Search

Context: Hypothyroidism is associated with reversible decline in kidney function as measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). eGFR and proteinuria are the most important markers for clinical assessment of kidney function. Though hypothyroidism is associated with proteinuria in cross-sectional data, the impact of treatment on proteinuria is unknown., Objective: This study explores the effect of thyroid hormone replacement therapy on eGFR and 24-hour urine protein excretion in patients with severe primary hypothyroidism., Design and Participants: This study was a prospective, observational cohort study in adults with severe primary hypothyroidism (serum thyrotropin [TSH] > 50 µIU/mL). Individuals with preexisting or past kidney disease, kidney or urinary tract abnormalities, calculi or surgery, diabetes mellitus, or hypertension were excluded. The participants received thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Thyroid functions, eGFR, 24-hour urine protein excretion, and biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and 3 months., Setting: This study took place at a single center, a tertiary care referral and teaching hospital., Results: Of 44 enrolled participants, 43 completed 3 months of follow-up. At 3 months, serum TSH levels decreased and thyroxine levels increased (P < .001 for both). Significant increases in eGFR (mean difference, 18.25 ± 19.49 mL/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI, 12.25 to 24.25, P < .001) and declines in 24-hour urine protein excretion (mean difference, -68.39 ± 125.89 mg/day; 95% CI, -107.14 to -29.65, P = .001) were observed. Serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels also significantly decreased (P < .001)., Conclusions: Thyroid hormone replacement therapy in patients with severe primary hypothyroidism improves eGFR and decreases 24-hour urine protein excretion, thereby suggesting reversible alterations., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

This study investigated trace elements in the different organs of Eonycteris spelaea, a hill cave from the Bhuban Hills of Sonai Reserve Forest, Cachar, Assam (India). Six bats were collected from the site and concentrations of four trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) were examined from the tissues of liver, lungs, kidney, and patagium using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (graphite furnace model-Analytic Jena Vario-6). The results of the study revealed that concentration of essential trace elements in the body tissues of E. spelaea were less than the maximum permissible limit. During the study, it was found that the concentration of copper in all the four organs are of the following order: liver (3 ± 0.11 μg/g dw) > lungs (2.4 ± 0.14 μg/g dw) > kidney (1.8 ± 0.10 μg/g dw) > patagium (1.8 ± 0.06 μg/g dw). For zinc, this sequence was kidney (61.8 ± 0.32 μg/g dw) > liver (61.2 ± 0.14 μg/g dw) > lungs (58.8 ± 0.19 μg/g dw) > patagium (46.8 ± 0.16 μg/g dw). For manganese, kidney (1.2 ± 0.15 μg/g dw) > lungs (0.6 ± 0.13 μg/g dw) > liver (0.6 ± 0.11 μg/g dw) > patagium (0.6 ± 0.10 μg/g), and for iron, it was liver (98.4 ± 0.22 μg/g) > lungs (78.6 ± 0.47 μg/g dw) > kidney (25.8 ± 0.23 μg/g dw) > patagium (16.2 ± 0.26 μg/g dw). Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (d.f. = 15, F = 44.84, P < 0.01) in the accumulation pattern in all the studied tissues of Eonycteris spelaea.

Cadmium (Cd), an extremely toxic heavy metal is extensively used in modern era because of its constructive chemical and physical properties. Recently Cd contamination was estimated in India's major cities fresh water ecosystem, which may have firm impact on human health. Hence, this study was aimed to detect the time dependent effect of cadmium in fresh water fish C. gariepinus, a bioindicator species of water pollution. In a controlled environment, fishes were exposed to cadmium for different duration and analyzed for Cd accumulation. Cd induced toxicity was assessed by estimating metallothionein biomarker protein of heavy metal toxicity and histomorphometric changes in liver and kidney. Our results revealed that fish exposed to Cd induced apoptosis in fish tissues via induction of caspases and in contrast the metallothionein was also increased consistently with different doses of Cd exposure. Hence we conclude Cd induced structural damages to fishes are attributed to induction of caspases and estimating MT level in tissues can be effective biomarker to analyze the effect of acute environmental exposure to Cd.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is of concern after the use of radiocontrast media for coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We studied the incidence of CIN and its risk factors in patients undergoing CAG. In this prospective study, we included all patients with normal renal parameters undergoing CAG with nonionic radiocontrast media. We excluded patients with known chronic kidney disease, baseline creatinine more than 1.5 mg/dL, significant hypotension, anemia, and patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing emergency PCI. Serum creatinine was done at baseline and serially for seven days after the procedure. Appropriate statistical tests were used to analyze the results and P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study population (n = 500, 348 males and 152 females) had a mean age of 56.6 ± 12.5 years. Twelve patients (2.4%) developed CIN and were equally distributed irrespective of the age, diabetes, or PCI procedure. CIN was observed to be more common in patients with hypertension than in those without hypertension (P = 0.0158). The total volume of contrast administered to CIN group (175 ± 59.3) was not significant as compared to that of non-CIN (159.1 ± 56) group (P = 0.334). None of the patients in our study required renal replacement therapy, and there was no mortality. CIN is observed in 2.4% of patients undergoing CAG and had a self-limiting course. Hypertension is the only observed risk factor, and further large-scale studies are necessary to delineate the novel risk factors for CIN in the general population with normal kidney function.

