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Biomedical subjects

A Amit

Publications and source records attributed to A Amit.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Screening of selected Indian medicinal plants for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity.

Seventy-six plant extracts including methanolic and successive water extracts from 37 Indian medicinal plants were investigated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity (in vitro). Results indicated that methanolic extracts to be more active than water extracts. The potent AChE inhibiting methanolic plant extracts included Withania somnifera (root), Semecarpus anacardium (stem bark), Embelia ribes (Root), Tinospora cordifolia (stem), Ficus religiosa (stem bark) and Nardostachys jatamansi (rhizome). The IC(50) values obtained for these extracts were 33.38, 16.74, 23.04, 38.36, 73.69 and 47.21mug/ml, respectively. These results partly substantiate the traditional use of these herbs for improvement of cognition.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed2005

The use of recombinant human LH (lutropin alfa) in the late stimulation phase of assisted reproduction cycles: a double-blind, randomized, prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of recombinant human LH (r-hLH; lutropin alfa) in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation with recombinant human FSH (r-hFSH) prior to IVF was investigated. METHODS: After down-regulation with the GnRH agonist, buserelin, 114 normo-ovulatory women (aged 18-37 years) received r-hFSH alone until the lead follicle reached a diameter of 14 mm. Patients were then randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive r-hFSH in addition to r-hLH, 75 IU s.c., or placebo daily for a maximum of 10 days prior to oocyte retrieval and IVF. The primary end-point was the number of metaphase II oocytes. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between treatment groups for the primary end-point. Serum estradiol concentrations on the day of HCG administration were significantly higher in the group receiving r-hLH plus r-hFSH than in the group receiving r-hFSH alone (P = 0.0001), but there were no significant differences between the groups in dose and duration of r-hFSH treatment required, oocyte maturation, fertilization rate, pregnancy rate and live birth rate. CONCLUSION: In this patient population, the addition of r-hLH during the late follicular phase of a long GnRH agonist and r-hFSH stimulation cycle provides no further benefit in terms of oocyte maturation or other end-points.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Apoptosis in cryopreserved human ovarian tissue obtained from cancer patients: a tool for evaluating cryopreservation utility.

Fertility preservation is of major importance for women with cancer in whom ovarian function may be disturbed by the use of potentially sterilizing chemotherapeutic drugs and/or pelvic irradiation. Cryopreservation of ovarian cortical tissue is one of the potential options for preserving fertility among these women. Cryopreserved thawed human ovarian tissue can be autografted either orthotopically or heterotopically, but may also be transplanted first into an animal host with subsequent maturation and collection of oocytes. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ovarian follicular apoptosis in fresh and frozen/ thawed human ovarian tissue as a measure of follicular viability. The study group included 6 women with cancer who underwent ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTCP). Ovarian tissue samples (n = 2) were obtained from each woman with one sample undergoing evaluation for apoptosis immediately following removal (control, group A) and the other evaluated for apoptosis following freezing/thawing (group B). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and 4'6' diamido-2-phenylindole hydrochloride (DAPI) staining methods were used to investigate follicular apoptosis. Morphological changes in the same samples were evaluated in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections. In each slide, only primordial and primary follicles were evaluated for abnormal morphology and apoptosis. Abnormal morphology was demonstrated in 23.8+/-8.7% of group A follicles compared to 48.3+/-11.2% of group B follicles (p < 0.05). Apoptosis was demonstrated in 25.4+/-8.4% of group A follicles compared to 60.9+/-6.0% of group B follicles (p < 0.05). We have shown that the ovarian follicles in group B demonstrated a higher incidence of apoptosis compared to those of group A. Therefore, the data suggest that follicular apoptosis might be a consequence of the freezing and thawing procedure. This may be used as a method for evaluating and comparing the outcome of different freezing/thawing protocols.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Increased erythrocyte aggregation in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a possible contributing factor in the pathophysiology of this disease.

BACKGROUND: Many theories regarding the pathophysiology leading to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) have been proposed and tested. Increased erythrocyte aggregation is associated with capillary slow flow and tissue hypoxaemia. We performed this study in order to assess the degree of erythrocyte aggregation in the peripheral blood of individuals with OHSS and undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COH). METHODS: Twenty women with severe OHSS, 20 women undergoing COH under IVF protocol, and 20 healthy matched controls were recruited for this prospective study. Blood samples were drawn for determination of erythrocyte aggregation as well as haematological indices. The percentage of slide covered by the cells ('erythrocyte percentage': EP) was determined using a simple slide test and image analysis. Lower EP values correspond to higher degrees of aggregation. RESULTS: The respective measures of EP were 59.2 +/- 3.0, 42.0 +/- 3.0 and 35.0 +/- 2.4% micro m for the controls, women with COH and OHSS (P < 0.01 between controls and the two stimulation groups). CONCLUSIONS: The degree of erythrocyte aggregation is enhanced in the peripheral venous blood of patients with both COH and OHSS. This finding, known to cause capillary leak, may contribute to the pathophysiology of the OHSS.

