Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Puri

Publications and source records attributed to A Puri.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic agent from Aegle marmelos.

The plant Aegle marmelos belongs to the family of Rutaceae. From the leaves of A. marmelos an alkaloidal-amide, Aegeline 2, was isolated and found to have antihyperglycemic activity as evidenced by lowering the blood glucose levels by 12.9% and 16.9% at 5 and 24h, respectively, in sucrose challenged streptozotocin induced diabetic rats (STZ-S) model at the dose of 100mg/kg body weight. Aegeline 2 has also significantly decreased the plasma triglyceride (Tg) levels by 55% (P<0.001), total cholesterol (TC) by 24% (P<0.05), and free fatty acids (FFA) by 24%, accompanied with increase in HDL-C by 28% and HDL-C/TC ratio by 66% in dyslipidemic hamster model at the dose of 50mg/kg body weight. The reasonable mapping of compound 2 to validated pharmacophoric hypothesis and 3D QSAR model with an estimated activity (283nM) suggest that the compound 2 might be a beta(3)-AR agonist.

Adrenergic beta-3 Receptor Agonists↗

CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy in deep seated musculoskeletal lesions: a prospective study of 128 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Although large lesions of the limbs can easily be biopsied without image guidance, lesions in the spine, paraspinal area and pelvis are difficult to target, and benefit from CT guidance to improve the accuracy of targeting the lesion for biopsy purposes. A prospective study of CT-guided core needle biopsies for deep-seated musculoskeletal lesions was conducted at a referral cancer institute over a 4-year period with the aim of assessing the safety and efficacy of the procedure. PATIENTS & METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2003, 136 consecutive CT-guided biopsy sessions were undertaken for musculoskeletal lesions in 128 patients comprising 73 males and 55 females. The following data was recorded in all patients: demographic data, suspected clinicoradiological diagnosis, data related to core biopsy session (date, site, approach, total time required in minutes, number of cores, surgeon satisfaction with adequacy of cores), patient discomfort, complications, histopathology report and number of further sessions if material obtained during the first biopsy session was not confirmatory. The sample obtained during the biopsy session was considered inconclusive if, in the opinion of the pathologist, inadequate or non-representative tissue had been obtained. The diagnosis was considered inaccurate if the final histopathological diagnosis did not match with the biopsy diagnosis, or if subsequent clinicoradiological evaluation at follow up did not correlate with the biopsy diagnosis in those patients who were treated with modalities other than surgery. RESULTS: In 121 patients, a single session was sufficient to obtain representative material, whilst for six patients two sessions, and for one patient three sessions were necessary. The time taken for biopsy, including the pre-biopsy CT examination time, varied from 15 min to 60 min (median 30 min). For 110 bony lesions 116 sessions were required, and for 18 soft-tissue lesions 20 sessions were required. 108 biopsy sessions yielded a diagnosis, whilst 28 were inconclusive (diagnostic yield of 79.41%). Of 108 diagnostic biopsies, five were considered inaccurate (accuracy rate of 95.37%). The overall diagnostic yield and accuracy rate for bony lesions were 81.03% and 95.74%; and those for soft-tissue lesions were 70% and 92.85%. There were two complications with no permanent sequelae. CONCLUSION: CT-guided core needle biopsy is a safe, easy, and effective technique for the evaluation of deep-seated musculoskeletal lesions, with a high rate of diagnostic yield and accuracy. It facilitates definitive therapy without the patient having to undergo a major surgical procedure for diagnosis.

Adolescent↗

Immunomodulatory activity of analog of muramyl dipeptide and their use as adjunct to chemotherapy of Leishmania donovani in hamster.

