Uveal effusion syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: This case report is applicable to the field of ophthalmology because there is a paucity of medical literature related to the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of uveal effusion syndrome. This is an urgent concern because there are severe complications associated with this disease, including non-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, angle closure glaucoma, and possible blindness. This report will fill clinical knowledge gaps using a patient example. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old white male with multiple cardiovascular risk factors initially presented to the Eye Institute Urgent Care Clinic with new onset visual symptoms, including eye pain, eye lid swelling, redness, and tearing of his left eye. He had experienced a foreign body sensation in the left eye and bilateral floaters weeks prior to his presentation. The patient was examined, and vision was 20/30 in both eyes, and intraocular pressure was 46 in the right eye and 36 in the left eye. After initial assessment, including compression gonioscopy, intermittent angle closure glaucoma was suspected. He received oral diamox 500 mg, one drop of alphagan in both eyes, one drop of latanoprost in both eyes, one drop of dorzolamide in both eyes, and one drop of 2% pilocarpine in both eyes. There was only slight response in intraocular pressure. Owing to the bilateral angle closure, he underwent laser peripheral iridotomy to decrease intraocular pressure and open the angle that was found closed on gonioscopy. The patient was discharged on oral and topical glaucoma drops and scheduled for the glaucoma clinic. When he presented for follow-up in the glaucoma clinic, he was evaluated and noted to have bilateral narrow angles and intraocular pressure in the mid-twenties. A brightness scan (B-scan) was performed and was noted to have bilateral choroidal effusions, confirmed by Optos fundus photos. He was started on prednisone at 60 mg once per day (QD) with taper, continuation of oral and topical glaucoma medications, and a retina evaluation. Evaluation with a retina specialist showed resolving choroidal effusion in the left eye. He continued the prednisone taper as well as glaucoma drops as prescribed. Follow-up in the glaucoma clinic revealed a grade 3 open angle. He continued the prednisone taper, cosopt twice per day in both eyes, and discontinued brimonidine. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that was performed showed results that were remarkable. No hemorrhage or mass was present. Follow-up with the retina specialist found that the choroidal effusions had resolved completely. CONCLUSION: This case report emphasizes the value in early detection, keen diagnostic evaluation, and cross-collaboration between multiple ophthalmology specialists to optimize healthcare outcomes for patients with uveal effusion syndrome.

Cellular and Molecular Activities of IP6 in Disease Prevention and Therapy.

IP6 (phytic acid) is a naturally occurring compound in plant seeds and grains. It is a poly-phosphorylated inositol derivative that has been shown to exhibit many biological activities that accrue benefits in health and diseases (cancer, diabetes, renal lithiasis, cardiovascular diseases, etc.). IP6 has been shown to have several cellular and molecular activities associated with its potential role in disease prevention. These activities include anti-oxidant properties, chelation of metal ions, inhibition of inflammation, modulation of cell signaling pathways, and modulation of the activities of enzymes and hormones that are involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Studies have shown that IP6 has anti-oxidant properties and can scavenge free radicals known to cause cellular damage and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancers and cardiovascular diseases, as well as diabetes mellitus. It has also been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties that may modulate immune responses geared towards the prevention of inflammatory conditions. Moreover, IP6 exhibits anti-cancer properties through the induction of cell cycle arrest, promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cancer cell growth. Additionally, it has been shown to have anti-mutagenic properties, which reduce the risk of malignancies by preventing DNA damage and mutations. IP6 has also been reported to have a potential role in bone health. It inhibits bone resorption and promotes bone formation, which may help in the prevention of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Overall, IP6's cellular and molecular activities make it a promising candidate for disease prevention. As reported in many studies, its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties support its inclusion as a dietary supplement that may protect against the development of chronic diseases. However, further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of action of this dynamic molecule and its derivatives and determine the optimal doses and appropriate delivery methods for effective therapeutic use.

