Effect of the Chromatographic Fractions of Abrus precatorius Leaf on the Histology of Uterus and Ovary of Female Wistar Rats

Aim: To determine the effects of chromatographic fractions of Abrus precatorius leaf extracts on the histology of the ovary and uterus. Study Design: Abrus precatorius plant contain woods in a twinning form and belong to the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. It has red and black seeds. Abrus precatorius also possess a pod which is short and stout brownish in color [1]. The plant grows in bushes and farm and sometimes in hedge. Abrus precatorius are said to be taken for tuberculosis and painful swellings [2]. According to Ross [3], they can be used as laxative, expectorant and aphrodisiac medicines and are sometimes used in urticaria, eczema, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, alopecia areata, migraine, lymphomas/leukemia and dysmenorrhea. Experiment has demonstrated that the seed have the ability to retard fertility both in male and female [4]. Studies done in the past revealed that the plant Abrus precatorius can kill cells or cause cell death at the same time leading to death of tumor [5]. Extraction of the leaves of A. precatorius with methanol has shown through previous study to possess bronchodilatory effect and its use traditionally in the management of asthma [6]. Extracts obtained from the roots, has good antibacterial activity especially against Staphylococcus aureus (Prabha et al. 2015). In a study performed in Tanzania, it was confirmed that boiling the leaves of A. precatorius with water and taking it orally as three table spoonful in twice daily dosage regimen for the treatment of epilepsy is helpful [7]. Female wistar rats were treated with chromatographic fractions of A. precatorius, F1, F2, F3 and F4 (30 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg) for thirty days. One hundred and ten Wistar rats were divided into twenty-two (22) groups of five rats each. All the rats were weighed before and during the experiment. Group 1 (Control) received 0.5 mls, Phosphate Buffer Solution (PBS); Group 3-7. received 30 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of F1. Group 8-12 received 30 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg and 150 mg/k of F2. Group13-17 received 30 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of F3 and Group 18-22 received 30 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of F4 respectively. The fractions/drugs were administered orally. The rats were treated with chromatographic fractions of A. precatorius, F1, F2, F3 and F4 (30 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg) for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed, dissected and the uterus and ovaries obtained for histology study. The study revealed histological evidence that the chromatographic fractions of Abrus precatorius leaf do not have any potential adverse effect on the ovary and uterus of the Wistar Albino rats.

Update on Effective Management Strategies in Patients with Dimethylfumarate Fushing Induced: Real Life Preliminary Results of An Observational Psoriatic Patients Cohort Study

Background: Dimethylfumarate (DMF) is an orally administered fumaric acid esters (FAE) approved for plaque psoriasis. The most represented adverse event for incidence reported in all studies regarding multiple sclerosis and psoriasis treatment was flushing followed by gastrointestinal and lymphopenia (AEs). We report our experience on effective management strategies in patients with dimethylfumarate fushing induced. Methods: The purpose of our study is addressed to propose feasibles strategies able to mitigate adverse events developing in order to improve therapy compliance. We report our real life experience of 20 patients affected by mild to moderate plaque psoriasis in treatement with DMF 10 male and 10 female, with 45,4 years old mean age underwent to a reducing a daily dosage regimen with DMF from 120 mg to 30 mg tablets. Patients experience flushing around 30-45 minutes after assuming the medication.per day. Results: Patients achieving a good adherence and efficacious results in terms of PASI 75 reduction after 16 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: DMF is efficacious and has a favorable benefit–risk profile, thanks to the possibility of implementing posology strategies in order to optimize adherence to the therapy.

Once- versus Twice-Daily Fluticasone Propionate Aqueous Nasal Spray for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

A new potent topical corticosteroid, fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray, has proved effective when administered twice daily for seasonal allergic rhinitis. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a once-daily dosage with twice-daily administration of fluticasone propionate. A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted in adults with moderate to severe symptoms of allergic rhinitis during the autumn pollen season. Patients were treated for 4 weeks with fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray, 200 μg once daily or 100 μg twice daily or matching placebo. Fluticasone propionate administered once daily in the morning was as effective as the twice-daily dosage regimen, and both regimens were more effective than placebo. Nasal symptoms were improved by the second day of treatment and continued to improve throughout the study. Nasal eosinophils were reduced in more patients treated with either regimen of fluticasone propionate compared with placebo. Adverse events were similar in frequency and nature in all three groups. There was no evidence of hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal axis effects; mean morning plasma cortisol concentrations and response to cosyntropin stimulation remained within normal ranges and were similar across groups. We conclude that fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray administered once daily is safe and as effective as a twice-daily dosage regimen for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Azelastine in the Prophylactic Treatment of Bronchial Asthma: An Italian Multicentre Comparison with Ketotifen

The prophylactic effectiveness of the phthalazinone derivative, azelastine was compared with ketotifen. A total of 111 patients, aged 18 – 65 years, from 10 centres was entered into this randomized, double-blind study. All patients had reversible asthma. After 1 week on placebo, patients were allocated to either 8 mg/day azelastine once or twice daily, or to 1 mg ketotifen, twice daily, for a further 12 weeks. Azelastine was more effective in improving respiratory function (forced expiratory flow in 1 s and peak expiratory flow rate) when given in the once daily regimen, whereas clinical measures (number of weekly asthma attacks) were most improved by twice daily dosing. There was no significant difference between the effectiveness of azelastine and that of ketotifen. Treatments were equally well tolerated and a low incidence of side-effects was reported. In conclusion, 8 mg/day azelastine, in either a single or twice daily dosage regimen may be regarded as providing effective prophylaxis against bronchial asthma.