Alterations In Biochemical Parameters Research Articles

Lipid, Oxidative and Inflammatory Profile and Alterations in the Enzymes Paraoxonase and Butyrylcholinesterase in Plasma of Patients with Homocystinuria Due CBS Deficiency: The Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Importance.

Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) deficiency is the main cause of homocystinuria. Homocysteine (Hcy), methionine, and other metabolites of Hcy accumulate in the body of affected patients. Despite the fact that thromboembolism represents the major cause of morbidity in CBS-deficient patients, the mechanisms of cardiovascular alterations found in homocystinuria remain unclear. In this work, we evaluated the lipid and inflammatory profile, oxidative protein damage, and the activities of the enzymes paraoxonase (PON1) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in plasma of CBS-deficient patients at diagnosis and during the treatment (protein-restricted diet supplemented with pyridoxine, folic acid, betaine, and vitamin B12). We also investigated the effect of folic acid and vitamin B12 on these parameters. We found a significant decrease in HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA-1) levels, as well as in PON1 activity in both untreated and treated CBS-deficient patients when compared to controls. BuChE activity and IL-6 levels were significantly increased in not treated patients. Furthermore, significant positive correlations between PON1 activity and sulphydryl groups and between IL-6 levels and carbonyl content were verified. Moreover, vitamin B12 was positively correlated with PON1 and ApoA-1 levels, while folic acid was inversely correlated with total Hcy concentration, demonstrating the importance of this treatment. Our results also demonstrated that CBS-deficient patients presented important alterations in biochemical parameters, possibly caused by the metabolites of Hcy, as well as by oxidative stress, and that the adequate adherence to the treatment is essential to revert or prevent these alterations.

CHANGES IN SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND LIPID PROFILE IN NORMAL AND STZ INDUCED DIABETIC RATS WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF POLYALTHIA CERASOIDES STEM BARK

The present study was conducted to determine the changes in serum biochemical parameters and lipid profile by oral admini stration of ethanolic extract of P olyalthia cerasoides stem bark (PcEE 400 mg/kg b. wt) in streptozotocin (45 mg/kg b. wt) induced diabe tic rats. Albino rats of weighing between 200 - 230 g were induced with s ingle dose of streptozotocin (dissolved in 0.1 M ice cold citrate buffer (pH = 4.5) at a dose 45 mg/kg b. wt). Dia betes was confirmed after 48 h in streptozotocin induced rats showing fasting blood glucose levels ≥ 250 mg/dl. The rats w ere randomly divided into five groups (n = 6). Group I and II (normal and diabetic controls), Group III ( normal rats fed with 400 mg of PcEE), Group IV (diabetic rats fed with 400 mg of PcEE), Group V ( diabetic rats fed with 20 mg of Glibinclamide). After 2 1 days animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis . T he results showed that the extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum ALT, AST and ALP levels when compared to the diabetic control. The urea and creatinine levels are also controlled significantly ( P <0.05). Similarly TC, LDL, VLDL - cholesterol, TG and total lipids of serum were significantly ( P <0.05) decreased in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats but HDL - cholesterol levels remained un changed when compared to the diabetic control animals. The results clearly suggested that the extract has the ability to retain the altered biochemical parameters as nor mal in diabetic animals and tt was effective as glibinclamide treated animals. Hence th e study reveals the therapeutic use of PcEE on diabetes and its complications

Trypsin inhibitor from tamarindus indica L. seeds reduces weight gain and food consumption and increases plasmatic cholecystokinin levels