This study aims to evaluate efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa oil supplementation in patients with chronic kidney disease Stage 3 and 4 due to diabetic nephropathy. It was a prospective, comparative, and open-label study. Patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (Control) received conservative management of diabetic nephropathy, whereas Group 2 (Test) received N. sativa oil (2.5 mL, once daily and per orally) along with conservative management for 12 weeks. Blood glucose, hemogram, and kidney function test were done at 0, 6, and 12 weeks of treatment. Significance of differences between pre- and post-treatment values in each group was assessed using Student's paired t-test and between the groups using unpaired t-test. We found a drop in blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea, and 24 h total urinary protein levels and a rise in glomerular filtration rate, 24 h total urinary volume, and hemoglobin level in the treatment group compared to the control group.

Heavy metals can significantly bioaccumulate in fish tissues. The step wise mechanism of heavy metal toxicities on fish health is still limited. The present study assessed the tissue-specific antioxidant response and oxidative stress biomarkers of commercially important fish species namely, Channa striatus and Heteropneustes fossilis inhabiting Kali River of northern India where heavy-metal load is beyond the World Health Organisation - maximum permissible limits. Heavy metals chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were elevated in both fish species compared to recommended values of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), 1999 for edible fishes. Reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CATA) activities in all tissues (brachial, neural, renal and hepatic) were altered. Cellular lipid and protein compromisation in both fishes induced by heavy metals was determined by lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonylation (PC) assays. Micronucleus (MN) test of erythrocytes and comet assay of liver cells confirmed genotoxicity. Histopathology of the liver, kidney and brain of affected fishes was distorted significantly with its reference fishes thereby affecting the quality and quantity of these fish stocks. This raises a serious concern as these fishes are consumed by the local population which would ultimately affect human health., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: In the present study, the composition of mango peel powder (MPP) collected from the mango pulp industry was determined and the effect of MPP on ameliorating diabetes and its associated complications was studied., Results: Mango peel was rich in polyphenols, carotenoids and dietary fibre. Peel extract contained various bioactive compounds and was found to be rich in soluble dietary fibre. Peel extract exhibited antioxidant properties and protected against DNA damage. Therefore, the effect of peel on ameliorating diabetes was investigated in a rat model of diabetes. A significant increase in urine sugar, urine volume, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein, and decrease in high density lipoprotein were observed in the rats; however, these parameters were ameliorated in diabetic rats fed with diet supplemented with mango peel at 5% and 10% levels in basal diet. Treatment of diabetic rats with MPP increased antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased lipid peroxidation in plasma, kidney and liver compared to untreated diabetic rats. Glomerular filtration rate and microalbuminuria levels were ameliorated in MPP treated diabetic group., Conclusions: Mango peel, a by-product, can be used as an ingredient in functional and therapeutic foods., (© 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Background: Obesity is associated with diabetes and hypertension, two major risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently, it has been shown that obesity is associated with preclinical kidney disease defined by elevated levels of cystatin C among those without CKD in US adults. However, the association of obesity with cystatin C is not known in industrialized Asian populations., Methods: We examined 2,052 Indian adults aged 40-80 years in Singapore who were free of CKD defined as a serum creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcr) <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and/or the presence of microalbuminuria. Body mass index (BMI) values were categorized into normal (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9) and obese (≥30 kg/m(2)). Elevated serum cystatin C was defined as cystatin C ≥1 mg/L., Results: Overweight and obesity were significantly associated with elevated levels of cystatin C after adjusting for potential confounders including diabetes and hypertension and eGFRcr. Compared to those with normal weight, the odds ratio (95 % confidence interval) of elevated cystatin C was 1.49 (1.17-1.88) for overweight and 3.20 (2.33-4.39) for obese. This association was consistently present when BMI was analyzed as a continuous variable and also in subgroups of men, women and in those without diabetes mellitus or hypertension., Conclusions: Higher BMI levels are associated with preclinical kidney disease in Indian adults aged 40 years and above without CKD.

