Blood Biochemical Changes Research Articles

Bone metabolism and cardiovascular function update. α-klotho/FGF23 system; a new insight into the field of mineral homeostasis and the pathogeneses of aging-associated syndromes and the complications of chronic kidney disease

α-klotho (α-kl) was first identified as an aging gene and was later shown to be a regulator of mineral homeostasis. α-kl (- / -) mice display multiple aging related phenotypes including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular/soft tissue calcifications, pulmonary emphysema, osteopenia, and senile atrophy of skin ; such age-related organ pathologies are associated with biochemical changes in blood, including severe hyperphosphatemia, elevated serum FGF23 and1,25 (OH) 2 Vitamin D levels. Of significance, advanced stage patients suffering chronic kidney disease (CKD) develop multiple complications quite resembling phenotypes observed in α-kl (- / -) mice, and high serum phosphate, the major cause of abnormalities of α-kl (- / -) mice, has been reported to be closely associated with high levels of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD, particularly in patients with end-stage renal disease. In addition, the expressions of α-kl mRNA and α-Kl protein were severely reduced in these patients. These results suggest the involvement of α-Kl and FGF23 in the pathogeneses of not only aging-associated syndromes but also the complications of CKD. Here, the unveiling of the molecular functions of α-Klotho and FGF23 has recently given new insight into the field of mineral homeostasis and the pathogeneses of aging-associated syndromes and the complications of CKD.

Bioquímica sanguínea y concentración plasmática de corticosterona en pollo de engorde bajo estrés calórico

Las altas temperaturas ambientales propician susceptibilidad al estrés calórico en los pollos de engorde, lo que genera cambios metabólicos. Se buscó determinar los cambios en la bioquímica sanguínea y la concentración plasmática de corticosterona del pollo de engorde sometido a estrés calórico crónico y a las condiciones de temperatura ambiental del piedemonte amazónico colombiano, sobre las concentraciones plasmáticas de corticosterona, glucosa, proteínas totales, albumina, globulina, sodio, cloro, potasio, magnesio, fósforo y calcio. Se utilizaron pollos machos de 2 estirpes de 21 días de edad, distribuidos en un diseño experimental irrestrictamente al azar, en un esquema bifactorial, con 4 tratamientos. Se hicieron 5 repeticiones por tratamiento y 25 animales por unidad experimental. Las aves fueron alimentadas con una dieta básica de maíz y torta de soya con 3,100 Kcal de EM y 19,5 % de proteína hasta los 42 días de edad. El factor estirpe no tuvo efecto en las variables evaluadas (p ≥ 0,05). No obstante, existió diferencia estadística significativa (p ≤ 0,05) en todas las variables evaluadas al ser comparadas las concentraciones de los metabolitos de las aves en condiciones de estrés calórico crónico con las de las aves expuestas a las condiciones de temperatura del piedemonte amazónico colombiano. Se concluyó que la bioquímica sanguínea sufrió modificaciones significativas bajo las 2 temperaturas experimentales, con mayor detrimento fisiológico de las aves con estrés calórico crónico. La concentración de corticosterona se constituyó en el indicador más sensible y constante de la condición fisiológica de estrés crónico por calor.

Morpho-functional state of the liver and changes of blood biochemical parameters in rats exposed to lead sulfide nanoparticles in the remote terms of research.