OBJECTIVES:Seeds are excellent sources of proteinase inhibitors, some of which may have satietogenic and slimming actions. We evaluated the effect of a trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus indica L. seeds on weight gain, food consumption and cholecystokinin levels in Wistar rats.METHODS:A trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus was isolated using ammonium sulfate (30–60%) following precipitation with acetone and was further isolated with Trypsin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Analyses were conducted to assess the in vivo digestibility, food intake, body weight evolution and cholecystokinin levels in Wistar rats. Histological analyses of organs and biochemical analyses of sera were performed.RESULTS:The trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus reduced food consumption, thereby reducing weight gain. The in vivo true digestibility was not significantly different between the control and Tamarindus trypsin inhibitor-treated groups. The trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus did not cause alterations in biochemical parameters or liver, stomach, intestine or pancreas histology. Rats treated with the trypsin inhibitor showed significantly elevated cholecystokinin levels compared with animals receiving casein or water.CONCLUSION:The results indicate that the isolated trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus reduces weight gain by reducing food consumption, an effect that may be mediated by increased cholecystokinin. Thus, the potential use of this trypsin inhibitor in obesity prevention and/or treatment should be evaluated.

Platelet Indices in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

The platelet indices Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) and Plate-letcrit (PCT) provided by automated hematology analysis are rarely used in clinical practice. Platelets play a central role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and high MPV has been associated to more reactive platelets and regarded as an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction. In this study, platelet indices were evaluated in 39 patients with ACS presenting two altered biochemical parameters, C reactive protein (CRP) and creatine kinase fraction MB (CK-MB). The results obtained showed significantly higher MPV and PDW values in the group with ACS in comparison to the control group. Also observed was a weak but significant positive correlation between MPV and CK-MB. In view of findings of previous studies, which have associated macroplatelets with higher thrombotic potential our results suggest that the use of the MPV and PDW indices as additional and complementary markers may contribute to the investigation and follow-up of thrombotic risk in patients with ACS.

Hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Mussaenda philippica (stems) against anti-tubercular drugs induced hepatotoxicity

The present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of methanolic extract of Mussaenda philippica against isoniazid and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats. Six groups of six rat were selected for the study. Methanolic extract of Mussaendaphilippica at a dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg as well as silymarin (50 mg/kg) were administered orally once daily for 14 d in isoniazid and rifampicin group. The serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin were estimated along with total protein. Histopathological analysis was carried out to assess injury to the liver. The altered biochemical parameters were significantly reverting back by the methanolic extract treatment. Histopathology also supported the biochemical variation. From this study it has been concluded that the methanolic extract of Mussaendaphilippica shows significant hepatoprotective activity.

Gallic acid attenuates high-fat diet fed-streptozotocin-induced insulin resistance via partial agonism of PPARγ in experimental type 2 diabetic rats and enhances glucose uptake through translocation and activation of GLUT4 in PI3K/p-Akt signaling pathway

In this study, the therapeutic efficacy of gallic acid from Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. (Fabaceae) beans was examined against high-fat diet fed-streptozotocin-induced experimental type 2 diabetic rats. Molecular-dockings were done to determine the putative binding modes of gallic acid into the active sites of key insulin-signaling markers. Gallic acid (20mg/kg) given to high-fat diet fed-streptozotocin-induced rats lowered body weight gain, fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin in diabetic rats. It further restored the alterations of biochemical parameters to near normal levels in diabetic treated rats along with cytoprotective action on pancreatic β-cell. Histology of liver and adipose tissues supported the biochemical findings. Gallic acid significantly enhanced the level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression in the adipose tissue of treated rat compared to untreated diabetic rat; it also slightly activated PPARγ expressions in the liver and skeletal muscle. Consequently, it improved insulin-dependent glucose transport in adipose tissue through translocation and activation of glucose transporter protein 4 (GLUT4) in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) dependent pathway. Gallic acid docked with PPARγ; it exhibited promising interactions with the GLUT4, glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT1), PI3K and p-Akt. These findings provided evidence to show that gallic acid could improve adipose tissue insulin sensitivity, modulate adipogenesis, increase adipose glucose uptake and protect β-cells from impairment. Hence it can be used in the management of obesity-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Cryptocoryne spiralis, a substitute of Aconitum heterophyllum in the treatment of diarrhoea.

