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A series of novel N-((1H-benzoimidazol-1-yl) methyl)-4-(1-phenyl-5-substituted-4, 5-dihydro-1-benzoimidazol-1-yl) methyl)-4-(1-phenyl-5-substituted-4, 5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl) benzenamine were synthesized by treating various 1-(4-((1H-benzoimidazol-1-yl) methylamino) phenyl)-3-substitutedprop-2-en-1-one with phenyl hydrazine in the presence of sodium acetate through a simple ring closure reaction. The starting material, 1-(4-((1H-benzoimidazol-1-yl) methylamino) phenyl)-3-substitutedprop-2-en-1-one,-benzoimidazol-1-yl) methylamino) phenyl)-3-substitutedprop-2-en-1-one, was synthesized from o-phenylenediamine by a multistep synthesis. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic means and elemental analyses. The title compounds were investigated for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal properties against some human pathogenic microorganisms by employing the agar streak dilution method using Ciprofloxacin and Ketoconazole as standard drugs. All title compounds showed activity against the entire strains of microorganism. Structural activity relationship studies reveal that compounds possessing an electron-withdrawing group display better activity than the compounds containing electron-donating groups, whereas the unsubstituted derivatives display moderate activity. Based on the results obtained, N-((1H-benzoimidazol-1-yl) methyl)-4-(1-phenyl-5-(4-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl) benzenamine 5i was found to be very active compared with the rest of the compounds and standard drugs that were subjected to antimicrobial assay.

Background: S-allylcysteine, a garlic derivative, could have a protective effect against pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus., Objectives: Sustained free radical generation and oxidative damage to system leads to the final conclusion phase of diabetes and also it coexists with a constant diminution in the antioxidant status.The present study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of S-allylcysteine (SAC) against adipocytes hormones and antioxidant defense systems of plasma and erythrocytes of treptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in rats., Materials and Methods: Diabetic rats were administered SAC (150 mg/kg b.w) orally for 45 days. At 46(th) day, the rats were anesthetized, and blood and liver sample were collected for analyzing glucose, plasma insulin, CYP2E1 activity, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxide, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, reduced glutathione (GSH), ceruloplasmin, plasma leptin, and adiponectin., Results: The levels of glucose, CYP2E1 activity, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxide, and ceruloplasmin were increased significantly; whereas, the levels of plasma insulin, reduced glutathione, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, leptin and adiponectin were decreased in experimental diabetic rats. Administration of SAC to diabetic rats led to a decrease in the levels of glucose, CYP2E1 activity, TBARS, and ceruloplasmin. In addition, the levels of plasma insulin, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants leptin and adiponectin were increased in SAC treated diabetic rats. Gliclazide, a standard drug for diabetes, was used for the comparative purpose., Conclusions: The results of the present investigation suggest that SAC could be used as a food supplement in the treatment of diabetes characterized by provoked antioxidant status, altered blood glucose, and hormones level.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have a high prevalence in developing and developed countries and myocardial infarction accounts for majority of deaths and disabilities. The current study dealt with the protective role of Amaranthus viridis Linn on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats., Methods: Subcutaneous injection of ISO (20 mg/kg body weight in 1 ml saline) to rats for two consecutive days offered significant alteration in cardiac marker enzymes (AST, ALT, LDH and CPK), cardiac troponin, lipid peroxidation products (TBARS and hydroperoxide) and antioxidant system (CAT, SOD, GPx, GST, GSH and GSSG). ISO-induced myocardial damage was indicated by increased activities of marker enzymes in serum and the levels of cardiac troponin in the serum. In addition to these diagnostic markers, the levels of lipid peroxidation products in the heart were significantly (p<0.05) increased and the activities of enzymic antioxidants and non-enzymic antioxidant such as glutathione in the heart was significantly (p<0.05) decreased and GSSG in the heart was increased in ISO-induced rats., Results: Effect of Amaranthus viridis oral treatment (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight) for 45 days elicited a significant cardio protective activity by lowering the levels of serum marker enzymes, cardiac troponin, GSSG and lipid peroxidation and elevated the levels of antioxidant enzymes and GSH. The effect at a dose of 300 mg/kg of A. viridis was more pronounced than that of the dose 100 mg/kg and 200mg/kg and brought back all the parameters to near normal. The effect produced by A. viridis was compared with α-tocopherol., Conclusions: The present findings have demonstrated that the cardioprotective effects of A. viridis in ISO-induced oxidative damage may be due to an augmentation of the endogenous antioxidants and inhibition of lipid peroxidation of membrane., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

