Nephroprotective effect of Corn Silk extract on oxalic acid-induced nephrocalcinosis in rabbit model

ABSTRACT Background : Nephrocalcinosis is a state of deposition of calcium phosphate or oxalate in the renal parenchyma. It may occur in patients with renal tubular acidosis, vitamin D intoxication, and hyperparathyroidism. Corn silk was used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve renal pains. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Corn silk aqueous extract in reducing calcium deposits from renal parenchyma in oxalic acid-induced nephrocalcinosis model. Materials and methods: Fourteen healthy rabbits were allocated to two groups. Two hours before induction of nephrocalcinosis, one group received water and the other received aqueous extract of corn silk and continued feeding for ten days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis before induction and in the fifth and tenth post-induction day. Urine samples were taken to estimate urinary ca+2 levels and crystals. The histopathological examination was carried to check for crystal deposits in renal tissues. Results: Corn silk aqueous extract produced a significant reduction of blood urea nitrogen(5.2+/-0.08 vs 7.3+/-0.2) mmol/l, serum creatinine (85.9+/-0.2 vs 97.3+/-0.5) mmol/l and serum Na+ levels (137+/-0.2 vs 142.16+/-0.7) mmol/l with non-significant reduction in serum K+ (4.0+/-0.02 vs 4.2+/-0.05). There is a significant reduction in calcium deposition in renal parenchyma in comparison to the control group after ten days of treatment. Conclusion: Corn silk had a significant diuretic effect that accelerates the excretion of urinary calcium. [J Intercult Ethnopharmacol 2012; 1(2.000): 75-78

Apium graveolens accentuates urinary Ca +2

Nephrocalcinosis (NC) is a state characterised by deposition of calcium phosphate or oxalate in the renal parenchyma due to different clinical conditions. Apium graveolens (Celery) is a popular vegetable added to salads and many cooked dishes, used in Chinese medicine to reduce high blood pressure and in Arabic medicine to relieve renal pains. To evaluate the effect of A. graveolens in reducing calcium deposits from renal parenchyma in rabbit models with induced NC by a large dose of oxalic acid. A. graveolens produced a significant reduction of blood urea nitrogen (5.7±0.05 vs 7.3±0.2) mmol/l, serum creatinine (87.2±0.63 vs 97.3±0.5) mmol/l and serum Na + levels (136.8±0.2 vs 142.16±0.7) mmol/l with non-significant reduction in serum K + (3.3±0.8 vs 3.8±0.03). There is a significant reduction in calcium deposition in renal parenchyma in comparison to the control group after ten days of treatment. A. graveolens showed a significant diuretic effect that accentuates the excretion of urinary calcium

Acetylator phenotype in Iraqi patients with allergic contact dermatitis.

Background: Few studies have been done on acetylator status in ACD. This study determined acetylator status in Iraqi patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in comparison to a matched control group. Patients and Methods: The study included 35 ACD patients and 67 healthy volunteers. The ACD patients were diagnosed clinically and the diagnosis was confirmed by patch test. A detailed history was taken from the patients. After an overnight fast, each control subject and each patient received a single oral dose of 100 mg of dapsone. A blood sample was collected after 3 hours and plasma was separated for determination of dapsone and monoacetyldapsone by HPLC. Results: Twenty-six of the 35 ACD patients returned for follow up. The frequency of slow acetylators in healthy individuals was 71.6%, while the frequency of rapid acetylators was 28.4%. The frequency of slow acetylators in ACD patients was 60.0% while the frequency of rapid acetylators was 40.0%. There was no association between the acetylator status, personal history of allergy, patch-test positivity or sites of dermatitis in ACD patients. Conclusion: A rapid acetylator status might predispose to ACD, but does not seem to influence other features of the disease