To scientifically validate the traditional substitution of roots of highly expensive Aconitum heterophyllum (AH) with rhizomes of Cryptocoryne spiralis (CS) in the treatment of diarrhoea. Different fractions from root/rhizome extract of both the plant were subjected to faecal excretion rate and castor oil-induced diarrhoea models. Further, bioactive fractions from both plants, i.e. chloroform (CAH) from AH at 50 mg/kg p.o. and ethyl acetate (EACS) from CS at 100 mg/kg p.o., were examined for small intestinal transit, intestinal fluid accumulation and PGE2 -induced enteropooling models in rats. Biochemical estimations and Na(+) and K(+) concentration in intestinal fluid were also determined along with antibacterial studies. Phytochemical standardisation of AH and CS was performed by quantifying aconitine for the former and stigmasterol for the latter using HPLC. CAH and EACS illustrated a significant reduction in faecal output rate and demonstrated a protection of 63.068% at CAH 50 and 59.090% at EACS 100 mg/kg p.o. in castor oil-induced diarrhoea model. The fractions also persuaded promising effects in all the other models, restored alterations in biochemical parameters and showed potential antibacterial activity. The antidiarrhoeal potential of AH and CS may be attributed to an antimotility and antisecretory type of effect.

Increased tau phosphorylation and receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) in the brain of mice infected with Leishmania amazonensis.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitosis caused by several species of the genus Leishmania, an obligate intramacrophagic parasite. Although neurologic symptoms have been observed in human cases of leishmaniasis, the manifestation of neurodegenerative processes is poorly studied. The aim of the present work was to investigate if peripheral infection of BALB/c mice with Leishmania amazonensis affects tau phosphorylation and RAGE protein content in the brain, which represent biochemical markers of neurodegenerative processes observed in diseases with a pro-inflammatory component, including Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome. Four months after a single right hind footpad subcutaneous injection of L. amazonensis, the brain cortex of BALB/c mice was isolated. Western blot analysis indicated an increase in tau phosphorylation (Ser(396)) and RAGE immunocontent in infected animals. Brain tissue TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were not different from control animals; however, increased protein carbonylation, decreased IFN-γ levels and impairment in antioxidant defenses were detected. Systemic antioxidant treatment (NAC 20mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited tau phosphorylation and recovered IFN-γ levels. These data, altogether, indicate an association between impaired redox state, tau phosphorylation and RAGE up-regulation in the brain cortex of animals infected with L. amazonensis. In this context, it is possible that neurologic symptoms associated to chronic leishmaniasis are associated to disruptions in the homeostasis of CNS proteins, such as tau and RAGE, as consequence of oxidative stress. This is the first demonstration of alterations in biochemical parameters of neurodegeneration in an experimental model of Leishmania infection.

Symplocos cochinchinensis attenuates streptozotocin-diabetes induced pathophysiological alterations of liver, kidney, pancreas and eye lens in rats

The beneficial effects of hydroethanol extract of Symplocos cochinchinensis (SCE) has been explored against hyperglycemia associated secondary complications in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model. The experimental groups consist of normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), DC+metformin 100mgkg−1bwd, DC+SCE 250 and DC+SCE 500. SCEs and metformin were administered daily for 21 days and sacrificed on day 22. Oral glucose tolerance test, plasma insulin, % HbA1c, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, total protein etc. were analysed. Aldose reductase (AR) activity in the eye lens was also checked. On day 21, DC rats showed significantly abnormal glucose response, HOMA-IR, % HbA1c, decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes and GSH, elevated AR activity, hepatic and renal oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls compared to NC. DC rats also exhibited increased level of plasma urea and creatinine. Treatment with SCE protected from the deleterious alterations of biochemical parameters in a dose dependent manner including histopathological alterations in pancreas. SCE 500 exhibited 46.28% of glucose lowering effect and decreased HOMA-IR (2.47), % HbA1c (6.61), lens AR activity (15.99%), and hepatic, renal oxidative stress and function markers compared to DC group. Considerable amount of liver and muscle glycogen was replenished by SCE treatment in diabetic animals. Although metformin showed better effect, the activity of SCE was very much comparable with this drug.

