Lysophosphatidylcholine-based liposome to improve oral absorption and nephroprotective effects of astaxanthin.

BACKGROUND: The present study was aimed to develop astaxanthin (AX)-loaded liposomes by the utilization of soybean phosphatidylcholine (PC) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) to improve the nutraceutical properties of AX. AX-loaded liposomes consisting of PC (PC/AX) and LPC (LPC/AX) were evaluated in terms of particle size distribution, morphology, release characteristics, pharmacokinetic behavior, and nephroprotective effects in a rat model of acute kidney injury. RESULTS: PC/AX and LPC/AX had uniform size distributions with a mean particle size of 254 and 148 nm, respectively. Under pH 6.8 conditions, both liposomes exhibited improved dissolution behavior of AX compared with crystalline AX (cAX). In particular, LPC/AX showed a sevenfold higher release of AX than PC/AX. After the oral administration of LPC/AX (33.2 mg AX kg-1 ) to rats, there was a significant increase in systemic exposure to AX, as evidenced by a 15-fold higher AUC0-24 h than PC/AX. However, the oral absorption of AX in the cAX group was negligible. Based on the results of histological analysis and measurement of plasma biomarkers, LPC/AX exhibited improved nephroprotective effects of AX in the rat model of kidney injury. CONCLUSION: From these observations, a strategic application of the LPC-based liposomal approach might be a promising option to improve the nutraceutical properties of AX. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Development of Poly(lipoic acid) Nanoparticles with Improved Oral Bioavailability and Hepatoprotective Effects of Quercetin.

Quercetin (QUE)-loaded poly(lipoic acid) nanoparticles (QUE/pLA) were developed to improve chemical stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, oral bioavailability (BA), and pharmacological properties of QUE. QUE/pLA was prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation with ultrasonication followed by freeze-drying. Its mean particle size was 185 nm, with a high encapsulation efficiency of QUE (84.8%). QUE/pLA exhibited sustained release of QUE with improved dissolution compared with crystalline QUE and significantly enhanced chemical stability under physiological pH in the GI tract. Orally dosed QUE/pLA (50 mg QUE/kg) in rats exhibited significantly prolonged systemic exposure, possibly due to the sustained release of QUE. The oral BAs of QUE in QUE/pLA and crystalline QUE groups were 29 and 0.19%, respectively, suggesting significant enhancement of oral absorbability, likely due to the improved stability and dissolution property of QUE in the GI tracts. In hepatic injury model rats, QUE/pLA (50 mg QUE/kg) led to marked reductions in the plasma biomarker levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase by 70 and 46%, respectively, compared with the vehicle group. QUE/pLA also showed improved antioxidant potential as evidenced by the enhanced activities of hepatic glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and a decrease in the level of malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation. Based on these findings, QUE/pLA might be a promising option to improve both the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties of QUE.

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Bangladesh: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major public health problems worldwide, mostly in developing countries. This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of HBV infection in Bangladesh. We systematically searched various electronic databases to retrieve relevant studies published until April 2021. A total of 15 studies were met the inclusion criteria and included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimated prevalence of HBV infection in the general population of Bangladesh from 1995 to 2017 was 4.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.0-5.1]. The results of subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence of hepatitis B was higher in females than males [odds ratio (OR) 1.20, 95% CI 0.48-2.97, P = 0.70], people of age <25 years had a higher prevalence than people of age >25 years (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.72-2.17, P = 0.42) and married people had a higher prevalence than unmarried/single people (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.51-3.10, P < 0.0001). The Egger's test statistics (P = 0.584), Begg and Mazumdar's rank correlation test (P = 0.054) indicated the absence of publication bias. This study analysis reported a low intermediate prevalence of HBV infection (4%) in Bangladesh, which is currently higher than the global prevalence of HBV infection (3.5%).

Self-emulsifying drug delivery system of (R)-α-lipoic acid to improve its stability and oral absorption.

