Erectogenic Effect of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Extract in Normal and 5-Fluorouracil induced Oxidative Stressed Adult Male Wistar Rats

This study determined the effect of oral administration of aqueous extract from Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) extract (TVE) on the antioxidant status and activity of some penile function enzymes (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), adenosine diaminase (ADA), and arginase) activity in normal and 5- Fluorouracil- induced oxidative stressed rats. Sixty adult Wister rats (210-225)g were divided into ten (10) groups (n=6): Group 1: received oral administration of normal saline (NC), Group 2: received 100 mg/kg of thyme extract orally (TE 100 mg/kg), Group 3: received 200 mg/kg of thyme extract orally (TE 200 mg/kg), rats in group four were treated with 400 mg/kg of thyme extract orally (TE 400 mg/kg), Those in group 5: received 25 mg/kg of Vitamin C orally, while group 6 to 10 were induced with 150 mg/kg of 5-Fluorouracil solution (5-FLU, i.p), but group 7-10 were treated 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and Vitamin C (25mg/kg), respectively. After fourteen (14) days of treatment, the rats were sacrificed and the penile tissue was carefully isolated and prepared into homogenate, which was used for antioxidant and enzymes biochemical analysis. The result revealed that i.p induction of 5-FLU caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde level, as well as AChE, ADA, PDE-5 and arginase activities wth concomitant decrease in thiol level when compared to control rats. However, the administration of TVE was found to reverse the effect of 5-FLU. The TVE was also found the reduced MDA level and all the enzyme activities, but boosted the thiol level in the normal rats when compared to control rats. Interestingly the effect of the TVE was found dose-dependently, and 400 mg/kg TVE was found to be more potent among all the doses used in both normal and 5-FLU-induced oxidative stress rats.

Soliqua (Lixi Lan): Sustained Long Term Cost Efficacy and Safety When Used in Combination with Metformin and Glimepiride

Background: Previous studies using basal insulin documented the lowest daily dose and least hypoglycemic events when combined with Glimepiride and Metformin while attaining desirable glycemic control. However, Pivotal trials with Soliqua excluded Glimepiride as a part of therapy as well as subjects with moderate obesity (BMI > 35kg/m2). Moreover, these trials were relatively short term. Objective: Assess long term efficacy and safety of Soliqua in combination with Glimepiride and Metformin in subjects with type 2 diabetes irrespective of BMI in ‘real world’ experience. Subjects: 30 adults with type 2 diabetes, age range 32-72 years with HbA1C >7.5% while receiving therapy with 1) Glimepiride, Metformin and Basal insulin and 2) Metformin and/or DPP 4 inhibitors and/or other SUs and /or GLP1 RA and/or Basal insulin and/or prandial insulin. Type 2 diabetes was confirmed by presence of C-peptide. Subjects with history of gastroparesis, Triglycerides over 300 mg/dl and pancreatitis were excluded. Subjects with elevated liver enzymes, over 2.5 times normal and EGFR < 30 ml/min were excluded as well. Methods: All prior therapies were discontinued. All subjects were started on Glimepiride 8 mg, Metformin 1000-2000 mg and SC Soliqua was initiated prior to breakfast with daily dose 15 or 30 units as recommended. Daily dose was increased by 2 units every 3 days until AM fasting plasma glucose of 80-130 mg/dl was attained or the dose of 60 units was reached. The stable daily dose of Soliqua was continued until the time of analysis. Comparisons were conducted between body weights (kg), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1C prior to initiation of combination therapy (pre Rx) and every 3-6 months until the time of analysis (post Rx). Results: BMI ranged between 22-67 kg/m2. Duration of diabetes was 5-25 years. Duration of therapy with the combination therapy range, 7-56 months. Subjects were divided into 2 groups according to desirable HbA1C levels as per recommendations by ADA: 1) desirable HbA1C is < 7.0%, 2) desirable HbA1C 7-8 %. Both Fasting plasma glucose (mg/dl) and HbA1C (%) declined from 167 ± 10 and 9.7 ± 0.8 to 114 ± 4 and 7.6± 0.3 at the time of analyses (post Rx) respectively in the whole cohort. In 4 (0.13 %) morbidly obese subjects, FPG and HbA1C levels declined though not achieving desirable glycemic goals despite receiving maximal daily dose, 60 units of Soliqua. All four belonged to group 1. In the remaining 17 subjects desirable glycemic levels were attained and maintained. In group 2, desirable glycemia was reached in all 9 subjects. Symptomatic hypoglycemic events confirmed by blood sugar <70 mg/dl were reported by 4 subjects, none requiring secondary assistance. No severe hypoglycemia was reported. Mean daily dose of Soliqua was lower when compared to the pivotal trials. Conclusion: Soliqua is effective and safe in the long term in all subjects irrespective of BMI when administered in combination with Glimepiride and Metformin. Moreover, lesser daily dose required to attain desirable glycemia with this oral combination may render it to be effective without attaining maximum daily dose in subjects with higher BMIs documented in pivotal trials using Metformin alone.

