Hypocholesterolemic effect of the hypoglycaemic principle of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds

A potent hypoglycaemic principle was isolated by us earlier from the seeds of fenugreek. We have now investigated its hypocholesterolemic effect. Hypercholesterolemia was induced in two groups of rabbits (5 each) by feeding orally cholesterol 100 mg/kg/day for one week. From 8th day group I animals (controls) received the same dose of cholesterol for 4 more weeks. Group II animals (treated) were given along with the same dose of cholesterol fenugreek principle at 50 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Fenugreek principle not only prevented the elevation of serum cholesterol, (LDL+VLDL)c, triacylglycerols and the ratios of total cholesterol/HDLc and (LDL+VLDL)c/HDLc, but also brought down most of these values. Blood glucose levels were normal. The study shows that the same hypoglycaemic principle has hypocholesterolemic effect also.     

Relative subcellular distribution of calcium activated neutral protease in skeletal muscle of duchenne muscular dystrophy patients

Calcium—activated neutral proteases (CANP) were examined in the subcellular fractions of the skeletal muscle from Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients and healthy individuals. Both and m CANP were detected in subcellular fractions of skeletal muscle. An increase in the quantity of CANP in subcellular particles of DMD muscle was observed. A 33 fold rise in the concentration of calcium in nuclei of dystrophic muscle was noted followed by cytosol, myofibrils, microsomes and mitochondria.     

Changes in blood and erythrocyte membrane parameters in sodium pentosan polysulphate treated urolithiatic rats

The effect of sodium pentosan polysulphate (SPP), was studied in relation to certain blood and erythrocyte membrane parameters in calcium oxalate stone forming rats. Calcium oxalate stones were induced by feeding the rats with 3% w/w sodium glycollate. Fibrinogen, haemoglobin and serum protein levels did not show any variation with the treatment procedures. Serum mucoprotein and protein bound carbohydrates-hexosamine and sialic acid-were increased significantly in the rats receiving calculogenic (CPD) and attained nearly normal levels with SPP treatment. In contrast, hexuronic acid level was decreased in the CPD group and SPP administration increased the level of hexuronic acid in the treated groups. Erythrocyte membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase activity was increased in stone forming rats and SPP administration brought a reduction in the above enzyme activity. Changes in Membrane Mg²⁺- and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPases were minimal. Membrane cholesterol and phospholipids were also raised significantly in stone formers, SPP treatment reduced the membrane cholesterol levels in both controls and stone formers. Phospholipids were also decreased moderately. The above observations suggest that SPP is safe for administration in urolithiatic condition without adverse effects.     

Filarial antibody and antigen detection in different clinical conditions in an endemic area

The study was conducted in filarial endemic area for various clinical presentations and diagnosis of occult filariasis. A total of 157 cases of various clinical presentations namely tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, monoarthritis, polyarthritis, glomerulonephropathy, tenosynovitis, inguinal lymphadenopathy, generalised lymphadenopathy, retroperitonial lymphadenopathy, endomyocardial fibrosis and acute conjunctivitis were screened for filarial antigen and antibody by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Out of 157 cases, 107 cases were positive for antigen or antibody, suggesting the role of filarial infection in these clinical presentations. All the 107 cases were treated with diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) and some of the patients who were followed showed relief in signs and symptoms. Hence assay of filarial antigen and/or antibody may be useful for diagnosing occult filarial syndromes for better management and further appropriate treatment.     

Iron deficiency and anemia in vegetarian mothers and their newborns

Blood haemoglobin, serum iron, iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation and ferritin levels were determined in two groups of mothers as well as their cords—strict vegetarians (lactovegetarians) and non-vegetarians (omnivores), closely comparable in age, weight, parity and gestation period but differing in their diet and food habits. All these parameters, except total iron binding capacity, were found to be significantly lower in vegetarian mothers and their cords as compared to nonvegetarian mothers and their cords, respectively, despite receiving supplemental iron for six months. Further, there was a greater incidence of anemia and iron deficiency in mothers consuming only vegetarian diet. Moreover, a significant correlation existed between mother's ferritin to cord ferritin confirming that maternal iron deficiency does affect neonatal iron status. All these observations suggest that strict vegetarian mothers as well as their newborns have a greater incidence and risk of anemia and iron deficiency.     

