Correlation between Serum Malondialdehyde levels and prevalence of cardiovascular disease in Haemodialysis treated patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of serum malondialdehyde as a diagnostic biomarker of free radical production and cardiovascular disease in patients treated with maintenance haemodialysis. METHODS: The case-control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Basic Medical Sciences Institute (BMSI) of the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, and the JPMC Nephrology ward from January 12, 2018, to January 15, 2019, and comprised patients receiving haemodialysis as the cases and healthy controls. Blood samples were obtained from all the subjects for checking the level of serum malondialdehyde. Doppler ultrasonography was employed to detect the intima media thickness ratio of the common carotid artery of all the subjects. Data ws analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the 90 subjects, 45(50%) each were cases and controls. There were significant differences in mean values related to age, body mass index and blood pressure between the groups. A statistically significant rise was seen in serum malondialdehyde and carotid artery intima media thickness ratio in the cases compared to the controls (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Serum malondialdehyde was found to be significantly raised in haemodialysis patients compared to the healthy controls.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid induced hepatic and renal toxicological perturbations in rat model: Attenuation by selenium supplementation.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a commercially used herbicide to manage broadleaf weeds that have various toxicological and ecological effects. In view of ever-escalating use of 2,4-D, risk assessment becomes mandatory to ensure the safety of both human health and the ecosystem. Oxidative injury has been expected as a possible mechanism implicated in 2,4-D toxicity. The present study was planned and conducted to explore the antioxidant potential of selenium (Se) supplementation to moderate the 2,4-D hepatic and renal toxicity in a rat model. The rats were randomly assigned to four equal groups and treated via oral gavage for a period of 4 weeks. Group I: received deionized water as a vehicle, group II: received 2,4-D (150 mg-1 kg-1 day-1), group III: received Se supplement (1 mg-1 kg-1 day-1), and group IV: received 2,4-D (150 mg-1 kg-1 day-1) and Se supplement (1 mg-1 kg-1 day-1) simultaneously. After 4 weeks of administration, 2,4-D induced toxicity was observed, as manifested by disrupted levels of plasma urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Further, 2,4-D caused a considerable increase in tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase. Se supplementation exhibited its antioxidant properties by significantly improving urea, creatinine, ALP, AST, and ALT, and MDA levels and antioxidant enzyme activities. In conclusion, the results suggest that 2,4-D induced hepatic and renal toxicities were attenuated by Se supplementation probably owing to its antioxidant properties.

Hepatoprotective role of curcumin in rat liver cirrhosis.

The present research work was designed to evaluate the effects of curcumin supplementation on various biochemical parameters in rats with thioacetamide (TAA) induced liver cirrhosis. For this purpose 24 male Albino Wistar rats were randomly distributed into four groups (n=6).Group I served as control, Group II and Group III received thioacetamide 200mg/kg b.w, i.p, twice a week for 12 weeks in first phase. In second phase Group II received saline and Group III received curcumin 50mg/kg b.w/day, i.p for 12 weeks, in second phase, Group IV received curcumin 50mg/kg b.w/day, i.p, for 12 weeks, in first phase and saline in second phase. Evaluation of histopathological and biochemical parameters was carried out by liver histopathology and estimation of total and direct bilirubin, liver specific enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, MDA level, plasma and intraerythrocyte sodium and potassium respectively. Histopathology of liver showed highest degree of fibrosis and nodule formation, significant alteration in biochemical parameters indicated development of severe liver cirrhosis. Curcumin treatment showed reduced amount of fibrosis and significant reduction in level of liver biomarkers, reversal of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH), MDA level, catalase activity and regain of electrolyte homeostasis. These findings confirm the protective role of curcumin in liver cirrhosis.

