Showing papers in "Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology in 2001"

Effect of yogic exercises on physical and mental health of young fellowship course trainees.

Abstract: A study was undertaken to observe any beneficial effect of yogic practices during training period on the young trainees. 54 trainees of 20-25 years age group were divided randomly in two groups i.e. yoga and control group. Yoga group (23 males and 5 females) was administered yogic practices for the first five months of the course while control group (21 males and 5 females) did not perform yogic exercises during this period. From the 6th to 10th month of training both the groups performed the yogic practices. Physiological parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, oral temperature, skin temperature in resting condition, responses to maximal and submaximal exercise, body flexibility were recorded. Psychological parameters like personality, learning, arithmetic and psychomotor ability, mental well being were also recorded. Various parameters were taken before and during the 5th and 10th month of training period. Initially there was relatively higher sympathetic activity in both the groups due to the new work/training environment but gradually it subsided. Later on at the 5th and 10th month, yoga group had relatively lower sympathetic activity than the control group. There was improvement in performance at submaximal level of exercise and in anaerobic threshold in the yoga group. Shoulder, hip, trunk and neck flexibility improved in the yoga group. There was improvement in various psychological parameters like reduction in anxiety and depression and a better mental function after yogic practices.

Effect of yogic practice on pulmonary functions in young females.

Abstract: During recent years, a lot of research work has been done to show the beneficial effects of yoga training. The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of yogic practice on some pulmonary functions. Sixty healthy young female subjects (age group 17-28 yrs.) were selected. They had to do the yogic practices daily for about one hour. The observations were recorded by MEDSPIROR, in the form of FVC, FEV-1 and PEFR on day-1, after 6 weeks and 12 weeks of their yogic practice. There was significant increase in FVC, FEV-1 and PEFR at the end of 12 weeks.

Improved performance in the Tower of London test following yoga.

Abstract: Twenty girls between 10 and 13 years of age, studying at a residential school were randomly assigned to two groups. One group practiced yoga for one hour fifteen minutes per day, 7 days a week, while the other group was given physical training for the same time. Time for planning and for execution and the number of moves required to complete the Tower of London task were assessed for both groups at the beginning and end of a month. These three assessments were separately tested in increasingly complex tasks requiring 2-moves, 4-moves and 5-moves. The pre-post data were compared using the Wilcoxon paired signed ranks test. The yoga group showed a significant reduction in planning time for both 2-moves and 4-moves tasks (53.9 and 59.1 percent respectively), execution time in both 4-moves and 5-moves tasks (63.7 and 60.3 percent respectively), and in the number of moves in the 4-moves tasks (20.9 percent). The physical training group showed no change. Hence yoga training for a month reduced the planning and execution time in simple (2-moves) as well as complex tasks (4, 5-moves) and facilitated reaching the target with a smaller number of moves in a complex task (4-moves).

Improvement in hand grip strength in normal volunteers and rheumatoid arthritis patients following yoga training.

Abstract: The present study aimed at assessing the effects of a set of yoga practices on normal adults (n = 37), children (n = 86), and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (n = 20). An equal number of normal adults, children, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis who did not practice yoga were studied under each category, forming respective control groups. Yoga and control group subjects were assessed at baseline and after varying intervals, as follows, adults after 30 days, children after 10 days and patients after 15 days, based on the duration of the yoga program, which they attended, which was already fixed. Hand grip strength of both hands, measured with a grip dynamometer, increased in normal adults and children, and in rheumatoid arthritis patients, following yoga, but not in the corresponding control groups, showing no re-test effect. Adult female volunteers and patients showed a greater percentage improvement than corresponding adult males. This gender-based difference was not observed in children. Hence yoga practice improves hand grip strength in normal persons and in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, though the magnitude of improvement varies with factors such as gender and age.

Restoration on tissue antioxidants by fenugreek seeds (Trigonella Foenum Graecum) in alloxan-diabetic rats.