Capillaries↗
PubMed2004

Spindle imaging: a new marker for optimal timing of ICSI?

BACKGROUND: The LC Polscope facilitates visualization of the meiotic spindle in human oocyte. This study aimed to investigate meiotic spindle assembly in correlation to time elapsed after HCG administration, and to determine whether spindle imaging may serve to indicate the likelihood of fertilization and embryo cleavage. METHODS: Metaphase II (MII) oocytes from 103 couples who were being treated for male infertility were imaged with the Polscope prior to sperm injection. Spindle imaging was correlated to time elapsed from HCG administration, fertilization rate and embryo cleavage. The main outcome measures were spindle visualization, fertilization and embryo cleavage on day 3. RESULTS: A total of 770 MII oocytes were imaged. A spindle was imaged in a significantly higher number of oocytes from >or=38 h after HCG administration compared with those in the <38 h group (78.1-81.5% versus 61.6%; P < 0.001). The fertilization rate in oocytes with a visible spindle was statistically higher compared with oocytes in which spindle could not be detected (70.4% versus 62.2%; P = 0.035). We found no relationship between spindle imaging and embryo cleavage on day 3. CONCLUSIONS: Spindle imaging, in addition to first polar body appearance, is an accurate indicator for oocyte maturity. We suggest that spindle imaging be performed prior to sperm injection.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed2004

Interleukin-18 is high in the serum of IVF pregnancies with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

PROBLEM: The presence of interleukin-18 (IL-18) in serum and pre-ovulatory follicular fluid (FF) and its possible correlation to in-vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) outcome and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) development. METHOD OF STUDY: A prospective study was carried out. Assays for serum and pooled pre-ovulatory FF levels of IL-18 were performed on 30 patients who underwent oocyte retrieval for IVF/ET. RESULTS: Mean serum and FF levels of IL-18 were 370.4 +/- 224 and 228.9 +/- 208 pg/mL, respectively (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001). Levels of FF IL-18 were comparable between the two ovaries (right = 221 +/- 166.8 pg/mL, left = 237 +/- 171.9 pg/mL; r = 0.7550, P = 0.49). A positive correlation was found between IL-18 FF levels and number of retrieved oocytes (r = 0.45; P = 0.019). In three patients (10%) who developed OHSS, the mean serum level of IL-18 at day of ovum pickup was significantly higher compared with patients without OHSS (620 +/- 196 pg/mL versus 345 +/- 251 pg/mL, respectively, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Both pre-ovulatory FF and serum levels of IL-18 correlate with the number of retrieved oocytes. The serum IL-18 level at day of ovum pickup may predict consequent development of OHSS. Further investigations are warranted to determine the role of IL-18 in the folliculogenesis and OHSS pathogenesis.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Antioxidant properties of Aller-7, a novel polyherbal formulation for allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis, a frequently occurring immunological disorder affecting men, women and children worldwide, is a state of hypersensitivity that occurs when the body overreacts to a substance such as pollen, mold, mites or dust. Allergic rhinitis exerts inflammatory response and irritation of the nasal mucosal membranes leading to sneezing; stuffy/runny nose; nasal congestion; and itchy, watery and swollen eyes. A novel, safe polyherbal formulation (Aller-7/NR-A2) has been developed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis using a unique combination of extracts from seven medicinal plants including Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Albizia lebbeck, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinale and Piper longum. In this study, the antioxidant efficacy of Aller-7 was investigated by various assays including hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, superoxide anion scavenging assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis-ethyl-benzothiozoline-sulphonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. The protective effect of Aller-7 on free radical-induced lysis of red blood cells and inhibition of nitric oxide release by Aller-7 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophages were determined. Aller-7 exhibited concentration-dependent scavenging activities toward biochemically generated hydroxyl radicals (IC50 741.73 microg/ml); superoxide anion (IC50 24.65 microg/ml by phenazine methosulfate-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide [PMS-NADH] assay and IC50 4.27 microg/ml by riboflavin/nitroblue tetrazolium [NBT] light assay), nitric oxide (IC50 16.34 microg/ml); 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical (IC50 5.62 microg/ml); and 2,2-azinobis-ethyl-benzothiozoline-sulphonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS) radical (IC50 7.35 microg/ml). Aller-7 inhibited free radical-induced hemolysis in the concentration range of 20-80 microg/ml. Aller-7 also significantly inhibited nitric oxide release from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophages. These results demonstrate that Aller-7 is a potent scavenger of free radicals and that it may serve.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Anti-inflammatory activities of Aller-7, a novel polyherbal formulation for allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is an immunological disorder and an inflammatory response of nasal mucosal membranes. Allergic rhinitis, a state of hypersensitivity, occurs when the body overreacts to a substance such as pollens or dust. A novel, safe polyherbal formulation (Aller-7/NR-A2) has been developed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis using a unique combination of extracts from seven medicinal plants including Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Albizia lebbeck, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinale and Piper longum. Since inflammation is an integral mechanistic component of allergy, the present study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of Aller-7 in various in vivo models. The efficacy of Aller-7 was investigated in compound 48/80-induced paw edema both in Balb/c mice and Swiss Albino mice, carrageenan-induced paw edema in Wistar Albino rats and Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar Albino rats. The trypsin inhibitory activity of Aller-7 was also determined and compared with ovomucoid. At a dose of 250 mg/kg, Aller-7 demonstrated 62.55% inhibition against compound 48/80-induced paw edema in Balb/c mice, while under the same conditions prednisolone at an oral dose of 14 mg/kg exhibited 44.7% inhibition. Aller-7 significantly inhibited compound 48/80-induced paw edema at all three doses of 175, 225 or 275 mg/kg in Swiss Albino mice, while the most potent effect was observed at 225 mg/kg. Aller-7 (120 mg/kg, p.o.) demonstrated 31.3% inhibition against carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in Wistar Albino rats, while ibuprofen (50 mg/kg, p.o.) exerted 68.1% inhibition. Aller-7 also exhibited a dose-dependent (150-350 mg/kg) anti-inflammatory effect against Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar Albino rats and an approximately 63% inhibitory effect was observed at a dose of 350 mg/kg. The trypsin inhibitory activity of Aller-7 was determined, using ovomucoid as a positive control. Ovomucoid and Aller-7 demonstrated IC50 concentrations at 1.5 and 9.0 microg/ml, respectively. These results demonstrate that this novel polyherbal formulation is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can ameliorate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Mast cell stabilization, lipoxygenase inhibition, hyaluronidase inhibition, antihistaminic and antispasmodic activities of Aller-7, a novel botanical formulation for allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, rose fever or summer catarrh, is a major challenge to health professionals. A large number of the world's population, including approximately 40 million Americans, suffers from allergic rhinitis. A novel, botanical formulation (Aller-7) has been developed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis using a combination of extracts from seven medicinal plants, including Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, T. bellerica, Albizia lebbeck, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinale and P. longum, which have a proven history of efficacy and health benefits. The clinical manifestations of allergy are due to a number of mediators that are released from mast cells. The effect of Aller-7 on rat mesenteric mast cell degranulation was studied by incubating different concentrations of Aller-7 and challenging them with a degranulating agent, compound 48/80. The inhibitory activity of Aller-7 was determined against lipoxygenase and hyaluronidase, the key enzymes involved in the initiation and maintenance of inflammatory responses. Furthermore, most of these manifestations are due to histamine, which causes vasodilatation, increasing capillary permeability and leading to bronchoconstriction. Hence, the antihistaminic activity of Aller-7 was determined is isolated guinea pig ileum substrate using cetirizine as a positive control. The antispasmodic effect of Aller-7 on contractions of guinea pig tracheal chain was determined using papaverine and cetirizine as controls. Aller-7 exhibited potent activity in all these in vitro models tested, thus demonstrating the novel anti-allergic potential of Aller-7.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Brine shrimp lethality bioassay of selected Indian medicinal plants.

