Mohsin Raza - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Mohsin Raza

Science and engineering ethics, 2005

This article reviews some of the ethical aspects of collaborative research. Scientific collaborat... more This article reviews some of the ethical aspects of collaborative research. Scientific collaboration has known potential benefits but it's a challenging task to successfully accomplish a collaborative venture on ethically sound grounds. Current trends in international healthcare research collaboration reflect limited benefits for the majority of world population. Research collaboration between scientists of academia and industry usually has financial considerations. Successful cross-cultural and international collaborations have to overcome many regional and global barriers. Despite these difficulties, many scientific collaborations usually begin with an informal meeting or contact. With advancement in global communications, scientists have greater responsibility towards the world community while considering the impact of their collaborative partnerships. I review the basic factors that are required for forging a collaborative partnership and responsible attitudes to sustain the relationship. Finally I conclude that scientists in healthcare research can play important roles beyond collaborations and contribute to bringing harmony, resolving differences across the nations and countries in today's troubled world.

Neuroscience letters, Jan 10, 2006

Schwann cell transplantation is well known to induce repair in the injured spinal cord which disa... more Schwann cell transplantation is well known to induce repair in the injured spinal cord which disables millions of injured patients throughout the world. An ideal route of delivering the grafted Schwann cells to the spinal cord should neither cause more injury nor reinitiate inflammatory events and also provide a favorable milieu to the grafted cells. In this study, we have utilized subarachnoid route to transplant Schwann cells and evaluated their effects in a contusive model of spinal cord injury. Adult rats weighing 100-140 g were experimentally injured by crushing the spinal cord with a titanium clip and then divided into four groups (Tracing, Control, Medium-treated and Schwann cell-treated). Cultured Schwann cells (5 × 10 4 cells in 5 l) or medium were injected to the animals of corresponding groups via subarachnoid space at the injured site 7 days after injury. In tracing group, Schwann cells (labeled with Hoechst) demonstrated their presence within spinal cord 7 days after transplantation. Evaluation of locomotor performance of animals for 60 days after injury showed that animals treated with Schwann cells had significant improvement (P < 0.01). Similarly, the axon density at the site of injury was significantly higher. The results indicate the efficacy of subarachnoid route for the transplantation of Schwann cells in inducing repair of the contused spinal cord. We conclude that this route can be useful for the transplantation of Schwann cells and offers a hope for the patients suffering from spinal cord injury.

Phytotherapy research : PTR, 2006

Oxidative stresses are increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications whic... more Oxidative stresses are increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications which may either cause direct pancreatic beta-cell damage or lead to metabolic abnormalities that can induce or aggravate diabetes. The valuable effect of antioxidant nutrients on the glycemic control of diabetic patients has been reported in experimental and clinical studies. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of the herbal medicine, Silybum marianum seed extract (silymarin), which is known to have antioxidant properties on the glycemic profile in diabetic patients. A 4-month randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted in 51 type II diabetic patients in two well-matched groups. The first group (n = 25) received a silymarin (200 mg) tablet 3 times a day plus conventional therapy. The second group (n = 26) received the same therapy but a placebo tablet instead of silymarin. The patients were visited monthly and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1)c), fasting blood glucose (FBS), insulin, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL, triglyceride, SGOT and SGPT levels were determined at the beginning and the end of the study. The results showed a significant decrease in HbA(1)c, FBS, total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride SGOT and SGPT levels in silymarin treated patients compared with placebo as well as with values at the beginning of the study in each group. In conclusion, silymarin treatment in type II diabetic patients for 4 months has a beneficial effect on improving the glycemic profile.

Phytotherapy research : PTR, 2009

To determine its efficacy and toxicity, a 2 month clinical trial was conducted in 50 type II diab... more To determine its efficacy and toxicity, a 2 month clinical trial was conducted in 50 type II diabetic patients. Two groups of 25 each under standard antidiabetic therapy, received 100 mg C. colocynthis fruit capsules or placebos three times a day, respectively. The patients were visited monthly and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceride, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, urea and creatinine levels were determined at the beginning and after 2 months. The results showed a significant decrease in HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels in C. colocynthis treated patients. Other serological parameters levels in both the groups did not change significantly. No notable gastrointestinal side effect was observed in either group. In conclusion, C. colocynthis fruit treatment had a beneficial effect on improving the glycemic profile without severe adverse effects in type II diabetic patients. Further clinical studies are recommended to evaluate the long-term efficacy and toxicity of C. colocynthis in diabetic patients.

