Anti-gouty arthritis and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin nanoparticles in monosodium urate crystals induced Balb/C mice.

Gout is a metabolic condition characterized by the accumulation of urate crystals in the synovial joints. These crystal depositions result in joint swelling and increased concentration of serum uric acid in blood. The commercially available drugs lower serum uric acid levels and reduce inflammation, but these standard therapies have many side effects. This study aimed to investigate anti-gout and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin nanoparticles (CNPs). For this purpose, CNPs were prepared by dissolving curcumin into dichloromethane. Then, gout was induced by injecting monosodium urate crystals (MSU) in the ankle joint and in the intra-peritoneal cavity which caused ankle swelling and increased blood uric acid levels. CNPs in different concentrations (5, 10, and 20 ppm) and allopurinol were orally administered. The MSU crystals increased the xanthine oxidase levels both in serum and the liver. Moreover, MSU crystals increased the serum levels of interleukin 1ß, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, liver function tests markers, renal function tests markers, and lipid profiles. However, the administration of CNPs decreased the levels of all these variables. CNPs increased the serum high-density lipoprotein and interleukin-10 levels. Moreover, CNPs also reduced ankle swelling significantly. Hence, the levels of xanthine oxidase, uric acid and ankle swelling were reduced significantly by oral administration of CNPs. Our findings indicate that CNPs through their anti-inflammatory properties significantly alleviate gouty arthritis. Thus, the study concluded that CNPs can be developed as an efficient anti-gout agent with minimal side effects.

Therapeutic Potential of Selenium Nanoparticles on Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Female Wistar Rats.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is considered the most frequent gynecological endocrine disorder that causes anovulatory infertility. The current study aimed to investigate the potential significance of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), an IL-1 inhibitor, in the treatment of letrozole-induced PCOS in rats that satisfied the metabolic and endocrine parameters found in PCOS patients. Letrozole (2 ppm, per orally, p.o.) was given orally to female Wistar rats for 21 days to develop PCOS. After PCOS induction, rats were given SeNPs (25 ppm/day, p.o.), SeNPs (50 ppm/day, p.o.), or metformin (2 ppm/day, p.o.) for 14 days. PCOS was associated with an increase in body weight, ovarian weight, ovarian size, and cysts, as well as an increase in blood testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and insulin, glycaemia, and lipid profile levels. The SeNP administration decreased all of these variables. Furthermore, SeNPs significantly reduced letrozole-induced oxidative stress in the ovaries, muscles, and liver by decreasing elevated levels of malondialdehyde and total nitrite while raising suppressed levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase. SeNPs increased the amounts of the protective proteins Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and OH-1. It was depicted from the study that SeNPs reduce the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines that are interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and the interleukin 1 (IL-1). Our findings show that SeNPs, through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, alleviate letrozole-induced PCOS.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among chefs working in restaurants of twins cities of Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: In the recent era, musculoskeletal disorders have affected millions of people worldwide. Chefs and other workers of the catering industry are at high risk of physical stresses, which makes them susceptible to develop various musculoskeletal pains and disorders. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to examine the frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms among chefs working in restaurants of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 307 chef participants from the restaurants of the twin cities. The participants were included via convenient sampling and data was collected through Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) from February to July 2021. RESULTS: Out of 307 participants, 285 were males and 22 were females with a mean age of 32.87±7.03 years. The working duration of 192 chefs were 9-12 hours while 106 and 9 chefs worked only for 4-8 and more than 12 hours, respectively. A total of 101 chefs reported lower back and knee pain. The chefs presented with pain in the shoulders, upper back and ankle as well as feet areas were 98, 93 and 26 respectively. CONCLUSION: Chefs can develop musculoskeletal symptoms including pain as a result of increased physical stress on their bodies during their work, specifically in the lower back and knee area.

The Therapeutic Potential of the Medicinal Plant Justicia Adhatoda and its Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities: A Comparative Study.