The present study was designed to develop a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) of (R)-α-lipoic acid (RLA) to improve the physicochemical and nutraceutical properties of RLA. RLA/SEDDS was prepared using medium-chain triglycerides, Tween 80, and polyethylene glycol 400 as oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant, respectively. The preferable composition of SEDDS was selected according to a pseudo-ternary phase diagram for improved emulsification properties, and its physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties were evaluated. RLA/SEDDS showed the immediate formation of fine micelles with a mean droplet size of approximately 260 nm when introduced into aqueous media. In simulated gastric fluid, this system could significantly improve the dissolution behavior of RLA and prevent the degradation of RLA, possibly due to the encapsulation of RLA into the emulsion structure. Following the oral administration of RLA/SEDDS (10 mg RLA/kg) in rats, systemic exposure to RLA and dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), a reduced form of RLA, increased by 7- and 3-fold, respectively. The improved dissolution and gastric stability of RLA could contribute to enhancing systemic exposure to RLA and DHLA after oral administration. From these findings, RLA/SEDDS might be an efficacious dosage option for improving the oral bioavailability as well as nutraceutical properties of RLA.

Attenuation of lipid peroxidation and atherogenic factors in diabetic patients treated with gliclazide and metformin.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is associated with oxidative stress and considered as a major risk factor for cardiac disease. We attempted to investigate the role of oral antidiabetic (OAD) agents gliclazide and metformin in lowering the lipid peroxidation and managing the risk for cardiovascular (CV) complications in diabetic patients in comparison with nondiabetic healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was comprised of 150 individuals grouped in three, namely, Group A (n = 60) healthy volunteers, Group B (n = 30) newly diagnosed diabetes, and Group C (n = 60) diabetes treated with OAD. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and Vitamin C were assessed for studying lipid peroxidation status, whereas serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol were monitored as predictors for CV risk. RESULTS: We found significantly higher concentrations of MDA and NO levels (P < 0.001) in both groups of patients (Group B and C) in comparison to control group (Group A). Regarding antioxidants, significantly lower concentrations of Vitamin C (P = 0.046) were found in Group B and C compared to Group A. Moreover, there was significant difference exhibited in concentration level of MDA (P = 0.001) and NO (P = 0.015) between Group B and C, whereas difference of Vitamin C (P = 0.147) was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our data confirmed that treatment with gliclazide and metformin significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation accompanied with attenuated levels of serum TGs and cholesterol and suggested that oral hypoglycemic agents have great impact to reduce the oxidative stress and increase the antioxidant status in diabetes.

Anthelmintic activity of silver-extract nanoparticles synthesized from the combination of silver nanoparticles and M. charantia fruit extract.

BACKGROUND: Present study has been conducted to know the anthelmintic activity of polyaniline coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Momordica charantia fruit extract. METHODS: By reduction of AgNO3 in presence of NaBH4, silver nanoparticles were prepared. After mixing silver nanoparticles and extracts, coating was given on nanoparticles using polyaniline. Prepared nanoparticles were characterized by Visual, UV, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM techniques, and TEM analysis. RESULTS: The FTIR results implied that AgNPs were successfully synthesized and capped with bio-compounds present in the extract. The result showed that death times of worm were 35.12 ± 0.5 and 59.3 ± 0.3 minutes for M. charantia extract and Ag-nanoparticles individually. But when these two combined together, paralysis and death time fall drastically which were only 6.16 ± 0.6 and 9.1 ± 0.4 minutes respectively. Albendazole tablet was used as standard, which made worms death in 3.66 ± 0.1 minutes. CONCLUSION: Ag-Extract NPs showed strong anthelmintic activity against worm. This study has paved the way for further research to design new anthelmintic drug from the combination of M. charantia and AgNPs.

Numerical simulation and performance optimization of a lead-free inorganic perovskite solar cell using SCAPS-1D.

