Dyslipidemia Associated with Poor Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Protective Effect of Metformin Supplementation

The nature of the dyslipidemia associated with diabetes mellitus is complex and is the major risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Aim of this study was to assess the effect of glycemic control, achieved by metformin, glibenclamide and insulin, on lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. One hundred and sixty-five type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were classified into good glycemic control (Group I) and poor glycemic control (Group II) on the basis of their blood HbA1c values. The Group II was characterized with high serum triglyceride (190.46 ± 15.20 mg/dl), total cholesterol (175.3 ± 6.31 mg/dl) as well as high LDL-cholesterol (109.0 ± 5.88 mg/dl). Significant correlations were evident between HbA1c and dyslipidemia, particularly serum TG (r = 0.28, P < 0.05), and between HbA1c and total cholesterol (r = 0.310, P < 0.05). Better glycemic control and improved dyslipidemia were observed in patients on combination therapy of metformin plus glibenclamide.     

Antidyslipidemic and Antioxidant Activities of Hibiscus rosa sinensis Root Extract in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

The antidyslipidemic activity of Hibiscus rosa sinensis (Malvaceae) root extract has been studied in alloxan induced diabetic rats. In this model, oral administration of root extract (500 mg/kg bw. p.o.) for 15 days resulted in significant decreased in the levels of blood glucose, plasma lipids and reactivated post heparin lipoprotein lipase activity in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, the root extract (50–500 μg) when tested for its antioxidant activity, inhibited the generation of super oxide anions and hydroxyl radicals, in both enzymic and non enzymic systems in vitro. The results of the present study demonstrated antidyslipidemic and antioxidant activities in root extract of H. rosa sinensis which could be used in prevention of diabetic-dyslipidemia and related complications.     

Antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tephrosia purpurea</Emphasis> seed extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects of ethanolic seed extract ofTephrosia purpurea (TpEt) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Hyperglycemia associated with an altered hexokinase and glucose 6 phosphatase activities, elevated lipid peroxidation, disturbed enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants status were observed in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of “TpEt” at a dose of 300mg/kg bw showed significant antihyperglcemic and antilipidperoxidative effects as well as increased the activities of enzymatic antioxidants and levels of non enzymatic antioxidants. We also noticed that the antihyperglycemic effect of plant drug (TpEt) was comparable to that of the reference drug glibenclamide. Our results clearly indicate that “TpEt” has potent antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and therefore further studies are warranted to isolate and characterize the bioactive antidiabetic principles from “TpEt”.     

Immunoisolated Transplantation of Purified Langerhans Islet Cells in Testis Cortex of Male Rats for Treatment of Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes Mellitus

The objective of this study is to induce experimental diabetes mellitus by streptozotocin in normal adult Wistar rats via comparison of changes in body weight, consumption of food, volume of water, urine and levels of glucose, insulin and C-peptide in serum, between normal and diabetic rats. Intra-venous injection of 60 mg/kg dose of streptozotocin in 250–300 g (75–90 days) adult Wistar rats makes pancreas swell and causes degeneration in Langerhans islet β-cells and induces experimental diabetes mellitus in 2–4 days. For a microscopic study of degeneration of Langerhans islet β-cells of diabetic rats, biopsy from pancreas tissue of diabetic and normal rats, staining and comparison between them, were done. In this process, after collagenase digestion of pancreas, islets were isolated, dissociated and identified by dithizone method and then with enzymatic procedure by DNase and trypsin, the islet cells changed into single cells and β-cells were identified by immune fluorescence method and then assayed by flow-cytometer. Donor tissue in each step of work was prepared from 38 adult male Wistar rats weighted 250–300 g (75–90 days). Transplantation was performed in rats after 2–4 weeks of diabetes induction. In this study, the levels of insulin, C-peptide and glucose in diabetic rats reached to normal range as compared to un-diabetic rats in 20 days after transplantation of islet cells. Transplantation was performed under the cortex of testis as immunoisolated place for islet cells transplantation.     

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.     