Effect of Annona squamosa leaf extract on human promyelocytic leukemia cells subjected to oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVES: Annona squamosa has beneficial properties. However, its cytotoxicity and antioxidative effects on human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL60) deserve investigation. Therefore, the efficacy of its crude extracts in offsetting damage in HL60 cells subjected to oxidative stress was studied. METHODS: Crude extracts at different concentrations were incubated with HL60 cells. The beneficial properties of the plant extract against oxidative damage were evaluated post-induction of oxidative stress utilizing hydrogen peroxide. RESULTS: Extracts at concentrations 600 and 800 µg/mL were most effective at increasing the viability of damaged cells compared to the control group after 48 h of incubation. Significant increases in lipid peroxidation were observed in exposed cells treated with 600 µg/mL extract after 72 h of incubation. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities significantly increased in exposed cells after 24 h of incubation at all extract concentrations. Exposed cells treated with 600 and 1,000 µg/dL of the extract showed significantly increased catalase activity after 48 h, and a similar profile was maintained after 72 h of exposure. SOD activity in exposed cells remained significantly increased at all treatment concentrations after 48 and 72 h of incubation. Treatment with 400, 600, and 800 µg/mL of the extract resulted in significantly increased reduced glutathione levels compared to the other groups after 24 and 72 h of incubation. However, after 48 h of incubation, significant increases were noted in glutathione levels in exposed cells incubated with either 400, 800, or 1,000 µg/mL extract. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that A. squamosa might effectively protect against oxidative damage in a time and extract concentration-dependent manner.

Bioactive Ingredients in K. pinnata Extract and Synergistic Effects of Combined K. pinnata and Metformin Preparations on Antioxidant Activities in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Skeletal Muscle Cells.

With healthcare costs rising, many affected by ailments are turning to alternative medicine for treatment. More people are choosing to complement their pharmacological regimen with dietary supplements from natural products. In this study, the compound composition of Kalanchoe Pinnata (K. pinnata) and the effects of combined preparations of K. pinnata and metformin on antioxidant activity in human skeletal muscle myoblasts (HSMMs) and human diabetic skeletal muscle myoblasts (DHSMMs) were investigated. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography fusion orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-OT-FTMS) identified biologically active flavanols in K. pinnata. The main compounds identified in locally grown K. pinnata were quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and avicularin. Antioxidant results indicated that a combinatorial preparation of K. pinnata with metformin may modulate antioxidant responses by increasing the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase and increasing levels of reduced glutathione. A combination of 50 µM and 150 µg/mL of metformin and K. pinnata, respectively, resulted in a significant increase in reduced glutathione levels in non-diabetic and diabetic human skeletal muscle myoblasts and H2O2-stress-induced human skeletal muscle myoblasts. Additionally, a K. pinnata treatment (400 µg/mL) alone significantly increased catalase (CAT) activity for non-diabetic and diabetic human skeletal muscle myoblasts and a H2O2-stress-induced human skeletal muscle myoblast cell line, while significantly lowering malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. However, the treatment options were more effective at promoting cell viability after 24 h versus 72 h and did not promote cell viability after 72 h in H2O2-stress-induced HSMM cells. These treatment options show promise for treating oxidative-stress-mediated pathophysiological complications associated with type II diabetes.

Patient Attitudes and Desirability Regarding Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery.

Purpose: To analyze patient attitudes and desirability regarding routine immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS). Methods: This study was conducted as a prospective, consecutive survey-based case series from a single private practice institution serving a mostly rural population. A standardized phone survey assessing patient perspectives on ISBCS was administered to patients before and after routine delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS) was performed. Subject responses were analyzed, including a subset analysis on patient responses under a variety of circumstances. Results: There were 61 patients enrolled into the study and 47 completed the surveys before and after routine DSBCS (77.0% completion rate). Thirty-nine (83.0%) of respondents had a favorable outlook of ISBCS preoperatively, whereas 36 (76.6%) had a favorable outlook of ISBCS postoperatively (p>0.05). On the postoperative questionnaire, twenty-five (53.2%) of respondents were willing to accept additional surgical risk if necessary to receive ISBCS, and this finding was significant between the subgroup of patients with systemic health co-morbidities compared to those without systemic health co-morbidities (p=0.05). Conclusion: Most patients had a favorable outlook of ISBCS before and after undergoing DSBCS. Patients with underlying systemic health co-morbidities were most likely to accept additional surgical risk if necessary to receive ISBCS. From a patient's perspective, ISBCS may be an acceptable option to routinely implement when cataract surgery is required for both eyes.