Background and Aims: Sustained hyperglycemia as a result of diabetes mellitus results in over-expression of glucose transporters (GLUTs/SGLTs), protein kinase C-α (PKC-α) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in kidney which increases synthesis and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components leading to diabetic nephropathy. Previous results from our laboratory showed that banana flower (BF) and pseudostem (BS) ameliorated diabetic complications and reduced formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). In this study, attempts were made to delineate the changes observed in GLUTs and ECM components in kidney by feeding BF and BS at the molecular level., Methods and Results: Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by injecting streptozotocin. Rats were fed with standard AIN-76 diet or diet supplemented with 5% BF or BS. Rats fed with diet supplemented with aminoguanidine (0.05%) were used as a positive control. Effect of BF and BS on expression of GLUTs/SGLTs, PKC and TGF β in kidney was evaluated by RT-PCR and accumulation of ECM components in kidney was quantitated by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. BF and BS modulated the over-expression of GLUT 1, 2, 5, SGLT 1, 2 and factors such as PKC-α and TGF-β to various extents. This impinged on the synthesis of ECM components like laminin, fibronectin and type-IV collagen., Conclusion: The results suggest that BF and BS reduce the diabetic nephropathy complications which are accompanied by changes at the molecular level., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Cystone is an approved Ayurvedic polyherbal proprietary medicine used in India for various urinary disorders, including urolithiasis., Aim: To evaluate the protective effect of Cystone against hyperoxaluria-induced oxidative stress and calcium oxalate crystal deposition in urolithiasis., Methods: Ethylene glycol (EG) (0.75%, V/V) in drinking water was given to rats for 28 days to induce urolithiasis with simultaneous treatment of Cystone (500 and 750 mg/kg body weight), and various urinary risk factors of urolithiasis and antioxidant markers were assessed., Results: EG treatment lead to increased urine volume and lowered urinary pH, along with increased urinary excretion of oxalate, calcium and phosphate in untreated animals. These changes caused extensive calcium oxalate crystal deposition, increased lipid peroxidation and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase and GPx) in the kidney of untreated rats. Cystone prevented these hyperoxaluric manifestations and inhibited calcium oxalate crystal deposition in treated rats at both doses., Conclusions: Cystone therapy provides protection against hyperoxaluria-induced oxidative stress and calcium oxalate crystal deposition by improving renal tissue antioxidant status and diuresis., (Copyright © 2013 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Genetic predisposition has been proposed to be a major determinant in the development of renal complications of diabetes. Osteopontin (OPN) has been suggested to be associated with renal diseases characterized by tubulointerstitial fibrosis and proteinuria. However, information on association of genetic polymorphisms in OPN with diabetic nephropathy is lacking. Thus, the present study was designed with the aim to examine the association of an OPN gene promoter polymorphism with diabetic nephropathy in Asian Indians. OPN C-443T (rs11730582) polymorphism was determined in 1115 type 2 diabetic patients belonging to two independently ascertained cohorts using Real time PCR based Taqman assay. We observed a nearly threefold elevated risk of diabetic nephropathy among carriers of T allele and TT genotype of OPN C-443T polymorphism. Further, this allele was found to be significantly associated with proteinuria and lower eGFR, a hallmark of diabetic nephropathy, in both our cohorts. This is the first study which suggests that OPN C-443T polymorphism may be a significant risk factor for diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The present investigation is an attempt to evaluate the effect of Bergenia ciliata extract on kidney of ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in adult female Wistar rats. The hydro-alcoholic extract of Bergenia ciliata/standard drug cystone were administrated simultaneously at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight/day, p.o. along with ethylene glycol (0.75% v/v) for 28 days. Significant changes were observed in body weight and absolute organ weight of ethylene glycol treated rats. Also histopathological results showed disrupted renal parenchyma, degenerative changes in glomeruli and focal calcification in glomerulo-tubular structures in ethylene glycol treated animals. Administration of Bergenia ciliata extract/cystone along with ethylene glycol showed significant protective effect in body weight and organ weight with few stray areas of calcifications in glomeruli. Moreover, Bergenia ciliata extract shows higher renoprotective index than cystone at the same dose level.