Abstract: The influence of fenugreek seed powder supplementation in the diet on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status was studied in normal and alloxan-diabetic rats The protective effect of the aqueous extract of the seeds on the activity of calcium-dependent adenosinetriphosphatase (Ca2+ ATPase) in liver homogenate in the presence of Fe2+/ascorbate in vitro was also investigated Normal and diabetic rats were provided with a diet supplemented with fenugreek seed powder for 30 days at a dosage of 2 g/kg body weight The diabetic rats exhibited enhanced lipid peroxidation and increased susceptibility to oxidative stress associated with depletion of antioxidants in liver, kidney and pancreas However, treatment with fenugreek seed powder normalised the alterations In normal rats supplementation resulted in increased antioxidant status with reduction in peroxidation Ca2+ ATPase activity in liver was protected by the aqueous extract to nearly 80% of the initial activity The findings suggest that the soluble portion of the seeds could be responsible for the antioxidant property

Clitoria ternatea (Linn) root extract treatment during growth spurt period enhances learning and memory in rats.

Abstract: Neonatal rat pups (7 days old) were intubated with either 50 mg/kg body weight or 100 mg/kg body weight of aqueous root extract of Clitoria ternatea (CTR) for 30 days. These rats were then subjected to open field, two compartment passive avoidance and spatial learning (T-Maze) tests (i) immediately after the treatment and (ii) 30 days after the treatment, along with age matched normal and saline control rats. Results showed no change in open field behaviour, but showed improved retention and spatial learning performance at both time points of behavioural tests, indicating the memory enhancing property of CTR which implicates a permanent change in the brain of CTR treated rats.

In vivo hepatoprotective activity of active fraction from ethanolic extract of Eclipta alba leaves.

Abstract: The alcoholic extract of fresh leaves of the plant Eclipta alba (Ea), previously reported for is hepatoprotective activity was fractionated into three parts to chemically identify the most potent bioactive fraction. The hepatoprotective potential of the fraction prepared from extract was studied in vivo in rats and mice against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity. The hepatoprotective activity was determined on the basis of their effects on parameters like hexobarbitone sleep time, zoxazolamine paralysis time, bromosulphaline clearance, serum transaminases and serum bilirubin. Fraction EaII (10-80 mg/kg, p.o.) containing coumestan wedelolactone and desmethylwedelolactone as major components with apigenin, luteolin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and protocateuic acid as minor constituents exhibited maximum hepatoprotective activity and is the active fraction for hepatoprotective activity of Eclipta alba leave. The acute toxicity studies have shown that like Ea, Fraction EaII also high safety margin.

Effect of Garcinia cambogia extract on lipids and lipoprotein composition in dexamethasone administered rats.

Abstract: Dexamethasone (10 mg/kg body weight/day, s.c.) administered rats were treated with or without Garcinia cambogia fruit extract (1 g/kg body weight/day, orally) for 8 days. The administration of dexamethasone resulted in marked increase in the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol and free acids in both plasma and liver. The level of phospholipids increased in the plasma but decreased significantly in liver tissue after dexamethasone administration as compared to those in normal rats. The activities of lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase and hepatic lipoprotein lipase were lowered significantly after dexamethasone per se administration. The levels of HDL-triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol remained unchanged, while the LDL and VLDL increased significantly in dexamethasone administered rats. The lipid levels were maintained at near normalcy when co-treated with Garcinia cambogia extract in dexamethasone administered rats. This study reveals the undesirable changes in lipid profile on dexamethasone administration and the hypolipidemic property of Garcinia cambogia extract.

Efficacy of naturopathy and yoga in bronchial asthma--a self controlled matched scientific study.

Abstract: Asthma is one of the common psychosomatic illness influenced by many factors. Bronchodilators give temporary relief and have side effects. The present study is aimed at finding the efficacy of a non-pharmacological approach of naturopathy and Yoga in bronchial asthma. A total no of 37 patients (19 men, 18 women) with mean age 35.06 yrs (men), 40.74 yrs (women) admitted to INYS, Bangalore, for the period of 21 days. The treatment included 1. Diet therapy 2. Nature cure treatment and 3. Yoga therapy. The various parameters including lung function test were measured on admission and once a week. Results showed the significant improvement in PEFR, VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV/FEC %, MVV, ESR and absolute eosinophil count. The patients reported a feeling of well being, freshness and comfortable breathing. Naturopathy and yoga helps in inducing positive health, alleviating the symptoms of disease by acting at physical and mental levels.

