Rahul Saxena (Professor and Head, Biochemistry dept., SAHS, Sharda University) (original) (raw)

Papers by Rahul Saxena (Professor and Head, Biochemistry dept., SAHS, Sharda University)

Journal of Ayurvedic Herbal and Integrative Medicine, 2024

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L) or holy basil, a treasured herb in Indian culture, goes beyond religious... more Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L) or holy basil, a treasured herb in Indian culture, goes beyond religious significance to provide a wealth of possible health benefits. This article looks into the many facets of Tulsi, including its historical and cultural significance, various variations, and well-documented use as a household medicine in Ayurveda. Scientific research is shedding light on the potential of Tulsi leaves, revealing a diverse array of bioactive substances such as essential oils, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These substances help to enhance the immune system, relieve respiratory problems, promote digestion, and reduce stress. Traditional Tulsi leaf teas, mixtures, and steam inhalations are easily accessible treatments for common home diseases. Tulsi's research future looks promising and significant numbers of clinical trials are underway to study its efficacy in treating certain health disorders as well as the possible synergistic benefits when mixed with other herbs. Furthermore, research into the genetic variety of different Tulsi types and their distinct therapeutic characteristics holds the key to realising their full potential. Furthermore, Tulsi's simplicity of cultivation at home distinguishes it as a sustainable and accessible source of natural medicine. Efforts to generate standardised Tulsi extracts and formulations could open the door for a more widespread integration into traditional healthcare systems. Tulsi symbolises a unique combination of faith, tradition, and science. As research continues to reveal its potential, Tulsi has enormous promise for the future of natural medicine, providing an easily available and culturally meaningful resource for boosting well-being around the world.

Research & Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology , 2024

The scientific subject of pathology examines how illness develops and how infrastructure changes.... more The scientific subject of pathology examines how illness develops and how infrastructure changes. There are several subspecialties within pathology that focus on the ultimate diagnosis and serve as the cornerstone for the patient's treatment and recovery. It includes blood banking, serology, histopathology, cytopathology, microbiology, biochemistry, and hematology. From the days when a microscope was considered unnecessary to the present, when it is considered essential, pathology has advanced quickly. Surgeons and physicians initially invented the notion and field of pathology. It underwent a protracted legal battle before emerging as a crucial component of illness diagnosis. Microscopy is currently used to make the majority of pathological diagnoses, apart from normal compound microscopes, which are commonly used in every pathology more advanced microscopes with high resolution such as electron microscopes and fluorescent microscopes is been introduced. Pathology advanced swiftly with the advent of microscopes, analyzers, centrifuges, ELISA readers, many types of stains, and other tissue processing techniques, propelling it to the forefront of illness diagnosis, where it subsequently diversified into several subspecialties. Pathology is a broad subject that encompasses every system of the human body and has numerous subdivisions such as histopathology, which deals with tissues and their interpretation, cytopathology, which deals with aspirated material and effusion fluids, hematology, which deals with the study of blood disorders, biochemistry, which deals with blood serum for various enzymatic tests, and microbiology, which deals with culture and identification of microorganisms using various stains. Blood transfusions are provided by a blood bank. Pathology is an essential component of healthcare units because it provides a comprehensive investigation that serves as the foundation for patient therapy. Pathology findings are heavily relied on by surgeons and physicians when deciding on a course of therapy for a patient.

