S. K. B. Patil’s scientific contributions

A study was carried out on 10 healthy subjects to evaluate the effect of yogic training on some autonomic responses and biochemical indices. Yogic training was performed daily in the morning hours for one hour under the supervision of qualified yoga instructors. Physiological and biochemical responses were assessed before and after 3 months of training. A significant decrease in heart rate, blood pressure and elevation of mean skin temperature and alpha index of EEG were recorded, followed by reduction in blood glucose and plasma cholesterol level. Changes in the dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity, monoamine oxidase and adrenal steroids along with the physiological parameters indicated a shift in the autonomic balance towards relative parasympathodominance.

Biochemical parameters in 75 normal healthy male subjects exposed to intense noise of 88-107 dB(A)(6-8 h/day) for 10 to 15 years during their work situation have been monitored and compared with 35 normal unexposed subjects. Levels of free cholesterol (P less than 0.001), gamma-globulin (P less than 0.01) and cortisol (P less than 0.01) were found to be significantly higher in the exposed subjects. Significant changes in free cholesterol also altered the ratio of free to esterified cholesterol significantly (P less than 0.001). The value of the A/G ratio was also lower in the exposed group. Uric acid did not show any change. The study shows that in the exposed group the esterification process of cholesterol was modified. There was an effect on pituitary-adrenal axis as well as host-defence mechanism.