Plexiform neurofibroma is a rare tumour originating in peripheral nerve sheaths. It is mostly associated with Neurofibromatosis type1 and occasionally as an isolated entity. We report a case of isolated plexiform neurofibroma associated with Tuberous sclerosis.
Introduction: To compare the efficacy of two polyherbal Unani formulations in gestational urinary tract infections (GUTIs). Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, comparative trial was conducted at Nizamia Tibbia College. Group A (n = 20) received mucilage of Althaea officinalis L. (5 ml) with 2.5 g powder of Sphaeranthus indicus L., Euphorbia hypericifolia L., Tribulus terrestris L., and Sharbat Anar shireen (Punica granatum) 10 ml, whereas Group B (n = 20) received 2.5 g powder of Citrullus vulgaris seeds L., Cucumis melo L. seed, and S. indicus L. orally twice daily after meals for 3 consecutive months. The primary outcome included cured measured as negative urine culture and alleviation of GUTIs symptoms. The secondary outcomes included the absence of pus cell in urine analysis, Apgar score, prevention of complication of GUTIs, and perinatal outcome. The results were analyzed with chi-square, Fisher exact test and student t-test with alpha 0.05. Results: The cure rate in Groups A and B was similar with 50% response. Both groups were equally effective in relieving the GUTIs symptoms (P < 0.001), Apgar score was >7, good perinatal outcome with no preterm labor, and intrauterine growth retardation. No maternal and fetal adverse effects were noted. Conclusion: Both groups were equally effective for the treatment of GUTIs without any maternal and fetal adverse effects.
Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common causes of death and disability in various societies, especially in developed countries, and its complications are one of the main health problems in each country, especially in the big cities and among middle-aged and adult people [1,2]. Acute MI (AMI), which is the most common cause of acute attacks, is often caused due to obstructive coronary artery due to a blood clot, severe spasm of the arteries or atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. In recent decades, despite of improving public health condition in many countries of the world, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases has become the most important health problem [1-3]. Returning of ST-segment is a good predictor of infarct artery patency and preserves myocardial perfusion in heart tissue level [4,5]. The successful resolution in ST-segment is as an electrocardiographic (ECG) signal of myocardial tissue repair which indicates the progression of infarction [6]. If the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not available, one of the initial treatment of AMI is the prescription of thrombolytic medication, which is considered the primary and preferred method of lifesaving [2,3]. Among thrombolytic medications, streptokinase (SK) due to the opening of the blocked artery by thrombosis and reduction of mortality without any potential hemorrhagic complications is more important [7-9]. Quick start of SK and other thrombolytic medications leads to adjacent of ischemic myocardial perfusion to the infarct region. The success of thrombolysis in clot lysis and creating second reperfusion in saving myocardial ischemic and in preserving of myocardial function plays a key role [8]. The effect of thrombolytic medications in creating myocardial perfusion can be measured by several factors, and angiography is considered as a delayed and invasive method in approaching the patients who received thrombolytic medications.
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the membrane stability, Phospholipase A2 activity, prostaglandin synthase activity and aggregatory effect of ethanol leaves extract of Sida acuta Burm F. using an in-vitro heamolytic assay. Materials and methods: Two milliliters of blood collected from a healthy volunteer who has not taken drugs for last two weeks and ethanol extracts leaves of Sida acuta were used in the assay. Results: Apparently there was platelet aggregation at all but there was no minimal aggregation to denote in samples 1 and 2. There was a decrease in the supernatants of sample 1 of hypotonicity-induced haemolysis of human red blood cells incubated in normal saline but there was a high increase in the supernatants of sample 2 incubated with hypotonic solution. Inclusion of the extract concentrations 2, 4 and 8 mg/ml in the incubation medium (hypotonic solution) in samples 3, 4 and 5 decreased in a concentration dependent fashion. The absorption of haemolysed human red blood cells in isotonic solution showed the OD of 540nm:630nm to 2.15 for methaemoglobin while the OD of 540nm:570nm was 0.97 for deoxyhaemoglobin. In hypotonic solution where haemoglobin was released, the ratio of 540nm:630nm was 4.41 and 540nm:570nm was 1.20. The inclusion of the extract concentrations 2, 4 and 8 mg/ml in samples 3, 4 and 5 caused the ratio to decreased from1.69, 1.58 and 0.41 for methaemoglobin and 1.08, 0.86 and 0.41 for deoxyhaemoglobin. There was a decrease in activity of phospholipase A2 in samples 3, 4, 5 and 9 with the extract concentrations 2, 6, 12 and 16 mg/ml respectively but no decrease was observed in samples 6,7, 8 and 10, though no human red blood cells was included in samples 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. There was a significant reduction (p 0.05) in prostaglandin synthase activity in sample 4 with extract concentration 25 mg/ml but a non-significant decrease (p 0.05) was observed in samples 3 and 5. Conclusion: The extract showed a significant inhibition of in-vitro haemolysis and could have a potential therapeutic effect on disease processes causing destabilization of biological membranes.