Recently, in the framework of technical progress a huge amount of nanoparticles arose, and unknowingly people come into contact with them as a result of industrial activities and in everyday life. Particularly noteworthy is the situation that concerns lead nanoparticles, because the possibility of its formation in the manufacturing process is sufficiently large, and the impact on the body is still poorly understood. The aim of our work was to determine the nature of morphological changes in the liver and dynamics of corresponding blood biochemical changes under exposure to lead sulfide nanoparticles of different sizes and lead nitrate in long-term administration of substances immediately and in long-term periods. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in blood serum was studied by a colorimetric method with a set of «Phyllis Diagnostics» reagents. Histological sections of fixed liver preparations derived from routine experimental subjects served as materials for morphological studies. Studies have found that in long-term exposure to lead sulphide nanoparticles (groups 1 and 2) and ionic form of lead nitrate (group 3) activity of ALT and AST increases with the same levels of intensity. Decrease of activity of ALT and AST enzymes takes place in the post-exposure period. Morphological examinations of internal organs of experimental animals revealed presence of dystrophic changes in the liver parenchyma, reactive changes in hepatic stroma and vascular reactions, the intensity of which was more clearly marked in 60-fold administration of the test substances (12 weeks) and is expressed less in 60-fold administration of the same substances, taking into account the post-exposure period (18 weeks). The results will be taken into consideration at the subsequent stages of the study.

Biochemical changes in blood at lead intoxication and pectin correction

The results of changes in liver biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, urea, and bilirubin) indicating the presence and type of liver injury in lead intoxication and subsequent correction with pectin.

Methylmercury toxicity: amelioration by selenium and water‐soluble chelators as N‐acetyl cysteine and dithiothreitol

The protective potential of chelators, i.e. N-acetyl cysteine (0.6 mg /kg, intraperitoneally) and dithiothreitol (15.4 mg kg(-1) , intraperitoneally) with selenium (0.5 mg kg(-1) , pre-oral) were evaluated individually and in combination against methylmercury-induced biochemical alterations and oxidative stress consequences. Forty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed with methylmercury (1.5 mg kg(-1) , pre-oral) daily for 21 days followed by different treatments for five consecutive days. Administration of methylmercury caused significant enhancement in the release of transaminases, alkaline phosphatases and lactate dehydrogenases in serum. A significant increased was observed in lipid peroxidation level with a concomitant decreased in glutathione content after methylmercury exposure in liver, kidney and brain. Hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes (aniline hydroxylase and amidopyrine N-demethylase) of cytochrome p4502E1 showed sharp depletion after methylmercury exposure. Alterations in histological changes in liver, kidney and brain were also noted in methylmercury administered group. All treated groups showed recovery pattern, but the combined treatments with N-acetyl cysteine and dithiothreitol in combination with selenium were more effective than that with either alone treatments in recovering blood biochemical changes after methylmercury toxicity. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that combination therapy may recover all blood biochemical alterations and offer maximum protection against methylmercury-induced toxicity.

Determination of plasma fibrinogen and haptoglobin, hematological and blood biochemical changes in Bulgarian local goats with experimentally induced Staphylococcus aureus mastitis

The aim of the present study was to assess changes in acute phase proteins fibrinogen and haptoglobin, as well as hematological, blood biochemical, and microbiological alterations in local Bulgarian goats with experimentally induced Staphylococcus aureus mastitis. The experiments were conducted with 6 clinically healthy local Bulgarian goats, 2 to 6 years of age, weighing 46-57 kg. The experimental infection was done with a stationary phase culture of a field Staphylococcus aureus strain isolated from a cow with clinical mastitis. Blood haptoglobin in goats was considerably higher (P < 0.05) as early as 8 h after the pathogen's inoculation. The most significant differences from baseline values occurred 24 and 48 h (P < 0.01) after infection. Plasma fibrinogen increased significantly (P < 0.05) 8 h after infection and reached the highest mean concentration (9.12 g/L) by 72 h. Leukocytosis was established as early as 4 h after the experimental infection when leukocyte counts were significantly higher than baseline (P < 0.001). The analysis of results indicates that in experimentally induced Staphylococcus aureus mastitis, significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of the leukocyte, fibrinogen, and haptoglobin are established as early as 8 h after the infection.

