Seroprevalence to common infectious abortifacient and infertility causing agents in the dairy herds of India.

Background: Information on the prevalence of infectious agents in dairy farms forms the basis for formulating a suitable control strategy; especially in endemic situations. Aims: A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of six economically important bovine diseases, causing reproductive disorders including bovine abortion in organized dairy herds in India. Methods: A total of 1,075 animals (cattle and buffaloes) from 09 dairy farms were screened by ELISA tests. Results: Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) was the most prevalent (56.5%) disease followed by infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) (45.4%). Prevalence of Q-fever (5.4%) and neosporosis (6.1%) were less on the farms. Although 16.3% of the samples turned positive for brucellosis, the contribution of calf-hood vaccination (B. abortus S19 vaccine) to the prevalence of antibodies cannot be ruled out. The overall prevalence of bovine anaplasmosis, known to cause sporadic abortions in dairy herds, was 34.1% in the 9 farms with a prevalence of less than 20% in 5 farms. Infection of multiple abortifacient (seroprevalence to more than two pathogens) was recorded in 56.8% of animals. A very strong association was observed between BVD and brucellosis (Odds ratio 14.2; P<0.001). Further, a positive association was also seen between seroprevalence of IBR and anaplasmosis, and neosporosis and Q fever (P<0.05). Conclusion: Viral diseases were found to be more common in the dairy herds than bacterial and protozoan diseases. Increased susceptibility of IBR seropositive cows to other bacterial and viral infections was observed.

Larvicidal and histopathological efficacy of cinnamic acid analogues: a novel strategy to reduce the dengue vector competence.

Background: A novel strategy such as conjugation of amino, Schiff's bases, and thiadiazole moieties to the cinnamic acid nucleus has been adopted in this study to discover new molecules that target the dengue envelope protein (DENVE). Aim: Among the different domains of dengue virus envelope protein (PDB ID 1OKE), we have selected a ligand-binding domain for our structure-based drug design. The designed compounds have also been docked against DENVE protein. Methodology: Based on the in silico results and synthetic feasibility, three different schemes were used to synthesize twenty-three novel cinnamic acid derivatives. Sci-finder ascertained their novelty. The synthesized derivatives were consistent with their assigned spectra. The compounds were further evaluated for their larvicidal activity and histopathological analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to derive the QSAR model, which was further evaluated internally and externally for the prediction of activity. Results and discussion: Four compounds, namely CA 2, CA 14, ACA 4, and CATD 2, effectively showed larvicidal activity after 24, 48, and 72 h exposure; particularly, compound CA2 showed potent larvicidal activity with LC50 of 82.15 µg ml-1, 65.34 µg ml-1, and 38.68 µg ml-1, respectively, whereas intermittent stages, causes of abscess in the gut, and siphon regions were observed through histopathological studies. Conclusion: Our study identified some novel chemical scaffolds as effective DENVE inhibitors with efficacious anticipated pharmacokinetic profiles, which can be modified further.

To compare central corneal thickness measurements obtained by Pentacam with those obtained by IOLMaster 700, Cirrus anterior segment optical coherence tomography and Tomey specular microscopy in normal healthy eyes.

Purpose: To compare central corneal thickness measurements obtained by Pentacam with those obtained by IOL Master 700, Cirrus Anterior segment optical coherence tomography and Tomey Specular microscopy in normal healthy eyes. Methods: Two hundred and six eyes of healthy subjects were included in the study. Each subject was assessed by four different methods of measuring central corneal thickness using Pentacam, IOL Master 700, Cirrus AS-OCT and Tomey Specular microscopy by a single examiner. Results: The mean CCT [± standard deviation (SD)] for Pentacam, IOL Master 700, Cirrus AS-OCT and Tomey Specular microscopy were Pentacam (Oculus), AS-OCT (Cirrus), IOL Master 700 and Specular microscopy (Tomey) were 523.75 (±27.75), 525.29 (±28.81),517.13 (±28.43) and 512.82 (±27.60) µm, respectively. All the means were significantly different from one another (P < 0.000). The differences between pairs of mean central corneal thickness (CCT) for Pentacam and IOL Master, Pentacam and anterior segment- optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), and Pentacam and Specular microscopy are statistically significant. Bland-Altman plots showed that pentacam and IOL Master 700 have the closest agreement, followed by AS-OCT. Specular microscopy was found to have the poorest agreement with Pentacam. Conclusion: We found that CCT measurements of Pentacam did not correlate with measurements of IOL Master, or AS-OCT or Specular microscopy. In clinical practice, the devices analyzed should not be used interchangeably due to low agreement regarding CCT values.

