RESUMEN
In this study, cutaneous toxicities associated with the administration of chemotherapy in combination are discussed. Rapidly growing cells are the targets of chemotherapy, so the skin, hair follicles, and nail matrix are frequently affected by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy skin reactions are more likely toxic than allergic reactions. There are numerous chemotherapy-induced cutaneous reactions that have been described in the literature. In addition to a variety of miscellaneous reactions, 19 major cutaneous reactions were discussed in current study. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical spectrum of all cutaneous toxicities over two years in hospitalized and ambulatory patients in the Department of Pediatric oncology and to establish probable relationship between the reaction and suspected anticancer protocol with the help of WHO (World Health Organization) Common Toxicity Criteria by Grade. The data on the cutaneous toxicities were analyzed by percentile and ranking method. The minimal (0.8%) cutaneous adverse effects monitored during the study were Petechiae, photosensitivity, pruritus, urticaria, wound-infection, erythema multiforme, hand-foot skin reaction, injection site reaction, dry skin. Alopecia was the single most common (64.3%) adverse effect observed during the study, where as the pigmentary changes were the second most common (18.2%) adverse effect monitored. While these side effects are generally not life threatening, they can be a source of significant distress to patients, especially alopecia.
Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos/efectos adversos , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/efectos adversos , Enfermedades de la Piel/inducido químicamente , Piel/efectos de los fármacos , Alopecia/inducido químicamente , Antineoplásicos/administración & dosificación , Femenino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Opioid dependence is one of the major social and psychiatric problem of society. Unfortunately there is no non opiate treatment available. For centuries man has used plants for their healing proprieties. These plants play a fundamental part in all treatment modalities, both ancient and modern. METHODS: This study was conducted to find non opiate treatment for opiate withdrawal. Total 35 known addicts of opiates were included in the study. This study was based on DSM IV criteria for opioid dependence. RESULT: This study demonstrates that non opioid treatment for opioid addiction decreases the withdrawal effects significantly. It further demonstrates that there are no changes in physiological parameters of subjects during treatment (BP, Pulse rate etc.). There is increased appetite but no significant weight gain in the subjects. CONCLUSION: Non opioid drug Nigella sativa is effective in long-term treatment of opioid dependence. It not merely cures the opioid dependence but also cures the infections and weakness from which majority of addicts suffer.
Asunto(s)
Analgésicos Opioides/uso terapéutico , Nigella sativa , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/tratamiento farmacológico , Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Estudios Prospectivos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The aqueous-methanolic crude extract of Andropogon muricatus (Am.Cr) was investigated pharmacologically to determine some of its medicinal uses in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders. A series of in vivo and in vitro studies were conducted to evaluate dose-dependent effects of Am.Cr on mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac and vascular contractions, and to further investigate the potential mechanism of action. Intravenous administration of Am.Cr (10-50 mg/kg) caused a fall (18%-56%) in MAP in normotensive rats under anesthesia. When tested in isolated guinea pig atria, Am.Cr (0.03-5.0 mg/mL) exhibited a cardiodepressant effect on the rate and force of spontaneous contractions. In isolated rabbit aorta, Am.Cr caused inhibition of K+ (80 mmol/L)-induced contractions at a lower concentration than of phenylephrine. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, Am.Cr (0.01-0.10 mg/mL) caused relaxation of spontaneous and high K+ (80 mmol/L)-induced contractions, suggesting that the spasmolytic effect is mediated possibly through calcium channel blockade (CCB). The CCB activity was confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Am.Cr (0.03-0.1 mg/mL) shifted the Ca2+ dose-response curves to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil. These data indicate that the blood pressure-lowering and spasmolytic effects of Am.Cr are mediated possibly through a calcium channel blocking activity. Phytochemical screening of Am.Cr revealed the presence of phenols, saponins, tannins, and terpenes, which may be responsible for the observed vasodilator, cardiodepressant, and antispasmodic activities. This study shows potential with respect to its medicinal use in cardiovascular and gut disorders.
