Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A Prognostic Indicator.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma constitutes a group of disorders originating from the malignant transformation of lymphocytes and involving either the lymph nodes or extranodal sites. NHL commonly presents in the sixth to seventh decade of life with a male preponderance (50-75 %). Recent studies have shown importance of serum LDH in prognosis of NHL. Authors report a case of a 63 year old male presenting with complaints of fever and backache for past 4 months. General and systemic examination revealed bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly respectively. Serum LDH level was highly elevated (3441 U/l). Excisional axillary and bone marrow biopsy were done before oncology referral. Complete workup revealed diffuse Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with bone marrow infiltration. Patient died because of acute renal failure due to NHL and DM 2 (Type 2 diabetes mellitus).

Metabolic Syndrome in Childhood: Rare Case of Alstrom Syndrome with Blindness.

Alstrom's syndrome (AS) is a rare autosomal recessive ciliopathic condition affecting 1:10,00,000 children. It's a single gene disorder of ALMS1 on chromosome 2 with multisystem involvement with cone-rod retinal dystrophy causing juvenile blindness, obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 Diabetes mellitus, hypogonadism and sensorineural hearing loss. Till now only 800 patients with this disorder has been identified so far. In this report, we describe the case of a 9-year old male boy from south India. He had been initially referred for polyphagia, polyuria, polydipsia, generalized weakness from 1 weeks. On examination he was demonstrated features suggestive of AS, including blindness, obesity, type 2 diabetes, altered lipid profile, hypogonadism, acanthosis nigricans, seborrheic dermatitis, right ear discharge and episodes of respiratory tract infections. So, diagnosis of AS is critical as it can easily be overlooked because of the many features associated with metabolic syndrome starting at age 7, a relatively early age.

Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome in an Infant: A Case Report.

Tumor lysis syndrome has been observed in patients with malignancies with high cellular burden and high cell turnover, tumor sensitive to therapy, especially after initiating medical treatment. It very rarely occurs spontaneously. The case described here is of 6 months male infant who presented with fever since 1 month and loose stools associated with blood since 15 days. The laboratory investigations showed lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of 6,192 IU/L and serum uric acid 18.2 mg/dl along with pancytopenia. The infant presented with electrolyte abnormalities and renal failure.

Hyperferritinemia in pulmonary tuberculosis.

High ferritin levels have been found to be associated with non infectious as well as infectious causes including tuberculosis. This is one case report of 41 year old male who presented with cough with expectoration. The patient had Multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The laboratory findings showed Iron 280 µg/dl, Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) 61 µg/dl, and ferritin 92,945 ng/ml which indicates that iron is an essential nutrient for the survival of the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Screening of school children for blood lead levels and attempts to reduce them by nonpharmacological means in a coastal city of India.

CONTEXT: Lead is a major health hazard, especially in children. Impact of lead poisoning on our society is not known. Effectiveness of environmental interventions in reducing blood lead levels is not exactly known, though the Center for Disease Control and Prevention strongly advocates use of such means. AIMS: We aimed at screening school children for blood lead levels (BLLs) and reducing the BLLs of children with preliminary BLL> 20 microg/dL by environmental intervention and intensive education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess the extent of lead poisoning, a screening of 106 children was done, which showed that children belonging to a particular government primary school had higher BLLs. A second screening program of 87 children conducted in that school showed that only 19% had BLL < 10 microg/dL; whereas 44% had BLL between 10 and 20 microg/dL, and 37% had BLL> 20 microg/dL. Thirty-eight children having BLL> 20 microg/dL were selected from the two screening programs. After removing all potential sources of lead from their environment and educating them about the ways to prevent exposure to lead, follow-up of their BLLs was carried out at an interval of 6 months for a period of 1 year. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Values of the different follow-up studies were compared using repeated-measure ANOVA. RESULTS: Our results showed that there was a significant (P < 0.0001) reduction in the BLLs in the first and second follow-up studies. CONCLUSIONS: The study is a proof of the concept that a decline in the BLLs can be achieved by intense education and avoiding the potential environmental sources of lead.

A comparative study on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in ischemic stroke patients with and without diabetes.

