Beneficiary Effects Research Articles

Glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1 dual agonist therapy: A possible future towards fatty kidney disease.

Obesity is a growing epidemic affecting approximately 40% of the adult population in developed countries with major health consequences and comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance, metabolically associated fatty liver disease, atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease. Pharmacotherapies targeting significant weight reduction may have beneficial effects on such comorbidities, though such therapeutic options are highly limited. In this narrative review, we aim to evaluate current knowledge regarding dual agonist therapies and potential implications for managing fatty kidney and chronic kidney disease. Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are two novel classes of glucose-lowering medications with potential implications and beneficiary effects on renal outcomes, including estimated glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria and chronic kidney disease progression. Recently, dual agonist therapies targeting glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon receptors, namely survodutide and cotadutide, have been evaluated in managing metabolically associated fatty liver disease, a well-established example of visceral obesity. Fatty kidney is another novel concept implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease among patients with visceral obesity.

Nigella sativa oil on chronic constrictive injury (CCI) induced neuropathic pain of sciatic nerve in Wistar rats

Background: Various adverse effects have been reported with conventional treatments of neuropathic pain. Nigella sativa (N. sativa), a medicinal herb, has been shown to possess several beneficiary effects. Objective: To assess the effects of N. sativa oil on neuropathic pain and ATP sensitive potassium channel (KATP) in Wistar rats. Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 120 Wistar rats (200±50gm). On the basis of treatments, all rats were grouped into Group I [normal control (NC) normal saline (NS) 5 ml/kg]; Group II [sham control (SC) {sham surgery + NS}], Group III [CCI control (CCIC) {Chronic constriction injury to sciatic nerve (CCI) + NS}]; Group IV [N. sativa oil experimental (NSOexp) {CCI + N.sativa (400 mg/kg)}], Group V [Glibenclamide experimental (Gliexp) {CCI + N. sativa (400 mg/kg) + glibenclamide (15 mg/kg)}] groups. Both the NSO and NS were administered orally once daily for consecutive 21 days and single dose of glibenclamide was given intraperitoneally on the day of experiment, to the respective rats. Then on the basis of neuropathic pain evaluation tests, all the groups were subdivided into ‘a’ [for sciatic functional index (SFI) in walking track analysis], ‘b’ [for tail flick latency (TFL) in cold tail immersion test], ‘c’ [for paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) in von Frey test], and ‘d’ (for rection time in hot plate test). The statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: In this study, significantly (pd”0.001) higher SFI, TFL, PWT and reaction time were found in NSO exp rats when compared to those of CCIC rats. In addition, there were significant (pd”0.001) differences in the above-mentioned variables between rats of NSO exp group and Gliexp group. Conclusion: From the present study it might be concluded that, N. sativa prevents worsening of neuropathic pain in Wistar rats by blocking KATP channel. J Bangladesh Soc Physiol 2023;18(1): 35-45

Strong site fidelity, residency and local behaviour of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) at two types of artificial reefs in an offshore wind farm.

Globally, biogenic temperate reefs are among the most threatened habitats. In the North Sea in particular, large shellfish reefs were lost owing to fishing activities in the 1900s. The impact of offshore wind farms (OWFs) on marine wildlife is extensive, and it offers the possibility to reintroduce new hard substrate habitats that are protected from fisheries at a large scale. In addition to the submerged structures of OWFs, marine hard substrate habitat can be further enhanced by providing extra artificial reefs. In an operational OWF along the Dutch coast, four artificial reefs (two with a scour bed and two without) were deployed in the vicinity of a wind turbine. Acoustic telemetry was used to monitor the fine-scale movement of 64 Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). The monitoring ran from July 2021 to January 2023. Detailed information on behaviour, area utilization and attraction to the structures was determined. Results showed strong attraction (high site fidelity and residency) to the artificial reef, with no significant difference between the two tested types of reefs, and only a few individuals staying over winter. Cod spent a large proportion of their time hiding in the artificial reefs, suggesting that adding pipes for shelter has a beneficiary effect.

