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Biomedical subjects

R S Gupta

Publications and source records attributed to R S Gupta.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Child survival and safe motherhood program in Rajasthan.

OBJECTIVE: This study was planned to evaluate the MCH services, particularly immunization in rural areas of the poor-performing state of Rajasthan. METHODS: A community-based, cross-sectional survey using the WHO 30 cluster technique was carried out as a field exercise by participants of 9th Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP) course by National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) in rural areas of Alwar district of Rajasthan. RESULTS: Less than one third (28.9%) of children, aged 12-23 months, were fully immunized with BCG, 3 DPT, 3 OPV and Measles vaccines; around a quarter (26.5%) had not received even a single vaccine (non immunized), and little less than half (44.5%) were found partially immunized. Around half of the eligible children were vaccinated for BCG (55.9%) and Measles (43.6%). Though nearly two-third (66.8%) were covered with first dose of DPT and OPV, but about one third of these children dropped out of third dose of DPT and OPV for various reasons. National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data also had revealed that BCG coverage was 64.3%; measles was 36.2%; and coverage by DPT 1, 2, 3 and Polio 1,2 and 3 were 64.4%, 57.0%, 46.6% and 77.5%, 71.1% and 54.4% respectively in rural areas. The main reasons for drop-out or non-immunization was "lack of information about the immunization programme" (41.3%). Though nearly all (more than 96%) of the children were immunized through Government established centers, but immunization cards/documents were made available only to 27.6% of children. CONCLUSION: The problem of low coverage and high drop-out rate of immunization could be overcome by creating awareness of the program and relevance of 2nd and 3rd doses of DPT and polio vaccines. Increasing community participation through intensive and extensive health education campaign should also be undertaken. Since most of the deliveries were done at home under the supervision of untrained midwives, training programme as well as involving them in IEC activities should be contemplated.

Communicable Disease Control↗

Antispermatogenic, antiandrogenic activities of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth bark extract in male albino rats.

Methanolic extract of Albizia lebbeck bark when administered orally at the dose level of 100 mg/rat/day to male rats of proven fertility for 60 days did not cause any significant loss in their body weights but the weights of reproductive organs, i.e. testis, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate were decreased in a significant manner when compared to controls. Sperm motility as well as sperm density were reduced significantly which resulted in reduction of male fertility by 100%. Marked decline in the germ cell population was noticed. Population of preleptotene, pachytene, secondary spermatocytes and step-19 spermatid were declined by 60.86%, 65.81%, 71.56% and 66.55%, respectively. Cross-sectional surface area of sertoli cells as well as the cells counts were found to be depleted significantly. Leydig cells nuclear area and number of mature Leydig cells were decreased by 60.03% and 51.56%, respectively. Serum testosterone levels showed significant reduction after A. lebbeck extract feeding. Oral administration of the extract did not affect red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) count, haemoglobin, haematocrit and glucose in the blood and cholesterol, protein, triglyceride and phospholipid in the serum. In conclusion, A. lebbeck bark extract administration arrests spermatogenesis in male rats without noticeable side effects.

Administration, Oral↗

Induction of antifertility with lupeol acetate in male albino rats.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antifertility activity of the active principle, i.e. lupeol acetate, isolated from benzene extract of Alstonia scholaris in male albino rats. The treatment with lupeol acetate at the dose level of 10 mg/rat/day did not cause any significant change in the body weights, but significant reduction in the weight of reproductive organs, i.e. testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate, was observed. Testicular sperm count, epididymal sperm count and motility were found significantly declined when compared with controls, which resulted in reduction of male fertility by 100%. Arrest of spermatogenesis was noted at various stages with production of primary spermatocytes (preleptotene and pachytene), secondary spermatocytes and step-19 spermatids were decreased by 52.36, 54.91, 55.67 and 69.65%, respectively. The seminiferous tubules appeared reduced in size by 24.62%. Cross-sectional surface area of Sertoli cells as well as their counts were found to be significantly depleted. Leydig cell nuclear area and number of mature Leydig cells were decreased by 27.65 and 35.47%. Biochemical parameters of tissues i.e. protein, sialic acid, glycogen and cholesterol content of testes and seminal vesicular fructose also showed significant reduction.

Alstonia↗

Effect of Saponins of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth bark on the reproductive system of male albino rats.