The Effect of Acute and Chronic Thermotherapy on Type 2 Diabetic Skeletal Muscle Gene Expression and Inflammatory Markers.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic illness associated with resistance to or defective insulin secretion. This study investigates the effects of thermotherapy on cell viability, gene expression and inflammation in skeletal muscle cell lines. METHODS: Healthy and T2D human skeletal muscle cell lines (HSMM and D-HSMM, respectively) were subjected to acute or chronic thermo-therapy (AT or CT, respectively). CT consisted of a 30 min exposure to 40 °C, three times a week for three weeks; AT was a one-time exposure. RESULTS: A significant decrease in D-HSMM cell viability percentage followed AT; however, no significant change occurred in CT. HSMM yielded the highest elevations of genes following CT. In D-HSMM, both treatments yielded gene upregulation. Both treatments significantly down-regulated IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in HSMM. AT significantly decreased IL-1ß, IL-6 and upregulated IL-10 and TNF-α levels in D-HSMM, while CT yielded a reduction in IL-4, TNF-α and an upregulation of IL-6 and IL-10. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in gene expression indicates actin activity and cellular responses, suggesting an increase in transcriptional regulation. The upregulation of IL-6 and IL-10 in D-HSMM negatively correlated with a decrease in TNF-α and IL-1ß, indicating improved adverse inflammatory effects associated with the disease.

Thermotherapy Effects on Healthy and Type 2 Diabetes Human Skeletal Muscle Myoblast Cell Lines.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels with associated disordered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) specifically has been shown to cause a decrease in skeletal muscle mass due to oxidative stress. This study investigated a treatment option for T2D through thermotherapy on healthy (HSMM) and T2D (D-HSMM) human skeletal muscle cells. The goals were to determine the effects of thermotherapy, long-term (chronic) and short-term (acute), on HSMM and D-HSMM cell viabilities and oxidative stress. HSMM and D-HSMM cells were grown to confluency, harvested, and counted to determine density. Acute and chronic heat treatments were applied to both cell lines. The chronic treatment consisted of a 30-minute exposure to 40°C, three times a week for three weeks; the acute treatment was a one-time exposure. Oxidative stress assays and cell viabilities were tested 24 hours after heat treatments. Results indicated no significant effect on the cell viability of HSMM and D-HSMM cells. The acute treatment had a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) of MDA concentration compared to the chronic treatment. The chronic treatment had a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in catalase activity compared to the acute treatment. The SOD activity had no significant change (p > 0.05) between the chronic and acute treatments. In conclusion, acute thermotherapy may not be beneficial for skeletal muscle cells due to the observed increase in oxidative stress, especially in the D-HSMM cells.

Diabetes Mellitus and Its Metabolic Complications: The Role of Adipose Tissues.

Many approaches have been used in the effective management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A recent paradigm shift has focused on the role of adipose tissues in the development and treatment of the disease. Brown adipose tissues (BAT) and white adipose tissues (WAT) are the two main types of adipose tissues with beige subsets more recently identified. They play key roles in communication and insulin sensitivity. However, WAT has been shown to contribute significantly to endocrine function. WAT produces hormones and cytokines, collectively called adipocytokines, such as leptin and adiponectin. These adipocytokines have been proven to vary in conditions, such as metabolic dysfunction, type 2 diabetes, or inflammation. The regulation of fat storage, energy metabolism, satiety, and insulin release are all features of adipose tissues. As such, they are indicators that may provide insights on the development of metabolic dysfunction or type 2 diabetes and can be considered routes for therapeutic considerations. The essential roles of adipocytokines vis-a-vis satiety, appetite, regulation of fat storage and energy, glucose tolerance, and insulin release, solidifies adipose tissue role in the development and pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and the complications associated with the disease.

Effect of Combined K. pinnata and Metformin Preparation on Inflammatory Cytokines in Normal and Diabetic Skeletal Muscle Cells.

Diabetes Mellitus is associated with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which may play a central role in the development of diabetic complications. In this study, combined preparations of Kalanchoe pinnata and metformin were investigated to determine the effects on inflammatory activity in human skeletal muscle myoblasts (HSMMs) and human diabetic skeletal muscle myoblasts (DHSMMs). Results showed that combinatorial preparations sustained cell viability for 3 days in both HSMM and DHSMM cells. However, a significant decrease in cellular viability occurred for both cell lines on day 5. Results also indicate that combinatorial preparations of K. pinnata may modulate immune responses by significantly upregulating proinflammatory markers, interleukin (IL) 2, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and upregulating the anti-inflammatory marker, IL-10, in HSMM and DHSMM cells. The combined preparations significantly downregulated the anti-inflammatory glycoprotein IL-6 in both diabetic and nondiabetic human skeletal muscle cells. The findings suggest that combined preparations of K. pinnata and metformin might be a potential immune-modulating agent that may promote inflammation and adversely affect the outcome of diabetic patients.