Association between a SLC23A2 Gene Variation, Plasma Vitamin C Levels, and Risk of Different Diseases

Background: Vitamin C is an important plasma water-soluble antioxidant that plays an essential role in the absorption of iron, detoxification of exogenous compounds, and remaking vitamin E for the protection of lipid membranes. In addition, vitamin C is essential in the synthesis of collagen. Vitamin C concentrations of plasma are determined by dietary intake and genetic factors. Ascorbic acid is the functional form of vitamin C, which is transported into the cell through sodium vitamin C transporters (SVCTs). There are two forms of SVCTs which are SVCT1 encoded by the SLC23A1 gene and SVCT2 encoded by the SLC23A2. The SLC23A2 gene locus on human chromosome 20P12. It expresses in most human tissues, except lung and skeletal muscle that it is important in regulating the intracellular concentration of ascorbic acid to protect the cell from oxidative stress and promote type 1 collagen maturation. Maintaining proper concentrations of plasma and cellular vitamin C concentration is important for the normal metabolic function of the body and preventing several diseases. In the contrast, a low concentration of vitamin C caused by SLC23A2 variation can cause several chronic diseases. Our systematic review discusses four diseases related to the variation of SLC23A2 gene and plasma vitamin C levels which are glaucoma, acute coronary syndrome among women, gastric cancer, and HPV16-associated head and neck cancer. Methods: By using NCBI databases, specifically GenBank to analyze DNA sequence and mRNA sequence of SLC23A2 gene. GenBank file format was helpful to extract an accession number of the gene, number of amino acids, number of exons and introns, and length of nucleotides. FASTA format was also useful to retrieve the nucleotide sequence and get the function of the protein. BLAST was used to compare the protein product of the SLC23A2 gene between humans and Macaca mulatta (Rhesus monkey). Results: the accession number of the SLC23A2 gene was NC_000020.11, the number of exons found was 18, and the gene was located in chromosome 20. This gene encodes one of the two required transporters, and the encoded protein accounts for tissue-specific uptake of vitamin C. This gene had an official symbol of SLC23A1. And they found a significant association between the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1279683 (A > G) in SLC23A2 and an increased risk of POAG in homozygous G allele (GG) carriers. Also, POAG patients with this SNP appear to have a significantly lower level of plasma vitamin C compared to other genotypes. Finally, many organisms have the same gene, such as dogs, mice, rats, and chickens. Conclusion: there is a significant association between SLC23A2 gene mutation, increased risk for vitamin C deficiency, and several diseases. SNP in the SLC23A2 gene was significantly associated with a higher risk of POAG in GG allele carriers as well as lower plasma vitamin C concentration.

A Case of Pseudopregnancy in a Bitch

A case of pseudopregnacy was presented to Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria. Eighteen (18) months old bitch weighing 15kg was presentedclinical signs suspected to be pseudopregnacy, which was observed four weeks after the bitch came on heat (estrus). The clinical signs observed were restlessness, anorexia, aggression, nesting behaviour and licking of mammary gland. On clinical examination it was observed that bitch had enlarged mammary glands and milk secretion. The physiological parameters were found to be within the normal range. Abdominal palpation, ultrasonography and vagina cytology were carried out to confirm pregnancy. Due to absence of foetuses on abdominal palpation and ultrasonography and presence of scanty epithelial cells in vaginal cytology, it was confirmed and concluded to be a case of pseudopregnancy. Causes, treatment and other associated factors with pseudopregnancy were further discussed.

