Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of a methanolic extract of Debregeasia salicifolia in Alloxan-induced diabetic albino mice

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM), an endocrine syndrome characterized by high blood glucose levels due to abrogated insulin activity. The existing treatments for DM have side effects and varying degrees of efficacy. Therefore, it is paramount that novel approaches be developed to enhance the management of DM. Therapeutic plants have been accredited as having comparatively high efficacy with fewer adverse effects. The current study aims to elucidate the phytochemical profile, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-diabetic effects of methanolic extract D. salicifolia (leaves) in Alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Alloxan was injected intraperitoneally (150 mg kg-1, b.w), to induced diabetes in mice. The mice were divided into three groups (n=10). Group 1 (normal control) received normal food and purified water, Group II (diabetic control) received regular feed and clean water and group III (diabetic treated) received a methanolic extract of the plant (300 mg kg-1) for 28 days with a typical diet and clean water throughout the experiment. Blood samples were collected to checked serum glucose and concentration of LDL, TC, TG. The extract demonstrated significant antihyperglycemic activity (P 0.05), whereas improvements in mice's body weight and lipid profiles were observed after treatment with the extract. This study establishes that the extract has high efficacy with comparatively less toxicity that can be used for DM management.

Resumo Diabetes mellitus (DM) é uma síndrome endócrina caracterizada por níveis elevados de glicose no sangue devido à atividade anulada da insulina. Os tratamentos existentes para o DM têm efeitos colaterais e vários graus de eficácia. Portanto, é fundamental que novas abordagens sejam desenvolvidas para aprimorar o manejo do DM. As plantas terapêuticas foram acreditadas como tendo eficácia comparativamente alta com menos efeitos adversos. O presente estudo visa elucidar o perfil fitoquímico, efeitos anti-hiperlipidêmicos e antidiabéticos do extrato metanólico de D. salicifolia (folhas) em camundongos diabéticos induzidos por aloxana. Alloxan foi injetado por via intraperitoneal (150 mg kg-1, b.w), para induzir diabetes em camundongos. Os camundongos foram divididos em três grupos (n = 10). Grupo 1 (controle normal) recebeu ração normal e água purificada, Grupo II (controle diabético) recebeu ração regular e água limpa, e o grupo III (tratamento diabético) recebeu extrato metanólico da planta (300 mg kg-1) por 28 dias com uma dieta típica e água limpa durante todo o experimento. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para verificar a glicose sérica e a concentração de LDL, TC, TG. O extrato demonstrou atividade anti-hiperglicêmica significativa (P 0,05), enquanto melhorias no peso corporal e no perfil lipídico dos camundongos foram observadas após o tratamento com o extrato. Este estudo estabelece que o extrato tem alta eficácia com comparativamente menos toxicidade e pode ser usado para o controle do DM.

Assessments of some trace metals in water samples of nursery pond of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella, Valenciennes, 1844) in Bannu Fish Hatchery of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract The present investigation was aimed to examine the concentrations of trace metals including e.g copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in water samples collected from nursery pond of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in Bannu Hatchery of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period from April 2018 to January 2019. The temperature and pH of each water sample were measured for the whole study duration. The concentration of Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn) in collected water samples were measured in mg/liter by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The blank and standard solutions for device calibration Standard solutions i.e., 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, and 6.0 were used to measure the concentration of these metals in water samples to verify the measurements. The data was statistically analyzed on descriptive statistics (estimation of proportions and standard deviation) used to summarize mean concentration. The results obtained of both temperature and pH of water samples were found in ranged 10 to 36 0C and 7.0 to 8.44; whereas the size of fry stages was ranged from 4.0 to 56.0 mm in total length. The results of investigated metals found in pond water samples are in order of Zn>Mn>Ni>Cu, respectively. As optimum temperature and pH for grass carp were mostly between 15 0C and 30 0C and pH 6.5 to 8.0. It was concluded from obtained results that temperature, pH, and trace metals were found appropriate for the growth of Ctenopharyngodon idella from fry to fingerling stages, but the highest amount of zinc can cause its mortality. It is a preliminary study on grass carp culturing in Bannu fish hatchery so, it would provide useful information for model fish seed production unit in a hatchery.