Does Vitamin D3 Supplementation Improve Depression Scores among Rural Adolescents? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Contemporary evidence has been established demonstrating that stunted vitamin D levels are associated with depression, poor mood, and other mental disorders. Individuals with normal vitamin D levels have a much lower probability of developing depression. Improving vitamin D levels by supplementation has shown betterment in depressive patients among different age groups. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depression scores among rural adolescents. This study was a cluster randomized controlled trial carried out for a period of 3 years among adolescents from rural Kolar. The sample size was calculated based on previous research and was determined to be 150 for each group. The intervention arm received 2250 IU of vitamin D, and the control arm received a lower dose of 250 IU of vitamin D for 9 weeks. To assess sociodemographic status, a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was used, and, to assess depression, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used. A baseline assessment was carried out for vitamin D status and depression status, followed by a post-intervention assessment. From the start of the trial, the participants were contacted every week by the pediatric team to investigate any side effects. Out of 235 school students in the vitamin D supplementation arm, 129 (54.9%) belonged to the 15 years age group, 124 (52.8%) were boys, and 187 (79.6%) belonged to a nuclear family. Out of 216 school students in the calcium supplementation arm, 143 (66.2%) belonged to the 15 years age group, 116 (53.7%) were girls, and 136 (63%) belonged to a nuclear family. By comparing Beck depression scores before and after the intervention, it was found that the vitamin D intervention arm showed a statistically significant reduction in Beck depression scores. The present study showed that vitamin D supplementation reduced depression scores, showing some evidence that nutritional interventions for mental health issues such as depression are an excellent option. Vitamin D supplementation in schools can have numerous beneficiary effects on health while mutually benefiting mental health.

Utility of NICaS Non-Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19.

(1) Background: COVID-19 presented many challenges to effective treatments, such as managing cardiovascular insufficiency while mitigating risks to healthcare providers. This study utilized NICaS, a non-invasive hemodynamic monitor that provides advanced data via whole-body impedance analysis. We investigated the associated trends in hemodynamic parameters obtained by the NICaS device and their correlation with in-hospital all-cause mortality during COVID-19 hospitalization in the intensive care unit. (2) Methods: Data from 29 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit and monitored with NICaS between April 2020 and February 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. (3) Results: Decreasing cardiac output and cardiac power were significantly associated with death. Total peripheral resistance was significantly increasing in non-survivors as was total body water percentage. Those admitted with a heart rate above 90 beats per minute had a significantly reduced survival. (4) Conclusions: Non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring via the NICaS device is simple and effective in evaluating critically ill patients with COVID-19 and may help guide clinical management via remote monitoring. Controlling tachycardia may help ensure adequate oxygen supply-demand ratio. A hint toward a beneficiary effect of a restrictive fluid balance may be observed.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs for Alzheimers disease -- A systematic meta-analysis

Alzheimers Disease (AD) poses a serious health concern especially for the aging population above the years of 65. An estimated 6 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease, and there are at least 50 million Alzheimers patients in the world. AD affects the daily life of these patients, yet there is no permanent cure. Current treatments involve cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA-receptor agonists to help alleviate the symptoms. GLP-1 is a peptide often used in the treatment of diabetes. Since there are shared pathological features between diabetes and AD, such as insulin dysfunction and glucose metabolism dysregulation, GLP-1 may be a viable study for AD treatment. To perform a meta-analysis to investigate whether GLP-1 has a beneficiary effect on biological markers and cognitive outcome in AD patients. We searched the following electronic databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE, phycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We only utilized Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) and clinical trials. We also searched with the following Medical Search Headings: Alzheimers Disease, Alzheimer, Alzheimers, and GLP-1. We included 2 randomized, double-blind, and placebo controlled clinical trials into our meta-analysis. We extracted the baseline and outcomes from the clinical trials and evaluated its risks of bias. Biological markers were measured by amyloid beta (A) accumulation, and cognitive outcomes were measured by the Wechsler Memory Scale - Fourth Edition (WMS-IV) and Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE). For one study, the WMS-IV was used to measure cognitive outcome. The other study measured cognitive outcome with the MMSE. Biological markers were measured by A accumulation in one study and with [11C]PIB tracer in another. There was no significant difference between the placebo and experimental group after the treatment period.