The perovskite solar cells, founded on lead halides, have garnered significant attention from the photovoltaic industry owing to their superior efficiency, ease of production, lightweight characteristics, and affordability. However, due to the hazardous nature of lead-based compounds, these solar cells are currently unsuitable for commercial production. In this context, a lead-free perovskite, cesium-bismuth iodide (Cs3Bi2I9) is considered as a potential alternative to the lead halide-based cell due to their non-toxicity and stability, but this perovskite cannot be matched with random hole transport layer (HTL) and electron transport layer (ETL) materials compared to lead halide-based perovskite because of their crystal structure and band gap. Therefore, in this study, performance comparison of different ideal HTL and ETL materials for Cs3Bi2I9 perovskite layer were studied using SCAPS-1D device simulation on the basis of open circuit voltage, short circuit current, power conversion efficiency (PCE) and fill factor (FF) as well as several novel PSC configuration models were designed that can direct for further experimental research for PSC device commercialization. Results from this investigation reveals that the maximum efficiency of 20.96 % is obtained for the configuration ITO/WS2/Cs3Bi2I9/NiO/Au with optimized parameters such as thickness 400 nm, band gap 2.1eV, absorber layer defect density 1012 cm-3, donor density of ETL 1018 cm-3 and the acceptor density of HTL 1020 cm-3.

The efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid in the management of burning mouth syndrome: An updated systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials.

Background and Aims: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) causes burning or uncomfortable feelings in the oral cavity without any obvious injuries. This condition's etiopathogenesis is still unknown, consequently, BMS management is very challenging. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring potent bioactive compound that has been found to be useful in the management of BMS in many studies. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review to investigate the usefulness of ALA in the management of BMS based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: Different electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, were extensively searched to find relevant studies. Results: This study included nine RCTs that matched the inclusion criteria. In most studies, ALA was given at a dose of 600-800 mg/day, with up to two months of follow-up. The majority of studies (six out of nine studies) indicated that ALA was more effective in BMS patients than in the placebo-controlled group. Conclusions: This comprehensive systematic review provides evidence of the positive outcomes of the treatment of BMS with ALA. However, more research might be needed before ALA can be considered the first-line therapy for BMS.

Stabilized Astaxanthin Nanoparticles Developed Using Flash Nanoprecipitation to Improve Oral Bioavailability and Hepatoprotective Effects.

In this study, we developed stabilized astaxanthin (AX) nanoparticles (sNP/AX) to improve the physicochemical properties, oral bioavailability, and hepatoprotection of AX. A flash nanoprecipitation technique was used with a multi-inlet vortex mixer to prepare the sNP/AX. Vitamins E (VE) and C (VC) were used as co-stabilizers with poloxamer 407 as a stabilizer to inhibit the oxidative degradation of AX during sNP/AX formation and storage. VC stabilized AX in the aqueous phase during the preparation, whereas VE markedly improved the storage stability of sNP/AX, as evidenced by the AX contents remaining at 94 and 81% after 12 weeks of storage at 4 °C and 25 °C, respectively. The mean sNP/AX diameter was 215 nm, which resulted in higher AX release properties than those of crystalline AX. Rats, orally administered sNP/AX (33.2 mg AX/kg), exhibited higher systemic exposure to AX, whereas oral absorption in the crystalline AX group was negligible. In the rat hepatic injury model, oral pretreatment with sNP/AX (33.2 mg AX/kg) markedly attenuated hepatic damage, as shown by the histopathological analysis and reduced levels of plasma biomarkers for hepatic injury. These findings suggest that strategically including antioxidative additives in the sNP/AX has the potential to improve the physicochemical and nutraceutical properties of AX.

Zinc status and coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between serum zinc (Zn) levels and coronary artery disease (CAD) has been elucidated, but no previous meta-analysis was done to provide firm evidence. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to investigate the possible association between serum Zn levels and CAD patients. METHODS: Relevant studies were identified using various electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) searching up to May 2021. The Review Manager V5.3 was used to calculate the pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with the corresponding 95 % confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies with 614 cases (CAD patients) and 508 controls were included in this meta-analysis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The pooled results of the meta-analysis showed that CAD patients had significantly lower levels of Zn [SMD (95 % CI): -3.76 (-5.21, -2.31), Z = 5.08, P < 0.00001; I2= 98 %, P < 0.00001] compared with control subjects. The statistical evaluations of Begg's and Egger's tests indicated that there was no publication bias. CONCLUSION: The findings of the meta-analysis suggest that relatively low levels of Zn might have a potential role in the pathogenesis of CAD. Furthermore, large-scale observational studies are highly recommended in order to fully understand the association between Zn status and CAD.