The study was conducted to find out the extent of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in ischemic stroke patients (ISPs) with and without diabetes. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was studied as a marker of lipid peroxidation. Glutathione (GSH), uric acid and ceruloplasmin were estimated to study the antioxidant potential of ISPs. Significantly higher levels of MDA were found in both the groups of ISPs and the increase in MDA was more in ISPs without diabetes. GSH levels were decreased significantly in both the groups of ISPs and maximum decline was found in ISPs with diabetes. Uric acid levels were significantly increased in both the groups of ISPs. Ceruloplasmin levels were increased significantly in ISPs without diabetes, whereas its levels were slightly decreased in ISPs with diabetes. A negative correlation was found between MDA and the antioxidants GSH, uric acid and ceruloplasmin in ISPs with diabetes. This study suggests that there is an association between ischemic stroke and increased oxidative stress and the antioxidant potential is impaired in both the groups of ISPs with and without diabetes.

Oxidative injury and antioxidants in coronary artery bypass graft surgery: off-pump CABG significantly reduces oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can now be performed with or without cardiopulmonary bypass. The former entails global ischemia followed by reperfusion after declamping, whereas the latter does not. In view of growing evidence that reperfusion is associated with oxidative stress, we studied the extent of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients undergoing on-pump and off-pump CABG to determine whether the latter significantly reduces oxidative stress. METHODS: Thirty patients were initially enrolled for the study. The inclusion criteria included patients with atherosclerotic triple vessel disease, undergoing elective CABG, with good LV function, no major risk factors for surgery, with all biochemical investigations within normal limits, having stable angina and no history of previous infarct. Patients with valvular heart disease, ventricular aneurysm, heart failure and poor left ventricular function were excluded. These were alternately posted for on-pump and off-pump CABG. Eight patients were excluded as they developed unforeseen complications during the surgery. Out of the remaining 22 patients, 13 underwent off-pump CABG and 9 underwent on-pump CABG. Five blood samples were collected; baseline, 5, 15, 60 min and 24 h after reperfusion. Samples were analyzed for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (G-SH) and catalase (CAT). The results were compared with their preanaesthetic levels in both the groups and also with 20 age- and sex-matched normal healthy individuals. RESULTS: Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased after reperfusion in patients undergoing on-pump CABG, maximum increase (p<0.0001) was seen 1 h after reperfusion, whereas off-pump CABG reduces oxidative stress. The G-SH levels were significantly decreased after reperfusion in on-pump and off-pump CABG patients, maximum decrease (p<0.0001) was seen 5 min after reperfusion in on-pump CABG. The catalase activity was significantly increased after reperfusion in on-pump and off-pump CABG patients, maximum increase (p<0.0001) was seen 1 h after reperfusion in on-pump CABG. CONCLUSION: Significant increase in oxidative stress was seen in patients undergoing on-pump CABG, whereas oxidative stress was less in off-pump CABG patients. The G-SH levels were decreased and Catalase activity was increased significantly in both on-pump and off-pump CABG patients.

Antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation in preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies demonstrate a relation between preeclampsia and an increased risk of future maternal coronary heart disease. The pathophysiology of the underlying mechanism is unknown. Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism may contribute to endothelial dysfunction. Oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant defense enhances free radical-mediated membrane lipid peroxidation and possibly vascular endothelial damage. The aim of this study was to elucidate the possible relation between lipidemic status, lipid peroxidation and albumin with total antioxidant activity (AOA) that may contribute to atherogenicity in preeclamptic women. METHODS: Twenty-five women with preeclampsia and 25 normal pregnant women who were matched for maternal and gestational age were selected for the study. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), atherogenic index (AI), malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, AOA and albumin levels were measured. RESULTS: MDA, TC and AI were significantly elevated (p < 0.001), and HDL-C, AOA and albumin levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in preeclamptic patients compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that hypercholesterolemia leads to excessive lipid peroxidation. Coexistent diminution in antioxidant activity leads to an imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants, resulting in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and elevated AI may contribute to atherogenicity in preeclampsia.

Age related changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in elderly people.

Advanced age is associated with an accumulation of free radical damage, which leads to physiological and clinical modifications. Age related changes resulting from free radical reactions include increasing levels of lipid peroxides, alterations in enzyme activities and greater osmotic fragility. The present study was conducted to estimate the level of lipid peroxidation product-Malondialdehyde and antioxidants Catalase and Glutathione in elderly people. An increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in antioxidants was observed in normal elderly people. Highly significant increase in MDA and decrease in antioxidants was observed in elderly people when complicated with diabetes and hypertension. Supplementation of antioxidants may prevent further oxidative injury in elderly people.

Comparative study on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant vitamins E and C inFalciparum andVivax malaria.