The role, safety, and efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in aesthetic practice-An evidence-based review.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves patients breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, above 1 atmosphere. Many centers are now promoting the use of HBOT for skin rejuvenation. However, the current indications for HBOT do not encompass aesthetic applications. The aim of this evidence-based review was to assess the existing literature regarding the utilization of HBOT in medical aesthetics and rejuvenation, evaluate its effectiveness and safety, and conduct a cost analysis. PubMed Interface, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Embase searches were carried out. The Best Bets methodology was used, and the risk of bias was appraised using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. This review included a total of 17 human studies with a total of 766 participants. Three studies were classified as level II evidence, three studies were of level III evidence, and 11 were of level IV evidence. All the included studies were judged at high risk of bias. The most relevant findings supported by level II evidence were that HBOT decreased the shedding rate post-FUE hair transplant (27.6 ± 2.6% vs. 69.1 ± 2.4%) but this did not affect the final outcome between HBOT (96.9 ± 0.5%) and the control (93.8 ± 0.6%). Moreover, level III evidence demonstrated that following HBOT, there was a significant increase in elastic fiber length (p ≤ 0.0001, effect size = 2.71) and a significant decrease in fiber fragmentation (p = 0.012). There was also a significant increase in collagen fiber density following HBOT (p = 0.0001, effect size = 1.10). However, there was no significant effect of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E with HBOT. The inflammatory response significantly decreased after 7 days of HBOT with a decreased expression of IL-12p40, MIP-1β, and PDGF-BB and a higher expression of IL-1Ra. Moreover, HBOT was used prophylactically prior to abdominoplasty to decrease the risk of complications. In this study, complications were decreased from 32.6% (89 patients) to 8.4% (7 patients) with a p < 0.001, and in a multivariate analysis, preoperative HBOT was an independent protective factor against postoperative complications (p < 0.001). There is conflicting evidence on how the method of action of HBOT can have a beneficiary effect in aesthetic and whether the treatment is justifiable. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review discussing the available evidence regarding the use of HBOT in many aesthetic clinical scenarios, including preventive, medical, and surgical settings. However, randomized clinical trials with longer follow-up and better patient selection are needed to be able to generate a reliable conclusion.

A Review of Experimental Approaches for Investigating the Aerodynamic Performance of Drones and Multicopters

The growing popularity of multicopters has heightened interest in improving and optimizing UAVs. This has become a major source of inspiration for scholars. Extensive aerodynamics research would result in improved multicopters and boost their appeal to major sectors. Various aspects of the performance of various propeller designs and configurations have been studied by researchers. Various performance metrics have also been investigated and discussed in this paper. Aerodynamic testing of propellers and multicopter designs are discussed in this paper. Numerical simulations are also used widely in the study of drone and multicopter aerodynamics. This method enables high resolution observation on wake propagation and flow visualizations. Nonetheless, as new multicopter concepts are introduced, new aerodynamic challenges emerge in this field. Therefore, more studies need to be done on uncommon but rather important configurations so that these can have a beneficiary effect on the multicopter industry.

Interferons as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Giant Cell Tumor: A Hospital-Based Prospective Pilot Study

Abstract Introduction Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is now considered an effective way to treat Campanacci grade 2 and 3 giant cell tumors (GCTs). Assessment of these drugs is essential clinically, radiologically, and pathologically. This study analyzes the early results of angiogenesis inhibitors (interferons) in the aggressive GCT of bone. Methodology A prospective pilot study was conducted from January 2021 to July 2022 including eight biopsy-proven GCT patients subjected to interferon therapy. Radiological assessment was done with changes on plain radiograph, computerized tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging. Histopathological examination was done by changes in the biopsy and resected segment. Results Out of the eight patients included in the study, 26% (n = 3) were males and 62% (n = 5) were females, with mean age of the patients being 24.6 ± 8.48 years (range: 22–38). There was significant reduction of the size of swelling (p-value: 0.049), significant reduction in Visual Analog Scale score (p-value: 0.011), significant decrease in swelling size on radiograph (p-value: 0.012), significant marginal sclerosis (p-value: 0.001), significant neocortex formation on radiographs (p-value: 0.001), significant result in and osteoid formation (p-value: 0.001) on histology. Whereas Campanacci grade on plain radiographs, number of viable cells, and number of viable stromal cell were not statistically different in comparison with pretherapy and posttherapy status. Conclusion Interferon therapy in a GCT has potential beneficiary effect in terms of clinical, radiological, and pathological outcomes. It might prove to be an effective alternative to standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the management of aggressive GCT of bones. Level of Evidence III.