Evaluation of Liver Function and Haemorheological Parameters in Some Carpenters Exposed to Wood Dust in Port Harcourt

Aim: To evaluate liver function and haemorheological parameters in some carpenters exposed to wood dust in Port Harcourt. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in some parts of Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State in the southern part of Nigeria. The locations of the research included Sandfield mile 2 Diobu, Marine base, and Abuja by-pass Nkpolu-oroworukwo, Port Harcourt. Ethical approval and informed consent of the participants were obtained before commencement of the study. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) apparently healthy subjects aged between 20 t0 50 years were used for the study. Ninety (90) carpenters exposed to wood dust served as test subjects, while sixty (60) non- carpenters, non-wood workers not exposed to wood dust served as controls. Interviewer based sample questionnaire was administered to the subjects. Liver function parameters, Packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), and fibrinogen were analysed using standard laboratory techniques. Results: The mean age of the test subjects (36.5 ± 9.9 years) was not significantly different (P > .05) from that of the controls (32.1 ± 5.8 years). There were no significant differences (P > .05) in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TB), conjugated bilirubin (CB), PCV and Hb in the test subjects compared to the controls. ESR (19.60 ± 10.67mm/Hr) and fibrinogen (624 ± 60.88ng/mL) were significantly higher (P< .05) in the tests (carpenters) compared to ESR (8.41 ± 5.36mm/Hr) and fibrinogen (448.4 ± 67.91ng/mL) in the controls. Conclusion: Wood dust exposure did not alter the liver function, PCV, and Hb levels of carpenters. However, with increases in ESR and fibrinogen in the carpenters, there may be a risk of inflammation to wood dust exposure in the carpenters, with negative consequences to the vasculature.

Exploration of Phytopharmacognostic Study of Alianthus excelsa Roxb.(Simaroubaceae) Leaves

Aim: The purpose of this research is to look at the pharmacognostic and phytochemical properties of Alianthus excelsa leaves. Methods and Materials: The tree Alianthus excelsa Roxb. belongs to the Simaroubaceae family and is native to Central and Southern India. The entire methanolic extract of Alianthus excelsa leaves was examined for its microscopical, physicochemical, phytochemical, isolation, characterisation, and anti-inflammatory activities. Leaf powder was tested for total ash, water soluble, acid insoluble, alcohol soluble extractive, water soluble extractive, moisture content, and fluorescence property. Results: Carbohydrates, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and amino acids were found in the leaf methanolic oven dried extract. To determine the existence of phenolic content in extracts, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were calculated. Phytoconstituents such as flavonoids and saponin glycoside were found in the leaf sections throughout the experiment, which were isolated using column chromatography and characterised using IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy. Three flavonoids and one flavonoid

Rational Prescription Pattern of Antibiotics: A Quantitative Analysis Based on Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital (KYAMCH), Sirajganj, Bangladesh

Antibiotics, alternatively known as antibacterial drugs, prevent or reduce the development of germs. A decade has been added to the life expectancy of human beings since the discovery of antibiotics. Antibiotic overuse can result in resistance to a wide spectrum of diseases and bacteria. Antibiotic utility is being jeopardized by the rise of resistance. There aren't enough innovative agents to deal with the problem of resistant strains. The current study targeted to highlight the current status of antibiotic use.The study was designed as a prescription-based survey where the medicines in prescriptions were checked containing antibiotics, whether the drugs were prescribed rationally or not. The study was conducted from February to July 2018 at Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital, Bangladesh. Patient’s data were collected through review of patient medical records and prepared questionnaires. 100 people were interviewed, and their prescriptions were captured as photos and then checked for rationality.The antibiotics are prescribed in the group of 10 to 30 years, 31 to 50 years and more than 50 years of age.The survey demonstrated that 46% of patients know about antibiotics partially, about 74% of patients fulfill their entire course of medication and the rest of the patients stop taking medication after feeling better. Only 21% of patients knew about antibiotic resistance, whereas 37% of patients only heard about antibiotic resistance. According to the age group from low to high, 92.9%, 91.67%, 86.36% prescriptions were rational; 2.4%, 2.78%, 4.55% prescriptions were contraindicated and 4.7%, 5.56%, 9.1% prescriptions where medicines interacted with other non-antibiotic drugs, respectively. The overall rational prescription is 91%, whereas 3% of prescriptions are contraindicated and 6% of prescriptions showed interaction between antibiotics and other drugs (non-antibiotics).The study concluded that lack of knowledge and awareness of patients and inaccurate prescription data by physicians are two key factors that contribute to irrational antibiotic usage.