Comparison of serum levels of vitamin D and vitamin D-binding protein in normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the serum levels of vitamin D, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) calcium and phosphate in normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic postmenopausal women categorized on the basis of bone mineral density (BMD) scores. METHODS: A cross sectional study carried out from May 2017 to August 2018. BMD measured by Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry categorized women (aged 20- 70 years) into normal (n=37) (T score ≥ -1.0) osteopenic (n=25) (-2.5< T score, < -1) and osteoporotic (n= 26) (T score < -2.5) according to WHO classification. Serum concentrations of vitamin D, VDBP, calcium, phosphate analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were compared by Analysis of Variance. RESULTS: In normal females higher levels of vitamin D and VDBP were observed [15.82 (8 - 69.18), 469.9 (269.57 - 875.55)] vs. osteopenic [(7.45 (4.66 - 15.1), 296.05 (232.58 - 420.23)] and osteoporotic women [(7.25 (3.97 - 17.49), 272.94 (202.23 - 351.24)]; [median interquartile range]; p value < 0.0001. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D and VDBP are linked with bone health and estimation of VDBP appears to be a valuable tool for the assessment of increased bone loss and possible risks of bone fractures especially in postmenopausal women.

Prevention of liver cirrhosis by Silymarin.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of sylimarin supplementation on different biochemical parameters in thioacetamide induced cirrhotic rats. For this purpose 24 male Albino wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=6). Group I, remained healthy control rats, Group II, received thioacetamide (at a dose of 200mg/kg b.w, i.p, for 12 weeks, twice a week) in first phase and saline in second phase, Group III, received thioacetamide (200mg/kg b.w, i.p for 12 weeks, twice a week) in first phase and silymarin (orally at a dosage of 200mg/kg b.w, twice a week, for 8 weeks) in second phase and Group IV, received silymarin (orally at a dosage of 200mg/kg b.w, twice a week, for 8 weeks) in first phase and saline in second phase. Biochemical analysis was evaluated by total and direct bilirubin (Retiman and Franhel, 1957, Sherlock, 1951), liver specific enzymes, antioxidant enzymes [SOD (Kono et al., 1978), Catalase (Sinha et al., 1979), Glutathione reductase (Calberg and Mannervik, 1985) and MDA (Okhawa et al., 1979)] and plasma and intraerythrocyte sodium and potassium (Tabssum et al., 1996). Marked increase in total and direct bilirubin and ALT activity was the indicative markers of liver cirrhosis while reduced antioxidant activity (SOD and GSH) and increased MDA and Catalase levels and disturbed electrolyte homeostasis were observed in cirrhotic group. Silymarin supplementation markedly reduced total bilirubin and ALT activity and restored the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH), MDA and catalase activity and electrolyte homeostasis. These results indicate that silymarin successively attenuates the thioacetamide induced liver cirrhosis.

Nephroprotective effects of b-carotene on ACE gene expression, oxidative stress and antioxidant status in thioacetamide induced renal toxicity in rats.

ß -carotene is one of carotenoid natural pigments, which are produced by plants and are accountable for the bright colors of various fruits and vegetables. These pigments have been widely studied for their ability to prevent chronic diseases and toxicities. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of ß-carotene on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression, oxidative stress and antioxidant status in thioacetamide induced renal toxicity. Total 24 albino wistar rats of male sex (200-250gm) were divided into 6 groups as Group-1: The control remained untreated; Group-2: Received thioacetamide (200mg/kg b.w; i.p) for 12 weeks; Group-3: Received ß-carotene orally (200mg/kg b.w), for 24 weeks; and Group-4: Received thioacetamide (200mg/kg b.w; i.p) for 12 weeks + received ß-carotene orally (200mg/kg b.w), for further 12 weeks. The expression of ACE gene in thioacetamide induced renal toxicity in rats as well as supplemented with ß-carotene was investigated and compared their level with control groups by using the quantitative RT-PCR method. The ACE gene expression was significantly increase in TAA rats as compare to control rats specifies that TAA induced changes in ACE gene of kidney, elevated renal ACE has been correlated with increase hypertensive end organ renal damage. The quantity of ACE gene were diminish in our rats who received ß-Carotene after TAA is administered, for this reason they seemed to be defended against increased ACE levels in kidney bought by TAA. In pre- and post-treatment groups, we studied the role of ß-Carotene against thioacetamide in the kidney of Wistar rats. Experimental confirmation from our study illustrates that ß-Carotene can certainly work as a successful radical-trapping antioxidant our results proved that TAA injury increased lipid peroxidation and diminish antioxidant GSH, SOD and CAT in renal tissue. Since ß-Carotene administration recover renal lipid peroxidation and antioxidants, it give the impression that ß-Carotene protects renal tissue against thioacetamide-induced oxidative damage.