New Frontiers for the Use of IP6 and Inositol Combination in Treating Diabetes Mellitus: A Review.

Inositol, or myo-inositol, and associated analog molecules, including myo-inositol hexakisphosphate, are known to possess beneficial biomedical properties and are now being widely studied. The impact of these compounds in improving diabetic indices is significant, especially in light of the high cost of treating diabetes mellitus and associated disorders globally. It is theorized that, within ten years, the global population of people with the disease will reach 578 million individuals, with the cost of care projected to be approximately 2.5 trillion dollars. Natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals are being sought, and this has led to studies involving inositol, and myo-inositol-hexakisphosphate, also referred to as IP6. It has been reported that IP6 can improve diabetic indices and regulate the activities of some metabolic enzymes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Current research activities have been focusing on the mechanisms of action of inositol and IP6 in the amelioration of the indices of diabetes mellitus. We demonstrated that an IP6 and inositol combination supplement may regulate insulin secretion, modulate serum leptin concentrations, food intake, and associated weight gain, which may be beneficial in both prediabetic and diabetic states. The supplement attenuates vascular damage by reducing red cell distribution width. Serum HDL is increased while serum triglycerides tend to decrease with consumption of the combination supplement, perhaps due to the modulation of lipogenesis involving reduced serum lipase activity. We also noted increased fecal lipid output following combination supplement consumption. Importantly, liver function was found to be preserved. Concurrently, serum reactive oxygen species production was reduced, indicating that inositol and IP6 supplement consumption may reduce free radical damage to tissues and organs as well as serum lipids and blood glucose by preserving liver function. This review provides an overview of the findings associated with inositol and IP6 supplementation in the effective treatment of diabetes with a view to proposing the potential mechanisms of action.

Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on Human Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells Subjected to Oxidative Stress.

Oxidative stress is initiated by reactive oxygen species, the primary factor in many chronic diseases. Moringa oleifera possesses strong antioxidant properties due to the presence of various phytochemicals. In this study, we investigated the effect of M. oleifera leaf extract on markers of oxidative stress in HL60 cells exposed to oxidative stress. HL60 cells were incubated with different concentrations of M. oleifera leaf extract, and cells were harvested for viability assays on days 1, 2, and 3. Antioxidant indexes (malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were measured on days 1, 2, and 3. Supplementation with the moringa leaf extract at all concentrations resulted in significant reductions in lipid peroxidation in cells that were or were not incubated in an environment with excess oxidative stress. The most significant reduction in this parameter occurred after 24 h of incubation. The results show that reductions seen in this parameter may be due to the modulation of the endogenous antioxidant defense system by extract supplementation. Cell viability was also improved in cells incubated in moringa leaf extract at concentrations of 800 and 1000 µg/mL. This finding, however, did not corroborate with lipid peroxidation results at 1000 µg/mL extract supplementation. Further investigations are needed to clarify the underlying mechanism responsible for increased cell viability at this concentration. We can, therefore, conclude that the moringa leaf extract offered added protection from oxidative stress within the first 24 h, as well as increasing cell viability at certain concentrations.

Combined Inositol Hexakisphosphate and Inositol Supplement Consumption Improves Serum Alpha-Amylase Activity and Hematological Parameters in Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats.

This study evaluated the effect of combined inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) and inositol supplement on organ weight, intestinal ATPase activities, complete blood count, and serum analytes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic rats. High-fat diet and a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg body weight) were used to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus in Sprague-Dawley rats. The diabetic groups were then treated with either combined IP6 and inositol supplement or glibenclamide for four weeks. Organ weights, intestinal ATPase activities, complete blood count, serum α-amylase, total protein, albumin, and globulin content were determined. Pancreatic weight was significantly reduced while relative kidney and liver weights were elevated in the group treated with combined IP6 and inositol supplement compared to the nondiabetic control. Serum α-amylase activity for the glibenclamide and combination treated groups was significantly improved compared to that of the untreated diabetic group. Red cell distribution width percentage was significantly lower in the combination treated group compared to that in the untreated diabetic group, while intestinal ATPase activities were unaffected by the treatment regime. Combined IP6 and inositol supplement consumption may protect people with diabetes from increased risk of cardiovascular diseases due to the supplement's ability to maintain red cell distribution width percentage towards the normal control group.