Hepatoprotection by Elephantopus scaber Linn. in CCl4-induced liver injury.

Abstract: The efficacy of the medicinal plant Elephantopus scaber Linn. (Asteraceae), to prevent carbon teterachloride (CCI4)-induced chronic liver dysfunction in the rats was examined by determining different biochemical markers in serum and tissues. In serum, liver function marker enzymes like aspartate aminotrasferase (AST), alanine aminotrasferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and also protein were evaluated. The concentrations of total lipid, cholesterol and phospholipids were studied in serum and the different tissues. The concentration of serum triglycerides was also studied. The biochemical changes induced by CCI4 in different tissues particularly in the liver tissue improved following treatment with E. scaber Linn. The results suggest the hepatoprotective effect of this medicinal plant.

Induction of seminiferous tubular atrophy by single dose of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in Wistar rats.

Abstract: Antimetabolite, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is known to cause testicular damage by epithelial sloughing and cell killing. However, it is not known whether 5-FU induces tubular atrophy and the fate of exfoliated germ cells. Present study was conducted to evaluate these effects of 5-FU on rat testis. Animals were injected, single dose of 5-FU (10.50 & 100 mg/kg, i.p.) and sampled at 1, 3, 15 and 30 day following the treatment. The testes were perfusion fixed by Bouin's fluid. Five micron thick paraffin sections of testes and epididymis were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Slides were examined for the incidence of abnormal tubules (per 200 tubules), tubular diameter (STD), epithelial height (SEH) and for the presence of germ cells in the epididymis. Data were analysed by Mann-Whitney 'U' test. The testes weight, STD, SEH were decreased (P < 0.05-0.01) in treated animals. The abnormal tubules were increased in a dose dependent manner with atrophic tubules seen on 30 d. The exfoliated germ cells have not blocked the post testicular ductal system and found in the epididymis in a dose dependent manner. The present study concludes that 5-FU causes tubular shrinkage and atrophy. Further, epididymis is involved in the phagocytosis of germ cells.

Effect of Chyawanprash and vitamin C on glucose tolerance and lipoprotein profile.

Abstract: Chyawanprash is an ancient Indian dietary supplement containing vitamin C (34 mg/100 g) derived from amla (Emblica officinalis). In addition, Chyawanprash also contains several other herbal products. The present study was designed to compare the effects of vitamin C with those of Chyawanprash. Ten normal healthy adult male volunteers (age 20-32 years) participated in the 16-week study. They were placed randomly in either the Chyawanprash group (n = 5) or vitamin C group (n = 5). Those in the former received 15 g/d of Chyawanprash while those in the latter received 500 mg/d vitamin C during the first 8 weeks of the study. For the next 8 weeks, no supplement was given. For each individual, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed, and lipoprotein profile in peripheral serum samples was determined at 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks. In the Chyawanprash group, the 8 weeks Vs 0 weeks value (mean +/- S.D.) respectively for various indices which were significantly different were fasting plasma glucose (100.2 +/- 5.58 mg/dl vs 116.2 +/- 11.6 mg/dl), area under 2-h plasma glucose curve (245.9 +/- 15.13 mg.dl-1.h vs 280.8 +/- 37.09 mg.dl-1.h), HDL cholesterol (53.2 +/- 4.56 mg/dl vs 42.7 +/- 7.17 mg/dl), LDL cholesterol (82.4 +/- 8.80 mg/dl vs 98.26 +/- 12.07 mg/dl), LDL/HDL ratio (1.56 +/- 0.28 vs 2.38 +/- 0.63). In the Vitamin C group, only the LDL/HDL ratio was significantly lower at 8 weeks than at 0 weeks (1.99 +/- 0.44 vs 2.29 +/- 0.43). All the variables that changed significantly were no longer significantly different from the 0 weeks value at 16 weeks. Chyawanprash reduces postprandial glycemia in the oral glucose tolerance test and reduces blood cholesterol level to a significantly greater extent than vitamin C.

An overview of pathophysiology and treatment of insulin resistance.

