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Objective: This study was designed to analyse the toxic effects of the anti-cancer drug cisplatin on rat spleen and blood parameters and its amelioration by the root extract of a naturally occurring antioxidant Withania Somnifera. Methods: This experimental study was conducted in Baqai Medical University and Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Anatomy department, after the approval of Institutional Animal Ethical Committee. 60 male Albino Wistar rats, 14-16 weeks old and weighing 200-250gm were randomly divided in to 4 groups. Group A received no treatment, group B was given intraperitoneal injection of Cisplatin only for, group C received a combination of IP cisplatin and W. somnifera root extract orally and group D was given W. somnifera root extract only. Initial and final body and splenic weights, blood and histological analysis was carried out and difference between the groups were recorded. Statistical analysis of data was done using SPSS version 25.0. Results: The rats of Cisplatin only group B showed significant toxic changes in splenic histology: thickened splenic capsule, white pulp reduction with reduced PALS areas, central artery vacuolization. These changes were improved in cisplatin and W. somnifera group C. Blood profiles showed decreased Hb, TLC and platelets in cisplatin only group B but it was improved in the cisplatin and W. somnifera group C. Conclusion: Our study concluded that the W. Somnifera root extract protects against cisplatin induced damage to splenic tissue and hematological alterations in rat model. This ponders on its potential as an adjuvant therapy with anticancer cisplatin treatment for minimizing its side effects.

Background: The spleen is essential for the body’s homeostasis and immune system. Carbamazepine (CBZ) is known to cause toxicity to several organs, including the spleen, through oxidative stress, however, vitamin E (Vit E) is a proven antioxidant against toxins. Thus, this study evaluated the antioxidative effect of Vit E on hematological and splenic toxic changes, caused by carbamazepine in rats. Methods: This in-vivo preclinical experimental study was conducted from March-June 2020, at Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi. Forty adult male rats, weighing 150-200 grams were included and randomly divided into 4 groups. Group I was control; Group II received oral Carbamazepine (50mg/kg/day), Group III received Carbamazepine (50mg/kg/day) with Vit E (200mg/kg/day), and Group IV received Vit E (200mg/kg/day) daily. After 6 weeks, animals were sacrificed, blood samples were drawn and splenic tissue was processed for morphological examination. SPSS version 22 was used, and ANOVA was applied to investigate the difference of means with p≤0.05 considered significant. Results: Our findings showed that Group II rats had significantly decreased final body weights, and absolute and relative spleen weights compared to control. Lower hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and platelets, and significantly increased TLC and neutrophils were observed in Group II compared to control and Group IV. Histology showed a thickened capsule, reduced white pulp, and congested red pulp in Group II spleens whereas these toxic effects were reduced in Group III. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the hematologic and splenic toxic effects of carbamazepine were lessened significantly with the antioxidative properties of vitamin E. Keywords: Carbamazepine, Vitamin E, Spleen, Oxidative Stress, Hematology.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the protective effects of vitamin C against Methotrexate induced biochemical and histological changes in rats. Study Design: Experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Baqai Medical University Karachi, Pakistan from June 2017 to July 2018. Methods: This study included 45 adult male albino Wistar rats aged between 10-12 weeks and weighing around 180-200g. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Group A, received no intervention and was kept on standard diet for 10 days; Group B, received 20mg/kg intraperitoneal single dose of Methotrexate; Group C received 200 mg/kg oral tablets of vitamin C for seven days and 20mg/kg intraperitoneal single dose of Methotrexate. At the end of the study period, animals were anesthetized with ether, cardiac blood samples were collected for enzyme estimation and organs were removed for histopathological examination. Results: Liver sections from Group A demonstrated normal parenchyma with cords of hepatocytes radiating from the central vein with portal triads at the ends of hepatic lobules while Methotrexate treated Group B showed severely degenerated architecture along with hemorrhagic parenchyma with dilatation of central vein, and sinusoids. Comparatively, liver sections from Group C displayed less deranged histologic and morphologic changes. A significant increase in serum levels of AST, ALT and ALP and albumin and reduction in hepatocyte count, increase in hepatocyte diameter and a decrease in hepatocyte nuclear diameter occurred in group B, while above parameters improved in vitamin C protected group C. Conclusion: This study exhibited that the potential biochemical and histological alterations caused by Methotrexate can be attenuated by antioxidant effects of Vitamin C. How to cite this: Younus N, Kazmi T, Askari R, Ali AB, Rasheed A, Mukhtar S, Nangrejo R. Antioxidative Effects of Vitamin C on Methotrexate Induced Hepatic Damage in Rat. Life and Science. 2024; 5(4): 521-529. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.626