The present study was designed to evaluate genotoxicity, acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity, hepatic and renal toxicity in occupational workers exposed to mixture of pesticides (n=70) with same number of healthy subjects as controls. The mean comet tail DNA % (TD %) and tail moment (TM) were used to measure DNA damage, while AChE activity and other biochemical parameters such as markers of nephrotoxicity (urea and creatinine) and hepatotoxicity (AST, ALT and ALP) were measured as biomarkers for toxicity due to exposure of pesticides. The occupational workers were continuously exposed to mixture of pirimiphos methyl, chlorpyrifos, temephos and malathion on a regular interval as per usage and activity. The comet assay using lymphocytes of exposed workers showed significantly higher TD percentage value (60.43% vs. 31.86%, p<0.001) and TM value (14.48 μm vs. 6.42 μm, p<0.001) in occupational workers as compared to controls. AChE activity in erythrocytes was found to be decreased (3.45 KAU/L vs. 9.55 KAU/L in controls, p<0.001) and associated with the duration of exposure to pesticides used by the workers. Enzyme levels for hepatic and renal functions were also found significantly different in occupational workers than healthy controls (p<0.001). These results suggest that the exposure to mixture of pirimiphos methyl, chlorpyrifos, temephos and malathion may induce DNA damage, decrease in AChE activity, hepatotoxicity as well as nephrotoxicity. Periodic biomonitoring of these biomarkers along with imparting education and training to occupational workers for safe application of pesticides is recommended for its potential hazards., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Nervilia plicata (Orchidaceae) has long been used in the antidiabetic medicinal preparations of traditional healers of Wayanad (Kerala), but recuperative potential of the plant was remained undefined. We demonstrated the regenerative potential of the plant extract on kidney affected by type 2 diabetes besides lowering blood glucose., Aim of the Study: The aim of the current study was to investigate the recuperative and regenerative potential of alcoholic stem extract of Nervilia plicata on streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic models., Materials and Methods: Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) was induced in overnight fasted rats by intramuscular injection (IMI) of 60 mg/kg STZ and 120 mg/kg of nicotinamide after 5 min interval. Blood glucose was assessed by a glucometer, serum urea and creatinine levels were determined by diacetylmonooxime method and Jaffe reaction respectively. Kidney sections were taken and stained with Masson's tri-dye and Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) and examined for structural changes. Also lipid peroxidation product (LPP) levels were determined as thio barbituric acid reactive substance levels (TBARS) method., Results: On administration of 5 mg/kg of plant extract, blood glucose levels of the NIDDM rats showed 62.00 and 76.29% decrease in the blood glucose levels on day 0 and day 30 respectively. Damages caused to the kidney tissue were negligible or not seen. Serum urea and creatinine levels showed 61.49 and 70.96% decrease on day 30. LPP levels of kidney and pancreas showed 70.58 and 77.41% decrease respectively., Conclusion: These results demonstrate significant antidiabetic and regenerative potential of the Nervilia plicata, justifying the use of plant in the indigenous system of medicine. Isolation and characterisation of the compound(s) playing pivotal role in the cure would open new vistas in the therapy of type 2 diabetes., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The edible fishes Etroplus suratensis and Arius arius were collected from two different sites of Vembanad backwaters. Accumulation of heavy metals such as zinc, cadmium, lead and copper in different tissues of these fishes were analysed. Kidneys showed maximum accumulation of all the metals in both the fishes. Lead and copper were high in Kumarakom (Site-I) and zinc and cadmium in Cochin (Site-2) of the Vembanad backwaters. The study revealed that both the fishes were highly contaminated with metals.