Abstract: Insulin resistance has emerged out as a concept linking diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Clinically it is characterized by hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, central obesity, abnormal lipid profile and cardiovascular complications. Insulin resistance is often associated with presence of anti-insulin antibodies and absent or dysfunctional insulin receptors. At molecular level insulin resistance appears to occur at the level of G-protein, kinase activation, glucose carriers (GLUT) and gene expression. Although with advent or research, the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance are becoming more clear and there is development of new therapeutic agents like insulin sensitizers (thizolidinediones), in clinical practice, as of today, a patient with insulin resistance is looked upon as hypertensive or having diabetes mellitus. Accordingly he is taking either antihypertensives or antidiabetic drugs or both. It is thus essential to look into effects of these agents on insulin sensitivity. In recent years some scattered studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of various antihypertensives and antidiabetics on insulin sensitivity. An antihypertensive or antidiabetic drug should directly benefit the cardiovascular risk profile of these patients. Although various newer approaches are explored to have a therapeutic benefit in insulin resistance, it is still a long way in the research, when a suitable pharmacological agent with least untoward effects will be available for the treatment of insulin residence.

Assessment of physiological stress in periparturient cows and neonatal calves.

Abstract: Pregnancy is considered to be one of the physiological stressors. The stress hormone, cortisol is significantly involved in various events during periparturient period including initiation of parturition. The study was conducted to estimate the serum cortisol concentration in cows and the neonatal calves in order to correlate the effect of cortisol on certain haematological and biochemical parameters such as blood glucose level (BGL), total plasma protein (TPP), lymphocyte:neutrophil ratio and mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferative response. Blood samples were collected from six cows in four periods, namely., 3 days prior to parturition, on the day of parturition, and 7 days after parturition. Blood samples were also collected from neonatal calves in the period 0, 7 and 14 days of age. Calves above two months of age and non-pregnant dry cows were considered as the controls. The serum cortisol concentration in cows on the day of parturition was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than controls and the value in calves was also significantly higher (P < 0.01) at 0 day than their controls. On the day of parturition BGL level of the dam and calves were significantly higher (P < 0.01), whereas the proliferative response of lymphocytes to mitogen was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than controls. However TPP levels did not differ significantly. This confirmed that the dam at the time of parturition and neonatal calf before taking colostrum are under a high risk of infection because of the low profile of immune status. The lymphocyte:neutrophil ratio also justified the above suggestion.

Effect of fluvoxamine and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists on shock-induced depression in mice.

Abstract: We have earlier demonstrated that NMDA receptor antagonists possess antidepressant effect and also they show a synergism with imipramine. The present study attempts to investigate whether NMDA receptor antagonists also interact with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The study was conducted in albino mice using shock-induced depression model. The mice were placed on a grid floor and shock delivered were of 2 sec duration with a 9 sec interval for 1 h. Twenty four hours later depression was measured by an open field test followed by a forced swimming test. Presentation of inescapable foot shock significantly reduced ambulation (from 159.50 +/- 5.42 to 80.50 +/- 4.61) and rearing (from 22.10 +/- 2.15 to 11.30 +/- 1.32) in the open field arena and increased immobility duration in the forced swimming test (from 82.20 +/- 3.51 to 158.90 +/- 4.61). Pretreatment with fluvoxamine, MK-801, ketamine and the combination of fluvoxamine with either of the NMDA antagonists antagonised shock-induced depression. Haloperidol and ketanserin pretreatment modified the effect of these agents. These findings suggest an interaction of NMDA receptor antagonists with fluvoxamine, and an involvement of brain dopaminergic and tryptaminergic mechanisms in the behavioural suppression observed after inescapable foot shock.

Influence of rice bran oil on serum lipid peroxides and lipids in human subjects.

Abstract: To study the effect of rice bran oil (RBO) on serum lipids and lipid peroxides in human volunteers. Nine healthy volunteers, aged between 42 to 57 years were given 75 ml of RBO thrice daily as the cooking medium with break fast, lunch and dinner for a period of 50 days. At the beginning and at the end of 50 days, 5 ml of blood were drawn from an ante cubital vein. Serum lipids and lipid peroxides levels were estimated from the blood sample. There was a significant decrease in the levels of lipid peroxides, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, and total cholesterol in human volunteers who switched over to RBO. RBO has evidently antioxidant and antilipidemic activities' in human subjects.

Reversal of paclitaxel induced neutropenia by Withania somnifera in mice.

