develop an animal model of the disorder. Various antipsychotics are considered as approved treatment therapy for the psychotic symptoms of SZ but they also exert adverse effects. Thus, there is an excessive need for novel treatment(s) with negligible adverse effects. Present study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of spirulina in ameliorating the psychosis- like symptoms in dizocilpine-induced rat model of SZ. Spirulina was tested at the dose of 180 mg/kg. Results showed that administration of spirulina improved behavioral deficits and combated the oxidative damage evident by a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and increase in antioxidant level. Thus, from present findings it may be suggested that spirulina can be used as a therapy for preventive or therapeutic measures.

Toxic effects of multiple anticancer drugs on skin.

In this study, cutaneous toxicities associated with the administration of chemotherapy in combination are discussed. Rapidly growing cells are the targets of chemotherapy, so the skin, hair follicles, and nail matrix are frequently affected by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy skin reactions are more likely toxic than allergic reactions. There are numerous chemotherapy-induced cutaneous reactions that have been described in the literature. In addition to a variety of miscellaneous reactions, 19 major cutaneous reactions were discussed in current study. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical spectrum of all cutaneous toxicities over two years in hospitalized and ambulatory patients in the Department of Pediatric oncology and to establish probable relationship between the reaction and suspected anticancer protocol with the help of WHO (World Health Organization) Common Toxicity Criteria by Grade. The data on the cutaneous toxicities were analyzed by percentile and ranking method. The minimal (0.8%) cutaneous adverse effects monitored during the study were Petechiae, photosensitivity, pruritus, urticaria, wound-infection, erythema multiforme, hand-foot skin reaction, injection site reaction, dry skin. Alopecia was the single most common (64.3%) adverse effect observed during the study, where as the pigmentary changes were the second most common (18.2%) adverse effect monitored. While these side effects are generally not life threatening, they can be a source of significant distress to patients, especially alopecia.

Effects of tryptophan and valine administration on behavioral pharmacology of haloperidol.

Development of antipsychotics with slight/no extra-pyramidal symptoms (EPS) and/or other side effects is one of the exploring fields of drug research. Haloperidol is a high potency typical neuroleptic used in the treatment of schizophrenia but produces muscles related side effects commonly known as EPS. These effects are not produced following the administration of atypical neuroleptics such as clozapine. A severe side effect of clozapine treatment is however, agranulocytosis. This involves investigation on the mechanism by which a typical neuroleptic acting via serotonergic mechanism tends to produce less or no EPS. The present study was, therefore, designed to determine the effect of serotonin precursor tryptophan and a large neutral amino acid other than tryptophan (valine) on the modulation of haloperidol induced catalepsy and akinesia. Cataleptic effects of the drug and activity reducing effects were monitored on inclined surface and in an activity box or open field respectively. The results are discussed in the context of a role of tryptophan and valine induced changes of brain serotonin in modifying the extrapyramidal and monoaminergic effects of the typical neuroleptic haloperidol. In the present study administration of TRP and valine decreased activity in rats, haloperidol-induced catalepsy' was not modulated by prior administration of tryptophan or valine. Brain serotonin levels were elevated by haloperidol treatment and correlated very well with the behavioral response. These findings suggest a possible serotonergic involvement in neuroleptic induced tardive dyskinesia and an amelioration of the disorder through TRP supplementation.

Pharmacokinetic differences of some generic tablet gliclazide 80 mg on Pakistani population.

The goal of rational drug therapy is to produce a desired pharmacological response in an acceptable and predictable manner while minimizing the occurrence of undesired events. The Pharmacokinetics of different generics of tablet gliclazide 80 mg was investigated on healthy (10 x 2), Pakistani subjects. For this exploration an open-label, randomized, two-period crossover (Balanced in Complete Block Design) study, was conducted The out come of the said study suggests that all generics were found analogous regarding pharmacokinetic behavior in-spite of having different excipients, concentration of excipients, sources of raw material, manufacturing process, machinery, resources and also inter individual variation of the study. Results of the study also undoubtedly advocate that generics manufactured in different manufacturing units of Pakistan are near to the standard formulation and produce comparable results. No significant differences in pharmacokinetics parameters were observed, however, minor differences might narrate with inter individual variation in human volunteers and in different generic as well as different pharmaceutical unit.

