Assessment of cytogenic damage in chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects through micronucleus test

Background and aim: DNA and cells of human body are constantly in threat for exposure of oxidative stress and role of genetic factors and oxidative damage. A high number of reactive oxygen species can cause oxidative damage to a large number of molecules, including DNA, result in periodontal tissue damage through multiple mechanisms such as lipid peroxidation, protein denaturation and DNA damage. The micronucleus test is a sensitive method that indicates DNA damage. The aim of the study was to assess the micronucleus frequency (MNF), as a biomarker for DNA damage, in individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 subjects were recruited for the study and divided into three groups. 20 subjects of group 1 had diabetes mellitus along with chronic periodontitis, Subjects with Diabetes mellitus and healthy periodontium were allotted to group 2 and group 3 include Subjects without Diabetes melilitus and with Chronic Periodontitis. Periodontal clinical examination was done. Blood sample collected was use to prepare a slide which was fixed in 5% gimsa solution and was analyzed in microscope then scoring of micronuclei was done. Results: The mean micronuclei observed in group 1, 2 and 3 were 14.8, 11 and 10.85 respectively i.e. group 1 showed significantly greater damage than other two groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that CBMN method was useful as a biomarker for DNA damage in individuals with chronic degenerative systemic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, as well as chronic local disease, such as PD

Comparative analysis of salivary sialic acid levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic periodontitis patients: A biochemical study

Aim: Sialic acid plays a central role in the functioning of biological systems, in stabilizing the glycoproteins and cellular membranes, assisting in cell–cell recognition and interaction. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the periodontal health status and salivary Sialic acid levels in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and chronic periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: Ninety subjects were included in the study, which were divided into the following groups, 30 in each group. Group 1: patients suffering from COPD and chronic periodontitis, Group 2: periodontitis patients without any systemic diseases Group 3: healthy subjects. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected around 9–10 AM; 2 h after the subjects had breakfast. The sialic acid content was determined by a combined modification of the thiobarbituric acid method of Skoza and Mohos. Results: The mean salivary sialic acid levels were least in the healthy group followed by the periodontitis group, and it was highest in the COPD group. Conclusions: We can thus conclude that promotion of dental care knowledge is very much essential in the prevention and treatment of COPD. Thus, estimation of levels of salivary sialic acid can be used as an adjunct to diagnose the current periodontal disease status and to assess the treatment outcomes in subjects with COPD and chronic periodontitis

Effect of Saraswatarishta in animal models of behavior despair

Background: Saraswatarishta (SA) is a herbo-mineral formulation consisting of 18 plants some of which are Medhyarasayanas. It has been claimed to be useful in treating central nervous system disorders. Objective: To evaluate antidepressant effect of ′Saraswatarishta′(SA) alone and in combination with imipramine and fluoxetine in animal models of depression. Materials and Methods: After obtaining IAEC permission, 144 rats (n = 36/part) were randomized into 6 groups- Group 1: Distilled water (1 mL), Group 2: Imipramine (30 mg/kg), Group 3: Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), Group 4: SA (1.8 mL/kg), Group 5: Imipramine + SA, Group 6: Fluoxetine + SA. Effects of study drugs were evaluated in forced swim test (FST) with single exposure to FST (Part 1) and repeated exposure for 14 days (Part 2). In Part 3, reserpine was used with FST and effects of study drugs were evaluated against single exposure to FST. Same model was used with repeated exposures to FST (Part 4). In each part, rats were subjected to open field test (OFT) for 5 min prior to final FST. The variables measured: Immobility time in FST; line crossing, rearing and defecation in the OFT. Results: In all four parts, individual drugs and combinations thereof produced significant decrease in immobility time as compared to control, and extent of decrease was comparable amongst these groups. However, values for combination of fluoxetine with SA group were found to be lesser than that for individual agents in Parts 2 and 3. Combination of SA with imipramine did not enhance its anti-depressant effect in any of the parts. OFT findings did not vary significantly amongst the study groups. Conclusion: Decreased immobility in FST and absence of generalized stimulation or depression of motor activity in OFT point towards potential antidepressant effect of Saraswatarishta. Its co-administration with fluoxetine showed more promising effects

Effect of Jyotiṣmatī seed oil on spatial and fear memory using scopolamine induced amnesia in mice

Background: Treatment of memory impairment associated with dementia such as Alzheimer′s disease is still inadequate and requires development of new drugs. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the memory enhancing effect of Celastrus paniculatus seed oil. Materials and Methods: C. paniculatus seed oil was mixed with equal amount of pure ghee and administered orally to mice in the dose of 200 mg/kg/day. Piracetam was used as a standard nootropic. Elevated plus maze and passive avoidance tests were used as a models to test spatial and fear memory respectively. Scopolamine (3 mg/kg, i.p.), was used as an amnestic agent. Results: Mice receiving C. paniculatus showed significant memory enhancement as compared to scopolamine group. The effect of C. paniculatus and combination of C. paniculatus with piracetam was comparable to that with piracetam alone. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that C. paniculatus seed oil has memory enhancing effect and hence can be developed as a potential drug in the treatment of dementia