Effect of salicylic acid supplementation on blood glucose, lipid profile and electrolyte homeostasis in gentamicin sulphate induced nephrotoxicity.

This study was designed to investigate effect of salicylic acid supplementation in gentamicin- induced nephrotoxicity. For this purpose, twenty four male albino rabbits were divided into 4 groups (n=6); control group, healthy untreated rabbits; gentamicin group, received only gentamicin (80mg/kg); gentamicin + salicylic acid group, received gentamicin (80mg/kg) + salicylic acid (80mg/kg) and salicylic acid group, received only salicylic acid (80mg/kg) through intra peritoneal route for 21 consecutive days. Biochemical evaluation was carried out by assessment of body weights and by estimating plasma glucose, lipid profile and electrolyte homeostasis. Gentamicin sulphate induction resulted in increased plasma glucose, plasma TG, plasma cholesterol, plasma LDL, and plasma sodium and in decreased plasma HDL and plasma potassium with significant reduction in body weights in GS-treated group, which were restored by supplementation with salicylic acid in GS+SA treated group. Therefore, these findings confirm the protective role of salicylic acid in gentamicin- induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits.

Comparative analysis of antioxidant activity, toxicity, and mineral composition of kernel and pomace of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) grown in Balochistan, Pakistan.

The present study aims to investigate some physical attributes, total phenolics content, total flavonoids content, mineral composition, bioluminescence toxicity assay and antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH, HPS, TAC and FRAP assays in the kernel and pomace samples of six apricot cultivars grown in Balochistan, Pakistan. TFC and TPC determined by the AlCl3 and Folin-Ciocalteu assays in apricot kernel extracts of six cultivars varied from 1797.5 (Chagali) to 4778.9 (Badoghur) mg QUE/100 g DW and from 1750.0 (Chagali) to 5005.8 (Badoghur) mg GAE/100 g DW. Apricot kernels exhibited higher antioxidant activity than pomace; antioxidant activity in terms of IC50 in kernels ranged from 24.88 to 98.61 µg/ml for DPPH, 334.84 to 516.63 µg/ml for HPS, from 22.02 to 110.80 µg/ml for TAC and from 96.27 to 163.35 µg/ml for FRAP. The apricot kernels showed higher TPC, TFC, bioluminescence toxicity to V. logei and antioxidant activity than the pomace. The correlation analysis demonstrated substantial contributions of polyphenols and flavonoids to antioxidant assays. The sample type was the leading factor affecting the amounts of K, Na, Ca, Fe, and Mn in the tested samples; mineral contents were higher in pomace than kernels. The highest inhibition to V. logei was found in the kernels of Badoghur (IC50 = 1.61 mg/ml). The PCA analysis showed significant contributions of phenolic and flavonoid contents towards antioxidant bioluminescence toxicity assays. Our results suggest Badoghur, Shakarpara and Sardai kernels are rich sources of secondary metabolites and possess remarkable antioxidant and antiluminescence activity and can make a significant contribution to the treatment and prevention of chronic health problems.

Thalassemia Patients from Baluchistan in Pakistan Are Infected with Multiple Hepatitis B or C Virus Strains.

There are an estimated 2,000 children with ß-thalassemia in the province Baluchistan of Pakistan. These children are at high risk of acquiring transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) due to their need of regular blood transfusions for survival. Therefore, we investigated the frequencies of TTIs among these multi-transfused patients in a region where the WHO guidelines for blood safety are not always followed. Sera from 400 children (mean age 7.7 ± 4.70 years) treated at two thalassemia centers in Baluchistan were investigated for TTIs. Eleven (2.8%) were hepatitis B surface antigen positive, and 72 (18.3%) had anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV), two of which were infected with both viruses. Only 22% of the children had been reached by the program for universal hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination which started in 2004. Half (51%) of the HCV infected had also been HBV infected. The HBV- and HCV-infected patients were older and had received more blood transfusions than the uninfected patients (P < 0.001). Molecular characterization of the viral strains revealed the presence of several genetically different strains in at least three HBV- and seven HCV-infected children. This is the first study to demonstrate infections with multiple HBV or HCV strains simultaneously infecting thalassemia patients. These may become the source for new emerging recombinant viruses of unknown virulence. The high prevalence of anti-HCV-positive children, and the presence of HBV infections among children who should have been vaccinated, highlights an urgent need for improvements of blood safety in this region of Pakistan.