Resumo A presente investigação teve como objetivo examinar as concentrações de metais traço, incluindo cobre (Cu), manganês (Mn), níquel (Ni) e zinco (Zn) em amostras de água coletadas de viveiro de carpa-capim (Ctenopharyngodon idella) em Incubatório de Bannu de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa durante o período de abril de 2018 a janeiro de 2019. A temperatura e o pH de cada amostra de água foram medidos durante todo o período do estudo. A concentração de cobre (Cu), manganês (Mn), níquel (Ni) e zinco (Zn) nas amostras de água coletadas foi medida em mg / litro usando espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica. As soluções em branco e padrão para as soluções padrão de calibração do dispositivo, ou seja, 2,0 mg, 4,0 mg e 6,0, foram usadas para medir a concentração desses metais em amostras de água para verificar as medições. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente em estatística descritiva (estimativa de proporções e desvio padrão) usada para resumir a concentração média. Os resultados obtidos tanto de temperatura quanto de pH das amostras de água variaram de 10 a 36 0C e 7,0 a 8,44, enquanto o tamanho dos estágios de alevinos variou de 4,0 a 56,0 mm no comprimento total. Os resultados dos metais investigados encontrados em amostras de água de lagoas são da ordem de Zn > Mn > Ni > Cu, respectivamente. A temperatura e o pH ótimos para a carpa-capim foram principalmente entre 15 0C e 30 0C e pH 6,5 a 8,0. Concluiu-se, a partir dos resultados obtidos, que temperatura, pH e traços de metais foram considerados adequados para o crescimento de Ctenopharyngodon idella desde os estágios de alevinos até alevinos, mas a maior quantidade de zinco pode causar sua mortalidade. É um estudo preliminar sobre a cultura da carpa-capim em incubatório de peixes Bannu, portanto forneceria informações úteis para modelo de unidade de produção de sementes de peixes em um incubatório.

Characterization of the variable lymphocyte receptor B genes of a freshwater nonparasitic lamprey species, Lampetra hubbsi.

Agnathans possess a convergent adaptive immune system in comparison to that of jawed vertebrates. In lieu of immunoglobulins, agnathans deploy variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs), single chain protein effector molecules consisting of leucine rich repeat modules. Foundational work for this discovery utilized the parasitic sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus. However, for several reasons, it is desirable to employ a local species for further studies of lamprey immunity. A disjunct freshwater species from the Kings River of California, Lampetra hubbsi, was evaluated for this purpose. Validation that its adaptive immune system was analogous to that of P. marinus entailed detailed examination of its immune tissue organization and of its VLRB cDNA transcripts. The VLRB molecules showed high degrees of homology with P. marinus VLRB. Furthermore, hemato-lymphopoietic tissue expression of VLRB protein was confirmed. We conclude that L. hubbsi should be a viable alternative for studying the lamprey adaptive immune system and for generation of monoclonal antibodies.

Afebrile seizures and electrocardiography abnormality: an unusual presentation of nutritional rickets.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional rickets is not uncommon in the western world and has been reported widely. Occasionally, children have presented to paediatrics with afebrile seizures secondary to hypocalcaemia due to hypovitaminosis D. However, association of nutritional rickets with electrocardiography changes and prolonged QT interval is not well documented. It is a rare, potentially serious and yet easy-to-treat complication as shown in our case. Our case also highlights the importance of awareness and education of both parents and clinicians regarding this relatively common but easily treatable condition. CLINICAL CASE: We report a case of undiagnosed nutritional rickets presenting as 'Afebrile' seizure in a seven-month-old Somali girl. Her initial blood work-up showed low ionised calcium (0.8 mmol/l) on blood gas sampling, confirmed by laboratory result (adjusted 1.49 mmol/l). She had prolonged QTc on electrocardiography which reverted to normal with treatment. She was treated with intravenous as well as oral calcium after which she had no further seizures. We present a unique case of nutritional rickets-associated hypocalcaemia. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the resurgence of nutritional rickets in western societies. We need to keep this disease in our list of diagnoses as it is a potentially serious and yet easily treatable disease. We should be more vigilant for screening ethnic minorities as alarmingly high rates of hypovitaminosis D have been found in ethnic minorities living in Great Britain.