Comparative Study on the Toxic Effects of some Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NASIDs) in Rats

A comparative study was carried out on the toxic effects of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]; Paracetamol (acetominophen), Ibuprofen (Julifen) and Nimesulide (Usteinim) in rats. The parameters used in determining the level of toxicity were body weight, blood sugar level, haematological and biochemical changes. The rats were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of six rats each. Group A served as the control, Group B was treated with Paracetamol at the dose of 14mg/kg, Group C was treated with Ibuprofen at the dose of 11mg/kg and Group D was treated with Nimesulide at the dose of 3mg/kg. All drugs were orally administered once daily with a stomach tube for a period of three weeks. The mean body weight and blood sugar level did not show any significant (P>0.05) different in all the treated groups when compared with the control. The mean PCV and HB concentrations significantly (P 0.05) different in Albumin and Creatinine levels in all the treated groups when compared with the control. The result of this study shows that all NSAIDs used were toxic to the rats within the period of study. Paracetamol and Nimesulide caused hepatic impairment, whereas Ibuprofen caused both hepatic and renal impairment. Paracetamol had effect on the haematology and is capable of inducing anaemia. It was concluded from the study that prolonged use of NSAIDs is harmful to the body system and leads to organ damage.

Mechanism of faster NO scavenging by older stored red blood cells

The blood storage lesion involves morphological and biochemical changes of red blood cells (RBCs) that occur during storage. These include conversion of the biconcave disc morphology to a spherical one, decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, varied mean corpuscular volume, reduced integrity of the erythrocyte membrane with formation of microparticles, and increased cell-free hemoglobin. We studied the extent that older stored red blood cells scavenge nitric oxide (NO) faster than fresher stored red blood cells. Using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and stopped-flow absorption spectroscopy to measure the rate of NO uptake and reaction with hemoglobin in red cells, we found that older stored red blood cells scavenge NO about 1.8 times faster than fresher ones. Based on these experimental data, we simulated NO scavenging by fresher or older stored red blood cells with a biconcave or spherical geometry, respectively, in order to explore the mechanism of NO scavenging related to changes that occur during blood storage. We found that red blood cells with a spherical geometry scavenges NO about 2 times slower than ones with a biconcave geometry, and a smaller RBC hemoglobin concentration or volume increases NO scavenging by red blood cells. Our simulations demonstrate that even the most extreme possible changes in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular volume that favor increased NO scavenging are insufficient to account for what is observed experimentally. Therefore, RBC membrane permeability must increase during storage and we find that the permeability is likely to increase between 5 and 70 fold. Simulations using a two-dimensional blood vessel show that even a 5-fold increase in membrane permeability to NO can reduce NO bioavailability at the smooth muscle. BackgroundTransfusion of older stored blood may be harmful. ResultsOlder stored red blood cells scavenge nitric oxide more than fresher cells. ConclusionAs stored red blood cells age, structural and biochemical changes occur that lead to faster scavenging. SignificanceIncreased nitric oxide scavenging by red blood cells as a function of storage age contributes to deleterious effects upon transfusion.

Switching hemodialysis patients from sevelamer hydrochloride to bixalomer: a single-center, non-randomized analysis of efficacy and effects on gastrointestinal symptoms and metabolic acidosis

BackgroundBixalomer (BXL) was developed to improve gastrointestinal symptoms and reduce constipation, relative to sevelamer hydrochloride, in hemodialysis patients. We prospectively evaluated the safety and effectiveness of switching maintenance dialysis patients from sevelamer hydrochloride to BXL.MethodsTwenty-eight patients were switched from sevelamer hydrochloride to BXL (1:1 dose) from July to October 2012, whereas 84 randomly selected patients not treated with sevelamer hydrochloride were enrolled as a control group. The primary endpoint was improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms; secondary endpoints included improvement in metabolic acidosis, changes in blood biochemistry, and safety 12 weeks after the switch. We also surveyed patient satisfaction with switching to BXL 12 weeks after the switch.ResultsBefore switching, symptoms of epigastric fullness were significantly worse in the switch than in the control group. Twelve weeks after the switch, reflux, epigastric fullness, and constipation had improved significantly in the switch group. Other factors, including stomach ache, diarrhea, and form of stool, did not change significantly. Blood gas analysis showed that metabolic acidosis was significantly improved by switching. Four patients (14%) experienced grade 1 adverse events, all of which improved immediately after stopping BXL. Major adverse events were diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Mean satisfaction score was 3.1 ± 0.7, with 64% of patients reporting they were “neither satisfied nor dissatisfied” after switching.ConclusionsA switch from sevelamer hydrochloride to BXL improved symptoms of reflux, epigastric fullness, constipation, and metabolic acidosis in hemodialysis patients.Trial registrationThe study was registered as Clinical trial: (UMIN000011150).

