EL Group Research Articles

Alterations in purine metabolism in middle-aged elite, amateur, and recreational runners across a 1-year training cycle

Changes in purine derivatives may be considered as signs of training-induced metabolic adaptations. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a 1-year training cycle on the response of hypoxanthine (Hx) concentration and Hx-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) activity. Three groups of middle-aged male runners were examined: 11 elite master runners (EL; 46.0 ± 3.8 years), 9 amateur runners (AM; 45.1 ± 4.7 years), and 10 recreational runners (RE; 45.9 ± 6.1 years). Plasma Hx concentration and erythrocyte HGPRT activity were measured in three characteristic training phases of the annual cycle. Significant differences in post-exercise Hx concentration and resting HGPRT activity were demonstrated between the EL, AM, and RE groups across consecutive training phases. The EL group showed lowest Hx concentration and highest HGPRT activity compared to the AM and RE groups. Analogous differences were observed between the AM and RE groups during specific preparation. For the EL group, the changes were observed across all examinations and the lowest Hx concentration and highest HGPRT activity were found in the competition phase. Significant change was also revealed in the AM group between the general and specific preparation, but not in the competition phase. No significant changes were found in the RE runners who did not use anaerobic exercise in their training. In conclusion, a long-lasting endurance training, incorporating high-intensity exercise, results in significant changes in purine metabolism, whereas training characterized by constant low-intensity exercise does not. Plasma Hx concentration and erythrocyte HGPRT activity may be sensitive indicators of training adaptation and training status in middle-aged athletes.

Intracerebroventricular injection of liposome‐entrapped GABA attenuates the renal sympathetic nerve activity response evoked by central administration of bicuculline in anesthetized rats

Liposomes are lipid vesicles that allow a sustained release of entrapped substances. GABA is the most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. In this study we tested the efficacy of liposome‐entrapped GABA (GL) in attenuating the cardiovascular response evoked by intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of GABAA antagonist bicuculline methiodide (BMI). Liposomes were prepared by the freeze‐thawing method followed by extrusion (200‐nm final vesicle diameter). Under tribromoethanol anesthesia (250 mg/Kg i.p.), guide cannula was implanted into the lateral ventricle of Wistar rats. In two groups of animals (n=6–8), GL or empty liposomes (EL, 0.9% NaCl) were injected icv 48 hours before the GABAA antagonist (BMI, 0.5 nmol/2μL). The icv injection of BMI produced similar increases in HR in both groups (EL: 49 ± 15 and GL: 30 ± 10 bpm). Minor changes in blood pressure were observed. However, the evoked increase in renal sympathetic nerve activity showed in EL group was greatly attenuated in GL group (43 ± 8 vs. 12 ± 9 %, P=0.034). Current data extends our previous findings suggesting that liposome‐entrapped GABA is a promising tool for long‐term intervention in central nervous system. Support: CNPq/FAPEMIG.

Protective effect of laminarin polysaccharides on oxidative stress caused by exhaustive exercise

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of laminarin polysaccharides (LP) on exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative stress in rats. A total of thirty-two rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: Sedentary control group (C), exhaustive exercise group (E), LP treatment group (L) and exercise group subjected to exhaustive exercise and LP treatment (EL). Rats in the L and EL group received supplemental LP diet (300 mg/kg body weight) for 30 consecutive days, and rats in C and E groups received the same volume of 0.9% NaCl for the same days as rats in the L and EL group. Rats in the E and EL group underwent 30 day exhaustive exercise experiments on a treadmill. Blood and skeletal muscle were collected. The biochemical markers in serum were determined and the level of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in muscle were measured. Exhaustive exercise caused elevations of biochemical markers and lipid peroxidation (P<0.05) and decreases of antioxidants (P<0.05). The presence of LP with exhaustive exercise significantly decreases the blood biochemical markers and lipid peroxidation (P<0.05) and significantly increased the levels of the antioxidants in muscle (P<0.05). Our results indicate that LP could be a potent protective agent against exhaustive exercise-induced biochemical alteration and oxidative stress in rats. Key words: Antioxidant activity, polysaccharides, animal models, exercise.