Context: Screening ethnobotanical plants is a pre-requisite to evaluating their therapeutic potential and can lead to the isolation of new bioactive compounds. Objective: To determine the antibacterial and antifungal therapeutic potential of Justicia adhatoda. Design: The research team conducted an antimicrobial activity. Setting: The study was conducted in a bioscience lab at International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Intervention: Methanolic, ethanolic, and ethyl acetate crude extracts of Justicia adhatoda were prepared at concentrations of 1000, 500, and 100 µg/ml. Outcome measures: The crude extracts were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli and for in vitro antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Fusarium oxysporum, indicating different zones of inhibition. Results: The highest antibacterial activity was recorded in Justicia adhatoda-methanolic extract (16.33 ± 0.57 mm) and Justicia adhatoda-ethanolic extract (17 ± 1 mm) against Escherichia coli at 1000 µg/ml. Justicia adhatoda-ethyl acetate extract (13 ± 1 mm) showed a significant result as a zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus at 1000 µg/ml. In the fungal strain culture, the highest antifungal activity was recorded in Justicia adhatoda-methanolic extract (15.66 ± 0.57 mm), Justicia adhatoda-ethanolic extract (14 ± 1 mm), and Justicia adhatoda-ethyl acetate extract (14.33 ± 1.15 mm) against the Aspergillus niger at 1000 µg/ml. Conclusion: The antimicrobial activities may be due to the strong occurrence of active compounds, i.e., saponins, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, phenols, and flavonoids. It has been concluded that Justicia adhatoda extracts are suitable candidates for the development of novel antibacterial compounds.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity and Histopathological Changes Occurred by the Oral Ingestion of CuO Nanoparticles in Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Hyperuricemic BALB/c Mice.

Nanotechnology is an intensive branch of science due to the unique features of nano range particles (1-100 nm). Their nano size results in a high surface area of absorption when orally administered. Monosodium urate crystal excessive deposition causes a commonly known inflammatory disease called gout into the synovial joints. Previously it has been observed that copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) had a significant effect in reducing the serum uric acid levels in BALB/c mice as well as reducing the inflammation in the ankles of mice. This study was made to investigate the antioxidant and histopathological changes in hyperuricemic BALB/c mice upon the oral administration of copper oxide nanoparticles. Different concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles 5, 10, and 20 ppm were given orally to gouty mice. To investigate the antioxidant activity of CuONPs, various antioxidant protocols were applied. It was noted that the nanoparticle-treated group of 20 ppm showed no significant changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and ROS values while the protein estimation values of the negative control group exhibited a significant increase (0.001). When compared to negative control, no significant effect was shown on the interpretation of histopathological changes of muscles, kidney, and liver tissues.

In Vivo Effects of Orally Administered Different Concentrations of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles in Hyperuricemic Mice.

Silver oxide nanoparticles (AgO-NPs) antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and tissue repair properties. Gouty arthritis is the inflammation of tissues and joints caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals. In this experiment, we investigated the anti-hyperuricemic effectiveness of different concentrations of AgO-NPs in mice. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of administration of AgO-NPs in monosodium urate (MSU)-induced gouty mice for the very first time. Monosodium urate (MSU) crystals were administered intraperitoneal for gout induction, followed by 5, 10, and 20 µg/mL doses of AgO-NPs for 2 weeks. The positive control was provided with the commercially available drug allopurinol to compare the effects of AgO-NPs and allopurinol. The main purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the nanoparticles in comparison with commercially available drugs. AgO-NPs have been shown to improve the condition of gouty arthritis by reducing significantly (P ˂ 0.001) increased levels of ALT, AST, and total bilirubin. The total protein estimation results showed significant improvement at concentration of 20 µg/mL of AgO-NPs. The lipid profile results showed that high concentration (20 µg/mL) of AgO-NPs decrease the lipid content significantly as compared to control. It was concluded from this study that the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antilipidemic properties of AgO-NPs may improve the hyperuricemic condition in gouty arthritis mice.