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 2014

Background: Aging has been found to be associated with various sorts of health complications. The... more Background: Aging has been found to be associated with various sorts of health complications. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the plasma paraoxonase (PON), Nitric Oxide (NO), Total Antioxidant Activity (TAA), lipid peroxidation and serum uric acid levels in the blood samples of different age group subjects and to determine their relation in the prediction of hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk with senescence. Methods: Markers of antioxidant reserves (PON, TAA, and uric acid), lipid peroxidation and endothelial dysfunction were estimated in selected 120 healthy subjects by using standard methods. Out of 120 subjects, 80 individuals were categorized into two groups: group I (40-55 years) and group II (≥56 years) and statistically compared it with that of 40 younger controls (20-30 years). Results: Marked depletion in plasma PON and NO levels were observed in group I and II subjects as compared to healthy controls whereas plasma lipid hydroperoxide (LHP) and erythrocyte malondialdehyde levels (MDA) were increased significantly (P <0.05) in group I and II subjects. However, levels of plasma TAA and uric acid were altered significantly (P <0.05) only in group II subjects. In addition, PON levels were inversely correlated with endothelial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation and uric acid, and positively related with TAA. Conclusions: These findings reflect the importance of assessment of plasma paraoxonase, as excellent marker along with NO in early prediction of hypertension risk and its related cardiovascular complications in elderly. Therefore, antioxidant defence system of body should be boosted up with advancing of age in order to avert future complications.

It has been well accepted that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of vario... more It has been well accepted that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although some studies suggest that uric acid as an important factor in precipitation of disease process by inducing inflammation, there is no satisfactory explanation for its role in disease complexity. Uric acid also acts as an antioxidant in vivo. The objective of present study was to determine the level of serum urate and plasma ascorbate in RA patients and to determine their role in disease process. Serum uric acid and plasma ascorbic acid levels were estimated by using standard methods in 30 patients of RA and in 30 age matched healthy volunteers, served as control. The values were expressed as Mean ± SD and data from patients and controls were compared using students‘t’ test. Serum urate levels were significantly high (p<0.05) and plasma ascorbate levels were significantly low in patients as compared to control. These find...

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH, 2016

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has sparked the deterioration of human health at an... more Background: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has sparked the deterioration of human health at an unprecedented scale globally and affected the patient’s musculoskeletal health also. It is conceivable that active rheumatoid arthritis (ARA) patients recovered from COVID-19 after second wave are at enhanced risk of cardiovascular complications. Aim and Objectives: In this context, the present study was intended to estimate the soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), serum paraoxonase (PON), and markers of oxi-inflammatory stress in ARA patients diagnosed reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction negative after second wave of COVID-19 and to determine their role in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Materials and Methods: Sixty ARA patients (30–45 years) of Delhi-NCR region were recruited and categorized into two groups (n=30 in each group; on the basis of their history of COVID infection). Using standard methods, study group parameters were estimated in A...

Indian Journal of Neonatal Medicine and Research, 2018

Introduction: Neonatal Hyperbilirubinaemia (NH) is a very common complication in newborns. It occ... more Introduction: Neonatal Hyperbilirubinaemia (NH) is a very common complication in newborns. It occurs due to excessive formation of unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin and inability of neonatal liver to rapidly clear it from blood. Phototherapy is the first and most common treatment for jaundice in newborns and in most cases is the only treatment required. Aim: To assess the changes in various other biochemical parameters including proteins, enzymes, lipids, urea, creatinine and uric acid levels in plasma/serum of pre and post phototherapy treated in full term jaundiced neonates. Materials and Methods: This prospective hospital based comparative study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry and Paediatrics, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India, from November 2016 to March 2017, after obtaining ethical clearance from institutional ethical committee and informed consent from parents or guardians of neonates. The study included 119 neonates (6...

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by swelling and pain of the... more Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by swelling and pain of the joints. Although, persistent inflammation mediated bone or joint destruction restricts the patient’s physical function, it is conceivable that oxidative stress mediated electrolyte imbalance may have a crucial role in the development of hypertension risk in active rheumatoid arthritis (ARA). Aims & objective: The present study was designed to assess the association of oxidative stress and altered serum electrolyte levels in ARA patients and to determine their effect in predicting hypertension (HT) risk. Methods: Total antioxidant activity (TAA), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA) and serum mineral ( Na, K, Mg and Ca) levels were estimated in 40 ARA patients by using standard methods and statistically compared it with that of 40 healthy normal individuals of same age group (30-50 years). Result: Plasma TAA, serum potassium, magnesium and calcium levels were significantly low in pa...