Antibacterial potential of Calotropis procera (flower) extract against various pathogens.

Increased bacterial resistance towards commonly used antibiotics has become a debated issue all over the world in a last few decades. Due to this, consumer demand towards natural anti-microbial agents is increasing day by day. Natural anti-microbial agents have gained enormous attention as an alternative therapeutic agent in pharmaceutical industry. Current study is an effort to explore and identify a bactericidal potential of various solvent extracts of Calotropis procera flower. Flowers of C. procera were extracted with hexane, butanol, ethyl acetate and aqua to evaluate the antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion method against the various human pathogens. The microorganisms used in this study includes Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli (O157:H7), Micrococcus luteus KIBGE-IB20 (Gen Bank accession: JQ250612) and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) KIBGE-IB23 (Gen Bank accession: KC465400). Zones of inhibition were observed against all four pathogenic strains. Fraction soluble in hexane showed broad spectrum of inhibition against all the studied pathogens. However, fractions soluble in ethyl acetate inhibited the growth of E. coli, MRSA, and M. luteus. In case of butanol and aqueous extracts only growth of M. luteus was inhibited. Results revealed that the flower extracts of C. procera have a potential to be used as an antibacterial agent against these pathogenic organisms.

Vitamin D levels in patients of acute leukemia before and after remission-induction therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin [25(OH)D3] in patients with acute leukemia and the effect of remission-induction chemotherapy. METHODOLOGY: This study was case control, all newly diagnosed patients of acute leukemia between the age of one to sixty years and residents of Pakistan were enrolled and evaluated. Those who were unwilling or unable to provide written informed consent were excluded. All selected patients (n=86) were grouped in to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). AML was further categorized as A1 before remission-induction (n=17) and B1 after remission induction (n=13), ALL was further categorized as A2 before remission-induction (n=31) and B2 after remission induction (n=25). The 25-hydroxyvitamin [25(OH)D3] levels were measured in the sera of all patients (before and after remission-induction) by one step delayed chemiluminescent micro particle immunoassay (CMIA).We compared 25(OH)D3 levels in all patients before and after the remission-induction chemotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients were analyzed, in which 60 patients were male. Mean age was 24.39 years (range, 1 to 60 years); the mean levels of 25(OH)D in group A1 (n=17) was 17.70±3.2 ng/ml, in group B1 (n=13) 14.06±2.4 ng/ml, 19.07±7.08 ng/ml in group A2 (n=31), while 10.59±3.9 ng/ml found in group B2 (n=25). CONCLUSION: 25(OH)D3 insufficiency was evident subnormal in majority of patients with acute leukemia and 25(OH)D3 were further reduced after remission-induction as compared to untreated group, difference was statistically significant when compared with each group.

Role of selenium in protection of liver cirrhosis.