Anti-arthritic activity of methanol extract of Cyathocline purpurea (whole plant) in Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

Aim of the studyTo investigate anti-arthritic activity of methanolic extract of Cyathocline purpurea (MECP) in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis in rats. MethodsThe MECP was prepared and subjected to acute oral toxicity in mice and tested against FCA induced arthritis in rats. Arthritis assessment was done by measuring – paw volume, joint diameter, pain threshold, thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical nociceptive threshold and body weight. Haematological, serum, biochemical and in vivo anti-oxidant parameters were measured on the last day of the study. Histopathological and radiological analyses of ankle joints were also done. MECP was administered at the dose of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight. ResultsMECP dose dependently showed anti-arthritic activity which was evident with decrease in paw volume, joint diameter and increase in pain threshold, paw withdrawal latency, mechanical nociceptive threshold and body weight when compared to arthritic control group. MECP (400 and 200mg/kg) exhibits significant (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively) anti-arthritic activity by increasing levels of RBC, Hb and by decreasing levels of WBC, platelets and also serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and Rheumatoid factor (RF). The anti-arthritic activity was also confirmed with the altered biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, ALP and total protein level) and anti-oxidant parameters (SOD, MDA and GSH). MECP (400 and 200mg/kg) and diclofenac (10mg/kg) also inhibited joint destruction (histopathological and radiological analysis). ConclusionC. purpurea may be a potential preventive or therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammation and arthritis.

Berberine mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating antioxidant status and inflammatory cytokines.

The present study was designed to investigate the possible protective effects of berberine against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The experimental rats were treated with berberine orally at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 11 consecutive days after the administration of a single intraperitoneal dose of CP (200 mg/kg). The hepatoprotective effect of berberine was evaluated by assaying liver function markers, the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), antioxidant defense system and gene expressions of both TNF-α and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). The biochemical results showed that administration of CP induced hepatic damage associated with a significant increase in the serum marker enzymes aspartate and alanine transaminases (AST, ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and a significant increase in serum total bilirubin accompanied with a decrease in serum albumin concentration. In addition, CP-administration induced oxidative stress in the liver as evident from the increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), declined glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Moreover, administration of CP was associated with a significant increase in serum TNF-α. Similarly, CP administration was accompanied by a significant increase in the mRNA expression of both TNF-α and COX-2 in the liver as indicated by the qPCR assay. Concomitant administration of berberine efficiently alleviated the altered biochemical parameters. Berberine showed a marked hepatoprotective effect against CP-induced hepatotoxicity through alleviation of the elevated serum marker enzymes in addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacies.

Alterations in biochemical parameters of the freshwater fish, Alburnus mossulensis, exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of Fenpropathrin

Fenpropathrin is a new pyrethroid insecticide used to control crop pests. The aim of this study was to evidence fenpropathrin-induced oxidative stress and alterations in biochemical parameters in the freshwater fish, Alburnus mossulensi s. Total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase activity (CAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CK), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the whole body extract were measured in A. mossulensi s after exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of fenpropatrin (approximately equal to 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10% of 96 h LC 50 ) for 15 days. The 24, 48, 72 and 96 h LC 50 of the fenpropathrin for A. mossulensis was 562.28±45.19, 218.18±18.75, 136.18±11.90 and 121.38±11.84 µg/L at 24±2 °C. Exposure to 2.75, 5.50 and 12.6 µg/L fenpropathrin significantly increased AST activity in fish. A significant increase in the ALP and LDH activities was observed in fish after a 15 day exposure to 1.25, 5.50 and 12.60 µg/L fenpropathrin. Fenpropatrin significantly induced lipid peroxidation and increased MDA levels in fish. Compared with the control group, total protein levels in fish decreased after exposure to 2.75, 5.50 and 12.60 µg/L fenpropathrin on day 15. Total antioxidant capacity, AChE and CPK activities in fish exposed to fenproparthin were significantly lower than control group. There was a significant increase in the CAT and ALT activities in fish after exposure to 5.50 and 12.60 µg/L fenpropathrin. In conclusion, fenpropathrin has the potential to disrupt biochemical parameters in A. mossulensi s and to induce oxidative stress.