Objective: To evaluate the deviation of Optic Cup to Disc Ratio with refractive errors and smoking status. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional observational study carried out from January to October, 2016 at Dr Akil bin Abdul Kadir Institute of Ophthalmology,Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 300 eyes of 300 patients were included in the study and divided according to the error of refraction into emmetropic (n=135), hypermetropic (n=77) and myopic (n=88) eyes for Cup to Disc Ratio measurements. To assess the effect of smoking, emmetropic eyes were further divided into smokers (n=23) and nonsmokers (n=112). Independent T test and ANOVA was used to analyze the differences in the mentioned groups. P value

Background: Smoking has multisystem effects on human body due to hypoxia and systemic inflammation, which it produces. This contributory effect is observed in ocular tissues as well. The aim of the study was to evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in healthy individuals with a history of smoking, using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: Patients healthy eyes n=300 were examined. Two groups were made; Group A with history of smoking (n=50) and Group B with no history of smoking (n=250). Subjects with a history of diabetes, hypertension, raised intra ocular pressure (IOP >21 mmHg), any neurological disease or family history of glaucoma were excluded from the study. Independent t-test was used to assess the thickness variation with smoking status. ANOVA was used to analyze the differences in both groups. p value

Objective: This analysis was aimed at evaluation of the effects of prolonged ingestion of Lithium carbonate on renal weights in rat models. Methods: In our experimental analysis, twenty healthy male rats of age sixty-five days were randomly divided in two groups. Group A (n =10) and Group B (n=10) was given Lithium carbonate. Group A, which was the control group, was further divided into two subgroups according to time duration Group A1 (n=5) and Group A2 (n=5). The control group rodents were fed a lab diet consisting of vegetables, flour pellets and water for a period of 2 and 6 weeks, whereas Group B (n=10) was the Lithium- treated group which also contained five animals in each group. In the treated Group B the animals were divided according to time duration in B1 (2 weeks), Group B2 (6 weeks). Group B rodents along with the lab diet were given Lithium. At the end of the period, animals were sacrificed, and the skin, fascia, and intestines were separated and removed. The red oval kidney was weighed on Digital Weighing Balance at 2 and 6 weeks in all the Groups and recorded. Statistical Analysis was per- formed on SPSS version–16. Results: The renal weights in grams of both groups were documented and it was found that Groups B1 and B2 treated with Lithium carbonate showed statistically highly significantly decreased p-value

Objective: This study was planned to evaluate the role of body painting in short-term retention of knowledge and to assess students’ perception of this activity in a public and private medical college. Methods: This interventional study was conducted in a private and public medical college in the month of September and October 2023. The students of MBBS 1st year from the 2 colleges were invited to participate in the study and those who volunteered were randomly divided by the balloting method into 2 equal groups: control and intervention. The control group was given a traditional lecture with the help of a Power point presentation, on the course and markings of the nerves and vessels of the hand and forearm. The intervention group was given an interactive body painting demonstration, with hands-on practice of painting the same vessels and nerves on each other. At the end of these sessions, the students attempted a multiple-choice-question paper and the results were compared using SPSS version 21.00. A questionnaire was also filled by the intervention group to pro- vide the students’ perception of the activity. Results: There was no significant difference between the mean multiple-choice-question scores of the control and intervention group. More than 85% of the students from both the colleges strongly agreed that the session was enjoyable and interesting and also 80% and beyond of students also believed that the exercise would help them to retain knowledge. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was a negligible difference in knowledge retention be- tween the intervention group and the control group. However, the results of the questionnaire strongly suggested the use of the body painting technique in anatomy curricular teaching as it has proven to stimulate knowledge retention by enhancing students’ interest, active participation and peer learning.