Effect of co administration of haloperidol and large neutral amino acids (tryptophan and valine) on rats striatal dopamine, serotonin and their metabolism.

Haloperidol is a high potency typical neuroleptic used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Administration of haloperidol produces muscles related side effects commonly known as extrapyramidal effects (EPS). These effects are not produced following the administration of atypical neuroleptics such as clozapine. A severe side effect of clozapine treatment is however, agranulocytosis. Development of antipsychotics with little/no EPS and/or other side effects is one of the exploring fields of drug research. This involves investigation on the mechanism by which a typical neuroleptic acting via serotonergic mechanism tends to produce less or no EPS. The present study is, therefore, designed to determine the effect of serotonin precursor tryptophan and a large neutral amino acid (valine) other than tryptophan on the modulation of neurochemical changes in the striatum. Neurochemical estimation were done by HPLC-EC. Present study showed that administration of tryptophan increased tryptophan, 5HT, 5HIAA and DA concentration in the striatum. DOPAC and HVA were not effected. Administration of valine increased DOPAC concentration in the striatum and did not alter tryptophan, 5HT, 5HIAA, DA and HVA concentration. Administration of the haloperidol increased HVA, 5HT and 5HIAA concentration. No effect was produced on tryptophan, DOPAC and DA levels. Valine administration followed by haloperidol injection did not alter striatal tryptophan, 5HT, DA, DOPAC and HVA concentration but decreased 5HIAA concentration. Administration of tryptophan followed by haloperidol injection increased tryptophan and 5HT concentrations and decreased DA levels. No effect was produced on 5HIAA, DOPAC and HVA concentrations. Administration of TRP increased plasma and brain concentration as well as DA levels in the striatum. Administration of valine did not decrease striatal TRP concentration while Haloperidol increased striatal 5-HT and 5-HIAA concentrations and no change in DA levels after haloperidol administration. whereas prior injection of TRP that increased 5HT concentration did not alter haloperidol-induced DA turnover in the brain.

Differences in the effects of haloperidol and clozapine on brain serotonin and dopamine metabolism and on tests related to extrapyramidal functions in rats.

BACKGROUND: An important goal of current neuroleptic research is to develop antipsychotic compounds with a low incidence of extrapyramidal side effects (EPS). Clozapine, the first of the atypical antipsychotics to be proven effective in treatment-resistant schizophrenia, is reported to produce less EPS than typical neuroleptics, such as haloperidol. MATERIAL/METHODS: The present study compares the neurochemical profiles of clozapine and haloperidol in rats. Animals injected (i.p.) with haloperidol or clozapine were sacrificed 1h later to collect brain samples. Neurochemical estimations were carried out by HPLC-EC. RESULTS: Administration of haloperidol at doses of 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg increased the concentration of homovanillic acid (HVA), a metabolite of dopamine (DA), in the striatum and rest of the brain. Clozapine-injected rats (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg) showed smaller increases in the striatum, but not in the rest of the brain. Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), another DA metabolite not affected by haloperidol, increased in the striatum and decreased in the rest of the brain of clozapine-injected rats. 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid, the predominant metabolite of serotonin, increased with haloperidol and decreased with clozapine. A high dose of haloperidol (5.0 mg/kg) increased DA and 5-HT, while an equivalent does of clozapine (10.0 mg/kg) decreased levels in the rest of the brain. The effects of both drugs on the HVA/5-HIAA and DOPAC/5-HIAA ratios were also different. CONCLUSIONS: The differing activities of the two drugs at DA and serotonin receptors implies an important role for serotonin in treatment-resistant schizophrenia and a lower incidence of EPS.

Method development for analysis of gliclazide in human plasma by using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Since 1970, dissolution requirements have been included in tablets and capsules monographs, in general, in response to concerns for bioavailability of equal significance is the recognition of the immense value of dissolution testing as a tool for quality control. Thus, equivalence in dissolution behaviour was sought in the light of both bioavailability and quality control considerations (Coppack et al., 1990). Nonetheless, dissolution profiles are often considered by the industry to ascertain the release rates of drug from tablet formulations as a quality assurance tool. However, in terms of sensitivity, precision and specificity, high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method may offer additional advantages (Charles & Ravenscroft, 1984 and Nawaz, 2001).