N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase,alanine aminopeptidase and protein: Creatinine ratio as early indicators of diabetic microangiopathy

The urinary excretion patterns of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), alanine aminopeptidase (AAP) and protein/creatinine ratio (UP/UCR) were studied in 133 diabetic subjects under treatment, 7 patients with established diabetic nephropathy (DN) and 79 carefully selected (age-matched) healthy subjects. NAG, AAP and UP/UCR were highly elevated in DN, while in diabetics urinary NAG levels correlated well with the degree of long-term metabolic control indicated by glycosylated hemoglobin (GHB or Hba1). Both AAP and UP/UCR were found to be more sensitive than NAG, but less specific. Urinary NAG and AAP assays thus offer simple, sensitive and non-invasive techniques for prognostic indication of the onset of microangiopathic changes in long-term diabetic subjects.     

Biochemical changes in polymorphonuclear leucocytes in patients suffering from diabetes

The microbicidal capacity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes of diabetic and control subjects was evaluated by estimating the release of lysosomal enzymes viz beta-glucuronidase, lysozyme, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, in response to a particulate stimulus-serum treated zymosan (STZ). The cells untreated and pretreated with cytochalasin B were exposed to STZ The total enzyme activities were estimated after cell lysis. The total enzyme activities were not altered in diabetic subjects as compared to control subjects. The release of lysosomal enzymes by cells pretreated with cytochalasin B was high as compared to untreated cells. The release of lysosomal enzymes from the cells isolated from diabetic patients, untreated and pretreated with cytochalasin B was reduced as compared to controls. The findings of the present study that the total lysosomal enzyme activities are normal while the release of these enzymes in response to stimulus is impaired in diabetics, suggest that the bactericidal capacity of these cells which involves phagocytosis is impaired in these patients.     

A study on interaction of Aluminium with rat intestinal brush border membrane

The present studies with aluminium chloride given in drinking water showed marked inhibition in the activities of intestinal brush border membrane marker enzymes, namely alkaline phosphatase, acetyl cholinesterase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and sucrase. Moreover, a significant depression in the levels of membrane constituents, viz phospholipids, cholesterol, hexoses and sialic acid following aluminium chloride treatment was also observed. On the basis of these studies it may be concluded that if aluminium is taken in high quantities it may alter the structure and functioning of the intestinal brush border membrane, which in turn may lead to the improper digestion and reduced nutrient uptake from the small intestine.     

Effect of diabetic serum factor on polymorphonuclear leucocyte membrane hydrophobicity and particle internalisation

Membrane hydrophobicity and slalidase activity of normal Poly morphonuclear Leucocyte were significantly enhanced when incubated with DSF. As a consequence, internalisation ofE. coli andS. aureus (opsonised or unopsonised) were greatly dimnished, internalisation ofE. coli being higher in either category. Although, increase in hydrophobicity of the membrane correlated well with the time of decrease of particle internalisation (both at 30 min.), enhancement of sialidase activity did not coincide with the said alterations.     

Serum super oxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in urinary disorders

Evaluation of serum SOD and MDA level was done in 21 first episode renal stone formers, 9 recurrent stone formers, 20 patients with obstructive uropathy other than urolithiasis and 12 patients with urinary infection. Twenty-two healthy volunteers were taken as controls. The level of SOD in respective groups was 2.12±0.84, 2.78±0.85, 1.42±0.31, 1.98±0.70 and 2.32±0.62 units/ml and of MDA was 2.61±1.07, 2.69±1.15, 1.65±0.33, 1.33±0.34 and 1.55±0.48 n mol/ml respectively. The results indicate increased peroxidative stressin nephrolithiasis only. Since SOD level was normal in all groups, this increased peroxidative stress in nephrolithiasis should be due to factors other than this one.     

Serum and tissue levels of zinc,copper, magnesium and retinol in prostatic neoplasms

Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and retinol levels were studied in serum and tissue of the patients with prostatic carcinoma (Ca), benign hyperplasia (BHP) and control subjects. Zinc and retinol levels were low in both serum and tissues of patients with carcinoma, while in BHP, both zinc and retinol level were decreased. Copper levels were high in serum and tissues of both BHP as well as carcinoma patients. Magnesium levels were elevated in both serum and tissues of cancerous patients. The results indicate that Zn, Cu, and Mg metabolism is disturbed in malignancy.     