Nano-sized silver has drawn a great deal of attention in the field of health sciences owing to its remarkable therapeutic applications. Interestingly, the method applied to synthesize nanoparticles and the choice of reagents considerably influence their therapeutic potential and toxicities. Current research has explored the toxicity, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant responses of the malonic acid-capped silver nanoparticles (MA-AgNPs (C) by using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent at low temperatures by employing both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Furthermore, it has highlighted the synergistic effect of these novel compounds with conventional anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents. Acute and sub-acute toxicity analysis performed following OECD guidelines showed that the studied MA-AgNPs (C) are safer, and prominent toxic signs have not been detected at the highest studied dose of 2,000 mg/kg. Cytotoxicity evaluation through brine shrimp lethality revealed 20% lethality at the highest concentration of 169.8 μg/mL. Significantly, positive anti-inflammatory and analgesic responses alone as well as synergism with the standard were identified through in vitro as well as in vivo methods which were more potent at a lower dose (200 mg/kg). Notably synergistic outcomes were more pronounced than individual ones, indicating their prominent effect as a feasible drug delivery system. IL-6 and TNF-α assessment in excised paw tissue through RTPCR technique further supported their anti-inflammatory potential. DPPH assay revealed eminent in vitro antioxidant activity which was further corroborated by in vivo antioxidant assessment through evaluation of SOD in excised paw tissue.

Clinical image processing plays a significant role in healthcare systems and is a widely used methodology of the current era. The Intracranial tumor affects children and adults as it is the 10th most common form of tumor. Accurate tumor segmentation in the brain is complicated even though Intracranial tumor images are acquired properly. The tumor can be curable if its stage and form can be identified on time, and for this purpose, researchers have been developing sophisticated techniques and methods. An automatic detection, segmentation, colorization, and classification of tumor region are done to identify abnormalities in a medical image using T1-CE, an MRI dataset that assists in diagnosis. To assist the medical practitioners in visualizing tumor shape, size, and orientation; only the tumor region is colored in a greyscale image. Pix2Pix Conditional Generative Adversarial Neural Networks (Pix2Pix-cGANs) have generated MRI images with color tumor regions. In qualitative measures, we achieved the Structure Similarity Index (SSIM) average score of 0.92% and an average 28% Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) value on generated images that outperform the existing techniques. Moreover, we achieved Classification Accuracy (CA) 88.5% and 92.4% quantitatively in pre and post colorization phases, respectively, with other measures using NASNet-Large.

The number of road accidents has constantly been increasing recently around the world. As per the national highway traffic safety administration’s investigation, 45% of vehicle crashes are done by a distracted driver right around each. We endeavor to build a precise and robust framework for distinguishing diverted drivers. The existing work of distracted driver detection is concerned with a limited set of distractions (mainly cell phone usage). This paper uses the first publicly accessible dataset that is the state farm distracted driver detection dataset, which contains eight classes: calling, texting, everyday driving, operating on radio, inactiveness, talking to a passenger, looking behind, and drinking performed by 26 subjects to prepare our proposed model. The transfer values of the pertained model EfficientNet are used, as it is the backbone of EfficientDet. In contrast, the EfficientDet model detects the objects involved in these distracting activities and the region of interest of the body parts from the images to make predictions strong and accomplish state-of-art results. Also, in the Efficientdet model, we implement five variants: Efficientdet (D0-D4) for detection purposes and compared the best Efficientdet version with Faster R-CNN and Yolo-V3. Experimental results show that the proposed approach outperforms earlier methods in the literature and conclude that EfficientDet-D3 is the best model for detecting distracted drivers as it achieves Mean Average Precision (MAP) of 99.16% with parameter setting: learning rate of $le-3$ , 50 epoch, batch size of 4, and step size of 250, demonstrating that it can potentially help drivers maintain safe driving habits.

Background: Carbamazepine, a commonly prescribed anti-epileptic drug, is potentially hepatotoxic. This laboratory-based experimental study was designed to observe the toxicity of Carbamazepine and the ameliorative effects of Vitamin E on liver tissue. Methodology: A total of 54 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A was the control; group B was given oral Carbamazepine, and group C was given Carbamazepine with Vitamin E daily for 6 weeks. At the end of the study period, animals were sacrificed, their liver was preserved, and tissue was stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Results: The mean final body weights of Carbamazepine treated group B (147.27 ± 13.72 gm) and Carbamazepine + Vitamin E protected group C (164.43 ± 10.73 gm) were decreased significantly in comparison to control A (194.03 ± 14.87 gm). Mean absolute and relative liver weights were increased significantly in groups B & C as compared to group A. Histological examination of liver in group B showed disturbed architecture of hepatic lobules including congested central vein, dilated sinusoids, pyknotic nuclei, steatosis, portal vein dilatation, hemorrhages, and mononuclear infiltration in the portal triad and around the central vein. These changes were reduced in group C. Micrometry confirmed the histological findings, with a significant decrease in mean hepatic cell count and mean hepatocyte nuclear diameter of group B as compared to control group A (6.00 ± 1.41 & 5.62 ± 0.69 µm respectively), and a significant increase in mean hepatocyte diameter of group B in comparison to group A (17.44 ± 1.29 µm). Conclusion: This study showed that Carbamazepine caused hepatotoxicity while Vitamin E was helpful in its amelioration.