Meningomyelocele (MMC) is the most common form of neural crest closure defect and may be associated with dysfunction and malformations of multiple organs including urinary tract. It affects as many as 2-4 in 1000 live births, however there are no epidemiological studies available from India. Anatomical and neurogenic abnormalities of the urinary tract are known to occur in these patients. Scanty literature is available regarding the utility of radionuclide procedures in the evaluation of urinary tract in patients of MMC. The aim of this study was to evaluate urinary tract dysfunction and malformations in patients operated of MMC by diuretic renal dynamic scintigraphy (RDS) and direct radionuclide cystography (DRCG). In this retrospective analysis, 140 operated patients for MMC, mean age: 4.46, range: 1-18 years; 83 male and 57 female, referred to our department for evaluation of the upper renal tract, were studied. Neurogenic bladder (NB) was associated in 69 patients. The diagnosis of NB was based on clinical features like incontinence, expressibility of urine bladder and on urodynamic studies. RDS was performed after the intravenous administration of 10.36 MBq/kg of technetium-99m diethylene triamine penta-acetate or 99mTc-L, L-ethylenedicysteine. All patients with hydronephrosis (HDN) or hydroureteronephrosis (HDUN) on RDS underwent DRCG using 11.1-18.5 MBq of 99mTc-sulphur colloid. Our results showed that: out of the 140 patients, 78 (56%) including 33 with NB, had normal renal scintigraphy. Six patients (4%) had congenital renal anomalies. Twenty patients (14%) revealed non-obstructive HDN and had no vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR). Thirty-six patients (26%) with bilateral HDUN also had NB of which 19 (53%) had VUR. Fourteen (74%) of these patients with VUR had impaired renal function. In discussion, patients with MMC may present with disordered innervation of the detrussor muscle and external sphincter, which adversely affects the bladder function and potentially threatens the upper urinary tract. Patients of MMC with or without NB can be evaluated with RDS for congenital anomalies and initial assessment of renal function. Patients with NB and particularly those with HDUN can be evaluated with DRCG for the presence of VUR to prevent renal scarring and subsequent impairment of renal function. Long-term surveillance of the urinary tract is important in the management of these patients and this can be accomplished with RDS and DRCG. In conclusion, in our patients with MMC, the tests of RDS, and DRCG could differentiate those with normal or our abnormal renal anatomy and function while the major group of patients had bilateral HDUN and NB, and/or VUR or impaired renal function.

Aqueous extract of the fruits of Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl. (Solanaceae) was investigated for hypoglycaemic activity in rats and mice. Screening for the hypoglycaemic activity was assessed on normoglycaemic, alloxan treated hyperglycaemic and glucose loaded rats along with in vitro study on glucose utilization by isolated rat hemidiaphragm. The various haematological and biochemical parameters were also studied. The extract was found to possess significant hypoglycaemic activity when compared with the reference standard glibenclamide. The in vitro study on glucose utilization by isolated rat hemidiaphragm suggests that the aqueous extract may have direct insulin like activity which enhances the peripheral utilization of glucose and have extra pancreatic effect. The toxicity studies report safety usage of the plant extract.

Anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities of the methanolic extract of Ricinus communis (RCM) (Euphorbiaceae) Linn. root was studied in Wistar albino rats. The methanolic extract at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg p.o. exhibited significant (P<0.001) anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model. The extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg p.o. also exhibited significant (P<0.001) anti-inflammatory activity in cotton pellet granuloma model. The methanolic extract showed significant free radical scavenging activity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation initiated by carbon tetrachloride and ferrous sulphate in rat liver and kidney homogenates. The extract enhanced free radical scavenging activity of stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH*), nitric oxide and hydroxyl radical in in vitro assay methods. The results of the study indicate that the methanolic extract of Ricinus communis root possess significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute and chronic inflammatory models in rats. The observed pharmacological activity may be due to the presence of phytochemicals like flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins present in the plant extract with various biological activities.