Rare presentation of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the role of the radiograph in initial diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Polyarticular disease affects one-third of all juvenile idiopathic arthritides. It affects girls twice as much as boys. It usually involves peripheral joints throughout the course of disease. It is unusual for cervical spine involvement to be the presenting symptoms of RF negative polyarthritis. CLINICAL CASE: This is the case of RF-negative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis that was reported with six-week history of neck pain, torticollis and left knee effusion. The case was sent to the radiology department from primary care. Despite the fact that the symptoms occurred quite recently, on initial radiograph significant cervical spine inflammation and damage were revealed. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of early recognition of neck involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis as well as significance of close liaison between radiology and paediatric rheumatology. It also highlights the possible role of cervical spine imaging in all children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Seroprevalence of pediatric malaria in quetta, balochistan, pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is one of the most devastating protozoal diseases in under developing countries like Pakistan where health facilities are scarce. It is the second most frequently reported disease with 4.5 million suspected cases in Pakistan. The current study was designed to determine the incidence of pediatric malaria in Quetta, Balochistan. METHODS: The study was conducted at Children Hospital Quetta (CHQ) during July 2011march 2012. Blood samples were collected from 3418 clinically suspected and were evaluated using thin and thick blood films stained with Giemsa stain. RESULTS: Out of 3418 total of 230 (6.72%) children were found positive for any of the malarial parasitic infestation. Plasmodium vivax was observed to be more common 54.34% (n= 125/230) than P. falciparum 44.78% (n = 103/230). Male children were 65.21% (150/230) i.e. two times more commonly affected than female 34.78% (80/230) children. The prevalence among age groups was 7.41% (n = 89/1200) in preschool-aged children aged 1-5 years, 7.11% (n = 75/1054) in school-aged children aged 6-10 years while 6.78% (n = 46/678) in 11-15 years-old children, and 6.66% (n = 20/300) in >15 year-olds children. Peak prevalence was noted in summer and mild in winter. Mixed infection of (0.86%: 2/230) P. vivax and P. falciparum was also observed in two cases although no case of P. malariae or P. ovale infection was seen during entire study. CONCLUSION: The results reflect the higher prevalence of malaria in Quetta, Pakistan that poses a significant health threat and requires urgent attention of high-ups to launch programme to control the disease in the area.

A comparison of cytological and histopathological findings and role of immunostains in the diagnosis of soft tissue tumors.

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been employed as a useful technique for the initial diagnosis of soft tissue tumors (STT) as well for the identification of recurrent and metastatic cases. AIM: We conducted this study on soft tissue tumors to find the efficacy of FNAC and to finalize the histological diagnosis with immunostains. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 126 patients of soft tissue tumors. FNAC and histopathology was performed in all the cases. RESULTS: Hundred and five cases (83.3%) were diagnosed as benign and 21 cases (16.7%) as malignant. On FNAC, tumors were divided into six cytomorphological categories i.e. lipomatous, spindle cell, round cell, myxoid, pleomorphic and vascular tumors. Seventeen cases were inconclusive on cytology. In five cases, the type of malignancy was changed on histological examination. There were three false positive and two false negative cases giving a positive predictive value of 97.2 % in terms of malignancy, a sensitivity of 98.1% and a specificity of 96.7%. CONCLUSIONS: FNAC has a definite role in forming the initial diagnosis of STT, while histopathology with the aid of immunomarkers provides the final diagnosis.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles selectively induce apoptosis in human cancer cells through reactive oxygen species.