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There is little information available to inform choice of technique for appendiceal stump control in pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). We compared complications (stump leak, intra-abdominal abscess formation [IAA], surgical site infection [SSI]) in children undergoing LA for perforated (PA) and nonperforated appendicitis (NPA) by technique of appendiceal stump control. All children who underwent LA for confirmed acute appendicitis between 2006 and 2009 were reviewed. Choice of stump control (endoloop [EL] or endostapler [ES]) was determined by surgeon preference. Interactions between stump closure techniques and other potential confounders (intra-abdominal drain, irrigation, different antibiotic regimens) were explored using a logistic regression model. Of 242 patients undergoing LA, 57 (23.6%) had PA. In the PA group the appendiceal stump was closed with EL in 47 (82.5%) patients, while in the NPA group EL was used in 161 (87%) patients. Among PA patients, IAA was more common in the ES than the EL group (5 of 10 [50%] v. 6 of 47 [12.7%]). There was no significant difference in rates of SSI. Among NPA patients, there were no differences in rates of IAA or SSI. There were no stump leaks in either group. Logistic regression analysis confirmed the predictive effect of ES use on IAA formation in PA (adjusted odds ratio 7.09; 95% confidence interval 1.08-46.13; p = 0.042). Our data suggest that in most cases of PA, the appendiceal stump can be safely controlled with EL. Within the PA group, the higher rates of IAA seen in ES patients may be attributable to the quality of the appendiceal stump rather than the technique of closure.

Sexual risk among substance users and its relation to personality profile

Objectives To study sexual behavior among substance users, to find an association between substance use and risky sexual behaviors, and to determine whether there is an association between personality traits and risky sexual behaviors among substance users. Participants and methods Our participants (100) were divided into two groups: group 1 (cases) included 50 individuals (diagnosed with substance abuse according to the DSM-VI criteria) recruited from the Kasr El Aini psychiatric inpatient ward and group 2 (controls) included 50 normal control individuals, matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. All patients were men, ranging age from 18 to 40 years, were taking substances for at least 6 months, and all of them could read and write. Those with a comorbid axis I diagnosis were excluded from the study. Both groups were subjected to a full psychiatric sheet, risk assessment battery (RAB), and the Eysenck personality questionnaire. The Addiction Severity Index was determined for cases, urine sampling was carried out using drug screening strips, and a laboratory test was performed for HIV and hepatitis C virus detection. Results Both groups showed nonsignificant differences in terms of age, education, employment, education, and social status. The most prevalent substance used was tramadol (96%), followed by cannabis (72%) and heroin (58%). Hepatitis C virus infection was detected in (16%); none of the patients had HIV (AIDS). There were statistically significant differences in extroversion and neuroticism between the cases and the controls. There was a statistically significant difference between the cases and the controls in terms of the sexual subscale of RAB. There was a significant correlation between psychoticism and criminality subscales in Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and the RAB in the case group. Conclusion Patients with substance abuse have more sexual risk than normal controls. Sexual risk is not related to the severity of addiction, but to psychoticism and criminal behavior of personality.

Relationship between magnitude of immediate loading and peri‐implant osteogenesis in dogs

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the magnitude of immediate loading on peri-implant bone in an animal model of dental implantation. Eight weeks after the extraction of maxillary and mandibular premolars, three implants were inserted bilaterally in the mandibles of six Beagle dogs. One implant was unloaded (UL) as a control, and two implants were loaded immediately with 10 N (mild loading: ML) or 50 N (excessive loading: EL) laterally using a cyclic loading device twice a week for 3 weeks. Fluorescent bone markers were injected to examine bone formation around the implants. The animals were sacrificed 3 weeks after implantation. Peri-implant osteogenesis was assessed by histomorphometric procedures, i.e., measuring bone-implant contact (BIC) and bone density (BD). The UL and ML groups had no peri-implant infection, and newly formed bone was observed over a wide area from the implant neck toward the tip, and in direct contact with the implant surface. In contrast, in the EL group, newly formed bone was rarely observed around the implant neck and there were signs of infection. Both BIC and BD in the ML group were significantly greater than those in the other groups. BIC and BD in the EL group were significantly lower than those in the other groups. A suitable magnitude of load applied immediately after dental implantation promotes peri-implant osteogenesis.