Human Biomonitoring of Trace Elements in Scalp Hair from Healthy Population of Pakistan.

The present study deals with the assessment of essential trace and toxic elements in biological samples (scalp hair) of healthy smoker and non-smoker residents of Lahore (the second most populous city), Pakistan. Human biomonitoring of various trace elements like zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) was evaluated in human hair samples of smokers and non-smokers (males and females) as per IFCC criteria. For the purpose of comparison, scalp hair samples of age- and sex-equivalent healthy persons were also analyzed. The results of this study show that the concentrations (P95 values) of As (0.17, 0.81, and 0.91 µg/g), Cd (2.80, 3.81, and 3.16 µg/g), Cr (4.1, 4.2, and 5.3 µg/g), Cu (20.0, 21.0, and 21.9 µg/g), Ni (3.9, 4.6, and 4.3 µg/g), Pb (4.0, 4.8, and 5.0 µg/g), and Fe (49.0, 49.0, and 59.3 µg/g) were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of smokers than in referents, for various age groups (16-32 years, 33-50 years, and 51-62 years), respectively. The concentrations of Zn (165, 163, and 173 µg/g various age groups, respectively) in similar age group were found lower in the scalp hair samples of smokers than referents. Exposure of high toxic metal level through smoking and deficiency of Zn could be synergistic with the risk factors associated with the use of tobacco. Correlation studies for the elements in cigarette with the elements in scalp hair of male smokers show a highly positive correlation between Cr-Cd, Cr-Ni, Cu-Fe, and Ni-Zn.

Profile and predictors of hepatitis and HIV infection in patients on hemodialysis of Quetta, Pakistan.

Hemodialysis (HD) is the most commonly used treatment in patients with end-stage renal failure or disease (ESRD) worldwide. Blood-borne viral diseases are the major causes of mortality and morbidity in patients on HD. This study aims to analyze the prevalence and to concentrate on the key risk factors that are responsible for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients on HD visiting two dialysis centers in the city of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan. The overall incidence of HBV was found to be 16.1%, the overall incidence of HCV was found to be 43.2%, and two patients (1.6%) were found to be positive for both HBV and HCV. HIV was not found among patients seen at both hospitals during the study period. The main risk factors for development of a viral infection were the length of time on HD (p = 0.007), number of sessions (p = 0.001), and level of education (p = 0.092). Biochemical and hematological parameters including urea, creatinine, uric acid, and calcium levels, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and platelet count were also studied in patients on HD. HD is becoming one of the major factors causing a viral infection because a patient can possibly become infected during an HD session via a blood transfusion, dialysis machines, instruments and/or other contaminated equipment. In order to control the spread of viral infections, increased public awareness, vaccinations, and health education programs for both health care providers and patients are needed, and proper screening programs should be instituted before dialysis is performed.

