Preparation and characterization of novel mesoporous chitin blended MoO3-montmorillonite nanocomposite for Cu(II) and Pb(II) immobilization.

A novel mesoporous chitin blended MoO3-Montmorillonite nanocomposite was prepared through three-steps synthesis. First, chitin was extracted from prawn shell then MoO3-MMT was prepared, and lastly, chitin was blended with MoO3-MMT. Chitin-MoO3-MMT was applied for the removal of Cu(II) and Pb(II) from wastewater. XRD characterization revealed MoO3 solubility in MMT interlayers, SEM showed a nanocomposite formation with sharp nanorods like-structure and length ranging from 60 to 77.7 nm. FTIR exhibited fundamental changes in the surface functional groups after adsorption. XPS analysis before and after adsorption showed the domination of chemical bonding with N and O. N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm displayed H3-type hysteresis loop and a pore size diameter of 10.67 nm confirming the mesoporous nature. Adsorption efficiency was studied as a function of pH, time, metal concentration and adsorbent mass. Adsorption capacity (Qe) values were 19.03 and 15.92 mg.g-1 for Cu(II) and Pb(II) respectively. The metal surface coverage mapping was 1.87 × 10^19 and 4.34 × 10^18 atoms/m2 for Cu(II) and Pb(II) respectively. Adsorption followed Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetics suggesting a monolayer chemisorption domination. Intraparticle diffusion (IPD) model showed a boundary layer control. Thermodynamically, the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic with activation energies 25.94 and 29.37 kJ.mol-1 for Cu(II) and Pb(II) respectively.

Sodium Orthovanadate and Trigonella Foenum Graecum Prevents Neuronal Parameters Decline and Impaired Glucose Homeostasis in Alloxan Diabetic Rats.

Hyperglycemia is the most important contributor in the onset and progress of diabetic complications mainly by producing oxidative stress. The present study was carried out to observe, the antihyperglycemic effect of sodium orthovanadate (SOV) and Trigonella foenum graecum seed powder (TSP) administration on blood glucose and insulin levels, membrane linked enzymes (monoamine oxidase, acetylcholinesterase, Ca2+ATPase), intracellular calcium (Ca2+) levels, lipid peroxidation, membrane fluidity and neurolipofuscin accumulation in brain of the alloxan induced diabetic rats and to see whether the treatment with SOV and TSP was capable of reversing the diabetic effects. Diabetes was induced by administration of alloxan monohydrate (15 mg/100 g body weight) and rats were treated with 2 IU insulin, 0.6 mg/ml SOV, 5% TSP in the diet and a combination of 0.2 mg/ml SOV and 5% TSP separately for three weeks. Diabetic rats showed hyperglycemia with almost four fold high blood glucose levels. Activities of acetylcholinesterase and Ca2+ATPase decreased in diabetic rat brain. Diabetic rats exhibited an increased level of intracellular Ca2+ levels, lipid peroxidation, neurolipofuscin accumulations and monoamine oxidase activity. Treatment of diabetic rats with insulin, TSP, SOV and a combined therapy of lower dose of SOV with TSP revived normoglycemia and restored the altered level of membrane bound enzymes, lipid peroxidation and neurolipofuscin accumulation. Our results showed that lower doses of SOV (0.2 mg/ml) could be used in combination with TSP in normalization of altered metabolic parameters and membrane linked enzymes without any harmful side effect.

Iron deficiency anaemia in reproductive age women attending obstetrics and gynecology outpatient of university health centre in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world. The aim of this questionnaire based survey study was to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in reproductive age women, and their relation to variables such as age, marital status, education with those attending obstetrics and gynecology outpatient of King Faisal University Health Centre in Al-Ahsa in eastern region of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted for the period of 6 month staring from September 2012 to February 2013. The questionnaire had three sections on personal information: their educational indicators, gynecological clinical history, and hematological indices. RESULTS: The average age was 25.97±7.17 years. According to the gynecological clinical history of the respondents, 15 (48.4%) respondents were pregnant while 16 (51.6%) were not pregnant. There was significant effect of pregnancy status on Hb level. Majority of the anemic respondents 15/17 were married. Moreover 14/17 anemic women were experiencing severe menstrual bleeding, 11/17 respondents were pregnant. 54.8% of respondents were hemoglobin deficient while 77.4% were found to have low Hct. In 87.1 % of the respondents, transferrin saturation was found to be abnormal. CONCLUSION: In this study iron deficiency anemia is quite prevalent in the university community especially among pregnant women. The fetus's and newborn infant's iron status depends on the iron status of the pregnant woman and therefore, iron deficiency in the mother-to-be means that growing fetus probably will be iron deficient as well. Thus iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy in well-educated set up needs more attention by the concerned authorities.