Abstract: The effect of aqueous extract of Withania somnifera (L. Solanaceae) was studied against paclitaxel induced neutropenia in mice. After paclitaxel 1 mg/kg, i.v. administration significant fall in total WBC and absolute neutrophil count was observed on day 3 and day 5. W. Somnifera (200 mg/kg, p.o.) per se produced significant increase in neutrophil counts. W. somnifera (200 mg/kg, p.o.) when administered for 4 days before paclitaxel treatment and continued for 12 days caused significant reversal of neutropenia of paclitaxel. The findings of the study suggest the potential of W. somnifera as an adjuvant during cancer chemotherapy for the prevention of bone marrow depression associated with anticancer drugs.

Antiepileptic activity of Panax ginseng against pentylenetetrazole induced kindling in rats.

Abstract: In the present study, Panax ginseng was evaluated for its antiepileptic activity against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced chemical kindling in rats. PTZ was injected at the dose of 30 mg/kg, i.p. on alternate days and the occurrence of generalized tonic clonic convulsions were considered as the end point. One group received Panax ginseng every day, at a dose of 100 mg/kg, 30 min prior to PTZ injection whereas the other group received an equal volume of distilled water to serve as control. In a separate group the rats were evaluated for motor performance tests after Panax ginseng. The rats treated with Panax ginseng showed significant protection as compared to vehicle treated PTZ injected rats. The study suggests to potential of Panax ginseng against seizures.

Aspirin modulates the anticonvulsant effect of diazepam and sodium valproate in pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock induced seizures in mice.

Abstract: Release of prostaglandins in brain after spontaneous and experimentally induced seizures, has been demonstrated. The possible role of prostaglandins in modulation of seizure activity is still inconclusive. In the present study, the effects of aspirin and its interaction with the anticonvulsants (diazepam and sodium valproate) were studied in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and maximal electroshock (MES) induced seizures in mice. Aspirin 50, 100, and 500 mg/kg, i.p. was administered 45 min before the pentylenetetrazole (60 mg/kg, i.p.) and MES (60 mA, 0.2 s duration via car clip electrodes) challenge. In MES seizures significant protection was seen with aspirin 100 mg/kg where as higher dose of aspirin 500 mg/kg was required to elicit maximum protection against PTZ seizures. Sub anticonvulsant dose of sodium valproate 150 mg/kg, i.p. and aspirin 50 mg/kg i.p. showed complete protection in MES seizures and the same dose of sodium valproate offered superior protection in PTZ seizures than either drug used alone. When mice were pretreated with combination of diazepam 0.5 mg/kg and aspirin 50 mg/kg protection was significantly enhanced in PTZ seizures. However, aspirin did not show any significant protection with subanticonvulsant dose of diazepam against MES seizures. The present study suggests that prostaglandins may have anticonvulsant potential and also may have modulatory effect on anticonvulsant effect of conventional antiepileptic drugs.

Animal models of tardive dyskinesia--a review.

Abstract: Tardive dyskinesia is a serious motor side effect of long term neuroleptic therapy, with an unknown pathophysiological basis. The leading hypothesis of the pathophysiology of tardive dyskinesia includes dopamine receptor supersensitivity, GABAergic hypofunction, excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. Many preclinical models have been developed to identify the underlying pathological processes of tardive dyskinesia, but none has yet produced a parsimonious results. A wide range of animal models, viz. Homologous, analogous and correlational models have been developed to explore the pathophysiology of tardive dyskinesia. Vacuous chewing movements in rodents induced by chronic neuroleptic treatment is the most frequently employed model. As the existing models suffer from several phenomenological and methodological problems, development of new models, highly predictive of pathological basis of tardive dyskinesia can accelerate tardive dyskinesia research for the better understanding of the pathophysiological processes underlying the syndrome and for the discovery of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia.

Role of the medial preoptic area in thermal preference of rats.