Elemental Characterization of Medicinal Plants and Soils from Hazarganji Chiltan National Park and Nearby Unprotected Areas of Balochistan, Pakistan.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the variability in elemental composition of seven medicinal plants and their respective soils belonging to protected and nearby unprotected sites of the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park. The medical plants under study were Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch, Peganum harmala Linn, Sophora mollis (Royle) Baker, Perovskia atriplicifolia Benth, Seriphidium quettense (Podlech.) Ling, Hertia intermedia (Bioss) O. Ktze, and Nepeta praetervisa Rech. F. Macro (C, H, N, S, K, Ca), micro (Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn), beneficial (Al, Co, Na), others (As, Br, Cr, Cs, Hf, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sr, Sn, V and Th) and rare earth elements (Ce, Eu, La, Lu, Nd Sc, Sm, Tb and Yb) were characterized by means of standard organic elemental and instrumental neutron activation methodologies and by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results showed that, among macro nutrients, carbon concentration was the highest element in both plant and soil samples followed by H and K. Elements such as Cl, Na and Fe were detected in considerably good amounts; all the other elements were found in trace quantities. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to identify spatial variation in elemental composition of medicinal plants, in which 80-90% of the total variance in whole set of data was found. In particular, the findings highlighted the presence of essential and beneficial elements such as C, H, N, K, Ca, Fe, Mn and Na, in samples from protected sites, while potentially dangerous elements such as Al, As, Br and Cr were detected in samples from unprotected sites. These results emphasized on the need for rational exploitation of valuable medicinal plants and supporting protected areas as an excellent source of biodiversity conservation.

Fatty Acids and Phenolic Profiles of Extravirgin Olive Oils from Selected Italian Cultivars Introduced in Southwestern Province of Pakistan.

Mediterranean olive trees have been cultivated in Pakistan for decades to promote olive cultivation and use of olive oil. The qualitative characteristics of seven mono and one multi-varietal extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) extracted from Italian cultivars grown in different areas of Balochistan a southwestern province of Pakistan were evaluated. Present study aims to assess the impact of bioclimatological change on biochemical profile of exotic cultivars. The dominating fatty acids found in analyzed EVOOs were oleic (65-72%), linoleic (10.61-18.33%) and palmitic acids (12-16%). The tocopherols α, (ß+γ) and δ contents showed a great diversity which ranged from (60-408) mg/kg while, total phenol concentration ranged from (200-370) mg/kg. The analyses of phenolic compounds revealed the presence of phenolic acids, phenolic alcohols, secoiridoids, flavonoids, oleuropein and verbascosides. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) regarding studied parameters. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to identify the main components and to classify samples into groups in terms of fatty acids and phenolic profiles. The first group (Frantoio, Moraiolo, Pendolino, Multi-varietal mixture) characterized by high amount of oleic acid and MUFAs/PUFAs ratio. The second group (Maurino and Leccino) correlates with SFAs and third (Ottobrattica, Coratina) with PUFAs. Based on the PCA of phenolic profile the studied cultivars were divided into two main groups. Morialo, Pendolino and Maurino correlated with (phenolic acids, hydroxytyrosol, flavonoids and secoiridoids). Frantoio, Ottobrattica, Coratina, multi-varietal and Leccino were correlated with oleuropein, tyrosol and ligstroside aglycon. The obtained data was compared with those obtained from same cultivars in their original and/or different growing area. Marked differences were observed in the composition of oleic, linoleic, palmitic acids, secoiridoids and total phenolic contents. These differences could be due to change in geographical location and climatical condition of Balochistan. The cultivar Moraiolo has shown best adaptation and preserved its biochemical composition among all studied cultivars.

Possible molecular targets for therapeutic applications of caffeic acid phenethyl ester in inflammation and cancer.

Of the various derivatives of caffeic acid, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a hydrophobic, bioactive polyphenolic ester obtained from propolis extract. The objective in writing this review article was to summarize all published studies on therapeutics of CAPE in inflammation and cancer to extract direction for future research. The possible molecular targets for the action of CAPE, include various transcription factors such as nuclear factor-κB, tissue necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, Nrf2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor of activated T cells, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and signal transducers and activators of transcription. Based on the valuable data on its therapeutics in inflammation and cancer, clinical studies of CAPE should also be conducted to explore its toxicities, if any.

Pollution status of Pakistan: a retrospective review on heavy metal contamination of water, soil, and vegetables.