Anti-Hyperuricemic Effect of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles against Monosodium Urate Crystals Induced Gouty Arthritis in BALB/c Mice.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO-NPs) exhibit exceptional properties which can be utilized in various aspects of biological sciences. In this experiment we investigated the anti-gout effectiveness of FeO-NPs in mice. BALB/c mice were induced gouty arthritis by administering monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. These gout induced mice were treated with three different concentrations of FeO-NPs (5 ppm, 10 ppm and 20 ppm). Precipitation method was utilized for the synthesis of FeO-NPs, these synthesized NPs were of average 54 nm in size and were characterized using XRD, SEM and EDS. FeO-NPs is given orally three weeks by using FeO-NPs solution to substitute drinking water. Blood biochemical parameters including liver function tests (LFTs), renal function tests (RFTs), lipid profile and blood count have been tested. It has been found that uric acid, blood urea and creatinine have decreased significantly after three weeks of FeO-NP administration (P Value < 0.001) thus suppressing hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis. Additionally, the liver enzymes analysis showed a slight increase in AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase levels (P Value < 0.001). Histopathological research revealed no significant abnormal changes in the liver, muscle and kidney muscles of the test groups. The findings showed that FeO-NPs can be used for the successful treatment of hyperuricemic condition and gouty arthritis in the coming future in place of commercially available medicines.

Assessment of antibacterial and antifungal potential of Curcuma longa and synthesized nanoparticles: A comparative study.

Curcumin nanoparticles were most recently considered in medical research because of their antibacterial properties. The main objective of the study was to develop the green synthesis and antibacterial activity of curcumin nanoparticles using Curcuma longa. The processing of curcumin nanoparticles was carried out after the collection, identification, and extraction of curcumin. The effect of a sample on the synthesis of nanoparticles, such as curcumin aqueous concentrations (5, 10, and 20 mg/ml) and curcumin nanoparticles (5, 10, and 20 mg/ml), and the antibacterial effect of these nanoparticles on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the fungal strain Aspergillus niger. For examining antibacterial and anti-fungal activity disc diffusion method was performed, followed by the zone of inhibition. According to X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analysis, nanoparticles have spherical shapes and size of 42.64 nm. Results showed that a high dose of 20 mg/ml curcumin nanoparticles have more antibacterial activity than curcumin extracts in E. coli as it showed the largest diameter of zone of inhibition as compared to other doses. Other bacterial and fungal strains also showed significant results but E. coli was most prominent. The biosynthesis of curcumin nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of C. longa is a clean, inexpensive, and safe method that has not been used any toxic substance and consequently does not have side effects. Since several pathogenic species have acquired antibiotic resistance, the combination of curcumin with various nanoparticles would be beneficial in the cure of pathogenic diseases.

Effect of Endoxylanase and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Performance and Histopathological Features in Broilers.

Endoxylanase enzyme is used as poultry feed additive to degrade anti-nutritional factors like non-starch polysaccharides. Moreover, iron is one of the most important trace elements, and its deficiency can lead to various pathological conditions and stunted growth. In the current study, a combination of xylanase and iron nanoparticles is used to assess the overall effect on poultry growth. Endoxylanase enzyme was obtained from Aspergillus awamori SAIB-17 (identified on the basis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis). The characterization of purified endoxylanase revealed that the Km and Vmax were 0.25 g/ml and 833.33 nkat/ml/s, respectively. Effect of pH and temperature showed that pH 4.5 and temperature 45 °C was best for enzyme activity. Iron nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation of ferric chloride and ferrous chloride. Characterization of nanoparticles using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM revealed that the mean diameter of synthesized iron nanoparticles was around 50 nm. These nanoparticles have no inhibitory effect on endoxylanase up to concentration of 20 ppm. Iron oxide nanoparticles along with endoxylanase were used as additives in different concentrations and were fed to the groups of broiler chicks. It was observed that the group fed with 40 nkat of endoxylanase and 15 ppm of iron nanoparticles showed 54.5% (2010 ± 103.58) more weight gain by the fifth week as compared with the control group. The iron analysis in the muscles showed no increase in iron concentration while histopathology slides showed no morphological changes in liver cells. The combination of iron oxide nanoparticles and xylanase proved to have great potential to be used in poultry feed for large-scale meat production without any toxicological effects.

