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HEMORHEOLOGY INDEX CHANGES IN A RAT ACUTE BLOOD STASIS MODEL: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Get PDFBackground: Blood stasis has received increasing attention in research related to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
and integrative Chinese and Western medicine. More than 90% of research studies use hemorheology indexes to
evaluate the establishment of animal blood stasis models rather than pathological methods, as hemorheology index
evaluations of blood stasis were short of the consolidated standard. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy
of hemorheology indexes in rat models of acute blood stasis (ABS) based on studies in which the ABS model had been
confirmed by pathological methods.
Materials and Methods: We searched the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database (CNKI), Chinese
Medical Journal Database (CMJD), Chinese Biology Medicine disc (CBM), Wanfang database, and PubMed for studies
of rat blood stasis models; the search identified 18 studies of rat ABS models induced by subcutaneous injection of
epinephrine combined with an ice bath. Each included study received a modified Collaborative Approach to
Meta-Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Studies (CAMARADES) score list and methodological
quality assessment, then data related to whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, platelet aggregation rate, erythrocyte
aggregation index, and fibrinogen concentration were extracted. Extracted data were analyzed using Revman 5.3;
heterogeneity was tested using Egger's test.
Results: A total of 343 studies of rat blood stasis were reviewed. Eighteen studies were included in this meta-analysis;
the mean CAMARADES score was 3.5. The rat ABS model revealed a significant increase in whole blood viscosity
(medium shear rate), whole blood viscosity (high shear rate), plasma viscosity, platelet aggregation rate, erythrocyte
aggregation index, and fibrinogen concentration compared to controls, with weighted mean differences (WMD) of 2.42
mPa/s (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.73 - 3.10); 1.76 mPa/s (95% CI = 1.28 - 2.24); 0.39 mPa/s (95% CI = 0.24 -
0.55); 13.66% (95% CI = 9.78 - 17.55); 0.84 (95% CI = 0.53 - 1.16); and 1.22 g/L (95% CI = 0.76 - 1.67), respectively.
Subgroup analysis showed that whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and the platelet aggregation rate test methods
were more sensitive when measured at 0-24 h than at 24-72 h after induction of blood stasis.
Conclusions: Rat blood stasis studies have incomplete experimental design and quality controls, and thus need an
integrated improvement. Meta-analysis of included studies indicated that the unified hemorheology index of whole
blood viscosity (medium and high shear rate), platelet aggregation rate, erythrocyte aggregation rate, and fibrinogen
concentration might be used for assessment of rat ABS models independent of pathology methods
PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF IRIS GERMANICA L. IN Β-AMYLOID-INDUCED ANIMAL MODEL OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Get PDFBackground: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia that is an irretrievable chronic
neurodegenerative disease. In the current study, we have examined the therapeutic effects of Iris germanica extract on
Amyloid β (Aβ) induced memory impairment.
Materials and Methods: Wistar rats were divided into five groups of 8 per each. Groups were as followed: control
group which were normal rats without induction of AD, Aβ group which received Aβ (50 ng/side), iris 100 group
which received Aβ + Iris (100 mg/kg), iris 200 group which received Aβ + Iris (200 mg/kg), and iris 400 group which
received Aβ + Iris (400 mg/kg). AD was established by intrahippocampal injection of 50 ng/μl/side Aβ1-42. The day
after surgery, animals in treatment groups received different doses of the aqueous extract of Iris by gavage for 30 days.
Morris water maze test (MWM) was performed to assess the effects of I. germanica on learning and memory of rats
with Aβ induced AD.
Results: Data from MWM tests, including escape latency and traveled distance, demonstrated that I. germanica extract
could markedly improve spatial memory in comparison to control. Moreover, the plant had a significantly better effect
on the performance of AD rats in the probe test.
Conclusion: I. germanica extract can successfully reverse spatial learning dysfunction in an experimental model of
AD. Further neuro psyco-pharmacological studies are mandatory to reveal the mechanism of action of this natural
remedy in the management of AD symptoms
MECHANISMS OF COIX SEED COMPOSITIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF SPLEEN DEFICIENCY AND WET DAMPNESS ZHENG
Get PDFBackground: Coix seed has the functions of fortifying the spleen and inhibiting the dampness. However, it remains unclear which Coix seed compositions is responsible for these functions. Previous investigations have revealed that the main compositions of Coix seed are proteins, polysaccharides, oils and starches. The objectives of this study are to explore which is the most effective compositions in fortifying the spleen and examine how Coix seed works in regulating the water transport on the spleen deficiency and wet dampness (SDWD) rat model.
