Metabolic Bone Profile of Healthy Adult North Indian Population from Chandigarh Urban Bone Epidemiological Study (CUBES)

We aimed to estimate metabolic bone profile in a large cohort of healthy, adult Indian population to generate reference standards of serum calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 25 (OH) Vitamin D and iPTH, and also to find out the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in healthy population. Apparently healthy people in the age group of 20–80 years, residing in the union territory of Chandigarh were chosen. Fasting samples for serum calcium, phosphate, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 25 (OH) D and iPTH were collected and were processed on the same day. We recruited 930 healthy subjects from different subsectors of Chandigarh. Final analysis was done for 915 subjects. Out of this, 530 (58%) were women and 385 (42%) were men. The study participants were divided into two groups, less than and more than 50 years for the men and pre and post-menopausal for the women. The serum calcium, phosphate, ALP and iPTH were significantly higher in the post-menopausal women compared to the pre-menopausal women. The median plasma 25 (OH) D in men and women was 12.5 ng/mL and 14.3 ng/mL, respectively. 25 (OH) D deficiency was seen in 65.4% of individuals. 25 (OH) D levels co-related negatively with iPTH levels (r = − 0.4, p < 0.0001), and showed an increasing trend with age. We have thus presented metabolic bone profile of healthy, adult north Indian population. These reference values can be used for diagnosis and monitoring of various MBDs. Vitamin D deficiency is still rampant in our population in spite of increasing awareness.     

STZ诱导的糖尿病对骨密度和血清睾酮的影响（英文）

目的：探讨链脲霉素（STZ）诱导的糖尿病对大鼠骨代谢的影响及机制。材料与方法：雄性Wistar大鼠随机分成3组: 正常组（n = 6），糖尿病组（n = 5）和胰岛素治疗糖尿病组 (n = 5)。大鼠尾静脉一次性注射STZ（50 mg/kg 体重），选择空腹12 h血糖大于12 mmol/L的大鼠为本实验所需的糖尿病模型。治疗组大鼠每天在同一时间给予1.8－2.2U的胰岛素。实验周期为持续32天。采用双能X线骨吸收法（DEXA）测定股骨密度，ELISA法测定血清雄性激素睾酮水平，生化分析仪测定血清碱性磷酸酶、钙、磷浓度。结果：糖尿病大鼠的股骨密度和血清睾酮均显著低于正常组（P < 0.01），血清总碱性磷酸酶明显高于正常组和胰岛素治疗组（P < 0.01）。三组之间血钙和血磷的水平无明显差异。胰岛素治疗后糖尿病大鼠的骨密度、血清睾酮与总碱性磷酸酶得到明显的改善。结论：糖尿病严重影响骨密度，胰岛素缺乏及雄性激素降低是导致糖尿病性骨质疏松重要原因。胰岛素治疗能预防骨流失和提高血清睾酮浓度。     

Serum enzymes in thermal injury

Various metabolic and biological changes follow burn injury. Serum Thio-barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and amylase were measured in 43 patients with thermal injury over the first 10 days of post burn period. No clear correlation between elevated serum enzymes except amylase and the burn size was observed on admission. Mean serum TBARS were significantly increased in the burn patients. Transaminases values increased till 5^th day then declined on 10^th day, whereas alkaline phosphatase and amylase activities continued to rise till day 10. It is concluded that functional disturbances occur in liver and pancreas around a week after thermal injury. Monitoring serum ALP and amylase in postburn period has valuable prognostic importance.     

Enzymes in biofluids for diagnosis of diseases

Alkaline phosphatase, alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase and proteins were investigated in C.S.F from cases of pyogenic and non-pyogenic meningitis and controls; ascitic fluid from patients with cirrhosis of liver, tuberculous abdomen and malignancy; and pleural fluid. Same investigations were done in the corresponding blood-sera in respect of fluids other than C.S.F. Levels of proteins were elevated by 65.7% in C.S.F. in pyogenic meningitis and 27.7% in non-pyogenic meningitis compared to controls. Levels of alkaline phosphatase were found to be increased to 57% in pyogenic meningitis with a decrease of 17.8% in the non-pyogenic type while those of ALT and AST were found to be increased by 59% and 103% respectively in the non-pyogenic type. If the levels of the 3 enzymes of fluids other than C.S.F. were compared, alkaline phosphatase levels were almost double in ascitic fluid in cirrhosis and those of ALT and AST were greater in malignancy and tuberculous pleural effusion. Both alkaline phosphatase and ALT levels were low in ascites in tuberculous abdomen with the least ALT values.     