Trace heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel, and mercury, are important environmental pollutants, particularly in areas with high anthropogenic pressure. In addition to these metals, copper, manganese, iron, and zinc are also important trace micronutrients. The presence of trace heavy metals in the atmosphere, soil, and water can cause serious problems to all organisms, and the ubiquitous bioavailability of these heavy metal can result in bioaccumulation in the food chain which especially can be highly dangerous to human health. This study reviews the heavy metal contamination in several areas of Pakistan over the past few years, particularly to assess the heavy metal contamination in water (ground water, surface water, and waste water), soil, sediments, particulate matter, and vegetables. The listed contaminations affect the drinking water quality, ecological environment, and food chain. Moreover, the toxicity induced by contaminated water, soil, and vegetables poses serious threat to human health.

Naja naja karachiensis envenomation: biochemical parameters for cardiac, liver, and renal damage along with their neutralization by medicinal plants.

Naja naja karachiensis envenomation was found to hit more drastically heart, liver, and kidneys. 400 µg/kg of venom-raised moderate serum levels of ALT (72 ± 4.70 U/L, 0.1 > P > 0.05), AST (157 ± 24.24 U/L, 0.1 > P > 0.05), urea (42 ± 3.08 mg/dL, 0.05 > P > 0.02), creatinine (1.74 ± 0.03 mg/dL, 0.01 > P > 0.001), CK-MB (21 ± 1.5 U/L, 0.05 > P > 0.02), and LDH (2064 ± 15.98 U/L, P < 0.001) were injected in experimental rabbits. However, lethality was enhanced with 800 µg/kg of venom in terms of significant release of ALT (86 ± 5.0 U/L, 0.05 > P > 0.02), AST (251 ± 18.2 U/L, 0.01 > P > 0.001), urea (57.6 ± 3.84 mg/dL, 0.02 > P > 0.01), creatinine (2.1 ± 0.10 mg/dL, 0.02 > P > 0.01), CK-MB (77 ± 11.22 U/L, 0.05 > P > 0.02), and LDH (2562 ± 25.14 U/L, P ≪ 0.001). Among twenty-eight tested medicinal plant extracts, only Stenolobium stans (L.) Seem was found the best antivenom (P > 0.5) compared to the efficacy of standard antidote (ALT = 52.5 ± 3.51 U/L, AST = 69.5 ± 18.55 U/L, urea = 31.5 ± 0.50 mg/dL, creatinine = 1.08 ± 0.02 mg/dL, CK-MB = 09 ± 0.85 U/L, and LDH = 763 ± 6.01 U/L). Other plant extracts were proved less beneficial and partly neutralized the toxicities posed by cobra venom. However, it is essential in future to isolate and characterize bioactive compound(s) from Stenolobium stans (L.) Seem extract to overcome the complications of snake bite.

Current and future lymphatic imaging modalities for tumor staging.

Tumor progression is supported by the lymphatic system which should be scanned efficiently for tumor staging as well as the enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Poor resolution and low sensitivity is a limitation of traditional lymphatic imaging modalities; thus new noninvasive approaches like nanocarriers, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography, and quantum dots are advantageous. Some newer modalities, which are under development, and their potential uses will also be discussed in this review.

Salt Toxicity (Sodium Intake): A Serious Threat to Infants and Children of Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Excess sodium intake can lead to hypertension, the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the sodium and potassium contents of foodstuff used by infants and children of Pakistan. METHODS: We analyzed the sodium and potassium contents of infant milk formula (<6 months), follow up milk formula (>6 months), baby food (cereals), biscuits, fruit juices, potato chips (crisps), cheese puffs, roasted cereals (salty), ice cream cones (kulfi) all of which are the processed food extensively used by the children. The amount of sodium and potassium contents in drinking water of few cities of Pakistan were also considered to assess the additional sodium/potassium in the preparation of milk using infant milk formula. RESULTS: Na to K ratio (Na:K) was determined 0.3-1.23, 0.3-1.16, 0.33-0.82, 0.54-2.68, 0.51-0.85, 2.86 and 1.02 for infant milk formula (<6 months), follow up milk formula (>6 months), baby food (cereals), biscuits, fruit juices, potato chips (crisps, cheese puffs, roasted cereals), ice cream cones (kulfi), respectively. CONCLUSION: The higher sodium content is present than most of the quoted values; whereas lower potassium is present than the recommended values. The higher Na:K ratio indicates the severity of the situation where it is commonly stated that "higher an individual's salt intake, the higher an individual's blood pressure". Present study indicates that nearly all Pakistani children consume substantially more salt than they need which will affect health status in later life.