Selenium is an essential trace element and has been shown to protect the rats against dietary liver necrosis. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of selenium supplementation on different biochemical parameters in thioacetamide induced cirrhotic rats. For this purpose 24 male Albino wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=6). Group I, remained healthy control rats, Group II, received thioacetamide (at a dose of 200mg/kg b.w, i.p, for 12 weeks, twice a week) in first phase and saline in second phase, Group III, received thioacetamide (200mg/kg b.w, i.p for 12 weeks, twice a week) in first phase and sodium selenite ((1mg/kg b.w, i.p. for 12 weeks, three times a week ) in second phase and Group IV, received sodium selenite (1mg/kg b.w, i.p. for 12 weeks, three times a week) in first phase and saline in second phase. Biochemical analysis was evaluated by total and direct bilirubin, liver specific enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes. Marked increase in total and direct bilirubin and ALT activity was the indicative markers of liver cirrhosis while reduced antioxidant activity (SOD and GSH) and increased MDA and Catalase levels were observed in cirrhotic group. Sodium selenite supplementation markedly reduced total bilirubin and ALT activity and restored the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH) and MDA and catalase activity. These results indicate that sodium selenite successively attenuates the thioacetamide induced liver cirrhosis.

Relationship between serum nitric oxide and sialic acid in coexisted diabetes, hypertension and nephropathy.

This study was designed to study the relationship between serum nitric oxide and sialic acid in patients of diabetic nephropathy. Total 210 diabetic patients including 115 males and 95 females, suffering from diabetes and nephropathy (DN) were selected followed by informed consent and approval from institutional ethical committee. Equal number of age and sex matched normal healthy subjects were selected without any known history of hyperglycemia, hypertension and renal insufficiency as controls. Fasting blood samples from patients and controls were collected and analyzed for serum nitric oxide, sialic acid, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum urea, creatinine, HbA1c and golmerular filtration rate (GFR). The raised levels (p<0.05) of systolic and diastolic blood pressures, BMI, FBG, HbA1c, serum urea, creatinine and sialic acid were noted in DN patients as compared to controls. Significantly lower levels of GFR and serum nitric oxide (p<0.05) were observed in DN patients as compared to controls. Strong negative correlation was found between serum sialic acid and nitric oxide levels in patients diabetic nephropathy (p<0.05). The relationship between the levels of serum nitric oxide and sialic acid may be considered as a strong biochemical indicator for micro and macro vascular complications of diabetes such as hypertension and nephropathy. These parameters should be taken into account during screening procedures regarding identifications of the diabetic patients to get them rid of progressive renal impairment to ESRD.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression in experimentally induced liver cirrhosis in rats.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a key player of Renin Angiotensin System (RAS), involved in conversion of active product, angiotensin-II. Alterations in RAS have been implicated in the pathophysiology of various diseases involving heart, kidney, lung and liver. This study is designed to investigate the association of ACE gene expression in induction of liver cirrhosis in rats. Total 12 male albino Wistar rats were selected and divided in two groups. Control group received 0.9% NaCl, where as Test group received thioacidamide (TAA), dissolved in 0.9%NaCl, injected intraperitoneally at a dosage of 200mg/Kg of body weight, twice a week for 12 weeks. The rats were decapitated and blood sample was collected at the end of experimental period and used for liver functions, enzyme activity, antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation estimations. Genomic DNA was isolated from excised tissue determine the ACE genotypes using specific primers. The ACE gene expression in liver tissue was assessed using the quantitative RT-PCR method. The activity of ALT, total and direct bilirubin, SOD and CAT levels were significantly high (p<0.05) and level of MDA was significantly low (p<0.05) in TAA treated rats as compared to control rats. The ACE gene expression after 12 weeks TAA treatment in cirrhotic rats was significantly increased (p<0.05) in comparison to controls. This study describes the importance of RAS in the development of hepatic fibrosis and the benefits of modulation of this system ACE gene expression. The finding of major up-regulation of ACE in the experimental rat liver provides further insight into the complexities of the RAS and its regulation in liver injury. The development of specific modulators of ACE activity and function, in future, will help determine the role of ACE and its genetic variants in the pathophysiology of liver disease.

Oxidative stress and total antioxidant status in acute leukemia at diagnosis and post remission induction phase.