It is suggested that iron may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Iron is not only chaperoned through its essential functional pathways, but it also causes damage to biological systems by catalyzing the production of reactive oxygen species. So, the parenchymal tissues of several organs are subject to cell injury and functional insufficiency due to excess deposition of iron. The present study investigated the effects of S-allylcysteine (SAC), a sulphur containing amino acid derived from garlic on the changes in iron metabolism induced by oxidative stress in tissues, as well as on serum biochemical parameters of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. SAC was administered orally for 45days to control and experimental diabetic rats. The effects of SAC on glucose, insulin, serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, serum bilirubin, heart heme oxygenase activity (HO) and δ-aminolevulinicacid dehydratase activity (δ-ALA-D) in liver and kidneys were studied. The levels of glucose, iron, ferritin, bilirubin and HO in liver were increased significantly (p<0.05) whereas the levels of insulin, transferrin and δ-ALA-D in tissues were decreased in diabetic rats. Administration of SAC to diabetic rats showed a decrease in blood glucose, iron, ferritin, bilirubin and HO. In addition, the levels of insulin, transferrin and δ-ALA-D activity in tissues were increased in SAC treated diabetic rats. These findings suggest that S-allylcysteine could have a protective effect against alterations in oxidative stress induced iron metabolism in the diabetic state which was evidenced by the capacity of this natural antioxidant to modulate parameters of iron metabolism., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