In search of a potent immunomodulator to be used as an immunoprophylactic agent and as adjunct to chemotherapy against Leishmania infection, two analogs of muramyl dipeptide, viz. N.Ac-norMur-MeVal-D-isoGln (86/448) and N.AcMur-Acc-D-isoGln (89/729) were evaluated for desired activity. Effect of these peptides on cell mediated and humoral immunity was studied by immunizing the peptide treated mouse with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and determining HA-titer, plaque forming cells assay and delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response after 4-5 days. Both the peptides stimulated cell mediated immunity (CMI), humoral response as well as macrophage function in terms of super oxide anion (O2-) and nitric oxide (NO) generation. Mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferation and production of IL-2 and INF-gamma increased while that of IL-4 and IL-10 decreased by both the peptides showing a typical Th1 type response. After establishing the immunostimulatory activity, these peptides were evaluated for immunoprophylactic efficacy as well as for use as adjunct to chemotherapy with stibanate (SSG) against Leishmania donovani infection in golden hamster. These peptides were found quite effective in both the modes. In adjunct use the treatment may require lower dose of SSG and thereby reduce the chances of drug toxicity.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗

Urodynamics-based evidence for the beneficial effect of imipramine on valve bladders in children.

AIMS: In an era, in which valve bladder is recognised as perhaps the single most important determinant of long-term outcome in patients with posterior urethral valves (PUV), an insight into the etiopathogenesis and management of valve bladders is warranted. The present study was designed to evaluate bladder dysfunction in PUV and to assess the response to imipramine in these patients, both subjectively and objectively, by serial urodynamic studies (UDS). METHODS: From 1998-2001, 30 patients with PUV who had documented bladder dysfunction on UDS were studied. Patients with non-compliant or unstable bladders were treated with imipramine (1.5 - 2 mg/kg). All the patients in the present study were 5 years or older and hence old enough to be toilet trained. Assessment of continence and side effects of the drug was done after 3 months and repeat UDS were done at 3-6 months, 1 and 2 years. RESULTS: On the basis of initial treatment, the patients were divided into 2 groups; a fulguration group (n = 10, 33.3 %) and a vesicostomy group (n = 20, 66.6 %). Symptomatic voiding dysfunction was present in 27 of the 30 patients (90 %). Two patterns of urodynamic abnormalities were noted in the present study; 1) unstable bladders with single or multiple uninhibited contractions (18/30 patients, 60 %), and 2) small capacity, hypocompliant, hypertonic bladder (12/30 patients, 40 %). Post imipramine therapy significant symptomatic improvement was noted in 16/30 patients. On serial UDS, there was a 18-20 % increase in maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) and 30-35 % increase in pressure specific bladder volume (PSBV) following one year of imipramine therapy in 16/30 patients and 11/30 patients, respectively. 4 patients failed to show any improvement in MCC and PSBV with imipramine, they had been initially diverted with vesicostomy and later required augmentation cystoplasty. CONCLUSION: Unstable bladders and those with marginal bladder capacity and compliance showed the best response to imipramine therapy. Fibrotic, small capacity, hypertonic bladders are less responsive to imipramine. However, a trial of imipramine therapy is still warranted in these patients, as only 4/12 (33.3 %) patients with fibrotic hypertonic bladders failed to show any response and ultimately required augmentation cystoplasty. Imipramine qualifies as an effective and cheap drug for valve bladders.

Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors↗

Electrocardiographic and biochemical evidence for the cardioprotective effect of vitamin E in doxorubicin-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cardiotoxicity is a major side effect limiting the use of doxorubicin, a potent chemotherapeutic agent, in the treatment of pediatric neoplastic diseases. The effect of vitamin E in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats has been studied. METHODS: Eighteen Wistar male rats (age 60 - 100 days, weighing 175 - 260 g) were divided into three groups of six: group A (controls); group B (doxorubicin-treated rats); and group C (pretreatment with a high dose of vitamin E followed by doxorubicin treatment). The weights of the rats were measured daily. The rats were sacrificed seven days after the last dose of doxorubicin injection by an overdose of ether. Electrocardiogram (ECG) tracings were recorded before sacrificing the rats. The ECG tracings were then evaluated for rate and rhythm disorders by assessing the PR, ST, and QT intervals. In group B rats ECG tracings were taken three days after the completion of doxorubicin treatment, while in group C rats they were taken at the end of 2 weeks of vitamin E pretreatment and again 3 days after the completion of doxorubicin treatment. Serum levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK-MB), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) were assessed from an intracardiac blood sample taken at the time of sacrificing the rat. RESULTS: Mean weight ranged from 205 - 226 g. Mean total dose of doxorubicin in groups B and C ranged from 36 - 38 mg. The PR intervals in the three groups were recorded as 0.006, 0.070, 0.057 s for groups A, B, and C, respectively (p = 0.0024) and the QT interval as 0.023, 0.120, 0.088 s in groups A, B, and C, respectively (p = 0.00089). The ST elevation due to doxorubicin toxicity was significantly reversed by vitamin E treatment. The difference in the levels of CPK-MB and LDH between the three groups was found to be statistically significant. Serum SGOT levels also varied between the three groups but were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Vitamin E pretreatment prevented the PR, QT, and ST segment changes caused by doxorubicin. Vitamin E treatment helped to decrease the levels of CPK-MB and LDH that were increased due to myocardial damage caused by the doxorubicin. There is sufficient evidence to believe that vitamin E protects the rat myocardium from doxorubicin-induced damage.