The paper deals with the measurement of five heavy metals viz., Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn in water of the rivers Hooghly and Haldi at Haldia during June 1999 to October 2002. The industrial effluent out fall (OF) at Patikhali, Haldia was also taken as sampling site along with above out fall (AOF) and below out fall (BOF) sites. Most of the metals exhibited their least concentration at the sampling site above the Haldia industrial area of river Hooghly. The average concentrations of the studied metals were Cd 2-14, Cu 5-19, Mn 8-88, Pb 17-41 and Zn 22-37 microg l(-1). Comparison of the data with the Criterion Continuous Concentration (CCC) of USA revealed that Cd, Cu and Pb were the pollutants present at alarming level to disturb the aquatic life process in the zone. The effect was found to reflect on the tissue level aberrations in the residential fishes. The other two metals viz., Mn and Zn were probably less harmful to the aquatic ecosystem. In India, necessity is felt to develop the CCC values, which will be more appropriate for protection of aquatic environment than comparing with drinking water standards.

Catla catla, catla (150 +/- 20 g) were fed a diet containing seed of Achyranthes aspera (0.5%) and control diet without A. aspera for four weeks prior to and after ip injection with chicken erythrocytes. Fish were sampled for four consecutive weeks after immunization. Hemagglutination antibody titers were significantly higher in the test group of fishes compared with the control group. Serum globulin levels were significantly (P(t-test) < 0.05) higher in the test group than control group on days 14 and 21. Anti-trypsin activity due to total serum protease inhibitors and alpha1-antiprotease was also significantly (P(t-test) < 0.05) higher in the test group of fishes than the control. RNA/DNA ratio of spleen and kidney was also significantly (P(t-test) < 0.05) higher in test group than the control group. All these results confirm that A. aspera enhances the immunity of catla.

BK polyoma virus causes allograft dysfunction as a result of tubulo-interstitial nephritis in 2% to 5% of renal transplant recipients. The incidence of BK virus infection among renal transplant recipients in India is unknown. We used routine histologic examination, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy to retrospectively screen for BK polyoma virus in 414 renal allograft biopsy specimens from 321 transplant recipients presenting with allograft dysfunction. All patients had received a combination of cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisolone. A total of 30 biopsy specimens (9.3%) were positive for BK polyoma virus, suggesting a high incidence of this infection in Indian transplant recipients. BK virus infection coexisted with acute rejection in a majority of patients. This is the first report of this infection among Indian renal transplant recipients.

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of an alcohol extract of Tinospora cordifolia roots, an indigenous plant used in Ayurvedic medicine in India. Oral administration of the extract of Tinospora cordifolia (TCREt) roots for 6 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in blood and urine glucose and in lipids in serum and tissues in alloxan diabetic rats. The extract also prevented a decrease in body weight. Thus our study clearly shows that an alcohol TCREt has a hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic action., (Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The prophylactic efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum L.) extract to reduce tissue lead (Pb) concentration was evaluated experimentally in rats. Thirty female rats were divided into five groups, keeping group A as a healthy control. Rats of groups B, C, D and E received lead acetate orally at the rate of 5 mg per kg body weight daily for 6 weeks. The garlic extract was tried in three doses, viz. 100 (low), 200 (medium) and 400 mg (high) per kg body weight orally and given simultaneously with lead salt to the rats of group C, D and E, respectively. Mean blood lead concentrations in lead-exposed rats ranged between 0.13+/-0.02 and 0.96+/-0.06 microg/ml, whereas in garlic-treated rats, the range was between 0.16+/-0.01 and 0.80+/-0.05; 0.13+/-0.01 and 0.71+/-0.06 and 0.14+/-0.01 and 0.60+/-0.05 microg per ml in low, medium and high dose groups, respectively. The mean lead concentration in liver, kidneys, brain and bone of lead exposed rats was 2.943+/-0.206, 4.780+/-0.609, 1.019+/-0.100 and 44.075+/-2.60 microg per ml, respectively. Concomitant use of garlic extract at the three different doses was found to reduce lead concentration considerably indicating the potential therapeutic activity of garlic against lead.

Dried colocasia powder (10% and 20%) was fed to hypercholesterolemic rats for a period of one month to explore the effect on serum lipids and tissue lipids. The results indicated that there was a significant increase in total lipids, total cholesterol, and triglycerides levels in the cholesterol fed rats. Liver cholesterol showed a slight reduction which was non-significant, while an increase in liver triglyceride was observed in rats fed with 10% and 20% colocasia leaves diet with or without cholesterol. All these observations indicate an aggravating effect of colocasia leaves on serum and tissue lipids in cholesterol-fed rats.