Enhanced Vascularization by Controlled Release of Platelet-Rich Plasma Impregnated in Biodegradable Gelatin Hydrogel

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains numerous growth factors that have angiogenic activities. However, the PRP-induced angiogenesis is limited by the short half-life period of growth factors. A new drug delivery system of biodegradable gelatin hydrogel was designed to achieve the controlled release of growth factors in PRP. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of slow-release of PRP in the inducing of angiogenesis for critical ischemia. The PRP was prepared from the whole blood of inbred rats. Thirty-two rats underwent excision of the left femoral artery and its branches to create critical limb ischemia. The rats were randomized into four groups (n=8 each): no treatment (control), intramuscular injection of platelet-poor plasma (PPP), PRP only, or a combination of PRP and gelatin hydrogel (PRP+Gel). Four weeks after the treatment, angiogenesis was evaluated by laser doppler, microangiogram, and immunohistology. The resultant number of platelets for PRP was higher than that of PPP (p<0.01). The concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-β1, and platelet-derived growth factor-BB were significantly higher in PRP animals than in PPP (p<0.01). Although the PRP group improved tissue blood flow (82.7%±6.2%) compared with the control group or PPP group (69.6±12.2 or 72.2±11.8%, p<0.05), the improvement of blood flow in the PRP+Gel group was significantly better (95.1%±8.0%, p<0.05) than in the PRP group. Angiographic score in the PRP+Gel group was significantly higher than that in the control, PPP, and PRP groups (8.6±2.1 versus 3.8±0.8, 3.7±0.6, and 5.6±1.5, respectively; p<0.01). Capillary density also increased immunohistologically in the PRP+Gel group when compared with the control, PPP, and PRP groups (p<0.01). A controlled release system of PRP was effective in inducing angiogenesis for critical ischemia. The biodegradable gelatin hydrogel incorporating PRP as applicable could possibly be used to treat for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Long-term Caries Preventive Effects of a School-Based Fluoride Mouth Rinse Program in Adulthood

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term caries preventive effects of school-based fluoride mouth rinse (FMR) program in adults aged 20 years and older. 637 mothers aged from 20 to 39 years were surveyed. Clinical examinations were carried out for subjects to obtain data on dental caries prevalence when they visited local health centers to take their children for medical and dental check-ups at 1.5- or 3-years old. We also obtained information regarding the FMR program: the duration that the subjects participated between nursery school and junior high school. When analyzing data, subjects were divided into 4 groups: FMR from nursery to junior high school group (N-JH group, n=22), FMR limited to the elementary school group (El group, n=62), FMR no-experience group (n=545), and other subjects whose FMR experience is not clear (n=8). For evaluation of the FMR program effect, multiple regression analysis was used. As independent variable, the FMR program patterns were converted into dummy data, and mean DMFT was used as dependent variable. The results of multiple regression analysis between mean DMFT and FMR program patterns showed that the N-JH group and El group were negatively associated with the mean DMFT (ß=-0.20, p<0.001 for N-JH group and ß=-0.11, p=0.003 for El group).The positive caries preventive effects of school-based FMR program from nursery school to junior high school can continue in adults aged 20 years and older.

L-NAME Treatment Enhances Exercise-induced Content of Myocardial Heat Shock Protein 72 (Hsp72) in Rats

