Effect of Sequential Intravenous Pulse Cyclophosphamide-Azathioprine in Systemic Sclerosis-Interstitial Lung Disease: An Open-Label Study.

BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disorder of unknown aetiology. Pulmonary involvement contributes substantially to its morbidity and mortality. Treatment of pulmonary disease due to SSc remains unsatisfactory. We examined the effect of sequential six-month intravenous pulse therapy with cyclophosphamide (CYC) followed by azathioprine and low-dose corticosteroids on SSc associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). METHODS: In a single-centre, prospective, observational, open-labelled study; nine patients (eight females, one male) with SSc-ILD were treated with intravenous pulse CYC (600mg/m(2) body surface area) at monthly interval for six cycles with oral prednisolone 10mg daily. Subsequently, azathioprine (2-3mg/Kg) was administered while continuing with the same dose of prednisolone. Primary end-points were forced vital capacity (FVC) and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of thorax score. Secondary end-points were quality of life measured by health assessment questionnaire-disability index (HAQ-DI) and six-minute walk distance (6WMD) test. RESULTS: After one year of observation, the FVC showed significant improvement (p=0.003). The 6WMD also improved significantly (p=0.0028). However, change in HRCT scan scoring and HAQ-DI score was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous, pulse CYC followed by azathioprine along with low-dose corticosteroids produces significant improvement in FVC and 6WMD at 12-month follow-up without significant change in radiological manifestations and health status.

Isolated Endobronchial Capillary Haemangioma: A Rare Cause of Haemoptysis in Adult.

Endobronchial capillary haemangioma is a very rare benign tumour in adults. The clinical presentation and management of adult capillary haemangiomas involving the tracheo-bronchial tree is not yet established. We present a case of an isolated capillary haemangioma of the left main bronchus detected during the evaluation of an adult male presented with haemoptysis. The lesion was managed successfully bronchoscopically.

GC-MS analysis of Cocus nucifera flower extract and its effects on heterogeneous symptoms of polycystic ovarian disease in female Wistar rats.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of Cocus nucifera L. flowers in reducing the major multiple symptoms of letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) in female rats. METHOD: Female, virgin Wistar rats were treated with letrozole (1 mg/kg body wt) to induce PCOD, and after 21 days of induction rats were administered orally with 100 and 200 mg·kg(-1) of Cocus nucifera flower aqueous extract, respectively. Estrus cycle and blood sugar were monitored once a week throughout the study. After scarification, various biochemical parameters, such as antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GSH)) of the uterus homogenate, lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG)) of the serum were determined. Weights of the uterus and ovaries were separately monitored. The characteristics of changes in the ovary were evaluated by histopathological studies. RESULTS: GC-MS analysis of the aqueous extract showed the presence of volatile and pharmacologically active phytoconstituents. C. nucifera flower extract-treated groups showed estrus cyclicity and increased uterus weight which indicates the estrogenic effect. The improved blood sugar level, ideal lipid profile, good antioxidant status, and histopathology results revealed the recovery from poly cystic ovaries. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that C. nucifera flower is a potential medicine for the treatment of PCOD and this study supports the traditional uses of C. nucifera flower.