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a disease affecting mostly the adults but is being increasingl... more Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a disease affecting mostly the adults but is being increasingly recognized in children and adolescents. However, the information about the glycemic profile and insulin resistance is scanty. Therefore, the objective of present study was to study the glycemic profile along with the levels of C-peptide, serum insulin and insulin resistance in children and adolescent withT2DM. 26 patients of either sex (08-18 years age group) suffering from T2DM and 26 normal healthy individuals served as control; were included in the study. In addition to estimation of above mentioned parameters, Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMAIR) were also calculated using standard methods and data from patients and controls were compared by using Student’s t-test. Serum insulin, C-peptide and fasting blood glucose levels were significantly high (p<0.001) in T2DM patients as compared to healthy controls. Marked increase in insulin resistance was also obse...

Despite massive research, association of hypothyroidism(HT) with insulin sensitivity is poorly un... more Despite massive research, association of hypothyroidism(HT) with insulin sensitivity is poorly understood and still needs further clarification. In addition, thyroid dysfunction has been found to be associated with altered glucose and insulin metabolism. The objective of present study was to investigate the relationship between thyroid function, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in hypothyroidism patients (without and with diabetes) and compared it with non diabetic euthyroid subjects Fasting blood glucose levels, serum insulin and thyroid profile were estimated by using standard methods in 80 patients of HT divided into two groups of 40 HT nondiabetic patients and 40 HT diabetic patients as Group II and Group III respectively, and compared it with 40 age matched healthy controls (Group I). Homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA-IR) was employed to assess the level of insulin resistance. The values were expressed as Mean ± SD and data from patients and controls were compared using...

Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR, 2017

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) affects global health with increasing incidence and mortality... more Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) affects global health with increasing incidence and mortality rate. It may involve exposure to carcinogens from tobacco smoking or chewing. Alteration in expression of gene encoding the enzymes concerned with carcinogen biotransformation along with oxidative stress may increase or decrease the risk of cancer. To evaluate the expression of CYP1B1 gene in OSCC patients along with its relation with oxidative stress and phase 2 detoxification enzyme status. In the present study, CYP1B1 genotypic analysis was carried out along with estimation of serum Total Antioxidant Activity (TAA), erythrocyte Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and serum Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) activity in 20 OSCC patients and statistically compared with that of age matched 20 healthy subjects, served as control by using student's t-test. It was observed that 85% of histopathologically diagnosed OSCC patients had CYP1B1 expression with significantly elevated levels of MDA (p&l...

Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences, 2016

It has been documented that the incidence of inflammation along with oxidative stress in biologic... more It has been documented that the incidence of inflammation along with oxidative stress in biological system leads to the development of age related complications. However, the mechanism exploring the conundrum of senescence with various sorts of health complications is still in obscure. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the relation of serum paraoxonase (PON) with markers of systemic inflammation and lipid peroxidation in the blood samples of different age group subjects and to determine their relation in the prediction of cardiovascular disease risk. Marker of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA), serum paraoxonase, c-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were estimated in selected 90 healthy subjects by using standard methods. Out of 90 subjects, 60 individuals were categorized into two groups: Group I (40-55 years) and Group II (≥ 56 years) and statistically compared it with that of 30 younger controls (20-30 years). Marked depletion in serum PON activity was observed in Group I and II as compared to healthy controls whereas erythrocyte MDA levels were increased significantly (p<0.05) in Group I and II subjects. However, serum CRP levels were increased significantly (p<0.05) only in Group II subjects whereas ESR levels were altered insignificantly (p<0.01) in Group I and II subjects as compare to controls. In addition, PON activity was inversely correlated with marker of systemic inflammation and lipid peroxidation. Thus, assessment of serum paraoxonase activity incorporation with marker of systemic inflammation is a crucial step in early diagnosis of cardiovascular complications in elderly. Therefore, regular monitoring of cardiac markers and antioxidant rich diet should be adopted with senescence.

