ABSTRACT Prion diseases are unique group of neurodegenerative diseases including the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies associated with a unique class of infectious proteins. Awareness about the transmission of these diseases during dental care is very low as the knowledge of such existence is indeed rare. Despite the extensive research in this field based on the proposed pathogenesis the diagnosis and management of the disease requires still further studies. The risk of transmission of prions through dental procedures draws our attention towards the need to maintain optimal standards of infection control and decontamination procedures for all infectious agents, especially prions. Hence this review is presented here to throw the light on this rare infection.

Keywords: Prions, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, Neurological disease, Prion protein.

ABSTRACT

The present study has been to investigate the possible antidiabetic effect of Couroupita guianensis of leaf methanoilc and petroleum ether extracts in Alloxan (200mg/kg b.w.) induced swiss albino mice. A comparision was made between the actions of Methanoic and Petroleum ether leaf (300 mg/kg b.w.) extracts of Couroupita guianensis and a known oral hypoglycemic drug Glibenclamide (2 mg/kg, per os). To investigate serum blood glucose levels, body weights of all groups of animals and histopathological studies of pancreas. The animals after treatment with leaf extracts of Couroupita guianensis significantly reduces blood glucose levels in mice. Further the treatment with leaf extracts of Couroupita guianensis significantly decreases the serum blood glucose levels.

Keywords: Glibenclamide, Couroupita guianensis, Alloxan.

ABSTRACT

Trolox is the white solid, cell permeable, water soluble derivative of vitamin E. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of trolox on antioxidant status in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. All albino wistar rats were divided into four groups and each group contained six animals. Group I (Normal control) received vehicle, group II (Diabetic control) received STZ (50 mg/kg i.p.). Group III and IV received STZ (50 mg/kg i.p.) along with trolox 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg respectively. All the groups were treated for seven days. On 8th day the blood was collected by retro orbital sinus punctured method and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min to separate the serum which was used for the determination of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation and uric acid. The result shows that antioxidant enzyme level such as SOD, CAT and Peroxidase in treated diabetic rats by trolox were significantly increased. The lipid peroxidation and uric acid level in serum from diabetic rats were significantly decreased by trolox. It was concluded that the administration of trolox in diabetic rats can exert beneficial effects of anti oxidative defense system against that imposed by diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: STZ , SOD,CAT, Trolox.

ABSTRACT Plants of genus Leucas (Lamiaceae) are widely distributed throughout Asia, Africa, and India. The plant is used in traditional medicine to cure many diseases such as cough, cold, diarrhea, and inflammatory skin disorder. Anticataract activity of ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Leucas martinicensis was studied in rats. Naphthalene was used to induce cataract in rats. The animals were divided in to four groups of six animals each. Group I served as vehicle control received liquid paraffin 5ml/kg/day, group II served as cataract control received naphthalene 0.5 gm/kg/day p.o. for first three days and 1 g/kg/day p.o. thereafter, group III and group IV received Leucas martinicensis plant extract 200 mg/kg/day p.o and vitamin E 50 mg/kg/day respectively along with the naphthalene. All the above groups will be treated for 42 days. On the 42nd day lenses were removed from the eyes of all the animals to assess the intensity of cataract by estimating glutathione, lens soluble protein, and the lens water content. The results showed that, in the groups of Leucas martinicensis and vitamin E treated animals there was significant increase in the lens glutothione, soluble protein and water content as compared to galactose control. From the above results it was concluded that Leucas martinicensis plant extract possessed protective action against Naphthalene induced cataract in rats. Keywords: Leucas martinicensis, Anticataract activity, Naphthalene and Vitamin E.

ABSTRACT Study was conducted to evaluate the potential of omeprazole as an anti-epileptic drug and compare it with currently used drug such as phenytoin using Maximal Electroshock seizure (MES) model. Randomized, Prospective, controlled, open labelled study using Healthy Albino Sprague-Dawley rats. All animals were randomly divided into 4 subgroups, and each subgroup comprises 6 rats. Study Drugs & Dosage are for control: Distilled water, Study drug: Omeprazole - 0.5 mg/kg & 1 mg/kg, Standard drug: Phenytoin - 20 mg/kg. Both doses of omeprazole (0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg) reduce all three parameters and appear to be effective in protecting the animal against seizure induced by Maximal Electroshock (MES) model. Have efficacy comparable to phenytoin. Omeprazole at the doses (0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg) has an anticonvulsant activity in Maximal electroshock (MES) models. Keywords: Omeprazole, Maximal Electroshock model (MES), Phenytoin.