Background/Aim: Nitric oxide (NO) modulates the expression of the chaperone Hsp72 in the heart, and exercise stimulates both NO production and myocardial Hsp72 expression. The main purpose of the study was to investigate whether NO interferes with an exercise-induced myocardial Hsp72 expression. Methods: Male Wistar rats (70-100 days) were divided into control (C, n=12), L-NAME-treated (L, n=12), exercise (E, n=13) and exercise plus L-NAME-treated (EL, n=20) groups. L-NAME was given in drinking water (700 mg·L^-1) and the exercise was performed on a treadmill (15-25 m·min^-1, 40-60 min.day^-1) for seven days. Left ventricle (LV) protein Hsp content, NOS and phosphorylated-NOS (p-NOS) isoforms were measured using Western blotting. The activity of NOS was assayed in LV homogenates by the conversion of [³H]L-arginine to [³H]L-citrulline. Results: Hsp72 content was increased significantly (223%; p < 0.05) in the E group compared to the C group, but exercise alone did not alter the NOS content, p-NOS isoforms or NOS activity. Contrary to our expectation, L-NAME enhanced (p < 0.05) the exercise-induced Hsp72 content (EL vs. C, L and E groups = 1019%, 548% and 457%, respectively). Although the EL group had increased stimulatory p-eNOS^Ser1177 (over 200%) and decreased inhibitory p-nNOS^Ser852 (ñ50%) compared to both the E and L groups (p < 0.05), NOS activity was similar in all groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that exercise-induced cardiac Hsp72 expression does not depend on NO. Conversely, the in vivo L-NAME treatment enhances exercise-induced Hsp72 production. This effect may be due to an increase in cardiac stress.

Protective effect of maternal prenatal melatonin administration on rat pups born to mothers submitted to constant light during gestation

We studied the effects of adverse conditions such as constant light (LL) on the circadian rhythm of malate (MDH, EC 1.1.1.37) and lactate (LDH, EC 1.1.1.27) dehydrogenase activities of the testes of male Wistar rats on postnatal day 28 (PN28), anxiety-like behavior (elevated plus-maze test) at PN60 and sexual behavior at PN120. The rats were assigned to mother groups on day 10 of pregnancy: control (12-h light/dark), LL (light from day 10 to 21 of pregnancy), and LL+Mel (LL and sc injection to the mothers of a daily dose of melatonin, 1 mg/kg body weight at circadian time 12, from day 17 to 21 of pregnancy). LL offspring did not show circadian rhythms of MDH (N = 62) and LDH (N = 63) activities (cosinor and ANOVA-LSD Fisher). They presented a 44.7% decrease in open-arm entries and a 67.9% decrease in time (plus-maze test, N = 15, P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test), an increase in mounting (94.4%), intromission (94.5%) and ejaculation (56.6%) latencies (N = 12, P < 0.01, Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test) and lower numbers of these events (61, 59 and 73%, respectively; P < 0.01, N = 12) compared to controls. The offspring of the LL+Mel group presented MDH and LDH circadian rhythms (P < 0.05, N = 50, cosinor and ANOVA-LSD Fisher), anxiety-like and sexual behaviors similar to control. These findings supported the importance of the melatonin signal and provide evidence for the protective effects of hormones on maternal programming during gestation. This protective action of melatonin is probably related to its entrainment capacity, favoring internal coupling of the fetal multioscillatory system.

Effects of an anticoagulant and a lipid‐lowering agent on the prevention of steroid‐induced osteonecrosis in rabbits

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of the combined treatment with an anti-coagulant (enoxaparin) agent and a lipid-lowering agent (lovastatin) on prevention or decrease in the occurrence of steroid-induced osteonecrosis in rabbits. A total of 112 rabbits, which were injected intramuscularly with 20 mg/kg of methylprednisolone acetate were divided into four groups and treated as follows: one group received enoxaparin combined with lovastatin (EL; n = 30), another received enoxaparin alone (EA; n = 28), another received lovastatin alone (LA; n = 28) and the last received no treatment (non-prophylactic; NP, n = 26). Haematological examination for serum lipid levels and prothrombin time was carried out and both femora and humeri were examined histopathologically for the presence of osteonecrosis (ON) before injection and at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the injection. The incidence of ON in the EL group (15%) was significantly lower than that observed in the NP group (68%). The incidence in the EA and LA groups was also significantly lower than that in the NP group (31%, 35%vs. 68%). The fat cell sizes of the bone marrow in both EL (46.49 +/- 1.27 microm) and LA (50.8 +/- 2.31 microm) groups were lower than in the NP group (59.89 +/- 6.33 microm). The prothrombin time was prolonged and plasma lipid levels were reduced in the EL group during the study. Combination treatment with an anti-coagulant agent and a lipid-lowering agent can reduce the incidence of steroid-induced ON in rabbits. Future evaluation in clinical practice is necessary.