Oral administration of saponins isolated from Albizia lebbeck bark at the dose level of 50 mg/kg/b.w. per day for 60 days to male rats brought about a significant decrease in the weights of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate. The production of round spermatid was reduced by 73.04% in Albizia lebbeck treated rats. The population of preleptotene spermatocytes and spermatogonia were reduced by 65.07% and 47.48% and secondary spermatocytes by 73.41%, respectively. Cross sectional surface area of Sertoli cells as well as the cell counts were found to be depleted significantly. Leydig cell nuclear area and number of mature Leydig cells were decreased by 57.47% and 54.42%, respectively. Sperm motility as well as sperm density were reduced significantly. Albizia lebbeck reduced the fertility of male rats by 100%. There were no significant changes in RBC and WBC count, haemoglobin, haematocrit and glucose in the blood and cholesterol, protein, triglyceride and phospholipid in the serum. The protein, glycogen and cholesterol contents of the testes, fructose in the seminal vesicle and protein in epididymides were significantly decreased. Histoarchitecture of the testes showed vacuolization at primary spermatocytes stage. Highly reduced seminiferous tubular diameter and increased intertubular space were also observed when compared to controls.

Administration, Oral↗

Effect of isolated fractions of Barleria prionitis root methanolic extract on reproductive function of male rats: preliminary study.

Male rats treated with 100 mg/kg for 60 days of isolated fractions of the Barleria prionitis root methanolic extract (Fr. I and Fr. II) showed a significant reduction on spermatogenesis without affecting general body metabolism. Sperm motility as well density in cauda epididymides was reduced significantly. The fertility was decreased by 33.4% in Fr. I and 100% in Fr. II treated rats. The blood parameters were within the normal range. Total protein, glycogen and sialic acid contents of testes were reduced after the plant fractions treatment. Seminal vesicular fructose was decreased significantly after the treatment. The population of various spermatogenic cells such as primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes and round spermatids were declined significantly in Fr. II treatment groups whereas in Fr. I treated animals preleptotene spermatocyte and spermatid number was decreased. There was no significant change in the number of Sertoli cells and spermatogonia in any of the treatment group.

Acanthaceae↗

Comparative protein profiles of Salmonella and Escherichia coli.

Protein profiles of selected Salmonella serovars were compared with E. coli to identify genus specific protein(s) for Salmonella. The PDP formed of different Salmonella serovars were compared with E. coli O78 when subjected to SDS-PAGE yielded 11, 15, 15, 11 and 14 bands in S. Bareilly, S. Gallinarum, S. Typhimurium and S. Weltevreden and E. coli O78 respectively. The bands produced were compared with each other. It was found that S. Weltevreden shared 7 bands with E. coli O78, A protein of molecular weight 20.89 kDa was found in all Salmonella serovars, but not in E. coli O78 suggesting its genus specific attribute.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Effects of plumieride, an iridoid on spermatogenesis in male albino rats.

UNLABELLED: Oral feeding of male rats with plumieride (15 mg/rat/day) for the period of 60 days did not cause any significant change in the body weight of treated rats. However, the weights of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate were significantly reduced when compared to control values. The production of step-19 spermatids was reduced by 87.26% in plumieride treated rats. The population of preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes were decreased by 64.26% and 55.13% respectively. Spermatogonia and sertoli cell population was also affected. Plumieride treatment resulted in an arrest of spermatogenesis without any systemic side effect. Sperm motility as well as sperm density was reduced significantly. The number of mature Leydig cells was decreased and complete suppression of fertility was observed. A significant fall in the protein and sialic acid contents of the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate as well as glycogen content of testes was also noticed. Fructose in seminal vesicle was lowered whereas testicular cholesterol was elevated. There was no significant change in RBC and WBC count, haemoglobin, haematocrit and sugar in the whole blood and total protein, cholesterol, phospholipid and triglycerides in the serum. CONCLUSION: Plumieride administration arrests spermatogenesis in male rats without noticeable side effects. For the clinical use more experiments should be carried out in a phased programme.

Administration, Oral↗

Antifertility effects of methanolic pod extract of Albizzia lebbeck (L.) Benth in male rats.