Inhibition of Hyperuricemia and Gouty Arthritis in BALB/c Mice Using Copper Oxide Nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles are known for their unique properties and are being utilized in various disciplines of sciences. Their nanosize enables them to higher exposure and higher availability when given orally. Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition into the joints. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of copper oxide nanoparticles on hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis in mice. In this research, synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles of size ranging from 30 to 50 nm were administered orally to mice having gouty arthritis and hyperuricemia. Various biochemical markers were conducted to determine the effects of copper oxide nanoparticles. It was observed that the mice treated with CuO NPs at various concentrations showed a significant (0.001) decrease in the serum uric acid levels in comparison with the negative control. Furthermore, creatinine levels were also normal in comparison with the control mice. Measurement of synovial joints also revealed that mice administered with CuO NPs had reduced inflammation of synovial joints in comparison with the negative control. From this research, it was concluded that copper oxide nanoparticles have potential in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis by decreasing serum uric acid and inflammation in synovial joints.

Antioxidant and anti-gout effects of orally administered zinc oxide nanoparticles in gouty mice.

BACKGROUND: Zinc is an essential trace element which is involved in controlling oxidative stress, growth and immune system by regulating inflammatory cytokines. Gouty arthritis is the inflammation of joints and tissues caused by the accumulation of monosodium urate crystals. METHOD AND OBJECTIVE: This study involved the oral administration of zinc oxide nanoparticles at a various concentration (5 ppm, 10 ppm, and 20 ppm) and study their antioxidant and anti-gout effects on Balb/C mice. Various parameters such as ROS, superoxide, peroxide, catalase, TBARS, RFTs, LFTs, lipid profile and blood count were studied. RESULTS: ZnO nanoparticles at the concentrations of 10 and 20 ppm were significant (P < 0.001) in reducing serum uric acid concentration thus treating gouty arthritis. Reactive oxygen species and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly increased in comparison to zinc oxide nanoparticles treated groups. Furthermore, blood count and LFTs also showed the effectiveness of zinc oxide in the reduction of hyperuricemia. Histopathological analysis showed no apparent changes in liver, kidney and muscles tissues. CONCLUSION: Zinc oxide nanoparticles can be effective in reducing oxidative stress and the treatment of gouty arthritis.

Evaluation of Turmeric Nanoparticles as Anti-Gout Agent: Modernization of a Traditional Drug.

Background and objectives: Turmeric has assisted in the control of inflammation and pain for decades and has been used in combination with other nutraceuticals to treat acute and chronic osteoarthritis pain. Recently, the effect of turmeric, turmeric extract, or curcuminoids on musculoskeletal pain, either by themselves or in conjunction with other substances, has been reported. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize turmeric nanoparticles (T-NPs) for various parameters, both in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods: The T-NPs were successfully synthesized and characterized using particle size analysis, solubility improvement, SEM, EDX, X-ray diffraction, and in vivo antigout activity in mice model. Results: The T-NPs were of about 46 nm in size with a positive zeta potential +29.55 ± 3.44 and low polydispersity index (PDI) (0.264). Furthermore, the diseased mice, with induced gout via monosodium urate crystals, were treated with 5, 10, and 20 ppm T-NPs, administered orally, and the anti-gout potential was observed through measurement of joint diameter and changes in biochemical parameters, including lipid profile, renal function test, and liver function tests which significantly reduced the levels of these biochemical parameters. Conclusions: Uric acid levels were significantly reduced after the treatment with T-NPs. indicating that T-NPs show superior potential against gout management. Thus, T-NPs can be developed as an efficient antigout agent with minimum toxicities.