Beneficiary Effect of Zinc Supplementation in Tuberculosis as Reflected by Serum Level of Diagnostic Biomolecules

Beneficiary Effect of Zinc Supplementation in Tuberculosis as Reflected by Serum Level of Diagnostic Biomolecules

An Overview of Beneficiary Effects of Prebiotics and Probiotics on Animals

An Overview of Beneficiary Effects of Prebiotics and Probiotics on Animals

The effect of physical exercise with cognitive training on inflammation and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers of Mild Cognitive Impairment patients

Physical exercise (PE) was proven crucial for cognitive health of both demented and cognitively intact individuals. Simultaneous cognitive training may augment PE beneficial effects in demented patients. However, it is still debatable how PE and/or cognitive training reflect on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and pathological factors related to Alzheimer's disease, namely inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL) 1 beta and 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), amyloid beta (Αβ) peptides, total tau protein (t-tau) and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (p-tau181). In the current study, 74 MCI patients were allocated to three groups: non-intervention (Control), PE, and PE with cognitive training (Mixed). Blood serum was received at the Baseline and after the intervention (at 3 months). Levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, Αβ42, Αβ40, tau and p-tau181 were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. PE and Mixed interventions reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and of p-tau181. Augmented levels of Αβ42 and the ratio Αβ42/40, and reduced ratio p-tau181/Αβ42 were verified only in the PE group. Reduced levels of TNF-α, Αβ40 and t-tau were verified only at the Mixed group. In addition, correlation analyses provided a significant interrelation between the alleviation of inflammation and p-tau181/Αβ42 reduction in patients of the Mixed intervention. These results suggest the beneficiary effect of PE and cognitive training on the regulation of inflammation resulting in mitigation of AD-related blood biomarkers and urge for their employment as non-pharmacological alternatives for stalling the progression of dementia.

Repairing gut barrier by traditional Chinese medicine: roles of gut microbiota.

Gut barrier is not only part of the digestive organ but also an important immunological organ for the hosts. The disruption of gut barrier can lead to various diseases such as obesity and colitis. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained much attention for its rich clinical experiences enriched in thousands of years. After orally taken, TCM can interplay with gut microbiota. On one hand, TCM can modulate the composition and function of gut microbiota. On the other hand, gut microbiota can transform TCM compounds. The gut microbiota metabolites produced during the actions of these interplays exert noticeable pharmacological effects on the host especially gut barrier. Recently, a large number of studies have investigated the repairing and fortifying effects of TCM on gut barriers from the perspective of gut microbiota and its metabolites. However, no review has summarized the mechanism behand this beneficiary effects of TCM. In this review, we first briefly introduce the unique structure and specific function of gut barrier. Then, we summarize the interactions and relationship amidst gut microbiota, gut microbiota metabolites and TCM. Further, we summarize the regulative effects and mechanisms of TCM on gut barrier including physical barrier, chemical barrier, immunological barrier, and microbial barrier. At last, we discuss the effects of TCM on diseases that are associated gut barrier destruction such as ulcerative colitis and type 2 diabetes. Our review can provide insights into TCM, gut barrier and gut microbiota.

Traumatic acid inhibits ACSL4 associated lipid accumulation in adipocytes to attenuate high-fat diet-induced obesity.

Obesity is a major health concern that lacks effective intervention strategies. Traumatic acid (TA) is a potent wound-healing agent in plants, considered an antioxidant food ingredient. This study demonstrated that TA treatment significantly reduced lipid accumulation in human adipocytes and prevented high-fat diet induced obesity in zebrafish. Transcriptome sequencing revealed TA-activated fatty acid (FA) degradation and FA metabolism signaling pathways. Moreover, western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that TA inhibited the expression of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase-4 (ACSL4). Overexpression of ACSL4 resulted in the reversal of TA beneficiary effects, indicating that the attenuated lipid accumulation of TA was regulated by ACSL4 expression. Limited proteolysis-mass spectrometry and microscale thermophoresis were then used to confirm hexokinase 2 (HK2) as a direct molecular target of TA. Thus, we demonstrated the molecular basis of TA in regulating lipid accumulation and gave the first evidence that TA may function through the HK2-ACSL4 axis.

Single-Step Biofabrication of In Situ Spheroid-Forming Compartmentalized Hydrogel for Clinical-Sized Cartilage Tissue Formation.