Materials and Methods: The rats used were divided into (i) control group, (ii) model group, (iii) decoction group, (iv) protein group, (v) polysaccharide group, (vi) oil group and (vii) starch group. The urine volume, the drinking volume and the water loading index in each group were calculated. Agilent 8*60K array was used for microarray-based gene expression analysis. The differential mRNAs related to the transport activity were screened. qRT-PCR was used to validate the mRNA microarray.
Results: The results demonstrated that all treatment groups could decrease the dampness of SDWD rats. mRNA microarray had significant effect on the protein group and the polysaccharide group in regulating the water transport, among which the most significant mRNA was Fabp6, Slc51a, Slc51b, Slc11a2, Slc4a10 and AQP3 respectively.
Conclusion: The compositions of proteins and polysaccharides had the most significant effect in regulating the water transport of SDWD rat model. The contributing mRNA focused on Fabp, Slc and AQP family
POTENTIAL ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF DIFFERENT HONEY BRANDS FROM PAKISTAN: A QUEST FOR NATURAL REMEDY
Get PDFBackground: Besides a wholesome food, honey is known for its therapeutic implications. We investigated the antifungal
activity of five honeys of different types from Pakistan against various pathogenic fungal strains. Antifungal properties of
processed and non-processed honey were determined.
Materials and Methods: The antifungal assay of honey was carried out against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus,
Aspergillus fumigates, Alterneria alternata, Fusarium solanai, Microsporum canis, Penicillium funiculosium and Rhizopus
solanai. Different dilutions of honey samples were used (20%, 50%, 70%, 90% and 100% w/v so as to find out the
minimum effective concentration of each honey type.
Results: It was observed that all of the honey samples were highly active, with percent inhibition range of (3-81%) for
Aspergillus niger, (2-82%) for Aspergillus flavus, (1-76%) for Aspergillus fumigates, (1-84%) for Alterneria alternata, (2-
67%) for Fusarium solanai, (1-87%) Microsporum canis, (2-78%) Penicillium funiculosium and (1-86%) for Rhizopus
solanai.
Conclusion: The study of Pakistani honey brands reveals that they possess a substantial antifungal nature. Therefore, they
may be used in curing fungal infections along with antifungal drugs as a cheaper alternative natural remedy with no side
effects
PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SOME CHELATING AGENTS AND ANTIOXIDANTS ON THE BIOHAZARDS PRODUCED FROM WATER POLLUTION BY HEAVY METALS IN WISTAR RATS: BIOLOGICAL, GENETIC AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY
Get PDFBackground: Heavy metals that normally cause problems are mercury (HgCl2) and lead acetate (LA). Chelating
and inhibitor agents are the target to treat and overcome metal toxicity. The current study has been carried out to
evaluate the protective effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and meso 2,3 dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) against
HgCl2 and LA toxicity.
Materials and Methods: Ninety male Wistar rats were divided into nine equal groups. The groups were administered
NAC and/or DMSA in presence or absence of LA (LA; 0.2% in drinking water) or HgCl2 (2 mg/kg BW) for 2
consecutive months. Serum and organs were collected for biochemical, genetic and histopathological changes.
Results: Biochemical results revealed that LA and HgCl2 significantly increased the levels of liver and kidney
biomarkers. Administration of NAC and DMSA considerably improved these altered changes. LA and HgCl2 decreased
serum levels of antioxidants and were ameliorated in NAC and DMSA administered rats. LA and HgCl2 administration
upregulated expression of IL-1β and IL-8 that were normalized by NAC and DMSA. Kidneys of LA and HgCl2 groups
showed intraluminal hyaline casts. Kidneys of DMSA-administrated rats showed mild hydropic degeneration of renal
tubular epithelium in LA and HgCl2 groups. Kidneys of NAC administrated rats showed atrophy of capillary tufts.
Kidneys of LA and HgCl2 administered rats which received DMSA and NAC showed normal glomerular structure.
Liver histopathology showed sever changes that were ameliorated by NAC and DMSA.
