ObjectiveD-galactose has been commonly used in rodent models to induce accelerated effects of aging, including those on learning, memory, and muscular tone and coordination. This is normally seen on chronic administration of D-galactose. However, there is minimal suggestive evidence on the short-term effects of the same. The aim of the study was to study the acute and chronic effects of D-galactose on learning and memory in Wistar rats.MethodsTwenty four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the control, standard (rivastigmine), oral D-galactose (200 mg/kg/day) and subcutaneous D-galactose (200 mg/kg/day) for a total duration of 8 weeks. Effects on learning and memory were assessed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks by Morris water maze model and passive avoidance testing.ResultsBoth oral and subcutaneous D-galactose showed positive effects on learning and memory on acute dosing, whereas this beneficial effect was lost during chronic dosing.ConclusionShort-term administration of D-galactose showed positive effects, while long-term administration nullified these effects.

An elderly man, 78-year-old (informed consent obtained from the patient), was admitted to the hospital, with complaints of difficulty in walking and brief shock like movements of all four limbs. The patient was a chronic smoker and alcoholic (for more than 40 years), with no prior comorbidities like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, renal issues or CNS disorders. Past history revealed that he had consulted doctors at other hospitals with complaints of cough with haemoptysis for which he was diagnosed to be a case of pulmonary tuberculosis and was initiated on 300 mg of isoniazid, 450 mg of rifampicin and 800 mg of ethambutol. Also, he was advised to continue this multidrug treatment for the next six months. However, after about a month, he developed numbness and tingling sensation, which was diagnosed to be peripheral neuropathy. As this peripheral neuropathy was suspected to be due to isoniazid, the drug was stopped and the patient was started on 500 mg of levofloxacin daily. Four days from the start of levofloxacin therapy, the patient had involuntary movements and on and off altered behaviour (clapping, hitting himself and altered speech). There was no history of loss of consciousness, urinary incontinence or burning sensation in the lower limbs. There was also no history of trauma, difficulty in swallowing or muscular pain.

Pharmacovigilance in the form of surveillance of antibiotic use is being done in 90% of the countries worldwide through the WHONET program developed by WHO. However, the data comes from a limited area of the globe. Data from every part of the world is required, so that there is geographical representation of every region. A major hurdle in quantifying the extent of antimicrobial resistance is the fact that there are several known microbes, that may turn out to be resistant to one or more of the several known antimicrobial agents. The global action plan initiated by WHO, if implemented successfully will definitely reduce AMR and will help in evaluating treatment interventions.