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to investigate antihypertensive potential of Boerhaavia diffusa roots in adrenaline-induced hypertension in rats. Hypertension was induced by administration of adrenaline (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) for 10 days consequently. Methanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa (MEBD) roots was administered at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, p.o for 20 days in hypertensive rats. Propranolol (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was used as a standard drug. The effect of MEBD was determined on serum glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels and cardiovascular parameter such as blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP). Blood pressure was determined weekly by non invasive tail cuff method. At the end of the study, blood pressure was measured by invasive method and vascular reactivity was tested with adrenaline, noradrenaline and phenylephrine. The effect of MEBD was studied on isolated rat aortas by acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation. Chronic treatment with MEBD significantly decreased weight gain, serum glucose level; normalize the heart rate and BP in adrenaline treated rats. All the treatments significantly reduced the pressor response to catecholamines. The significant improvement in the relaxant response to acetylcholine was obtained on isolated aorta. The results suggested that the MEBD possesses significant antihypertensive activity through decrease in sympathetic activity by inhibition of adrenoreceptors or release of nitric oxide. Further detail investigation can explore the mechanism of action of plant to establish the plant as an antihypertensive agent. Keywords: Adrenaline, Boerhaavia diffusa, Blood pressure, Heart rate.

ABSTRACT

This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Veronia cinerea on albino rats as a preventive agent against the development of kidney stones and urinary bladder stones. Activity of Veronia cinerea was studied using the ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis model. Standard drug used was Cystone. Several parameters were used including urinary volume, urine pH, urine analysis, and serum analysis to assess the activity. The results indicated that the administration of Veronia cinerea to rats with ethylene glycol-induced lithiasis significantly reduced and prevented the growth of urinary stones (P < 0.01). Also, the treatment of lithiasis-induced rats by Veronia cinerea restored all the elevated biochemical parameters (creatinine, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen), restored the urine pH to normal, and increased the urine volume significantly (P < 0.01) when compared to the model control drug. This study supports the usage of Veronia cinerea in urolithiasis and the utility could further be confirmed in other animal models.

Keywords: Veronia cinerea, Ethylene glycol, Urolithiasis, Whole plant.

ABSTRACT Apoptosis or programmed cell death is an essential process for elimination of damaged cells. Induction of apoptosis in cancer cell has a pivotal role in cancer therapy. The screening for agents that induce apoptosis in tumor cells help in the development of novel agents for cancer treatment. Numerous studies suggest that the exposure of tumor cells to sea cucumber extract can lead to apoptosis. Sea cucumber consumes widely in Asia and comprises potent antioxidant and anticancer properties. The aim of this study was to determining the apoptosis induced by sea cucumber methanolic extract with or without lovastatin in human colon tumor cells by using neutral comet assay. Severe fragmentation of DNA during apoptosis can be readily measured by neutral comet assay. HT29 cells were grown in DMEM medium then exposed to different concentrations of sea cucumber extract at 24 and 48h. The results showed that at 24 hours, for all of concentrations used, there were no significant differences with the control group. At 48 hours exposure, concentrations of 100,200, and 400μg/ml demonstrated significant difference with control group (P<0.05). When HT29 cells were exposed to both sea cucumber (200 μg/ml) and lovastatin, apoptosis was detected higher as compared to sea cucumber (200 μg/ml). The results showed that methanolic extract of sea cucumber time-dependently induced apoptosis in human colon tumor cells. Effective concentration of sea cucumber when combined with lovastatin induced considerable apoptosis relatively at shorter incubation time. Keywords: Apoptosis, Persian gulf, Comet assay, Sea cucumber.

ABSTRACT This study was aimed to know the anti-gastric ulcer effect of AS-1, a compound isolated from the leaves of Amaranthus spinosus L. Gastric ulcer was induced by oral administration of indomethacin (10 mg/kg in two doses) in albino rats and effect of AS-1 was examined. Results showed that compound AS-1 could decrease ulcer index in rats induced by indomethacin. Compound AS-1 produced gastric anti secretory effect by decreasing gastric volume and acidity. It further increased gastric mucin which showed gastric cytoprotective effect. Results were comparable to that of ranitidine, a standard anti-ulcer drug. AS-1, thus, provides a scientific rationale for the use as anti-gastric ulcer drug. Keywords: Amaranthus spinosus L., Isolated compound (AS-1), Anti-ulcer activity, Ranitidine, Indomethacin.