Licorice flavonoid oil reduces oxidative stress and total body fat in overweight subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

In this study with 30 nurses as study subjects, we examined how 12 weeks of a study treatment affected body measurements, blood biochemistry, and the oxidative stress regulatory system. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: one that received licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) capsules and l-carnitine capsules (supplement group n = 15), and another that received placebo capsules (placebo group n = 15), for 12 consecutive weeks. Measurements of oxidative stresses and other tests were performed at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. Results showed that only the supplement group showed a significant decrease in waist circumference at 8 weeks when compared to baseline, while neither group showed a change in body mass index. No changes in blood biochemistry were observed in either group. Only the supplement group showed a significant decrease in oxidative stresses at 8 weeks when compared to baseline, while the placebo group did not show any change. Both groups showed a significant decrease in anti-oxidant potential, but at 12 weeks the supplement group showed a significantly higher level than the placebo group. While the supplement group showed a stable BAP to d-ROM ratio (representing latent anti-oxidant potential), the placebo group had a significant decrease. These results demonstrate that 12 weeks of LFO and l-carnitine consumption decreases waist circumference and oxidative stresses and maintains latent anti-oxidant potential.

FRI0394 Efficacy and safety of canakinumab in gouty arthritis patients with chronic kidney disease stage ≥3

BackgroundMajority of gouty arthritis (GA) patients (pts) have comorbidities. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can limit treatment options due to intolerance and contraindications to available therapies. Canakinumab, a fully human monoclonal...

Advanced IgA nephropathy with impaired renal function benefits from losartan treatment in rats

Background: Treatment with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) is successful in mitigating IgA nephropathy (IgAN), independent of blood pressure changes, but the therapeutic role of ARB in advanced IgAN with impaired renal function is to be ascertained. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of losartan on advanced IgAN induced by staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) combined with 5/6 nephrectomy in rats. Methods: Fifty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into three group: Rats in the model group were treated with SEB plus 5/6 nephrectomy, and those in the losartan group were gavaged with losartan (33.3 mg kg−1 d−1) besides the treatment with SEB plus 5/6 nephrectomy. The urine and blood biochemical changes of rats were tested. IgA, IgG, IgM and C3 depositions were studied dynamically with immunofluorescence. The renal tissue structures were observed under light microscopy. The expressions of TGF-β1, FN, alpha-SMA and FGF-1 in rat renal tissues were determined with immunohistochemical methods and real-time PCR. Results: At 12 weeks, rats with SEB treatment plus 5/6 nephrectomy showed gradually increased urinary red blood cell (URBC) with a gradual elevation of the 24 h urinary protein, serum BUN and Scr, but losartan treatment lowered the levels of 24 h urinary protein, serum BUN and Scr. A large number of IgA depositions in the mesangial area, glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis were found in the model group, and the losartan group showed relieved injury. The expressions of TGF-β1, FN, alpha-SMA and FGF-1 were significantly elevated in the model. Losartan lessened their expressions. Conclusion: Losartan treatment can delay the progression of advanced IgA nephropathy with impaired renal function.