Quantitative study evaluating perception of general public towards role of pharmacist in health care system of Pakistan.

To investigate general public perception towards the role of pharmacist in developing countries' healthcare system was the main aim of this study, which would be the basic foundation for researching the treatment pattern of cognitive disorder after stroke in communities. The study population (sample size = 385) consisted of general public from Islamabad, Faisalabad and Lahore, Pakistan. Main sections of the questionnaire comprised of series of statements pertaining to consumer's perception and experience with the pharmacists. The response rate of study was 77.1%. A majority (80.1%) of the consumers knows who is pharmacist; 49.8% (n = 148) of the respondents found the pharmacist working in the pharmacies; 74.1% (n = 220) believed that pharmacist can guide them regarding their medicine. With respect to government efforts to improve services provided by community pharmacies, less percentage (31.0%) of the consumers were satisfied. Half of the respondents (59.9%) were expecting from the pharmacists to be knowledgeable drug therapy experts, whereas 61.3% (n = 182) expect from the pharmacists to educate them regarding safe and appropriate use of medication. The findings of this study conclude that the quality of pharmaceutical services provided is very low in Pakistan. There is a gap between the public and the pharmacist, which can only be filled by creating awareness among public regarding the pharmacist's role in healthcare system and by focusing on how services provided by the pharmacists can add improvement to general public health.

Beneficial effects of Trigonella foenum graecum and sodium orthovanadate on metabolic parameters in experimental diabetes.

Oxidative stress in diabetic tissues is accompanied by high-level of free radicals with simultaneously declined antioxidant enzymes status leading to cell membrane damage. The present study was carried out to observe the effect of sodium orthovanadate (SOV) and Trigonella foenum graecum seed powder (TSP) administration on blood glucose and insulin levels, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and protein kinase C in heart, muscle and brain of the alloxan-induced diabetic rats to see whether the treatment with SOV and TSP was capable of reversing the diabetic effects. Diabetes was induced by administration of alloxan monohydrate (15 mg/100 g body weight), and rats were treated with 2 IU insulin, 0.6 mg/ml SOV, 5% TSP in the diet and a combination of 0.2 mg/ml SOV and 5% TSP separately for 21 days. Blood glucose levels increased markedly in diabetic rats, animals treated with a combined dose of SOV and TSP had glucose levels almost comparable with controls, similar results were obtained in the activities of pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, antioxidant enzymes and protein kinase C in diabetic animals. Our results showed that lower doses of SOV (0.2 mg/ml) could be used in combination with TSP to effectively reverse diabetic alterations in experimental diabetes.

Metabolic and molecular action of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) and trace metals in experimental diabetic tissues.

Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia resulting in defective insulin secretion, resistance to insulin action or both. The use of biguanides, sulphonylurea and other drugs are valuable in the treatment of diabetes mellitus; their use, however, is restricted by their limited action, pharmacokinetic properties, secondary failure rates and side effects. Trigonella foenum-graecum, commonly known as fenugreek, is a plant that has been extensively used as a source of antidiabetic compounds from its seeds and leaf extracts. Preliminary human trials and animal experiments suggest possible hypoglycaemic and antihyperlipedemic properties of fenugreek seed powder taken orally. Our results show that the action of fenugreek in lowering blood glucose levels is almost comparable to the effect of insulin. Combination with trace metal showed that vanadium had additive effects and manganese had additive effects with insulin on in vitro system in control and diabetic animals of young and old ages using adipose tissue. The Trigonella and vanadium effects were studied in a number of tissues including liver, kidney, brain peripheral nerve, heart, red blood cells and skeletal muscle. Addition of Trigonella to vanadium significantly removed the toxicity of vanadium when used to reduce blood glucose levels. Administration of the various combinations of the antidiabetic compounds to diabetic animals was found to reverse most of the diabetic effects studied at physiological, biochemical, histochemical and molecular levels. Results of the key enzymes of metabolic pathways have been summarized together with glucose transporter, Glut-4 and insulin levels. Our findings illustrate and elucidate the antidiabetic/insulin mimetic effects of Trigonella, manganese and vanadium.