Objective: The objective of this study was to observe the signs of Cyclosporine toxicity and to analyze the ameliorative effects of Nigella Sativa (NS or Kalonji) on body weight and haematological parameters. Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Baqai Medical University of Karachi during the month of February 2017. Thirty healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were selected from the Animal House of the university. After acclimatization, the animals were randomly divided into three groups, with 10 rats in each Group. Group A was the control group and received no intervention. Group B received treatment of oral Cyclosporine (15 mg/kg/day) in a single daily dose and Group C was given Cyclosporine (15 mg/kg/day) with Nigella Sativa seeds (450 mg/kg) as a protective agent. The bodyweight of rats in each group was measured at the start of the study period. The treatment was given for the duration of 21 days, after which the body weight was measured again. The rats were anaesthetized and blood was collected through cardiac puncture. Blood analysis for haemoglobin percentage, total leucocyte count and differential leucocyte count was done using haematology analyzer. Manual differential leucocyte was also done after staining the blood smear with Leishman's stain. Results: Final body weight of rats in Cyclosporine treated Group B was decreased significantly p

Abstract Background The remarkable diversity and mobility of Newcastle disease viruses (NDV) includes virulent viruses of genotype VI. These viruses are often referred to as pigeon paramyxoviruses 1 because they are normally isolated and cause clinical disease in birds from the Columbidae family. Genotype VI viruses occasionally infect, and may also cause clinical disease in poultry. Thus, the evolution, current spread and detection of these viruses are relevant to avian health. Results Here, we describe the isolation and genomic characterization of six Egyptian (2015), four Pakistani (2015), and two Ukrainian (2007, 2013) recent pigeon-derived NDV isolates of sub-genotype VIg. These viruses are closely related to isolates from Kazakhstan, Nigeria and Russia. In addition, eight genetically related NDV isolates from Pakistan (2014–2016) that define a new sub-genotype (VIm) are described. All of these viruses, and the ancestral Bulgarian (n = 2) and South Korean (n = 2) viruses described here, have predicted virulent cleavage sites of the fusion protein, and those selected for further characterization have intracerebral pathogenicity index assay values characteristic of NDV of genotype VI (1.31 to 1.48). A validated matrix gene real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) NDV test detect all tested isolates. However, the validated rRT-PCR test that is normally used to identify the virulent fusion gene fails to detect the Egyptian and Ukrainian viruses due to mismatches in primers and probe. A new rapid rRT-PCR test to determine the presence of virulent cleavage sites for viruses from sub-genotypes VIg was developed and evaluated on these and other viruses. Conclusions We describe the almost simultaneous circulation and continuous evolution of genotype VI Newcastle disease viruses in distant locations, suggesting epidemiological connections among three continents. As pigeons are not migratory, this study suggests the need to understand the possible role of human activity in the dispersal of these viruses. Complete genomic characterization identified previously unrecognized genetic diversity that contributes to diagnostic failure and will facilitate future evolutionary studies. These results highlight the importance of conducting active surveillance on pigeons worldwide and the need to update existent rapid diagnostic protocols to detect emerging viral variants and help manage the disease in affected regions.