Alterations of liver histology and blood biochemistry in blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala fed high-fat diets

In this study we examined the effects of high-fat diets on alterations in liver histology features and blood biochemistry parameters in blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala. Fish were fed three diets containing 5, 10, and 15 % fat, respectively, for 6 weeks prior to the liver histology examination and blood biochemistry testing. The livers of fish fed the 5 % fat diet showed a normal structure, whereas those of the fish fed the diets with a higher fat content presented nucleus polarization and lipid vacuolization. Transmission electron microscopy examination revealed that the hepatocytes of fish fed the 15 % fat diet had undergone ultrastructural alterations involving the mitochondria, nucleus, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Alterations in the blood biochemistry were evaluated to determine whether the blood biochemistry changes could be correlated with the observed alterations in liver histology with the aim of assessing the suitability of the investigated blood parameters as rapid indicators of liver condition. Significantly higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and of triglycerides and cholesterol were found in fish fed the 15 % fat diet. On the whole, the results clearly show that high fat intake resulted in fat accumulation and ultrastructural impairments of the mitochondria, nucleus, and ER. We conclude that blood sample measurements (AST, ALT, triglycerides, and cholesterol) could be used as a rapid test for determining liver status in blunt snout bream.

The First Report about Allopsoroptoides galli n. g., n. sp (Acari: Analgoidea: Psoroptoididae) Infected Layer Hens: Hematological, Serum Chemistry, and Histopathologic Findings

We have reported the first record of an exotic species of mites from an avian host of the order Galliformes in Bastos region, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The new feather mite was identified as Allopsoroptoides galli n. g., n. sp. (Acari: Analgoidea: Psoroptoididae). The hens parasitized by mites had intense itching, desquamation and marked drop in egg production (between 20-30%). Based on th e observed signals, this study aimed to verify the influence of parasitism on the blood profile, biochemical and histopathological changes in infested chicks. The infected hens showed hematocrit decrease, leukocytosis and eosinopenia. In serum chemical were observed decrease of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatinokinase (CK) and increase of gama glutamiltransferase enzymes (GGT), cholesterol, and total serum protein. All infected cases had skin lesions such as: hyperkeratosis, inflammatory heterophilic infiltration; hydropic degeneration and mixed cellular infiltration of lymphocytes and plasmocytes. The histopathological observation on the kidney in infected hens showed mild changes such as degeneration of kidney tubules, pyknosis and hemorrhage. The liver of birds infested presented infiltrates of mononuclear cells and vacuolation. It can be concluded that feather mite's infection causes serious damage to the hens. These results could be really useful to assist diagnosis and prognosis of this infection.

Time Course of Morphological Changes in Red Blood Cells and Banked Whole Blood Biochemical Parameters in Different Storage Periods

Objective: to reveal the patterns of blood biochemical changes, a trend in poikylocytosis, and impairment in the ultra-structure of red blood cells of the whole blood stored in citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine-1 during long-term storage. Material and methods. The whole blood that had been obtained from 5 donors aged 25±3 years of different sexes and stored at +2 to +4°С was examined. On storage days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 30, the morphological composition of a red blood cell population was assessed in monolayer blood smears (1000 cells per smear), by using an Olympus BX-500 microscope, computer, and ImageScopeM program. The surface of the red blood cell membranes was analyzed using an IntegraPrima NT-MDT atomic force microscope (AFM). Blood biochemical composition was examined using an i-stat 1® analyzer M: 300. Statistical processing was made with a STATISTICA 7 program. Results. A change in the biochemical composition of the whole blood was revealed within just the first 24 hours of storage. Morphological changes were observed in the red blood cells 3 days later. At 21 days, discocytes were 31.3±3.27% as compared to the control (in the first 24 hours) (p&lt;0.0001). After 30 days of storage, altered red blood cells amounted to more than 80%, among them echinocytes prevailed as compared to the control (79.6±2.74%; p&lt;0.0001). The examinations using AFM illustrated that the nanostructure of the red blood cell membranes tangibly changed with storage, they showed local lesions (excrescences of different sizes) growing into large spicules. Conclusion. The performed studies of the biochemical parameters of the blood, the morphological characteristics of the red blood cells and their membranes suggest that their changes evolved in just the first 24 hours of blood storage. The findings are essential for the development of new methods for storing blood and its components.

