NEED OF IRON SUPPLEMENTATION IN GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS.

OBJECTIVE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the foetal morbidity and mortality and there is also risk of development of type II diabetes for the mother. In pregnancy iron supplementations are given to all the females in India. Data are not available on the relationship between serum ferritin and GDM in Indian populations. MATERIAL & METHODS: Case control study was done on 90 women (30 GDM patients approx 28 weeks of gestation and 60 control subjects without GDM) referred to the tertiary care hospital at New Delhi. Ferritin was analysed by ELISA kit. They were analyzed for the correlation of ferritin with blood glucose in GDM patients. RESULTS: On comparison with blood glucose the levels of ferritin were statistically significantly high in GDM cases as compared to controls (p value 0.008). There was a negative correlation of ferritin with blood glucose level (r value -0.039, p value 0.794). DISCUSSION: Pregnancy is an equivalent of an inflammatory state and the high levels of ferritin can help in determining the need of iron supplementation given in pregnant females. Women who had high serum ferritin had the greatest risk of GDM. CONCLUSION: This study suggests a possible link between elevated serum ferritin and low-grade inflammation. Further studies in larger populations are required to establish this study.

Anti-neoplastic effect of avian reovirus σ C protein on Rous sarcoma virus-induced tumors in chicken.

This study investigated the anti-neoplastic potential of avian reovirus σC (sigma C) protein on Rous sarcoma virus-induced fibrosarcoma in chicken. The recombinant vector expressing σC protein was injected intra-tumorally into specific pathogen free chicken with fibro-sarcoma at the dose 100µg per bird, while control birds were mock-treated with 100µg of empty vector per bird. Recombinant σC protein induced apoptosis in tumors of treated birds resulting in progressive tumor regression, while similar changes were absent in tumors of mock-treated controls. The σC protein-induced apoptosis in tumors was quantified by flow cytometry and the mean level of apoptosis up to 66% was observed in treated tumors, whereas any significant level of apoptosis was absent in mock-treated controls.

Scenario realism and welfare estimates in choice experiments--a non-market valuation study on the European water framework directive.

Using choice experiment data for economic valuation we analyse how disbelief in survey information could affect the retrieved welfare estimates. We distinguish between two types of survey information to the respondents. The first type of information concerns the current environmental status of a water body. This information is provided prior to the valuation questions and the corresponding beliefs in the provided information are also elicited before valuation. The second type of information concerns the proposed improvements in the environmental status of the water body. We find that average welfare measures differ considerably according to whether respondents who disagree with the status quo levels and find proposed scenarios unlikely are included or not.

Changes in oxidative stress indices, zinc and copper concentrations in blood in canine demodicosis.

Status of certain oxidative stress indices and zinc and copper concentrations in blood were estimated in dogs with localized demodicosis (LD) and generalized demodicosis (GD). In comparison to healthy control, erythrocytic lipid peroxides level and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly (P<0.01) higher in both LD as well as GD. However, level of reduced glutathione and activity of catalase were significantly (P<0.01) lower in both LD and GD. Blood zinc and copper levels in dogs with LD and GD were significantly (P<0.01) lower than healthy control. Significant (P<0.01) differences were also observed in different oxidative stress indices and zinc and copper levels in between LD and GD groups. From the present study, it was concluded that demodicosis is associated with oxidative stress and antioxidant supplementation may be beneficial in management of canine demodicosis.

Alterations in hepatic lipid peroxides and antioxidant profile in Indian water buffaloes suffering from sarcoptic mange.

The present study was aimed to examine the status of antioxidants in water buffaloes with sarcoptic mange. Sixty-three buffaloes were divided into three groups, healthy control (group I, n=19), subclinical sarcoptic mange (group II, n=22) and clinical sarcoptic mange (group III, n=22). Lipid peroxides (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), zinc and copper in hepatic tissues and serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations were measured. In comparison to group I, LPO was significantly (P<0.05) higher, while SOD and CAT were significantly (P<0.05) lower in group III. LPO and SOD activities were comparable between group I and II, but CAT was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group II. In group III, zinc, copper and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) lower than group I. Decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and trace mineral concentrations suggested that sarcoptic mange in buffaloes is associated with compromise in antioxidant defense and oxidative stress may play important role in pathogenesis.