Antidyslipidemic Effect of Ocimum sanctum Leaf Extract in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

The antidyslipidemic activity of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract was studied in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. In this model, there was significant increase in plasma markers of diabetic-dyslipidemia following diminution of lipid metabolizing enzymes. Oral administration of leaf extract (500 mg/kg b.w.p.o.) for 15 days resulted in significant decrease in diabetogenic and dyslipidemia parameters; namely blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid peroxide, free fatty acids, small dense low density lipoprotein, lipid and protein components of plasma lipoproteins, adipose and liver. The regulation of lipids was accompanied by stimulation of postheparin lipolytic activity, reactivation of lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase and hepatic lipoprotein lipase enzymes. The results of the present study demonstrated antidyslipidemic and antioxidant activities in leaf extract of O. sanctum which could be used in prevention of diabetic-dyslipidemia and related complications.     

Analysis of Modification of Liver Proteome in Diabetic Rats by 2D Electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF-MS

The uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to disturbances in the cell structure and functions of organs. This study was performed to analyze the “differential proteome” change in rat liver associated with diabetes mellitus in relation to effects of an anti-diabetic herb, Cynodon dactylon leaf extracts. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with alloxan (150 mg/kg/bw) and treated with C. dactylon leaf extracts (450 mg/kg/bw/day/orally). The liver proteins were subjected to proteome analysis using the advanced technologies i.e., 2D electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry. Comparison of 2-DE protein distribution profiles among the livers from normal, alloxan-induced diabetic rats and alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with C. dactylon leaves identified three proteins that were up-regulated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats i.e., nucleophosmin, l-xylulose reductase and carbonic anhydrase III which are known to be mainly involved in ribosome biogenesis, centrosome duplication, cell proliferation, tumor suppression, glucose metabolism, osmo-regulation, water–CO₂ balance and acid–base balance. These results help us to understand the elucidation of molecular mechanism connected to liver function and insulin associated with diabetes mellitus. These identified proteins were primarily involved in cell proliferation and homoeostasis of liver tissues upon the treatment with C. dactylon leaf extracts.     

Association Between Urinary IgG and Relative Risk for Factors Affecting Proteinuria in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abnormal glomerular permeability is the primary step towards the glomerulosclerosis. The progression rate of glomerulosclerosis is proportionate to abundance and severity of lesions created at incipient stage, which is reflected as proteinuria even though eGFR remains in the normal range. Therefore, there is a current need to find out the association between relative risks for the factors leading to proteinuria. The relations could be more informative, if it is with respect to the macromolecules like “IgG” excretion in urine. Type 2 diabetic patients were selected for this study with eGFR > 75 ml/min/1.73 m² and grouped into four quartiles based on UIgGCR. The markers of key factors affecting progression of proteinuria were estimated through biochemical tests. The impact of these markers on proteinuria was accessed by applying multinomial logistic regression. The adjusted odds ratio for the UGAGCR was 1.186 (95 % CI: 1.061–1.327) P < 0.003 in highest quartiles of UIgGCR, followed by odds ratio for markers of collagen catabolism 1.051 (95 % CI: 1.025–1.079) P < 0.001, and USACR 1.044 (95 % CI: 1.013–1.077) P < 0.006 respectively. The marker of glycation, i.e., glycated hemoglobin showed the highest odds ratio 5.449 (95 % CI: 1.132–26.236) P < 0.035. In addition, odds for the systolic blood pressure was observed 1.387 (95 % CI: 1.124–1.712) P < 0.002. The higher odds inform and could help to discriminate the diabetic patients with fast progressive diabetic nephropathy. The study describes critical relationship between the urinary excretion of IgG and factors leading to proteinuria in type 2 diabetic patients.     

Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation on Biochemical Parameters in Pesticides Sprayers of Grape Gardens of Western Maharashtra (India)