Antioxidant agents and physiological responses in adult epileptic patients treated with lamotrigine

BackgroundThe aim of our research was to evaluate some biochemical changes in blood during lamotrigine (LTG) monotherapy of adult patients with epilepsy, and to check possible associations between typical selenium status parameters and the frequency of seizures. MethodsThe study was performed by examining aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT), creatinine, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), serum uric acid (UA), uric-acid-independent FRAP (UAiFRAP), plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPX3), selenoprotein P (SelP), plasma superoxide dismutase (pSOD), 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in serum and urine, serum selenium (sSe) and zinc (sZn), in 22 adult patients with epilepsy and 22 healthy controls. Additionally, the levels of LTG were determined in patients. ResultspSOD activity was higher in the study group (5.32±1.24U/ml) compared with the controls (4.05±0.92U/ml, p=0.008). No other statistical difference between patients and controls was found. ConclusionLack of difference in parameters other than SOD, particularly no difference in 8-OHdG concentrations between the patients treated with LTG compared to the control subjects suggests that these patients are at no particular risk of oxidative DNAdamage. In patients who are well or moderately well clinically controlled, selenium status parameters (sSe, GPX3, SelP) are not directly connected with the frequency of seizures.

Effectiveness and safety of the full-dose combination therapy with perindopril A and indapamide (10 mg/2,5 mg) in patients with arterial hypertension

Aim. To assess the effectiveness and safety of the full-dose combination therapy with perindopril (10 mg) and indapamide (2,5 mg) in patients with arterial hypertension (AH). Material and methods. The simple, non-randomised, prospective study included 36 patients with Stage 1-2 AH. Treatment effectiveness was assessed by the reduction in office blood pressure (BP) levels, results of the 24-hour BP monitoring (BPM), morning BP surge (MS), BP load area and time, BP variability, and diurnal index. Safety parameters included the levels of sodium, potassium, glucose, hepatic aminotransferases, urea, creatinine, and the presence of hypotension episodes. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS 12. Results. The three-month therapy resulted in the achievement of target levels of systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP) in 83% and 100% of the patients, respectively. According to the 24-hour BPM results, there was a significant reduction in the levels of SBP24 (from 148,3±18,2 to 134±11,1 mm Hg; p=0,001), DBP (from 84,8±12,3 to 76,9±9,1 mm Hg; p=0,001), and pulse BP (from 64,0±14,6 to 58,4±9,6 mm Hg; p=0,012). There was also a significant reduction in the load time indices of SBPday (from 72,5% (95% confidence interval, CI, 43,3-95,3) to 46,5% (95% CI 16,3-64,0); p=0,001) and DBPday (from 84,5% (54,0-100,0) to 57,0% (35,0-82,3); p=0,002). MS velocity decreased for both SBP (from 16,4 (12,5-25,1) to 12,7 (10,8-15,8) mm Hg (p=0,017) and DBP (from 15,8 (10,2-22,0) to 12,2 (9,3-17,8) mm Hg (p=0,019). During the therapy course, no hypotension episodes or marked changes in blood biochemistry and electrolyte parameters were registered. Conclusion. Initiating antihypertensive therapy with a full-dose combination of perindopril and indapamide was both effective and safe.

Treatment of infantile subglottic hemangioma with oral propranolol

To observe the efficacy of oral Propranolol in the treatment of infantile subglottic hemangioma. Eleven children (6 females and 5 males) with a median age at onset of treatment being 4 months were included in this study. Propranolol was given after laryngoscopy and a CT scan with contrast of the trachea confirming the presence of a subglottic hemangioma. The starting dose of Propranolol was 0.5 mg/kg per day, given in 2 or 3 divided doses. Heart rate and blood glucose were monitored during the treatment. If no side effects occurred, the dose was increased to 1 mg/kg per day at the third day and to 2 mg/kg per day at the sixth day. Treatment was continued at home after 10 days of inpatient treatment and the children were reevaluated monthly. After 24 - 48 hours of treatment, all of the children had improvement in their airway obstruction which was confirmed by fibro-laryngoscopy. The diameter of the subglottic stenosis from the hemangioma decreased from 3.9 - 5.0 mm to 1.5 - 2.0 mm,and the color was also lighter than before. In 3 children with cutaneous hemangioma, there was also significant improvement in the cutaneous lesions after treatment, with the color becoming lighter. There were no significant ECG, blood pressure or blood biochemical changes during the treatment. Two of the children had hypoglycemia at the first dose, but improved after blood transfusion and changing their diet. In five children, the treatment was stopped after 6 to 11 months when the obstructive symptoms improved. None of the children in this group had any evidence of recurrence. In the 5 children who stopped treatment, the obstructing mass in the subglottis was less than 10% of the diameter. Oral propranolol is a safe and effective treatment for infantile subglottic hemangioma. It may be used as a first-line therapeutic modality.