A series of novel 1-(substituted benzylidene)-4-(1-(morpholino/piperidino methyl)-2,3-dioxoindolin-5-yl) semicarbazides 6a-6t was designed and synthesized on the basis of semicarbazide-based pharmacophoric model to meet the structural requirements necessary for anticonvulsant activity. The compounds were subjected to in vivo antiepileptic evaluation using maximal electroshock test and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole seizure test methods. The neurotoxicity was determined by rotorod test. In the preliminary screening, compounds 6c, 6d, 6g, 6h, and 6m were found active in maximal electroshock test model, while 6g, 6i, 6m, and 6o showed significant antiepileptic activity in subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole seizure test model. Further, the compounds 6c, 6d, 6g, 6h, 6i, and 6m were administered orally to rats, of which 6c and 6g showed better activity than phenytoin. Among the synthesized compounds, 6g revealed excellent protection in both models with lower neurotoxicity., (© 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Background: Glycoprotein is one of the components of the cardiac extracellular matrix and plays an important role in cardiac remodelling during various cardiac diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI). This study was aimed at evaluating the preventive role of Amaranthus viridis Linn. on C-reactive protein (CRP), total protein, albumin, globulin, ceruloplasmin and glycoproteins in the serum and heart of experimental induced myocardial infarcted (MI) rats., Results: MI was induced in male Wistar rats by subcutaneous injection of 20 mg kg(-1) isoproterenol (ISO) kg(-1) body weight (BW) twice at an interval of 24 h. ISO-induced MI rats showed a significant increase in the levels of serum CRP and ceruloplasmin and a significant decrease in the levels of serum total protein, albumin and globulin. Glycoprotein levels in the serum and heart were increased in ISO-induced MI rats. Oral administration of 300 mg A. viridis kg(-1) BW day(-1) for a period of 45 days altered the metabolic derangement in ISO-induced MI rats., Conclusion: This study exemplifies the protective effect of A. viridis on ISO-induced cardiotoxicity in male Wistar rats. The data further reinforce the cardioprotective effect of A. viridis by altering CRP and glycoprotein levels., (Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Hyperlipidemia is an associated complication of diabetes mellitus. The association of hyperglycemia with an alteration of lipid parameters presents a major risk for cardiovascular complications in diabetes. The present study was designed to examine the antihyperlipidemic effect of S-allylcysteine (SAC) in STZ induced diabetic rats. The levels of blood glucose, cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids, phospholipids and fatty acid composition were estimated in the liver and kidneys of control and experimental groups of rats. Oral administration of SAC at a dose of 150 mg/kg bodyweight per day to STZ-induced diabetic rats for a period of 45 days resulted in a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, TC, TG, free fatty acids, phospholipids, LDL-C, VLDL-C and elevation of HDL-C in comparison with diabetic control group. Oral administration of SAC to diabetic rats also decreased the concentrations of fatty acids, viz., palmitic, stearic (16:1), and oleic acid (18:1), whereas linolenic (18:3) and arachidonic acid (20:4) were elevated. The antihyperlipidemic effect of SAC was compared with glyclazide; a well-known antihyperglycemic drug. The result of the present study indicates that SAC showed an antihyperlipidemic effect in addition to its antidiabetic effect in experimental diabetes., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Intermetallic Pt(3)Ti nanoparticles are solubilized in water by using a generation-five, hydroxyl-terminated, poly(amidoamine) dendrimer, G5OH, as a post-synthesis surfactant. Pt(3)Ti nanoparticles, encapsulated in G5OH and dispersed over the electrode surface, exhibited a superior catalytic activity toward the electro-reduction reaction of oxygen compared to as-prepared, highly agglomerated nanoparticles.

Objective: It is considered that diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease are the two common endocrine disorders and also suggested that insulin and thyroid hormones influence each other actions. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of the administration of S-allylcysteine (SAC), a sulfur containing amino acid derived from garlic on blood glucose, insulin, HbA1C, total protein, albumin, Thyroid hormone (T3, T4), TSH, TBARS and circulatory antioxidant levels (SOD, CAT, GSH and GPx) in STZ-induced diabetic rats., Methods: SAC was administered orally for 45 days to control and STZ induced diabetic rats. The effects of SAC on glucose, plasma insulin, HbA1C, total protein, albumin, Thyroid hormone, TSH and circulatory antioxidant levels were studied., Results: The levels of glucose, TBARS, hydroperoxide and HbA1C were increased significantly whereas the levels of plasma insulin, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, GSH, GPx, total protein, albumin, Thyroid hormone and TSH were decreased in STZ induced diabetic rats. Administration of SAC to diabetic rats showed a decrease in plasma glucose, TBARS, hydroperoxide and HbA1C. In addition, the levels of plasma insulin, SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, total protein, albumin, Thyroid hormone and TSH were increased in SAC treated diabetic rats. The effect of SAC was compared with gliclazide, a well-known antioxidant and antihyperglycemic drug., Conclusion: From these findings, it is indicated that SAC might be acting through activation in the synthesis and/or secretion of circulating thyroid hormones which in turn stimulate the synthesis of insulin., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Novel quinazolinone derivatives 5a-5n were designed, synthesized and screened for antiepileptic activity using MES and scPTZ seizures tests. Neurotoxicity study was performed by rotorod test. Compounds 5c, 5d, 5g, 5j and 5k were found active in the preliminary screening in MES model and/or scPTZ model. Further all these five compounds were administered to rats, 5c and 5d showed better activity than Phenytoin in oral route. Among all the title compounds tested, the most active one was 5c that revealed protection in MES at a dose of 30 mg/kg (ip) after 0.5 and 4h. This molecule also provided protection in the scPTZ at a dose of 100mg/kg (0.5h) and 300 mg/kg (4h)., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A new series of N'-((1-(substituted amino)methyl)-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-4-(2-(methyl/phenyl)-4-oxoquinazolin-3(4H)-yl)benzohydrazide derivatives 4a-4l were designed and synthesized from anthranilic acid. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic means and elemental analyses. The tail-flick technique and the carrageenan-induced foot paw edema test were performed for screening analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, respectively. All of the compounds were also examined for their ulcerogenicity. Some of the compounds showed significant activity. Among the test compounds, 4b exhibited 53% and 69% analgesic activity at a dose of 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively. It also displayed 47% (10 mg/kg) and 65% (20 mg/kg) anti-inflammatory activity with one-fourth of ulcer index of the reference drugs diclofenac and aspirin.