Effects of Uvaria chamae Root Extracts on Blood Glucose, Inflammatory Markers, Lipid Profile, Liver and Renal Status in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

Uvaria chamae roots are traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes in many parts of the world, but the use of the extracts in the treatment of diabetes has not been scientifically validated. Thirty-six Sprague Dawley rats were assigned by weight into six groups [6 rats per group, average body weight 265.23 ± 7.20g]. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single administration of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Normal and diabetic rats were treated with aqueous or ethanolic extract (300 mg/kg body weight/day/rat) of Uvaria chamae for 35 days. Rats were allowed free access to food, and extract added to the water bottle. Animals were euthanized on day 35 after an overnight fast and blood was collected for glucose, renal function, liver, serum lipid profile, and inflammatory markers assays. The blood glucose levels decreased by 38% and 53% in the diabetic rats administered aqueous or ethanolic extract respectively compared to an increase in the diabetic control (45%). The levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and non-HDL-C were decreased in untreated rats, while the HDL-C was increased when the extracts were administered. There was a diminishing trend in IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1ß levels in the treated diabetic groups. Serum creatinine level was slightly elevated in the diabetic group administered ethanolic extract. Overall, the consumption of Uvaria chamae extracts lowered blood glucose levels, lipid profile and increased HDL-C, while the IL-6 was decreased. The non-significant changes in renal function parameters indicated no adverse effects on the kidney in this short-term study.

Pancreatic and renal function in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats administered combined inositol hexakisphosphate and inositol supplement.

Diabetes mellitus, as a result of microvascular and macrovascular injury, causes organ dysfunction in a wide variety of tissues. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of combined inositol hexakisphosphate and inositol supplement on renal and pancreatic integrity in type 2 diabetic rats. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n=6 per group). Type 2 diabetes was induced in three groups using high-fat diet combined with a single dose of streptozotocin (35mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally). Two of the diabetic groups were treated with combined IP6 and inositol or glibenclamide. Serum biochemical markers of kidney damage kidney, antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation were measured. Histomorphological and morphometric examinations of the H&E stained pancreas were also carried out. The administration of combined IP6 and inositol supplement resulted in 64% and 27% increase in CAT activities and GSH levels respectively and a 25% decrease in lipid peroxidation level compared to the diabetic control. Serum uric acid, creatinine and BUN levels in the combination treated group was comparable to the normal control. Examination of H&E stained pancreatic sections showed a significant increase (107%) in the number of islets in the combined IP6 and inositol treated group compared to the untreated diabetic group. Overall, the treatment of type 2 diabetic rats with combined IP6 and inositol supplement resulted in the improvement of renal and pancreatic function.

Effects of combined inositol hexakisphosphate and inositol supplement on antioxidant activity and metabolic enzymes in the liver of streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with elevated reactive oxygen species, lipid abnormalities, reduced antioxidant activity and organ damage. This study examines the effects of combined inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) and inositol supplement on antioxidant levels and other biochemical parameters in the liver of type 2 diabetic rats. Five groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Six rats were fed normal diet (non-diabetic control), while 24 rats were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks. Diabetes was induced in 18 of the rats fed HFD by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin. The diabetic rats were separated into three groups namely: combined IP6 and inositol, glibenclamide and diabetic control. The non-diabetic group fed high-fat diet was classified as a high-fat control group. For the final four weeks of the experiment, all rats were fed normal diet and given their respective treatment regimes. Hepatic antioxidant status, metabolic enzyme activity, lipid profile, peroxidative damage and liver histology, as well as, serum aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, and total bilirubin concentration were assessed. Treatment with combined IP6 and inositol supplement significantly increased liver reduced glutathione and high-density lipoprotein levels while liver triglyceride levels and serum alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly reduced by 27%, 50%, 38.5%, and 69.2% respectively compared to the diabetic control. Hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were significantly upregulated by 55%, 26% and 53% respectively in the diabetic rats treated with combined IP6 and inositol compared to the diabetic control. Combined IP6 and inositol treatment resulted in the preservation of liver cell integrity and improved antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic rats.

