International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Physiology

Pranayama Could be a Therapeutic Tool for Prevention of Hypertension-Development in Pregnancy

2025-01-06T09:52:29+00:00

Gestational Hypertension (GH), the hypertension induced by pregnancy, which was earlier known as Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH) or preeclampsia is defined as hypertension that occurs after 20^th week of gestation in an otherwise normotensive pregnant woman.[1] GH occurs in 3-5% of all pregnancies and 30-35% of risk pregnancies, and it accounts for about 12% of maternal deaths in developing countries of south Asia.^[1] Though GH usually develops in the later part of pregnancy, often it progresses rapidly and therefore GH patients are generally brought to hospital in advanced stage of the disease that creates difficulty in the management without adequate experience and facilities available for treatment of GH.^[2] Recently, GH has been reported to be associated with Cardiovascular (CV) risks during pregnancy and also in the later part of life.[2] Also, there are reports of CV morbidity and mortality during and after pregnancy in pre-eclamptic women.^[3]

Pathophysiology of COVID-19 in Pregnancy: A Critical Review

2025-01-06T09:52:29+00:00

COVID-19 infection during pregnancy presents a complex clinical scenario with potential implications for both maternal and neonatal health. This literature review examines the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying COVID-19 in pregnancy and its effects on the developing foetus and neonate. The infection is known to impact placenta, potentially leading to abnormalities in foetal development. Maternal immune responses, including cytokine storm and endothelial activation, contribute to the systemic inflammation observed in severe cases, which may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Additionally, there is a risk of vertical transmission of the infection, although it appears to be rare. Neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 may experience respiratory complications and require NICU admission. Furthermore, the long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy on neonatal health and development, including the risk of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in child, are areas of ongoing research and requires further investigation. Understanding pathophysiology of these conditions during pregnancy is crucial for developing effective management strategies and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Present literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the reported pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19 infection in pregnant women and their foetus, highlighting the need for continued research and surveillance to address the gaps in knowledge and inform clinical practice.

Ameliorating Potentials of Methanol Extract of Psorospemum fabrifugum Leaves on Malaria and Yeast-Induced Fever in Wistar Mice

2025-01-06T09:52:30+00:00

Background and Aim: Malaria remains a significant global health concern, with fever being a hallmark symptom, while fever, often caused by various infections, poses additional health challenges. This study addresses the need to explore natural remedies for these conditions, focusing on the methanol extract of Psorospermum febrifugum leaves. The primary aim of this research is to investigate the effects of the extract on malaria-induced fever and yeast-induced fever in Wistar mice. Additionally, the study includes a phytochemical analysis and the acute toxicity test of the extract. Methods: Malaria parasitaemia (Plasmodium berghei) was obtained from a malaria infected mice gotten at Veterinary Medicine Department in University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The main study involved 45 Wistar mice weighing between 20 g and 32 g and was divided into two sets of animals. The first set was used for anti-malaria and the fever induced by plasmodium beighe inoculation, while the second group was for the antipyretic activity induced by yeast. Results: In the anti-malaria study, Psorospermum febrifugum leaves extract showed a dose dependent significant reduction of the parasitaemia count (p <0.05) for the first, second and the third day of treatment. Within the three days of the study, the temperature check showed a dose-dependent significant difference (p <0.05); the 400 mg/kg of the extract and the Arthemeter (standard drug) at 5 mg/kg, showed significant reduction against the negative control group. In the yeast-induced fever, after the single treatment, 200 mg/kg of the extract exhibited a significant reduction (p <0.05) at 1 hr and 2 hr after treatment compared with the control, while the 400mg/kg of the extract showed significant reductions (p <0.05) at 30 min, 1 hr, and 2 hr post-treatment. Paracetamol at 100 mg/kg also showed a statistical significant reduction (p <0.05). Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that the extract has potential as a treatment for malaria-induced fever due to its significant impact on parasitaemia levels. It also demonstrates antipyretic properties in yeast-induced fever, indicating its potential as an antipyretic agent for various infections.

Impact of Electrostatic Field on Select Enzymes, Oxidative Stress Markers and Haematological Parameters in Mice

2025-01-06T09:52:31+00:00

Background and Aim: With the rapid development of high-voltage direct current transmission, the possibility of health effects associated with electrostatic field has caused wide public concern. In this study, the effects of Electrostatic Field (ESF) exposure on haematological parameters and the activity of select antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CPK, LDH, MDA, GSH and GABA, were investigated in mice. Methods: Adult Swiss male albino mice were divided into 4 equal groups (n=10). The mice were exposed for 5 consecutive days to SEFs with intensities of 0 kV/m (control, group I), 1 kV/m for 10 min/day (experimental group II), 5 kV/m for 10 min/day (experimental group III) or 10 kV/m for 10 min/day (experimental group IV). Results: The results revealed that SEFs significantly increased LDH and CPK activity in muscles; GABA concentrations in the brain, especially at higher intensities (5 and 10 kV/m); and MDA levels in the livers of exposed mice. On the other hand, mice exposed to different intensities of SEFs showed significant decreases in SOD activity and GSH levels in the liver. Exposure of mice to SEFs of 1, 5 and 10 kV/m for 10 min/day for 5 consecutive days induced pronounced declines in Hb, RBCs, WBCs, Hct, MCV, MCH and MCHC. The decreases in the average numbers of RBCs and WBCs and the levels of both Hb and Hct were significant. Additionally, when mice were exposed to 1 kV/m fields, RBCs in blood smears began to show poikilocytosis and marked hypochromia with anulocytes was observed. The blood smears of mice exposed to a higher SEF intensity (5 kV/m) clearly showed cell morphological changes and the emergence of abnormal forms, with many areas empty of RBCs (moderate incidence of echinocytes with moderate hypochromia). In mice exposed to SEFs of 10 kV/m, RBC morphology appeared completely different from normal morphology and the RBCs showed pathological changes; the outer membranes of the red corpuscles had changed and become serrated. Conclusion: Exposure of experimental animals to SEFs had negative effects on the brain, liver, muscles and blood, causing histological changes and disturbances in the functions of these tissues.

