Summary Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology and is mainly characterized by the progressive erosion of cartilage leading to chronic polyarthritis and joint distortion. Although the exact pathogenesis of the disease has yet not been elucidated, however, studies suggest that cellular proliferation of synoviocytes result in pannus formation which damages the cartilage and bone. Recent reports also support the role of free radicals in its pathogenesis. Apart from the conventional treatment strategies using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs and glucocorticoids, newer and safer drugs are continuously being searched, as long term usage of these drugs have resulted in adverse effects. Alternative medicine provides another approach for treatment of RA and currently a number of medicinal plants are under scientific evaluation to develop a novel drug. There is a dire need to investigate the complete therapeutic potential and adverse effects, if any, of these herbals for providing newer and safer treatment options with minimum side effects. In this review we have tried to explore various Indian ancient Ayurvedic, Unani and Tibbi, as also some Chinese and Korean, herbals for their potential to treat RA.
Creatine kinase (CK) is a key enzyme of energy metabolism, especially in muscle tissue. CK has two polypeptide chains of M and B, and three isomers, CK-BB, CK-MB and CK-MM. In some conditions like acute myocardial infarction and Neuromuscular disorders, increased CK activity is used as a part of diagnosis. CK can also be elevated in absence of neuromuscular diseases or cardiac injury, such as strenuous exercise, intramuscular injections etc.Several reports indicate elevated activity of serum CK in the maternal blood during child birth.
Background: Creatine kinase (CK) is a key enzyme of energy metabolism, especially in muscle tissue. CK has two polypeptide chains of M and B, and three isomers, CK-BB, CK-MB and CK- MM. In some conditions like acute myocardial infarction and neuromuscular disorders, increased CK activity is used as a part of diagnosis. CK can also be elevated in absence of neuromuscular diseases or cardiac injury, such as strenuous exercise, intramuscular injections etc. Several reports indicate elevated activity of serum CK in the maternal blood during child birth. This study aimed to correlate total CK and its isoenzymes activity in the cord blood with high risk pregnancies.Methods: This was a Prospective observational study conducted in the Obstetrics and Biochemistry Department of Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Cord blood of 100 full term newborns was collected and serum was analyzed for total CK and its isoenzymes activity by modified IFCC method. SPSS software was used in data analysis.Results: CK-total and its isoenzymes (CK-MB, CK-BB) activities were observed higher in cases with risk as compared to those without risk. Total CK activity was observed independent while CK-MB and CK-BB were found dependent on different risk factors like pregnancy induced hypertension and fetal distress etc.Conclusions: Present study revealed that high risk pregnancies are associated with increased total CK, CK-MB as well as CK-BB activity.
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