Ethanolic extracts of six Indian medicinal plants, piperine, guggulsterone E and guggulsterone Z were tested for cytotoxicity using brine shrimp lethality test. Piper longum showed most potent cytotoxic activity. Piperine, guggulsterone E and guggulsterone Z showed potent activity with LC(50) 2.4, 8.9 and 4.9, respectively.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Tribulosin and beta-sitosterol-D-glucoside, the anthelmintic principles of Tribulus terrestris.

Successive extracts of Tribulus terrestris prepared using petroleum ether, chloroform, 50% methanol and water were tested for anthelmintic activity in-vitro using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The activity could be detected only in 50% methanol extract which on further bioactivity guided fractionation and chromatographic separation yielded a spirostanol type saponin, tribulosin and beta-sitosterol-D-glucoside. Both the compounds exhibited anthelmintic activity with ED50 of 76.25 and 82.50 microg/ml respectively.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Antibacterial activity of Punica granatum.

Successive petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water extracts of Punica granatum were tested (in vitro) for their antibacterial activity. The methanolic extract was found to be most effective against all tested microorganisms.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2001

Mast cell stabilising activity of Bacopa monnieri.

Successive petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water extracts of Bacopa monnieri were tested (in vitro) for mast cell stabilising effect. The methanolic fraction exhibited potent activity comparable to disodium cromoglycate, a known mast cell stabiliser.

Humans↗
PubMed2001

Anthelmintic activity of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum and eugenol.

The essential oil of Ocimum sanctum and eugenol, tested in vitro, showed potent anthelmintic activity in the Caenorhabditis elegans model. Eugenol exhibited an ED(50) of 62.1 microg/ml. Eugenol being the predominant component of the essential oil, is suggested as the putative anthelmintic principle.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

alpha-Glucosidase inhibitory activity of Mangifera indica bark.

The ethanolic extracts of Lawsonia inermis leaves, Holarrhena antidysenterica bark, Swertia chirata whole plant and Mangifera indica bark were tested (in-vitro) for alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. M. indica extract was found to be the most potent, with an IC(50) value of 314 microg/ml.

Apocynaceae↗