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Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious heart ailment that requires cutting-edge remedies for effective treatment. This study examines the possible cardioprotective effects of a hydroalcoholic extract from Satureja hortensis L. (HASH) in rats with isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction. Methods: The rats were pretreated orally with hydroalcoholic extract of Satureja hortensis low (200 mg/kg), high dose (400 mg/kg), and metoprolol (10 mg/kg), in their respective groups for 30 days, followed by two subcutaneous doses of isoproterenol (ISO). Blood was obtained to measure biochemicals such as creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), Troponin I, Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and an electrocardiogram (ECG) of a rat was recorded after the experiment. Myocardial integrity was examined histopathologically, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and antioxidant enzyme concentrations were assessed using heart tissue homogenate. Results: Rats with myocardial infarction caused by ISO displayed significantly (P

Background: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) is the first dominant ubiquitous bacterial species identified from the genus Stenotrophomonas in 1943 from a human source. S. maltophilia clinical strains are resistance to several therapies, this study is designed to investigate the whole genome sequence and antimicrobial resistance genes prediction in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) SARC-5 and SARC-6 strains, isolated from the nasopharyngeal samples of an immunocompromised patient. Methods: These bacterial strains were obtained from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital, Pakistan. The bacterial genome was sequenced using a whole-genome shotgun via a commercial service that used an NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technology called as Illumina Hiseq 2000 system for genomic sequencing. Moreover, detailed in-silico analyses were done to predict the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in S. maltophilia. Results: Results showed that S. maltophilia is a rare gram negative, rod-shaped, non sporulating bacteria. The genome assembly results in 24 contigs (>500 bp) having a size of 4668,850 bp with 65.8% GC contents. Phylogenetic analysis showed that SARC-5 and SARC-6 were closely related to S. maltophilia B111, S. maltophilia BAB-5317, S. maltophilia AHL, S. maltophilia BAB-5307, S. maltophilia RD-AZPVI_04, S. maltophilia JFZ2, S. maltophilia RD_MAAMIB_06 and lastly with S. maltophilia sp ROi7. Moreover, the whole genome sequence analysis of both SARC-5 and SARC-6 revealed the presence of four resistance genes adeF, qacG, adeF, and smeR. Conclusion: Our study confirmed that S. maltophilia SARC-5 and SARC-6 are one of the leading causes of nosocomial infection which carry multiple antibiotic resistance genes.

Background & objectives: Pink salt and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are two typical food additives used in cooking to enhance flavour. However, excessive use of them has been associated to a variety of metabolic problems, including weight gain and hyperglycemia. The current study aimed to assess the metabolic changes caused by submaximal dosages of MSG and pink salt in experimental rats. Methods: Twenty-four 120–150 g Wister rats of both sexes were divided into three groups: control, pink salt-treated (0.8 g/kg daily for three weeks), and MSG-treated (3.6 g/kg daily for three weeks). The body weight, amount of food and water consumed, and blood glucose levels of animals were measured and recorded as indicators of their metabolic changes. Furthermore, after salt treatments at intervals such as week 1, week 2, and week 3, the survival rate and general toxicity manifestations were determined. The results were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA, with p

Background: Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the foremost cause of mortality. Conventional medications are associated with several complications, necessitating an alternative, safe and efficacious medicine. Therefore, the study was planned to assess the cardioprotective efficacy of Callicarpa tomentosa (CT) leaf extract against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial failure in experimental rats. Materials and methods: CT leaf extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis, total phenolic and flavonoid content measurement, and in vitro antioxidant evaluation. Additionally, the protection from myocardial injury was evaluated based on the estimation of biomarkers including CK-MB, CKNAC, and LDH in both the low-dose (200 mg/kg) and high-dose (400 mg/kg) groups of rats. We measured endogenous antioxidants in heart tissue to estimate the antioxidant potential. Histopathological analysis confirmed the biochemical results. Results: The findings of this study indicated that the CT leaf extract contained several phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and triterpenoids, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates, phenols, saponins, and tannins. The CT's total phenol content was 33.3 ± 0.14 mg GAE (Gallic Acid Equivalent) per gram of extract, while its total flavonoid concentration was 76.5 ± 1.2 mg QUE (Quercetin Equivalent). In the DPPH assay, CT had a mean inhibitory effect of 60.06 ± 1.358 g/ml, whereas its IC50 in the H2O2 radical scavenging activity assay was 102.85 ± 0.194 g/ml. The electrocardiograms of the treated animals demonstrated considerable recovery from ISO-induced electrophysiological abnormalities as well and the amount of endogenous biomarkers was significantly reduced in animals that received CT treatment. Additionally, the use of CT reversed the effects of ISO administration on SOD activity, increased GSH levels, and lowered LPO levels. The damage to the heart tissues was significantly reduced, with the tissue architecture appearing closer to normal in groups that received high doses of CT. Conclusion: These results suggest that C. tomentosa leaf extract has potent antioxidant activity and provides protection against isoproterenol-induced cardiac necrosis in Wistar albino rats. The cardioprotective benefits are attributed to the presence of active components in the extract, which aid in the restoration of antioxidant equilibrium and the reduction of damage caused by oxidative stress.