The Effect of Dual Tasking and Deep Brain Stimulation Frequency Parameters on Gait in Advanced Parkinson's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of dual tasking and deep brain stimulation frequency parameters on gait in advanced Parkinson's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an open label interventional study evaluating 40 post STN-DBS patients with gait disturbances. All patients were diagnosed as PD by a movement disorder specialist using the United Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank (UKPDSBB) criteria. Patients underwent bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation by a qualified neurosurgeon. Patients were managed on a combination of dopamine replacement therapy as well as deep brain stimulation. Patients were assessed by stand walk sit (SWS) test for a 5 meter distance and FOG scoring during medication 'ON' state and device "ON" state, at four frequencies 180, 130, 90, 60 HZ and device "OFF" state. RESULTS: Out of 40 patients, 38 patients showed a significant improvement in gait at a single frequency (best response frequency) which is different for each patient. The mean FOG score showed significant improvement at all stimulation frequencies when compared to OFF stimulation (P < 0.05). The mean number of steps was 18.9 at best response frequency and 21.48 at 130 Hz (P < 0.0001). Number of freezing episodes also were significantly less with best frequency when compared to 130 Hz stimulation (0.28 and 0.65 respectively, (P < 0.0001). The mean FOG score was 6.45 at best frequency and 9.48 at 130 Hz (P < 0.0001). Mean Dual tasking score was 3.53 at best frequency and 5.15 at 130 Hz (P < 0.0002). CONCLUSION: Optimization of frequency setting for each patient can improve gait and that each patient may have a different optimal frequency.

Oxidative Stress in the Development of Genetic Generalised Epilepsy: An Observational Study in Southern Indian Population.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress resulting from excessive generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) plays a significant role in neurodegeneration associated with seizures/epilepsy. AIM: To evaluate oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes in Genetic Generalised Epilepsy (GGE) and to know the extent of oxidative stress induced by Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs) with the time duration of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 310 GGE patients (male:female=203:107), who were on AED treatment (n=235) and 75 untreated patients (male:female=49:26) along with 310 age and sex matched healthy controls were recruited. Oxidative stress markers such as Nitric Oxide (NO), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme activities namely Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Catalase (CAT) were measured spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of serum NO, MDA and low levels of plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were found in patients as compared to controls (p<0.001) whereas erythrocyte SOD, CAT and GPx activities were found to be significantly low in patients when compared to the control group (p<0.001). Statistically significant higher levels of NO, MDA and lower levels of SOD, CAT and TAC were observed in patients subgroup, who were on AEDs for more than >5 years compared to other groups (≤ 1 year and 1-≤ 5 years) (p=0.02, p=0.01, p=0.001, p=0.01 and p=0.05 respectively). Further, significant increase in the levels of NO, MDA and decreased activities of SOD, CAT were found in treated patients compared to untreated patients (p<0.05) denoting that additional oxidative stress induced by AEDs which results in seizure recurrence and drug intractability. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that GGE patients have additional oxidative stress due to AEDs and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities causing an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant status, which might contribute to the pathogenesis of GGE.