Neuroscience letters, Jan 3, 2011

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the CNS. Early inflammation leads to later ... more Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the CNS. Early inflammation leads to later destruction of myelin in MS. Dietary restriction (DR) produces anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in many species. Based on the reported anti-inflammatory effects of DR, we investigated whether sera collected from rats fed on intermittent feeding (IF, a type of DR) diet could modulate cytokine secretion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2) activity that are involved in MS pathogenesis. Cytokine levels (IL-6 and TGF-β1) were measured in supernatant from C6 glioma cell line cultures treated with IF and AL fed animals&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and MMP-2 activity was detected by gelatin zymography. Our results indicated that sera of animals on IF diet significantly reduced IL-6 (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05) and increased TGF-β1 (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05) production by C6 glioma cells. A significant decrease (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05) in MMP-2 activity was also found. These results indicate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity in the sera of animals on IF regimen on cells involved in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. Further studies on the detection of factors responsible for such activities and their mechanism of action in MS pathogenesis are recommended.

BMC medical education, 2011

Background: In the diagnostic reasoning process medical students and novice physicians need to be... more Background: In the diagnostic reasoning process medical students and novice physicians need to be made aware of the diagnostic values of the clinical findings (including history, signs, and symptoms) to make an appropriate diagnostic decision. Diagnostic reasoning has been understood in light of two paradigms on clinical reasoning: problem solving and decision making. They advocate the reasoning strategies used by expert physicians and the statistical models of reasoning, respectively. Evidence-based medicine (EBM) applies decision theory to the clinical diagnosis, which can be a challenging topic in medical education. This theoretical article tries to compare evidence-based diagnosis with expert-based strategies in clinical diagnosis and also defines a novel concept of category-oriented likelihood ratio (LR) to propose a new model combining both aforementioned methods. Discussion: Evidence-based medicine advocates the use of quantitative evidence to estimate the probability of diseases more accurately and objectively; however, the published evidence for a given diagnosis cannot practically be utilized in primary care, especially if the patient is complaining of a nonspecific problem such as abdominal pain that could have a long list of differential diagnoses. In this case, expert physicians examine the key clinical findings that could differentiate between broader categories of diseases such as organic and non-organic disease categories to shorten the list of differential diagnoses. To approach nonspecific problems, not only do the experts revise the probability estimate of specific diseases, but also they revise the probability estimate of the categories of diseases by using the available clinical findings. Summary: To make this approach analytical and objective, we need to know how much more likely it is for a key clinical finding to be present in patients with one of the diseases of a specific category versus those with a disease not included in that category. In this paper, we call this value category-oriented LR.

$Research paper thumbnail of In vitro inhibition of pentylenetetrazole and bicuculline-induced epileptiform activity in rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons by aqueous fraction isolated from Delphinium denudatum$

Neuroscience Letters, 2002

Roots of Delphinium denudatum W. are used for the treatment of epilepsy by traditional healers in... more Roots of Delphinium denudatum W. are used for the treatment of epilepsy by traditional healers in subcontinent. Aqueous fraction (AF) isolated from D. denudatum has previously shown significant anticonvulsant activity in in vivo and in vitro models of seizures. We investigated anticonvulsant effects of AF on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and bicuculline (BIC)-induced epileptiform activity in primary hippocampal neuronal cultures. Electrophysiological studies on single pyramidal neurons were carried out by using whole-cell current clamp technique. Introduction of AF (0.6 mg/ml) in perfusate blocked PTZ (10 mM) and BIC (100 μM)-induced epileptiform activity comprising of paroxysmal depolarization shifts (PDS). The PDS were elicited again when AF was removed from perfusate. We conclude that AF contains anticonvulsant compounds that possibly interact with GABAA receptor to produce blockade of epileptiform activity. Further studies on isolation of compounds from AF may lead to discovery of new class of anticonvulsants.

Phytotherapy Research, 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of the volatile oil of n... more The purpose of this study was to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of the volatile oil of nutmeg, the dried seed kernel of Myristica fragrans Houtt, using well-established animal seizure models and to evaluate its potential for acute toxicity and acute neurotoxicity. The volatile oil of nutmeg (nutmeg oil) was tested for its effects in maximal electroshock, subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole, strychnine and bicuculline seizure tests. All the experiments were performed at the time of peak effect of nutmeg oil. Nutmeg oil showed a rapid onset of action and short duration of anticonvulsant effect. It was found to possess significant anticonvulsant activity against electroshock-induced hind limb tonic extension. It exhibited dose dependent anticonvulsant activity against pentylenetetrazole-induced tonic seizures. It delayed the onset of hind limb tonic extensor jerks induced by strychnine. It was anticonvulsant at lower doses, whereas weak proconvulsant at a higher dose against pentylenetetrazole and bicuculline induced clonic seizures. Nutmeg oil was found to possess wide therapeutic margin, as it did not induce motor impairment when tested up to 600 µL/kg in the inverted screen acute neurotoxicity test. Furthermore, the LD50 (2150 µL/kg) value was much higher than its anticonvulsant doses (50–300 µL/kg). The results indicate that nutmeg oil may be effective against grand mal and partial seizures, as it prevents seizure spread in a set of established animal models. Slight potentiation of clonic seizure activity limits its use for the treatment of myoclonic and absence seizures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Nutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 2005