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a severe, varied, and complex brain condition that gradually impairs memory and cognitive function. Epidemiological studies have shown that patients who have a history of long-term NSAID use have a decreased risk of developing AD. The objective of this study is to conduct the structural analysis of a novel ibuprofen prodrug and test its anti-Alzheimer’s properties. Methods: Computational and docking studies were conducted using AMBER 18 package. The in-vivo studies were performed using aluminum chloride-induced experimental AD in rats. Adult Wistar rats of either sex were used and treated with aluminum chloride (32.5 mg/kg, p.o) and ibuprofen prodrug (50 mg/kg, p.o) daily for 30 days. The hole-board test and elevated plus maze were conducted on 10th, 20th and 30th day. Further, on 31st day, animals were euthanized and the brain tissue was used for histopathology. The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis by one-way ANOVA and Dunnet’s test, p

Background & Objectives: Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used to manage psoriasis. The drug has erratic absorption characteristics and shows several complications. The present study uses different experimental models to evaluate the solid-lipid nanoparticles of MTX (SLN-MTX) for the anti-psoriatic effect. Methods: A prepared SLN-MTX formulation was used and its permeability studies were conducted on Wistar rat abdominal skin. The organ-level distribution of the drug in the formulation was tested in mice and the in-vitro anti-psoriatic activity was determined in CL-177; XB-2 keratinocytes cell lines. The efficacy of SLN-MTX formulation was compared with standard MTX and marketed MTX preparations. The results are analyzed statistically using the student’s t-test. Results: The data suggested that MTX from the formulation was slowly released and completely (80.36%) permeated through the skin. The flux and permeation data were found to be maximum for SLN-MTX compared to marketed and standard preparations. MTX in the formulation was found to be distributed more in the liver (67.5%) and kidney (2.34%). Further, SLN-MTX formulation showed dose-dependent inhibition on the growth of keratinocytes, and the cytotoxic concentration (CTC50) was found to be the least (518 mcg/ml). Interpretation & Conclusion: The findings suggested that MTX in solid-lipid nanoparticles could be a promising formulation for the management of psoriasis since the drug was slowly released, progressively inhibited the growth of keratinocytes, and distributed mostly in organs meant for elimination. More studies in this direction might establish the precise safety and efficacy of SLN-MTX formulation in psoriasis.

Background and objectives: Researchers have recently focused on the biological and synthetic effects of 1, 2, and 4-triazole fused heterocyclic molecules because they have tremendous medicinal value. The objective of the present study was to carry out the 3D QSAR evaluation on the substituted 1,2, and 4 triazole derivatives for anticancer potential using k-Nearest Neighbor-Molecular Field Analysis (kNN-MFA) method. Methods: Using the molecular design suite, a three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) analysis was undertaken on a series of 4-amino-5-(pyridin3yl)-4H-1, 2, and 4-triazole-3-thiol anticancer drugs (Vlife MDS). This study used a genetic algorithm and a manual selection approach on 20 substituted 1, 2, and 4-triazole derivatives. Based on the genetic algorithm (GA), the 3D-QSAR model was generated. Statistical significance and predictive capacity were evaluated using internal and external validation. Results: The most significant model has a correlation coefficient of 0.9334 (squared correlation coefficient r2 = 0.8713), showing that biological activity and descriptors have a strong relationship. The model exhibited internal predictivity of 74.45 percent (q2 = 0.2129), external predictivity of 81.09 percent (pred r2 = 0.8417), and the smallest error term for the predictive correlation coefficient (pred r2se = 0.1255). The model revealed steric (S 1047––0.0780––0.0451S 927) and electrostatic (E 1002) data points that contribute remarkably to anticancer activity. A molecular field study demonstrates a link between the structural features of substituted triazole derivatives and their activities. Conclusion: The good-to-moderate anticancer potential of compounds confirms the significant pharmacological role of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives. These results could lead to the identification of potential chemical compounds with optimal anticancer activity and minimal side effects.