Conclusion: Taken together, usage of NAC and DMSA provide significant protection against LA and HgCl2-induced
hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats
ANTIOXIDANT, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-NOCICEPTIVE PROPERTIES OF HYDRO-METHANOL EXTRACT OF EREMOMASTAX SPECIOSA (HOCHST.) CUFOD LEAF
Get PDFBackground: Eremomastax speciosa (Hochst.) Cufod is a perennial herb found in Africa along the rainforest zone and occurs as weed. It is cultivated in Cameroon and Akwa-Ibom in Nigeria due to its medicinal values. This study investigated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of hydromethanol extract of Eremomastax speciosa (Hochst.) Cufod leaf in rat model.
Materials and Methods: The plant material was extracted using cold maceration method in 80% hydromethanol. The acute oral toxicity test was performed using Up and Down method with limit dose of 2000 mg/kg. The in vitro antioxidant property was evaluated with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power photometric assays. The anti-inflammatory potential was investigated in egg-albumin and carrageenan induced paw edema models while the antinociceptive activity was determined using acetic acid induced writhing reflex and tail immersion tests at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. The negative control group (group A) received distilled water (vehicle) at 5 ml/kg while acetyl salicylic acid (200 mg/kg) was used as the reference drug for the anti-inflammatory models and acetic acid induced writhing reflex model while pentazocine (5 mg/kg) was used as the reference drug for tail immersion test.
Results: The LD50 of the extract was greater than 2000 mg/kg. The extract (25 to 400 μg/ml) demonstrated potent antioxidant activities in both the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. The E. speciosa extract caused significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in the extract treated groups when compared to rats that received distilled water. The optimal activities of the extract were produced at the dose of 100 mg/kg.
Conclusion: The study supports the folkloric use of Eremomastax speciosa leaf in the management of pain and inflammatory conditions in traditional medicine
BOTÁNICAS UNPLUGGED: LATINOS’ RELIGIOUS HEALING AND THE IMPACT OF THE IMMIGRANT CONTINUUM
Get PDFBackground: Botánicas (literally botanies) are local dispensaries that offer spiritual, healing, and religious services to a mostly Latino and Caribbean population in the United States (U.S). Despite the vast literature on Latinos’ alternative medical systems, little is known on the role of the informal economy of healing in the urban milieu. This paper attempts to fill this vacuum by addressing the role of botánicas in meeting the religious healing and mental health needs of the growing Latino population in New York City (NYC).
Materials and Methods: A two-stage ethnographic study on botánicas took place between 2004 and 2016 in NYC. During the first stage (2004–2006), a research team conducted participant observation and ethnographic mapping. This entailed the identification of two major concentrations of botánicas in Queens and the Bronx, with smaller clusters found in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Participant observation and in-depth interviews were conducted with fifty-six healers during this phase of the project, and thirty in-depth interviews were accomplished during the second phase (2014–2016), which focused on the products and services offered by botánicas in Queens.
Results: Botánica providers and spiritual counselors construct a language of illness — supported by the sociosoma model — that calls attention to the contextual factors of distress, including the harmful effect of troubled relationships in Latinos’ lives. Most providers identified the “immigrant continuum” as one of the main causes of their patients’ suffering. In this vein, they highlighted the impact of Latinos’ undocumented status, family conflicts and financial concerns as key triggers of their deleterious mental health conditions. Participants also shared a holistic explanatory model of mental illness, which combines social stressors and divine causas (causes) as the main source of Latinos’ mental and emotional suffering. Two main ailments, depression and nervios (nervousness) were seen as complementary and closely related to the multifarious impact of the immigrant continuum in Latinos’ lives. These conditions were treated with natural medicines (e.g., herbs), informal counseling and religious ceremonies, such as prayer and ritual cleansing.