Objective: This study investigated the effects of oral co-administered ascorbic acid (AA) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on some hepatotoxic biomarkers and parasitaemia counts in Plasmodium berghei Anka strain infected mice for 7 d. Methods: Twenty four male Swiss albino mice were randomly distributed into six groups; group I: “non-parasitized and non-treated”(nPnT), group II: “parasitized and non-treated”(PnT), group III: parasitized mice administered 5 mg/kg b.w. DHA, group IV: parasitized mice administered 5 mg/kg b.w. AA, group V: parasitized mice co-administered 5 mg/kg b.w. DHA+ 5 mg/kg b.w. AA and group VI: parasitized mice administered 25 mg/kg b.w. chloroquine (CQ) as standard. Results: Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were significantly (P0.05) different. However, DHA and CQ treated mice had significantly reduced parasite count/μl blood at P
Objective: Prolotherapy is recognized as a regenerative injection technique that stimulates the body’s healing processes to strengthen weakened ligaments and tendons. Hypertonic dextrose as an irritant agent which stimulates the healing process agent is widely used in in this technique. The aim of the current study is to assess the efficiency of prolotherapy injections in patellofemoral pain syndrome Methods: The current study was designed as a retrospective clinical study. 44 recreational athletes with unilateral PFPS were enrolled in this study. 10 ml of 15% and 5 ml of 25% hypertonic dextrose were used as extra- and intra-articular injection in the knee with PFPS respectively. Extra and intra articular injections were repeated three times with 21 day intervals according to the tissue repair processing. Results: The knee functional scores, balance and coordination scores were significantly improved in the affected knees at 6 months after treatment (p
ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the lactogenic activity of aqueous extract of Triumfetta rhomboidea L. on nursing rats. Materials and methods: Rats (200-250 g) with suckling pups were selected and were divided into five groups (n=6). Group I treated as control; Group II treated as standard (Domperidone) and Group III, IV and V were orally administered with aqueous extract of T. rhomboidea roots (ATRR) at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body wt. respectively and continued for l4th day of parturition. Milk yield, the weight of pups and mother were measured daily. On 15th day, the total protein/carbohydrate contents (mammary tissue) and serum prolactin/cortisol level were measured and compared with control. Results: Oral administration of ATRR increases the milk yield, body weight of pups as well as mother rat, glycogen and protein content of mammary gland tissue, as well as serum prolactin and cortisol, level as compared to the control animals. In addition, the lactogenic effect of ATRR was followed dose dependent manner as compared to standard. Conclusion: The present study reveals that the ATRR possesses significant lactogenic activity by enhancing milk production and prolactin concentration in nursing rats.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity of petroleum ether extract of AervaLanata(ALpe) on Hep3B hepatocellular cancer cells. Materials and Methods: To evaluate the anti cancer potential of this plant,ALpe was prepared using petroleum ether (60-80) extraction. Total polyphenols, flavonoids and alkaloid concentration in ALpe was determined spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant activity of ALpe was tested against DPPH, ABTS and superoxide radicals in vitro. ALpewas tested for its cytotoxic potential against human liver carcinoma Hep3B cells using MTT assay. The effect of ALpeon the apoptotic inducing property was evaluated using AO/EB and DAPI staining. The ROS inducing ability of ALpewas determined using DCFH staining andMitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was determined using Rhodamine 123 staining. Results: Experiments showed that ALpe have significant amount of biologically active components, polyphenols and alkaloids. ALpe showed stronganti proliferative activity and induced apoptosis of Hep3B cell lines as evident from AO/EB and DAPI staining. ALpe treatment increased the ROS production at higher concentration and reduced the MMP in Hep3B cells forcing to undergo apoptosis. Conclusion: The results indicate that ALpe with the presence of biologically active components can be used as apotential agent alone or in combination to treat liver related diseases.
ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the potential properties of ethanol extract of Sida acuta Burm F. leaves against inflammation. Methods: It was conducted using 25 adult wistar albino rats. They were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group1 administered 5 ml/kgb.wt. of normal saline (control group). Group 2, 3 and 4 administered 100, 200 and 400 mg/kgb.wt. of ethanol extract of Sida acuta leaves while group 5 were administered 200 mg/kgb.wt. of phenylbutazone (vehicle control). Paw oedema was induced using 0.1 ml of undiluted fresh albumin egg (philogistic agent) into the subplantar surface of the right hind paw of the rats. Superoxide dismutase activity, Catalase activity, Vitamine E concentration and Malondialdehyde level were assessed. Results: The extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kgb.wt. and phenylbutazone 200 mg/kgb.wt. were administered intraperitoneally to respective groups of the rats. Control group received 5 ml/kgb.wt of normal saline. Doses of the extract 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt. significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the fresh egg albumin induced rat paw oedema compared to control administered 5 ml/kgb.wt normal saline. The oedema reductions were more than that obtained for phenylbutazone; the standard anti-inflammatory agent. Non-significant (p 0.05) reductions were observed in the activity of superoxide dismutase in the sera of the test groups administered 100, 200 and 400 mg/kgb.wt. extract and 200 mg/kgb.wt. phenylbutazone respectively compared to the control. Significant (p 0.05) increase was observed in the concentration of vitamin E and catalase activity in rats administered 400 mg/kgb.wt. of the extract and 200 mg/kgb.wt. phenylbutazone in groups 4 and 5 respectively compared to the control. Conclusion: It was observed that the ethanol extract of Sida acuta leaves posses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants properties which reduced paw oedema induced- inflammation to some extent.
Objective: To investigate Cyperus esculentus aqueous extract on paroxetine-mediated sexual dysfunction in male Wistar rats. Methods: Sexually dysfunctioned (SD) rats were orally treated with PowMaxM [reference drug (7.14 mg/kg)] and the extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight) once daily for 10 days, and their sexual behavioural parameters were monitored and computed. Relative testes-body weight and testicular function parameters were also evaluated at the end of the treatment period. Results: Dim light observation on the animals revealed respective proceptive and precopulatory behaviours by the primed female animals and the extract-treated male rats. Compared with SD rats, the extract-treated groups significantly restored and improved sexual behaviour and libido as evident from the remarkably increased frequencies of mount, intromission, ejaculation as well as the significantly reduced latencies of mount, intromission, ejaculation and post-ejaculation. The significantly reduced testicular activities of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and the concentrations of protein, cholesterol, glycogen, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and testes-body weight in the SD rats were also markedly increased following treatment with the extract. The effects elicited by the extract competed favourably with the reference drug used. The improved sexual competences exhibited by the male rats in this study are indicative of aphrodisiac attributes of the extract and could be adduced to the presence of phytonutrients as revealed by the GC-MS chromatogram. Conclusion: The data from this study suggest that C. esculentus is capable of restoring and boosting sexual competence and the probable mechanism is via enhancement of adaptogenic bioactive principles.
Objectives: Gastrointestinal parasites are recognized as major constraint to livestock production throughout the tropics. The use of plants and plant extracts remain the most serious alternative to modern anthelmintic drugs. This study evaluates the in vitro anthelmintic activity of aqueous leaves extract of Crassocephalum crepidioides against Haemonchus contortus. Methods: Aqueous extract at concentrations of 75 to 2400 µg/ml was tested in vitro on three development stages of H. contortus using egg hatch assay (EHA), larval migration inhibition assay (LMIA) and adult worms motility inhibition assay (AMIA). Results: EHA showed significant reduction (P < 0.05) on H. contortus egg hatch. The inhibition of egg hatching was concentration dependent with the greatest inhibition (50.52%) at the highest concentration (2400 µg/ml) of the extract. Thiabendazole used as positive control showed significant inhibition (P < 0.001) with rate of 76.68 % at the highest concentration (500µg/ml). On LMIA the extract significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited larval migration of L3 in a concentration dependent manner compared to Phosphate Buffered Saline, but less than levamisole (P < 0.001). The highest inhibition rate was 35.30 % at the concentration of 1200 µg/ml. The addition of polyvinylpolyrrolidone to the aqueous extract slightly reduces (4.9%) the inhibition of the effect induced by the extract on larval migration. Effect of extract on AMIA was concentration-dependent with significant increase (P < 0.05) in percentage of inhibition after 12 h. Levamisole (500 µg/ml) kills 100% worms after 18 h post-exposure but by this time the plant exhibited only 16.67% inhibition at the highest concentration (2400 µg/ml). Conclusion: These finding indicate that C. crepidioides leaves have anthelmintic properties against H. contortus. This activity may be due to secondary metabolites such as saponins, flavonoids and tannins present in the extract. Further studies are needed to evaluate deeply the anthelmintic potential of this plant.
ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Back pain (BP) is a common complaint of women during pregnancy, and it constituted a burden to the affected individuals. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of McKenzie protocol (MP) in managing pregnancy-related BP among women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with pregnancy-related BP were purposively recruited and randomly assigned to McKenzie protocol plus usual care (MPG) and Usual care only (UCG). The participants in the MPG were treated with MP in addition to the usual care. The women in the UCG received usual care only. Participants were treated within six weeks and then assessed. Pre and post-intervention pain intensity and disability level were assessed using Numerical pain rating scale and Modified Ronald Morris Disability Questionnaires. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the independent t-test comparison of the pre-treatment pain intensity [LBP (p = 0 . 989), HBP (p = 0 .306), PGP (0 .296)] and functional disability scores [LBP (p = 0. 483); HBP (p = 0. 306), PGP(P = 0. 209)] between MPG and UCG respectively. At the end of the 6 weeks of intervention the independent t-test comparison of the post-treatment pain and disability scores of the participants in the MPG and UCG showed statistically significant difference in pain intensity score reduction [LBP (p = 0. 001), HBP (p = 0. 001), PGP (p = 0. 001)] and disability score reduction [LBP (p = 0. 001), HBP (p = 0. 001), PGP (p = 0. 001)] respectively. CONCLUSION: Addition of McKenzie protocol to usual care produced significant relief from back pain and disability of participants in the MPG at the end of six weeks intervention irrespective of back pain types. It is recommended that McKenzie protocol should be considered in the management of pregnancy- related back pain. Keywords: McKenzie protocol, usual care, pregnancy- related back pain.
Objectives: Currently there is no effective chemotherapy for chondrosarcoma. Recent studies report that mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is relatively resistant to radiotherapy but sensitive to chemotherapy in some extend. It is unknown whether receptor tyrosine kinase is activated in chondrosarcoma. Potential new systemic treatment targets have been widely investigated. This study aimed to determine insulin-induced phosphorylation rate of signal proteins Akt, STAT-3, NF-κB and TLR4 by using Western Blot technique to find out a possible therapeutic target for human chondrosarcoma. Methods: Human chondrosarcoma cells (OUMS-27) were induced by 10 μmol/mL insulin for 60 min. The first group was untreated control group, while the others were insulin-induced groups for 10, 30, and 60 min by applying same amount of insulin. After the induction periods, cells were harvested and protein extractions were performed. Phosphorylated and unphosphorylated individual protein levels were detected. Results: Both pSTAT-3/STAT-3 and pNF-κB/NF-κB ratios were found to be remarkably increased (almost 3-fold) in 60 min group (almost 3-fold) compared those of controls. Conclusions: The mechanism of insulin action in OUMS-27 chondrosarcoma cell lines and other human chondrosarcomas has not yet been illuminated. According to our findings, STAT-3 and/or NF-κB could be intracellular molecules that transmit the message of insulin to inside of OUMS-27 cells. Especially the fact that the phosphorylated forms of these proteins increase 3 times after 60 minutes of the insulin induction supports our perspective. These signaling molecules might be considered as potential targets of effective chemotherapy alternatives.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of renal pelvis is a subtle tumor constituting only about 0.7% to 7% of all renal malignancies. Out of various aetiologies proposed, the most pertinent is long standing irritation due to calculi and infection. Pyelo-entero-cutaneous fistula is a rare but serious condition mostly secondary to iatrogenic injury occurring during per-cutaneous renal surgeries.We report a rare case of Squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis presenting as Pyelo-entero-Cutaneous Fistula. The diagnosis of SCC of renal pelvis was made on post surgery pathological examination.