Albumin as a drug delivery and diagnostic tool and its market approved products.

Albumin is one of the most extensively studied endogenous proteins which are used in the fabrication of drug delivery and diagnostic technologies during last 10 years. This review provides a summary of products involving the use of albumin as a drug delivery tool for getting better the pharmacokinetics of a drug by developing the targetted drug delivery systems and diagnosing the pathologies. Using albumin, following market approved products have been developed: Levemir and Victoza (antidiabetic product), Abraxane (antimetastatic breast cancer product), and Nanocoll and Albures (for lymphoscintigraphy and diagnosis of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis).

Combating of scorpion bite with Pakistani medicinal plants having ethno-botanical evidences as antidote.

Although the majority of serious cases in the world are concerned with snake bite envenomation, but those which are caused by scorpion stings are also famous for causing extreme pain. The present view is an attempt to enlist scientifically ignored medicinal plants of Pakistan exhibiting anti-scorpion venom activity. In this review data of 35 medicinal plants is collected with their families, parts used, distribution in Pakistan, and major constituents present in plant. Amaranthaceae, Astraceae and Euphorbiaceae represent 3 species. Anacardiaceae, Asclepidaceae and Liliaceae represent 2 species. Araceae, Capparidaceae, Ceasalpinaceae, Cyperaceae, Labiatae, Lamiaceae, Meliaceae, Menispermaceae, Oleaceae, Oxalidaceae, Pinaceae, Polygonaceae, Rhamnaceae, Rubiaceae, Solanaceae, Valerianaceae and Zingiberaceae represented single medicinal plant with anti scorpion potential. According to literature, all parts are used in anti scorpion envenomination. Leaves exhibit 30%, whole plant 9%, fruit, bark and seeds 8% anti scorpion activity. Bulb and stems show 5% contribution in this respect and twigs, resins, inflorescence, latex and flowers express 3% potential. This article may assist the researchers to bring innovation in natural product field for scorpion bite envenomation. However, these medicinal plants are still requiring pharmacological and phytochemical investigation in order to be claimed as effective in scorpion bite envenomation.

Secondary metabolism of olive secoiridoids. New microcomponents detected in drupes by electrospray ionization and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry.

Olive drupe tissues have been selected as a possible source of information about the secondary metabolism of oleaceae secoiridoids. The structures of a number of new microcomponents, detected and isolated by a combined high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-fraction collector/ultraviolet electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UV/ESI-MS) apparatus, can be inferred from the data obtained by high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry in a QqTOF instrument. Some of them (1, 2, 3 and 4) are closely correlated to oleuropein. Others, such as neo-nuzhenide (5) and 2''-hydroxyoleuropein (6), typical of other oleaceae families, have never been found in olive tissues.

Profiling of hydrophilic proteins from Olea europaea olive pollen by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry.

The antigenic profile of Olea europaea pollen from different Mediterranean cultivars was obtained by MALDI mass spectrometry. A simple procedure of chemical fractionation of the whole antigen extract was developed, whereby less complex, or pure, fractions of antigen candidate were obtained prior to mass spectrometric analysis. Some of the features of protein structure and distribution probably depend on cultivar adaptation to the environment. The profilings of pollen proteins thus obtained allow the distinction of the analyzed cultivars into three distinct groups: (i) those characterized by a low Ole e 1 content; (ii) those over-enriched in Ole e 1 and (iii) that containing Ole e 3 and Ole e 7 only. The latter consists of at least four isoforms differing by the degree of glycosilation. These results demonstrate that the proposed experimental procedure, can supply valuable information on the antigens' micro heterogeneity.