3D cellular spheroids offer more biomimetic microenvironments than conventional 2D cell culture technologies, which has proven value for many tissue engineering applications. Despite beneficiary effects of 3D cell culture, clinical translation of spheroid tissue engineering is challenged by limited scalability of current spheroid formation methods. Although recent adoption of droplet microfluidics can provide a continuous production process, use of oils and surfactants, generally low throughput, and requirement of additional biofabrication steps hinder clinical translation of spheroid culture. Here, the use of clean (e.g., oil-free and surfactant-free), ultra-high throughput (e.g., 8.5mL min-1 , 10 000 spheroids s-1 ), single-step, in-air microfluidic biofabrication of spheroid forming compartmentalized hydrogels is reported. This novel technique can reliably produce 1D fibers, 2D planes, and 3D volumescompartmentalized hydrogel constructs, which each allows for distinct (an)isotropic orientation of hollow spheroid-forming compartments. Spheroids produced within ink-jet bioprinted compartmentalized hydrogels outperform 2D cell cultures in terms of chondrogenic behavior. Moreover, the cellular spheroids can be harvested from compartmentalized hydrogels and used to build shape-stable centimeter-sized biomaterial-free living tissues in a bottom-up manner. Consequently, it is anticipated that in-air microfluidic production of spheroid-forming compartmentalized hydrogels can advance production and use of cellular spheroids for various biomedical applications.

Genistein - characterization of the molecule, similarity to estradiol and pharmacological potential

In recent years, the scientific world has become more interested in genistein. It has been the subject of extensive research for its potential in treating various diseases and as a functional food. The medical benefits of genistein are well documented in the literature. Several studies have been performed to better understand the mechanisms of its beneficiary effects on health and to improve its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters. It has been approved for relieving menopausal symptoms and has received attention for its use in the treatment of inflammatory and age-related disorders, cancer, metabolic illnesses, genetic disorders, and skin care. Genistein shows considerable similarity to endogenous estradiol. It is classified in the group known as phytoestrogens which exhibit properties corresponding to estrogen in the human body. The estrogenic activity resulting from the aforementioned similarity in the appearance of genistein and estradiol molecules makes it possible for genistein to act as both an estrogen agonist and antagonist, depending on the number of endogenous hormones present in the environment in which it is found and the type of tissue. The similarity of the chemical structure of genistein and estradiol and interactions occurring between estradiol and genistein and the amino acid binding site of the estrogen receptors were analyzed. Further controlled trials are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of genistein. Future research will focus on enhancing its bioavailability through structural modification and innovative delivery methods and conducting human trials to confirm its biological and pharmacological effects.

Are oral health behaviors associated with metabolic syndrome in the Azar cohort population?

ObjectiveConsidering the rising prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), this study aimed to investigate the relationship between MetS and its components with oral and dental health in the adult population of the Azar cohort.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study oral health care behaviors, DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) index, and demographic data related to 15,006 patients (5112 in the MetS group and 9894 in the healthy group) of the Azar Cohort population aging from 35 to 70 were collected using appropriate questionnaires. The definition of MetS was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. Then, the risk factors of MetS related to oral health behaviors were determined by proper statistical analysis.ResultsThe majority of MetS patients were female (66%) and uneducated (23%) (P < 0.001). In the MetS group, the DMFT index (22.15 ± 8.89) was significantly (p < 0.001) higher (20.81 ± 8.94) than the no MetS group. Not brushing at all was associated with increased odds of MetS (unadjusted OR = 1.12, adjusted OR = 1.18). Flossing less than once a day was associated with increased odds of abdominal obesity (unadjusted OR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.03–1.32) and hyperglycemia (unadjusted OR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.61–2.20).ConclusionsThis study showed that in MetS patients of the Azar cohort study, oral hygiene was worse compared to that in the no MetS group. Further studies are suggested to encourage oral hygiene among the general population which has more beneficiary effects than has been known before.

