scholarly journals Extremely Dilution of Strychnos Nux vomica Mitigates Alcohol-Induced Reduction in Enthalpies Associated With Free Water Molecules in a Fish Brain

Author(s):  
Atheni Konar ◽  
Tandra Sarkar ◽  
Nirmal Chandra Sukul ◽  
Md. Amir Sohel ◽  
Abhijit Mondal ◽  
...  

Introduction Alcohol intoxication affects aquaporins in the glial cells of brain resulting in oedema. Nux vomica, a homeopathic drug of plant origin, is known to counteract alcohol effect. The objective of this present study is to find out the level of free water molecules in the brain of a teleost fish under ethanol intoxication. The second objective is to determine whether Nux vomica could restore the level of free water in the alcohol treated fish. Materials and methods One group of fish was exposed to 456 mM ethanol for 30 min, another exposed first to a solution of Nux vomica 200c for 20 min and then to 456 mM ethanol for 30 min. The third group served as an untreated control. The mid brain of each fish was kept in an aluminium sample pan and its free water level was assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results All alcohol treated fish showed significant reduction in the level of free water molecules as compared to the untreated control. Treatment with Nux vomica increased the level of free water in the brain significantly as compared to the untreated alcoholic group. Conclusion Alcohol intoxication reduces free water molecules in the fish brain. Nux vom might have acted on aquaporins in the glial cells thereby increasing the level of free water in the brain.

Author(s):  
Atheni Konar ◽  
NirmalChandra Sukul

Background: Alcoholism is a global health problem. Extract of the seeds of Strychnos Nux vomica and its high dilution have long been used in homeopathy for alcohol induced diseases of patients. Alcoholism leads to reduced brain volume. Glial cells like astroglia contain large number of water channel proteins or aquaporin (AQP4) which mediate glial oedema resulting from ethanol intoxication. Nux vomica, a homeopathic drug of plant origin, is known to counteract alcohol effect. Aim: The objective of this present study is to find out the level of free water molecules in the brain of a teleost fish under ethanol intoxication. The other purpose is to determine whether Nux vomica could restore the level of free water in the alcohol treated fish. Methodology: One group of fish was exposed to 456 mM ethanol for 30 min, another exposed first to a solution of Nux vomica 200c for 20 min and then to 456 mM ethanol for 30 min. The third group served as an untreated control. The mid brain of each fish was kept in an aluminium sample pan and its free water level was assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results and discussion: The results show that there was no significant variation in melting and freezing temperature of brain samples but the enthalpies, both freezing and melting varied significantly (P


Author(s):  
Nirmal Chandra Sukul ◽  
Tandra Sarkar ◽  
Atheni Konar ◽  
Md. Amir Sohel ◽  
Asmita Sengupta ◽  
...  

Aqueous ethanol is the standard medium for all drugs used in homeopathy. X-ray and Magnetispoli ambo are 2 homeopathic drugs prepared by exposure of aqueous ethanol to x-rays and static magnetic field, respectively.Mother tinctures (MT)weresuccessively diluted with solvent 1:100 and succussed in several steps to prepare centesimal potencies 8 cH, 14 cH and 32 cH. The solvent was processed in the same way. Although identical in chemical composition (0.03 molar ethanol) and water content (96%) these preparations like the Mother tinctures and three potencies of X-ray and Magnetispoli amboexhibit different therapeutic pathological effects. Potency 8cH of each preparation was diluted with water to reach concentrations 4%, 20%, 40% and 80% ethanol. The aim of the study was to establish whether these potencies exhibited variation in free water molecules. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) of MT and potencies exhibited almost similar freezing and melting points, but they remarkably differed in freezing and melting enthalpy and free water molecules. The various dilutions of potency 8cH exhibited variation in enthalpies and free water molecules, being this variation independent of the amount of water added. We conclude that exposure of aqueous ethanol to x-rays and magnetic field, with subsequent dilution and agitation induces changes in the solvent involving free water molecules. All X-ray and Magnetispoli ambo potencies were analyzed by means of Raman spectroscopy for free water molecules. The results were compared to the ones of DSC, being more or less similar.


Author(s):  
Atheni Konar ◽  
Tandra Sarkar ◽  
Nirmal Chandra Sukul ◽  
Anirban Sukul

Drugs in ultra-high dilution (UHD) are used in homeopathy. Lactose is used as a binding medium for UHD drugs. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy revealed that although devoid of molecules of the starting substance, different UHD drugs exhibit different amounts of free water molecules and variation in hydrogen bond strength. The aim of the present study was to establish whether specific water structures in UHD could specifically modify the water structure in lactose, particularly the water of crystallization. 3 UHD’s (potencies), 30cH, 200cH and 1000cH, of 2 drugs, Natrum muriaticum and Sulphur were mixed to lactose samples separately. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of the samples was measured. The thermograms of potencies mixed to lactose differed from each other with respect to temperature and enthalpy associated with the removal of water of crystallization from lactose. We believe that the tested UHD modified the water structure in lactose thereby changing the enthalpy for the removal of water of crystallization. Different levels of thermal energy are needed to remove both free water molecules and water of crystallization from lactose. UHD’s also contributed to the change in enthalpy associated with the removal of water of crystallization from lactose. The tested UHD might have modified the number and strength of hydrogen bonds in the crystal structure of lactose. Specific water structures in liquid aqueous ethanol medium are transferable to the solid medium(lactose).