Influence of simultaneous inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in experimental colitis in rats.

The inflamed mucosa in ulcerative colitis produces high amount of prostaglandin (PG) and nitric oxide (NO) through inducible enzymes: cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), respectively, implicating them as potential anti-inflammatory drug targets. COX-2 or iNOS-related treatments in different models of colitis have yielded ambiguous results ranging from exacerbation of disease to abolition of inflammation. iNOS and COX-2 induction is blocked by potent anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids, however, serious side effects including relapses limit their usefulness in colitis for long time. Simultaneous inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 was investigated in the current study in 2, 4, 6 trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. Treatment group received rofecoxib, aminoguanidine hydrochloride or their combination at different doses at 48, 36, 24, 12 and 1 h prior to induction of colitis and 12 h later. Colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO), COX-2, nitrate and nitrite, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and lipid peroxidation were maximally reduced by combination of 10 mg/kg rofecoxib and 30 mg/kg of aminoguanidine hydrochloride in TNBS-induced colitis in rats. However, maximum increase in SOD and catalase was noted by this combination. Rats treated with rofecoxib, aminoguanidine hydrochloride and their combinations reduced the inflammation, acute colonic damage produced by TNBS as verified by macroscopic changes in colon. Combination of rofecoxib (10 mg/kg) and aminoguanidine hydrochloride (30 mg/kg) has maximal protective effect on colonic injury induced by TNBS enema which is probably, via mechanism of local inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 activity in colonic mucosa and support the idea that simultaneous inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 inhibitors have a promising potential in the treatment of colitis.

Effect of Selenium and alpha-Tocopherol on the Antioxidant Defense System of Goat Erythrocytes and the Hemic System.

ABSTRACT The effect of sodium selenite, alpha-tocopherol, and their combination was studied in the hemic system of goat. Incubation of goat blood with selenium and vitamin E for 24 h resulted in a decrease in hemoglobin concentrations in Se-and vitamin E-treated groups, whereas no change in the osmotic fragility was observed. In plasma the levels of albumin did not show any significant change in all the treatment groups. The acute phase protein (total protein) was found to be increased in the group treated with Se at a concentration of 10 mug, and ceruloplasmin in the plasma was significantly increased in the group supplemented with Se at a concentration of 20 mug. The catalase was found to be increased in both the Se treatment groups and the group that received vitamin E at a concentration of 10 mug. However, the effects on lipid peroxidation, acetylcholinesterase, and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase are not significant. The sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) pattern of the proteins did not show any alteration. Also, no effect was observed in the membrane permeability and physicochemical alteration of erythrocytes in the presence of Se and vitamin E.

Protective role of extracts of neem seeds in diabetes caused by streptozotocin in rats.

Effect of petroleum ether extracts of kernel (NSK) and husk (NSH) of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Meliaceae) seeds on the prevention of oxidative stress caused by streptozotocin (STZ) was investigated. Diabetes mellitus was induced in adult male Wistar rats after administration of STZ (55 mg/kg b.wt., i.p., tail vein). The effect of NSK (2 gm/kg, b.wt.) and NSH (0.9 gm/kg, b.wt.) orally for 28 days was investigated in diabetic rats. Insulin-treated diabetic rats (6 U/kg, i.p., 28 days.) served as positive control. Diabetic rats given normal saline served as diabetic control. Rats that neither received STZ nor drugs served as normal control. Serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) increased in diabetic rats was significantly decreased on insulin, NSK, and NSH treatments. The decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) of erythrocytes as observed in diabetes was regained after insulin, NSH, and NSK treatments. However, there was insignificant improvement in SOD, CAT, and LPO of kidney on NSK and NSH treatment. In spite of increased CAT and SOD activities in liver and heart, LPO was also increased in diabetic rats. Insulin, NSH, and NSK treatments significantly protected animals from cardiac damage but not hepatic. Results suggest that NSH and NSK prevent oxidative stress caused by STZ in heart and erythrocytes. However, no such preventive effect was observed on renal and hepatic toxicity.

Influence of aluminium on neurotoxicity of lead in adult male albino rats.

