Effect of combination treatment of S–amlodipine with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists on metabolic and cardiovascular parameters in Zucker fa/fa rats

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance associated with dyslipidemia and hypertension. The available drugs are not sufficiently efficacious in reducing cardiovascular risk and restoring normal glucose metabolism associated with type 2 diabetes as a mono- or a combination therapy. The present study examined the combined effects of an antihypertensive (S-Amlodipine) and an insulin-sensitizing agent, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists (Pioglitazone and Ragaglitazar), on cardiovascular risk factors in aged diabetic and insulin-resistant Zucker fa/fa rats. METHODS: Following combination treatment for 14 days, blood pressure (BP), serum glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. Aortic ring study was conducted to determine the effect of combination treatments on phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction and acetylcholine (Ach)-induced vasorelaxation. RESULTS: In combination, S-Amlodipine and Pioglitazone significantly reduced blood glucose (115.1 ± 6.6 vs. 81.7 ± 4.2), BP (184.4 ± 5.0 vs. 155.1 ± 5.0), serum triglycerides (362.5 ± 47.5 vs. 211.1 ± 23.7) and glucose intolerance when compared with vehicle treated Zucker fa/fa rats. Similar results were observed with the combination of S-Amlodipine and Ragaglitazar (Triglycerides, 362.5 ± 47.5 vs. 252.34 ± 27.86; BP, 184.4 ± 5.0 vs. 159.0 ± 8.0) except for serum glucose. ACh-induced vasorelaxation in aortic rings was also superior with both of the combinations compared to individual treatment. Furthermore, there was less body weight gain and food intake with S-Amlodipine and Pioglitazone combination in Zucker fa/fa rats. S-Amlodipine itself caused significant reduction in glucose (115.1 ± 6.6 vs. 89.7 ± 2.7) and BP (184.4 ± 5.0 vs. 156.1 ± 4.0) with improvement in insulin sensitivity observed through oral glucose tolerance test. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a combination of PPAR agonists and S-Amlodipine has partial benefits in improving the cardiovascular risk factors such as reduction in triglyceride levels, associated with chronic type 2 diabetes, and therefore may be utilized as an approach for addressing some of these devastating metabolic syndrome complications

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES AND PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION ON THE BARK OF BAUHINIA VARIEGATA (CAESALPINIACEAEA)

Bauhinia variegata (Family - Caesalpiniaceaea) is a medium-sized, deciduous tree, found throughout India, ascending to an altitude up to 1800m in Himalayas. The objective of the study was to develop various standardization parameters for the evaluation of Bark of this plant. Microscopy, powder characteristics of bark were observed and results were recorded. Physicochemical analysis such as extractive value includes petroleum ether, ethanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous soluble extractive values of 2.88, 6.86, 2.96, and 8.88% w/w respectively; extracts were analysed by chemical test and showed presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids and triterpenoids etc. The preliminary phytochemical investigation indicated presence of tannins, carbohydrates, flavenoieds and steroids. The results obtained from standardization of bark established the macro and microscopical parameters, physicochemical parameters, TLC profiles that characterize the genuine plant drug (B.variegata) so these parameters are useful for quick identification of drug and are particularly useful in the case of powdered materials

Issues and opportunities associated with SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus detection in sewage

COVID-19 has emerged as pandemic challenge for the world. Novel information is emerging from the research and development. In this connection several reports are confirming presence of SARS CoV-2 in the sewage. This information has concern for the sanitary professionals involved in management of sewage and sludge of sewage treatment (biosolids). The same information also has opportunities to apply wastewater related epidemiology concept for rapid screening of a community impacted by COVID-19 and extent of its spread. The present article discusses issues and opportunity involved with the available information related to detection of RNA strains and whole virus in sewage

The International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce (INPST) and the power of Twitter networking exemplified through #INPST hashtag analysis

Background: The development of digital technologies and the evolution of open innovation approaches have enabled the creation of diverse virtual organizations and enterprises coordinating their activities primarily online. The open innovation platform titled "International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce" (INPST) was established in 2018, to bring together in collaborative environment individuals and organizations interested in natural product scientific research, and to empower their interactions by using digital communication tools. Methods: In this work, we present a general overview of INPST activities and showcase the specific use of Twitter as a powerful networking tool that was used to host a one-week "2021 INPST Twitter Networking Event" (spanning from 31st May 2021 to 6th June 2021) based on the application of the Twitter hashtag #INPST. Results and Conclusion: The use of this hashtag during the networking event period was analyzed with Symplur Signals (https://www.symplur.com/), revealing a total of 6,036 tweets, shared by 686 users, which generated a total of 65,004,773 impressions (views of the respective tweets). This networking event's achieved high visibility and participation rate showcases a convincing example of how this social media platform can be used as a highly effective tool to host virtual Twitter-based international biomedical research events

Enhancing Disaster preparedness for effective response: A case study of Uttarakhand

Himalaya which is called "third pole of world "and" water tower of Asia " contain 13 % of world population and is a hub of vast biodiversity and is spread in eight countries of the world. The Himalayas are most disaster prone due to varying reasons and it is imperative to understand them for mitigation purpose. State’s disaster management department data shows that since 2000, at least 5,731 people have died and more than 2,000 have been injured as a result of natural disasters, usually caused by flash floods and landslides, in Uttarakhand. By being prepared, we can mitigate the impact that a disaster has on our lives and property. An efficient disaster management strategy should be prepared in Uttarakhand so that the state should have the ability to deal with unanticipated calamities. The youngest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas, is inherently prone to disasters. High erosion, earthquakes, and deep river cuts make it vulnerable to these natural disasters. Rainstorms and cloud bursts also batter these mountains often. Uttarakhand is home to many pilgrims’ places. As a result, lakhs of people from all over the world visit here each year. This also puts population pressure on the region. Ignoring nature’s warning can be disastrous we have seen that in case of Uttarakhand. The evaluation of the pilgrimage route's landslide risk must be conducted by geological teams with the necessary training and expertise. This paper will try to highlights some of the problems the state of Uttarakhand facing due to disaster and also the new innovative methods used in disaster mitigation activities by the state.</jats:p