1980 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 1639-1645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jindřich Novák ◽  
Ivo Sláma

The dependence of the equivalent conductivity on the temperature and composition of the Ca(NO3)2-CaI2-H2O system was studied. The ionic fraction [I-]/([I-] + [NO-3]) was changed from 0.1 to 0.5, the mole fraction of calcium salts (assumed in anhydrous form in the presence of free water molecules) was 0.075-0.200. The equivalent conductivity was found to be a linear function of the ionic fraction at constant temperature and salt concentration.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2358
Author(s):  
Maria Grazia Giovannini ◽  
Daniele Lana ◽  
Chiara Traini ◽  
Maria Giuliana Vannucchi

The microbiota–gut system can be thought of as a single unit that interacts with the brain via the “two-way” microbiota–gut–brain axis. Through this axis, a constant interplay mediated by the several products originating from the microbiota guarantees the physiological development and shaping of the gut and the brain. In the present review will be described the modalities through which the microbiota and gut control each other, and the main microbiota products conditioning both local and brain homeostasis. Much evidence has accumulated over the past decade in favor of a significant association between dysbiosis, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Presently, the pathogenetic mechanisms triggered by molecules produced by the altered microbiota, also responsible for the onset and evolution of Alzheimer disease, will be described. Our attention will be focused on the role of astrocytes and microglia. Numerous studies have progressively demonstrated how these glial cells are important to ensure an adequate environment for neuronal activity in healthy conditions. Furthermore, it is becoming evident how both cell types can mediate the onset of neuroinflammation and lead to neurodegeneration when subjected to pathological stimuli. Based on this information, the role of the major microbiota products in shifting the activation profiles of astrocytes and microglia from a healthy to a diseased state will be discussed, focusing on Alzheimer disease pathogenesis.


2015 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-263
Author(s):  
Rupali Nanasaheb Kadam ◽  
Raosaheb Sopanrao Shendge ◽  
Vishal Vijay Pande

<p>The use of nanotechnology based on the development and fabrication of nanostructures is one approach that has been employed to overcome the challenges involved with conventional drug delivery systems. Formulating Nanoplex is the new trend in nanotechnology. A nanoplex is a complex formed by a drug nanoparticle with an oppositely charged polyelectrolyte. Both cationic and anionic drugs form complexes with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. Compared with other nanostructures, the yield of Nanoplex is greater and the complexation efficiency is better. Nanoplex are also easier to prepare. Nanoplex formulation is characterized through the production yield, complexation efficiency, drug loading, particle size and zeta potential using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and dialysis studies. Nanoplex have wide-ranging applications in different fields such as cancer therapy, gene drug delivery, drug delivery to the brain and protein and peptide drug delivery.</p>


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 134
Author(s):  
Stephanie Dooves ◽  
Arianne J. H. van Velthoven ◽  
Linda G. Suciati ◽  
Vivi M. Heine

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease affecting the brain. Neurological symptoms like epilepsy and neurodevelopmental issues cause a significant burden on patients. Both neurons and glial cells are affected by TSC mutations. Previous studies have shown changes in the excitation/inhibition balance (E/I balance) in TSC. Astrocytes are known to be important for neuronal development, and astrocytic dysfunction can cause changes in the E/I balance. We hypothesized that astrocytes affect the synaptic balance in TSC. TSC patient-derived stem cells were differentiated into astrocytes, which showed increased proliferation compared to control astrocytes. RNA sequencing revealed changes in gene expression, which were related to epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling and enriched for genes that coded for secreted or transmembrane proteins. Control neurons were cultured in astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM) of TSC and control astrocytes. After culture in TSC ACM, neurons showed an altered synaptic balance, with an increase in the percentage of VGAT+ synapses. These findings were confirmed in organoids, presenting a spontaneous 3D organization of neurons and glial cells. To conclude, this study shows that TSC astrocytes are affected and secrete factors that alter the synaptic balance. As an altered E/I balance may underlie many of the neurological TSC symptoms, astrocytes may provide new therapeutic targets.


1955 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irving H. Heller ◽  
K. A. C. Elliott

Per unit weight, cerebral and cerebellar cortex respire much more actively than corpus callosum. The rate per cell nucleus is highest in cerebral cortex, lower in corpus callosum, and still lower in cerebellar cortex. The oxygen uptake rates of the brain tumors studied, with the exception of an oligodendroglioma, were about the same as that of white matter on the weight basis but lower than that of cerebral cortex or white matter on the cell basis. In agreement with previous work, an oligodendroglioma respired much more actively than the other tumors. The rates of glycolysis of the brain tumors per unit weight were low but, relative to their respiration rate, glycolysis was higher than in normal gray or white matter. Consideration of the figures obtained leads to the following tentative conclusions: Glial cells of corpus callosum respire more actively than the neurons of the cerebellar cortex. Neurons of the cerebral cortex respire on the average much more actively than neurons of the cerebellar cortex or glial cells. Considerably more than 70% of the oxygen uptake by cerebral cortex is due to neurons. The oxygen uptake rates of normal oligodendroglia and astrocytes are probably about the same as the rates found per nucleus in an oligodendroglioma and in astrocytomas; oligodendroglia respire much more actively than astrocytes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-116
Author(s):  
Amit Agrawal ◽  
Vissa Shanthi ◽  
Baddukonda Appala Ramakrishna ◽  
Kuppili Venkata Murali Mohan

Abstract First characterized by Stroebe, the gliosarcomas are highly malignant and rare primary tumor of the brain composed of neoplastic glial cells in association with spindle cell sarcomatous elements (biphasic tissue patterns). In spite of being recognized as two different pathologies studies have not shown any significant differences between gliosarcoma and glioblastoma with regard to age, sex, size, clinical presentation, and median survival. In summary, gliosarcoma is an aggressive tumor with a propensity to recur and re-grow with poor outcome. Future studies are needed to understand the true pathology of these biphasic tumors.


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