Hepatitis during respiratory syncytial virus infection – a case report

Introduction:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the most common cause of hospitalization in infants and small children. The aim was to present a 13-months old boy diagnosed with acute airway infection, acute otitis media (AOM) and hepatitis during the RSV-infection.

Material and methods:

Serum catalytic activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotranspherase (AST), alanine aminotranspherase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpherase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), and concentrations of bilirubin were monitored during hospitalization and at control examination.

Results:

The child had clinical signs and symptoms of respiratory failure, AOM, and laboratory findings of virus infection and liver disease. On admission, catalytic activities of enzymes were markedly increased, especially the activity of ALP (10333 U/L, i.e. 24-fold increase in comparison with the upper reference limit). The highest increased in AST (339 U/L, 4.5-fold), ALT (475 U/L, 10.3-fold) and LD (545 U/L, 1.5-fold) were registered on the 3^rd day, and the highest increase in GGT (68 U/L, 3.1-fold) occurred on the 11th day. Seven weeks after discharge AST, ALT, GGT and LD decreased into reference range, and ALP remain mildly increased (478 U/L, 1.1 fold increase). RSV was confirmed in nasal lavage fluid.

Conclusion:

Laboratory results in patient with RSV infection needs to be interpreted in the light of both, respiratory and extrapulmonary manifestations of the infection, respectively.     

Effect of ethanolic leaf extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trianthema portulacastrum</Emphasis> L. On aflatoxin induced hepatic damage in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the ethanolic leaf extract of Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Family: Aizoaceae) on aflatoxin induced hepatic damage in rats. Aflatoxin intoxication in rats significantly (p < 0.001) elevated the levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin, which indicated acute hepatocellular damage and biliary obstruction. Ethanolic leaf extract of T. portulacastrum showed dose dependent decrease in the levels of SGPT, SGOT, ALP and total bilirubin. Minimum effective dose of extract was found to be 100 mg/kg body weight. Results obtained from histopathological studies also supported hepatoprotective activity against aflatoxin-induced hepatotoxicity. Thus the study demonstrates that T. portulacastrum possess antihepatotoxic effect against aflatoxin.     

Moderately high altitude habitation modulates lipid profile and alkaline phosphatase activity in aged <Emphasis Type="Italic">Khasis</Emphasis> of Meghalaya

The indigenous Khasis inhabit different geographical and climatic locations of Meghalaya. In this study, we intended to find out whether habitation in moderately high altitude place has any effect on the lipid and liver profile amongst the aged Khasis. The level of various serum parameters under lipid and liver profile were analyzed and compared from aged (65–70 years) male Khasi residents of moderately high (Shillong city) and low (Byrnihat) altitude places. Results obtained from the lipid profile data show decreased total serum cholesterol (29%), triglyceride (27%) and LDL-cholesterol (42%) level in the old Khasis of Shillong compared to Byrnihat. Furthermore, the alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly raised (47%) in the old Khasis from Shillong as against Byrnihat. The decreased level of total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol in old Khasis from Shillong may be due to living and acclimatization in high altitude with low annual temperature. Moderately high elevation could have acted as a stressor, thereby reducing the level of serum cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol, which may put them at a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. In comparison, old residents of Byrnihat with high cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels may elevate their risk of coronary complications. The raised alkaline phosphatase activity amongst the old Khasis of Shillong could be due to increased bone and/or intestinal turnover as a result of living in high altitude, which, however, may elevate the risk of osteoporosis. Taken together, we conclude that low cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels, accompanied with high alkaline phosphatase activity amongst the old Khasis of Shillong, could be due to the influence of high altitude and mild climatic conditions that prevails.     