The aim of this study was to see the biochemical effects of pesticides on sprayers of grape gardens before and after 15 days of vitamin E supplementations in Western Maharashtra (India), who were occupationally exposed to various pesticides over a long period of time (about 5 to 15 years). Blood samples were collected from all study group subjects for biochemical parameters assays before and after 15 days of vitamin E supplementation. Sprayers of grape gardens were given 400 mg of vitamin E tablet/day for 15 days. After 15 days of vitamin E supplementation to sprayers of grape gardens, we observed significantly decreased aspartate transaminase (10.88 %, P < 0.05, r = 0.88), alanine transaminase (25.92 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.46) and total proteins (3.32 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.33), whereas, no statistically significant change was found in serum acetyl cholinesterase, C-reactive proteins, albumin (ALB), globulins and ALB/globulin ratio as compared to before vitamin E supplementation. Sprayers of grape gardens, who received vitamin E supplementation, showed significantly decreased serum lipid peroxide (LP) (18.75 %, P < 0.001, r = 0.63) and significantly increased RBC-superoxide dismutase (SOD) (12.88 %, P < 0.001, r = 0.85), RBC-Catalase (CAT) (24.49 %, P < 0.001, r = 0.70), plasma ceruloplasmin (CP) (4.6 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.80), serum zinc (4.57 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.83) and serum copper (4.37 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.79) as compared to values before vitamin E supplementation. These results showed that vitamin E supplementation has ameliorating effects on these transaminase enzymes, suggesting that it may have a protective effect on liver, from pesticides induced damage. In this study vitamin E supplementation might have decreased LP levels by breaking chain reaction of lipid peroxidation. Present results indicate that vitamin E plays a crucial role in restoring the antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT and CP, in population exposed to pesticides. This helps to enhance its antioxidant ability. Therefore, it is suggested that farmers, pesticide applicators, workers in the pesticide industry and other pesticide users, who come in regular contact with pesticides, may be benefited by supplementation with vitamin E.     

Arsenic-Induced Hepatic Toxicity and Its Attenuation by Fruit Extract of Emblica officinalis (Amla) in Mice

Arsenic a metalloid and environmental contaminated has been found to be associated with public health problems in the affected areas. It is naturally occurred in groundwater and its accumulation in plant and animals leads to toxicity in several tissues most notably hepatic organ. Arsenic exposures (3 mg/kg body weight/day for 30 days) in mice exhibited increased arsenic and Zn levels in hepatocytes associated with enhanced oxidative stress in hepatocytes while there were no significantly changes were observed in Cu level. An increase in the lipid peroxidation and decrease in the levels of reduced glutathione and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were observed in arsenic treated mice as compared to controls. Arsenic exposure in mice also caused a significant change in serum biomarkers in the SGOT, SGPT and creatinine as compared to the controls. There were no significant changes in the serum levels of total protein in these mice. Co-administration of arsenic and fruit extract of amla (500 mg/kg body weight/day for 30 days) caused a significant reduction of arsenic transference associated with significantly decreases hepatic arsenic levels and balanced the antioxidant enzyme and levels of serum hepatic enzymes like SGOT and SGPT. The results of the present study clearly demonstrate the antioxidant property of amla that could be responsible for its protective efficacy in arsenic induced hepatic toxicity.     

Lipoprotein(a) in Children of Asian Indian Descendants and Their Caucasian Neighbors: The Slovak Lipid Community Study

To elucidate a higher rate of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Asian Indian descendants (Roma) in Slovakia, we investigated frequency distribution, correlates and relationship of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] to family CVD risk factors in Roma children and their Caucasian neighbors. The study sample consisted of 607 healthy children aged 7–18 years (55% Roma, 48% male) as part of the biracial (Roma–Caucasian) Slovak Lipid Community Study. Overall, frequency distribution data of Lp(a) were highly skewed to low concentrations, with markedly higher Lp(a) levels in Roma than in Caucasian children (median and range, mg/dL: 14.5; 0–159.2 vs 6.2; 0–112.3, P < 0.001), regardless of age and gender. Lp(a) was positively correlated with apo B (0.159, P = 0.004) in Roma, and LDL cholesterol (0.170, P = 0.005) in Caucasian children. In addition, daily income of the family was negatively related with Lp(a) in Roma (−0.134, P = 0.036) while positively in Caucasians (0.136, P = 0.047). For both race groups, no significant association was found between Lp(a) and age, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, smoking, and physical activity. Also, no significant relationships were examined between serum Lp(a) levels >30 mg/dL in children and family CVD risk factors, except for diabetes mellitus in parents of Caucasian origin (OR 4.46; 95%CI: 1.23–16.20). In a multivariate analysis, daily income, LDL cholesterol or apo B explained ~7% of the variance of Lp(a). This study suggests a significantly higher serum Lp(a) levels in Roma than in Caucasian children and a small effect, in general, of relevant CVD risk factors on the variation of Lp(a) levels in childhood.     