Asunto(s)
Andropogon , Antihipertensivos/farmacología , Vasodilatadores/farmacología , Animales , Aorta Torácica/efectos de los fármacos , Aorta Torácica/fisiología , Presión Sanguínea/efectos de los fármacos , Cobayas , Corazón/efectos de los fármacos , Corazón/fisiología , Técnicas In Vitro , Yeyuno/efectos de los fármacos , Yeyuno/fisiología , Contracción Muscular , Músculo Liso Vascular/efectos de los fármacos , Músculo Liso Vascular/fisiología , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Conejos , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-DawleyRESUMEN
Brain function can be affected by the availability of dietary precursors of neurotransmitters. The diet induced increase in tryptophan (TRP) availability has been shown to increase brain serotonin synthesis and various related behaviors. Evidence shows that TRP and serotonin (5HT; 5 Hydroxytryptamine) play a significant role in memory function. Enhanced brain serotonin activity has been shown to improve cognitive performance in animals and human whereas decreasing brain 5HT levels by acute TRP depletion has been shown to impair cognition. A number of methods have been used for the assessment of memory in animals. In the present study, the radial arm maze and the passive avoidance was used for the assessment of memory in rats following long-term TRP administration. TRP at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight was orally administered for 6 weeks. The present study shows a significant improvement in memory of rats following both doses of tryptophan. Plasma TRP, brain TRP, 5HT and 5 hydroxy indol acetic acid (5HIAA) levels were increased significantly following administration of TRP. The results of the present study suggest that increase in brain 5HT metabolism following long term TRP administration may be involved in enhancement of memory.
Asunto(s)
Reacción de Prevención/efectos de los fármacos , Memoria/efectos de los fármacos , Serotonina/metabolismo , Triptófano/farmacología , Animales , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Cognición/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Triptófano/sangre , Triptófano/farmacocinéticaRESUMEN
Long-term exposure to low levels of lead (Pb2+) has been shown to produce learning and memory deficits in rodents and humans. These deficits are thought to be associated with altered brain monoamine neurotransmission. Increased brain 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine; serotonin) activity is thought to be a prerequisite for maintaining control over the cognitive information process, and is said to have a role in learning and memory. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Pb2+ administration on brain 5-HT metabolism and memory function in rats. Rats were injected daily for three weeks with Pb2+-acetate at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. The assessment of memory was done using the Radial arm maze (RAM) and Passive avoidance tests. The results showed spatial working memory (SWM) deficits as well as decreased brain 5-HT metabolism. Increased serotonin activity is considered to be an indication of improved cognitive performance. The results are discussed in the context of lead-induced decreases in 5-HT metabolism playing a role in the impairment of memory.
Asunto(s)
Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Encéfalo/fisiopatología , Plomo/administración & dosificación , Plomo/efectos adversos , Trastornos de la Memoria/inducido químicamente , Trastornos de la Memoria/fisiopatología , Serotonina/metabolismo , Animales , Reacción de Prevención/efectos de los fármacos , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Ingestión de Alimentos/efectos de los fármacos , Ácido Hidroxiindolacético/metabolismo , Masculino , Aprendizaje por Laberinto/efectos de los fármacos , Memoria/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Triptófano/sangre , Triptófano/metabolismoRESUMEN
In this investigation, we report the presence of cholinomimetic and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory constituents in betel nut, the most commonly used drug in the world after tobacco, ethanol and caffeine. The crude extract of betel nuts or Areca catechu (Ac.Cr) caused a dose-dependent (0.3-300 microg/mL) spasmogenic effect in the isolated rabbit jejunum. The spasmogenic effect was blocked by atropine, similar to that of acetylcholine (ACh), suggestive of muscarinic receptor mediated effect. Both the extract (0.3-10 microg/mL) and physostigmine (0.1-3.0 microM) potentiated the effect of a fixed dose of ACh (10 microM) in a dose-dependent fashion, suggesting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effect. This effect was confirmed in the in vitro assay where both the crude extract (1-100 microg/mL) and physostigmine inhibited the enzyme. In the in vivo model of gastrointestinal transit, Ac.Cr (10-30 mg/kg) enhanced the travel of charcoal meal and also exhibited a laxative effect in mice. The plant extract was subjected to activity-directed fractionation and all resultant fractions showed atropine-sensitive spasmogenicity in rabbit jejunum and also AChE inhibitory effect at doses similar to that for the parent crude extract, the ethyl acetate fraction being slightly less potent. Some of the known constituents of betel nut, including arecoline, were tested for the possible inhibitory effect on AChE, none were found active. The study provides first evidence for the presence of AChE inhibitory constituents in betel nut, though additional direct muscarinic stimulatory effect cannot be ruled out and this study provides sound scientific basis for some of the folkloric uses associated with betel nut chewing.
