Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma Agonist on Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Insulin Resistance in High Fat Diet Induced Diabetes

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-? agonists have beneficial effects in the oxidative stress pathway by improving the endothelial function. Obesity, a major contributor of insulin resistance has a significant probability of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, elicits oxidative stress that exacerbates the onset and progression of hepatotoxicity. The prospective of the research is to investigate the role of PPAR-? agonist on insulin resistance and hepatocellular damages due to obesity and diabetes. Albino Wistar (n=40) was categorized into 5 groups; Group I: Rats fed on a normal rat diet; Group II: High fat diet (HFD) induced obese rats (fed on HFD for 8 weeks); Group III: HFD fed rats treated with Rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg) for 7 days; Group IV: T2DM rats induced by HFD and low dose of Streptozotocin (i.p. 35 mg/kg); Group V: T2DM rats treated with Rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg) for 7 days. Insulin resistance was assessed by Serum insulin level and HOMA-IR. Hepatic oxidative stress was estimated by MDA, SOD, Catalase activity and plasma Paraoxonase -1 level. Obesity and T2DM caused a significant raised insulin resistance. There is marked increased MDA and decreased Catalase, SOD and plasma paraoxonase-1 activity. PPAR-g agonist treatment decreased the insulin resistance in both obesity and T2DM rats and reversed and restored antioxidant status. The results divulge that PPAR-g agonist not only reversed the effect of HFD and T2DM but also impede deleterious effects on hepatocellular damages due to insulin resistance and oxidative stress

Hypophosphatemic effect of niacin extended release in ischemic kidney disease

Ischemic nephropathy is an emerging cause of end stage renal disease, associated with many co-morbidities especially cardiovascular disease risk and derangement in calcium-phosphorus homeostasis resulting in hyperphosphatemia, influencing bones, a characteristic of advancing chronic kidney disease. The management of elevated serum phosphorus has been a challenge in this patient population with compromised kidney performance, as available phosphorus lowering agents possess many undesirable hazardous secondary effects and/or are very expensive. While niacin in different formulation is known to not only correct dyslipidemia but also reduce phosphorus level, but its clinical use restricted owing to side effects. The objective of present study is to evaluate such effect of niacin extended release (NER) in ischemic nephropathy. The chronic kidney disease patients fulfilling the pre-defined criteria were randomly categorized into two groups of equal size (n=60) and prescribed either atorvastatin 20 mg/day or NER 500 mg/day with the same dose of statin for four months. A control of 50 healthy characters matched was also incorporated for local reference range. Baseline and follow up phosphorus concentration was measured and means were compared using t-test at SPSS version 17 with 0.05 chosen alpha. There was no difference in the baseline levels in both groups while significant (p<0.001) hyperphosphatemia was observed in both units as compared with healthy controls. The administration of atorvastatin alone for four weeks showed an insignificant decrease in phosphorus, whereas, NER significantly reduced phosphorus (p<0.001). The mean percent change from baseline to follow up further endorsed the finding as statin alone brought -13.8 % reduction in phosphorus and NER -47 % from baseline. NER, at its lowest prescribed dose once a day was well tolerated by most of the patients and demonstrated significant goal achievement of phosphorus reduction. It is concluded that NER even at low doses in renal compromised dyslipidemic patients may be a promising approach to prevent the harmful vascular, valvular effects caused by hyperphosphatemia in addition to its principal target of HDL-C elevation

Comparison of serum levels of vitamin D and vitamin D-binding protein in normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic postmenopausal women

Objective: To compare the serum levels of vitamin D, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) calcium and phosphate in normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic postmenopausal women categorized on the basis of bone mineral density (BMD) scores.Methods: A cross sectional study carried out from May 2017 to August 2018. BMD measured by Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry categorized women (aged 20- 70 years) into normal (n=37) (T score ≥ -1.0) osteopenic (n=25) (-2.5\u3c T score, \u3c -1) and osteoporotic (n= 26) (T score \u3c -2.5) according to WHO classification. Serum concentrations of vitamin D, VDBP, calcium, phosphate analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were compared by Analysis of Variance.Results: In normal females higher levels of vitamin D and VDBP were observed [15.82 (8 - 69.18), 469.9 (269.57 - 875.55)] vs. osteopenic [(7.45 (4.66 - 15.1), 296.05 (232.58 - 420.23)] and osteoporotic women [(7.25 (3.97 - 17.49), 272.94 (202.23 - 351.24)]; [median interquartile range]; p value \u3c 0.0001.Conclusion: Vitamin D and VDBP are linked with bone health and estimation of VDBP appears to be a valuable tool for the assessment of increased bone loss and possible risks of bone fractures especially in postmenopausal women

The Protective Effects of Urtica Dioica against CCl4 Induced Hepatotoxity in Rats