The fluorescent property of PAMAM dendrimers were examined at film state rather than in solution. The O2-treated PAMAM dendrimer displayed strong blue fluorescence due to its conservation of luminance in the film state and diminished its intensity with degas. The fluorescent property of PAMAM dendrimers was utilized as a fluorescent probe on functional patterned substrates for visual observation by a fluorescence microscope. G4 and G4.5 PAMAM dendrimers having peripheral groups of functional amine and carboxylate, respectively, were adsorbed selectively by electrostatic interactions on patterned carboxylic acid and amine terminated surfaces, respectively resulting in strong fluorescent patterns. This suggests the possible application of fluorescent PAMAM dendrimers as a fluorophor for the visualizable reactions. It was confirmed from an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy that O2 molecules interact with tertiary amine moiety in PAMAM dendrimers but not amide group. These results give us an important support for the principle of fluorescence phenomenon.

An air-treated G4.5 poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer displayed the enhanced fluorescence enough to be utilized as a fluorescence marker to visualize avidin-biotin affinity: On a fluorescence microscopic image, the avidin labeled by a fluorescent G4.5 PAMAM dendrimer was observed to be selectively bound on the biotin pattern that was prepared by amide-bonding of biotin on a carboxylic acid-terminated self-assembled monolayer and in turn by UV-irradiation with a photomask on the monolayer., (2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Increased oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense mechanism are important factors in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes mellitus and other oxidant-related diseases. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible protective effects of S-allyl cysteine (SAC) against oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. SAC was administered orally for 45 days to control and STZ induced diabetic rats. The effects of SAC on glucose, plasma insulin, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxide, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and GSH/GSSG ratio were studied. The levels of glucose, TBARS, hydroperoxide, and GSSG were increased significantly whereas the levels of plasma insulin, reduced glutathione, GSH/GSSG ratio, superoxide dismutase, catalase and GPx were decreased in STZ induced diabetic rats. Administration of SAC to diabetic rats showed a decrease in plasma glucose, TBARS, hydroperoxide and GSSG. In addition, the levels of plasma insulin, superoxide dismutase, catalase, GPx and reduced glutathione (GSH) were increased in SAC treated diabetic rats. The above findings were supported by histological observations of the liver and kidney. The antioxidant effect of SAC was compared with glyclazide, a well-known antioxidant and antihyperglycemic drug. The present study indicates that the SAC possesses a significant favorable effect on antioxidant defense system in addition to its antidiabetic effect., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of S-allylcysteine (SAC) on dearrangement in glycoprotein levels in the streptozotocin induced diabetic model. SAC (150 mg/kg b.w./day) was administered orally for 45 days to normal and diabetic rats. STZ-induced diabetic rats showed significant increase in blood glucose and glycoprotein components such as hexose, hexosamine, fucose and sialic acid in plasma, liver and kidneys of diabetic rats. Oral administration of SAC to diabetic rats for a period of 45 days normalized all the above-mentioned biochemical parameters. The antihyperglycemic effect of SAC was compared with glyclazide, a well-known antihyperglycemic drug. The present study indicates that SAC possesses a significantly beneficial effect on the glycoprotein moiety in addition to its antidiabetic effect., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of S-allyl cysteine (SAC) on the antioxidant defense system of pancreas in streptozotocin(STZ) induced diabetes in rats. The levels of blood glucose and TBARS in plasma and pancreas were estimated in control and experimental groups of rats. To assess the changes in the cellular antioxidant defense system, the level of reduced glutathione in plasma and pancreas and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were assayed in pancreatic tissue homogenate. The levels of glucose, TBARS and enzymatic antioxidants were altered in diabetic rats. These alterations were reverted back to near control levels after the treatment of SAC. The antidiabetic and antioxidant effect of SAC was compared with glyclazide, a well-known hypoglycemic drug. These findings suggest that SAC treatment exerts a therapeutic protective nature in diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress.