This study evaluated the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD1), glutathione reductase (GR) and total antioxidant status (TAS) in the hemolysate and sera of patients with acute leukemia (AL) at diagnosis, post remission induction phase and in healthy controls. However, total antioxidant status and glutathione reductase activities normalized after remission induction phase in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) only whereas levels of SOD were reduced but not achieved the normal level in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). TAS activity showed no difference in either sex among any subtype of acute leukemia but glutathione reductase level was significantly higher in female ALL patients. Activity of SOD was elevated in T-cell ALL and acute myelomonocytic leukemia however; no significant difference in the activity of GR and TAS was noted. Levels of antioxidant were reduced insignificantly in patients who achieved complete remission.

Role of electrolytes disturbances and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in cisplatin - induced renal toxicity and effects of ethanolic extract of Cichorium intybus.

Cisplatin is known by its toxicity by disturbing electrolytes homeostasis. Thus we aimed to find out the role of herbal plant Cichorium intybus on Cisplatin - induced toxicity. 24 male Albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group I is termed as untreated control; Group II is Cisplatin control and received 3 mg/ kg b.w.; i.p.; Group III received C. intybus ethanolic extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg b.w. orally for 10 consecutive days and Group IV is Cisplatin + C. intybus pretreated group. C. intybus is given 30 minutes prior to Cisplatin. Cisplatin - induced electrolytes disturbances is indicated by increase Intra - erythrocyte sodium content, decreased plasma magnesium, calcium and Intra-erythrocyte Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase which implicates the renal toxicity. At a dose of 500 mg/kg b.w. of C. Intybus pretreatment showed partial counter action on the electrolytes imbalances and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity.

Glycemic control, dyslipidemia and endothelial dysfunction in coexisted diabetes, hypertension and nephropathy.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that can lead to serious cardiovascular, renal, neurologic and retinal complications. Diabetes clustered with hypertension and nephropathy has become the leading cause of end-stage renal disease globally. This study describes diabetes, hypertension and nephropathy with reference to glycemic control, dyslipidemia and endothelial dysfunction indicating the foremost basis of morbidity and mortality world wide and rapidly progressing in Pakistan. Study subjects selected and divided in four groups (60 each) followed by institutional ethical approval and informed consent. Group 1: non-diabetic, normotensive control subjects; Group 2: diabetic, normotensive patients; Group 3: diabetic, hypertensive patients and Group 4: diabetic, hypertensive patients with nephropathy. Their fasting blood samples analyzed for the estimations of blood glucose, HbA1c, serum triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, urea, creatinine, nitric oxide and sialic acid levels. Results showed that all the groups showed significant rise in fasting blood glucose. Similarly HbA1c levels were also significantly high in all the patients as compared to controls. Group 2 showed significantly high serum cholesterol and LDL levels and low HDL levels. Group 3 and 4 showed significantly high serum triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL levels where as low HDL levels as compared to controls. Group 3 showed significantly high serum creatinine. Group 4 showed a significantly high serum urea and creatinine as compared to controls. Persistent albuminuria was characteristic in Group 4 patients. Significantly low production of serum nitric oxide with high concentration of serum sialic acid was observed in Group 3 and 4 as compared to controls. Results indicate a clear relationship of declining renal function with poor glycemic control, abnormal lipid metabolism, endothelial dysfunction and initiation of acute phase response in tissues affected from the microvascular complications of diabetes like hypertension and nephropathy. It must be taken into account while screening diabetic patients to get them rid of progressive renal impairment leading to end stage renal disease.

Sodium selenite attenuated cisplatin-induced toxicity in rats: role of electrolytes homeostasis.

Sodium selenite (1 mg/kg body weight, ip) for 10 consecutive days treatment showed marked increase in intra-erythrocytes K+ and plasma Na+ level while slight increase in Na+ K+ ATPase level. No mortality was observed at this dose of sodium selenite. However, sodium selenite pretreatment partially restored the Na+ K+ ATPase and intra-erythorcytes and plasma sodium level, while completely restored the intra-erythrocytes K+ and plasma Mg2+ level. No change was observed in plasma Ca2+ level. Thus sodium selenite successively attenuated the Cisplatin-induced electrolytes alterations and toxicity by exerting the stress response of sodium.