Reactive oxygen species are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of Malaria. To assess the extent of oxidative stress, a study was conducted in patients withPlasmodium falciparum malaria andPlasmodium Vivax malaria. Plasma Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured to assess the degree of lipid peroxidation. Antioxidant status was measured by estimating the levels of Vitamins E and C. Results were compared with age and sex matched control subjects. This study suggests that plasma TBARS levels were significantly increased in malaria patients. The patients withP. falciparum infection showed significantly increased levels of lipid peroxides when compared toP. vivax malaria. The antioxidant Vitamins E and C were decreased significantly in malaria patients in both the groups. Maximum decline in Vitamin C was observed inP. vivax malaria. Therefore it is been hypothesized that antioxidant Vitamins E and C could provide protection against the oxidative stress induced by malaria.

Do premenopausal hypothyroid women on levothyroxine therapy need bone status monitoring?

BACKGROUND: Suppressive doses of levothyroxine therapy are reported to reduce bone mineral density (BMD) in women. Data on bone changes in premenopausal hypothyroid women with replacement therapy are limited. Hence, this study was undertaken to evaluate bone changes in this group using bone markers and BMD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hospital-based case-control study including 75 premenopausal women aged 30-45 years was conducted. The subjects were categorized based on their thyroid function and history into three groups of 25 euthyroid, 25 newly diagnosed hypothyroid, and 25 hypothyroid women on 100-200 µg of levothyroxine for a minimum of 5 years. The bone changes were evaluated and compared among the groups biochemically by estimating their plasma osteocalcin and serum calcium and phosphorus and radiologically by measuring their BMD by quantitative ultrasonography. Statistical analysis was conducted by using analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and Pearson's correlation using IBM SPSS Statistics 20. RESULTS: Levels of plasma osteocalcin, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus in patients on long-term levothyroxine therapy were significantly higher than those in newly diagnosed hypothyroid women and in the euthyroid group. BMD showed definite features of osteopenia (T-score: -2.26 ± 0.5) among the women in the treatment group, while it was well within the normal range in the newly diagnosed and euthyroid women. A significant correlation was found between the osteocalcin levels and T-score. CONCLUSION: Hypothyroid women on long-term levothyroxine therapy showed signs of increased bone turnover and increased resorptive changes, though not frank osteoporosis. Hence, it may be important to evaluate the bone status of patients on levothyroxine for >5 years.

Emerging Role of Myeloperoxidase in the Prognosis of Nephrotic Syndrome Patients Before and After Steroid Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a myelocyte derived iron containing enzyme particularly involved in host defense by destroying foreign micro organisms invading the body. Numerous evidences suggest that MPO is involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases, especially atherosclerosis. AIM: Present study deals with the role of MPO in the renal function and progression of disease in Nephrotic syndrome patients. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Case- Control Study carried out in Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Mangalore, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty newly diagnosed Nephrotic syndrome cases, 40 age and sex matched healthy controls and 15 subjects in Nephrotic syndrome remission, were included in the study. Myeloperoxidase enzyme was assayed by 4 amino antipyrine methods in all the subjects. Other renal parameters like urea, creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), BUN- Creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr) total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin - globulin ratio (A/G ratio) and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) were also analysed. 24 hour urine protein-creatinine ratio was estimated in Nephrotic syndrome cases and remission group by turbidimetric assay. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Students paired t-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were used for the comparison of the data. Pearson and Spearman analyses were used for correlation of the parameters. RESULTS: MPO levels were found to be high in Nephrotic syndrome cases when compared to healthy controls. Urea, creatinine, BUN, BUN/Cr ratio and eGFR were high in Nephrotic syndrome cases while total protein, albumin, globulin and A/G ratio showed decreased levels. MPO had a positive correlation with creatinine and urine protein-creatinine ratio in Nephrotic syndrome. During remission, MPO levels decreased significantly while total protein and albumin levels increased. CONCLUSION: Myeloperoxidase enzyme is found to be elevated and it strongly correlated with the severity of disease in Nephrotic syndrome. Further studies can be done to use MPO as a therapeutic target in Nephrotic syndrome to ameliorate the symptoms.

Oxidative injury and antioxidant vitamins E and C in Schizophrenia.

Susceptibility of Schizophrenic patients to lipid peroxidation relative to healthy control subjects was investigated by measuring the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma. The main finding was that Schizophrenic patients were more susceptible than control subjects to oxidative damage as evident from increased MDA levels in plasma. Antioxidant levels are also depleted in Schizophrenic patients when compared to normal subjects as evident from decreased levels of vitamins E and C in the plasma. Impaired antioxidant defense and increased lipid peroxidation suggests that treatment with antioxidants (Vitamin E, Vitamin C, beta carotene) at the initial stages of illness may prevent further oxidative injury and deterioration of associated neurological deficits in Schizophrenia.

Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and their correlation with malondialdehyde in schizophrenic patients.

Free radical mediated pathological processes may have a role in schizophrenia. Free radicals (oxy radicals, such as superoxide, hydroxyl ions and nitric oxide) cause cell injury, when they are generated in excess or when the antioxidant defense is impaired. Both these processes seem to be affected in schizophrenia. In this study we investigated erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA) as a sign of lipid peroxidation in schizophrenic patients. Activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde were greater in patients compared with the control group which may reflect increased oxidative stress in the brain tissue of schizophrenics. In the patient group erythrocyte SOD and CAT activities were weakly negative correlated with MDA concentration. These data reveal that antioxidant defense mechanisms might be impaired in schizophrenic patients. These findings also provide a theoretical basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies, such as antioxidant supplementation.

Effectiveness of progressive resistance strength training versus traditional balance exercise in improving balance among the elderly - a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Falls are important health issues among the elderly people. Most falls in elderly result from abnormal balance control mechanisms. Balance and muscle force generation are directly related, and are associated with age related muscular changes. Studies addressing fall prevention have focused on various group and individualised strength training. However, evidence on strengthening of key muscles necessary for maintaining balance and postural control is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of individualised progressive resistance strength training (PRT) programme in improving balance for forward limits of stability in elderly with balance impairment, compared to traditional balance exercise (TBE), and combination of both (COMBI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomised controlled trial included three groups; 18 subjects in each aged ≥ 65 years, from the elderly care centres of Mangalore city in Southern India (between June 2008 and December 2012). Block randomisation technique was used and allocation concealment was done using sequentially arranged sealed opaque envelopes. The TBE group received 8 component traditional balance exercise; 4 times a week for 6 months. The PRT group received resistance training for the key muscles of lower extremities, using DeLormes and Watkins protocol. The COMBI group received PRT and TBE alternately (2 days of PRT and 2 days of TBE per week). Functional reach test (FRT) was used for measurement of forward limits of stability. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. RESULTS: For functional reach, PRT group had steady progression from baseline to 6 months (p<0.001). The TBE and COMBI groups showed considerable initial improvement; beyond 3 months, moderate improvement was seen. The changes in scores of FRT were significantly better for PRT than TBE. CONCLUSION: Individualised PRT intervention targeting the key muscles of lower limbs is more effective than TBE in improving forward limits of stability among non-frail elderly aged ≥65 years.

Inherent suppression of thyroid stimulating hormone in newly diagnosed dyslipidemic patients - indication for use of thyromimetics?

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia triggers a sequel of metabolic derangements such as insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and oxidative stress via vicious cycle. Dyslipidemia is characterised by elevation of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), or both, or a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) which in turn can progress to atherosclerosis a forerunner for ischemic heart disease (IHD). Dyslipidemia is seen even in subclinical hypothyroid patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to look for thyroid & glycemic abnormalities in dyslipidemic patients and compare it with euthyroid, normolipidemic group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty primarily dyslipidemic patients and 30 euthyroid normolipidemic subjects aged 25-55 years were tested for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fructosamine, lipid profile, thyroid hormones - T3, T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The values were compared with those of age matched euthyroid normolipidemic control group. RESULTS: The dyslipidemic pool showed small but significant decrease in the TSH levels with comparable T3, T4 levels as compared to euthyroid group. The group also had significantly higher FPG, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels as compared to the euthyroid normolipidemic group. The plasma fructosamine levels were similar in both the groups. The observed results reflected a picture of subclinical hyperthyroidism in dyslipidemic patients. CONCLUSION: The observations of the present study preclude a need to assess the thyroid status in patients of primary dyslipidemia as both conditions per se have an increased risk of cardio vascular diseases. A subclinical hyperthyroid state may essentially be helpful in maintaining the lipid metabolism. The prevailing mild hyperthyroid status also makes it important to reconsider the accuracy of long term glycemic indicators like fructosamine and possibly glycated haemoglobin in these patients. Upon establishment of their efficacy and safety, thyromimetics may have a role in the treatment of dyslipidemia.

Utility of C-terminal Telopeptide in Evaluating Levothyroxine Replacement Therapy-Induced Bone Loss.