Mifepristone combined with misoprostol versus intra-amniotic injection of ethacridine lactate for the termination of second trimester pregnancy: a prospective, open-label, randomized clinical trial

Objectives To compare the effectiveness and safety of mifepristone/misoprostol versus intra-amniotic injection of ethacridine lactate for the termination of second trimester pregnancy. Study design 210 women requesting voluntary termination of pregnancies at between 16 and 24 weeks of gestation were randomly assigned into two groups. Group 1 (MM) received a single oral dose of 200 mg mifepristone and, 36–48 h later, 400 μg of misoprostol vaginally, with up to three additional oral doses of 400 μg misoprostol every 12 h. Group 2 (EL) received an intra-amniotic injection of 100 mg ethacridine lactate. The primary outcome was successful abortion rate. Secondary outcomes included the difference in the induction-to-abortion interval and the frequency of adverse events. Results Both MM and EL regimens were effective, with successful abortion rates of 96.19% and 94.29%, respectively ( P = 0.746). The complete abortion rates were 68.57% and 70.48%, respectively. The induction-to-abortion interval was longer in the MM group than in the EL group (50.57 ± 6.80 h vs. 43.02 ± 8.74 h, respectively, P < 0.001). Both treatments were safe, although there was a significant difference in rates of gastrointestinal and fever adverse events between the two groups. Conclusions Both MM and EL regimens were effective with high success rates and were safe for the termination of second trimester pregnancy.

S-ADENOSYL-L-METHIONINE ATTENUATES OXIDATIVE STRESS AND HEPATIC STELLATE CELL ACTIVATION IN AN ETHANOL-LPS-INDUCED FIBROTIC RAT MODEL

Previous studies report S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) can exert hepatoprotective effects. At present, the role of SAMe in affecting the activation and/or proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during alcohol-induced fibrotic disease progression is poorly understood. In the human disease state, chronic ethanol intake increases hepatic exposure to LPS and magnifies the hepatic insult leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. In this study, we developed a "2-hit" ethanol-LPS fibrotic liver rat model with which to investigate the effects of SAMe as a hepatic antifibrotic treatment. Male rats were maintained on liquid diets containing either ethanol or isocalorically matched controls for 8 weeks. Animals received ethanol alone (E), ethanol concomitant with twice weekly LPS injections (EL), or ethanol, LPS, and daily SAMe injections. When using this model, SAMe-treated animals demonstrated significantly decreased fibrosis, oxidative stress, steatosis, and improved liver function versus the EL group. In addition, the EL group showed increased HSC activation, an effect that was abrogated by the addition of SAMe. Analysis of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathways demonstrated increased hepatic TGF-beta and Smad3 messenger RNA expression in the E and EL groups, which was inhibited in the presence of SAMe. Conversely, SAMe led to increased Smad7 (an inhibitor of TGF-beta signaling) messenger RNA expression. These data demonstrate chronic ethanol feeding combined with LPS induces liver fibrosis, and the addition of SAMe significantly reduces hepatic injury and fibrosis through inhibition of oxidative stress and HSC activation.

Impact of pre-existing conditions, age and the length of cardiopulmonary bypass on postoperative outcome after repair of the ascending aorta and aortic arch for aortic aneurysms and dissections

