Volume 22, Issue 4

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the principal treatments of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This treatment largely expanded our knowledge on the pathophysiology of AMI and related coronary pathologies. Recent studies found a significant relationship of the timing of ACS with environmental physical activity: solar (SA), geomagnetic (GMA) and cosmic ray (CRA) activity. The aim of this study was to examine if the interrelationship of two principal culprit arteries, left anterior descending (LAD) and right coronary artery (RCA), are involved in the pathogenesis of AMI in different daily levels of GMA and CRA. Methods: Patients undergoing PCI for AMI on the day of symptoms of the disease (n=2011, 79.9% males) in the Rabin Medical Center in the years 2000–2010 were studied. The culprit arteries, LAD and RCA, correlated to AMI in zero and I 0 –IV 0 of daily GMA and inversely to GMA related CRA (measured by neutron activity on the earth surface) and their ratio was compared. Results: LAD (45.0%) and RCA (35.7%) were the main culprit arteries in AMI. LAD/RCA ratio increased inversely to GMA (zero=IV 0 , r=–0.94, p=0.017) and in correlation with daily neutron activity for LAD (r=0.97, p=0.03) and RCA (r=0.95, p=0.04). LAD/RCA ratio was 1 in IV 0 of GMA (28% increase) and steadily increased to 1.62 (62% difference) at zero GMA (r=–0.94, p=0.0117), and increasing neutron activity was accompanied by increasing LAD involvement as a culprit artery in AMI. Conclusions: High daily neutron activity and low GMA are accompanied by increasing LAD as a culprit artery in AMI. The possible mechanisms of this finding are discussed.

Background: The rising prevalence of cardiovascular disease with advancing age can be attributed to the cumulative effect of the normal aging process and cardiovascular risk factor. Another factor to consider is the changing age structure of the population. The normal aging process is associated with extensive changes throughout the cardiovascular system that influence the epidemiology, clinical features, response to therapy and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases in older adults. Thus, there is a need for evaluation of cardiac status of the elderly population. Methods: The resting electrocardiogram (ECG) permits us to suspect or diagnose a large number of cardiac disorders. As a non-invasive, less expensive and simple technique, the ECG can be even more useful in developing countries, such as India where resources are limited and cardiovascular diseases are rapidly emerging as a major health problem. The present study was carried out in 400 apparently healthy asymptomatic subjects (age range: 45–74 years) selected from the general population of Solapur city. All these subjects were screened for prevalence of various ECG abnormalities in relation to age by recording resting 12-lead electrocardiogram. ECGs were coded and classified as abnormal, according to the Minnesota code system. Results: This study has outlined the overall relationship between the electrocardiographic abnormalities and advancing age. Indeed, the close parallel relationship between the incidence of abnormal ECG and advancing age found in our study suggests that the ECG can be a highly reliable indicator of heart disease even in sixth or seventh decades when the validity of other parameters, such as history or symptoms is often diminished. Conclusions: In summary, the ECG in apparently healthy asymptomatic subjects identifies subgroups at high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the resting ECG is an office-based test capable of identifying symptomless heart disease and determining which patient should be referred for further non-invasive testing or cardiac catheterization.

Background: In this study we examined the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in response to chronic hypoxia and exercise training in hypoxic conditions. Methods: Thirty-five rats were divided into five groups; control group (C), hypoxia group (H), hypoxia-exercise group (HE), hypoxia-docosahexaenoic acid group (HD), hypoxia-exercise-docosahexaenoic acid group (HED). A treadmill exercise was performed as 30 m/min for 20 min/day, 5 days per week for 28 days at level grade for the exercising groups (HE and HED). DHA was given to the HD and HED groups every day orally (36 mg/kg). The animals, except for the C group, were exposed to hypoxia for 28 days. Results: Serum levels of GH and IGF-I in the H group decreased after chronic hypoxia (p<0.001). GH and IGF-I in the HD group also decreased compared with the C group (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). GH in C group did not show significant difference compared with the HE and HED groups. Decreased serum level of IGF-I was observed for the HED group (p<0.05). Conclusions: According to our findings, chronic hypoxia exposure decreases serum levels of GH, and IGF-I and exercise training have a slightly positive effect on GH/IGF-I axis during hypoxia. In addition, DHA supplementation slightly increases GH and IGF-I serum levels in hypoxic conditions. However, this effect on GH/IGF-I axis during hypoxia is not strong compared with exercise. Therefore, we concluded that exercise and/or DHA supplementation does not have additional positive effect on these hormones in hypoxic conditions.

