Variations in the progenesis of maturity onset diabetes according to body constitution.

A series of forty patients of maturity onset diabetics was selected. Their body constitution was decided as Vataja (V), Pittaja (P) and Kaphaja (K) on the basis of physical, Psychic and socio-economic features as described in Ayurvedic classics. These groups were also supported by objective findings i.e., Aathropometric and Biochemical. In V ponderal index was found to be maximum (45.13 ± 3.28) with minimum body surface area (1.46 ± 0.15 sq. metre) along with acetylcholine level (1.1 ± 0.54 µg/ml) in blood. On contrary in K body surface are was maximum (1.625 ± 0.119 sq. metre) with minimum ponderal index (41.64 ± 5.43). Acetylcholine was lower (0.94 ± 0.38 µg/ml) and blood histamine was highest (0.160 ± 0.041 µg/ml) in this group. In P plasma catecholamines were observed to be highest (16.39 ± 8.55 µg/ml) and the physical findings were medium. Respectively in diabetics of V,P,K constitution the hyperglycemia was observed to be sever (256 ± 126.99 mg%) moderate (189.09 ± 94.49 mg%) and mild (173.77 ± 68.43 mg%). Correspondingly, plasma insulin was found to be lowest in P (9.15 ± 5.22 µu/ml) but was highest in K (18.44 ± 10.70 µu/ml).When these patients were further divided into two groups on the basis of duration of illness i.e <5 years and >5years. It was observed that deterioration in glucose tolerance and fall in plasma insulin level was maximum in the patients of V constitution, minimum in K and medium in P. Thus the role of the body constitution, in the progression of diabetes assumes vital importance.

Biogenic amines and thyrotoxicosis.

Circulating levels of T3, T4, gamma-amino-butyric acid, glutamate, 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, monoamine oxidase and histaminase were studied in 45 (25M, 20F) hyperthyroid patients and 46 (25M, 21F) normal healthy volunteers. Increased levels of blood 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine and glutamic acid were observed along with elevated T3 and T4, whereas plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid, monoamine oxidase and histaminase activities were found to be low in both male and female patients. After three months of treatment, circulating levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine and glutamic acid decreased significantly along with normalization of thyroid hormones and with an increase in the concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid, monoamine oxidase and histaminase. There was a positive correlation between these amines and thyroid hormone levels. The findings thus suggest that alterations in the metabolism of biogenic amines may be related to an altered metabolism in thyrotoxicosis, and these parameters may prove to be useful markers for diagnosis and follow-up of these patients.

E-rosette forming lymphocytes and serum immunoglobulins in breast cancer patients.

In the present study, 75 patients of breast carcinoma and thirty normal female volunteers were selected. These patients were grouped according to clinical stage. The cell mediated immunity was assessed in term of E-RFC% and humoral immunity was investigated in term of immunoglobulins before and after one month of treatment. RFC% was found to be significantly decreased in untreated patients as compared to normal. After one month of treatment the RFC% showed an increasing trend but remained lower than the normals. In a stage-wide analysis, the RFC% was found to be decreased with the advancing disease. Serum IgG levels were also lower than the normal. After treatment, IgG level was further decreased. The serum IgA was found to be significantly increased as compared to control. However, after treatment the IgA level returned to the normal range. Serum IgM level was unaltered in these patients. When compared with the clinical stage, a progressive decrease in serum IgG and increase in IgA was observed with the advancing stage of the disease. Therefore, the present observation implies that the disturbance in cell mediated and humoral immunity is associated with the malignant process in the tumour bearing host.

Blood bioamines, cortisol and aminoacid levels in leukemic patients.

In patients of chronic myeloid leukemia blood adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine and glutamate level were significantly elevated. The GABA levels were decreased along with no significant alterations in aspartate levels in these patients. In cases of acute myeloid leukemia only adrenaline and glutamate levels were enhanced with decreased GABA levels. However, plasma cortisol levels were significantly enhanced in both chronic and acute myeloid leukemia patients. These observations suggest that the circulating bioamines, cortisol and certain aminoacids level are considerably altered in chronic and acute myeloid leukemia. All these changes may possibly be attributed to the stress induced by the disease.

Constitution and diabetes.

This study discusses maturity onset diabetics and the role of body constitution in the progression of the disease in detail.

Mental depression and kundalini yoga.

In cases of mental depression, the plasma serotonin, melatonin and glutamate levels are increased along with the lowering of urinary - 5 - hydroxyindole acetic acid, plasma monoamine oxidase and cortisol levels following three and six months Practice of Kundalini Yoga. The pulse rate and blood pressure in these patients are also lowered after Kundalini Yoga practice. Thus, the practice of Kundalini Yoga helps to maintain a perfect homeostasis by bringing an equilibrium between the sympathetic and parasympathetic activities and it can be used as a non - medical measure in treating patients with mental depression.

Role of yoga in management of essential hypertension.

Twenty five patients of essential hypertension were studied. Of these, 20 patients were not given any antihypertensive drug treatment (Group A); other 5 had to be put on antihypertensive drugs before including them in the study (Group B). These patients were demonstrated "Shavasana" and trained to perform it correctly. Shavasana therapy was continued for six months. There was a statistically significant fall in both mean systolic and diastolic pressure of both groups. Further, there was a significant reduction in doses of antihypertensive drugs, being given to patients of group B. In 65% patients of group A, blood pressure could be controlled with Shavasana only and no drug was needed in them at all. Blood pressure rose significantly to pre-Shavasana levels in patients who left practising yoga. Thus, with use of yoga (Shavasana) in therapy of hypertension, requirement of antihypertensive drugs may be significantly decreased and in some cases may be totally dispensed with and it may be an useful adjunct in treatment of hypertension.

Ayurveda for the service of common man.

In an endeavour to expose Ayurveda for the common man and to the modern scientists, the author highlights in the context of the development of understanding the concept of health in terms of modern medical terminologies. This has given credence to the principles of the positive and preventive aspects of health in Ayurveda which is of relevance to the poor and the down trodden who are the most needy.