Possible association of Vitamin D receptor, caudal-related homeobox 2 polymorphism with the risk of cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to find out the possible association of Vitamin D receptor, caudal-related homeobox 2 (VDR-Cdx2) polymorphism with cancer in the given study group. METHODS: In this study, 151 subjects (84 cases and 67 controls) were recruited from two local tertiary care hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan, suffering from various cancers including gastric cancer (GC), rectal cancer (RC), colon cancer (CC), and multiple myeloma followed by ethical approval from institutions and informed consent from all the participants. The genotyping of VDR-Cdx2 polymorphism was performed using tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction method. The genotypic assortment/distribution in the control and disease groups was according to Hardy-Weinberg's equilibrium. RESULTS: The genotype frequencies of VDR-Cdx2 polymorphism in cancer patients were observed as: AA 1.2%, AG 32%, and GG 66.8% while in control group as; AA 7.5%, AG 50.7%, and GG was 41.8%. The results unveil that the genotype VDR-Cdx2 was found significantly different in cancer and control group (P < 0.01). The AG and GG genotypes were found to be associated with the cancer (P < 0.05). Therefore, these genotypes may be considered as the risk factors for cancer. However, the frequencies of "A" and "G" alleles were not significantly different between two groups. CONCLUSION: The observed single-nucleotide polymorphism of VDR-Cdx2 gene may be considered as a risk factor for the cancer in this study group. The AG and GG genotypes established an association with various cancers including GC, RC, CC, and multiple myeloma in Pakistani population. Further investigations examining large data are required to compare the role of VDR-Cdx2 polymorphism in cancer etiology in related population.

Antioxidant effect of carnosine pretreatment on cisplatin-induced renal oxidative stress in rats.

Cisplatin mediated nephrotoxicity is remarkably documented by reactive oxygen species. Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide and has a scavenging property. The aim of present study was to assess the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in association with oxidative stress in cisplatin -treated and 10 subsequent doses of carnosine-pretreated rats. 24 male Albino Wistar rats, were randomly divided into four groups (n=6). Group I remains untreated; Group II received Cisplatin (3 mg / kg) for 5 alternate days; Group III received Carnosine (10 mg / kg) for consecutive 10 days; Group IV received Carnosine (10 mg / kg) before administration of Cisplatin (3 mg / kg). The effects of carnosine on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity were evaluated by plasma creatinine, urea, malondialdehyde, nitrate; kidney tissue malondialdehyde, 4-HNE, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Cisplatin-induced oxidative stress was indicated by increased level of tissue MDA, 4-HNE and decreased level of tissue GSH, SOD and Catalase. Marked elevation of kidney weight and reduced body weight and pathological changes in kidney tissues were also observed in Cisplatin-treated rats. Carnosine reduced these pathological changes and counteracted the deleterious effects of cisplatin. The results divulge the beneficial effect of Carnosine pretreatment with cisplatin in experimental rat model.

Biosynthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Aloe barbadensis Miller Leaf Extract.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing commercial demand for nano-formulations due to their prevalence applicability in various areas of bio-nanotechnology. Numerous chemical and physical methods have traditionally been used to synthesize silver nanoparticles, but they are limited due to use of toxic and harmful chemicals, thus drew researchers' attention towards the biosynthesis of the silver nanoparticles by using medicinal plant. OBJECTIVE: The present study enlightens the synthesis of silver nanoparticles in an echo-accommodating way by using aqueous Aloe vera leaf extract (AVLE) and evaluate its antimicrobial potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The synthesis of silver nanoparticles using AVLE was determined by UV-vis spectrum and SEM. The optimization of different reaction conditions was measured, and antibacterial activity was evaluated by the disc diffusion method. RESULTS: The optimum synthesis of AV-AgNPs showed at a 1mM concentration of silver nitrate, 595 ratio of AVLE to silver nitrate solution, pH 8 at ambient temperature for 24 hours. The synthesis was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy maximum absorbance at 400 nm while SEM showed spherical morphology with an average particle size 20-24 nm. The antibacterial activity of AV-AgNPs was measured by disc diffusion method and exhibits significant antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. CONCLUSION: This method appears promising for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by using Aloe vera with potent bactericidal activity, thus suggesting its role in clinical therapeutics and other fields.

