Agents. -Compounds (I) exhibit better wound-healing activity compared to 3,3-dimethylacryl shikonin. -(SRIVASTAVA, S.; RAJ*, K.; KHARE, P.; BHADURI, A. P.; CHANDER, R.; RAGHUBIR, R.; MAHENDRA, K.; RAO, C. V. N.; PRABHU, S. R.; Indian J. Chem., Sect. B: Org. Chem. Incl. Med. Chem. 48 (2009) 2, 237-247; Div. Med. Chem., Cent. Drug Res. Inst., Lucknow 226 001, India; Eng.) -K. Woydowski 24-191

Background: Subclinical thyroid disorders usually do not produce symptoms of thyroid disease until they turn into over thyroid disease. Thyroid disease is more common in people with diabetes mellitus than in the general population and it is important to detect thyroid disorder before its clinical manifestation. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) can produce dyslipidemia, obesity thus resulting increased predisposition to coronary artery disease. Subclinical hyperthyroidism can aggravate hyperglycemia and impair blood sugar control. Objectives: Our objective is to determine the prevalence of subclinical thyroid disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to analyze the clinical and metabolic profi le of patients with this dual endocrine disorder. Methods and Results: One hundred consecutive type 2 diabetic patients without clinical manifestations of thyroid disorders were screened for SCH and subclinical hyperthyroidism using serum free T 3 , free T 4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Individuals of subclinical thyroid disease were further screened for thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibodies. SCH was detected in 13% of type 2 diabetic patients and none had subclinical hyperthyroidism in our study. SCH was common among females with type 2 diabetes (84.6%). Elevated TPO antibody levels were present in 84.6% SCH patients. Diabetic retinopathy among SCH patients showed signifi cant association with higher serum TSH levels. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was present in 30.8% of SCH patients. Conclusion: SCH is common among type 2 diabetic patients, especially in females. It is most commonly secondary to autoimmune thyroid disease. Microvascular complications are commonly observed in this group of patients with dual endocrinal disorder and treating physician should be aware of the impact and should routinely screen SCH to prevent complications.

SUMMARY Objectives This study aimed to assess the effects of L‐carnitine on oxidative stress in human erythrocytes during storage. Background Using antioxidants as components of blood storage solutions may combat the effects of storage‐induced oxidative stress on erythrocytes. Methods Blood from male adults was stored at 4 °C for 55 days in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine solution, without L‐carnitine (Control) and with L‐carnitine as an additive (at concentrations of 10, 30 and 60 mM – Experiments). Every fifth day, erythrocyte markers (morphology, count, haemoglobin, haemolysis and osmotic fragility), antioxidant defences (antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity) and oxidative stress markers (superoxides, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation products) were analysed. Results Oxidative damage was observed in controls (day 25 onwards) and in experiments (day 35 onwards). L‐carnitine (10 and 30 mM) protected erythrocytes from damage up to day 35 by maintaining haemoglobin and lipid peroxidation, assisting antioxidant enzymes and increasing antioxidant capacity by elevating sulfhydryls and ascorbic acid. L‐carnitine was beneficial in prolonging storage up to 55 days but could not prevent oxidative damage completely in terms of haemolysis and osmotic fragility. Conclusions L‐carnitine ameliorated oxidative stress, but combinations with other antioxidants may provide comprehensive protection to erythrocytes during storage.