Repair of the ascending aorta and aortic arch carries a high morbidity and mortality, which can be complicated by the often emergent nature of the intervention. We retrospectively evaluated the morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival in 101 patients who underwent repair of ascending aorta and aortic arch. Depending on the urgency of the operation, the patients were categorized as elective (EL, n=82) or emergent (EM, n=19). Log-rank-list and SPS were used to evaluate the data. The average age was 58+/-16 years. The aortic diameter was 5.5+/-1 cm in the EL group and 6.1+/-1.4 cm for EM group. The aortic dissection in EL and EM groups was 15% and 79%, respectively. The mean circulatory arrest time (n=32 patients) was 38+/-18.5 min. The overall 30-day mortality was 4%: 0% for the EL group and 26% for the EM group. The overall 6-month mortality was 8%: 3.7% and 26% in EL and EM groups, respectively. Overall CVA was 3%: 0% in the EL group and 15.7% in the EM group. The mean CPB time was 176+/-81 min. The prolonged CPB time correlated with increased need for blood transfusion. The LOS was 12+/-8 days and correlated with increasing age (95% CI 0.06860-0.2307, P=0.0004), with NYHA stage of patients at the time of surgery (95% confidence intervals, 1.328-4.202, P=0.0003), with left ventricular ejection fraction (95% CI 0.2357 to -0.003029, P=0.0442) and with postoperative atrial fibrillation (95% CI 0.1192-0.4745, P=0.0018). The average ICU stay was 123+/-145 h. A prolonged CPB time resulted in extended ICU stay (95% CI 0.3655-1.486, P=0.0014). Further, the length of ICU stay correlated with NYHA status (95% CI 19.98-73.42, P=0.0008), age (95% confidence intervals 0.01668-3.761, P=0.0477), urgency of surgery (95% CI 65.00-124.0, P<0.0001), and length of CPB time (95% CI 0.3655-1.486, P=0.0014). Emergent operations are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Pre-existing heart failure, advanced age, and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass are associated with prolonged monitoring in the ICU.

Do cyclic female goats respond to males with an increase in LH secretion during the breeding season?

The male effect is currently only used during seasonal or lactational anoestrus because the response is thought to be blocked in cyclic females by periods of elevated progesterone. In this study, we tested whether cyclic, female goats would respond to male exposure with an increase in pulsatile LH secretion. During May (breeding season; Southern Hemisphere) the cycles of 16 Australian Cashmere goats were synchronised using intravaginal progesterone pessaries. Pessary insertion was staggered to produce groups in their early luteal (EL; n = 8) and late luteal phases (LL; n = 8). The LL group was retrospectively subdivided into mid-luteal (ML; n = 4) and late luteal (LL; n = 4) groups due to differences in oestrous cycle length that emerged during the study. Male exposure stimulated an increase in LH pulse frequency in the EL and LL groups ( P < 0.01) but not in the ML group ( P > 0.1). This increase was accompanied by an increase in basal and mean concentrations of LH in the LL group ( P < 0.05) but not in EL ( P < 0.1) or ML ( P > 0.1) group. There was no effect of male exposure on LH pulse amplitude ( P > 0.1). Progesterone concentrations differed among all groups on the day of male exposure ( P < 0.05) and declined significantly over the 12-h sampling period in the LL group ( P < 0.05). Prolactin concentrations declined in the EL group but did not change significantly in the ML or LL group. In conclusion, male exposure induced an increase in pulsatile LH in goats in the early and late luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. The high concentrations of progesterone in females in the mid-luteal phase appeared to block the male effect.

Ultrastructural damage in lung tissues in rats treated with doxorubicin and paclitaxel

The aim of this study was to determine the ultrastructural effects of doxorubicin (Adriblastina; Pharmacia and Upjohn, Milan, Italy), paclitaxel (Taxol; BMS, Princeton, NJ), Cremophor EL (a diluent of paclitaxel) and doxorubicin/paclitaxel combinations on normal lung tissues. In the experimental protocol, 50 Wistar albino rats were used, divided into five different groups: the control group (n=10), the doxorubicin group (1 mg/kg) (n=10), the paclitaxel group (2 mg/kg) (n=10), the Cremophor EL group (150 mg/kg) (n=10) and the paclitaxel/doxorubicin group (2 mg/kg+ 1 mg/kg) (n=10). The drugs were administered weekly to rats via intraperitoneal injections for 14 weeks. After 3 weeks of observation, the rats were killed with thiopental sodium (30 mg/kg) and their left median lung tissues were removed and examined with a Carl Zeiss EM 900 transmission electron microscope. Our experiments showed doxorubicin to cause an increase in collagen fibre content of the alveolar wall, and paclitaxel to cause degenerations in cellular organelles. In the group in which the two agents were administered together, both effects were observed, although the effects of paclitaxel were seen to be dominant. Ultrastructural appearance was similar in the Cremophor EL group compared to the control group. It was detected that doxorubicin and paclitaxel caused ultrastructural degenerations in normal lung tissues and Cremophor EL seemed to be unaccountable for these degenerations.