The present study was designed to investigate the preventing effects of Urtica dioica (UD) against liver fibrosis and cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in male wistar rats. Cirrhosis is the final stage of chronic liver disease and leading cause of death worldwide. Urtica dioica is a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-carcinogenic activities. The healthy age matched male wistar albino rats were used in the study. In this study 24 male albino wistar rats were divided in to four groups (n=6). Group I remained healthy control rats, group II , received CCl4 (0.8 ml/Kg b.w, s.c, for 8 weeks, twice a week), group III received CCl4 (0.8 ml/Kg b.w, s.c, for 8 weeks, twice a week) together with UD(2 ml/kg UD extract i.p daily for 8 weeks), group IV received UD(2 ml/kg UD extract i.p daily for 8 weeks) . Biochemical analysis included total bilirubin, liver enzymes, antioxidant enzymes &amp; MDA.The sixty day treatment of rats with CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity as indicated by enhanced liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant enzyme levels in CCl4 treated group compared with the control group. Urtica Dioica treatment for sixty days decreased hepatotoxic effects of CCl4 by significantly reducing the elevated liver enzyme, lipid peroxidation and raised the decreased antioxidant levels. The body weights of Group II,III &amp;IV groups were reduced whereas maintained in group I. The histologic findings indicated portal and periportal fibrosis in CCl4 treated rats with 40% degenerative hepatocytes whereas UD treatment together with CCl4 indicated slight periportal fibrosis, fatty changes with no degenerative hepatocytes

A cytogenic monitoring approach of hospital workers occuptionally exposed to ionizing radiations using micronucleus assay

Background: The objective of this study was to determine chromosomal damage in occupational workers of the radiation department from three different hospitals, Faisalabad, Pakistan exposed for a long term to ionizing radiations using micronucles (MN) assay. A comparison between exposed and non-exposed subjects (controlled) of same age exhibited a significant an increase in the number of micronuclei in occupational workers. MN frequency increases with an increase in age and duration of exposure in both sexes but higher in females.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the District Head Quarter Hospital (DHQ), Punjab Institute of Nuclear Medicine (PINUM) and Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The total 145 subjects were selected from these hospitals. The subjects were divided into two groups. The control group (N= 40) (20 males and 20 females) of healthy subjects (no exposure) and the second group of subjects (N=105) (68 males and 37 females) subjects of occupational workers who were indirectly exposed to radiation. Blood samples (2ml) were collected in sodium heparinised vaccutainer tubes through venipuncture from both the groups. Disposable syringes were used for this purpose. For the evaluation of MN yield, slides were prepared by following the method of Jorge et al. (2004).Results: A significant difference in micro nuclear induction was observed between the occupational subjects and the control subjects and as well as in females and in males (P &lt; 0.01). Females are more vulnerable to ionizing radiation than males. In females, MN yield was two times higher than males. MN frequency was increased with an increase in age and duration of exposure in both sexes, but higher in females and may be due to an increase in chromosomal loss in hospital workers. There is an individual response to the physical noxa, depending on sex, age and exposure. Smoking and drinking habits do not have a significant effect in increasing the number of MN in occupationally exposed workers.Conclusion: It was concluded that females are more vulnerable to ionizing radiations than males. MN test can be used as a biomarker with a predictive value for the estimation in occupationally exposed subjects.Key Words: Radiations; Hospital workers; Sex; Micronucleus assay; Chromosomal damag

A CYTOGENIC MONITORING APPROACH OF HOSPITAL WORKERS OCCUPTIONALLY EXPOSED TO IONIZING RADIATIONS USING MICRONUCLEUS ASSAY

Background: The objective of this study was to determine chromosomal damage in occupational workers of the radiation department from three different hospitals, Faisalabad, Pakistan exposed for a long term to ionizing radiations using micronucles (MN) assay. A comparison between exposed and non-exposed subjects (controlled) of same age exhibited a significant an increase in the number of micronuclei in occupational workers. MN frequency increases with an increase in age and duration of exposure in both sexes but higher in females. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the District Head Quarter Hospital (DHQ), Punjab Institute of Nuclear Medicine (PINUM) and Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The total 145 subjects were selected from these hospitals. The subjects were divided into two groups. The control group (N= 40) (20 males and 20 females) of healthy subjects (no exposure) and the second group of subjects (N=105) (68 males and 37 females) subjects of occupational workers who were indirectly exposed to radiation. Blood samples (2ml) were collected in sodium heparinised vaccutainer tubes through venipuncture from both the groups. Disposable syringes were used for this purpose. For the evaluation of MN yield, slides were prepared by following the method of Jorge et al. (2004). Results: A significant difference in micro nuclear induction was observed between the occupational subjects and the control subjects and as well as in females and in males (P < 0.01). Females are more vulnerable to ionizing radiation than males. In females, MN yield was two times higher than males. MN frequency was increased with an increase in age and duration of exposure in both sexes, but higher in females and may be due to an increase in chromosomal loss in hospital workers. There is an individual response to the physical noxa, depending on sex, age and exposure. Smoking and drinking habits do not have a significant effect in increasing the number of MN in occupationally exposed workers. Conclusion: It was concluded that females are more vulnerable to ionizing radiations than males. MN test can be used as a biomarker with a predictive value for the estimation in occupationally exposed subjects