Induction of Multiple Sclerosis and Response to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

The goal of this work is to determine the role of the autoimmune cells in multiple sclerosis (MS) induction and the immunomodulatory mechanism of therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in MS attenuation. Samples (5 × 10⁵ cells per well) of C6 and primary rat astrocytes were stimulated with 10 ng/mL of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGFbb) as a positive control forming a mouse model of MS. PDGFbb was added to the astrocytes in the absence or presence of 0.1 and 1 μM of imatinib. Proliferation of C6 and primary rat astrocytes samples were assessed for samples staging by the addition of 1 μCi of ³H-thymidine per well. Samples of RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated for 48 h with 10 ng/mL of PDGFbb in the absence or presence of 0.1 and 1 μM of sorafenib. Tumour necrotic factor (TNF) levels in culture supernatants from RAW 264.7 cells were measured by ELISA. The histologic grade (H_G) and the level of TNF of the mouse model of MS was 1/5 and 5 times respectively of those in the control one to clarify that MS induction is due to a major decrease in H_G inversely proportional to the accompanied increase in TNF level perpetuating local inflammation and demyelination in MS lesion. The addition of 0.1 and 1 μM doses of imatinib increased H_G of the mouse model of MS by 6 and 11 times respectively while 0.1 and 1 μM doses of sorafenib decreased TNF level to be 1/2 and 1/5 of that in the mouse model of MS respectively restoring normal rate of TNF level of normal lesion to show that H_Gand TNF level would be strongly inversely correlated (r = −0.99) in attenuating MS effectively by TKIs therapy but not in an inverse proportion as in MS induction.     

Association of plasma level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances with extent of hepatocellular injury in preterm infants with cholestatic jaundice

The present study was designed to determine the association between extent of hepatocellular injury and plasma level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in pre term infants with cholestasis. Preterm infants (<35 weeks gestation) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were enrolled (with their parents informed consent) in either the ‘cholestasis’ group (if their direct bilirubin was >2 mg/dl) (n=25) or in the control group (n=16). Blood samples for measurement of TBARS, direct bilirubin and transaminases were obtained with-in 24 hours of enrollment. The cholestasis and control groups were comparable with respect to gestational age, birth weight and Apgar score. Serum direct bilirubin, SGOT (EC 2.6.1.1) and SGPT (EC 2.6.1.2) levels were significantly high in the cholestasis group. Plasma levels of TBARS in cholestasis group were correlated with SGOT (F=276.92; P<0.0001) and SGPT (F=355.17; P<0.0001) and differed significantly between cholestatic and control infants. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress in preterm infants with cholestasis is associated with hepatocellular injury.     

Evaluation of Anti-hypertrophic Potential of Enicostemma littorale Blume on Isoproterenol Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the anti-hypertrophic potential of the aqueous extract of Enicostemma littorale (E. littorale) against isoproterenol induced cardiac hypertrophic rat models (male albino Wistar rats) through biochemical investigations. Aqueous extract of E. littorale known for various beneficial properties was administered (100 mg/kg, 12 days, oral) to isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiac hypertrophic rats (low ISO—60 mg/kg, 12 days and high ISO—100 mg/kg, 12 days, subcutaneous) and were compared with group that was treated with the reference drug, Losartan (10 mg kg, administered for 12 days, oral). The anti-hypertrophic effect of E. littorale was evaluated by analysing the morphometric indices of the heart, ECG tracings, changes in blood biochemical parameters viz., serum glucose, serum total protein, serum albumin, lipid profile, cardiac specific enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and LDH) and histopathological examination of the heart tissue. The results fundamentally revealed that the plant extract efficiently ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy induced by ISO injected in experimental rats. The outcomes of biochemical investigations of this study highlighted the association between the hypertrophic β-adrenergic receptor signalling (β-AR) and the 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)—peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) axis in the metabolism of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy. This β-AR/AMPK-PGC1α signalling stem can serve as a key target in ameliorating cardiac hypertrophy through focus on its principal regulators. To add, we also propose that the glycoside, swertiamarin present in this plant with the reported anti-fibrotic potential in liver can be further isolated and evaluated for its anti-hypertrophic potential to treat cardiac hypertrophy.     