Blood glucose‐lowering effect of Tectona grandis flowers in type 2 diabetic rats: A study on identification of active constituents and mechanisms for antidiabetic action 柚木花对2型糖尿病大鼠的降糖作用：一项鉴定其活性成份与降糖作用机制的研究

AbstractBackgroundAyurveda documents antidiabetic activity of Tectona grandis flowers. However, until now, the effects of T. grandis flowers in preclinical models of type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been unknown. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the blood glucose‐lowering effect of methanol extract of T. grandis flowers (METGF) in T2D rats and to identify possible active constituents as well as the mechanisms for the antidiabetic action.MethodsRats were rendered diabetic by administration of streptozotocin–nicotinamide (65 mg/kg–110 mg/kg, i.p.). After the induction of diabetes, Groups 3 and 4 received METGF (100 and 200 mg/kg respectively) while Group 5 received glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) orally for 4 weeks. Blood glucose and body weight were determined at the end of Weeks 2 and 4. Hemoglobin, HbA1c, total protein, urea, creatinine, insulin, and lipid levels were determined in Week 4. Active constituents in METGF were identified using HPLC analysis. Antidiabetic mechanisms of METGF were evaluated by investigating the insulin sensitizing action and inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase activity.ResultsBoth METGF and glibenclamide significantly improved body weight, reduced blood glucose, and normalized altered biochemical parameters (P &lt; 0.001) in T2D rats. The presence of polyphenolic active constituents, such as gallic acid, quercetin, rutin, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, and kaempferol, in METGF was confirmed by HPLC. In vitro, METGF, gallic acid, quercetin, and rutin exhibited significant (P &lt; 0.001) insulin sensitizing action and inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase activity.ConclusionsPolyphenolic active constituents present in METGF are possibly responsible for the blood glucose‐lowering effect in T2D rats via an insulin‐sensitizing action, as well as inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase activity.

English

Dengue is the arthropode borne viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. AIM: To study the various clinical manifestations and acute complications of dengue fever. METHODS: 100 cases of confirmed dengue infection admitted to KIMS, Bangalore between December 2009 and September 2011 were studied. A detailed clinical history and physical examination was done and baseline investigations were performed. The cases were followed-up daily for the clinical and laboratory parameters and were treated according to WHO guidelines. The data related to each of these cases was collected, compiled and analyzed. RESULTS: of the total 100 cases there were 61 male and 39 female. Age group of 21-30 (41) was most commonly affected Maximum number of patients was seen in the September, October, august, July. Commonest presentation was Fever (100%) followed by Headache (78%), Myalgia (70%), Arthralgia (66%), low back ache (60%). On examination patients found to have icterus (22%), bleeding spots (26%), rashes (50%), Splenomegaly (18%), Hepatomegaly (15%) and Ascites (9%), pleural effusion (16%), crepitations (7%). Platelet count was not very well correlated with the bleeding tendencies. Incidence of DHF was more with secondary Dengue infection than the primary dengue infection. The frequency of complications was high in the patients with secondary dengue infection than the primary infection. CONCLUSION: In our present study classical dengue fever was most common presentation followed by DHF and DSS. Hypotension, hemorrhagic spots, positive tourniquet test, jaundice, pleural effusion, ascites, neck stiffness are the common findings on examination associated with complicated forms of dengue. Bleeding, shock, hepatitis, polyserositis, meningitis, pneumonia are the complications seen in severe forms. On investigation Deranged liver function test, renal function test, secondary dengue infection, thickened gall bladder wall, hepatosplenomegaly on ultrasound abdomen, pleural effusion and bronchopneumonia on chest radiogram are associated with DHF and DSS. INTRODUCTION: Dengue fever is an arthropod borne viral fever. It is acquiring epidemic proportion in this part of the world and it has become major public health problem with high mortality. Estimates suggest that 50 million cases of dengue infection and 500, 000 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever occur in Asian countries 1 . It is vital to recognize at the earliest the signs and symptoms, alteration in biochemical parameters and multisystem involvement pattern in dengue to reduce the mortality. In 1998 WHO reported, around 1.2 million cases of Dengue fever and DHF with 3, 442 deaths. In 2001 alone, there were more than 609 000 reported cases of dengue in the Americas, of which 15 000 cases were DHF and incidence is increasing in 2001, Brazil reported over 390 000cases including more than 670 cases of DHF. About 2500 million people are now at risk from dengue. WHO currently estimates there may be 50 million cases of dengue infection every year, with 400, 000 cases of DHF, out of whom more