The association of oxidative stress biomarkers with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oxidative stress plays a major role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there were controversial outcomes in the literature between the association of oxidative stress biomarkers and T2DM. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to critically examine the association of oxidative stress biomarkers with T2DM. METHODS: We systematically searched different electronic databases including PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to find the relevant studies up to May 2021. The pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to define the variation between the study groups. RESULTS: A total of 22 case-control studies with 2853 subjects (1667 diabetic patients and 1186 healthy controls) were found to be eligible for this meta-analysis. The pooled results of meta-analysis showed a significant difference in the levels malondialdehyde (SMD [95% CI]: 2.27 [1.62, 2.91]), nitric oxide (SMD [95% CI]: 1.40 [0.00, 2.81]), glutathione (SMD [95% CI]: -1.76 [-2.94, -0.59]), and total antioxidant status (SMD [95% CI]: -1.40 [-2.28, -0.51]) between the patient group and healthy subjects, whereas no significant difference was observed in the superoxide dismutase levels (SMD [95% CI]: -1.20 [-2.55, 0.15]) and glutathione peroxidase levels (SMD [95% CI]: 0.07 [-2.80, 2.94]). CONCLUSION: The present analysis suggests that oxidative stress might have a potential role in the pathogenesis of T2DM in humans. However, further studies should be needed to elucidate the possible mechanism and strengthen this evidence.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Bangladesh: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue, with a leading cause of death and disability. The aim of our study to estimate the prevalence of CKD in the Bangladeshi population based on existing data of previous studies. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, electronic search engines of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the national journal databases were used to find relevant published articles until December 31, 2019. Based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, nine studies were included, and RevMan V5.0 statistical software was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: The outcomes of the included studies (nine studies, a total of 225,206 participants) based on meta-analysis showed an overall prevalence of CKD in Bangladeshi people of 22.48%, which was higher than the global prevalence of CKD. The prevalence of CKD in females was higher with high heterogeneity (I2 90%) in contrast to male participants (25.32% vs. 20.31%). CONCLUSION: Above all, this study revealed a higher rate of prevalence of CKD in Bangladeshi people. So, it needs more attention to concern public health policymakers and the government to control and reduce the high-risk of disability due to CKD.

Increased oxidative stress and altered serum macro-minerals and trace elements levels are associated with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the serum malondialdehyde (MDA), non-enzymatic antioxidants (vitamin A and C), macro-minerals (magnesium and calcium), and trace elements (zinc, copper, and iron) levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and to explore their role in disease progression. METHODS: This prospective case-control study was comprised of 40 CAD patients and 40 healthy volunteers as cases and control subjects, respectively. The level of lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring the serum MDA level using a UV spectrophotometer. The levels of vitamins A and C were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV spectrophotometric method, respectively. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to measure serum macro-minerals (Mg and Ca) and trace elements (Zn, Cu, and Fe) concentrations. RESULTS: The mean age of CAD patients and control subjects was 53.90 ± 2.22 and 37.03 ± 1.50 years, respectively. This study revealed significantly higher concentrations of MDA (p < 0.01) and lower concentrations of vitamin A (p < 0.01), and vitamin C (p < 0.05) in the CAD patients than in control subjects. The mean values of Mg, Cu, Zn, Ca, and Fe were 11.67 ± 0.64, 1.17 ± 0.03, 0.43 ± 0.02, 107.38 ± 1.81, and 1.66 ± 0.04 µg/mL, respectively for the CAD patients and 19.38 ± 0.65, 1.07 ± 0.02, 0.87 ± 0.02, 94.29 ± 1.89, and 1.52 ± 0.05 µg/mL, respectively for the controls and the differences were significant (p < 0.05) between the patients and controls. CONCLUSION: From these findings, we can suggest that there is a strong association of CAD with an elevated level of MDA, depleted levels of antioxidants, and altered macro-minerals and trace elements concentrations.