Estimated Creatinine Clearance, Homocysteine and High Sensitivity-C-Reactive Protein Levels Determination for Early Prediction of Nephropathy and Atherosclerosis Risk In Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) patients are increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many studies had demonstrated that CKD is significantly associated with CVD. We aim to indicate the using estimated creatinine clearance (eCrCl), homocysteine (tHcy), and high sensitivity-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, may have an impact on the interpretation risk for nephropathy and CVD. eCrCl was using the Cockroft-Gault formula, eCrCl levels were stratified according to the Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative definition. We measured serum tHcy, hs-CRP, and the other biochemical variables in 54 T2D patients compared with 40 age matched healthy controls (NDM). T2D patients were significantly lower eCrCl than NDM (P < 0.05). T2D patients also showed significantly higher in tHcy, hs-CRP, and MDA levels than NDM subjects (P < 0.05). The eCrCl was significantly correlated with tHcy and hs-CRP levels in T2D patients (r = −0.504, P < 0.001; r = −0.282, P = 0.047). eCrCl had an impact on interpretation for CKD, especially in T2D patients. Decrease eCrCl concomitant with increased in tHcy, hs-CRP, and MDA levels may present a higher risk for future diabetic nephropathy and CVD.     

Protective Role of Bilirubin Against Increase in hsCRP in Different Stages of Hypothyroidism

In conjunction with thyroxine, bilirubin may play an important role for regulation of hsCRP level and a consequent pro-inflammatory condition in hypothyroidism. In present study we evaluated the dependence of hsCRP changes on total bilirubin (BT) and fT4 level in thirty overt (OH) and thirty subclinical hypothyroidism (SH). Serum BT, hsCRP, thyroxine and TSH were measured in both groups and compared with forty control subjects. Serum values of TSH, hsCRP showed raised (P < 0.001 for both) values with lower levels for fT4 and BT (P < 0.001 and 0.03 respectively) in hypothyroid patients compared to the controls. ANOVA showed significant increments in TSH and hsCRP values with decreases in fT4 among the control, SH and OH groups respectively (P < 0.001). BT values showed decrease in OH group only in comparison to controls (P = 0.04). Regression analysis revealed that hsCRP was negatively dependent on fT4 (β = −0.35, P = 0.002) and serum bilirubin (β = −0.40 and P < 0.001 respectively). Univariate general linear model analysis showed this dependence persisted even when carried out distinctly in SH and OH groups separately (P < 0.001). TSH did not show any significant predictive value on the hsCRP level in either of these two tests. From these analyses we suggest that serum hsCRP is closely integrated to a lowered synthesis of bilirubin and fT4 in hypothyroid patients. Furthermore, this causal relationship is not only limited to overt but also extends to the SH.     

β-Adrenoreceptor Agonist Isoproterenol Alters Oxidative Status,Inflammatory Signaling,Injury Markers and Apoptotic Cell Death in Myocardium of Rats

Sustained high levels of circulating catecholamines are reported to induce cardiotoxicity. Isoproterenol (ISP), a synthetic catecholamine has been widely employed to induce myocardial injury, though the role of inflammation and apoptosis is not well established. This study was designed to investigate the underlying mechanism of oxidative damage, inflammatory signaling, cell death in ISP induced myocardial infarction in rats. Wistar albino rats were divided in two groups: group I (sham control) and group II (ischemic control). ISP (85 mg/kg, s.c.) was administered at an interval of 24 h to group II for two consecutive days. On day third, after 48 h of the first injection of ISP, blood was collected from retro orbital plexus of rat eyes to estimate the biochemical parameters. Glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured for antioxidant status. Similarly, malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured as an index of lipid peroxidation. Cardiac markers (SGOT, CK-MB, TropI and LDH) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, CRP and TNF-α) were also estimated in ISP-induced rats. At the end of experiments animals were sacrificed for histopathological studies. GSH and SOD showed significant decrease after ISP challenge as compared to sham (control) group (p < 0.01) while MDA level, increased significantly (p < 0.01). ISP, also increased the level of cardiac markers and markers of inflammation significantly (p < 0.01), which was further verified by histopathological studies of the heart tissues. The study confirmed that ISP causes detrimental changes in the myocardium by altering cardiac and inflammatory markers, which leads to severe necrosis. The deleterious effects produced by ISP substantiate its suitability as a novel animal model for evaluation of cardioprotective agents/drugs.     