Physiological and biochemical effects of 17ß estradiol in aging female rat brain.

Aging in females and males is considered as the end of natural protection against age related diseases like osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. These changes increase during menopausal condition in females when the level of estradiol is decreased. The objective of this study was to observe the changes in activities of monoamine oxidase, glucose transporter-4 levels, membrane fluidity, lipid peroxidation levels and lipofuscin accumulation occurring in brains of female rats of 3 months (young), 12 months (adult) and 24 months (old) age groups, and to see whether these changes are restored to normal levels after exogenous administration of estradiol (0.1 µg/g body weight for 1 month). The results obtained in the present work revealed that normal aging was associated with significant increases in the activity of monoamine oxidase, lipid peroxidation levels and lipofuscin accumulation in the brains of aging female rats, and a decrease in glucose transporter-4 level and membrane fluidity. Our data showed that estradiol treatment significantly decreased monoamine oxidase activity, lipid peroxidation and lipofuscin accumulation in brain regions of aging rats, and a reversal of glucose transporter-4 levels and membrane fluidity was achieved, therefore it can be concluded from the present findings that estradiol's beneficial effects seemed to arise from its antilipofuscin, antioxidant and antilipidperoxidative effects, implying an overall anti-aging action. The results of this study will be useful for pharmacological modification of the aging process and applying new strategies for control of age related disorders.

A metabolic and functional overview of brain aging linked to neurological disorders.

Close correlations have recently been shown among the late onset complications encountered in diabetes and aging linked to neurobiological disorders. Aging in females and males is considered as the end of natural protection against age related diseases like osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, dementia, cognitive dysfunction and hypernatremia. Beside the sex hormones other hormonal changes are also known to occur during aging and many common problems encountered in the aging process can be related to neuroendocrine phenomena. Diabetes mellitus is associated with moderate cognitive deficits and neurophysiologic and structural changes in the brain, a condition that may be referred to as diabetes encephalopathy; diabetes increases the risk of dementia especially in the elderly. The current view is that the diabetic brain features many symptoms that are best described as accelerated brain aging. This review presents and compares biochemical, physiological, electrophysiological, molecular, and pathological data from neuronal tissue of aging and hormone treated control and diabetic animals to arrive at the similarities among the two naturally occuring physiological conditions. Animal models can make a substantial contribution to understanding of the pathogenesis, which share many features with mechanism underlying brain aging. By studying the pathogenesis, targets for pharmacology can be identified, finally leading to delay or prevention of these complications. Antiaging strategies using hormone therapy, chemical and herbal compounds were carried out for reversal of aging effects. Neuronal markers have been presented in this review and similarities in changes were seen among the aging, diabetes and hormone treated (estrogen, DHEA and insulin) brains from these animals. A close correlation was observed in parameters like oxidative stress, enzyme changes, and pathological changes like lipofuscin accumulation in aging and diabetic brain.

Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on monoamine oxidase activity, lipid peroxidation and lipofuscin accumulation in aging rat brain regions.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), one of the major steroid hormones, and its ester have recently received attention with regard to aging and age-related diseases like Alzheimer and others. DHEA is synthesized de novo in the brain and its substantial fall with age has been shown to be associated with neuronal vulnerability to neurotoxicity processes. Thus, DHEA is considered to be a neuroactive pharmacological substance with potential antiaging properties. A prominent feature that accompanies aging is an increase in monoamine oxidase (MAO). Increased MAO activity with correlated increase in lipid peroxidation in the aging rat brain supports the hypothesis that catecholamine oxidation is an important source of oxidative stress. The progressive accumulation of lipofuscin in neuronal cells is one of the most characteristic age related changes, an increase in body weight was also observed at 24 months. The objective of this study was to observe the changes in monoamine oxidase activity, lipid peroxidation levels and lipofuscin accumulation occurring in aging rat brain regions, and to see whether these changes are restored to normal levels after exogenous administration of DHEA (30 mg/kg/day for 1 month). The results obtained in the present work revealed that normal aging was associated with significant increases in the activity of monoamine oxidase, lipid peroxidation levels and lipofuscin accumulation in brain regions of 4, 14 and 24 months age group male rats. The present study showed that DHEA treatment significantly decreased monoamine oxidase activity, lipid peroxidation and lipofuscin accumulation in brain regions of aging rats, the increased body weight at 24 months also decreased more than the age matched controls. It can therefore be suggested that DHEA's beneficial effects seemed to arise from its antioxidant, antiobesity, antilipofuscin, antilipidperoxidative and thereby anti-aging actions. The results of this study will be useful for pharmacological modification of the aging process and development of new drugs for age related disorders.