Effects of Ligusticum porteri (Osha) Root Extract on Human Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells.

BACKGROUND: Ligusticum porteri roots have been traditionally used in folk medicine, but the scientific basis is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of L. porteri root extract on human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells and H2O2-induced oxidative damaged HL-60 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HL-60 cells were incubated with different concentrations of root extract, and cells were harvested for viability assays on day 3 and 7. Cytokine levels (interferon-gamma [IFN-γ], interleukin-2 [IL-2], and interleukin-10 [IL-10]) and antioxidant indexes (malondialdehyde [MDA], reduced glutathione [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and catalase [CAT]) in H2O2-induced-stressed HL-60 were measured after 2 days. RESULTS: The viability of HL-60 challenged with H2O2 declined by 42% compared to unstressed cells. After 7 days of incubation with 200 or 400 µg/mL L. porteri, the viability of HL-60 cells was two-fold higher than the control. Stressed HL-60 cells treated with 100, 200, and 400 µg/mL L. porteri reduced the lipid peroxidation by 12%-13%. We noted an increase in GSH levels, SOD and CAT activities in stressed HL-60 supplemented with 400 µg/mL root extract. Treatment with 400 µg/mL L. porteri significantly (P < 0.05) increased IFN-γ and IL-2 in H2O2-challenged cells. CONCLUSION: Our data do not support the use of the extract as an antiproliferation and differentiation therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia. The protective function of L. porteri root extract against oxidative stress could occur through increasing GSH and higher expression of antioxidant enzymes. SUMMARY: Findings from this study may not support the use of Ligusticum porteri root extract as an antiproliferation and differentiation therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemiaOur data suggest that L. porteri root extract may be a potential antioxidant with protective effect against the oxidation of reduced glutathione (GSH)Treatment with L. porteri root extract may be effective in preventing oxidative damage through increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT]) in acute promyelocytic leukemia cells.

The effect of combined inositol hexakisphosphate and inositol supplement in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats.

Inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) and inositol both regulate insulin secretion, but their combined use in the management of diabetes deserves investigation. The combined effects of IP6 and inositol supplementation were investigated in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. The following groups of rats were studied for 8 weeks: non-diabetic control, non-diabetic high-fat diet control, diabetic untreated, diabetic rats treated with the combination of IP6 and inositol (650 mg/kg bw) and diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (10 mg/kg bw). High-fat diet and streptozotocin were used to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus in Sprague-Dawley rats. Body weight, blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin, insulin, serum leptin, HOMA-insulin resistance scores, intestinal amylase activity, serum and faecal lipids and food and fluid consumption were measured. Treatment with the combination significantly reduced blood glucose (306 ± 53 mg/dl) and insulin resistance score (1.93 ± 0.45) compared with diabetic controls (522 ± 24 mg/dl and 5.1 ± 0.69 respectively). Serum leptin (2.8 ± 0.6 ng/dl) and faecal triglycerides (108 ± 8 mg/dl) were significantly increased in rats treated with the combination compared with the diabetic control (1.8 ± 0.06 ng/dl and 86 ± 4 mg/dl). Serum triglyceride (47 ± 5.1 mg/dl), total cholesterol (98 ± 3.2 mg/dl) and food intake (26 ± 0.3 g) were significantly reduced by 45%, 25% and 25%, respectively, in rats treated with the combination compared with the diabetic control. Inositol and IP6 combined supplementation may be effective in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders by regulating some aspects of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.

Investigation of the cytotoxicity, antioxidative and immune-modulatory effects of Ligusticum porteri (Osha) root extract on human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