BACKGROUND: Levothyroxine (LT4) therapy has shown to have effects on bone metabolism though its deleterious effect on bone remodeling is debatable. This study was aimed at assessing the diagnostic utility of the bone remodeling marker C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) in detecting early bone loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 84 premenopausal women of 30-45 years of age were selected. Out of them, 28 were recently diagnosed of hypothyroidism (not on LT4), 28 were on LT4 replacement therapy (100-200 µg/day) for more than five years, and 28 had euthyroid. Plasma CTx levels were estimated. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) method. Pearson's coefficient of correlation and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: CTx was most elevated in LT4-treated group (0.497 ± 0.209 ng/mL). It showed a significant negative correlation with T-score and Z-score of BMD values. In the treatment group of more than 150 µg/day, CTx showed significantly negative correlation with TSH (r = -0.462, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: LT4 therapy induces bone loss in hypothyroid patients. CTx levels can measure such bone loss along with BMD. Regular monitoring of CTx with adjustment in LT4 doses may help delay osteoporosis induced by prolonged LT4 replacement therapy.

Effect of daily supplementation of fruits on oxidative stress indices and glycaemic status in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study sought to examine whether consumption of two low-calorie fruit/day for 3-months can effectively improve oxidative stress, anthropometry, blood pressure and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Study involved 123 patients who were assigned to receive either standard care or with additional dietary therapy. Dietary intervention resulted in significant reduction in malondialdehyde, plasma glucose, glycated haemoglobin and improvement in antioxidants like vitamin C and reduced glutathione when compared to controls. Mean plasma levels of vitamin C increased by 64% (p < 0.001). There were no differences in waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure, vitamin E and superoxide dismutase in the intervention group at follow-up. Diet rich in fruits can improve some antioxidants which are likely to reduce oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes. Regular consumption of fruits can lower the glycaemic status in these patients. The study supports the usefulness of plasma vitamin C as a biomarker for fruit intake.

Effect of community-based yoga intervention on oxidative stress and glycemic parameters in prediabetes: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effectiveness of yoga intervention on oxidative stress, glycemic status, blood pressure and anthropometry in prediabetes. DESIGN: Randomized-controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty nine prediabetes subjects aged 30-75 years. SETTING: Yoga was conducted at 4 different community diabetes clinics in Mangalore, India. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized to either 3-month yoga or wait-list control groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Malondialdehyde, glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E, superoxide dismutase, plasma glucose, glycated haemoglobin, BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and blood pressure. RESULTS: Yoga intervention resulted in a significant decline in malondialdehyde (p<0.001), relative to the control group. In comparison with the control, there was a significant improvement in BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and fasting glucose levels at follow-up. No significant improvement in glycated haemoglobin, waist-to-hip ratio or any of the antioxidants was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga intervention may be helpful in control of oxidative stress in prediabetes subjects. Yoga can also be beneficial in reduction in BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and fasting glucose. Effect of yoga on antioxidant parameters was not evident in this study. The findings of this study need to be confirmed in larger trials involving active control groups.

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effect of salacia oblonga in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a standardized hydroalcoholic root extract of Sala¬cia oblonga (SOE) on the Random Blood Glucose (RBG) levels, serum insulin, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and the serum lipid profile in long standing, experimentally induced Diabetes Mellitus (DM) with glibenclamide (Glb) as the standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Streptozotocin (STZ) induced, dia-betic, Wistar rats of either sex were treated with two oral doses of SOE, 100 and 50mg/kg body wt /day, for a period of 16 weeks. The RBG was estimated at day-1 and at the end of the 16 weeks by using a glucometer. The fasting serum insulin was determined by an ELISA technique. The plasma HbA1c was evaluated by a Turbidimetric Inhibition Immunoassay (TINIA) and the lipid profile was estimated enzymatically. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS: A 45% decrease in the RBG was seen after the treatment with the higher dose of SOE, whereas a 44% decrease was observed with the lower dose as com¬pared to the diabetic control. Serum insulin was significantly increased (P<0.05) in all the treated groups as compared to the diabetic control. Plasma HbA1c was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The serum Triacyl Glycerol (TG) levels were signifi¬cantly decreased (P<0.05) in the treated rats as compared to the diabetic control. A significant increase in HDL-cholesterol (P<0.05) in the diabetic rats as a result of the 100mg/kg SOE treatment was a remarkable finding. CONCLUSION: SOE improves the glycaemic parameters in diabetic rats after a prolonged treatment. The serum TG levels were normalized on treatment. A higher dose of the extract could not alter the parameters significantly, except for HDL-C.