Although artificial capsule structures have been thoroughly investigated, functionality at the surfaces of their interiors has been surprisingly overlooked. In order to exploit this aspect of capsular structure, we here report the breakthrough fabrication of metallic (platinum) microcapsules with sufficient accessibility and electroactivity at both interior and exterior surfaces (open-mouthed platinum microcapsules), and also we demonstrate improvements in electrochemical and catalytic functions to emphasize the practical importance of our concept. The open-mouthed platinum microcapsules were prepared by template synthesis using polystyrene spheres, where surface-fused crystalline nanoparticles formed a capsule shell. Subsequent removal of the polystyrene spheres induced formation of mouth-like openings. The open-mouthed platinum microcapsules exhibit a substantial increase of their electrode capability for methanol oxidation and catalytic activities for carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation. Notably, activity loss during CO oxidation due to undesirable particle agglomeration can be drastically suppressed using the open-mouthed microcapsules.

A platinum-based intermetallic phase with an early d-metal, Pt(3)Ti, has been synthesized in the form of nanoparticles (NPs) dispersed on silica (SiO(2)) supports. The organometallic Pt and Ti precursors, Pt(1,5-cyclooctadiene)Cl(2) and TiCl(4)(tetrahydrofuran)(2), were mixed with SiO(2) and reduced by sodium naphthalide in tetrahydrofuran. Stoichiometric Pt(3)Ti NPs with an average particle size of 2.5 nm were formed on SiO(2) (particle size: 20-200 nm) with an atomically disordered FCC-type structure (Fm3m; a = 0.39 nm). A high dispersivity of Pt(3)Ti NPs was achieved by adding excessive amounts of SiO(2) relative to the Pt precursor. A 50-fold excess of SiO(2) resulted in finely dispersed, SiO(2)-supported Pt(3)Ti NPs that contained 0.5 wt % Pt. The SiO(2)-supported Pt(3)Ti NPs showed a lower onset temperature of catalysis by 75 degrees C toward the oxidation reaction of CO than did SiO(2)-supported pure Pt NPs with the same particle size and Pt fraction, 0.5 wt %. The SiO(2)-supported Pt(3)Ti NPs also showed higher CO conversion than SiO(2)-supported pure Pt NPs even containing a 2-fold higher weight fraction of Pt. The SiO(2)-supported Pt(3)Ti NPs retained their stoichiometric composition after catalytic oxidation of CO at elevated temperatures, 325 degrees C. Pt(3)Ti NPs show promise as a catalytic center of purification catalysts for automobile exhaust due to their high catalytic activity toward CO oxidation with a low content of precious metals.