Abstract: This study was conducted to find out whether the medial preoptic area (mPOA) plays a role in the selection of ambient temperature by rats. Adult male Wistar rats were kept in an environmental chamber having three interconnected compartments, maintained at three different temperatures (18 degrees, 24 degrees and 30 degrees C) in which the animals could move freely from one compartment to the other. Normal rats preferred to stay at the chamber maintained at 24 degrees C for most of the time, during day and night. The temperature preference shifted to 30 degrees C after the mPOA of these rats had been lesioned by local administration of 5 micrograms of N-methyl D-aspartic acid (NMDA) in 0.2 microliter distilled water. The results of the study suggest that the mPOA acts as a fine tuning center for homeostatic regulation of thermal balance, including selection of appropriate thermal environment. It is proposed that after the mPOA lesion, the animal cannot assess properly the energy status of the body and thereby prefers a higher ambient temperature.

Auditory evoked potential responses in menopausal women: a normative study.

Abstract: Three types of auditory evoked potential responses i.e. auditory brainstem response (ABR), middle latency response (MLR) and slow vertex response (SVR) were studied in 22 post-menopausal Indian women to have a normative value for each response. Recordings were done on computerised evoked potential recorder using 10/20 system of electrode placement and standard click stimuli. The results were comparable with similar studies done in the western world indicating that there is no ethnic variation in evoked potential responses. The latencies of ABR waves showed an increase in menopausal females when compared with young adults indicating a delay in neural transmission which might be due to changed hormonal milieu of sex hormones after menopause. The normative values of MLR and SVR which represent the thalamo-cortical and cortical auditory projections are being reported in Indian menopausal women for the first time.

Hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in control of female reproductive cycle.

Abstract: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the hypothalamus is pivotal to the regulation of reproductive physiology in vertebrates. The characteristic periodic secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH), at the rate of one pulse an hour is essential for the maintenance of the menstrual cycle. These pulses are due to oscillations in the electrical activity of the GnRH pulse generator in the MBH. The GnRH pulse generator is under the influence of an assortment of interactions of multiple neural, hormonal and environmental inputs to the hypothalamus. Hence, a number of conditions such as stress, drug intake, exercise, sleep affect the activity of this pulse generator. Any deviation of normal frequency results in disruption of normal cycle. The cycle can become anovulatory in the hypothalamic lesions and can be restored by exogenous administration of pulsatile GnRH. Of late, studies have shown that pulse generator activity is also maintained by specific metabolic signals meant for energy homeostasis. Studies are in progress to work out cellular basis of GnRH pulse generator's rhythmic activation and role of Ca++ as second messenger for GnRH stimulated gonadotropin release. New concepts are emerging to find the existence of an FSH releasing factor, which independently regulates the activity of FSH.

Physical fitness: a longitudinal study among Muslim children of Bijapur (Karnataka).

Abstract: Aerobic capacity or maximum oxygen uptake capacity (V02max) has been widely considered to be reliable and valid measure of cardio respiratory fitness. Persons possessing higher values and have the capacity to yield larger amounts of energy, are capable of performing better in athletic and other field activities. Seventy school going children from the Muslim community of Bijapur (Karnataka) aged 12-16 years (means ± SEM = 14.33±0.94), volunteered for this study. Their height (em) and weight (kg) were measured as physical anthropometry and Body mass index (BMl) was calculated (kg/m2). V02max (rn l.kg-J. m in+L) was determined by applying the step test study of Margaria et al, The Physical fitness index ( PFI ) of the subjects were assessed by Harvard Step Test. The physiological endurance measured as V02max (ml.kg=J. min-l) was found to be 34.31±2.44 S.E.M, which is lower in comparison to their Caucasian counterparts but nearly similar when compared with their Indian counterparts. The present study reveals that VO max significantly correlates with BMI and PFI score. The present stucfy also reveals that 27.2%, 20.07%, 15.77%, 14.37% and 22.87% of the subjects are in excellent, very good, good, average and poor classifications of fitness level

Effect of cancer treatment modalities on serum lipids and lipoproteins among women with carcinoma of the breast.

Abstract: Serum lipids and lipoproteins were studied in 61 breast cancer patients before initiation of therapy and subsequently during and after completion of cancer therapy. Different serum lipid fractions were estimated by enzymatic method. It was observed that mean levels of serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol among untreated breast cancer patients decreased significantly after treatment. On the contrary, an increasing trend in the levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol was noticed in patients during the course of treatment. This study reflects the effects of cancer therapy in the alteration of levels of different serum lipid fractions in the patients with breast cancer.