Animals↗

Antidyslipidemic action of fenofibrate in dyslipidemic-diabetic hamster model.

Fenofibrate is the ligand for PPARalpha subtype that mediates the action of its agonists' in lipid metabolism. How fibrate exerts hypolipidemic effect? The mechanism is studied in a newly developed high-fat fructose enriched diet induced dyslipidemia-diabetic hamster model. Fenofibrate lowered the basal plasma lipids like TC, TG, PL, FFA, glycerol, VLDL, and LDL, but HDL was increased. The activity of lipoprotein lipase in liver, adipose tissue, and small intestine was upregulated. However, that of triglyceride lipase was downregulated in liver. It has also improved the insulin secretion and plasma glucose lowering, caused by impairment in insulin secretion due to high-fat load. The drug was found effective in reducing body weight and diet due to rise in leptin level. Fenofibrate also enhanced the fecal excretion of total lipids, cholic acid, and deoxycholic acid probably by the activation of 7alpha cholesterol hydroxylase enzyme. Thus, causing broad-spectrum lipid lowering along with inhibition of hepatic lipid biosynthesis and maintaining lipid-glucose homeostasis.

Animals↗

The use of irradiated allografts in reconstruction of tumor defects - the tata memorial hospital experience.

A Tissue Bank is a valuable adjunct to tumour management. In bone tumours, the defects produced by ablative surgery can be reconstructed using banked tissue, thereby obviating the donor site morbidity associated with autografts. Allografts are especially useful in large defects or in children where the quantity of available autograft is limited. The use of bone allografts in India has been limited by the availability of good quality, affordable grafts. In this article we share our experience with the use of indigenously produced allografts in limb salvage, as bone graft expanders and as struts. Lyophilised, irradiated bone allografts were morcellised and used in 32 patients. In 21 of these patients the allograft was used in contained cavities. Complete incorporation of the graft was seen between 6-9 months in all the 25 cases available for follow-up. In 4 patients the allograft was layered onto autograft. The allograft incorporated with the host bone in only one of these patients.Struts were used in 9 cases (3 cases complete intercalary segmental defect, 3 cases of hemicortical defects, 2 cases of allograft-prosthesis composite around the hip, 1 case an iliac-crest block was used to stop bleeding from an anterior sacral defect). Of these, no incorporation of the full segment struts was observed in 2 patients who were on chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The sacral defect case was lost to follow-up. All the other struts incorporated with the host bone within 6-9 months. In 5 cases there was sterile postoperative drainage. Overall infection was observed in 4 patients (10%). In one the graft was removed, another settled uneventfully with subsequent incorporation of graft, and two have a persisting sinus but good incorporation. Since radiation and lyophilisation are known to affect the material properties of bone, the grafts were rehydrated in saline for 30 minutes prior to transplantation. Autogenous marrow or autograft was used to provide osteoinductive properties. In selected cases the lyophilised, irradiated bone allografts proved to be clinically useful in the reconstruction of large tumour defects.

Journal Article↗

Reconstructing tumour defects: lyophilised, irradiated bone allografts.