Asunto(s)
Acetilcolinesterasa/metabolismo , Areca/química , Agonistas Colinérgicos/farmacología , Inhibidores de la Colinesterasa/farmacología , Yeyuno/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Acetilcolina/farmacología , Animales , Atropina/farmacología , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Femenino , Yeyuno/enzimología , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Antagonistas Muscarínicos/farmacología , Fisostigmina/farmacología , Conejos , Receptores Muscarínicos/efectos de los fármacos , Vasodilatadores/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Anorexia or loss of appetite, one of the most typical symptoms observed in experimental and human cirrhosis, has been proposed to be associated with altered brain serotonin (5-HT) metabolism. In order to evaluate this hypothesis, brain 5-HT, its precursor tryptophan (TRP) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindole-acetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in brains of rats with thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver cirrhosis. Thioacetamide at a dose of 500 mg/l in drinking water was administered for 6 weeks and during this period food intake was carefully measured in order to monitor the loss of appetite or decrease in food intake observed in cirrhosis. Concentrations of brain TRP, 5-HT and 5-HIAA were measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection. In TAA-treated rats, concentrations of 5-HT, TRP and 5-HIAA were increased in brain (44%, 33% and 36% of controls, p < 0.01). In plasma and liver of cirrhotic rats, TRP levels were increased (195% and 43%; p < 0.01). Plasma glucose and albumin levels were decreased (50%; p < 0.01 and 31%). Food intake, growth rate and locomotor activity of TAA-treated rats also decreased (73%, 22% and 73% of controls; p < 0.01). The results of this study show that brain 5-HT concentration in rats is increased in TAA-treated rats and it may, therefore, play an important role in the pathogenesis of anorexia associated with TAA-induced cirrhosis.
Asunto(s)
Anorexia/complicaciones , Química Encefálica/efectos de los fármacos , Fibrosis/inducido químicamente , Fibrosis/complicaciones , Serotonina/química , Tioacetamida/efectos adversos , Administración Oral , Animales , Anorexia/inducido químicamente , Conducta Animal , Glucemia/efectos de los fármacos , Peso Corporal/efectos de los fármacos , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Ingestión de Líquidos , Esquema de Medicación , Ingestión de Alimentos/efectos de los fármacos , Conducta Exploratoria/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Ácido Hidroxiindolacético/química , Cirrosis Hepática Experimental/inducido químicamente , Cirrosis Hepática Experimental/fisiopatología , Actividad Motora/efectos de los fármacos , Pakistán , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Serotonina/metabolismo , Albúmina Sérica/química , Albúmina Sérica/efectos de los fármacos , Tioacetamida/administración & dosificación , Factores de Tiempo , Triptófano/sangreRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The effects of repeated-restraint stress on brain 5-hydroxytryptamine; serotonin (5-HT) metabolism and functional responses to a selective 5-HT-1A agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), are compared in water- and ethanol-treated rats. METHOD: Locally bred male water- or ethanol-treated rats restrained 2 hours per day for 6 days were killed, and whole brains were collected for the neurochemical analysis by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC). In a separate experiment 8-OH-DPAT was injected in water- and ethanol-treated rats to compare elicited hyperactivity syndrome (a postsynaptic response) and effectiveness of the drug in reducing brain 5-HT synthesis (a presynaptic response). RESULTS: A single episode of 2-hour restraint stress decreased 24-hour cumulative food intake in both water- and ethanol-treated rats. Following repeated restraint stress of 2 hours per day for 5 days, the decreases were present in ethanol- but not water-treated rats. The sixth episode of 2-hour restraint stress did not alter brain tryptophan 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) concentrations in water-treated repeatedly restrained rats but decreased tryptophan and increased 5-HT concentration in ethanol-treated rats. Ethanol-treated unrestrained and ethanol-treated repeatedly restrained rats exhibited higher levels of tryptophan 5-HT and 5-HIAA than their respective water-treated controls. Injecting 8-OH-DPAT at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg elicited comparable hyperactivity syndrome in water- and ethanol-treated rats but decreased 5-HT synthesis more in ethanol-treated than in water-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that ethanol administration for 2 to 3 weeks, although it increases brain 5-HT metabolism, impairs adaptation by increasing the effectiveness of negative feedback control over 5-HT synthesis.