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In the experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD), a well-known neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine or MPTP, pesticides like benomyl, paraquat,etc. are successfully used to induce a Parkinson's disease in human and nonhuman primates, which can be reversed by the drugs such as L-DOPA. A review on the alternative methods and alternative models in Parkinson's disease is documented here to understand their advantages and importance. Earlier researchers proved MPTP is effective in the goldfish, which reliably mirrors the neurochemical and behavioral changes caused by MPTP in the higher vertebrates. Gold fish brain has the "nucleus pars medialis," similar to the substanitia nigra of the human brain can be destructed by chemicals like MPTP, 6-hydroxydopamine and has selective protection by L-Dopa (Levodopa) and MAO-B (Monoamine oxidase B) inhibitors. In addition, zebrafish along with mice was successfully employed in the study of pesticides leading to neurodegeneration in PD. As the current animal models often couldn't replicate the true pathophysiology of idiopathic PD, alternative models have gained importance in the research. Upon having a glance at different models utilized in Parkinson's disease studies, one can get an idea on preferring alternative models, especially the zebra fish model in the study of neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) in an Indian industrial setup and to study disparity in occurrence of MS in a working population based on occupational status. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study of 651 employees who underwent periodic medical examination. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition of MS and International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO)-88 classification of occupations were used. Results: The overall crude prevalence of MS was found to be 18.5%. Nineteen percent of the non-manual workers and 18.3% of the manual workers suffered from MS. The single largest occupational category with MS was ISCO-88 group 1, which included the managers and senior officials. However, no difference was found among the manual and non-manual workers in prevalence of MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To study the effects of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower on serum glucose level in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Albino rats were divided into six groups of six animals each, three groups of normal animals receiving different treatments consisting of vehicle, aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower (100 mg/kg) and the standard antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg). The same treatment was given to the other three groups comprising alloxan induced diabetic animals. Fasting blood glucose level was estimated using the glucose oxidase method in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats, before and 2 h after the administration of drugs. Results: Parthenium hysterophorus L. showed significant reduction in blood glucose level in the diabetic (P<0.01) rats. However, the reduction in blood glucose level with aqueous extract was less than with the standard drug glibenclamide. The extract showed less hypoglycemic effect in fasted normal rats, (P<0.05). Conclusion: The study reveals that the active fraction of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower extract is very promising for developing standardized phytomedicine for diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]