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the major neurodegenerative disorders and the prevalence is expected to increase during the next couple of decades. There is a need for safe and effective therapeutic regimen that can effectively manage this neurotoxicity. The leaves and several other parts of Cordia dichotoma are known to possess number of medicinal properties. The purpose of this study was to examine the neuroprotective role of Cordia dichotoma in an experimental model of haloperidol-induced P.D. Materials and methods: Five groups of rats were randomly assigned into different groups. Intraperitoneal haloperidol 1 mg/kg was given to the inducer group and 0.5% CMC to the normal control. The reference standard was syndopa 10 mg/kg, p.o., and the test group animals received C. dichotoma's ethanolic extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg orally for one week. Rats exposed to haloperidol were assessed for behavioral, neurochemical, and histopathological parameters. Results: C. dichotoma leaves extract dose-dependently increased behavioral activity and muscle coordination. The extract at 400 mg/kg was found to increase significantly (P

Background & Objectives: Wound healing is the complex physiological process of replacing damaged cells or tissue layers. The neem (Azadirachta Indica) has a variety of biological activities, which may hasten the rate at which the wound healing mechanism occurs. Silk fibroin is a biomaterial that is reported for its tissue regeneration activity. So, the present study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a hydrogel comprising neem and silk fibroin biomaterials for the treatment of wounds. Methods: Topical neem hydrogels (N-HG) with and without silk fibroin (N-SFB-HG) were prepared using neem extract, silk fibroin, and guar gum, which act by entrapping the components by forming a gel. Evaluation tests such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), visual emergence, pH, rheological behavior, spreading capacity, drug content, skin irritation, anti-microbial action, in vivo wound healing activity, and stability were carried out. Results: The FT-IR results showed no chemical interaction between the constituents. The formed hydrogels had pH values of 5.87 ± 0.3 for N-HG and 5.76 ± 0.2 for N-SFB-HG. The preferred topical gel viscosity was observed in the N-HG (54.2 ± 3.2cPs) and N-SFB-HG (59.9 ± 4.8cPs) formulations. The formulated hydrogels were sterile and did not irritate the skin. The in vivo wound healing investigation results reveal that the N-SF-HG treatment speeds up the regeneration of the injured area faster when compared to control and N-HG treated groups. Interpretation & Conclusion: These results support the efficacy of the topical hydrogel formulation, including neem and silk fibroin. Therefore, the neem-silk fibroin hydrogel formulation is a therapeutically viable choice that, following necessary clinical research, might be utilized in novel formulations for managing chronic wounds.

Background and objective: Spasms are involuntary muscular contractions commonly seen frequently. This study used isolated tissue preparations to test the efficacy of Albizia lebbeck (A.L) and Emblica officinalis (E.O) extracts for spasmolytic activity. Materials and methods: The herbal extracts were tested in isolated guinea pig ileum, rat uterus, rat fundus, and rabbit jejunum. Histamine was used as spasmogen in guinea pig ileum, while 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was in rat uterus and rat fundus. Spontaneous contractions' amplitude and frequency were recorded in the rabbit jejunum after administering herbal extracts. The influence of the extracts on smooth muscle contraction was calculated and statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The P value was kept at

Background: Spasm of muscle is one of the frequent complaints seen by most of the population worldwide. The present study evaluated the efficacy of some of the commonly used herbal extracts against known spasmogens, such as histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Material and methods: The study was conducted on isolated guinea pig ileum and rat uterus preparations using histamine and 5-HT, respectively. Five herbal extracts such as Piper longum (P.L), Piper nigrum (P.N), Terminalia bellerica (T.B), Terminalia chebula (T.C), and Zingiber officinale (Z.O) were tested. Herbal extracts at doses 50, 150, 500, 1500, and 5000 mcg/ml were pretreated to the isolated tissue preparation, and the contractile response of histamine and 5-HT was recorded. The efficacy and the inhibitory concentration (IC50) were calculated and statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: The study indicated that all five herbal extracts produced a concentration-dependent suppression of histamine and 5-HT-induced responses. A significant (p

Multiple prescriptions for different medications may be needed for chronic conditions, increasing the risk of polypharmacy. The WHO defined polypharmacy as “the administration of many drugs at the same time or the administration of an excessive number of drugs”. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate polypharmacy in patients with chronic liver disease and to identify potential drug-drug interactions associated with it. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore, Karnataka, for six months, from November 2020 to April 2021. The study involved 118 patients with chronic liver disease from various age groups. Data was gathered by analyzing patients' medical records kept on the ward and interviewing them individually. In admission and discharge prescriptions, polypharmacy was examined. Online interaction checkers from Drugs.com and Medscape were used to interpret potential drug-drug interactions. The SF-36 and Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire were used to measure the quality of life. The data obtained were analyzed statistically to determine the significant correlation. The number of prescribed drugs was significantly correlated (P = 0.018) with the severity of liver disease in Child-Pugh categories B and C. Additionally, moderate polypharmacy reduced quality of life (P