The Association of Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes Mellitus with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and Their Possible Mechanisms.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global concern and public health issue due to its higher infection and mortality rate; particularly, the risk is very higher among the patients who have cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and/or diabetes mellitus (DM). In this review, we analyzed the recently published literature on CVD and DM associated with COVD-19 infections and highlight their association with potential mechanisms. The findings revealed that without any previous history of CVD, the COVID-19 patients have developed some CVD complications like myocardial injury, cardiomyopathy, and venous thromboembolism after being infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and required for those patients an emergency clinical support to be aware to manage those complications. Though the association between DM and COVID-19-induced severe complications is still unclear, the limited data predict that different markers like interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer linked with the severity of COVID-19 infection in diabetic individuals. Further studies on a large scale are urgently needed to explore the underlying mechanisms between CVD, DM, and COVID-19 for better treatment.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia among the diabetic patients in southern Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: Diabetic dyslipidemia is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease which has a vast mortality rate throughout the world. Early detection and treatment of dyslipidemia can avoid risk for cardiovascular disorder in diabetic patients. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of and pattern of dyslipidemia in diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross sectional study was performed in several specialized diabetic hospital of Noakhali, a southern district of Bangladesh. All known cases of diabetes mellitus were evaluated for their lipid profile. A total number of 1008 patients were included in the study having 683 (67.8%) female and 325 (32.2%) male subjects. RESULTS: The prevalence of dyslipidemia among the male subjects was 73% while among female subjects 71%. Among diabetic males the percentage of high serum Cholesterol, high serum TG (Triglyceride), low HDL (High density cholesterol) and high LDL (Low density cholesterol) was 35.69%, 44.31%, 50.15% and 72.92% respectively, whereas the female had the percentage at 35.29%, 40.85%, 49.49% and 70.57% respectively. CONCLUSION: Majority portion of the study subjects were dyslipidemic. The most prevalent pattern among both male and female was high level of LDL and low level of HDL. The prevalence of dyslipidemia in Bangladesh is significantly high, which indicates the urgency of lifestyle intervention strategies to prevent and manage this important health problem and risk factor.

Prevalence of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity in Bangladeshi university students: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: A sustained economic growth in Bangladesh leading to nutrition transition with negative impact on health followed to sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Therefore, the study objective was to examine the prevalence of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity among Bangladeshi university students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study in Bangladeshi university students was conducted in December 2016 to April 2017. Randomly selected participants, aged 18-25 years were analyzed from three specific universities as per gender variation. The height and waist-circumference were measured using measuring tape and weight by personal weight scale. RESULTS: Total samples 500, 64.6% (n = 323) were males, 34.5% (n = 117) were females and mean age (standard deviation) was 21.76 (1.86) years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity (14.86% vs. 11.86%) were significantly 1.29-fold higher in males than females (OR: 1.29, 95%CI: 0.75-2.25, p < 0.001). Mean waist-circumference was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in males than females, but the waist-to height ratio (WHtR) was higher in females than in males (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the prevalence of overweight and obesity is significantly higher in male students than female university students of Bangladesh because of girls were so much concerned their physical appearance and wish a slim body than boys. However, future study and public health efforts are necessary to address complications of obesity problem and to promote active lifestyles.

Evaluation of anxiolytic and hypoglycemic potential of Cissus adnata Roxb. in animal model.

Background This study was designed to evaluate the anxiolytic and hypoglycemic potential of methanolic extract of Cissus adnata Roxb. is a crucial medicinal plant used in many disorders belongs to Vitaceae family. Methods Elevated plus maze (EPM) test and hole board test was applied for the anxiolytic activity with the Swiss albino mice. The hypoglycemic activity was measured by the glucose tolerance test in mice model. The capacity to produce the desired effect of the plant extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) was compared with the anxiolytic drug of standard diazepam (1 mg/kg i.p.) and anti-diabetic drug glibenclamide (10 mg/kg i.p.), respectively. Results The phytochemical screening of Cissus adnata extract exposed the presence of carbohydrate, phenol, flavonoid, saponins, cardiac glycoside, tannin, and gum. The anxiolytic effect was detected in both experiments which significantly raised the number of head dips and the time spent in the open arm of the EPM (p<0.05) as the dose enlarged. Hypoglycemic study of the extracts shows better effect by reducing blood glucose level. Conclusions The better anxiolytic and hypoglycemic activities in the present study are due to the existence of various phytochemical constituents like saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, and tannins in this methanolic extract.

