Evaluation of the cytotoxic and antiviral effects of ethanol extract of three Opuntia species of Peste des Petits ruminant virus

Purpose: To assess in vitro the virocidal effects of different species of cactus plant on the lethal action of Peste des petits virus (PPRV).Method: Ethanol extracts of different cactus plants were obtained. A serial twofold dilution of the extracts was prepared. Cytotoxic and antiviral activities were examined through MTT assay at various concentrations. Vero cell lines were grown in 96 well plates up to an 80 % confluent monolayer. The plates were divided into two groups, one for antiviral and the other for cytotoxicity activity. The cells were exposed to various concentrations of the ethanol extracts to assess the cytotoxicity, whereas to assess the antiviral activity, PPRV was re-incubated with the extracts and then exposed to cells. MMT dye was added and the results were evaluated as cell survival (%).Results: At higher concentrations, i.e., 500 - 1000 μg/mL, ethanol extracts from all the Opuntia species displayed cytotoxic effects. The ethanol extract of OM exhibited the greatest antiviral potential of all the extracts, while the extract of Opuntia stricta (OS) was the least effective against PPRV in the cultured cells. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the concentration of Opuntia manocantha (OM), Opuntia delinii OD and Opuntia stricta (OS) with reference to antiviral activity. OM showed antiviral activity against PPRV from 3.25 to 125 μg/mL, OD antiviral activity from 31.25 to 62.5 ug/ml whereas OS showed antiviral activity at 2.5 μg/mLConclusion: The ethanol extract of Opuntia species reduces the infection of PPRV in Caprine. Keywords: Cactus, Opuntia spp., Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), Vero cell lin

Does Short Term Atorvastatin Treatment Improve Symptomatic Control in Patients with Mild to Moderate & Uncontrolled Asthma?

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent episodes of breathlessness and wheezing. Keeping in view the problems in asthma control and side effects of available medication, there is a need for alternative treatments with better efficacies and fewer side effects. Atorvastatin is a statin that blocks HMG CoA reductase enzyme found in the liver, inhibiting the synthesis of cholesterol. Blockade of this pathway also inhibits production of GTPases which are involved in airway inflammation, airway remodeling and contraction of smooth muscles of the bronchi. Aims & Objectives: To evaluate the symptomatic control in mild to moderate and uncontrolled asthma patients using standard treatment versus its combination with atorvastatin. Place and duration of study: This study was conducted in Pulmonology Department of Lahore General Hospital; Lahore over a 4-week duration from October 2018 till February 2019. Material & Methods: Patients of mild to moderate and uncontrolled asthma were enrolled in this study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups by lottery method, Group 1 and Group 2, with 34 patients in each group. Group 1 was continued with standard therapy of asthma and the Group 2 was administered atorvastatin 40 mg, once daily in addition to standard therapy for 4 weeks. The control of asthma before and after treatment was assessed based on Global Initiative for asthma (GINA) guideline questionnaire score. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 22 was used for analysis of data. P-Value < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Nonsignificant results were obtained when comparison between the groups was made based on GINA guidelines questionnaire score by Mann Whitney Utest Conclusion: It was concluded that atorvastatin has no role in symptomatic control in patients of mild to moderate and uncontrolled asthma