Polyphenols-rich Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. beans show hypoglycemic and β-cells protective effects in type 2 diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. (Fabaceae) beans in high-fat diet (HFD) fed-streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Dose dependent response of oral treatment of C. tetragonoloba beans’ methanol extract (CTme) (200 and 400mg/kg b wt.) was assessed by measuring fasting blood glucose, changes in body weight, plasma insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, triglycerides, oral glucose tolerance, intraperitoneal insulin tolerance, hepatic glycogen, marker enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in HFD fed-STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Histology and immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic islets were also performed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of CTme showed the presence of polyphenols such as gallic acid and caffeic acid in the concentrations of 2.46% (W/W) and 0.32% (W/W). CTme significantly reverted the altered biochemical parameters to near normal levels in diabetic rats. Furthermore CTme showed the protective effect on the β-cells of pancreatic tissues in diabetic rats. These findings indicate that C. tetragonoloba beans have therapeutic potential in HFD fed-STZ-induced hyperglycemia; therefore this can be used in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Antioxidants and tumor necrosis factor alpha-inhibiting activity of sesame oil against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

Oxidative stress is currently considered to be the key factor in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Comparatively small quantity of the endogenous antioxidant content of the heart is assumed to be the predisposing factor for doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. The present research was designed to evaluate the antioxidant potential and tumor necrosis factor alpha-(TNF-α) inhibiting activity of sesame oil against acute doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Male Wistar albino rats (180-200 g) were administered sesame oil in two dissimilar doses (5 and 10 ml/kg body weight, orally) for 30 days, followed by a single dose of doxorubicin (30 mg/kg s.c.). In the doxorubicin-treated group, increased oxidative stress was proven by a significant rise of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level and a decrease of myocardial superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione content. Histopathological studies showed myocardial necrosis with accumulation of inflammatory cells, vacuolization and overall enlargement of the myocardium. Western blot analysis showed marked expression of TNF-α in the myocardium. Alteration in biochemical parameters by doxorubicin administration was prevented significantly (p < 0.0001) in the 5 and 10 ml/kg sesame oil treated rat hearts. Treatment with 5 and 10 ml/kg of sesame oil reduced the doxorubicin-induced TNF-α expression in the myocardium, which was associated with reduced myocyte injury. The overall effect of sesame oil was comparable with probucol, which shows similar protection. The chronic oral administration of sesame oil prevents acute doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by enhancing cardiac endogenous antioxidants and decreasing myocardial TNF-α expression.

In vivo toxicity of the culturable marine cyanobacterium Geitlerinema pseudacutissimum CNP 1019 extract on male Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus).