Risk Factors, Vascular Lesion Distribution, Outcome and Recurrence of Strokes Due to Intracranial Atherosclerosis: One Year Data from Hyderabad Stroke Registry.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is a common cause of ischemic stroke in Asian countries and probably in India. AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the risk factors, distribution of vascular lesions, recurrence and outcome of stroke due to ICAS. METHODOLOGY: A total of 100 consecutive patients of ischemic stroke due to ICAS were enrolled prospectively from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015, and followed for 1 year for treatment compliance and recurrence. The details about demographics, risk factors, and vascular lesions were noted. RESULTS: There were 68 males and 32 females. Hypertension (HTN), diabetes, alcohol, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 82%, 52%, 34%, 33%, 28%, and 23%, respectively. The number of arteries involved were middle cerebral artery, 53 (37.3%); posterior cerebral artery, 24 (16.9%); internal cerebral artery, 21 (14.8%); vertebral artery, 18 (12.7%); basilar artery, 6 (4.2%); and anterior cerebral artery, 6 (4.2%). Seventeen (17%) patients had a recurrent stroke during 1 year follow-up. The presence of uncontrolled HTN and diabetes mellitus after discharge were significantly associated with stroke recurrence (P < 0.05). The use of dual antiplatelet agents and statins was found to have a significant effect in the prevention of recurrent stroke (P < 0.05). Severe stroke at presentation and presence of hemiparesis were the predictors for unfavorable outcome at 3 months (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Risk factors, distribution of vascular lesions and high recurrence of stroke due to ICAS in this study is similar to that reported from other Asian countries. Aggressive medical management and risk factor control remains the best strategy for preventing recurrence.

Simultaneous observation of a glory and in-situ microphysical cloud properties.

While making airborne measurements of cloud particles, a bright glory was observed on a thin layer cloud. By deliberately flying through this glory-producing cloud on several occasions, cloud particle size distributions were obtained. We found that warm liquid clouds with narrow cloud droplet size distributions are responsible for producing the observed glory. This paper presents these results and compares the results of Mie theory simulations with an image of the glory.

Molecular characterization of phytoplasmas of 'Clover proliferation' group associated with three ornamental plant species in India.

Suspected phytoplasma symptoms of little leaf, yellowing, chlorosis, phyllody, witches' broom, and stunting were observed on ten different ornamental plant species at New Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Bengaluru, and Pune, India, during March to July 2016. To investigate the possibility of phytoplasma etiology, PCR assays were performed using universal primer pairs (P1/P7 followed by 3Far/3Rev) specific to the phytoplasma 16Sr RNA gene. First round PCR amplification with primer pair P1/P7 did not yield expected 1.8 kb product of 16S rRNA region from any of the 17 symptomatic samples. However, 1.3 Kb amplicons were observed in nested PCR assays with 3Far/3Rev primer pair in symptomatic leaf samples of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Pune isolate), Saponaria officinalis L. (Pune isolate), and Allamanda cathartica L. (Delhi isolate). No amplifications were observed in any of the other tested symptomatic and non-symptomatic plant samples either in first round or second round of nested PCR assays with phytoplasma specific primer pairs. Pairwise sequence comparison of 16S rDNA sequences of the five positive phytoplasma strains of A. catharica, H. rosa-sinensis, and S. officinalis in the present study revealed 99-100% sequence identities with strains of 'clover proliferation' (16SrVI) group. Phylogenetic and virtual RFLP analysis of 16S rDNA sequences of the five identified phytoplasma strains belonging to three ornamental species further confirmed their clustering and grouping with member strains of 'clover proliferation' subgroup D. This is the first record of the phytoplasma association of 'clover proliferation' subgroup D with H. rosa-sinensis, S. officinalis, and A. cathartica in the world.

Association of serum trace elements and minerals with genetic generalized epilepsy and idiopathic intractable epilepsy.

Certain minerals and trace elements are essential for the development of healthy nervous system. Altered serum levels of these elements may lead to the development of various diseases including epilepsy. The present study was designed to evaluate the association of serum calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper in the development of genetic generalized epilepsy [GGE; erstwhile known as idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE)] as well as idiopathic intractable epilepsy (IIE), in which seizures persist despite treatment with at least two or three antiepileptic drugs tolerated at reasonable dosage. 200 GGE patients and equal number of healthy controls were recruited for study with their written informed consent. The patients were further divided into responders and non-responders based on their response to antiepileptic drugs. Copper and zinc levels were assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer whereas calcium and magnesium were analyzed by Human Star 600 fully automated biochemistry analyzer. The patients with GGE had significant low levels of calcium, magnesium and zinc (1.85 ± 0.33, 0.69 ± 0.13 mmol/L and 11.33 ± 3.32 µmol/L respectively) and the corresponding values for controls were 2.27 ± 0.22, 0.89 ± 0.15, 12.71 ± 3.24 (p < 0.05). Significant high levels of copper were found in patients as compared to controls (26.69 ± 8.79 µmol/L; 16.64 ± 3.64) (p < 0.05). Significantly decreased levels of zinc were noted in non-responders (10.38 ± 2.99) compared to responders (12.62 ± 3.30) (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in serum calcium, magnesium and copper levels between responders and non-responders. In conclusion, low levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc and high levels of copper were found to be associated with GGE. Further, the patients with IIE were also found to have low levels of zinc.