Effects of Thyroxine on the Male and Female Reproductive Functions in the Model of Experimental Hypothyroidism

2025-01-06T09:52:31+00:00

Background and Aim: In hypothyroidism, thyroxine is used as a therapeutic agent generally. According to recent data, thyroxin induced testicular dysfunction and abnormal contractions of the uterus caused by abnormal muscle tone of the uterine smooth muscle were observed in pregnant women treated with thyroxine, an epidemiological survey of the two cohort studies showed that the rate of cesarean section in pregnant women with hypothyroidism was two times higher. Thus, thyroxine plays an important role in the treatment of the hypothyroidism, but there are also negative aspects. Therefore, the study of thyroxine treatment in the model of the hypothyroidism is useful in the treatment of male infertility and pregnancy complications. Methods: White mice with 20-22 g and Wistar rats with 120-160 g were used as experimental animals. Mice were fed normal food with dibazol aqueous solution (50 μg/10 g/day) for 90 days to evaluate the effect of thyroxine on the gonads. In the study group L-thyroxine (0.5 μg/10 g/day) was fed for 40 days from 51st day of dibazol aqueous solution application. In the control group, medication was not given. After drug application, ratio of the testes and epididymis weight on the whole body weight, sperm count, sperm motility, the ratio of ovarian weight to body weight, follicle count were evaluated. Female rats were fed normal food with dibazol aqueous solution (0.5 mg/100 g/day) for 90 days to evaluate the effect of thyroxine on the uterus. In the study group L-thyroxine (5 μg/100 g/day) was fed for 40 days from 51st day of dibazol aqueous solution application. In the control group medication was not received. After drug application, threshold, duration and maximum amplitude in the evoked EMG were evaluated by M-24 type 2 channel EMG. Results: In the hypothyroidism model, thyroxine therapy resulted in testicular dysfunction, but not ovarian dysfunction. And in the hypothyroidism model, thyroxine therapy reduced the threshold for evoked EMG and prolonged the duration of the evoked EGM in the uterine muscles.

Clinical Study on Application of Hemorrhoidectomy by Anal Canal Dilatation for Grade III or IV Internal Hemorrhoid Accompanied Anal Fissure

2025-01-06T09:52:31+00:00

Background and Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel surgical technique, hemorrhoidectomy by anal canal dilatation, for treating Grade III or IV internal hemorrhoids accompanied by anal fissures. Methods: A total of 202 patients were included in the study, with 96 patients in the study group undergoing hemorrhoidectomy by anal canal dilatation and 106 patients in the control group receiving the traditional Milligan-Morgan operation. Postoperative outcomes were assessed, including recovery rates, analgesic usage and duration of defecation difficulties. Results: The average recovery rate in the study group was 95.8%, significantly higher than the control group's rate of 86.8% (p<0.05). Additionally, the mean duration of analgesic use was significantly lower in the study group (2 days) compared to the control group (3 days) (p<0.05). The average duration of difficulty in defecation post-surgery was also shorter in the study group (2.0±0.75 days) compared to the control group (6.6±0.37 days) (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that hemorrhoidectomy by anal canal dilatation is an effective and satisfactory alternative to traditional methods for treating Grade III or IV internal hemorrhoids accompanied by anal fissures. This technique not only enhances recovery rates but also minimizes postoperative pain and complications.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease: A Potential Game-Changer?

2025-01-06T09:52:30+00:00

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurological disorder characterised by tremor, rigidity, akinesia and postural instability. Parkinson's disease care has relied on levodopa for 50 years. Motor problems persist for years after therapy begins for most people. A major 20th century innovation is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). The FDA approved Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as an adjuvant neuromodulatory therapy for movement problems in medically refractory Parkinson's disease. The standard DBS method uses a stereotactically placed four-contact stimulating electrode and a subcutaneous wire to connect it to an Implanted Pulse Generator (IPG) on the chest wall beneath the clavicle. Electrodes are usually placed in the Subthalamic Nucleus (STN) or Globus Pallidus internus (GPi) in Parkinson's disease.^[1] A physician remotely modifies IPG stimulation parameters to improve symptom relief and minimise side effects using a portable device. Deep brain stimulation of the STN or GPi improves Parkinson's patients' quality of life.^[2,3] Precision lead location and stimulation programming make DBS surgery effective. Thus, it is best performed by a skilled team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, neurophysiologists and treatment-focused support staff. DBS is effective in PD because it's reversible and flexible. Due to its efficacy, it is regularly studied in various disorders and the FDA-approved indications may grow shortly.