Influence of aluminium on neurotoxicity of lead was studied in male albino rats. Aluminium enhanced the net deposition of lead in brain. This was further substantiated by higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and lower activities of acetylcholinesterase enzyme in the brain homogenates of the rats treated with both lead and aluminium as compared to those of rats treated with lead only. In lead plus aluminium treated animals, a significant neurological deficit was observed when the animals were subjected to rota-rod, traction performance (TP) and tail immersion tests.

Mangiferin protects the streptozotocin-induced oxidative damage to cardiac and renal tissues in rats.

The role of oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced toxicity and its prevention by a xanthone glucoside, mangiferin was investigated. To induce diabetes mellitus, adult male Wistar rats were injected STZ intravenously at 55 mg/kg body weight. The effect of mangiferin (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p., 28 days) was investigated in STZ-induced diabetic male rats. Insulin-treated rats (6 U/kg, i.p., 28 days) served as positive control. Diabetic rats given normal saline served as negative control. Normal rats that neither received STZ nor drugs served as normal control. On day 28, the diabetic rats showed significant increase in serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and total glycosylated haemoglobin. Kidney revealed tubular degeneration and decreased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) with an elevation of malonaldehyde (MDA). Cardiac SOD, CAT and lipid peroxidation were significantly increased. Histopathological findings revealed cardiac hypertrophy with haemorrhages. Analysis of erythrocyte revealed significantly elevated levels of MDA with insignificant decrease in CAT and SOD. Repeated intraperitoneal injections of mangiferin (10 and 20 mg/kg) and insulin (6 U/kg) controlled STZ-induced lipid peroxidation and significantly protected the animals against cardiac as well as renal damage. From the study, it may be concluded that oxidative stress appears to play a major role in STZ-induced cardiac and renal toxicity as is evident from significant inhibition of antioxidant defence mechanism in renal tissue or a compensatory increase in antioxidant defence mechanism in cardiac tissue. Intraperitoneal administration of mangiferin exhibited significant decrease in glycosylated haemoglobin and CPK levels along with the amelioration of oxidative stress that was comparable to insulin treatment.

Characterization of toxin from cheilanthes fern and its effect on lymphocyte proliferation and DNA fragmentation.

Thin layer chromatography of aqueous extract of whole Cheilanthesfarinosa fern indicated the presence of ptaquiloside or ptaquiloside like compound, coinciding Rf values with that of Pterosin B standard. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of 26.3 mg/kg ptaquiloside. In vitro studies of the aqueous extract on lymphocyte culture revealed a correlation between stimulative indices and concentration of aqueous extract. Stimulation in lymphocyte proliferation was in order of bracken > cheilanthes > ConA> ptaquiloside standard. On incubation of lymphocyte with aqueous extract of ferns, no DNA damage was observed in isolated DNA.

Subacute toxicity of anilofos, a new organophosphorus herbicide in male rats: effect on lipid peroxidation and ATPase activity.

Effects of anilofos on lipid peroxidation--an index of oxidative stress, ATPase activity--an integral part of active transport mechanisms for cations, GSH level and GST activity were evaluated in blood (erythrocyte/plasma), brain and liver of male rats after daily oral exposure to 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg for 28 days. None of the doses increased lipid peroxidation. The lowest dose, rather, produced marginally significant decrease in peroxidation in liver. Different doses of anilofos decreased GSH content and activities of GST and ATPases. Inhibition of total ATPase (34-44%) and Na+-K+-ATPase (45-52%) activities was maximum in liver, while that of Mg2+-ATPase (46-56%) was more in erythrocyte. Results indicate that anilofos may not cause oxidative damage to cell membrane in repeatedly exposed animals and may cause neuronal/cellular dysfunction by affecting ionic transport across cell membrane.

Beneficial effects of aluminum on the progression of lead-induced nephropathy in rats.

We studied the effect of aluminum on lead-induced nephropathy in male albino rats. Five groups of male albino rats were given either water only or lead acetate (125 mg/kg body weight) and/or aluminum chloride (50 mg/kg body weight or 100 mg/kg body weight) for a period of 90 days. Aluminum was found to prevent the lead-induced increase in the relative organ (kidney) weight in a dose-dependent manner. Aluminum also prevented lead-induced increase in plasma creatinine levels of the treated animals. Estimation of lead concentration in kidneys of different treatment groups revealed that the net deposition of lead was lower in animals which were given both lead acetate and aluminum chloride simultaneously. The results showed that aluminum offers some protection against lead-induced nephrotoxicity in a time- and dose-dependent manner.