Effect of fasting on the intestinal absorption of D-glucose and D-xylose in rats in vivo.

Abstract: The present study was planned to elucidate the role of fasting on the intestinal absorption of monosaccharides particularly--glucose and xylose in inbred female albino rats Rats (weighing 250-300 grams) were divided into three groups One group of rats served as control while the other two were experimental One of the experimental groups was starved for 48 hours while the other for a period of 72 hours It was found that fasting for 72 hours causes an overall increase in absorption of glucose from small intestine Forty-eight hours of fasting caused a significant increase in glucose absorption from distal ileum only Increase in the glucose absorption in fasting from small intestine can well be explained on the basis of a reduction in glucose metabolism in general as an adaptation to starvation so as to leave more glucose for cerebral metabolism No significant changes, whatsoever, were encountered with xylose absorption in fasting animals

Antimicrobial effect of protein(s) isolated from a marine mollusc Telescopium telescopium.

Abstract: Ammonium sulfate precipitated protein (SF-50) isolated from the spermatheca gland of Telescopium telescopium, an invertebrate marine snail, showed antimicrobial effect on Escherichia coli. The antimicrobial effect varied with the concentration of "SF-50" used and the effect was found to be comparable to antibiotics like amikacin, contrimoxazole and gentamycin in disc diffusion test. The "SF-50" was devoid of erythrocyte haemolysis property.

Protective effects of Indigofera tinctoria L. against D-Galactosamine and carbon tetrachloride challenge on 'in situ' perfused rat liver.

Abstract: The effect of pre-treatment with Indigofera tinctoria (IT) extract against the toxicity of D-Galactosamine (D-GalN) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) during 'in situ' perfusion of the liver for 2 hr was studied in rats. Release of LDH and levels of urea in the liver effluent perfusate, was studied and the rate of bile flow was monitored. Perfusion with D-Galactosamine (5 mM) or carbon tetrachloride (0.5 mM) resulted in increased LDH leakage, decreased urea levels in the liver effluent and reduction in bile flow. IT pretreatment (500 mg/kg body weight) in vivo ameliorated D-GalN and CCl4 induced adverse changes towards near normalcy and thereby indicates its hepatoprotective effects in rats.

Development of differential tolerance to the sedative and anti-stress effects of benzodiazepines.

Abstract: Differential degree of tolerance has been reported to develop for anticonvulsant, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant effects of benzodiazepines (BZDs). Acute treatment with BZDs reportedly reduces the formation of gastric stress ulcers and attenuates stress-induced immunosuppression. The present study investigates whether tolerance develops to these antistress effects of BZDs by using diazepam and chlordiazepoxide as representative drugs. A single dose of diazepam (5 mg/kg, i.p.) or chlordiazepoxide (20 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a significant reduction in locomotor activity, a measure of sedative effect and antagonized the effect of restraint stress (RS) on gastric mucosal lesions and anti-sheep red blood cell (SRBC) antibody titre. With chronic treatment (X 7 d), there was a marked tolerance to the sedative effect of both the studied BZD drugs, while much less tolerance developed to their ulcer protective action. However, no tolerance was observed to the attenuating effect of diazepam and chlordiazepoxide on RS-induced immunosuppression. Thus, the results of the present study indicate that different mechanisms may be involved in the development of tolerance to the sedative, antiulcer and immunomodulatory effects of BZDs.

Pulmonary functions in workers of fertiliser and chemical industry.

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to assess the pulmonary functions in fertiliser and chemical industry workers of Kerala. Pulmonary function test was performed with Vitalograph Compact-II spirometer. Exposure to differentchemicals, noxious gases and particulate matter of fertiliser and chemical industry was injurious to the normal pulmonary function. Significant decline in lung volumes, viz. FVC, FEV 1 , FEV 1 /FVC% (P<0.01) and flow rates, viz. FEF 2 5 - 7 5 % , FEF 0 . 2 - 1 . 2 , FEF 2 5 % , FEF 5 0 % , FEF 7 5 % (P<0.01) among non-smokers and smokers than that of normal controls was observed. The findings of this study also suggest that with increased duration of exposure to industrial pollutants, lung volumes and flow rates were significantly reduced in workers.