OBJECTIVE: Ligusticum porteri is a traditional Native American herb. The roots of L. porteri are traditionally used in the treatment of many diseases, however, its cytotoxicity, antioxidative and immune-modulatory effects need to be investigated. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the root extract at different doses on human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). METHODS: The lymphocytes were incubated with different concentrations of the root extracts (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg/mL) and harvested every 6 h for 2 d (P<0.05). The protective effect of the herb against oxidative damage was determined by inducing oxidative stress with the administration of 50 µmol/L of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). RESULTS: Treatments with L. porteri at 200 and 400 µg/mL increased the viability of PBLs. The deleterious effect of H2O2 was ameliorated by 400 µg/mL L. porteri treatment. Addition of 400 µg/mL L. porteri reduced lipid peroxidation in stressed PBLs by 94% (P<0.05). Treatment with 400 µg/mL of L. porteri resulted in a 26.4% increase of reduced glutathione levels. Activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase increased by 17.5% and 55.2% respectively, when stressed PBLs were treated with 400 µg/mL L. porteri for 2 d (P<0.05). Treatment with 400 µg/mL L. porteri increased interferon-γ and interleukin-2 expressions in H2O2-challenged PBLs (P<0.05), however, the root extract did not cause a significant difference in interleukin-10 levels compared to the control (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that L. porteri might be a potential immune-modulating agent involving protective effects against oxidative damage.

Oxidative Stress Parameters and Erythrocyte Membrane Adenosine Triphosphatase Activities in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats Administered Aqueous Preparation of Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaves.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that according to the World Health Organization affects more than 382 million people. The rise in diabetes mellitus coupled with the lack of an effective treatment has led many to investigate medicinal plants to identify a viable alternative. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate red blood cell (RBC) membrane adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activities and antioxidant levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats administered aqueous preparation of Kalanchoe pinnata leaves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes mellitus was induced in rats by a single administration of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Diabetic rats were then treated with aqueous K. pinnata preparation (three mature leaves ~ 9.96 g/70 kg body weight or about 0.14 g/kg body weight/day) for 30 days. Serum glucose, RBC membrane ATPase activities, and antioxidant levels were determined. RESULTS: We noted weight loss and reduced food consumption in the treated diabetic group. Serum glucose levels were reduced in the treated diabetic group compared to the other groups. Superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels were not significantly elevated in the treated group compared to the diabetic group. However, serum catalase activity was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the treated diabetic group compared to the other groups. Serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were not significantly altered among the groups. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Mg(2+) ATPase activity and a nonsignificant increase in Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity in the RBC membrane of the treated diabetic group compared to the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: The consumption of aqueous preparation of K. pinnata may accrue benefits in the management of diabetes by lowering oxidative stress often associated with the disease and improving the availability of cellular magnesium through an increase in the magnesium ATPase pump in the RBC membrane for increased cellular metabolism of glucose through the glycolytic pathway. SUMMARY: We noted weight loss and reduced food consumption in the diabetic rats treated with K. pinnata preparationSerum glucose levels were reduced in diabetic rats treated with K. pinnata preparationSerum catalase activity was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in diabetic rats treated with K. pinnata preparationWe also noted a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Mg(2+) ATPase activity in the RBC membranes of diabetic rats treated with K. pinnata preparationOverall, the consumption of aqueous preparation of K. pinnata lowered oxidative stress often associated with diabetes and improved availability of cellular magnesium through an increase in magnesium ATPase pump in the RBC membrane.

Renal and Hepatic Function in Hypercholesterolemic Rats Fed Jamaican Bitter Yam (Dioscorea polygonoides).

BACKGROUND: We reported that Jamaican bitter yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) has antilipemic potential in rats; however there is limited data on the toxicological profile of the yam. We therefore investigated the effects of bitter yam consumption for 6 or 12 weeks on renal and hepatic function in rats fed a high (4%) cholesterol diet. METHODS: Twenty four rats were divided into six groups (n = 4); three of which were used for each investigation (6 or 12 weeks). One group was administered 4% cholesterol diet, while the yam group had the cholesterol diet supplemented with 5% bitter yam. The control group was fed standard rat chow. Liver and kidney function tests were performed on serum, liver and kidney. Histological studies were conducted on liver samples. Acute toxicity tests were performed in rats and mice administered a single high dose of bitter yam (10 g/kg). RESULTS: Activities of liver and kidney AST and ALT differed (p ≤ .02) between control rats and those fed cholesterol with bitter yam for 12 weeks. Albumin to globulin ratio was reduced (p = .03) in rats fed cholesterol with bitter yam for 6 weeks as compared to the control group. Serum urea concentration was higher (p < .05) in rats fed bitter yam as compared to normal chow for 6 weeks. The cholesterol diet caused extensive fat deposition in liver cells; however this was inhibited by co-administration of bitter yam. CONCLUSION: Long-term administration of Jamaican bitter yam may induce slight changes in renal and hepatic functions.