International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics, 2015

Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of a number of diseases s... more Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of a number of diseases such as cancer, hypertension and inflammatory diseases. Although previous evidences provided extensive literature about the biological role of antioxidant enzymes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there is a paucity of satisfactory explanation regarding the alteration in the level of antioxidant enzymes along with marker of systemic inflammation in RA. The objective of present study was to estimate the level of C-reactive protein (CRP), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and Ceruloplasmin in active RA patients.Methods: 40 patients of either sex (30-50 years age group) suffering from active RA and 40 normal healthy individuals served as control; were included in the study. Above mentioned parameters were estimated using standard methods and data from patients and controls were compared by using Student’s t-test.Results: Erythrocyte SOD, CAT and GSHPx act...

International Journal of Advances in Medicine, 2014

Oxygen free radicals have been identified as mediators of cell injury in a wide range of patholog... more Oxygen free radicals have been identified as mediators of cell injury in a wide range of pathological processes including Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH). Increasing interest has been focused on the role of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of PIH, which are convincingly linked to the altered antioxidant defense system and biomolecular deterioration including lipid peroxidation. 1,2 Most common target of free radicals attack and incidence of biomolecular deterioration is lipid peroxidation of membrane lipids. It generates a variety of hydroperoxide and aldehyde products that are highly reactive with cellular components and extracellular matrix. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a well-known toxic aldehy-ABSTRACT Background: It is well accepted that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of endothelial dysfunction leading to Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH). However, studies related to altered levels of paraoxonase and nitric oxide in PIH subjects are still in obscure. In this context, the present study was undertaken to assess serum Paraoxonase (PON), Nitric Oxide (NO) levels along with other markers of oxidative stress i.e. erythrocyte Malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma ascorbic acid levels in the blood samples of PIH subjects and to determine their relation in etio-pathogenesis of PIH complication. Methods: Markers of oxidative stress (PON, MDA, and ascorbic acid) and endothelial dysfunction (serum NO) were estimated in 20 normotensive pregnant women (Group I) and 20 PIH women (Group II) by using standard methods. Data obtained from both the groups were statistically compared with age matched 20 healthy non pregnant women (Control group) by using student's t-test. Results: Serum PON and erythrocyte MDA levels were increased significantly whereas marked depletion in plasma NO and vitamin C levels (P <0.05, P <0.001) were observed in PIH subjects. In addition, PON levels were inversely correlated with endothelial dysfunction. However, only plasma NO levels were decreased significantly in group I subjects whereas other parameters were altered insignificantly (P <0.1) in group I subjects. Conclusion: These findings reflects the importance of antioxidant rich diet in the prevention of PIH complication and emphasizes the early assessment of serum paraoxonase and NO levels as efficient diagnostic marker to predict future risk of PIH development.

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2014

Background: The increasing incidence of Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) or Pre-eclampsia in ... more Background: The increasing incidence of Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) or Pre-eclampsia in developed and developing countries are alarming. Systemic inflammation and disturbances in vitamin D and minerals (Sodium & Calcium) metabolism are almost invariable consequences of PIH; and variation in their levels can adversely affect the pregnancy leading to the development of PIH. Aim: In this context, a study was carried out to assess the level of serum vitamin D, sodium, calcium and inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) in non-pregnant (NP), normotensive pregnant (NTP) and PIH women and to determine their role in the etio-pathogenesis of PIH. Material and method: Serum vitamin D, sodium, calcium and CRP levels were estimated in 20 NTP women (Group I) and 20 PIH women (Group II) by using standard methods and statistically compared it with that of age matched 20 healthy non pregnant women (Control group) by using student’s t-test. Result: Serum Ca++ level were found to be sig...