Relationship between serum phenytoin and creatinine levels in grand mal epilepsy

Serum phenytoin levels were measured in grand mal epilepsy patients receiving diphenyl hydantoin. The drug levels were correlated with various biochemical parametres. A linear relationship between the levels of diphenyl hydantoin and creatinine was observed. This positive correlation coefficient was found to be statistically signifficant. This correlation may be related to a positive Jaffe’s reaction seen with the chromogen diphenyl hydantoin.     

Paraoxonase 1 activity and phenotype distribution in premenopausal and postmenopausal women

Introduction

Postmenopausal women have higher risk of cardiovascular disease. One of the contributing factors could be reduced activity of anti-atherogenic enzyme paraoxonase 1 (PON1). The aim of this study was to examine differences in the lipid status, paraoxonase and arylesterase PON1 activities and PON1 phenotype in women with regular menstrual cycle and in postmenopausal women.

Materials and methods:

The study included 51 women in reproductive age (25 in follicular and 26 in luteal phase of the menstrual cycle) and 23 women in postmenopause. Lipid parameters in sera were determined using original reagents and according to manufacturer protocol. PON1 activity in serum was assessed by spectrophotometric method with substrates: paraoxon and phenylacetate. PON1 phenotype was determined by double substrate method.

Results:

Compared to the women in follicular and luteal phase, postmenopausal women have significantly higher concentration of triglyceride [0.9 (0.7–1.3), 0.7 (0.6–1.0) vs. 1.5 (0.9–1.7) mmol/L; P = 0.002], cholesterol [5.10 (4.78–6.10), 5.05 (4.70–5.40) vs. 6.30 (5.73–7.23) mmol/L; P < 0.001], LDL [3.00 (2.56–3.63), 3.00 (2.70–3.70) vs. 3.90 (3.23–4.50) mmol/L; P < 0.001], and apolipoprotein B [0.88 (0.75–1.00), 0.79 (0.68–1.00) vs. 1.07 (0.90–1.24) mmol/L; P = 0.002]. PON1 basal [104 (66–260), 106 (63–250) vs. 93 (71–165) U/L; P = 0.847] and salt-stimulated paraoxonase activity [210 (131–462), 211 (120–442) vs. 180 (139–296) U/L; P = 0.857] as well as arylesterase activity [74 (63–82), 70 (54–91) vs. 70 (60–81) kU/L; P = 0.906] and PON1 phenotype (P = 0.810) were not different in the study groups.

Conclusion:

There are no differences in PON1 activity and PON1 phenotype between women with regular menstrual cycle and postmenopausal women.     

Study of serum lipid profile in pregnancy induced hypertension

Four groups of subjects: normal healthy normotensive nonpregnant women (Group A), normal normotensive pregnant women (Group B), women with preeclamptic toxaemia (Group C) and eclamptic women (Group D): with fifty subjects in each group, were investigated for serum lipid profile in the third trimester of pregnancy. There was significant increase in serum triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol leve as well as decrease in LDL cholesterol in normal pregnancy, while total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels did not show any statistically significant alteration. The preeclampsia (Group C) was associated with a significant rise in triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol and fall in HDL cholesterol concentration, while eclamptic women showed significant fall in HDL cholesterol and rise in LDL cholesterol as compared to normal pregnant women. However, interestingly, elevation of the ratios of total cholesterol: HDL cholesterol and triglyceride: HDL cholesterol as well as diminuition of the ratio of HDL cholesterol: VLDL cholesterol showed statistical significance in pregnancy induced hypertension in both Groups C and D, while eclamptic women showed significant elevation of LDL cholesterol: HDL cholesterol ratio in addition.     

Effect of aerobic exercise on lipid profile in dogs

20 male dogs weighing 20–25 kg were assigned an exercise schedule for 2 months. Blood samples were collected before exercise and again at the end of the exercise schedule, thus each dog served as its own control. Physical exercise caused a significant reduction in total lipids, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, whereas unesterified cholesterol (UC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol remained unaffected. However, the ratio of HDL cholesterol to LDL cholesterol raised significantly from 0.36±0.01 to 0.58±0.01. Aerobic exercise also resulted in an increase in creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) level. The results show that aerobic exercise programme can significantly affect serum cholesterol and lipoprotein concentration.     