In this study, we investigated the in vivo toxicity of Geitlerinema pseudacutissimum CNP 1019 organic extract in a murine host. A single intraperitoneal injection of 1 g extract kg⁻¹ body weight (BW) did not exhibit mortality, whereas 3 g extract kg⁻¹ BW (approximate lethal dose) resulted in mortality within 5 days. To perform subchronic exposure toxicity analyses (i.e., daily exposure for a total of 14 days), a maximum concentration of ≤1 g extract kg⁻¹ BW was used. Subchronic toxicity studies in the treated mice, showed fluctuations of feed intake, loss of body weight, increase in specific activity of serum lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase and decrease in whole serum protein concentration. LDH isoenzyme expression was found, and levels of the various isoforms were decreased as a result of the treatment. Histopathology studies in liver, kidney, and spleen isolated from the treated mice showed the presence of necrotic debris, hemorrhage, and micronuclei revealing the toxicity of the extract. The dose-dependent alterations in biochemical parameters in conjunction with the histological lesions noted in the animals treated with the prepared extract illustrate the likely potential toxicity to mammals from any encounters with the studied cyanobacterium.

Antihyperglycemic Activity of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Present study is an attempt to investigate plausible mechanism involved behind antidiabetic activity of standardized Houttuynia cordata Thunb. extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The plant is used as a medicinal salad for lowering blood sugar level in North-Eastern parts of India. Oral administration of extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg dose level daily for 21 days showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in fasting plasma glucose and also elevated insulin level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. It also significantly reversed all the alterations in biochemical parameters, that is, total lipid profile, blood urea, creatinine, protein, and antioxidant enzymes in liver, pancreas, and adipose tissue of diabetic rats. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the extract significantly reversed the expression patterns of various glucose homeostatic enzyme genes like GLUT-2, GLUT-4, and caspase-3 levels but did not show any significant effect on PPAR-γ protein expressions. Additionally, the extract positively regulated mitochondrial membrane potential and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity in diabetic rats. The findings justified the antidiabetic effect of H. cordata which is attributed to an upregulation of GLUT-4 and potential antioxidant activity, which may play beneficial role in resolving complication associated with diabetes.

Amelioration of oxidative stress by Tabernamontana divaricata on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of ethanol extract of Tabernamontana divaricata (L.) and its ameliorative effect on oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Materials and Methods:Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (140 mg/kg body weight). Methanol extract of T. divaricata was administered at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight in diabetic induced rats including glibenclamide (3 mg/kg) as a reference drug. In the continuous 21 days treatment, fasting blood glucose level was determined on 0, 7, 14 and 21 days. On day 21, serum lipid profiles and glycosylated hemoglobin, liver antioxidant enzymes levels were estimated.Results:Experimental findings showed a significant anti-diabetic potential of the extract in terms of reduction in blood glucose levels and a correct effect on the altered biochemical parameters. Observed data were found statistically significant in correction of antioxidant enzyme level accompanied with diabetes, particularly at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight.Conclusion:Based on the results, it can be concluded that the T. divaricata is found to be effective in type 2 diabetes in rats and to have an ameliorative effect on the associated oxidative stress.

Anti-arthritic Effect of Indian Red Scorpion (Mesobuthustamulus) Venom in Freund’s Complete Adjuvant and Collagen Type II Induced Arthritis

Aim of the present study was to observe the effect of Indian red scorpion venom (SV) in the treatment of Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis and collagen type II (CII) induced arthritis models in rats. The immunosuppressant action of SV was confirmed by hemagglutination antibody titre. The further results also suggest that SV produce analgesia in both developing and developed phases of arthritis when evaluated on various pain perception models. SV significantly reduced the paw edema volume and ankle joint diameter in arthritic paw of rats. The altered hematological and biochemical parameters were brought to normal by SV in arthritic conditions when tested on experimental animals. Further anti-arthritic activity of SV was confirmed from the histopathological and radiological findings.