Tumour excision leaves behind large defects. Allografts provide an excellent alternative to autografts without donor site morbidity and are especially useful in large defects or in children where the quantity of available autograft is limited. In this paper we discuss our experience with indigenously procured and processed lyophilised, irradiated bone allografts. Bone allografts were used in 41 patients. They were used morsellised and used in 32 cases. Of these, 25 cases were available for follow-up. These included 21 patients in whom the allograft was used in contained cavities. Complete incorporation of the graft was seen between 6 and 9 months in all these 21 patients. In 4 patients the allograft was layered onto autograft. In only one of these the allograft incorporated with the host bone. Struts were used in 9 cases (3 cases complete intercalary segmental defect, 3 cases of hemicortical defects, 2 cases of allograft-prosthesis composite around the hip, in 1 case an iliac-crest block was used to stop bleeding from an anterior sacral defect). Of these, 2 full segment struts showed no incorporation. Both these patients were on chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There was no follow-up in sacral defect case. All the other struts incorporated with the host bone within 6-9 months.In 5 cases there was sterile postoperative drainage. All these cases went on to uneventful. Deep infection was observed in 4 patients (10%). In one, the graft was removed, another settled uneventfully with subsequent incorporation of graft, and two have a persisting sinus but good incorporation.To restore part of the strength of the struts it was necessary to hydrate them for 30 min prior to use. Autogenous marrow or autograft was used to provide osteoinductive properties.Conclusion. In selected cases the lyophilised, irradiated bone allografts proved to be very useful in reconstruction of large tumour defects.

Journal Article↗

Homocysteine and lipid levels in young patients with coronary artery disease.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Indians are more prone to premature coronary artery disease (CAD). The importance of homocysteine as a risk factor for CAD in Indian patients needs to be recognized. The aim of this study was to note the independent association of this novel risk factor with traditional ones in young CAD patients. METHODOLOGY: This study included 51 patients, < 45 years of age, with proven CAD. They were further divided into two subgroups based on their lipid profile. Group A (n = 30) hyperlipidemic CAD patients and Group B (n = 21) normolipidemic CAD patients. They were compared with 15 age and sex matched healthy controls. Plasma homocysteine was assayed using high pressure liquid chromatography, fasting lipid profile and other risk factors were compared. RESULTS: The mean level of homocysteine in patient group was 27.8 +/- 13.11 nmol/ml. In subgroup A it was 28.86 +/- 13.02 while in subgroup B it was 26.46 +/- 13.44. In the patient group (n = 51), 37 (72.55%) had homocysteine levels greater than 18 nmol/ml. In the control group mean homocysteine was 13.22 nmol/ml +/- 7.36 and only 4 (26.77%) had homocysteine levels greater than the cut-off. CONCLUSIONS: Thus in spite of some baseline variations, plasma homocysteine emerged as a significant (p = 0.0009, OR 6.05) independent risk factor for young CAD patients and was not altered by the baseline lipid profile of the patient. Therefore it should be evaluated in all young patients of CAD in the absence of traditional risk factors.

Adult↗

Initial surgical treatment as a determinant of bladder dysfunction in posterior urethral valves.

Bladder function in patients with posterior urethral valves (PUV) has an immense impact on long-term continence and renal function. Bladder dysfunction was corelated with the initial surgical treatment in 67 patients with PUV treated between 1985 and 2000. Age at presentation, current age, duration of follow-up, initial surgical treatment (diversion or valve fulguration), trends of renal function tests, voiding disturbances, and changes in the upper tracts were recorded. Urodynamic studies were done in all patients to determine urine flow rates, residual volume, maximal cystometric capacity (MCC), bladder compliance, involuntary detrusor activity, and pressure-specific bladder volume (PSBV) at 30 cm water. The patients were divided into three groups depending on the initial treatment: fulguration (n = 38), vesicostomy (n = 25), and ureterostomy (n = 4). At the time of this study voiding symptoms persisted in 45 patients. Mean percent MCC (% MCC) was 62%, 96%, and 100% of normal in the vesicostomy, fulguration, and ureterostomy groups, respectively (P = 0.002). Large-capacity bladders were seen in 10.9% of patients, mostly in pubertal and post-pubertal boys who were treated initially by either fulguration or ureterostomy; vesicostomy adversely affected bladder capacity and compliance (P = 0.007). PSBV was decreased in 48% of patients in the vesicostomy group and was significantly lower in the other groups (P = 0.01). Mean percent PSBV was 75%, 95%, and 96% of normal in the vesicostomy, fulguration, and ureterostomy groups, respectively. Uninhibited contractions were present in 21 patients (14 in the vesicostomy group) (P = 0.01). The highest incidence of upper-tract deterioration was seen with %MCC below 60% of normal (P = 0.001). The predominant urodynamic patterns were: (1) fulgurated group: good-capacity, compliant bladder; (2) vesicostomy group: small-capacity, hyperreflexic bladder; and (3) ureterostomy group: good capacity, compliant bladder. Primary valve ablation is associated with better bladder function than vesicostomy and should be the treatment of choice in PUV. Also, vesicostomy and ureterostomy have distinctly different effects on bladder function.