Physiotherapy and pharmacy students perception of educational environment in a medical university from Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the perceptions of the educational environment between physiotherapy and pharmacy students in a public-sector medical university. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Nawabshah, Pakistan, and comprised undergraduate physiotherapy and pharmacy students. The Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure questionnaire was used to assess the perceptions of students about their educational environment. Global and subscale scores were computed and compared between the respondents. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 300 questionnaires, 281(93.66%) were returned duly filled in. The overall mean global score was 127.2±16.0. For physiotherapy students, the mean global score was 124.9±14.0 while it was 131.7±18.9 for pharmacy students (p=0.16). The domain scores were comparable for both specialties (p>0.05). There was no significance difference in the global and domain scores for preclinical and clinical years in the students (p>0.05). However, in the physiotherapy students, the global and domain scores for Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure were significantly lower in clinical than preclinical students (p<0.05) except for students' social self-perception (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Students were overall positive about their educational environment.

The effect of deep cross friction massage on spasticity of children with cerebral palsy: A double-blind randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the effect of deep cross-friction massage on spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: This double-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted at the National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Islamabad, Pakistan, from January to July 2013, and comprised paediatric patients with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. The participants were equally divided into control and treatment groups by a staff member unaware of the treatment (allocation ratio 1:1). The control group received routine physiotherapy, while the experimental group was additionally given deep cross-friction massage for 30 minutes, 5 times a week lasting 6 weeks. The outcome was measured using Modified Ashworth Scale and functional level scale before the treatment and 6 weeks later. Baseline information and characteristics of the patients were also recorded. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients, there were 30(50%) in each group. The control group consisted of 14(46.7%) males and 16(53.3%) females compared to 16(53.3%) males and 14(46.7%) females in the experimental group (p=0.72). The overall mean age was 6.03±1.73 years. All patients (100%) were followed up for a period of 6 weeks and there was not a significant (p=0.26) improvement in experimental group compared to control group evident on Modified Ashworth Scale. The experimental group, however, had significant improvement after 6 weeks compared to the baseline values (p<0.001). However, functional level did not improve (p=0.55) by the end of study. CONCLUSIONS: Deep cross-friction massage is an efficacious treatment option for the management of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.

Study of Human Biochemical Parameters During and After Ramadan.

Ramadan fasting is obligatory for Muslims each year. They abstain from drinking, eating and intimate relationship between dawn and dusk during this month. Dietary restriction during Ramadan has various biochemical and physiological effects. It is shown to decrease the body weight, glucose and lipid profile. This study aims to analyze the changes in body weight, glucose and lipid profile during Ramadan in physiotherapy students in Pakistan. The study was conducted during June-July 2013 (Hijri year 1434). There were 80 students (50 males and 30 females) recruited in the experiment. They all were healthy adults between the age group of 18-24 (mean age 20.5) years. All subjects underwent a general physical examination and interview, and non-healthy subjects were excluded. On statistical analysis, quantitative data were expressed in terms of mean ± SD and a p value of ≤0.05 was believed statically significant. Paired t test was used to compare the variables. There was a little reduction in body weight (62.7 ± 8.8 vs. 62.3 ± 9.0; p value = 0.009) but a significant decline in glucose level (72.6 ± 12.5 vs. 57.9 ± 10.7; p value = 0.000), low-density lipoprotein level (2.9 ± 0.3 vs. 2.5 ± 0.3; p value = 0.000), total cholesterol (4.6 ± 0.4 vs. 4.2 ± 0.5; p value = 0.000) and triglycerides (1.4 ± 0.5 vs. 1.2 ± 0.5; p value = 0.000) was observed. Moreover, there was some reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (1.2 ± 0.3 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3; p value = 0.045). This study shows that Ramadan fasting, a religious obligation for purification of body and soul, resulted in reduced body weight and a positive effect on glucose level and lipid profile.