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of a number of diseases such as arthr... more Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of a number of diseases such as arthritis, hypertension and inflammatory diseases. Although previous evidences provided extensive literature about the biological role of antioxidant enzymes in diabetes mellitus (DM), there is a paucity of satisfactory explanation regarding the alteration in the level of antioxidant enzymes along with marker of systemic inflammation in adolescent DM patients. Therefore, the objective of present study was to estimate the level of C-reactive protein (CRP), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and Ceruloplasmin in adolescent DM patients. 20 patients of either sex (10-19 years age group) suffering from DM and 20 normal healthy individuals served as control; were included in the study. Above mentioned parameters were estimated using standard methods and data from patients and controls were compared by using Student’s t-test. Erythrocyte SOD, CAT and GSHPx act...

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various diseases including pregnancy... more Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various diseases including pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). Previous studies have suggested that uric acid not only acts as an antioxidant but also act as an important factor in precipitation of disease process by inducing inflammation. However, there is no satisfactory explanation for its role in PIH. The objective of present study was to determine the level of serum urate and plasma ascorbate in PIH patients and to determine their role in disease process. Serum uric acid and plasma ascorbic acid levels were estimated by using standard methods in 40 patients of PIH and in 40 age matched healthy volunteers, served as control. The values were expressed as Mean ± SD and data from patients and controls were compared using students‘t’ test. Serum urate levels were significantly high (p<0.05) and plasma ascorbate levels were significantly low in patients as compared to control. These finding suggest that elevated serum ...

Aging is characterized by systemic deterioration of biomolecules and increased incidence of oxida... more Aging is characterized by systemic deterioration of biomolecules and increased incidence of oxidative stress. In addition, occurrence of dyslipidemia in elderly significantly contributes the development of cardiovascular disease. It is conceivable that association of dyslipidemia with oxidative stress enhances the future the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older population. The aim is to estimate the plasma lipid profile and marker of oxidative stress in elderly and to determine their role in predicting CVD risk. The study population consists of 90 subjects. Out of 90 subjects, 60 healthy individuals were categorized into two groups: Group I (40-55 years) and Group II (≥ 56 years) and statistically compared it with that of 30 younger controls (20-30 years) by using student’s t-test. Plasma lipid profile levels were measured along with erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Data were statistically analyzed using standard methods. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, LD...

Therapeutic advances in musculoskeletal disease, 2012

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of chronic pain and disability in the elderly. It in... more Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of chronic pain and disability in the elderly. It involves progressive destruction of articular cartilage as a consequence of various factors including augmented oxidative stress with advancing age which has not yet been controlled. It is conceivable that exogenous vitamin E supplementation ameliorates the modifiable indexes via regulation of free radical production and the consumption of antioxidant reserve. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the therapeutic effect of vitamin E supplementation in ameliorating the altered activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, ceruloplasmin, glutathione peroxidase and catalase), erythrocyte malondialdehyde level (MDA, i.e. marker of lipid peroxidation) and markers of systemic inflammation (plasma C-reactive protein [CRP] and synovial fluid interleukin 6 [IL-6]) in osteoarthritic elderly. Antioxidant enzymes status, MDA, IL-6 and CRP levels were estimated by using stand...

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2013

Background: Reactive oxygen species have been identified as mediators of cell injury in a variety... more Background: Reactive oxygen species have been identified as mediators of cell injury in a variety of cardiovascular complications including Myocardial Infarction (MI). It is conceivable that vitamin E supplementation can be used therapeutically due to its role in ameliorating antioxidant status and free radicals scavenging activity. Aim: Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the markers of oxidative stress i.e. erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) & malondialdehyde (MDA); plasma vitamin C, E, A and uric acid level in the blood samples of MI patients and to investigate the effect of in-vitro vitamin E supplementation in ameliorating the levels of these antioxidants in the blood sample of MI patients. Material & Method: 60 MI subjects (age group 30-60 years) were taken for the study and 60 healthy individuals served as controls. In-vitro vitamin E supplementation in the blood samples of MI subjects were performed and above mentioned parameters were estimated by u...