AIM: To evaluate the antifertility activity of the methanolic pod extract of Albizzia lebbeck (L.) Benth in male albino rats. METHODS: The methanolic pod extract of Albizzia lebbeck was administrated orally for 60 days at 50, 100 and 200 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) to male albino rats. Sperm motility and density in cauda epididymides were assessed. Biochemical and histological analysis were performed in blood samples and reproductive organs. RESULTS: Albizzia lebbeck pod extract brought about a significant decrease in the weights of testis, seminal vesicles, epdidymis and ventral prostate. The sperm motility and density were significantly reduced. There was a marked reduction in the numbers of primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. The Sertoli cell count as well as its cross sectional surface area were significantly decreased. The Leydig cell nuclear area and the number of mature Leydig cells were also significantly decreased. The protein, glycogen and cholesterol content of the testis, the fructose in the seminal vesicles and protein in the epididymis were significantly decreased. The RBC and WBC counts, haemoglobin, haematocrit and blood sugar were within the normal range. CONCLUSION: The methanolic extract of A. lebbeck pods causes spermatogenic arrest in male albino rats.

Albizzia↗

Plants for male fertility regulation.

The importance of drugs of plant origin in the pursuit of fertility regulating agents for the male from natural products has long been recognized. This review includes 80 plants with 205 references, up to year 2002. The type of extract, dose, animal model and pharmacological activity of these materials have been reviewed in this paper to add impetus to further research and collaboration to resolve the problem of population explosion.

Animals↗

Antifertility effect of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) stem extract in male rats.

Oral administration of 70% methanolic extract of T. cordifolia stem to male rats at the dose level of 100 mg/rat/day for 60 days did not cause body weight loss but decreased the weight of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate in a significant manner. Sperm motility as well as sperm density were reduced significantly which resulted in reduction of male fertility by 100%. The stem extract brought about an interference with spermatogenesis. The round spermatids were decreased by 73.12%. However, the population of preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes were decreased by 47.60% and 52.85% respectively, followed by secondary spermatocytes (48.10%). Leydig cell nuclear area and mature Leydig cell numbers were significantly reduced when compared with controls. Serum testosterone levels showed significant reduction after Tinospora extract feeding. Seminiferous tubule diameter, Leydig cell nuclear area as well as cross sectional surface area of Sertoli cells were reduced significantly when compared to controls. Biochemical parameters i.e. protein, sialic acid, glycogen contents of testes decreased significantly. Seminal vesicular fructose also depleted whereas, testicular cholesterol was elevated significantly followed by a reduction in testosterone levels. These results suggested antifertility effects of the stem extract of T. cordifolia in male rats.

Animals↗

Hypocholesterolaemic effect of the oleoresin of Capsicum annum L. in gerbils (Meriones hurrianae Jerdon).

The effect of capsicum oleoresin (CO) on dietary hypercholeterolaemia were observed in male gerbils at a dose of 75 mg/kg body wt/day. The oleoresin reduced serum cholesterol and triglycerides by 70% and 66%, whereas, liver cholesterol and triglycerides were lowered by 70.9% and 68.7% respectively, in comparison with atherogenic fed controls. CO feeding prevented the accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver and aorta. The faecal excretion of cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly increased in oleoresin fed gerbils.

Animals↗

Immunogold localization of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase in mitochondria and on the cell surface in normal rat tissues.

Mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (mAspAT) (E.C. 2.6.1.1), an important enzyme in amino acid metabolism, is identical to a fatty acid-binding protein (FABPpm) isolated from plasma membranes of several cell types. Employing a monospecific polyclonal antibody to rat mAspAT, we have used immunogold electron microscopy to study the subcellular distribution of mAspAT in various mammalian tissues. Immunogold labeling of rat tissue sections embedded in LR Gold resin showed strong labeling of mitochondria in all tissues examined (viz. liver, pancreas, pituitary, spleen, heart, kidney, submandibular gland). In addition, strong and specific labeling was also observed at a number of non-mitochondrial sites including various locations in kidney, such as on cell surface in distal tubules and cortical collecting ducts, in condensing vacuoles, along cell boundaries between adjoining cells, and in endothelial cells lining capillaries in the glomerulus. Surface labeling due to mAspAT was also seen in arteriolar endothelial cells and in lymphocytes. These findings support the previous identification of mAspAT as both a mitochondrial enzyme and a plasma membrane protein. It is suggested that in accordance with its established role in other cells and tissues, the surface-located mAspAT in kidney and endothelial cells is involved in the fatty acid transport process. The dual-localization of mAspAT, as well as a large number of other mitochondrial proteins (viz. Hsp60, Hsp10, Cytochrome c, TRAP-1 and P32 (gC1q-R)) in recent studies, within both mitochondria and at various specific extramitochondrial sites raises fundamental questions about the role of mitochondria in cell structure and function, and about the mechanisms that exist in normal cells for protein translocation from mitochondria to other compartments. These results have implications for the role of mitochondria in apoptosis and different diseases.

