Fractional anisotropy of white matter, disability and blood iron parameters in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disorder related to myelin damage, which can be investigated by neuroimaging techniques such as fractional anisotropy (FA), a measure of microstructural white matter properties. The objectives of this study were to investigate (1) the relationship between FA and disability using an extremes of outcome approach, and (2) whether blood iron parameters were associated with FA and/or disability. Patients diagnosed with MS (n = 107; 14 males and 93 females) had iron parameter tests and disability determinations using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). FA was recorded in 48 white matter tracts in 11 of the female patients with MS and 12 female controls.

RESULTS

In patients with high disability scores the mean FA was significantly lower (0.34 ± 0.067) than in the control group (0.45 ± 0.036; p = 0.04), while patients with low disability had mean FA values (0.44 ± 0.014) similar to controls (p = 0.5). Positive associations were found between FA and the iron parameters serum iron, ferritin and percentage transferrin saturation (%Tfsat) in all the white matter tracts. For % Tfsat, the associations were highly significant in 14 tracts (p < 0.01; r-values 0.74-0.84) and p < 0.001 (r = 0.83) in the superior fronto occipital fasciculus (LH). In the whole patient group a trend was found towards an inverse association between the EDSS and the %Tfsat (r = -0.26, p = 0.05) after excluding male gender and smoking as confounders, suggesting reduced disability in the presence of higher blood iron parameters. Additionally, significant inverse associations between disease duration and haemoglobin (p = 0.04) as well as %Tfsat (p = 0.02) suggested that patients with MS may experience a decrease in blood iron concentrations over time.

Scientific evaluation of some Ayurvedic preparations for correction of iron deficiency and anemia

A number of preparations are available in Ayurved for treatment of anemia and iron deficiency. This study was designed to evaluate efficacy of some of them. Six most commonly used Ayurvedic iron containing preparations (Navayasa Curna, Punarnavadi Mandura, Dhatri Lauha, Pradarantaka Lauha, Sarva-Juara-Hara Lauha and Vrihat Yakrdari Lauha) were given in a dose of 250 mg b.d. for 30 days to six groups of iron deficient anemic patients; each group consisting of 20 patients. A control group was given Allopathic preparation-Irex-12, (containing-ferrous fumarate, vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin B(12)); 1 capsule daily for 30 days for comparison. All hematological and iron parameters were determined before and after completion of treatment. The results showed that there was statistically significant rise (p<0.001) in all of them-Hb, PCV, TRBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC and plasma iron, percent saturation and plasma ferritin. Total iron binding capacity decreased significantly (p<0.001). The response of most of Ayurvedic preparations was better than Allopathic preparation and there was no side effect as observed with iron salts The Hb regeneration rate was 0.10 g/dl/day for Allopathic preparation; while it was above this value for all Ayurvedic preparations exceptPradarantaka Lauha which was least effective.Sarva-Juara-Hara Lauha was the drug of choice as Hb regeneration with it was highest 0.16 g/dl/day. Upon analysis of Ayurvedic drugs, these results were found to be consistent and correlated with iron content of the preparation.

Effect of ingestion of copper bhasm on red cell indices, iron parameters and essential elements in chicks

In order to scientifically evaluate the effect of copper bhasm, it was orally administered in a dose of 2 mg/day for seven days to one month old male chicks. There was significant fall in total red cells, and rise in plasma iron, PCV and MCV indicating hemolysis, compensated by increased heme synthesis. A significant increase in plasma iron binding capacity points to beneficial effect of copper bhasm on liver as transferrin is synthesized in liver. Ferritin (storage iron) was unaltered in seven days treatment. The effect of copper bhasm on tissue distribution of essential elements was variable. Calcium, sodium and potassium were significantly increased in all the tissues. The last two may have been contributed by the bhasm itself. Magnesium behaviour was similar to calcium. Iron and zinc showed variable effects. Copper level in whole blood, plasma and erythrocytes increased significantly showing that copper bhasm was well absorbed and the effect observed can be ascribed to it. The bhasm was well tolerated and no growth retardation was seen.