To compare the efficacy of alternate day versus everyday dosing of atorvastatin in hyperlipidemic rabbits

Background: Muscle pain is often seen with statin therapy. Statins have also been associated with increase in liver transaminases as they lead to hepatic injury. The half - life of atorvastatin is increased due to its active metabolites which suggest the possibility for its alternate day use over everyday use. This would mean reduction in side effects such as hepatotoxicity and myopathy and solving the problem of statin underutilization in patients of lower socio economic class.Methods: Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC) approval was taken before the start of study. Hyperlipidemia was induced in New Zealand White rabbits by oral administration of high fat diet for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks all the laboratory tests were done to see if animals had developed hyperlipidemia. This day was considered as day 0 for further study. Hyperlipidemic rabbits were divided into two groups, first group receiving atorvastatin orally (5mg/kg) daily for duration of 6 weeks while the other group receiving atorvastatin orally (5mg/kg) at alternate days for same duration. All the laboratory tests were done at week 3 and week 6. Both the treatment groups were compared pairwise and also with day 0 to check for efficacy and safety.Results: At the end of 6 weeks every day and alternate day dosing of atorvastatin, showed a statistical decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C with respect to day 0. Pairwise comparison did not show any statistical difference in between the two treatment groups. Statistical increase in HDL-C was seen only with everyday dosing of atorvastatin as compared to day 0. Pairwise comparison showed statistical difference in between two treatment groups.At the end of 6 weeks, there was no statistical difference in SGOT, SGPT and CK levels when compared to day 0.Conclusions: Alternate day dosing of atorvastatin was as efficacious and safe as everyday dosing of atorvastatin in hyperlipidemic New Zealand White rabbits, thus being a cost effective alternative

Evaluation of efficacy of whatsapp messenger application in medical research education

Background: There is lack of knowledge regarding research amongst medical students as it is not included in the present curriculum of MBBS. Hence authors have selected ‘Medical Research’ as a topic to evaluate the efficacy of WhatsApp messenger application as a teaching-learning tool. There is very limited research on impact of technological modalities like WhatsApp on education. Authors undertook this study to evaluate its efficacy as a tool to supplement medical research education and assess the perception of students about e-learning via WhatsApp messenger application.Methods: A prospective analytical interventional study was conducted after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. A self-designed comprehensive questionnaire was used to test the knowledge of medical students. A series of modules were sent and discussed on the WhatsApp study groups followed by assessment in change of the level of knowledge amongst the participants post intervention.Results: Applying the paired t-test, the scores of the study participants showed a statistically significant increase in the post- intervention evaluation (Mean=10.13, Median=10, Range=0-21) as compared to the baseline knowledge regarding medical research as reflected in the pre intervention evaluation (Mean=6.76, Median=7, Range=0-16). Conclusions: Growing availability of economical and user friendly smart phones in every generation has promoted use of WhatsApp by teachers as well as students. WhatsApp has the potential to supplement academic learning and become a natural educational modality. Necessary precautions could be taken to minimize the drawbacks expressed by the students to make it a more enjoyable and acceptable tool for teaching and learning

To evaluate and compare the hypoglycemic, antioxidant and hypolipidemic effect of lycopene with atorvastatin in hyperlipidemic New Zealand white rabbits

Background: During recent years, the carotenoid lycopene has attracted much attention for its potentially beneficial cardiovascular effects, which is located mainly in tomato peels. The antioxidant properties of tomatoes has been extensively studied for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, but the beneficial effects of pure lycopene supplement is still debatable. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate and compare the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of pure lycopene powder and to compare it with that of atorvastatin in hyperlipidemic New Zealand white rabbits.Methods: Adult male New Zealand white rabbits (1.5-2.5 kg) were divided into three groups of six animals each. Group I - High fat diet (HFD) (5 ml/kg). Group II - HFD (5 ml/kg) + lycopene (10 mg/kg) orally. Group III - HFD (5 ml/kg) + atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) orally. Blood samples were taken from all 18 rabbits for baseline estimation of blood sugar levels (BSL), lipid levels and blood superoxide dismutase levels. Same tests were performed in all groups after 6 weeks.Results: The lipid lowering activity of atorvastatin 5 mg/kg was better than that of lycopene while the antioxidant activity of lycopene was better than that of atorvastatin. Both the results were statistically significant. There was no significant difference in fasting BSLs in both the groups.Conclusion: Findings suggest that lycopene may have considerable therapeutic benefit as an antioxidant and hypolipidemic agent, but may not be effective as a hypoglycemic agent

Evaluation of wound healing activity of topical phenytoin in an excision wound model in rats