Child↗

Semen analysis in post-pubertal patients with posterior urethral valves: a pilot study.

The issues of sexual function and fertility are becoming relevant in patients with posterior urethral valves (PUV), as more of them reach adulthood. To evaluate the semen of post-pubertal patients with PUV as a determinant of future fertility, all such patients (age >16 years) attending the follow-up urology clinic of our department from 1985 to December 1999 were contacted. Of the nine patients contacted, eight agreed to form the study group. All eight patients were asked to provide a post-masturbation semen sample and urine. Semen was analysed for pH, viscosity, liquefaction time, sperm morphology, sperm count, motility, and agglutination. The patients ages ranged from 16 to 21 years (mean 17.5 years). One patient with chronic renal failure awaiting a renal transplant refused to give a semen sample; two tried but failed to ejaculate on three consecutive visits. Their urine was negative for sperm. Of the five patients who gave semen, the liquefaction time was high in two. pH ranged from 7.2 to 8, sperm counts were 24-80 million. None of the patients had oligospermia. Abnormal sperm agglutination was present in four cases; a higher percentage of immotile sperm was also present in four. Semen abnormalities in the form of increased liquefaction time, abnormal sperm agglutination, and a high percentage of immotile sperm were thus seen in the present study. The bearing of these findings on subsequent sexual function and fertility remains a matter of speculation.

Adolescent↗

Prognostic significance of captopril renography for managing congenital unilateral hydronephrosis.

PURPOSE: In this prospective study we evaluated the results of captopril enhanced diuretic renography in patients with congenital unilateral ureteropelvic junction type hydronephrosis. Captopril renography helps to distinguish patients who have renin-angiotensin system activation from those in whom it is not yet activated. Renin-angiotensin system activation heralds the beginning of compensatory vasoactive response in the kidney. Identifying grades of such activation may help in determine the end points of nonoperative management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied 25 patients with suspected unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction treated at our department. A prenatal diagnosis was made in 60% of cases. Patient age was 1 to 144 months (mean 40) and the male-to-female ratio was 4:1. Followup was 6 to 72 months (mean 30). Patient evaluation and analysis included sonography, standard diuretic and captopril renography, glomerular filtration rate, serum creatinine and blood pressure. The indications for surgery were symptoms, differential function below 35%, or a documented decrease of 10% or more during followup. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system was considered positive when split renal function decreased significantly by 5% or more in an obstructed system on a post-captopril study. The results of captopril renography were examined retrospectively in patients who required surgery according to preexisting criteria. RESULTS: Society for Fetal Urology hydronephrosis grade was II to IV in 8, 10 and 7 renal units, respectively. The renin-angiotensin system was activated in 8 of the 25 cases (32%) of unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction. In 15 patients there was no change on pre-captopril and post-captopril studies and in 2 split renal function on the obstructed side marginally increased on the post-captopril study. Surgical correction was required in only 6 of the 8 patients with renin-angiotensin system activation. Of those who required surgery hydronephrosis was grades II to IV in 3, 1 and in 2 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study renin-angiotensin system activation correlated with the need for surgery in 75% of the cases of congenital unilateral ureteropelvic type hydronephrosis. Since captopril serves to identify patients who have renin-angiotensin system activation, it may also be possible to grade this activation. Our preliminary results show that there may be a role for captopril renography for identifying the risk group for surgical intervention.