BACKGROUND: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have received much attention for their implications in cancer therapy. It has been reported that ZnO NPs induce selective killing of cancer cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms behind the anticancer response of ZnO NPs remain unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated the cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs against three types of cancer cells (human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2, human lung adenocarcinoma A549, and human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B) and two primary rat cells (astrocytes and hepatocytes). Results showed that ZnO NPs exert distinct effects on mammalian cell viability via killing of all three types of cancer cells while posing no impact on normal rat astrocytes and hepatocytes. The toxicity mechanisms of ZnO NPs were further investigated using human liver cancer HepG2 cells. Both the mRNA and protein levels of tumor suppressor gene p53 and apoptotic gene bax were upregulated while the antiapoptotic gene bcl-2 was downregulated in ZnO NP-treated HepG2 cells. ZnO NPs were also found to induce activity of caspase-3 enzyme, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species generation, and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION: Overall, our data demonstrated that ZnO NPs selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells, which is likely to be mediated by reactive oxygen species via p53 pathway, through which most of the anticancer drugs trigger apoptosis. This study provides preliminary guidance for the development of liver cancer therapy using ZnO NPs.

Role of cytologic grading in prognostication of invasive breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of cytologic features is indispensable in the preoperative diagnosis and grading of infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma (CA) in fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) material and this method can also provide additional information regarding intrinsic features of the tumor as well as its prognosis. AIM: This study has been done to evaluate comparatively the cytologic and histomorphologic grading of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast with specific reference to lymph node metastasis and its role in prognostication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty three patients who underwent FNAC and mastectomy for infiltrating ductal carcinoma were cytologically and histologically graded (employing Robinson's cytologic grading system and Elston's modification of Bloom-Richardson system, respectively). Statistical analysis was done employing 'z' test and χ(2) test to compare the two grading system and to examine the degree of correlation between the cytologic and histologic grades. Multiple regression analysis was done to assess the significance of every cytologic and histologic parameter. All 43 cases, graded cyto-histologically were also evaluated for presence or absence of metastasis to the regional lymph nodes employing χ(2) test. RESULTS: With histologic grade taken as the standard, cytology was found to be fairly comparable, for grading breast carcinoma (overall sensitivity 89.1%, specificity 100%). Further comparison of the two grading systems by Z-test showed that difference between the cytologic and histologic grading was insignificant in all the three grade (P > 0.05). Of the six parameters studied, cell dissociation, nucleoli and chromatin pattern were the most influential features (P < 0.001). The statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was found in incidences of axillary lymph node metastatic rate in three cytologic grades (15.4% in grade I vs. 83.3% in grade III) as well. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from being simple and noninvasive, cytologic grading is comparable to histologic grading and might provide relevant information on the aggressiveness of invasive ductal carcinoma of breast and could be a useful parameter to take into consideration when selecting mode of therapy and to predict tumor behavior.

Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes: The Diabetologists' Perspective.

Diabetes mellitus is a multisystem disorder characterized by abnormalities in glucose, fat, and protein metabolism. The long-term microvascular complications of diabetes such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy are the same in both forms of the disease. In both types of the disease, diabetes education, frequent monitoring of blood glucose, and regular screening to detect and treat complications at an early stage are an integral part of diabetes management. Patients have to emotionally accept the diagnosis of diabetes and also face the fact that they may already have potentially debilitating complications. Lack of compliance by patients may be a sign of frustration; it signals that goals of treatment and the approach to therapy should be reevaluated. This evaluation should include attention to possible social and psychological issues that may not be immediately apparent. These issues include fear of diabetes and its complications, stress with family or in the workplace and underlying psychiatric conditions. Conversely, both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can be very stressful. The relationship between stress and blood glucose control is further complicated by the fact that patients under psychological stress often change their behavior in ways that impact on glucose control. Despite the tremendous progress already made in our understanding of pathophysiology of diabetes and treatment of hyperglycemia, one thing remains unchanged. Life with diabetes continues to be a significant effort and often an overwhelming burden. The disease is complicated, treatments can be complex and prescriptions for patient regimens are often confusing. Diabetes treatment is dependent to a large extent on the individual's ability to practice adequate daily self care, a skill that requires critical support by the health care team. A multidisciplinary approach that includes professionals experienced in psychosocial problems is invaluable in helping these patients.