Studies on some serum enzyme levels in various liver diseases

Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (EC 3.1.3.1), 5′nucleotidase (5′NT) (EC 3.1.3.5), aldolase (ALD) (EC 4.1.2.13) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) (EC 1.1.1.14) were estimated in infective hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis, obstructive jaundice, cirrhosis of liver and amoebic liver abscess. It was observed that serum ALP and 5′NT were significantly increased in all cases of chronic active hepatitis and obstructive hepatic disease. However, the elevation observed in the latter was much higher than the former. Serum SDH and ALD levels were elevated in all cases of infective hepatitis, studied though increase in the former was much higher than the latter, suggesting its significance in the diagnostic confirmation of this disease. Results presented suggest 5′NT and SDH as more reliable diagnostic test compared to ALP and ALD for obstructive jaundice and infective hepatitis respectively.     

Detection of Bone Metastases in Breast Cancer (BC) Patients by Serum Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b), a Bone Resorption Marker and Serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), a Bone Formation Marker,in Lieu of Whole Body Skeletal Scintigraphy with Technetium99m MDP

Bone metastases are a serious problem in patients with advanced cancer disease and their presence usually signifies serious morbidity prior to the patient’s death. In breast cancer patients the incidence of bone metastasis is observed to be very high at 70 %, as seen during post-mortem examination. Bone metastasis is difficult to diagnose, treat or follow clinically without radiological tools. This study was designed to evaluate the utility of a novel bone resorption marker–serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP5b) and the bone formation marker such as serum total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in comparison with whole body skeletal scintigraphy with Technetium99m MDP for the diagnosis of bone metastases (BM) in breast cancer (BC) patients. This study is intended to help the clinician to diagnose bone metastasis without resorting to radiological tools, as they are not cost effective and carry the risk of radiation. Experimental design: Four groups of samples were analysed. 1st group consists 52 normal female (cancer free women), 2nd group consists 38 BC patients without bone metastasis, 3rd group consists 27 breast cancer patients with limited bone metastasis (3 or less than 3 skeletal lesions) and 4th group consists 35 breast cancer patients with extensive bone metastasis (4 or more than 4 skeletal lesions), conformed by whole body skeletal scintigraphy with Technetium99m MDP. One way ANOVA was used to compare serum TRACP5b and serum ALP among these groups. Both serum TRACP5b and serum ALP are not markedly elevated in limited bone metastasis but are strongly elevated in extensive bone metastasis (p < 0.0001). As seen in this study the biochemical bone resorption marker, serum TRACP5b, abnormally increased in extensive bone metastasis of breast cancer patients and can be used as a specific marker for bone metastasis in lieu of radiological tools.     

Leucine amino peptidase a better indicator of carcinoma of liver, biliary tract and pancreas

Serum levels of leucine amino peptidase (LAP) was studied along with bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the ratio of AST/ALT and GGT/AST in 25 healthy subjects and 52 patients with hepatobiliary malignancies of which 12 were with hepatocellular carcinoma, 12 with liver metastasis, 6 with obstructive jaundice, 9 with carcinoma of gall bladder, 6 with carcinoma of pancreas and 7 with periampullary carcinoma. 24 Of the 52 patients studied had jaundice and 28 were without jaundice. LAP as compared to the other enzymes AST, ALT, GGT, ALP and AST/ALT ratio and GGT/AST ratio showed 100% elevation in obstructive jaundice, carcinoma of gall bladder and pancreas and periampullary carcinoma, 91.7% elevation in hepatocellular carcinoma and 83.3% elevation in liver metastasis. On comparing the levels of these enzymes in non jaundiced and jaundiced groups, LAP was elevated in both jaundiced and non jaundiced groups in 95.8% and 92.9% cases respectively whereas the other enzymes AST showed increase from 67.9% to 100%, ALT from 21.4% to 83.3%, GGT from 71.4% to 95.4% and ALP from 82.1% to 100% in non jaundiced and jaundiced groups respectively indicating that LAP rises in hepatic dysfunction due to hepatobiliary malignancy whereas the other liver function enzymes showed increased hepatic dysfunction due to hepatobiliary malignancy with the onset of jaundice thereby indicating that LAP is a better indicator of hepatobiliary malignancy as compared to other enzymes. The quantitative methods used for determination are reliable, accurate, simple, rapid and cost effective and therefore have better application in a clinical setting.     