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the major cause of death in Iran. Approximately 70,000 people die... more Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the major cause of death in Iran. Approximately 70,000 people die from CHD every year in Iran. Recent studies emphasize the importance of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia as a risk factor for CHD and its aggravating effect on other risk factors such as diabetes and obesity . In addition, cardiovascular events, insulin resistance and diabetes are associated with high C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration that serves as an index of inflammatory state of the body [2,3]. Consumption of u3 fatty acids slows atherosclerosis progression and daily intake of 2e4 g of u3 fatty acids lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease . However, the association of dietary consumption of u3 fatty acids and its relation to CRP and insulin levels remains unknown.

Epilepsy Research, 2009

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most resistant type of epilepsy. Currently available drugs fo... more Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most resistant type of epilepsy. Currently available drugs for epilepsy are not antiepileptogenic. A novel treatment for epilepsy would be to block or reverse the process of epileptogenesis. We used intermittent feeding (IF) regimen of the dietary restriction (DR) to study its effect on epileptogenesis and neuroprotection in the pilocarpine model of TLE in rats. The effect of IF regimen on the induction of status epilepticus (SE), the duration of latent period, and the frequency, duration, severity and the time of occurrence of Spontaneous Recurrent Seizures (SRS) were investigated. We also studied the effect of IF regimen on hippocampal neurons against the excitotoxic damage of prolonged SE (about 4 h) induced by pilocarpine. The animals (Wistar, male, 200–250 g) were divided into four main groups: AL–AL (ad libitum diet throughout), AL–IF (PfS) [IF post-first seizure], AL–IF (PSE) [IF post-SE] and IF–IF (IF diet throughout), and two AL and IF control groups. SE was induced by pilocarpine (350 mg/kg, i.p.) and with diazepam (6 mg/kg, i.p.) injected after 3 h, the behavioral signs of SE terminated at about 4 h (AL animals, n = 29, 260.43 ± 8.74 min; IF animals, n = 19, 224.32 ± 20.73 min). Behavioral monitoring was carried out by 24 h video recording for 3 weeks after the first SRS. Rat brains were then prepared for histological study with Nissl stain and cell counting was done in CA1, CA2 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. The results show that the animals on IF diet had significantly less SE induction and significantly longer duration of latent period (the period of epileptogenesis) was seen in IF–IF group compared to the AL–AL group. The severity of SRS was significantly more in AL–IF (PfS) compared to the AL–IF (PSE) group. These results indicate that IF diet can make rats resistant to the induction of SE and can prolong the process of epileptogenesis. The results of the histological study show that the number of pyramidal neurons was statistically less in CA1, CA2 and CA3 of the hippocampus in the experimental groups compared to the control groups. However, IF regimen could not protect the hippocampal neurons against the excitotoxic injury caused by a prolonged SE. We conclude that IF regimen can significantly influence various behavioral characteristics of pilocarpine model of TLE. Further studies can elaborate the exact mechanisms as well as its possible role in the treatment of human TLE.

$Research paper thumbnail of Anticonvulsant effect of FS1 subfraction isolated from roots of Delphinim denudatum on hippocampal pyramidal neurons$