Animals↗

Effect of Sarcostemma acidum stem extract on spermatogenesis in male albino rats.

AIM: To evaluate the possible antifertility activity of Sarcostemma acidum (Roxb) Voigt. stem extract in male rats. METHOD: Male rats were given 70% methanol extract of S. acidum stem orally at dose levels of 50 and 100 mg/kg/day for 60 days. Fertility was evaluated with mating test. Sperm motility and sperm density in cauda epididymides were also assessed. Biochemical and histological analyses were performed on blood samples and on the reproductive organs. RESULTS: S. acidum stem extract resulted in an arrest of spermatogenesis without any systemic side effect. Sperm motility as well as sperm density was reduced significantly. Treatment caused a 80% reduction in fertility at the 50 mg dose and complete suppression of fertility at the 100 mg dose. There was no significant change in RBC and WBC count, hemoglobin, haematocrit, sugar and urea in the whole blood and cholesterol, protein and phospholipid in the serum. The protein and glycogen content of the testes, fructose in the seminal vesicle and protein in epididymides were significantly decreased. Cholesterol in the testes was elevated. Treatment at both of the doses caused a marked reduction in the number of primary spermatocytes (preleptotene and pachytene), secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. The number of mature Leydig cells was decreased, and degenerating Leydig cells was increased proportionately. CONCLUSION: S. acidum stem extract arrests spermatogenesis in male rats without noticable side effects.

Animals↗

Effect of Alstonia scholaris bark extract on testicular function of Wistar rats.

AIM: To evaluate the antifertility effect of Alstonia scholaris bark extract in male rats. METHODS: In male Wistar rats Alstonia scholaris bark extract was given by oral route at a dose of 200 mg/day for 60 days. The fertility and testicular function were assessed by mating tests, sperm motility, sperm concentration, biochemical indices and testicular cell population dynamics. RESULTS: Oral feeding with the extract at a dose of 200 mg/day for the period of 60 days did not cause body weight loss, while the weights of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate were significantly reduced. The production of step-19 spermatids was reduced by 79.6% in treated rats. The population of preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes were decreased by 61.9% and 60.1%, respectively. Spermatogonia and Sertoli cell population were also affected. The seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nuclear area were reduced significantly (P<0.01) when compared to the controls. Reduced sperm count and motility resulted in a total suppression of fertility. A significant fall in the protein and sialic acid content of the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate as well as glycogen content of testes were also noticed. The fructose content in the seminal vesicle was lowered whereas the testicular cholesterol was elevated as compared with the controls. The following compounds were obtained from the extract with chromatographic separation over Si-gel column: agr-amyrin, bgr-amyrin, lupiol acetate, venenative, rhazine and yohimbine. CONCLUSION: At the dose level employed, Alstonia scholaris bark extract has a significant antifertility effect in male rats; the primary site of action may be post meiotic germ cells (Step 19 spermatids).

Administration, Oral↗

Effects of short-term treatment of solasodine on cauda epididymis in dogs.

Oral administration (80 mg/kg body wt/day for 30 days) of solasodine (extracted and isolated from the berries of the Solanum xanthocarpum) to intact dogs significantly decreased the epithelial cell height of cauda epididymides. The cells became atrophic and the lumen was devoid of spermatozoa. Castration followed by the adminstration of solasodine further reduced the epithelial cell height in comparison to castrated controls. Concurrent treatment of solasodine along with testosterone propionate was unable to restore the normal epithelial lumen parameters. Total protein, sialic acid, glycogen and acid phosphatase activities were significantly reduced in solasodine treated cauda epididymides. These result suggest antiandrogenic potency of solasodine.

Acid Phosphatase↗