Association of GABRA6 1519 T>C (rs3219151) and Synapsin II (rs37733634) gene polymorphisms with the development of idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

The idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) is a neurological disorder which accounts for approximately 30% of all epilepsy cases. Patients identified with IGE syndromes have pharmacoresponsive epilepsies without abnormal neurological symptoms, structural brain lesions and are of unknown origin. A genetic etiology to IGEs has been proposed. Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter acts by binding to transmembrane GABAA and GABAB receptors of both pre- and postsynaptic neurons. Synapsin II (SynII), a neuron specific phosphoprotein plays a major role in synaptogenesis and neurotransmitter release. The present study was carried out with an aim to evaluate the association of GABRA6 (rs3219151) T>C and Syn II (rs37733634) A>G gene polymorphisms with IGE. Molecular analysis revealed that the frequency of 'CC' genotype and 'C'allele of GABRA6 (rs3219151) T>C gene polymorphism was significantly higher in IGE patients compared to healthy controls [CC vs. TT, χ2=26; p<0.001; Odds ratio=3.6 (95% CI; 2.1-5.9); C vs T, χ2=24.7; p<0.001; Odds ratio=1.78 (95% CI; 1.4-2.2)]. The frequency of 'GG' genotype and 'G' allele of the intronic polymorphism A>G in Syn II gene was also found to be significantly associated with the disease when compared to controls [GG vs AA, χ2=64.52; p<0.001; Odds ratio=7.37 (95% CI; 4.4-12.3); G vs. A, χ2=65.78; p<0.001; Odds ratio=2.57 (95% CI; 2.0-3.2)]. The generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction method was employed to detect gene-gene interactions. The gene-gene interaction at two loci involving GABRA6 and Syn II revealed a significant association [χ2=36.6, p<0.001, Odds ratio=3.17 (95% CI; 2.2-4.6)] with IGE. Therefore, the present study clearly indicates that both GABRA6 (rs3219151) T>C and Syn II (rs37733634) A>G polymorphisms are important risk factors for the development of IGE in the South Indian population from Andhra Pradesh. The gene-gene interaction studies demonstrated significant interactive effects of these two loci in the development of the disease.

Association of genetic variants of fibrinolytic system with stroke and stroke subtypes.

Genetic variants of tPA (PLAT) and PAI-1 genes have been suggested to be the risk factors for stroke. In the present case-control study we investigated the association of -7351C/T polymorphism (rs2020918) and I/D polymorphism of tPA gene and Insertion/deletion polymorphism (4G/5G) of PAI-1 gene with genetic predisposition to ischemic stroke. 516 stroke patients and 513, sex and age matched healthy controls were involved in the study. We did not find a significant association of tPA -7351C/T polymorphism and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism with stroke. However, in case of I/D polymorphism significant difference was observed in the genotypic distribution and allelic frequency between the stroke patients and healthy controls. DD genotype and D allele associated significantly with stroke (p=0.002 and <0.001 respectively). We also found significant association of I/D polymorphism with intracranial large artery atherosclerosis and stroke of undetermined etiology. Exploring the association between gene-gene interaction (26 combinations including the three variants) and stroke, we found that individuals with CC+4G4G+DD, CC+5G5G+ID, CT+4G5G+ID, CT+5G5G+II, CT+5G5G+ID and TT+4G5G+II had a significantly higher risk of stroke. The results of this study suggest that -7351C/T polymorphism of tPA and 4G/5G polymorphism of PAI-1 are not associated with stroke, while as DD genotype and D allele of tPA gene are important risk factors for ischemic stroke. Further we found that the subjects with different tPA and PAI genotype combinations displayed a significantly high risk for overall ischemic stroke suggesting that gene-gene interaction involving more variants may change the susceptibility of particular subjects to the disease.