Conclusion: The paper sheds light on the role of botánicas, and their providers, in supporting a shared language of illness among Latinos in the U.S. The prevalence of two mental ailments among Latinos, depression and nervios, informs culturally-based processes of diagnosis and treatment in an urban multiethnic milieu. The article ultimately highlights the need for additional theoretical models and empirical research focused on Latinos’ growing mental-health issues in the U.S
PREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IGG AND IGM AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG HIV-POSITIVE AND HIV-NEGATIVE PATIENTS IN VHEMBE DISTRICT OF SOUTH AFRICA
Get PDFBackground: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite that has arisen as an important opportunistic infection that causes
morbidity and mortality especially in HIV positive patients. This study was carried out to determine the sero-prevalence of
T. gondii (IgG and IgM) and the associated risk factors among HIV positive and negative patients in Northern South Africa.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Vhembe District in Limpopo province from April 2012 to
January 2013. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and possible risk factor
information on toxoplasmosis from participants. A total of 161 blood samples of both HIV positive and negative patients
visiting the local clinics in the Vhembe district were collected. Serum samples were tested for IgG and IgM against T.
gondii using commercially available ELISA protocol.
Results: The prevalence of T. gondii IgG was 31.7% while that of T. gondii IgM was 4.9%. The prevalence of T. gondii
IgG was higher in HIV positive patients (38%) compared to 16.7% among HIV negative patients (p=0.001). Toxoplasma
gondii IgG antibodies were more common in patients who were not taking ARV’s (46.2%) compared to those who were
taking ARV’s (35.2%) (P25 years)
SEROTYPING AND ANTIMICROBIAL DRUG RESISTANCE OF SALMONELLA ISOLATED FROM LETTUCE AND HUMAN DIARRHEA SAMPLES IN BURKINA FASO
Get PDFBackground: In Burkina Faso dirty water in particular those of the stoppings and the gutter ones are used for
vegetables irrigation in the gardens. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility
of Salmonella serotypes from humans and lettuce samples in Burkina Faso.
Materials and Methods: Salmonella strains isolated from patients in 2009 to 2015 and lettuce samples in 2014 in
Burkina Faso were serotyped using specific antisera. All strains were subjected to a set of 14 antibiotics to study their
antibiogram by using Baeur–Kirby disk diffusion method.
Results: Out of 154 Salmonella isolated, 60 were from human and 94 from lettuce samples. Serotyping revealed four
different serotypes and 39% (60) untypeable strains from human and lettuce (14 and 46 strains). Salmonella serotypes
from human and lettuce samples were: Paratyphi A (10% and 22%), Paratyphi B (34% and 8%), Paratyphi C (14% and
18%) and Typhi (21% and 1%). A high resistance of Salmonella Paratyphi B and Salmonella spp to tetracycline were
70% from human and 35 % from lettuce samples. Multiresistance was observed to tetracycline, chloramphenicol and
amoxicillin/clavulanic-acid or ampicillin with Salmonella Paratyphi B 35% and Salmonella Typhi 33% from human
samples and Salmonella spp 4% from lettuce samples.
Conclusion: This study showed the diversity of Salmonella serotypes from both clinical and environmental samples
and emergence of multiresistant Salmonella to antibiotics in Burkina Faso. A lettuce is a potential source of
transmission of Salmonella causing diarrhea among human in Burkina Faso
DIAGNOSIS OF ORF IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS IN UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
Get PDFBackground: Sixty (60) male West African Dwarf goats were reported with clinical signs of enlarged lymph nodes, scabs
on the mouth, nose and ears. Two of the goats died and post mortem examination reveals enlarged submandibular lymph
nodes and vesicular lesions on the tongue. Clinical diagnosis of Orf has been reported in Nigeria but this report is the
confirmatory diagnosis of Orf in a suspected outbreak in an experimental farm in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria using
molecular techniques.
Materials and Methods: Scabs, spleen and lymph node samples from goats suspected to have died from Orf were
collected, transported on ice to the laboratory and homogenized. The DNA was extracted using QIAmp DNA minikit
(Qiagen) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Orf virus (ORFV) was amplified using published ORFV specific
primers by PCR.
Results: Morbidity and mortality were 100% and 3.3% respectively, while ORFV was detected by PCR. Diagnosis of Orf
was confirmed based on clinical signs of enlarged lymph nodes, scabs on the mouth, nose and ears, necropsy findings of
enlarged submandibular lymph nodes and vesicular lesions on the tongue and PCR results.
Conclusion: This may be the first report of molecular diagnosis of Orf in Nigeria. The 100% morbidity and 3.3% mortality
rate is higher than previously reported thus Orf is becoming of greater economic importance than previously thought. It is
therefore recommended that routine laboratory diagnosis of Orf be carried nationwide to determine the prevalence of Orf in
Nigeria