Phytotherapy Research, 2003

The effects were investigated of a partially purified subfraction (FS-1) isolated from Delphinium... more The effects were investigated of a partially purified subfraction (FS-1) isolated from Delphinium denudatum on sustained repetitive firing (SRF) of cultured neonatal rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons. The blockade of sustained repetitive firing is one of the basic mechanisms of antiepileptic drugs at the cellular level. Using the whole cell current-clamp technique, sustained repetitive firing was elicited in pyramidal neurons under study by a depolarizing pulse of 500 ms duration, 0.3 Hz and 0.1–0.6 nA current strength. FS-1 (0.01–0.06 mg/mL) reduced the number of action potentials per pulse in a dose-dependent manner until no action potentials were elicited for the remainder of the pulse. There was a corresponding use-dependent reduction in amplitude and Vmax of action potentials. The Vmax of action potential 1 exhibited a dose-dependent reduction. At a dose of 0.06 mg/mL FS-1 reduced Vmax to 29%–38% and amplitude to 16%–20 % of the control values. The blockade of sustained repetitive firing by FS-1 was reversed by hyperpolarization of the membrane potential (−65 to −75 mV) while depolarization of the membrane potential (−53mV to −48 mV) potentiated the block. The results suggest that FS-1 blocks sustained repetitive firing in hippocampal neurons in a use-dependent and voltage-dependent manner similar to the prototype anticonvulsant drug, phenytoin. However, unlike phenytoin, which binds preferably to the inactive state, the compounds present in FS-1 also interacted with the resting state of the Na+ channels by reducing Vmax of action potential 1. The results indicate that the partially purified FS-1 subfraction of Delphinium denudatum contains a potent anticonvulsant compound. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

$Research paper thumbnail of Anticonvulsant Activities of the FS1 Subfraction Isolated from Roots ofDelphinium denudatum$

Phytotherapy Research, 2001

Delphinium denudatum Wall. (Ranunculaceae) is a medicinal herb used for the treatment of epilepsy... more Delphinium denudatum Wall. (Ranunculaceae) is a medicinal herb used for the treatment of epilepsy in the subcontinent. The present study reports the anticonvulsant activities in the maximal electroshock test (MEST) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), bicuculline (BIC), picrotoxin (PIC)-induced seizures of the FS-1 subfraction (FS-1) that was obtained by purification of an aqueous fraction isolated from the roots of D. denudatum. In CF 1 mice, FS-1 (600 mg/kg i.p.) exhibited very potent anticonvulsant activity that was comparable to the effects of the well-known antiepileptic drug phenytoin (20 mg/kg) in MEST and protected 100% animals from hind limb tonic extension phase of this model. FS-1 also suppressed PTZ-induced threshold seizure and the loss of the righting reflex with tonic fore and hind limb extension by 100%, similar to the antiepileptic drug valproic acid (350 mg/kg). BIC-induced seizures were suppressed in 80% of the animals. FS-1 exhibited weak anticonvulsant effect on PIC-induced seizures, however, it significantly reduced mortality and delayed the onset of seizures. FS-1 had no effect on strychnine (STN)-induced extensor seizures. The results demonstrate the broad and potent anticonvulsant activity of the compounds in FS-1 of D. denudatum. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2013

To determine the outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardi... more To determine the outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. The retrospective study was conducted at the Tabba Heart Institute, a private-sector facility in Karachi. It reviewed the medical records of 56 consecutive patients between January 2009 and June 2011 with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock and subjected to primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary end point was in-hospital mortality and its predictors. SPSS 14 was used for statistical analysis. The mean age of the study patients was 63 +/- 11.7 years; 38 (68%) were male; 32 (57%) were hypertensive; and 39 (69%) were diabetic. Most infarcts were anterior in location (n = 36; 64%). Besides, 33 (59%) required ventilatory support. Intra-aortic balloon pump was placed in 30 (54%), and 33 (59%) patients had multivessel coronary artery disease. In-hospital mortality occurred in 26 (46%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 60 years (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05), diabetes (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01) and left ventricular ejection fraction &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 40% (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Results emphasise the need of aggressive management of patients with cardiogenic shock utilising primary percutaneous coronary intervention as a reperfusion strategy to improve clinical outcomes.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2006

Ethnopharmacology investigations classically involved traditional healers, botanists, anthropolog... more Ethnopharmacology investigations classically involved traditional healers, botanists, anthropologists, chemists and pharmacologists. The role of some groups of researchers but not of physician has been highlighted and well defined in ethnopharmacological investigations. Historical data shows that discovery of several important modern drugs of herbal origin owe to the medical knowledge and clinical expertise of physicians. Current trends indicate negligible role of physicians in ethnopharmacological studies. Rising cost of modern drug development is attributed to the lack of classical ethnopharmacological approach. Physicians can play multiple roles in the ethnopharmacological studies to facilitate drug discovery as well as to rescue authentic traditional knowledge of use of medicinal plants. These include: (1) Ethnopharmacological field work which involves interviewing healers, interpreting traditional terminologies into their modern counterparts, examining patients consuming herbal remedies and identifying the disease for which an herbal remedy is used. (2) Interpretation of signs and symptoms mentioned in ancient texts and suggesting proper use of old traditional remedies in the light of modern medicine. (3) Clinical studies on herbs and their interaction with modern medicines. (4) Advising pharmacologists to carryout laboratory studies on herbs observed during field studies. (5) Work in collaboration with local healers to strengthen traditional system of medicine in a community. In conclusion, physician's involvement in ethnopharmacological studies will lead to more reliable information on traditional use of medicinal plants both from field and ancient texts, more focused and cheaper natural product based drug discovery, as well as bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine.