Na+ K(+)-ATPase activity in response to exogenous dehydroepiandrosterone administration in aging rat brain.

Influence of exogenously administered dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the activity of Na+ K+ ATPase was investigated in synaptosomal fraction from cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus and medulla regions of brain of 12 and 22 months old rats. DHEA was administered daily at the dose of 30 mg/kg/body wt, intraperitonially (ip) in both the age groups of rats for 1 month. Results showed that Na+ K+ ATPase activity, increased in DHEA treated rats in both the age groups. In terms of per cent increase, 22 months old animals showed significant increase in Na+ K+ ATPase activity in the synaptosomal fraction of all the four brain regions than in 12 months old DHEA-treated rats. This showed that exogenous DHEA modulated the activity of Na+ K+ ATPase and also protected the age-related loss of membrane integrity and functions. It was concluded that exogenous DHEA might be beneficial in terms of neuroprotection against age-related loss of Na+ K+ ATPase mediated brain functions like learning and memory.

In vivo effect of Trigonella foenum graecum on the expression of pyruvate kinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and distribution of glucose transporter (GLUT4) in alloxan-diabetic rats.

Plasma glucose levels are maintained by a precise balance between glucose production and its use. Liver pyruvate kinase (PK) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), 2 key enzymes of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, respectively, play a crucial role in this glucose homeostasis along with skeletal muscle glucose transporter (GLUT4). In the diabetic state, this balance is disturbed owing to the absence of insulin, the principal factor controlling this regulation. In the present study, alloxan-diabetic animals having high glucose levels of more than 300 mmol/L have been taken and the administration of Trigonella seed powder (TSP) to the diabetic animals was assessed for its effect on the expression of PK and PEPCK in liver and GLUT4 distribution in skeletal muscle of alloxan-diabetic rats. TSP treatment to the diabetic animals resulted in a marked decrease in the plasma glucose levels. Trigonella treatment partially restored the altered expression of PK and PEPCK. TSP treatment also corrected the alterations in the distribution of GLUT4 in the skeletal muscle.

Low doses of vanadate and Trigonella synergistically regulate Na+/K + -ATPase activity and GLUT4 translocation in alloxan-diabetic rats.

Oral administration of vanadate to diabetic animals have been shown to stabilize the glucose homeostasis and restore altered metabolic pathways. However, vanadate exerts these effects at relatively high doses with several toxic effects. Low doses of vanadate are relatively safe but unable to elicit any antidiabetic effects. The present study explored the prospect of using low doses of vanadate with Trigonella foenum graecum, seed powder (TSP), another antidiabetic agent, and to evaluate their antidiabetic effect in diabetic rats. Alloxan diabetic rats were treated with insulin, vanadate, TSP and low doses of vanadate with TSP for three weeks. The effect of these antidiabetic compounds was examined on general physiological parameters, Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity, membrane lipid peroxidation and membrane fluidity in liver, kidney and heart tissues. Expression of glucose transporter (GLUT4) protein was also examined by immunoblotting method in experimental rat heart after three weeks of diabetes induction. Diabetic rats showed high blood glucose levels. Activity of Na(+)/K(+) ATPase decreased in diabetic liver and heart. However, kidney showed a significant increase in Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity. Diabetic rats exhibited an increased level of lipid peroxidation and decreased membrane fluidity. GLUT4 distribution was also significantly lowered in heart of alloxan diabetic rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with insulin, TSP, vanadate and a combined therapy of lower dose of vanadate with TSP revived normoglycemia and restored the altered level of Na(+)/K(+) ATPase, lipid peroxidation and membrane fluidity and also induced the redistribution of GLUT4 transporter. TSP treatment alone is partially effective in restoring the above diabetes-induced alterations. Combined therapy of vanadate and TSP was the most effective in normalization of altered membrane linked functions and GLUT4 distribution without any harmful side effect.