Background: Wound healing is a significant healthcare problem in today’s medical practice. Despite extensive treatment modalities that are supposed to hasten the wound healing process, the outcomes of existing methods are far from optimal. One such agent that has been tried previously and found controversial in wound healing is phenytoin. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate and compare wound healing effect of topical phenytoin with povidone iodine ointment in rats.Methods: This study was conducted after approval from Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC). Wound healing activity of topical phenytoin (1 g% and 2 g%) was assessed in excision wound model in Sprague Dawley rats (n=8), which was compared with topical petroleum jelly and povidone iodine ointment. Parameters studied included wound area on day 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, percentage wound contraction, percentage wound healing from day 0 to day 20 and period of re-epithelisation.Results: Wound surface area decreased in all treatment groups from day 0 through day 20 and the percentage wound closure was better in both the preparations (1% and 2%) of phenytoin when compared wih control and povidone iodine, but this was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the days required for complete re-epithelisation were less with phenytoin treated groups. There was no statistical difference between both the preparations of phenytoin.Conclusion: In this study, it was found that topical phenytoin accelerates wound healing process in an excision wound model

A comparative study of effect of fluoroquinolones on blood glucose levels in rats

Background: Fluoroquinolones (FQ) are frequently prescribed because of their broad-spectrum applicability in treatment of community acquired pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Increased use has raised some concerns regarding side effects like dysglycaemia, tendon rupture and QT interval prolongation. Gatifloxacin was banned in India in 2011 for causing fatal hypoglycemia. This study compares the effect of different fluoroquinolones on blood glucose levels in rats.Methods: 24 rats were divided into four study groups. Each group was administered one fluoroquinolone namely levofloxacin 9 mg, moxifloxacin 7.2 mg, ciprofloxacin 18 mg and ofloxacin 14.4 mg respectively for five days. The changes in blood glucose levels were observed for 10 days.Results: The mean blood glucose levels in all the four groups dropped below the baseline by day five. A statistically significant reduction in mean glucose levels was found in the moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin group. Among the rats that were given ofloxacin, the reduction in the mean blood glucose levels was not statistically significant. After stopping the drugs, the blood glucose levels in all the four groups returned near to the baseline within five days.Conclusions: The use of fluoroquinolones causes hypoglycemia in rats. The blood glucose level reduction associated with moxifloxacin was maximum, whereas ofloxacin appeared to have the minimum effect on blood glucose levels. These effects do not appear to be permanent and the dysglycaemia subsided after the drugs were stopped

A comparative study of antihyperglycemic effect of Gymnema sylvestre and metformin in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that has the phenotype of hyperglycemia. According to World Health Organization (WHO) there were 65.1 million diabetics in India in 2013, International Diabetes Federation estimates this to increase to 190 million by 2035. Although a number of drugs are available for treatment of DM, their cost and safety profile are major concern. Medicinal plants are used by clinicians for treatment of diabetes. Gymnema sylvestre (GS) extract has been reported to increase insulin levels in diabetic rats. This study was designed to compare the antihyperglycemic effect of Gymnema sylvestre with metformin.Methods: Diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using streptozotocin 45mg/kg. Methanolic extract of Gymnema sylvestre 120mg/kg p.o. prepared using Soxhlet apparatus.Results: GS extract reduced blood glucose levels but not statistically significant. GS extract increased HDL and triglycerides, reduced both serum ALT and AST but no statistical significance seen. Metformin significantly increased serum urea, which was not seen in GS extract group. GS extract showed regenerative changes in pancreas, liver and kidney.Conclusions: The study investigation demonstrates that methanolic extract of GS possesses antihyperglycemic and hypolipidaemic activity and so it can be considered as a promising natural remedy in a prediabetic state and in mild hyperlipidaemia to prevent its progression. Increase in β cell regeneration activity could be a probable mechanism of action. However, further long term clinical studies are recommended to define its possible role in diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia. Role of GS as a potential hepatoprotective agent also needs further evaluation

Evaluation of voglibose on body weight in rats

Background: As of 2018, 2.1 billion people nearly 30% of the world’s population are either obese or overweight. Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. It is an emerging health problem with major adverse effects on health. It is a risk factor for many chronic diseases but is best known for its role in metabolic syndrome, which can lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as cardiovascular diseases. Anti-obesity drugs are available but have many side effects. Voglibose, an antidiabetic drug, is an alpha glucosidase inhibitor which shows promising results in the reduction of body weight with minimal side effects.Methods: Voglibose (7 mg/kg) was administered to rats fed with normal laboratory chows and high fat diet to see its effect on body weight, body mass index, abdominal and thoracic circumference, and lipid profile at the end of 12 weeks.Results: Administration of voglibose significantly reduced food consumption, feed efficiency and increase in body weight induced by high fat diet in rats. Rats fed on normal diet also showed reductions in the same parameters, suggesting its weight lowering effect. Reductions in the anthropometric measurements, hypolipidemic effects and glucose lowering effects were also observed.Conclusions: Voglibose prevented high fat diet-induced obesity and improvement in metabolic profile, which ultimately has systemic effects on body weight in rats. Further studies are needed to see its potential therapeutic use in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and related complications

Evaluation of the effect of lycopene on lipid profile, serum antioxidant enzymes and blood sugar level in New Zealand white rabbits