Hypomanic Episode During Recurrent Gastric Cancer Treatment: Report of a Rare Case and Literature Review

S-1 plus cisplatin is the standard chemotherapy for recurrent gastric cancer. While depression and delirium are frequent in cancer patients, hypomania during chemotherapy is rare. We describe a rare case of hypomania during S-1 plus cisplatin treatment for recurrent gastric cancer. A 66-year-old woman, with no previous psychiatric disorder, received S-1 plus cisplatin for recurrent gastric cancer. She showed peculiar behavior. Physical examination, urine, blood and imaging findings were normal. There was no gastric cancer progression. During psychiatric consultation, she behaved inappropriately. However, she behaved normally while performing daily activities. She manifested a persistently elevated, expansive or irritable mood, clearly different from her usual non-depressed state, meeting hypomania diagnostic criteria. Her condition did not require chemotherapy discontinuation or additional medication. During the second and subsequent S-1 plus cisplatin cycles, symptoms were stable. Cancer patients often have adjustment disorders, depression and delirium, but rarely hypomania. Our patient showed no significant changes in blood biochemistry and brain and whole body imaging. While S-1 plus cisplatin-induced hypomania cannot be excluded, hypomanic symptoms did not improve during the chemotherapy rest period, nor was there deterioration during subsequent cycles, suggesting drug-induced mania to be unlikely. Possible onset mechanisms include manic defense phenomena, common with stressful life events. There are no reports of recurrent gastric cancer patients experiencing hypomania during S-1 or S-1 plus cisplatin therapy, i.e. our patient represents a rare course. Clinicians should recognize psychosis or mood disorders during gastric cancer treatment. Further accumulation of such rare cases might elucidate pathological mechanisms underlying hypomania in cancer patients.

Effect of multiple stresses on growth and adaptive capability of Malpura ewes under semi-arid tropical environment

A study was conducted to assess the effect of multiple stresses (thermal, nutritional, and walking stress) on the adaptive capability of Malpura ewes in terms of changes in physiological mechanisms and blood biochemical changes. The study was conducted for a period of 35 days covering two estrous cycles during summer season (April-May). The ewes were randomly allocated into two groups of 12 animals each, viz., GI (n = 12; control) and GII (n = 12; multiple stresses). GI ewes were maintained in the shed while GII ewes were subjected to multiple stresses. GI ewes were maintained in shed while GII ewes were subjected to heat stress by exposing them to 32-44 °C (average 42 °C) and RH of 12-26 % for 6 h from 10:00 to 16:00 h in natural environment. GI ewes were provided with ad libitum feeding while GII ewes were provided with restricted feed (30 % of intake of GI ewes) to induce nutritional stress. Further, GII ewes were subjected to walking stress by forcing them to walk 14 km in two spans between 9:00 and 10:30 h and 15:00 and 16:30 h. Blood collection was done at weekly intervals. Multiple stresses significantly (P < 0.01) affected body weight, respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature, sweating rate, tri-iodo-thyronine, thyroxine, cortisol, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, glucose, and total protein. The findings from this experiment provide useful information to understand the ideal nutrient requirement for these animals to adapt to such stresses in the semi-arid tropical environment without compromising production.