In the present study, novel Schiff bases were synthesized by condensation of 3-amino-2-methyl quinazolin-4-(3H)-ones with different aromatic aldehydes. The 3-amino-2-methyl quinazolin-4-(3H)-one was synthesized from anthranilic acid via the 2-methyl benzoxazin-4-one. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by means of Infrared (IR), (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, Mass spectral, and Elemental analysis. These compounds were screened for anti-bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 9144, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 155, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 4698, Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 2853, and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 11298)) and anti-fungal (Aspergillus niger ATCC 9029 and Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC 46645) activities, using the paper disk diffusion technique. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the compounds were also determined by the agar streak dilution method. Most of the synthesized compounds exhibited significant anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities. Among the synthesized compounds, 3-(4-hydroxy benzylideneamino)-2-methyl quinazolin-4(3H)-one 4g and 4c was found to exhibit the highest anti-bacterial activity and 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzylideneamino)-2-methyl quinazolin-4(3H)-one 4k exhibited the highest anti-fungal activity.

In the present study, a novel series of 4-(2-aminophenyl)morpholines were synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H-NMR, (13)C NMR and mass spectral analysis. The synthesized compounds were screened for analgesic (100 and 200 mg/kg), antiinflammatory (200 and 400 mg/kg), antibacterial (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and antifungal (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) activities. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the compounds were also ascertained by agar streak dilution method. N-benzylidine-2-morpholoino benzenamine (1) and N-(3-nitro benzylidine)-2-morpholino benzenamine (3) exhibited significant analgesic, antiinflammatory and antimicrobial activities.

The effect of chronic cigarette smoking on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in 100 newly diagnosed patients with gastric cancer was studied. Equal number of age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects was taken as control. The level of plasma and erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was markedly increased in both the gastric cancer patients when compared to control subjects. The activities of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were significantly decreased in both (smokers and non-smokers) gastric cancer groups when compared to control subjects. Comparatively, the increased TBARS level and decreased antioxidants level was observed in smokers than non-smoking gastric cancer patients. The present study highlights the occurrence of lipid peroxidation and possible breakdown of antioxidant status in cigarette smoking, which may subsequently increase the possibility of initiation and progression of gastric cancer.

The cyclic voltammetric behavior of [Fe(CN) 6 ] 3- was investigated under homogeneous magnetic fields perpendicular to the electrode surface in order to determine the effects of magnetic fields on the distribution of an Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ redox couple. The cathodic current was enhanced much more than the anodic current by a homogeneous magnetic field, suggesting that the concentration gradient of paramagnetic [Fe(CN) 6 ] 3- and diamagnetic [Fe(CN) 6 ] 4- formed at an electrode surface may also contribute to the asymmetric current. The apparent diffusion coefficient of the redox couple increased by over 30% in both cathodic and anodic processes upon applying a magnetic field. For a gold electrode coated with dioctadecyldimethylammonium, the application of a magnetic field perpendicular to the surface increased the peak-to-peak separation, and enhanced the asymmetric current. It is inferred that the application of a magnetic field promotes the electron-tunneling process by tilting chain molecules in the barrier membrane.

The electron-tunneling reaction in the monolayer of (ferrocenylmethyl)dodecyldimethylammonium bromide (FDDA) and the mixed monolayer of FDDA and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) on gold electrodes was affected by homogeneous, steady magnetic fields perpendicular to the monolayer membrane. Both the current and peak-to-peak separation potential of the ferrocenyl/ferricenium redox couple in cyclic voltammograms increased with increasing magnetic field intensity. The electron tunneling reaction of FDDA depended not on the barrier thickness of the monolayer but on the electron tunneling pathways. The increase in the tilt angle of hydrocarbon chains of FDDA and MUA due to cooperative magnetic orientation may bring about change of the electron tunneling pathway of the through-bond to through-space. With increasing magnetic fields, the increase in the path length and interchain superexchange hops led to an increase in the peak-to-peak separation potential and tunneling current. The positive shift of the formal potential due to magnetic fields is ascribed to promotion of hydration around the redox couple.

A series of 2-amino-4-(1-naphthyl)-6-arylpyrimidines have been synthesized and characterized by IR, NMR, MS, elemental analyses and evaluated for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities. Some of the compounds were found to be active against a limited panel of bacteria and fungi. In particular, compounds 4b and 4e were found to be the most effective analogs against the tested bacterial and fungal strains.