Beneficiary Effects of Colchicine on Inflammation and Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of Kidney Injury

Introduction: Low-grade inflammation is seen in many chronic illnesses, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). We have recently reported on beneficiary effects of anti-inflammatory treatment in the interleukin (IL-) 1 pathway on anemia as well as CKD extent in a mouse model. Colchicine has been shown to have beneficiary effects in several inflammatory conditions through various mechanisms, including inhibition of tubulin polymerization as well as caspase-1-mediated IL-1 activation. Methods: Kidney injury (KI) was induced by administering an adenine diet to 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice treated with colchicine (Col) (30 µg/kg) or saline injections for 3 weeks, generating 4 groups: C, Ccol, KI, and KIcol. Results: KI animals had an increase in inflammation indices in the blood (neutrophils), liver, and kidneys (uromodulin, IL-6, pSTAT3). Increased kidney tubulin polymerization and caspase-1 in KI, as well as kidney Mid88 and IRAK4 (downstream of IL-1), were inhibited in KIcol. Kidney macrophage and polymorphonuclear infiltration (positive for F4/80 and MPO, respectively), the percentage of fibrotic area, and TGFβ mRNA levels were lower in KIcol versus KI. Conclusions: Colchicine inhibited tubulin polymerization and caspase-1 activation and attenuated kidney inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model of adenine-induced KI. Given its reported safety profile for long-term anti-inflammatory therapy without increasing infection tendency, it may serve as novel therapeutic approach in CKD.

Phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Plectocephalus varians (A. Rich.) C. Jeffrey ex Cufod root extracts

Plants have been used to treat diverse types of diseases in different cultural groups around the globe. In this regard, the root of Plectocephalus varians (P. varians) is claimed to have a beneficiary effect in treating cancer and hemorrhoids in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed at the phytochemical investigation, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of n-hexane, acetone, and methanolic extracts of P. varians root. The different crude extracts of P. varians were obtained through maceration technique. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of the extracts were estimated using Folin-Ciocalteu Reagent (FCR) and aluminum chloride colorimetric assays, respectively. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The antibacterial activities of the extracts were assessed by using disc diffusion method. The results echoed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, tannins, anthraquinones, terpenoids, polyphenols, and glycosides in the root of P. varians. The methanolic root extract (MRE) had the highest TPC (107.18 mg GAE/g) and TFC (120.194 mg QE/g) followed by acetone root extract (ARE) (TPC = 98.68 mg GAE/g; TFC = 64.038 mg QE/g) and n-hexane root extract (HRE) (TPC = 12.39 mg GAE/g; TFC = 9.917 mg QE/g). The DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays demonstrated the antioxidant effects of HRE (IC50 = 681.75 ppm; EC50 = 60.65 ppm), ARE (IC50 = 165.73 ppm; EC50 = 51.67 ppm) and MRE (IC50 = 132.06 ppm; EC50 = 30.97 ppm) of P. varians. Furthermore, the root fractions elicited pronounced dose-dependent growth inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococci pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae with mean zone of inhibition (MZI) ranging from 11 ± 0.38 to 20 ± 0.04 mm at 800 ppm. Overall, the present study provides ethnopharmacological evidence suggesting the medicinal importance of P. varians. The results also call for further bioassay-guided phytochemical screening and in vitro and/or in vivo bioactivity testing.

Pharmacological screening of glibenclamide solid dispersion in fructose-fed diabetic rats

Abstract Objectives In this study, our main objective was to estimate the therapeutic effectiveness of the formulated solid dispersion of glibenclamide (GSD) with improved dissolution profiles in comparison with pure glibenclamide (GLB) by means of a fructose-fed diabetic rat model. Methods To evaluate the pharmacological effectiveness of the formulated GSD, a fructose-fed diabetic rat model evolved and the obtained consequences were compared with the conventional GLB treatment. Key findings GSD exhibited improved glucose and lipid-lowering efficacy of GSD in contrast to pure GLB after 15 days of treatment. Low dose (0.5 mg/kg) and high dose (5 mg/kg) of GSD showed significant lowering of blood glucose which is 6 ± 0.2 mmol/L and 5.6 ± 0.3 mmol/L respectively after 15 days of treatment is much better than that of pure GLB (6.2 ± 0.4 mmol/L). Furthermore, low dose of GSD presented approximately comparable beneficiary effects in regard to triglycerides (72.00 ± 7.23 mg/dL), total cholesterol (110.33 ± 5.78 mg/dL), low-density lipoprotein (67.60 ± 5.21 mg/dL) and high-density lipoprotein (28.33 ± 1.53 mg/dL) as pure GLB after 15 days. Additionally, histological studies as well confirmed no fatty infiltration from the liver by GSD as compared with GLB which was consistent with the biochemical parameters. Conclusions For treating diabetes and hyperlipidaemia, the formulated GSD might be a potential substitute for traditional GLB.