Protective role of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllanthus niruri</Emphasis> against nimesulide induced hepatic damage

Present study aimed to evaluate the protective role of the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri) against nimesulide-induced hepatic disoder in mice by determining levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum and also by measuring the hepatic content of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismitase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); the free radical scavenger, reduced glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS). Aqueous extract of P. niruri was administered either orally or intraperitoneally in different doses and times as needed for the experiments. Intraperitoneal of the extract (100 mg/kg body weight for seven days) reduced nimesulide (750 mg/kg body weight for 3 days) induced increased levels of GOT (37.0±1.8 units/ml in control group vs. 91.8±2.0 units/ml in nimesulide treated group vs. 35.0±1.0 units/ml in extract treated group), GPT (30.0±2.1 units/ml in control group vs. 88.4±2.9 units/ml in nimesulide treated group vs. 34.1±1.8 units/ml in extract treated group), and ALP (7.86±0.47 KA units/ml in control group vs. 23.80±0.60 KA units/ml in nimesulide treated group vs. 7.30±0.40 KA units/ml, in extract treated group) to almost nomal. In addition, P. niruri restored the nimesulide induced alterations of hepatic SOD (550±20 units/mg total protein in control group vs. 310±13 units/mg total protein in nimesulide treated group vs. 515±10 units/mg total protein in extract treated group), CAT (99.5±2 units/mg total protein in control group vs. 25.0±1.5 units/mg total protein in nimesulide treated group vs. 81.0±0.8 units/mg total protein in extract treated group), GSH (90±3 nmoles/mg total protein in control group vs. 17±4.2 nmoles/mg total protein in nimesulide treated group vs. 81±1 nmoles/mg total protein in extract treated group) and TBARS (measured as MDA, 36.6±3.0 nmoles/g liver tissue in control group vs. 96.3±5.2 nmoles/g liver tissue in nimesulide treated group vs. 41.2±1.7 nmoles/g liver tissue in extract treated group) contents. Dose-dependent studies showed that the herb could protect liver even if the nimesulide-induced injury is severe. Intraperitoneal administration of the extract showed better protective effect than oral administration. Combining all, the data suggest that P. niruri possesses hepatoprotective activity against nimesulide-induced liver toxicity and probably acts via an antioxidant defense mechanism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the hepatoprotective action of P. niruri against nimesulide induced liver damage.     

Comparative effect of olive oil and fish oil supplementation in combating gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats

The present study is related to the comparative effects of fish oil and olive oil supplementation on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Three treatment groups (Pretrement, Co-treatment and post treatment) were chosen for the study. Nephrotoxicity in rats was induced by intraperitonial administration of gentamicin (80 mg/kg/d) for 3,5,7,10,& 12 consecutive days. The animals were sacrificed 12 hrs after last treatment in each group. The maximum nephrotoxicity was developed on 10 days treatment of gentamicin. For each group a control group was taken without any oil or gentamicin treatment. Beneficial effects of oils were evidenced by reduced serum urea and creatinine concentrations in the group receiving oils compared to the non oil treatment animals receiving gentamicin only. Further, the changed values of alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activity retumed to normal in kidney and liver tissue homogenates after fish and olive oil treatment. In this study, it was found that co-treatment of fish and olive oil is more effective antagonist of gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity. However fish oil was found to be more effective. Hypercholesteromia associated with gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity is also lowered by oil supplementations. The beneficial effects of these oils are due to counteracting effect of the biochemical alterations induced by the drug.     