Abstract Background Next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows ultra-deep sequencing of nucleic acids. The use of sequence-independent amplification of viral nucleic acids without utilization of target-specific primers provides advantages over traditional sequencing methods and allows detection of unsuspected variants and co-infecting agents. However, NGS is not widely used for small RNA viruses because of incorrectly perceived cost estimates and inefficient utilization of freely available bioinformatics tools. Methods In this study, we have utilized NGS-based random sequencing of total RNA combined with barcode multiplexing of libraries to quickly, effectively and simultaneously characterize the genomic sequences of multiple avian paramyxoviruses. Thirty libraries were prepared from diagnostic samples amplified in allantoic fluids and their total RNAs were sequenced in a single flow cell on an Illumina MiSeq instrument. After digital normalization, data were assembled using the MIRA assembler within a customized workflow on the Galaxy platform. Results Twenty-eight avian paramyxovirus 1 (APMV-1), one APMV-13, four avian influenza and two infectious bronchitis virus complete or nearly complete genome sequences were obtained from the single run. The 29 avian paramyxovirus genomes displayed 99.6% mean coverage based on bases with Phred quality scores of 30 or more. The lower and upper quartiles of sample median depth per position for those 29 samples were 2984 and 6894, respectively, indicating coverage across samples sufficient for deep variant analysis. Sample processing and library preparation took approximately 25–30 h, the sequencing run took 39 h, and processing through the Galaxy workflow took approximately 2–3 h. The cost of all steps, excluding labor, was estimated to be 106 USD per sample. Conclusions This work describes an efficient multiplexing NGS approach, a detailed analysis workflow, and customized tools for the characterization of the genomes of RNA viruses. The combination of multiplexing NGS technology with the Galaxy workflow platform resulted in a fast, user-friendly, and cost-efficient protocol for the simultaneous characterization of multiple full-length viral genomes. Twenty-nine full-length or near-full-length APMV genomes with a high median depth were successfully sequenced out of 30 samples. The applied de novo assembly approach also allowed identification of mixed viral populations in some of the samples.