$Research paper thumbnail of Anticonvulsant activities of ethanolic extract and aqueous fraction isolated from Delphinium denudatum$

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2001

Dried roots of Delphinium denudatum Wall. are a popular folk remedy for the treatment of epilepsy... more Dried roots of Delphinium denudatum Wall. are a popular folk remedy for the treatment of epilepsy in the traditional Unani system of medicine in the sub-continent. We carried out anticonvulsant screening of the ethanolic extract (EE) and aqueous fraction (AF) of this plant utilising the maximal electroshock (MEST) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ), bicuculline (scBIC), picrotoxin (scPTX) and strychnine (scSTN) tests for anticonvulsant activity. EE had weak dose-dependent anticonvulsant effects on seizures induced by PTZ and BIC. AF exhibited dose-dependent activity against hind limb tonic extension phase (HLTE) of MEST and comparatively stronger anticonvulsant activity against seizures induced by PTZ and BIC. The results suggest the presence of potent anticonvulsant compounds in AF of D. denudatum and deserve further investigation for isolation of active compounds and elucidation of the mechanism of anticonvulsant action.

Neuroscience Letters, 2007

Aging is associated with increased vulnerability to neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinso... more Aging is associated with increased vulnerability to neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease and greater neuronal deficits after stroke and epilepsy. Emerging studies have implicated increased levels of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) for the neuronal loss associated with aging related disorders. Recent evidence demonstrates increased expression of voltage gated Ca2+ channel proteins and associated Ca2+ currents with aging. However, a direct comparison of [Ca2+]i levels and Ca2+ homeostatic mechanisms in hippocampal neurons acutely isolated from young and mid-age adult animals has not been performed. In this study, Fura-2 was used to determine [Ca2+]i levels in CA1 hippocampal neurons acutely isolated from young (4–5 months) and mid-age (12–16 months) Sprague–Dawley rats. Our data provide the first direct demonstration that mid-age neurons in comparison to young neurons manifest significant elevations in basal [Ca2+]i levels. Upon glutamate stimulation and a subsequent [Ca2+]i load, mid-age neurons took longer to remove the excess [Ca2+]i in comparison to young neurons, providing direct evidence that altered Ca2+ homeostasis may be present in animals at significantly younger ages than those that are commonly considered aged (≥24 months). These alterations in Ca2+ dynamics may render aging neurons more vulnerable to neuronal death following stroke, seizures or head trauma. Elucidating the functionality of Ca2+ homeostatic mechanisms may offer an understanding of the increased neuronal loss that occurs with aging, and allow for the development of novel therapeutic agents targeted towards decreasing [Ca2+]i levels thereby restoring the systems that maintain normal Ca2+ homeostasis in aged neurons.

Neuroscience Letters, 2008

Several experimental studies have introduced Schwann cell transplantation as a means of recovery ... more Several experimental studies have introduced Schwann cell transplantation as a means of recovery in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI). The reported promising results together with the availability of autologous sources for Schwann cells indicate Schwann cell transplantation as a possible treatment for SCI. To address the safety and feasibility concerns we report 1-year follow-up of four patients aged between 22 and 43 years who had stable chronic (28–80 months) spinal cord injury at mid-thoracic level and treated with autologous Schwann cell transplantation. Purified Schwann cells used for transplantation were acquired from autologous sural nerve and cultured without the use of any specific mitogenic or growth factors. The patients were evaluated by means of American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) criteria, sphincter, sexual function and Magnetic Resonance Imaging assessments for 1 year after transplantation. None of the patients were found to have any adverse effects indicating transfer of infection, neurological deterioration or other related clinical problems. Of the four patients, only one patient with incomplete SCI showed motor and sensory improvement 1 year after transplantation with extensive and continuous rehabilitation. All the four patients experienced transient paresthesia or increased muscle spasm after transplantation. Magnetic Resonance (MR) images of the patients did not show any visible changes or pathological findings after 1 year. This preliminary report shows that autologous Schwann cell transplantation is generally safe for the selected number of SCI patients but it does not prove beneficial effects. Further safety and outcome studies are recommended.