Effect of Smokeless Tobacco Consumption on Lipid Profile

ABSTRACT Tobacco consumption is a greater source of mortality and morbidity. About 35 to 40 % of tobacco consumption in India is in smokeless forms. Tobacco in any form increases serum cotinine level. The effect of increased serum cotinine level on lipid profile was studied in adult male rural population. Studies have shown increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors like increased in triglyceride, VLDL and decreased in HDLc in study group when compared to control group. Age matched adult male of rural population in Western Maharashtra between 22 to 56 years of age were included in the study. After estimation of serum cotinine level, study group were further divided into three sub groups according to tobacco chewing duration (years), frequency (perday) and serum cotinine level. (ng/ml) Lipid profile of the study and control group was determined and compared statistically. Out of 175 subject, 95 were tobacco chewers (study group) and 80 were tobacco non-chewers (control group). Triglyceride and VLDL were significantly higher (p<0.05) and HDLc was found significantly decreased (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001) in study group with respect to increased tobacco chewing duration, frequency and serum cotinine level as compared to control group. There was significantly and progressively increase in triglyceride and VLDL and decrease in HDLc in tobacco chewers according to tobacco chewing duration, frequency and serum cotinine level as compared to control group

IN VITRO SCREENING AND CORRELATION OF ETHANOLIC PEEL EXTRACTS OF PUNICA GRANATUM AND CITRUS SINENSIS WITH RESPECT TO ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIRADICAL ACTIVITY

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the ethanolic peel extracts of Punica granatum and Citrus sinensis on total phenolics, total antioxidants, and radical scavenging activities using different in vitro models. Methods: Pomegranate and orange fruits at the maturity stage were manually peeled, washed, and air dried before extraction. Dried peels were grinded, weighed, and extracted with 95% ethanol and were used for in vitro analysis. Different concentrations of extracts for each peel were prepared. Total phenolics content, total antioxidant capacity, and free radical scavenging activities of each peel extract were estimated in the form of Folin–Ciocalteu reagent assay, phosphomolybdenum assay, hydroxyl free radical scavenging assay, and superoxide free radical scavenging assay, respectively. Results: The ethanolic peel extracts of P. granatum and C. sinensis showed significant increased total phenolic contents and total antioxidant activity. Furthermore, radical scavenging activity (hydroxyl and superoxide) was found to be significant in both ethanolic peel extracts. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that the ethanolic peel extracts of P. granatum and C. sinensis has potential antioxidant and antiradical activity

Effect of methomyl on hepatic mixed function oxidases in rats

Objective: To study the effect of the methomyl on mixed function oxidase system in rats. Materials and Methods: The effect of the methomyl on mixed function oxidase was studied using different dosages, durations and sex. Microsomes were isolated using the calcium precipitation method. The levels of cytochrome P 450 , and cytochrome b 5 were determined using extinction coefficient of 91 and 85 mM -1 respectively. The activities of drug metabolizing enzymes, hemoglobin content, liver function enzymes, and serum cholinesterase activity were assayed by using standard methods. Results: Intraperitoneal administration of methomyl (4 mg/kg body weight) showed significant decrease in the level of cytochrome P 450 , and the activities of aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase on the third day of the treatment. Methomyl (4 mg/kg) treatment of old male rat and adult female rat also showed a decrease in the level of cytochrome P 450 , and aminopyrine N-demethylase activity. The serum samples from methomyl treated rats (male and female), when analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (SGPT) and aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT) as markers of the liver toxicity, showed significant increase in the activity. The activities of SGPT and SGOT were significantly higher in the treated rats (2 and 4 mg/kg) than in the control group. A significant decrease in the level of hemoglobin and serum cholinesterase activity was observed, when there was an increase in the dose level. A significant increase was observed in alkaline phosphatase activity at all dose levels. Conclusion: Methomyl influences mixed function oxidase and creates abnormality of liver functions in the rats. This effect depends on the dose and duration of methomyl

Study of Lipid Profile and Pulmonary Functions in Subjects Participated in Sudarshan Kriya Yoga

We intended to study the effect of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, a novel breathing technique conceived by the world renowned spiritual leader and founder of The Art of Living Foundation Sri Sri Ravishankar. Millions of followers all over the world are practicing and reporting positive well being and better health. To see the effect of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga on Lipid Profile, Pulmonary Function and Hemoglobin concentration, we conducted a workshop of 8 days consisting of 150 participants. Out of which 55 were included in the study group. Our results show that after practicing Sudarshan Kriya, there is decrease in Total Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol along with significant increase in HDL-Cholesterol. There are significant changes in Pulmonary Function, but statistically non-significant changes in Hematological parameters. From the observation Sudarshan Kriya Yoga may play vital role in reducing Total Cholesterol (P<0.05), LDL-Cholesterol (P<0.001) and significantly increasing HDL-Cholesterol (P<0.001). Spirometric Pulmonary Function Tests studied were Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in first second, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and Maximum Voluntary Ventilation. The results showed improvement in all Pulmonary Function parameters in all subjects as compared to before practicing Sudarshan Kriya Yoga. Thus Sudarshan Kriya Yoga may have therapeutic implication in the adjunctive (non pharmacological) management of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases. The present study confirmed the positive effect of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga on Lipid Profile and Pulmonary Function over period of 8 days