Background: Certain unknown aspects of ropinirole action, such as its antidepressant effect after chronic administration and on cotreatment with fluoxetine, remain to be evaluated, which formed the rationale for this study. Methods: Wistar rats of either sex (weighing 150–200 g) were used. In the dose-finding study, oral dose of ropinirole (20 mg/kg) was selected. This was combined with two different doses of fluoxetine (10 and 20 mg/kg). Their antidepressant-like effects were compared in acute and chronic forced-swim test (FST). Acute FST was conducted in two sessions after administration of three doses within 24 h. Chronic FST was conducted over 14 days. Drugs were administered each day for 14 days. Effect on locomotor activity was tested in OFT. Results: ANOVA with post hoc Tukey test was used. Dose-finding study of ropinirole showed that out of three doses, 20 mg/kg produced maximum reduction in immobility in acute FST (137±8 s). Coadministration of ropinirole with fluoxetine in acute FST further reduced immobility (107±8 s). This effect was more prominent in chronic forced-swim-stressed rats (74±2 s). Neither ropinirole nor its coadministration with fluoxetine increased locomotor activity in open-field test. Conclusions: The potential of ropinirole to act as an antidepressant agent is proven by the reduction in immobility time in FST. Further, there is an augmentation of the effect of fluoxetine by ropinirole, suggesting synergistic interaction of dopamine and serotonin pathway in brain.

Background: Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems mankind is facing in this century. Arthropods and fish are highly sensitive to synthetic pyrethroids. In this article, we describe the acute toxicity, free amino acid level and protease activity in the tissues of freshwater fish when exposed to cypermethrin. Methods: Acute toxicity of cypermethrin to the freshwater fish Tilapia mossambica was studied using a static bioassay method. The effect of cypermethrin on free amino acid and protease activity in tissues of gills, liver and muscle of freshwater fish Tilapia mossambica was also studied. Results: The LC50 in 96 h was found to be 35.6 μg/L. Free amino acid levels and protease activity showed an elevation following exposure to lethal and sub lethal doses of cypermethrin. A significant change was noticed on day 4 increase. However, normal condition was restored only in sub lethal concentration. Conclusions: The present study clearly shows significant changes in the Tilapia mossambica when exposed to a low quantity of cypermethrin.

Background: The aim of the present study was to observe the plasmid mediated intraspecies and interspecies transfer of vancomycin resistance, and possible antibacterial activity of nanoconjugated vancomycin against such resistant. Methods: Plasmids were isolated from a chosen vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain (MMC-17). The obtained 890 bp plasmid was then transferred to vancomycin sensitive S. aureus (MMC-6) and Escherichia coli (RGK 26) strains. Results: The vancomycin sensitive S. aureus and E. coli developed vancomycin resistance. Plasmid analysis of the transformed MMC-6 and RGK 26 revealed that it contains 890 bp plasmid corresponding to the donor S. aureus , which may harbor the vanA gene. Nanoconjugated vancomycin shows its efficient drug action through transport of vancomycin into transformed MMC-6 and RGK 26. Conclusions: Plasmid mediated intraspecies and interspecies transfer of vancomycin resistance is accomplished by the vanA gene. Nanoconjugated vancomycin shows effective drug delivery in plasmid mediated vancomycin resistance in S. aureus and E. coli .