In-vivo Antiplasmodial Effect of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine-Nitrofurantoin on Plasmodium berghei- Infected Mice

Nitrofurantoin (NT) used for the treatment of urinary tract infections may have antiplasmodial activity. Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) is an artemisinin based combination therapy used for the treatment of malaria. This study evaluated the antiplasmodial effect of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine-nitrofurantoin (DP-NT) on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Adult Swiss albino mice (30-35 g) of both sexes were used. The mice were randomly grouped, inoculated with Plasmodium berghei, and treated orally with DP (1.7/13.7 mg/kg), NT (57.1 mg/kg) and DP-NT (1.71/13.7/ 57.1 mg/kg), respectively using curative, prophylactic and suppressive tests. The negative control was orally treated with normal saline (0.3 mL), while the positive control was orally treated with chloroquine CQ (10mg/kg). After treatment, blood samples were collected and evaluated for percentage parasitemia, inhibitions and hematological parameters. Liver samples were evaluated for histological changes. The mice were observed for mean survival time (MST). Treatment with DP-NT decreased parasitemia levels when compared to individual doses of DP and NT with significant difference observed at p<0.05. DP-NT prolonged MST when compared to individual doses of DP and NT with significant difference observed at p<0.05. The decrease in packed cell volume, red blood cells, hemoglobin and increase in white blood cells in parasitized mice were significantly restored by DP-NT when compared to individual doses of DP and NT with difference observed at p<0.05. DP-NT eradicated liver Plasmodium parasite. NT remarkably increased the antiplasmodial activity of DP. DP-NT may be used for the treatment of malaria.

Phytochemical, Biochemical and Biological Evaluation of Five Herbal Bitters Sold in Pharmacy Shops in Eastern Nigeria

Aim: This study investigated the phytochemical constituents, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of five herbal bitters and their potential effect on body weight, lipid profile, hematology, liver and kidney functions of albino rats. Methods: Five brands of herbal bitters (Goko Cleanser®, Ruzu Bitter®, Yoyo Bitter®, Swedish Bitter® and Beta Cleanser®) were tested for the presence of phytochemical constituents. Antimicrobial activity was evaluatedby agar diffusion method. The weights of the animals were taken before treatment, and on day 7, 14, 21 and 28 post treatments with the herbal bitters. Blood levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, PCV, haemoglobin, AST, ALT, ALP, urea and creatinine were measured. Results: Glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, steroid, saponins, phenolic compounds were present while reducing sugar, amino acid and hydrogen cyanide were absent in the five bitters. All the five bitters showed moderate to potent antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in body weight and a significant increase in catalase, SOD and glutathione peroxidase activities. There was also a significant reduction in total cholesterol and an increase in HDL. The PCV of the treated animals increased significantly while the haemoglobin was not affected significantly. The liver and kidney functions were not significantly altered. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, Goko Cleanser®, Ruzu Bitter®, Yoyo Bitter®, Swedish Bitter® and Beta Cleanser® possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and may help to reduce body weight and hypercholesterolemia.

A Synthetic Chrono Genetic Therapy Gene for Consecutive Drug Delivery

Chronotherapy, the delivery of therapeutic interventions personalized to patient's circadian rhythms, has shown enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects. Patients exhibit diurnal changes in cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis that lead to inflammatory flares and enhanced disease severity in the early morning. There has been important work showing the administration of anti-inflammatory treatments in the early morning, immediately before the inflammatory flare, in reducing symptoms of RA. Using synthetic biology, we developed chronotherapy-based gene chromogenic therapies that produce our prescribed transgene downstream of the core circadian clock component, Per2. We transduced these lentiviral chromogenic therapies into murine-induced pluripotent stem cells and developed tissue-engineered cartilage as our model system for timed drug delivery. Our anti-inflammatory chromogenic could produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in an oscillatory manner tracking with circadian rhythms in vitro. Additionally, the tissue-engineered pellets could entrain host circadian rhythms when implanted into mice and produce different levels of IL-1Ra in the serum at other times of the day. The chromogenic synthetic gene provides a novel cell therapy driving by the circadian clock for controlled biologic delivery at prescribed times of the day.