Cardio & reno-protective effect of HDL-C elevation in cholesterol fed rats

Introduction: Dyslipidemia plays core role in plaque formation in predisposing the respective organ to impaired blood supply, a common mechanism of ischemic brain, heart & kidney disease. Substantial data suggest that not only hypercholesterolemia but suppressed level of HDL-C is equally important risk factor prompting these perfusion changes. Many pharmacologic & non-pharmacologic interventions are being investigated to increase HDL level. Objective: The present study was planned to assess the effect of an HDL elevator (Niacin) combined with routine cholesterol lowering (statins) on renal system & atherogenic index. Methodology: Male wistar rats of 200 ± 20g were. After one week of acclimatization, rats were randomly divided into four groups of equal size (n = 6). Group 1 served as control and given normal chow while rest of the groups administered high fat diet (HFD) containing cholesterol, butter fat & oil. Along with this adjusted animal dose of 20mg Atorvastatin to group 3 and 20mg Atorvastatin plus 500mg niacin extended release to group 4 were also given p.o. for eight weeks. All animals were then sacrificed to collect blood & tissue samples. Plasma was separated to measure lipid profile and renal function. Mean values were compared among the groups & p\u3c0.05 chosen as level of statistical significance. Results: Hypercholesterolemia induced renal function deterioration (r = 0.5, p\u3c0.01). Significant increase (p\u3c0.001) observed in lipid profile in group 2 as compared with control. Statin alone produced significant decrease (p\u3c0.05) in TC, LDL & 30% increase in HDL. While in combination with niacin, there were more pronounced lipid lowering (p\u3c0.01) & significant rise in HDL (p\u3c0.001). The Statin-Statin/Niacin inter group comparison showed significant improvement in renal function; creatinine (p\u3c 0.05), urea (p\u3c0.05) in Niacin treated group. Conclusion: HDL increasing regime may be useful in prevention from dyslipidemia associated cardio- & renal problems. Keywords: Dyslipidemia, Niacin, wistar rats, HDL-

RELATION BETWEEN PREECLAMPSIA AND CARDIAC ENZYMES

Abstract &nbsp;&nbsp; INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia affects about 5-10% of all pregnancies and is a major cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The cardiovascular system undergoes a host of changes in association with development of preeclampsia. LDH is a useful biochemical marker that reflects the severity of the occurrence of preeclampsia. &nbsp;&nbsp; METHOD AND MATERIALS: One hundred pregnant women were selected for this study, 50 normal pregnant women as controls and 50 preeclamptic women as the study group.&nbsp; Cardiac enzymes (serum LDH, serum AST, serum CK and serum CKMB) of these women were analyzed. &nbsp;&nbsp; RESULTS: Mean Serum LDH and mean serum AST concentrations were significantly higher in preeclamptic patients compared to normal pregnant women (348.34 &plusmn; 59.17 vs. 255.92 &plusmn; 43.26, P &lt; 0.01) and (34.32 &plusmn; 10.37 vs. 22.06 &plusmn; 5.10, P &lt; 0.01) respectively.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; CONCLUSION: LDH and AST may be increased due to liver damage. This endothelial vascular damage is the main cause in the occurrence of preeclampsia. Higher levels of LDH and AST are very useful markers to identify the occurrence of preeclampsia. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Keywords: LDH, Preeclampsia, AST, Cardiac Enzymes.</p

Effects of Nifedipine on Cation Transport and Na - K-ATPase Activity in Erythrocytes and Electrolyte Homeostasis in Rats

Calcium channel antagonists have been reported to reduce blood pressure in those individuals at risk of cardiac and cerebrovascular events. There is no specific study available regarding the role of electrolyte alterations in blood pressure lowering effects of nifedipine. The present study was designed to investigate the role of electrolyte homeostasis, changes in ouabain-sensitive Na+ K+ adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity, and net sodium efflux and potassium influx across blood cell membranes. Rats were divided into two experimental groups . Nifedipine (20mg/ kg body weight ) was administered by gastric tube to the test group . Control group received same volume of deionize water .The intra-erythrocyte sodium, serum sodium, potassium, calcium and sodium, calcium content of heart and kidney tissues were decreased significantly. Whereas, intra-erythrocyte potassium was slightly decreased or remained normal in nifedipine treated rats as compared to normal healthy rats. The Na - K - ATPase activity, serum magnesium, potassium and magnesium content in heart and kidney tissues were increased significantly. Results confirmed that nifedipine represses ion channels, transporters and calcium-binding proteins in tissues. Erythrocyte studies indicate that nifedipine blocks the entrance of calcium into the cells but also stimulate Na - K - ATPase activity, resulting in reduction of intracellular sodium concentration, thus suggesting direct nifedipine-induced blood pressure reduction