The present study was conducted to elucidate the antioxidant role of garlic oil in isoproterenol (IPL)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. In myocardial necrosis induced by isoproterenol, a significant increase in serum iron content with a significant decrease in plasma iron binding capacity, ceruloplasmin activity and glutathione (GSH) level were observed. There was also a significant increase in lipid peroxides levels on isoproterenol administration. Activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GRD) were decreased significantly in heart with isoproterenol-induced myocardial necrosis. Garlic oil produced a marked reversal of these metabolic changes related to myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol. In conclusion, garlic oil exerts its effects by modulating lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant and detoxifying enzyme systems.

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine whether there is familial clustering of diabetic retinopathy among South Indian Type 2 diabetic subjects., Methods: During the period September 1991 to September 1997, 322 families with at least two diabetic siblings who were registered at our centre and had undergone a retinal examination were selected for the study. The sibling with the longest duration of diabetes was defined as the proband. The prevalence of retinopathy was compared between the siblings of probands with and without retinopathy., Results: Diabetic retinopathy was diagnosed in 11.2% of the siblings of the probands without diabetic retinopathy and in 35.3% of the siblings of the probands with diabetic retinopathy (P < 0.0001). The increased prevalence of retinopathy among siblings of probands with retinopathy represented all grades of retinopathy, namely non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with and without maculopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, although the latter did not reach statistical significance due to the small numbers. Hypertension, metabolic control and the duration of diabetes among the probands did not affect the clustering of retinopathy. The odds ratio for retinopathy in the siblings of probands with retinopathy after adjusting for age, glycosylated haemoglobin, duration of diabetes, proteinuria and other confounding variables was 3.37(95% confidence interval 1.56-7.29, P = 0.002)., Conclusions: Familial clustering of diabetic retinopathy was three times higher in siblings of Type 2 diabetic subjects with diabetic retinopathy.

Aim: Prevalence rates of coronary artery disease (CAD) are reported to be very high in Asian Indians. Conventional risk factors do not explain the high rates of CAD among Indians. Recently, several newer risk factors have been reported to be associated with CAD. We measured tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) antigen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and fibrinogen levels in South Indian diabetic and non-diabetic subjects with and without CAD., Methods: Four groups of subjects were studied (all males); Group 1 comprised of non-diabetic subjects without CAD (n=50). Non-diabetic subjects with CAD formed group 2 (n=50); group 3 comprised of type 2 diabetic patients without CAD (n=50) and group 4 consisted of type 2 diabetic patients with CAD (n=50). CAD was diagnosed based on coronary angiographic evidence of severe double or triple vessel disease., Results: Both diabetic and non-diabetic patients with CAD had significantly higher levels of tPA, PAI-1 and fibrinogen compared to non-diabetic without CAD (p < 0.05). Patients with CAD were distributed more in the upper tertiles of these risk factors compared to those without CAD. A strong association between tPA and PAI-1 was noted in the Pearson's correlation analysis (p < 0.001). Univariate regression analysis showed tPA (Odds ratio--1.12, p = 0.03), PAI-1 (Odds ratio--1.03, p = 0.008), fibrinogen (Odds ratio--1.01, p < 0.0001), serum cholesterol (Odds ratio--1.008, p = 0.04) and hypertension (Odds ratio--3.7, p = 0.0001) to be associated with CAD. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed hypertension (Odds ratio--4.6, 95% confidence interval--2.113-9.950, p = 0.0001) and fibrinogen (Odds ratio--1.012, 95% confidence interval--1.007-1.018, p = 0.0001) as risk factors for CAD., Conclusion: Our study suggests that prothrombogenic risk factors particularly fibrinogen may be associated with CAD in South Indians.