Some biochemical markers in various neoplasms: A multivariate analysis

The analysis of biochemical parameters in 162 patients with various neoplastic disorders along with 50 normal subjects showed significant rise in serum alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase as compared to normal subjects. 21 patients with other monoclonal gammopathies which include infection and immunological diseases were also studied. Parameters such as serum calcium, uric acid, total protein, albumin and globulin were also analyzed in 42 (26%) cases of multiple myeloma, 27 (17%) cases of gastro-intestinal malignancies, 22 (14%) cases of urogenital malignancies, 11 (6%) cases of carcinoma breast, 4 (2%) cases of bone tumors, 21 (12%) cases of other monoclonal gammopathies, including 7 (4%) cases of infection and 14 (8%) cases of immunological diseases. The results indicate use of enzymes alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase in neoplastic disorders.     

Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective Effect of Curcumin Against Copper Toxicity in Rats

Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant with several potential health benefits. Although it has been examined in several metals toxicity studies, but its role in the protection against copper toxicity has not been investigated. In this study; the detoxification and antioxidant effect of curcumin were examined to determine its prophylactic/therapeutic role experimentally in rats. Forty albino rats were divided into five groups; control, CuSO₄ (4 mg/kg body weight), curcumin (80 mg/kg body weight), curcumin post-treatment (CuSO₄ for 15 days followed by curcumin for the next 15 days) and curcumin co-treatment (CuSO₄ plus curcumin for 30 days). All rats were treated orally by stomach tube for 30 days/once a day. Changes were observed in hepatic marker enzymes such as: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase-(ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), besides the serum total protein, urea and creatinine. Concentration of liver and kidney antioxidants such as: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione-(GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. An increased in the activities of liver marker enzymes, urea, creatinine and the MDA contents were detected after exposure to CuSO₄. Meanwhile, the activities of serum total protein, hepatic and renal antioxidants were decreased. Changes in all biochemical parameters were alleviated by the post-treatment and co-treatment of curcumin. Our finding suggests that the curcumin showed protective effects on CuSO₄-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.     

Hypocholesterolemic and hepatoprotective effects of flaxseed chutney: Evidence from animal studies

Rats fed with hypercholesterolemic diet showed a significant increase in serum total—cholesterol, liver homogenate total-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and changed LDL-cholesterol, and HDL/LDL ratio in comparison to control. Flaxseedchutney (FC) supplemented diet (15%, w/w) was found to be more effective in restoring lipid profile changes in rats fed with cholesterol, (1.0%). The activities of serum marker enzymes glutamate oxaloacetate transminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were elevated significantly in carbon tetrachloride induced rats. Administration of flaxseedchutney (15%, w/w) resulted in depletion of serum marker enzymes and exhibited recoupment thus showing significant hepatoprotective effect. It was observed that flaxseedchutney supplemented diet could lower the serum cholesterol and as a potential source of antioxidants it could exert protection against hepatotoxic damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rats.     

Effect ofCrataeva nurvala bark decoction on enzymatic changes in liver of normal and stone forming rats

The influence of Crataeva nurvala bark decoction was studied in calcium oxalate stone forming rats, in relation to oxalate metabolism in liver. The activities of the major oxalate synthesizing enzymes in liver namely, glycollate oxidase (GAO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly increased in the calculogenic group. Bark decoction treatment lowered the liver GAO activity considerably. Transport ATPases (Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺-ATPases) and alkaline phosphatase were enhanced in rats fed calculi producing diet, while the activities of acid phosphatase, inorganic pyrophosphatase and aminotransferases were slightly reduced. Bark decoction administration produced a marginal decrease in Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and increase in aspartate aminotransferase activities, without significantly altering other enzyme activities. The decrease in liver GAO activity seen during bark decoction treatment, with concomitant decrease in kidney oxalate level, may prove beneficial as a prophylactic measure in preventing stone recurrence.     

