Evaluation of antiarthritic and immunomodulatory activity of Barleria lupulina

Objective: Barleria lupulina Lindl (Acanthaceae) (B. lupulina) has been traditionally used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis but, no scientific data has been published supporting the claimed ethnomedical use. This study was designed to investigate the anti-arthritic potential of B. lupulina leaves and its role in immunomodulation. Methods: Methanol extract of B. lupulina (MEBL) leaves (300 and 600 mg/kg BW) was tested for its antiarthritic activity by various models namely, formalin-induced arthritis, adjuvant induced arthritis, collagen type II-induced arthritis and monosodium iodoacetate induced osteoarthritis. Immunomodulatory activity of the same was tested by measuring WBC Count, Spleen Weight, Spleen WBC Count and Delayed Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) Reaction.Results:MEBL extracts 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/ kg showed statistically significant inhibition (P<0.05 and P<0.001) of the edema formation and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) during experimental period and activities of antioxidants were restored significantly. MEBL extracts 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg significantly increased the Hemoglobin (Hb) level, serum albumin, total protein, calcium and phosphorus levels and reverted back the levels of WBC count and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) (P<0.05 and P<0.01). Histopathological studies of ankle joints also supported this finding. Immunomodulatory study revealed an increase in the blood leukocytes count, weight of spleen, spleenic leukocytes count and increase in paw volume on delayed type hypersensitivity footpad thickness suggesting an uplift of immune status. Conclusions: The present study concluded that, MEBL holds antiarthritic and Immunomodulatory activity. Although subsequent study is required to evaluate the active constituents responsible for the activity.

Clinicobacteriological study of chronic dacryocystitis in adults.

Chronic dacryocystitis is the inflammation of lacrimal sac, frequently caused by bacteria. Obstruction of nasolacrimal duct converts the lacrimal sac a reservoir of infection. It is a constant threat to cornea and orbital soft tissue. Moreover, it causes social embarrassment due to chronic watering from the eye. This study was conducted to find out the current clinicobacteriological profile of chronic dacryocystitis in adults. A total of 56 adult patients were selected from ophthalmology OPD. Detail history and clinical examinations were carried out. All patients underwent either dacryocystorhinostomy or dacryocystectomy. A part of the sac was collected for culture and sensitivity. This study revealed that chronic dacryocystitis is more common in females and left eye is more frequently involved than right eye. It is common among lower socioeconomic strata with habit of pond-bathing. Some form of nasal pathology like hypertrophied inferior turbinate, deviated nasal septum, nasal polyp and allergic rhinitis werefound in 19.6% of the patients. Complications of chronic dacryocystitis like conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, acute on chronic dacryocystitis, lacrimal abscess and fistula were seen in 25.0% of these patients; 53.6% of the culture samples were positive for bacterial growth. Gram-positive organisms were most common isolate. Unlike other studies, Staphylococcus aureus (40.0%) was found to be most common Gram-positive organism, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (10.0%) and Steptococcus pneumoniae (10.0%). Among the Gram-negative organisms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.6%) was the most common, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.6%) and Haemophilus influenzae (6.6%). Antibiotic sensitivity tests were done. Most of the organisms were resistant to penicillin. Chloramphenicol was effective against most of the Gram-positive organisms. Aminoglycosides, tobramycin in particular, was effective against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Fluoroquinolones, namely ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin were effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Malignant melanoma of conjunctiva--a case report.

A 65-year-old male patient presented with a rapidly increasing mass in his left eye. It did not show any intra-ocular extension as examined by slit lamp, gonioscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy and ultrasonography, nor there was any sign of systemic metastasis. The mass was excised completely. Buccal mucous membrane grafting was done to cover up the lower forniceal area and conjunctival autograft taken from right eye and placed over upper fornix and bulbar area. Postoperative radiotherapy was suggested. Histopathological examination of the mass revealed the diagnosis of malignant melanoma of conjunctiva.