Association of C3435T multi drug resistance gene-1 polymorphism with aspirin resistance in ischemic stroke and its subtypes.

Aspirin is the most commonly used antiplatelet drug for treatment of a serious vascular event, most notably myocardial infarction and stroke. Significant fraction of aspirin treated patients is resistant to the antiplatelet effects of the drugs. Previous studies have suggested that a genetic basis for aspirin resistance exists. Therefore the present study was taken up to investigate the role of C3435T polymorphism (rs 1045642) of multiple drug resistance-1 (MDR-1) gene with aspirin resistance in stroke patients. Five hundred and sixty ischemic stroke patients and 560 age and sex matched healthy controls were involved in the study. Baseline clinical data were collected and follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with patients at 3, 6 and 12 months post event to determine stroke outcome. Blood samples were collected and genotypes determined. Significant difference was observed in the genotype distribution and allele frequency between patients and controls. The results were confirmed by a step wise multiple logistic regression analysis controlling all other confounding risk factors [adjusted Odds ratio=3.132 (95% CI; 2.043-4.800; p<0.001)]. There was a significant difference in genotype distribution between drug responders and non-responders. The risk of aspirin resistance was significantly high in patients with TT genotype in comparison to those with CC genotype [(TT vs. CC, χ(2)=6.268; p=0.012, Odds ratio=1.85) (95% CI; 1.142-3.017) (adjusted Odds ratio=2.465; 95% CI; 1.895-4.625 and p<0.001)]. As far as the stroke subtypes are concerned TT genotype associated significantly with aspirin resistance in intracranial large artery atherosclerosis. Our results indicate that the risk of aspirin resistance is more in patients with 3435TT genotype than in those with CC genotype. However, this is a preliminary study and a large study of replication is needed to confirm our results.

Enhancement of fruit shelf life by suppressing N-glycan processing enzymes.

In a globalized economy, the control of fruit ripening is of strategic importance because excessive softening limits shelf life. Efforts have been made to reduce fruit softening in transgenic tomato through the suppression of genes encoding cell wall-degrading proteins. However, these have met with very limited success. N-glycans are reported to play an important role during fruit ripening, although the role of any particular enzyme is yet unknown. We have identified and targeted two ripening-specific N-glycoprotein modifying enzymes, alpha-mannosidase (alpha-Man) and beta-D-N-acetylhexosaminidase (beta-Hex). We show that their suppression enhances fruit shelf life, owing to the reduced rate of softening. Analysis of transgenic tomatoes revealed approximately 2.5- and approximately 2-fold firmer fruits in the alpha-Man and beta-Hex RNAi lines, respectively, and approximately 30 days of enhanced shelf life. Overexpression of alpha-Man or beta-Hex resulted in excessive fruit softening. Expression of alpha-Man and beta-Hex is induced by the ripening hormone ethylene and is modulated by a regulator of ripening, rin (ripening inhibitor). Furthermore, transcriptomic comparative studies demonstrate the down-regulation of cell wall degradation- and ripening-related genes in RNAi fruits. It is evident from these results that N-glycan processing is involved in ripening-associated fruit softening. Genetic manipulation of N-glycan processing can be of strategic importance to enhance fruit shelf life, without any negative effect on phenotype, including yield.

Effect of methanolic extract of Pongamia pinnata Linn seed on gastro-duodenal ulceration and mucosal offensive and defensive factors in rats.

Pongamia pinnata has been advocated in Ayurveda for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions and dyspepsia. The present work includes initial phytochemical screening and study of ulcer protective and healing effects of methanolic extract of seeds of P. pinnata (PPSM) in rats. Phytochemical tests indicated the presence of flavonoids in PPSM. PPSM when administered orally (po) showed dose-dependent (12.5-50 mg/kg for 5 days) ulcer protective effects against gastric ulcer induced by 2 h cold restraint stress. Optimal effective dose of PPSM (25 mg/kg) showed antiulcerogenic activity against acute gastric ulcers (GU) induced by pylorus ligation and aspirin and duodenal ulcer induced by cysteamine but not against ethanol-induced GU. It healed chronic gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid when given for 5 and 10 days. Further, its effects were studied on various parameters of gastric offensive acid-pepsin secretion, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO) and defensive mucosal factors like mucin secretion and mucosal cell shedding, glycoproteins, proliferation and antioxidants; catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels. PPSM tended to decrease acid output and increased mucin secretion and mucosal glycoproteins, while it decreased gastric mucosal cell shedding without any effect on cell proliferation. PPSM significantly reversed the increase in gastric mucosal LPO, NO and SOD levels caused by CRS near to the normal level while it tended to increase CAT and GSH level decreased by CRS and ethanol respectively. Thus, the ulcer protective effects of PPSM may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and the actions may be due to its effects both on mucosal offensive and defensive factors.