Association of Inflammatory Biomarker C-Reactive Protein, Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Capacity Marker with HbF Level in Sickle Cell Disease Patients from Chattisgarh

This study was undertaken to determine the association of inflammatory biomarker, oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity marker with fetal haemoglobin (HbF) level among sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease (SCD) patients in Chattisgarh. The study group consisted of 51 SCD (SS) patients with painful episode, 49 SCD (SS) patients with steady state, 50 sickle cell trait (AS) and 50 controls. Malondialdehyde (MDA), CRP, total antioxidant power (FARP), total thiol and HbF levels were quantified. We found a significant positive (p < 0.0001) association between CRP and MDA levels and its inverse association with HbF level in SS patients. We also observed that antioxidant capacity had significantly positively (p < 0.0001) associated with HbF level. The protective effect of HbF was found, because the increase in HbF levels resulted in decrease in lipid peroxidation and inflammation in SCD patients. A decrease in the HbF level and its antioxidant capacity has been associated with the pathogenesis of SCD. These finding may explain the high level of HbF is ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation in SCD patients.     

Study of the Concentration of Trace Elements Fe,Zn, Cu,Se and Their Correlation in Maternal Serum,Cord Serum and Colostrums

A study of iron, zinc, copper and selenium concentration levels was carried out in three compartments namely, maternal serum (MS), colostrums and cord blood serum (CS) of healthy Indian mothers (n = 42) who delivered healthy normal neonates without any congenital anomalies at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre hospital, Mumbai. Fe, Zn, Cu in maternal serum, cord blood and colostrums were estimated by flame atomic absorption spectrometry while Se was determined by graphite furnace absorption spectrometry. It was seen that there was a significant difference in the level of trace elements in the three compartments. The average levels of Fe in the three compartments were 1,132 ± 519, 2,312 ± 789 and 1,183 ± 602 μg/L while Zn was 514 ± 149, 819 ± 224 and 7,148 ± 2,316 μg/L respectively. Mean Cu values were 1,614 ± 295, 301 ± 77 and 392 ± 174 μg/L respectively while Se values were 70 ± 15, 36 ± 10 and 23 ± 8 μg/L respectively. The results indicated a positive correlation of Fe and Zn concentrations in MS versus CS which were (r = 0.386), (r = 0.572) respectively and Fe levels in MS and colostrums (r = 0.235). A few inter element correlations were found within compartments. Zn and Se showed a negative correlation in both MS (r = −0.489) and colostrums (r = −0.258) while a positive inter correlation of Fe and Zn was seen in MS (r = 0.44) and in CS (r = 0.54). This study gave us an overview of the serum and colostrum values of mother and neonates in Indian population, data of which are scarce.     

Role of Nitric Oxide in Salmonella Infection

Nitric oxide (NO) derivative of l-arginine is an important signaling molecule that mediates a variety of essential physiological processes including vasodilation neurotransmission, and host cell defense. Many types of cells produce NO e.g., smooth muscle cell, endothelial cell, and leukocytes. Host defense functions are known for many bacterial and parasitic infections. In the present study we estimated the levels of serum NO in cases of salmonellosis and in controls. The nitric oxide was estimated by cadmium reduction method, Griess reaction. We observed that in controls the level of NO was (22 ± 2.06) μmol/l and in cases the level was (137.49 ± 29.84) μmol/l. The level of NO was significantly higher than controls (p < 0.001). The raised level of NO could be accounted for by host response to the infection. The host rapidly expresses iNOS, which in turn produces an excess amount of NO. Its cytotoxic effect is by its reactive nitrogen oxide derivative e.g., peroxynitrite. Apart from this it also has anti apoptotic functions. In future one can do follow up study of typhoid cases by bacterial culture.