Modulation of glucose transporter (GLUT4) by vanadate and Trigonella in alloxan-diabetic rats.

Oral administration of vanadate is an effective treatment for diabetes in animal models. However, vanadate exerts these effects at high doses and several toxic effects are produced. Low doses of vanadate are relatively safe but are unable to elicit any antidiabetic effect. The present study explored the prospect of using low doses of vanadate in combination with Trigonella seed powder (TSP) to evaluate their antidiabetic effect in alloxan-diabetic rats. Alloxan-diabetic rats were treated with insulin, vanadate, TSP and vanadate and TSP in combination for 3 weeks. The effect of these antidiabetic compounds was examined on general physiological parameters and distribution of glucose transporter (GLUT4) in skeletal muscle by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Treatment of alloxan-diabetic rats with insulin, vanadate, TSP and vanadate in combination with TSP revived normoglycemia and restored the disturbances in the distribution of GLUT4 in skeletal muscle. TSP treatment was only partially effective in the restoration of diabetic alterations. The treatment of diabetic rats with combined doses of vanadate and TSP was most effective in the normalization of plasma glucose levels and correction of altered GLUT4 distribution.

Amelioration of altered antioxidant status and membrane linked functions by vanadium and Trigonella in alloxan diabetic rat brains.

Trigonella foenum graecum seed powder (TSP) and sodium orthovanadate (SOV) have been reported to have antidiabetic effects. However, SOV exerts hypoglycemic effects at relatively high doses with several toxic effects. We used low doses of vanadate in combination with TSP and evaluated their antidiabetic effects on anti-oxidant enzymes and membrane-linked functions in diabetic rat brains. In rats, diabetes was induced by alloxan monohydrate (15 mg/100 g body wt.) and they were treated with 2 IU insulin, 0.6 mg/ml SOV, 5% TSP and a combination of 0.2 mg/ml SOV with 5% TSP for 21 days. Blood glucose levels, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Na+/K+ ATPase, membrane lipid peroxidation and fluidity were determined in different fractions of whole brain after 21 days of treatment. Diabetic rats showed high blood glucose (P less than 0.001), decreased activities of SOD, catalase and Na+/K+ ATPase (P less than 0.01, P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.01), increased levels of GPx and MDA (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.001) and decreased membrane fluidity (P less than 0.01). Treatment with different antidiabetic compounds restored the above-altered parameters. Combined dose of Trigonella and vanadate was found to be the most effective treatment in normalizing these alterations. Lower doses of vanadate could be used in combination with TSP to effectively counter diabetic alterations without any toxic effects.

Lower doses of vanadate in combination with trigonella restore altered carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant status in alloxan-diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Vanadate treatment to diabetic rats has been reported to correct the altered carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant status. However, vanadate exerts these effects at relatively high doses and several toxic effects are produced. We used low doses of vanadate in combination with Trigonella foenum graecum seed powder (TSP) and evaluated their effect on the enzyme changes in diabetic rats. METHODS: Alloxan-diabetic rats were treated separately with insulin, vanadate (0.6 mg/ml), TSP and a combined dose of Vanadate (0.2 mg/ml) and TSP for 21 days. At the end of the experimental period, blood glucose levels and activities of pyruvate kinase (PK), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured in cytosolic fraction in the liver and kidney. RESULTS: Blood glucose levels increased markedly in diabetic rats. Treatment with antidiabetic compounds resulted in the reduction of glucose levels. Rats treated with combined dose of vanadate and trigonella had glucose levels comparable to control ones. Similar results were obtained with the activities of PK, PEPCK, SOD, GPx, GR, and CAT in liver and kidney of diabetic rats. Combined dose of vanadate and Trigonella was found to be most effective in correcting these alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Lower doses of vanadate could be used in combination with TSP to effectively counter diabetic alterations without any toxic side effects.