Fruit ripening phenomena--an overview.

Fruits constitute a commercially important and nutritionally indispensable food commodity. Being a part of a balanced diet, fruits play a vital role in human nutrition by supplying the necessary growth regulating factors essential for maintaining normal health. Fruits are widely distributed in nature. One of the limiting factors that influence their economic value is the relatively short ripening period and reduced post-harvest life. Fruit ripening is a highly coordinated, genetically programmed, and an irreversible phenomenon involving a series of physiological, biochemical, and organoleptic changes, that finally leads to the development of a soft edible ripe fruit with desirable quality attributes. Excessive textural softening during ripening leads to adverse effects/spoilage upon storage. Carbohydrates play a major role in the ripening process, by way of depolymerization leading to decreased molecular size with concomitant increase in the levels of ripening inducing specific enzymes, whose target differ from fruit to fruit. The major classes of cell wall polysaccharides that undergo modifications during ripening are starch, pectins, cellulose, and hemicelluloses. Pectins are the common and major components of primary cell wall and middle lamella, contributing to the texture and quality of fruits. Their degradation during ripening seems to be responsible for tissue softening of a number of fruits. Structurally pectins are a diverse group of heteropolysaccharides containing partially methylated D-galacturonic acid residues with side chain appendages of several neutral polysaccharides. The degree of polymerization/esterification and the proportion of neutral sugar residues/side chains are the principal factors contributing to their (micro-) heterogeneity. Pectin degrading enzymes such as polygalacturonase, pectin methyl esterase, lyase, and rhamnogalacturonase are the most implicated in fruit-tissue softening. Recent advances in molecular biology have provided a better understanding of the biochemistry of fruit ripening as well as providing a hand for genetic manipulation of the entire ripening process. It is desirable that significant breakthroughs in such related areas will come forth in the near future, leading to considerable societal benefits.

Teratogenicity of Asparagus racemosus Willd. root, a herbal medicine.

Asparagus racemosus (AR) is a herb used as a rasayana in Ayurveda and is considered both general and female reproductive tonic. Methanolic extract of A. racemosus roots (ARM; 100 mg/kg/day for 60 days) showed teratological disorders in terms of increased resorption of fetuses, gross malformations e.g. swelling in legs and intrauterine growth retardation with a small placental size in Charles Foster rats. Pups born to mother exposed to ARM for full duration of gestation showed evidence of higher rate of resorption and therefore smaller litter size. The live pup showed significant decrease in body weight and length and delay of various developmental parameters when compared to respective control groups. AR therefore, should be used in pregnancy cautiously as its exposure during that period may cause damage to the offspring.

Effect of plantain banana on gastric ulceration in NIDDM rats: role of gastric mucosal glycoproteins, cell proliferation, antioxidants and free radicals.