ABSTRACT Aim to study the variant course and variant branches of brachial artery. 100 upper limbs of 50 donated embalmed cadavers (45 males & 5 females) of age group ranging from 70 to 80 years were dissected in the department of Anatomy at K. J. Somaiya Medical College, Sion, Mumbai, INDIA. The variant course and variant branches of brachial artery was observed in 2 specimens. The neuro-mascular pattern in the arm was also observed. The photographs of the variant course and variant branches of brachial artery were taken for proper documentation. The variant course and variant branches of brachial artery were observed in 2 specimens. The brachial artery terminated in the cubital fossa into radial and common interosseous arteries. The radial artery had normal course and branches. The common interosseous artery was deeper and gave anterior and posterior ulnar recurrent arteries, and terminated into anterior and posterior interosseous arteries. The unusual large branch from the brachial artery was a variant of ulnar artery, arose from the lateral side of the brachial artery, descended on the lateral side up to the cubital fossa and crossed the fossa from lateral to medial, superficial to median nerve. It then descended superficial to the muscles arising from medial epicondyle of the humerus and was covered by the deep fascia of the forearm, pierced the deep fascia proximal to the wrist, crossed the flexor retinaculum, and formed the superficial palmar arch. Throughout its course, this artery gave no branch. There was no associated altered anatomy of the nerves observed in the specimen. The knowledge of presence of the unusual origin of the ulnar artery from the brachial artery in the axilla may be clinically important for clinicians, surgeons, orthopaedicians and radiologists performing angiographic studies. Keywords: Brachial artery, Superficial antebrachial artery, Superficial brachial artery, Superficial ulnar artery, Ulnar artery

ABSTRACT Aim to study the arterial variations in the arm. 100 upper limbs of 50 donated embalmed cadavers (45 males & 5 females) of age group ranging from 70 to 80 years were dissected in the department of Anatomy at K. J. Somaiya Medical College, Sion, Mumbai, India. The arterial variation in the arm was observed in 2 specimens. The neuro-mascular pattern in the arm was also observed. The photographs of the arterial variations in the arm were taken for proper documentation and ready reference. A double profunda brachii artery was found in in 2 specimens. The profunda brachii artery - 1 was originated from the posteromedial aspect of the brachial artery, distal to teres major muscle. The profunda brachii artery – 2 was originated from the posterior circumflex humeral artery in quadrangular space around the surgical neck of the humerus. The profunda brachii artery - 2 divided into the anterior descending (Radial collateral) & the posterior desending (middle collateral) arteries. The profunda brachii artery – 1 gives nutrient artery to the humerus and runs with posterior desending (middle collateral) artery & ends by anastomosing with interosseous recurrent artery behind the lateral epicondyle. The presence of double profunda brachii arteries in the radial groove may result in excessive haemorrhage during fractures. Topographical anatomy of the normal and abnormal variations of the brachial artery is clinically important for surgeons, orthopaedicians and radiologists performing angiographic studies on the upper limb. Keywords: Profunda Brachii Artery, Brachial Artery, Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery, Quadrangular Space, Fractures of Humerus, Angiographic Studies.

ABSTRACT Aim to study the course of anterior tibial artery in 100 lower limbs. 100 lower limbs of 50 donated embalmed cadavers (45 males & 5 females) of age group ranging from 70 to 80 years were dissected in the department of Anatomy at K. J. Somaiya Medical College, Sion, Mumbai, India. The variant course of anterior tibial artery was observed in 1 specimens. The neurovascular pattern in the leg was also studied. The photographs of the variation were taken for proper documentation. We observed the high origin of anterior tibial artery from the popliteal artery proximal to the popliteus muscle in one lower limb. The anterior tibial artery ran downward on the posterior surface of the popliteus muscle. The posterior peroneotibial trunk distal to the tendinous arch of soleus muscle divides into the posterior tibial and the peroneal arteries. The further course of anterior, posterior tibial and peroneal arteries was normal. There were no associated neuromuscular variations found in same specimen. Both the variations were seen in left lower limb. The right lower limb of the same cadaver was normal. The arthroscopic knee surgery is a convenient and preferred surgical procedure. The knowledge of branching pattern of popliteal artery is important for surgical interventions in the popliteal region in order to minimize the surgical complications due to anatomical variations. Therefore the origin of anterior tibial artery from the popliteal artery proximal to the popliteus muscle is an important anatomical variation which should be kept in mind by the orthopaedicians doing knee joint surgery and total knee arthroplasty, by the surgeons operating on aneurysms of popliteal artery and by the radiologist performing angiographic study. Keywords: Popliteal Artery, Anterior Tibial Artery, Popliteus Muscle, Posterior Peroneotibial Trunk, Posterior Tibial Artery, Peroneal Artery, Tendinous Arch of Soleus, Orthopaedicians, Arthroscopic Knee Surgery, Radiologist, Angiographic Study.