Protective effect of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacopa monniera L.</Emphasis> on cytarabine induced biochemical changes in chick embryo

Bacopa monniera, a medicinal plant distributed throughout India. Cytosine arabinoside (1-β-arabinofuranosylcytosine; Ara-C) is the most important antimetabolite chemotherapeutic drug used for acute leukemia. In this study we examined the chemoprotective property of an ethanolic extract of Bacopa monniera on biochemical changes in chick embryo. CA caused biochemical changes in a concentration and time dependent manner in amniotic fluid, liver and heart tissues. Ethanolic extract of BM given to chick embryo at doses of 2, 4, 6 mg per egg. There is significant decrease in biochemical levels of glucose, protein, urea, uric acid, creatinine and inorganic phosphorus. Enzymatic activities of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and malatedehydrogenase were also decreased with dose dependent manner in amniotic fluid, liver and heart tissues.     

Changes in Serum PSA During Normal Menstrual Cycle

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) has long been used as a biological marker for prostatic cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that PSA synthesis can be induced by steroid hormones in several tissues of women. Menstrual cycle is regulated by the cyclic variation of estradiol and progesterone. This study was undertaken in order to study the correlation of serum PSA to both these corpus luteal hormones. 110 serum samples and 10 saliva samples were collected from healthy women aged 18–45 years of age having normal menstrual cycles. Active PSA DSL-9700 ultrasensitive kit with detection limit 0.001 ng/ml was used to analyze PSA. 38.2 % of all serum samples and 10 % of saliva samples had detectable concentrations of PSA. The serum PSA was highest during mid follicular phase (between 4th and 8th days of cycle). Variation in PSA levels seemed to follow the variations in progesterone with a lag period of 12–14 days, but did not appear to bear any relationship with the estradiol levels.     

Effect of glibenclamide,tolbutamide and insulin on serum lipoprotein cholesterol fractions in alloxan diabetic rabbits

The effects of administration of glibenclamide, tolbutamide and insulin on serum lipoprotein fractions in alloxan diabetic rabbits were studied with a view to understand the role played by these antidiabetic drugs to influence serum levels of these fractions. The elevated levels of cholesterol in serum lipoprotein fractions—HDL, LDL and VLDL in alloxan diabetic rabbits were found to be decreased significantly on treatment with glibenclamide, tolbutamide and insulin. However, the LDL-cholesterol: HDL-cholesterol ratio which is considered to be an atherogenic index showed a statistically significant increase in tolbutamide treated group and a statistically significant decrease in insulin-treated group, whereas the glibenclamide treated group showed no change.     

Stress and women

Stress-tension-pain occur more often in health disorders of women than anywhere in the entire spectrum of human illness. No where is the effect of rapid change more apparent than in the changing role of today's women who are subjected to pressures from all sides. Now a days women virtually take part occupy positions, in day to day activities similar to their male counterparts. An outline of conceptual consideration, biochemical overview of stress and intricacies of coping mechanisms are delineated from the point of view of stress situations in female (during reproductive life span) peculiar to them only viz menarche, menstrual cycle, pregnancy-eventualities of pregnancy-labour-delivery, purperium, postpartum psychosis, abortions-induced, spontaneous, menopause. Lipid profile and oxidative stress status as biochemical responses in these stresses were investigated. As expected observed maximal/minimal biochemical responses well correlated with peak time and at termination of stress. Present day emphasis is on menstrual regulation by intake of oral contraceptive to improve health if women prefer not to bleed every month and hormone replacement therapy for elderly women to improve post menopausal quality of life and avoiding menstrual problems at the same time.     

Effects of feeding Pyrus malus (Apple) on serum lipid profile with special reference to high and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in normal albino rabbits

The effects of regular feeding ofPyrus malus whole fruit and its juice on total serum cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids have been studied in normal albino rabbits. It was observed that the whole fruit as well as juice caused significant and progressive decrease in total serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides within a period of 30 days. On the other hand, serum phospholipids and HDL cholesterol showed progressive and significant increase. Apparently, whole fruit appeared to bring about more per cent lowering in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and more increase in HDL cholesterol as compared to juice. Whole apple fruit also caused increase in body weight of rabbits on 30th day (p<0.05) while oral administration of juice showed insignificant change in body weight even on 30th day (p>0.05).