Elevated Serum Lipid Peroxidation and Reduced Vitamin C and Trace Element Concentrations Are Correlated With Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is one of the chronic and heterogeneous epidemic neurological disorders leading to substantial mortality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin C, and trace elements namely zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) in epileptic patients of Bangladesh and to establish if there are any pathophysiological correlations. METHODS: This was a case-control study with 40 generalized epileptic patients and 40 healthy subjects as controls. Epilepsy was determined by the presence of seizure events with an abnormal electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging report of brain. RESULTS: Anthropometric parameters highlighted that age is a major risk factor of epilepsy and men are more prone to epilepsy than women. Blood serum analysis demonstrated significantly ( P < .001) higher values of MDA and lower level of vitamin C in the patient group (4.41 ± 0.76 µmol/mL and 18.31 ± 0.84 µmol/L, respectively) compared with control (1.81 ± 0.70 µmol/mL and 29.72 ± 1.06 µmol/L, respectively). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between the serum level of MDA and vitamin C for both patient ( r = -0.023, P = .887) and control group ( r = -0.142, P = .383). This study also revealed that the trace elements (Zn, Cu) were significantly ( P < .05) lower in epileptics (68.32 ± 4.59 and 50.81 ± 2.54 µg/dL, respectively) where the level of Mn in patients (187.71 ± 9.04 µg/dL) was almost similar to that of the control group ( P > .05). The univariate analysis demonstrated that zinc <70 µg/dL (odds ratio = 3.56, P < .05) and copper <50 µg/dL were associated (odds ratio = 14.73, P < .001) with an increased risk of epilepsy. Establishment of interelement relationship strongly supported that there was a disturbance in the element homeostasis of epileptic patients. CONCLUSIONS: The study results strengthen the role of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and trace elements in the pathogenesis and warrant larger studies to investigate the association of these biochemical parameters with epilepsy.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Bangladesh: a Systematic Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity is a leading public health concern in high-, middle-, and low-income countries. Our study aimed to present published data on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Bangladeshi children, adolescents, and adults. In this systemic literature review, electronic search engines of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Bangladesh Journals Online were used to find relevant articles published between 2007 and 2017 based on predefined inclusion/exclusion principles. This study included 14 studies on the topic which were available in full text and met the inclusion criteria. RECENT FINDINGS: The outcomes from the included study indicated an increasing trend in overweight and obesity among Bangladeshi children, adolescents, and adults over time. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is much higher in girls than in boys among children and adolescents, and also prevalence rates are higher in females than in males in the adults. Prevalence rates of overweight and obesity are also higher in urban peoples compared to rural peoples living in Bangladesh. Globally, overweight/obesity is considered the risk of the increasing various chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. So we need to ennoble our healthy lifestyle to efficiently address the increasing comorbidities of overweight and obesity.

Evaluation of antinociceptive, antihyperglycemic, and membrane stabilizing activities of Garcinia lancifolia Roxb.

This study was undertaken to examine the antinociceptive, antihyperglycemic, and membrane stabilizing activity with phytochemical screening of methanolic extract of Garcinia lanceifolia whole plant. The extracts were subjected to in-vivo antinociceptive, antihyperglycemic activity in laboratory animals and in-vitro membrane stabilizing activity. In peripheral antinociceptive activity, G. lanceifolia (400 and 200 mg/kg) exhibited significant (P < 0.001) inhibition of writhing with 59.15% and 49.30% respectively comparable to standard Diclofenac (54.92% inhibition). In central antinociceptive activity, the extract (400 and 200 mg/kg) exhibited significant analgesic activity having 78.31% (P < 0.05) and 89.95% (P < 0.01) elongation of reaction time respectively in 90 min after administration of sample comparable to the standard Morphine (708.99% elongation). In hypoglycemic activity, the extract (400 and 200 mg/kg) exhibit statistically significant (P < 0.001) antihyperglycemic activity compared to standard drug Glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) at different time interval. In membrane stabilizing activity assay, clearly evident that the methanolic extracts of G. lanceifolia were highly effective to prevent the lyses of erythrocytes induced by heat. The outcomes of the present study revealed that this plant possess noteworthy pharmacological activities that may be basis for further research to disclose feasible mode of action of the plant part.