Captopril↗

Hormonal analysis in post-pubertal patients with posterior urethral valves.

AIMS: Infertility in patients with posterior urethral valves (PUV) is known but the exact incidence and etiology is still speculative; it may be partly due to dysfunction of genital organs. The aim of this study is to analyse the hormonal profile of post-pubertal patients with PUV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All post-pubertal patients with posterior urethral valves (age > 16 years) visiting the follow-up urology clinic of our department from 1985 to December 1999 were contacted and requested to participate in the study; 9 patients agreed and form the study group. The medical records were reviewed. Physical examination included examination of the genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics. Blood samples were taken for estimation of lutenizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin and testosterone. RESULTS: Ages ranged from 16 - 21 years (mean age = 17.5 years). Physical examination was normal for the entire study group except for 2 patients; one patient had hypertension and the other had unilateral undescended testis at the time of initial presentation. Secondary sexual characteristics were normal in all patients. At the time of the study, one patient had chronic renal failure; in the others the renal function tests were normal. LH and testosterone were normal in all patients including the patient with unilateral undescended testis, and one patient had marginally elevated FSH. Hyperprolactinemia was noted in 5 of 9 patients. CONCLUSION: In the present study, hyperprolactinemia was seen in 62 % (5 of 9) patients. Hyperprolactinemia is known to cause slow ejaculation and can have an impact on the subsequent fertility status of these patients. The bearing of these findings on subsequent sexual and fertility functions of PUV patients requires further investigation.

Adolescent↗

HIV-1 gp41 six-helix bundle formation occurs rapidly after the engagement of gp120 by CXCR4 in the HIV-1 Env-mediated fusion process.

The onset of cell fusion mediated by HIV-1 IIIB Env is preceded by a lag phase of 15-20 min. Fusion mediated by the CD4-independent HIV-1 Env 8x, which is capable of interacting directly with CXCR4, proceeds with a greatly reduced lag phase. We probed the intermediate steps during the lag phase in HIV-1 IIIB Env-mediated fusion with Leu3-a, an inhibitor of attachment of gp120 to CD4, AMD3100, an inhibitor of attachment of gp120 to CXCR4, and C34, a synthetic peptide that interferes with the transition of gp41 to the fusion active state. Inhibitions of fusion as a function of time of addition of C34 and of AMD3100 were equivalent, indicating that engagement of gp120 by CXCR4 and formation of the gp41 six-helix bundle follow similar kinetics. The initial steps in fusion mediated by the CD4-independent Env 8x are too rapid for these inhibitors to interfere with. However, when 8x Env-expressing cells were incubated with target cells at 25 degrees C in the presence of AMD3100 or C34, prior to incubation at 37 degrees C, these inhibitors were capable of inhibiting 8x Env-mediated fusion. To further examine engagement of gp120 by CXCR4 and exposure of binding sites for C34, we have reversibly arrested the fusion reaction at 37 degrees C by adding cytochalasin B to the medium. We show that CXCR4 engagement and six-helix bundle formation only occur after the release of the cytochalasin arrest, indicating that a high degree of cooperativity is required to trigger the initial steps in HIV-1 Env-mediated fusion.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Left diaphragmatic eventration with a suprapubic spleen: report of a case.

Diaphragmatic defects such as eventration and hernia are known to be associated with a high-sited, sometimes intrathoracic spleen. We report here a unique case of an 8-year-old boy found to have a left congenital diaphragmatic eventration and a suprapubic wandering spleen after presenting with symptoms of an "acute abdomen" due to torsion of the splenic pedicle. To our knowledge only one other case of a similar paradoxical association of these anomalies has been reported before; interestingly, in this patient splenic infarction had also resulted secondary to splenic torsion. We recommend careful evaluation of the location and vascular status of the spleen in all patients with congenital diaphragmatic defects due to the common occurrence of splenic vascular insult.

Child↗