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of morin on skin breaking strength, hydroxyproline, lysyl oxidase, DNA and RNA content of experimentally inflicted wounds in rats. Methods: This study was performed on albino rats of either sex at the Central Animal Research Facility (CARF), Manipal University. Results: Morin showed significant wound contraction on day 7 as compared to control with mean closure of 47.44±6.07% in excision wound model. Granulation tissue breaking strength was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the morin treated group with 180.2±7.94 g when compared to control at 151.2±6.99 g. There was a significant increase in hydroxyproline content with the morin treated group when compared to control with 3.41±0.33 μg/mg of granulation tissue. Similarly, the wound parameters were improved with the morin treated group in dexamethasone delayed healing. Conclusions: Our results suggest that morin treatment accelerates the healing process delayed by concurrent use of steroids.

Background: Daily consumption of painkillers has almost become a routine in many parts of Africa and Asia due to manual labor, especially in young adults. In view of the wide-scale use of painkillers in many parts of Africa and Asia, it is feared that the use of nimesulide may constitute an appreciable public health risk. The present work is aimed at assessing the long-term testicular toxicity of nimesulide in growing male albino rats. Methods: Male albino rats aged 4–5 weeks and weighing between 36 and 42 g were obtained from the Toxicology Unit of the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. The animals were housed singly in a cross-ventilated room at a temperature 22°C±3°C and a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle. They were fed with standard rat pellets (Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Ikeja, Nigeria) and were given water ad libitum. The rats were divided into three groups of five rats each: the first and second groups orally received 5 and 7.5 mg/kg/day of nimesulide, respectively, whereas the third group did not receive any drug and acted as controls for 56 days. Weekly body weight of each rat was taken. Blood samples were collected on the 56th day by cardiac puncture, and serum samples were frozen until analysis. Rats were sacrificed under ether anesthesia. Epididymal semen number was counted using a Neubauer counting chamber. Sperm motility was assayed microscopically within 5 min at 37°C. Estradiol and testosterone were analyzed with electrochemiluminescence immunoassay using Elecsys autoanalyzer, model 1010 (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). The testes were excised, weighed, and fixed in Bouin fluid and processed for histopathology. Results: Treatment with nimesulide did not significantly affect body weight, absolute and relative testis weights, or epididymal sperm number, but there were significant differences in testosterone and estradiol levels. At the doses studied, there were no significant changes in testicular architecture except for mild degenerative changes. Conclusions: In conclusion, nimesulide at normal therapeutic doses may not be spermatoxic, but it is feared that at higher doses, it may have testicular toxicity in albino rats.

Background: The study aimed to describe the current trends in the prescription pattern of antidiabetic drugs in outpatient departments and to assess different co-morbid conditions. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey of all prescriptions received from 200 outpatients attending different community pharmacies of Malappuram district. Prescriptions were collected by taking their image. Informed verbal consent was obtained from each patient and inquiries were made about their co-morbidities. The contents of the prescriptions were assessed on the basis of drugs used for diabetes and brand names were decoded to generic names using standard CIMS India and the internet. Results: Among 200 prescriptions, 95% were for type 2 diabetes mellitus and 5% for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Eighty percent were prescribed with oral hypoglycemic agents alone as mono or in combination therapy, 5% were with insulin alone and 15% with insulin and oral hypoglycemic drug combination. 77% had more than five medicines, in which many were multidrug combinations. No prescription contained generic drugs and 13% contained at least one vitamin supplement. Conclusions: The study concluded that the choice of antidiabetic drugs was only slightly changed compared to previous studies, except for newer sulfonyl ureas, thiazolidinediones and improved insulin preparations. Polypharmacy is a big problem, especially for elderly patients. This suggests the need for development of evidence-based guidelines for specific conditions by independent bodies. The study necessitates the need to develop and use a standardized ideal format for all prescriptions. Thereby we can, to an extent, reduce the chance of medication errors.