Effect of bracken (Pteridium a quilinum) and dryopteris (Dryopteris juxtaposita) fern toxicity in laboratory rabbits.

Experimental studies with Bracken and Dryopteris ferns @ 25% concentrate ration mixture were conducted in rabbits. Fern fed rabbits showed progressive anaemia, leukopaenia, lymphopaenia and relative heterophilia. Significant elevations in serum enzymes like serum glutamate oxaloactate transminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine levels were seen. Histopathologically, rabbits showed mild to moderate vascular changes in most of visceral organs, vacuolar degenerative changes in hepatocytes, hypersecretory activity in intestine, presence of casts in renal tubules and degenerative changes in renal tubular lining epithelial cells. Dryopteris fed rabbits showed somewhat more severe degenerative and vascular changes in different intervals. A low level of toxic principle ptaquiloside was detected in Bracken and Dryopteris ferns by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods.

Biochemical and histological changes in blood, erythrocytes and tissue of rats on feeding Dryopteris juxtaposita fern.

Biochemical and histological alterations in erythrocytes, liver, kidney and brain of rats fed 30% level of D. juxtaposita fern powder were studied. Significant increase in GSH and decrease in lipid peroxidation, acetyl choline estrase and catalase of RBCs was observed. Significant increase in lipid peroxidation, ATPases and decrease in GST on 80 days post feeding in liver, kidneys and brain and acetyl choline estrase in brain was observed as compared to control. Histopathological studies indicated mild vascular changes in lungs, degenerative changes in testes, focal necrosis in liver and villous atrophy or hyperplasia of lining epithelial cells and hypersecretory activity in intestinal glands. Toxic effect of Dryopteris on rats was due to membrane alterations and oxidative stress and degenerative and vascular microscopic pathological changes.

Factors affecting direct and correlated responses in a White Leghorn population under long-term selection for egg number.

1. Data on 13,773 pullets, the progeny of 30 to 50 sires and about 135 to 220 dams per generation of a strain of White Leghorn under long-term selection for part period egg production over 16 generations, were examined. 2. Realised genetic gain per generation was highly significant for egg production (2.55 eggs), egg weight (-0.51 g), age at sexual maturity (-2.30 d) and 40 week body weight (-11.73 g). 3. The significant genetic response of 4.46 to 4.72 eggs per generation was realised in the first 8 generations only, which was accompanied by a marked decline in egg weight (-1.67 and -0.79 g per generation) and in age at sexual maturity (-4.63 and -6.39 d per generation). The 20 and 40 week body weights showed significant improvement in the last 4 generations. 4. Realised heritabilities were much lower in the last 8 than in the first 8 generation. 5. The additive genetic variance for most traits, except 20 week body weight and genetic covariances of egg production with egg weight and age at sexual maturity, declined significantly. 6. Natural selection did not seem to play any major role. No appreciable change in fitness traits was observed in the selected line. 7. The time trends were non-significant for all the traits in the control line, indicating its stability over generations.

Hepatoprotective effect of Liv-52 and kumaryasava on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage in rats.

Oral administration of Liv-52 and kumaryasava to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treated rats improved growth. Kumaryasava was more effective in reducing the liver weight increase due to hepatotoxicity of CCl4. Hepatic arginase, cathepsin-B, acid phosphatase, ribonuclease activity which were decreased on CCl4 treatment was stimulated by both Liv-52 and kumaryasava. Results indicate that Liv-52 and kumaryasava have protective effect on hepatic enzyme induced due to CCl4 hepatotoxicity.

Plasmodium falciparum hepatitis during malaria epidemic.

Thirty-two patients with a smear positive for Plasmodium falciparum and with jaundice were studied prospectively. Most of the cases were in the age group of 15-44 years. Serum bilirubin (conjugated) levels ranged from 2-25 mg%. Australia antigen was negative in all. Mortality was 12.4%, due to cerebral malaria.