Objective: Oxyntomodulin (Oxm) is a gastrointestinal hormone with recently noted therapeutic potential for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).The present study examined the effects of a stable Oxm analogue on anxiety, exploratory behavior, cognitive function, hippocampal gene expression and metabolic control in a mouse model of T1DM.Methods: Effects of twice daily administration of the stable Oxm analogue, (d-Ser 2 )Oxm[Lys 38 -γ-glu-PAL], was assessed in insulin-deficient streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T1DM mice.Results: Induction of diabetes by STZ injection significantly (P < 0.05) impaired learning and memory compared to normal control mice.However, (d-Ser 2 )Oxm[Lys 38 -γ-glu-PAL] treatment completely reversed this detrimental effect.Anxiety levels and exploratory behavior were not significantly different between all groups of mice.Hippocampal gene expression of MASH1, SYP and mTOR were reduced (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001) in T1DM mice, but significantly (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) enhanced by twice daily (d-Ser 2 )Oxm[Lys 38γ-glu-PAL] intervention.Moreover, expression of SYP, mTOR and IRS-1 were significantly elevated (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) in (d-Ser 2 )Oxm[Lys 38 -γ-glu-PAL] mice compared to both STZ and lean controls.These effects were accompanied by improved (P < 0.001) glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity compared to STZ controls.Conclusion: The data highlight the potential of (d-Ser 2 )Oxm[Lys 38 -γ-glu-PAL] for the treatment of T1DM, and reveal the ability of this Oxm analogue to restore the deficits of learning and memory observed in STZ-induced T1DM.
To investigate Nymphaea lotus aqueous extract on L-NAME-mediated sexual dysfunction and tissular oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. Methods: Fifty adult male Wistar rats were randomly classified into 5 groups; Control, L-NAME (10 mg/kg), L-NAME + losartan (10 mg/kg), L-NAME + N. lotus at the dose of 75 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. L-NAME was administered during 8 weeks, but others treatments started from the 4th week and were administered continuously with L-NAME (10 mg/kg) during 4 additional weeks. Results: L-NAME administration caused marked hit of sexual behaviour, specifically failure of penile insertion or difficulty to ejaculate during the test interval. Further L-NAME causes a significant decrease in antioxidant products as reduced gluthatione (GSH) and nitrites (NO) in aorta and penile tissues, as compared to control group. N. lotus co-treatment for 4 weeks increased markedly the erectile index and the ejaculation rates contrarily to losartan in comparison to negative control receiving only L-NAME. N. lotus, but not the positive drug losartan, induced a significant increase in the anti-oxidant enzymes activities and GSH and NO levels, as well as a significant decrease in MDA levels compared to L-NAME group. These results suggests N. lotus may provide significant protection against L-NAME-induced tissular oxidative damages by up-regulation of antioxidant systems and promotion of the vasodilator factors in chronic NO-deficient rats. These alleviating effects of Nymphaea lotus denote a pro-sexual, antioxidant and vasodilatatory properties that was more appreciated after histological examination where remodeling of aorta were visibly reduced. Conclusion: N. lotus may be considered as a potentially useful strategy to limit erectile dysfunction and toxicity associated with hypertension.
Aim/Background: The present study evaluated the antioxidant vitamins and total phenolics contents from Monodora myristica, Chromolaena odorata, Buccholzia coriacea and Sphenostylis stenocarpa in connection with their comparative radical scavenging potentials between the raw and hydrothermal processed herbs using in vitro models. Methods: Antioxidant vitamins and total phenolics contents as well as radical scavenging capacities and ferric reducing antioxidant power of the herbs were measured using standard spectrophotometric methods. Results: The hydrothermal processed herbs exhibited relatively lower antioxidant vitamins and total phenolics contents compared with the raw herbs. Total phenolics contents of the raw and hydrothermal processed herbs varied within relatively narrow range: 0.26 ± 0.04 – 7.97 ± 0.20 mg GAE/g dry sample. The SCI50 of raw herbal extracts against O2 •− was within the range of 201.61 ± 4.09 – 305.21 ± 5.11 μg/mL, whereas those of corresponding hydrothermal processed herbs gave 211.02 ± 4.15 – 531.66 ± 8.14 μg/mL. For the most part, SCI50 of the raw herbs against NO − were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of corresponding hydrothermal processed herbs. Likewise, AP50 of the raw herbs were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of corresponding hydrothermal processed herbs. Conclusion: The ambivalent radical scavenging and antioxidant capacities of antioxidant vitamins and phenolics contents of raw and hydrothermal processed herbs against the different oxidizing species were indications that the absolute herbal ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and total phenolics contents did not exclusively dictate radical scavenging and antioxidant activities in vitro.