Hospital based preliminary study on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

The awareness of osteoporosis has grown world wide in recent years. This silently progressing metabolic bone disease is widely prevalent in India, and osteoporotic fractures are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in adult Indian men and women. Rapid bone loss occurs in postmenopausal women due to hormonal factors which lead to increased risk of fractures. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism are used to assess skeletal turnover. A cross-sectional study of 150 pre- and post menopausal women was carried out at S.D.M College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, during the period of May 2005 to September 2005. The study group consisted of 75 Premenopausal women in the age group of 25–45 years and 75 Postmenopausal women in the age group of 46–65 years. Bone formation markers (Total Calcium, lonised calcium, Phosphorus, Alkaline phosphatase), and bone resorption markers (Urinary Hydroxyproline) were analysed in pre and post menopausal women. Bone formation markers, Total and lonised calcium were significantly decreased (p<0.001) and Alkaline phosphatase was significantly increased (p<0.001) in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women. Bone resorption markers, Urinary hydroxyproline excretion was significantly increased (p<0.001) in postmenopausal women. The results from this study suggest that simple, easy, common biochemical markers can still be used to assess the bone turnover in postmenopausal women and hence their risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures.     

Effect of spironolactone on acid and alkaline phosphatase in the testes of albino rat

The biological activity of the mineralocorticoid antagonist, spironolactone depend upon its metabolism. In this study the effect of diuretic drug compound spironolactone on the acid and alkaline phosphatase in the testes of albino rat. The drug spironolactone was administered orally daily for 7^th, 14^th and 21^st days at the dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. Among them, the side effects of drug are that the degradation of alkaline phosphatase in the testes; while acid phosphatase increased significantly may be due to 7a-thiospironolactone is a tissue metabolite of spironolactone and may contribute to the testicular enzymes, therapeutic actions and some other side effects. It is suggested that the decrease and increase of alkaline and acid phosphatase in the testes of albino rat are the due to the side effects of spironolactone drug compound.     

Role of Common Biochemical Markers for the Assessment of Fracture Union

The progress of fracture union requires close monitoring. Whereas, clinical examination and radiographic studies assess the outcome, biochemical markers like serum alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyproline reflect the actual status of bone resorption and bone formation over a short time frame. 36 patients of long bone fracture were randomly allocated for the study. When the patient reported to the Department of Orthopedics after fracture, serum and urinary samples were collected and X-ray of the affected part were taken. Subsequent samples were collected and X-ray taken just after management (either operative or conservative), after 3rd, 5th, 8th and 12th week, respectively after onset of fracture. According to the course of callus formation the patients were divided into two groups that progressed to proper union or malunion. The levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, urinary total and free hydroxyproline levels were measured and statistically analysed and compared. A statistically significant positive correlation between total urinary hydroxyproline excretion and serum alkaline phosphatase indicate progress towards satisfactory union. Thus, serial monitoring of biochemical markers of bone turnover can be used as an adjunct to clinical and radiological evidence of fracture healing.     

Chemoprotective Role of Triphala Against 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine Dihydrochloride Induced Carcinogenic Damage to Mouse Liver

The present study was carried out to investigate the protective role of Triphala (a combination in equal proportions by weight of fruit powder of Terminalia belerica, Terminalia chebula and Emblica officinalis) against 1,2-dimethylhydrazinedihydrochloride (DMH) induced Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) in mouse liver. An oral dose of 3 mg/kg body wt in drinking water for 5 weeks significantly (P < 0.001) increased the levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin thus suggesting damage to mouse liver and biliary dysfunction. The DMH administration invariably led to increase in the liver microsomal proteins of molecular weight of about 29 (ERp29) and 53 kDa (ERp53) and decrease in the protein of molecular weight of 36 kDa (ERp36) thereby suggesting the interference of DMH and its metabolites with normal protein biosynthesis and folding, in the reticular membranes of the liver cells thus developing ER stress. Histological studies show necrosis, large sized hepatocytes with increased N:C ratio, aberrant mitotic figures and prominent nucleoli in the liver of DMH treated mice. In animals fed 5% Triphala in diet (w/w) during DMH administration, there was significant decrease in the above changes in the liver suggesting the suppression of DMH induced ER stress in liver. Triphala significantly (P < 0.05) decreased lipid peroxidation and also the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in mouse liver. It simultaneously increased the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) thereby suggesting that it prevents peroxidative damage and also diverts the active metabolites (electrophiles) of DMH from their interactions with critical cellular bio-molecules which could be responsible for its protective action against DMH.