Electrolytes and NA(+)-K(+)-ATPase: potential risk factors for the development of diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of death that affects more than 40% of diabetic patients. Its metabolic derangements are frequently accompanied with electrolyte imbalances. This study was aimed to evaluate the electrolyte homeostasis during the progression of diabetic nephropathy in various stages of developing nephropathy. Patients admitted in diabetic wards of various hospitals of Karachi were selected and divided into 4 groups with 50 individuals each. Group I (healthy normotensive, non-diabetics with normal renal functions as control). Group II (diabetic patients with normal blood pressure and renal functions). Group III (diabetic hypertensive patients without renal disease). Group IV (diabetic nephropathy patients with nephropathy). Their fasting blood samples were drawn and analyzed for the estimations of intra erythrocyte and serum electrolytes and NA(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. Group II patients showed a significant increase in intra erythrocyte sodium, serum potassium and calcium levels where as intra erythrocyte potassium, NA(+)-K(+)-ATPase, serum sodium and magnesium were significantly decreased as compared to control. Group III showed a significant rise in intra erythrocyte sodium levels but intra erythrocyte potassium, NA(+)-K(+)-ATPase, serum sodium, calcium and magnesium were significantly lowered as compared to control. Group IV revealed a significant increase in intra erythrocyte sodium and significant decrease in intra erythrocyte potassium, NA(+)-K(+)-ATPase, serum sodium, calcium and magnesium levels as compared to control. The results suggest the progressive trends in electrolyte abnormalities in diabetes mellitus leading to end stage renal disease along with the abnormality of their chief transport mechanism. It points towards the potentiality of electrolytes disturbances as indicators for the progression of diabetic nephropathy and also beneficial in prognosis and treatment of the disease.

Potential role of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma activation on serum visfatin and trace elements in high fat diet induced type 2 diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: Electrolytes and trace elements dysregulation play an important role in the progression of obesity and diabetes complications. The present study was designed to evaluate the insulin sensitizing effects of peroxisomes proliferators activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist on trace elements in obesity induced type 2 diabetes mellitus and correlate with serum visfatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were categorized into five groups. Group I served as control; Group II fed on high fat diet (HFD); Group III fed on HFD and treated with rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg) for 7 days; Group IV were T2DM rats induce by HFD and low dose of streptozotocin (i.p. 35 mg/kg); Group V was T2DM rats treated with rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg) for 7 days. Serum and tissues electrolytes levels and renal, hepatic and cardiac tissues trace elements were estimated by flame photometer and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Serum visfatin was estimated by ELISA. Pearson correlations were analyzed among fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum visfatin and tissues trace elements. KEY FINDINGS: Results of the current study showed hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia and hypercalcemia in HFD and T2DM groups. HFD and T2DM also showed elevated copper and iron levels; however, zinc and selenium levels were decreased. Rosiglitazone treatment increased the insulin sensitization and altered these changes. A Strong association was observed among FBG, serum visfatin and trace elements levels of HFD and T2DM. SIGNIFICANCE: Obesity and diabetes mellitus disturbed visfatin, electrolytes and trace elements homeostasis. Rosiglitazone treatment restored these changes. The results of the study could serve as a basis for further studies for the prevention of diabetic complications.