Objective: Withania Somnifera is a naturally occurring antioxidant. This study was designed to analyze the oxidative effects of the anti-cancer drug cisplatin on rat spleen and blood parameters and its amelioration by the root extract of Withania Somnifera. Methods: This experimental study was conducted during November and December 2023 in the Anatomy departments of Islam Medical and Dental College and Jinnah Medical and Dental College, after the approval of the Institutional Animal Ethical Committee. 60 male Albino Wistar rats, 14-16 weeks old and weighing 200-250 gm were randomly divided into 4 groups. Initial body weights were taken for all groups. Group A received no treatment, group B was given an intraperitoneal injection of Cisplatin as a single daily dose for 7 days, group C received W. somnifera root extract orally for 15 days as a pretreatment and then concurrently with intraperitoneal cisplatin for 7 days and group D was given W. somnifera root extract only for 22 days. At the end of the study period, the rats were sacrificed. Final body and splenic weights were taken, blood was collected and splenic tissue was processed for histological analysis. Statistical analysis of data was done using SPSS version 25.0. Results: The rats of Cisplatin only group B showed significant toxic changes in splenic histology: thickened splenic capsule, white pulp reduction with reduced PALS areas, and central artery vacuolization. These changes were improved in cisplatin and W. somnifera group C. Blood profiles showed decreased Hb, TLC, and platelets in cisplatin only group B but it was improved in the cisplatin and W. somnifera group C. Conclusion: Our study concluded that W. somnifera root extract protects against cisplatin induced oxidative damage to splenic tissue and hematological alterations in rat model. This ponders on its potential as an adjuvant therapy with anticancer cisplatin treatment for minimizing its side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was planned to evaluate the role of body painting in short-term retention of knowledge and to assess students' perception of this activity in a public and private medical college. Methods: This interventional study was conducted in a private and public medical college in the month of September and October 2023. The students of MBBS 1st year from the 2 colleges were invited to participate in the study and those who volunteered were randomly divided by the balloting method into 2 equal groups: control and intervention. The control group was given a traditional lecture with the help of a Power point presentation, on the course and markings of the nerves and vessels of the hand and forearm. The intervention group was given an interactive body painting demonstration, with hands-on practice of painting the same vessels and nerves on each other. At the end of these sessions, the students attempted a multiple-choice-question paper and the results were compared using SPSS version 21.00. A questionnaire was also filled by the intervention group to provide the students' perception of the activity. Results: There was no significant difference between the mean multiple-choice-question scores of the control and intervention group. More than 85% of the students from both the colleges strongly agreed that the session was enjoyable and interesting and also 80% and beyond of students also believed that the exercise would help them to retain knowledge. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was a negligible difference in knowledge retention between the intervention group and the control group. However, the results of the questionnaire strongly suggested the use of the body painting technique in anatomy curricular teaching as it has proven to stimulate knowledge retention by enhancing students' interest, active participation and peer learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This analysis was aimed at evaluation of the effects of prolonged ingestion of Lithium carbonate on renal weights in rat models. Methods: In our experimental analysis, twenty healthy male rats of age sixty-five days were randomly divided in two groups. Group A (n =10) and Group B (n=10) was given Lithium carbonate. Group A, which was the control group, was further divided into two subgroups according to time duration Group A1 (n=5) and Group A2 (n=5). The control group rodents were fed a lab diet consisting of vegetables, flour pellets and water for a period of 2 and 6 weeks, whereas Group B (n=10) was the Lithiumtreated group which also contained five animals in each group. In the treated Group B the animals were divided according to time duration in B1 (2 weeks), Group B2 (6 weeks). Group B rodents along with the lab diet were given Lithium. At the end of the period, animals were sacrificed, and the skin, fascia, and intestines were separated and removed. The red oval kidney was weighed on Digital Weighing Balance at 2 and 6 weeks in all the Groups and recorded. Statistical Analysis was performed on SPSS version-16. Results: The renal weights in grams of both groups were documented and it was found that Groups B1 and B2 treated with Lithium carbonate showed statistically highly significantly decreased p-value <0.001 of renal weights as compared to the Control Groups A1 and A2 which were on Lab diet. There were statistically highly significantly decreased renal weights at 6 weeks in group B2 than in Group B1, A1, and A2. Conclusion: This analytical research has proved that renal damage occurs due to decreased renal weights in rat models due to prolonged intake of Lithium carbonate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to observe the signs of Cyclosporine toxicity and to analyze the ameliorative effects of Nigella Sativa (NS or Kalonji) on body weight and hematological parameters. Methods: This study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, Baqai Medical University of Karachi during the month of February 2017. Thirty healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were selected from the Animal House of the university. After acclimatization, the animals were randomly divided into three Groups, with 10 rats in each Group. Group A was control group and received no intervention. Group B received treatment of oral Cyclosporine (15 mg/kg/day) in a single daily dose and Group C was given Cyclosporine (15 mg/kg/day) with Nigella Sativa seeds (450 mg/kg) as a protective agent. The body weight of rats in each Group was measured at the start of the study period. The treatment was given for the duration of 21 days, after which the body weight was measured again. The rats were anesthetized and blood was collected through cardiac puncture. Blood analysis for hemoglobin percentage, total leucocyte count and differential leucocyte count was done using hematology analyzer. Manual differential leucocyte was also done after staining the blood smear with Leishman's stain. Results: Final body weight of rats in Cyclosporine treated Group B was decreased significantly p<0.001 in comparison to control Group A and increased significantly p=0.001 in Nigella Sativa and Cyclosporine protected Group C. Blood parameters showed decreased mean hemoglobin p=0.03, decreased mean total leucocyte count p=0.003, increased mean neutrophil count p=0.27 and decreased mean lymphocyte count p=0.27 in Cyclosporine treated Group B while the mean values of these hematological parameters improved in Nigella Sativa protected Group C. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that Cyclosporine caused decrease in animal weight and toxic changes in hematological parameters while Nigella Sativa was helpful in ameliorating them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the toxic effects of Methotrexate on the Histomorphometry of liver in rat model. Study Design: An Experimental, Observational Study. Place and Duration: At Department of Anatomy, Baqai Medical University, Karachi from 1st July 2017 to 31st August 2017. Methodology: Male adult albino Wistar rats (n=30), aged 10-12 weeks and weighing 180-200g of weight were divided in two equal groups. Group-A (control), received no intervention and Group-B received single dose of 20mg/kg of methotrexate (MTX) intraperitoneally. Liver was harvested and its architecture was assessed microscopically. Mean hepatocyte count, hepatocyte diameter and hepatocyte nuclear diameter were calculated with micrometer. Results: Liver sections from Methotrexate treated group B exhibited a distortion in normal hepatic architecture. Deranged hepatic cords, large areas of parenchymal degeneration and hemorrhage, and dilation of sinusoids and central vein were observed. The hepatocytes showed advanced hydropic degeneration, fragmentation and pyknosis of nuclei. Mean hepatocyte count and mean hepatocyte nuclear diameter was decreased while hepatocyte diameter was increased significantly in Methotrexate group. Conclusion: Methotrexate produces toxic cellular changes as seen in the histomorphometry of liver tissue in rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]