The effect of Phaseolus vulgaris, an indigenous plant used in ayurvedic medicine in India, on circulatory antioxidants and lipids was studied in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Oral administration of an aqueous extract of P. vulgaris pods (PPEt, 200 mg/kg body weight) for 45 days significantly reduced the elevated blood glucose, serum triglycerides, free fatty acids, phospholipids, total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The extract also caused a significant decrease in plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxides, vitamin E, and ceruloplasmin. The decreased serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, antiatherogenic index (AAI), plasma insulin, vitamin C, and glutathione in the diabetic rats were also reversed toward normalization. The results show the antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic properties of PPEt in addition to its antidiabetic action. PPEt was found to be more effective than glibenclamide.

Objectives: Lipoprotein(a) [LP(a)] has been reported to be an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, its relationship with other vascular complications is not clear. The aim of the study was to determine the relation of lipoprotein(a) with micro- and macrovascular complications seen in type 2 diabetic patients., Methods: We studied 725 type 2 diabetic patients with and without diabetic complications at the MV Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai. The mean age of the study group was 54 +/- 10 years and 70% were males. Diabetic complications viz retinopathy, proteinuria, peripheral vascular disease and coronary artery disease were diagnosed using standardized definitions. Lipoprotein(a) levels were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Since the frequency distribution of Lp(a) was skewed Lp(a) values were log transformed and geometric mean was used for statistical analysis., Results: The mean Lp(a) level of patients with any vascular complication was significantly higher compared to the subjects without any complications. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that lipoprotein(a) had as independent association with CAD (Odds Ratio -1.16, p=0.04) and proteinuria (Odds Ratio -1.69, p < 0.001). The association of Lp(a) with retinopathy and PVD turned out to be non-significant when CAD and proteinuria was introduced as cofactors in the regression model., Conclusion: Lp(a) concentrations are found to be higher in those with CAD and proteinuria. There appears to be no association between Lp(a) and retinopathy or PVD in South Indian type 2 diabetic patients.

Cogent db, a compound herbal drug, was investigated for its possible antidiabetic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 g/kg body wt. of the aqueous solution of Cogent db for 40 days exhibited a significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and increased plasma insulin, total haemoglobin along with antihyperlipidemic effects in diabetic rats. The effective dose was found to be 0.45 g/kg body wt. It also prevents body weight loss in diabetic rats. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also performed in experimental diabetic rats in which there was a significant improvement in glucose tolerance in rats treated with Cogent db. A comparison was made between the action of Cogent db and a known antidiabetic drug--glibenclamide (600 microg/kg body wt.). The antidiabetic effect of Cogent db was more effective than that observed with glibenclamide.

Background: Asian Indians are reported to have a very high prevalence of premature coronary artery disease. However, traditional risk factors do not explain this excess of coronary artery disease. Elevated levels of homocysteine are reported to be associated with coronary artery disease among Europeans. This study looked at the association of serum homocysteine levels with coronary artery disease in South Indians., Methods and Results: Four groups of patients were studied: Group 1 consisted of healthy nondiabetic subjects without coronary artery disease (n=18): Group 2 consisted of nondiabetic subjects with coronary artery disease (n=21); Group 3 consisted of type 2 diabetic patients without coronary artery disease (n=18) and Group 4 consisted of type 2 diabetic patients with coronary artery disease (n=20). The mean homocysteine value was 12.4+/-3.4 micromol/L in Group 1; 12.6+/-4.6 micromol/L in Group 2; 10.1+/-4.4 micromol/L in Group 3; and 10.4+/-3.9 micromol/ L in Group 4. There was no significant difference in the homocysteine levels between the groups studied. The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, defined as a level of 17.1 micromol/L (the 95th percentile for serum homocysteine in the control group) was not significantly different among the groups., Conclusions: Elevated serum homocysteine levels are not associated with coronary artery disease in South Indian male subjects with or without diabetes. However, the results must be interpreted with caution because of the small numbers studied.