Methanolic extract of Musa sapientum var. Paradisiaca (MSE, 100 mg/kg) was studied for its antiulcer and mucosal defensive factors in normal and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) rats. NIDDM was induced by administering streptozotocin (STZ, 70 mg/kg, ip) to 5 days old rat pups. The animals showing blood glucose level >140mg/dL after 12 weeks of STZ administration were considered as NIDDM positive. Effects of MSE were compared with known ulcer protective drug, sucralfate (SFT, 500 mg/kg) and anti-diabetic drug glibenclamide (GLC, 0.6 mg/kg) when administered orally, once daily for 6 days against gastric ulcers (GU) induced by cold-restraint stress (CRS) and ethanol and subsequent changes in gastric mucosal glycoproteins, cell proliferation, free radicals (lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide) and anti-oxidants enzymes (super oxide dismutase and catalase) and glutathione (GSH) levels. MSE showed better ulcer protective effect in NIDDM rats compared with SFT and GLC in CRS-induced GU. NIDDM caused a significant decrease in gastric mucosal glycoprotein level without having any effect on cell proliferation. However, all the test drugs reversed the decrease in glycoprotein level in NIDDM rats, but cell proliferation was enhanced in case of MSE alone. Both CRS or NIDDM as such enhanced gastric mucosal LPO, NO and SOD, but decreased CAT levels while CRS plus NIDDM rats caused further increase in LPO and NO level without causing any further changes in SOD and CAT level. MSE pretreatment showed reversal in the levels of all the above parameters better than GLC. Ethanol caused a decrease in glutathione level which was further reduced in NIDDM-ethanol rats. MSE reversed the above changes significantly in both normal as well as in NIDDM rats, while GLC reversed it only in NIDDM rats. However, SFT was ineffective in reversing the changes induced by CRS or ethanol or when given in NIDDM-CRS or NIDDM-ethanol rats. The results indicated that the ulcer protective effect of MSE could be due to its predominant effect on mucosal glycoprotein, cell proliferation, free radicals and antioxidant systems.

Effect of standardized extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn. on gastric mucosal offensive and defensive factors.

The standardized methanolic extract of leaves of O. sanctum (OSE; eugenol content 5%) given in doses of 50-200 mg/kg, orally, twice daily for five days showed dose-dependent ulcer protective effect against cold restraint stress induced gastric ulcers. Optimal effective dose (100 mg/kg) of OSE showed significant ulcer protection against ethanol and pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcers, but was ineffective against aspirin-induced ulcers. OSE significantly healed ulcers induced by 50% acetic acid after 5 and 10 days treatment OSE (100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the offensive acid-pepsin secretion and lipid peroxidation and increased the gastric defensive factors like mucin secretion, cellular mucus, and life span of mucosal cells and had antioxidant effect, but did not induce mucosal cell proliferation. The results indicate that the ulcer protective and healing effects of OSE may be due to its effects both on offensive and defensive mucosal factors.

Effect of Bacopa monniera and Azadirachta indica on gastric ulceration and healing in experimental NIDDM rats.

Gastric ulcers were induced in normal/NIDDM rats by various physical (2 hr cold restraint stress and 4 hr pylorus ligation) and chemical agents (ethanol, 1 ml/200 g, oral, 1 hr before; aspirin, 200 mg/kg, oral, 4 hr) and duodenal ulcers were induced by cysteamine (40 mg/200 g). Ulcer healing activity was studied in gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid (50%) and HCI (0.6 M). The result indicated that in both, normal and NIDDM rats, B. monniera extract (BME, 20-100 mg/kg) did not show any significant effect on blood glucose level, while A. indica (AIE, 250-1000 mg/kg) significantly decreased it. However, both BME (50 mg/kg) and AIE (500 mg/kg) showed significant anti-ulcer and ulcer-healing activities in normal and NIDDM rats. Further, the present results also indicated that the ulcer protective effects of BME was more pronounced in non-diabetic, while that of AIE was more in NIDDM rats. The anti-ulcer and ulcer-healing activities of BME and AIE may be due to their effects on various mucosal offensive and defensive factors, and correction of blood sugar level by AIE may help to have more ulcer protective effect in NIDDM rats.

Evaluation of Pongamia pinnata root extract on gastric ulcers and mucosal offensive and defensive factors in rats.

Effect of methanolic extract of P. Pinnata roots (PPRM) was studied against various experimental gastric ulcer models and offensive and defensive gastric mucosal factors in rats. An initial dose-response study using 12.5-50 mg/kg P. Pinnata root extract, when given orally in two divided dose for 4 days + 5th full dose on the day of experiment 60 min before the experiment, indicated 25 mg/kg as an optimal regimen and was used for further study. PPRM showed significant protection against aspirin and 4 hr PL, but not against ethanol-induced gastric ulceration. It showed tendency to decrease acetic acid-induced ulcer after 10 days treatment. Ulcer protective effect of PPRM was due to augmentation of mucosal defensive factors like mucin secretion, life span of mucosal cells, mucosal cell glycoproteins, cell proliferation and prevention of lipid per oxidation rather than on the offensive acid-pepsin secretion.