Background: Dyslipidaemias are the major cause of increased atherogenesis. Lycopene is a pigment that imparts red colour to fruits and vegetables like tomatoes. Risk of cardiovascular diseases has been shown to decrease with dietary intake of tomatoes. Although the antioxidant and hypolipidaemic properties of tomatoes have been studied extensively, beneficial effect of pure lycopene supplement as hypolipidaemic is still debatable So, we aimed to evaluate the effect of pure lycopene powder on lipid profile, serum antioxidant enzymes and blood sugar level in hyperlipidaemic rabbits.Methods: Adult male New Zealand White rabbits (1.5-2.5kg) were divided into three groups of six each. Group I-High Fat Diet (HFD) (5ml/kg). Group II-HFD (5ml/kg) + lycopene (10mg/kg) orally. Group III-HFD (5ml/kg) + lycopene (20mg/kg) orally. Blood samples were taken from all rabbits for baseline estimations of serum lipids, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and blood sugar. Same tests were performed after six weeks.Results: There was significant decrease in the levels of serum TC, LDL-C, TG and VLDL and an increase in serum HDL-C and antioxidant SOD with lycopene administration. However, significant increase in HDL was not seen with lycopene 10mg. TG and VLDL levels were significantly less with 20mg lycopene compared to 10mg lycopene. There was however no change in blood sugar level with lycopene.Conclusions: Pure lycopene supplement showed significant hypolipidaemic and antioxidant activity. However, it did not show significant effect on blood glucose levels

To compare the efficacy of alternate day versus everyday dosing of atorvastatin in hyperlipidemic rabbits

Background: Muscle pain is often seen with statin therapy. Statins have also been associated with increase in liver transaminases as they lead to hepatic injury. The half - life of atorvastatin is increased due to its active metabolites which suggest the possibility for its alternate day use over everyday use. This would mean reduction in side effects such as hepatotoxicity and myopathy and solving the problem of statin underutilization in patients of lower socio economic class.Methods: Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC) approval was taken before the start of study. Hyperlipidemia was induced in New Zealand White rabbits by oral administration of high fat diet for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks all the laboratory tests were done to see if animals had developed hyperlipidemia. This day was considered as day 0 for further study. Hyperlipidemic rabbits were divided into two groups, first group receiving atorvastatin orally (5mg/kg) daily for duration of 6 weeks while the other group receiving atorvastatin orally (5mg/kg) at alternate days for same duration. All the laboratory tests were done at week 3 and week 6. Both the treatment groups were compared pairwise and also with day 0 to check for efficacy and safety.Results: At the end of 6 weeks every day and alternate day dosing of atorvastatin, showed a statistical decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C with respect to day 0. Pairwise comparison did not show any statistical difference in between the two treatment groups. Statistical increase in HDL-C was seen only with everyday dosing of atorvastatin as compared to day 0. Pairwise comparison showed statistical difference in between two treatment groups.At the end of 6 weeks, there was no statistical difference in SGOT, SGPT and CK levels when compared to day 0.Conclusions: Alternate day dosing of atorvastatin was as efficacious and safe as everyday dosing of atorvastatin in hyperlipidemic New Zealand White rabbits, thus being a cost effective alternative

Restructuring the syllabus for MD Pharmacology: Retrospection of bioassay

Introduction: Career prospects in Pharmacology are witnessing a sea change due to fast and unanticipated development in the field of clinical research. Numerous openings exist now in academia, pharmaceutical industry, Clinical Research Organizations (CRO) or as regulatory consultants, experimental pharmacologists, etc. In short, there are various options to choose from, depending on one′s interest. It′s high time we ponder now over the training programme for post-graduate students in Pharmacology. It needs to be revised keeping in mind the job prospects & uniqueness of the MD Pharmacology degree. Aim: To take suggestions of experienced pharmacologists on the present syllabus for MD Pharmacology and their opinion on continuation of Bioassay experiment which is currently an important part of it . Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire was given to 30 experienced pharmacologists to seek their opinion on MD Pharmacology syllabus & continuation of Bioassay as a part of MD practical. Results: Out of 30 participants, 29 (96.6%) did not use their knowledge of Bioassay during their 10 years of post MD career, whether in pharmaceutical industry or in academics. Only 5 of them (16.6%) feel that experiment on bioassay should be continued in the current state. 76.7% of them wish it to be modified to a Dose Response Curve ( DRC) . 6.71% feel that it should be totally scrapped. All the participants feel the need of revising current MD Pharmacology syllabus. Current syllabus is inclined more towards preparing good academicians but it lacks the proper training for creating good clinical research professionals. Medical writing, writing necessary documents for clinical trials including regulatory documents, writing an article for medical journals, marketing communication, product monograph and patient information of a clinical trial could be incorporated. They should be aware of the regulatory requirements for conducting studies on investigational drugs & established drugs as well. Conclusion: Looking at the growing market of clinical research & India being favoured destination for the same, the demand of MD Pharmacologists by pharmaceutical industry is on rising trend. So the revision of the syllabus of MD Pharmacology should be the top priority of experienced Pharmacologists, so as to meet this demand