Inflammatory response in patients undergoing hip surgery due to osteoarthrosis or different types of hip fractures

Hip surgery represents a major intervention associated with significant inflammatory response. The objective of our study was to compare markers of systemic inflammation and soluble adhesive molecules in patients undergoing elective hip replacement to those with hip fracture either intracapsular (IC) or extracapsular (EC). We included 65 consecutive patients undergoing hip surgery--17 patients with elective hip replacement (EL group), 29 patients with EC fracture (EC group) and 11 patients with IC fracture (IC group). Fibrinogen (FBG), orosomucoid (ORM), C-reactive protein (CRP), transferrin (TRF) and white blood cells count (WBC), sP-selectin, sE-selectin, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were measured before surgery 4h, 48h, and 7 days after surgery. IC patients had preoperatively highest values of inflammatory markers including FBG, CRP, ORM, WBC and lowest values of TRF, as compared to intermediate values found in EC and lowest values in EL groups. The surgery has led in all three subgroups to significant elevation in CRP, ORM and decrease in TRF. In IC group, the subsequent recovery of inflammatory markers was very slow. We noted a significant suppression of sP-selectin and sE-selectin values in all subgroups after surgery. The decrease of sE-selectin but not of sP-selectin correlated with changes in hemoglobin and blood transfusions' administration. Hip surgery is associated with significant inflammatory reaction. In patients with hip fractures, inflammatory markers are elevated already preoperatively, more so in IC than in EC fractures. The unexpected observation of a significant postoperative decrease in sE-selectin and sP-selectin will require further research for elucidation.

Protective effect of CpG-DNA against mastitis induced by Escherichia coli infection in a rat model

A mastitis model in rats, induced by Escherichia coli infection, was established and the protective effect of Cytosine-phosphate-Guanosine (CpG)-DNA was determined. An E. coli suspension containing either 2 × 10 3 colony forming units (CFU) mL −1(EL group), 2 × 10 5 CFU mL −1 (EH group), or (as controls) 100 μL phosphate buffer saline (CON group), was inoculated into the mammary glands 72 h after parturition. The rats were euthanased 24 h post-infection. The histopathological changes in mammary tissue in the EL group were mild, whereas the structural changes in the EH group were severe and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) had accumulated in the mammary alveoli. Interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and N-acetyl-β- d-glucosaminidase (NAGase) were significantly increased in the mammary tissue from the EH group but not significantly changed in the EL group. On the basis of these findings, the potential protective effect of CpG-DNA on mammary glands was tested using a 2 × 10 5 CFU mL −1 suspension. An intramuscular injection of either CpG-DNA (200 μg) or PBS (100 μL) was given immediately after parturition. At 72 h post-partum, 2 × 10 5 CFU mL −1 E. coli (100 μL) were inoculated into the mammary glands of all rats. At pre-infection (0 h), and 8, 16, 24, 48 and 72 h after inoculation six rats were euthanased. CpG-DNA induced more rapid migration of PMNs from the blood to mammary tissue at the initial stage of infection, stimulated the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α at different time points, reduced viable E. coli in mammary tissues and decreased the activity of NAGase. CpG-DNA also promoted the expression of its specific receptor TLR-9 mRNA in mammary tissue. The study showed that CpG-DNA protected against E. coli mastitis in this rat model.

Effects of diazepam on125I-iomazenil-benzodiazepine receptor binding and epileptic seizures in the El mouse

To investigate changes in free benzodiazepine receptor density in response to repeated, long-term administration of diazepam in epilepsy, we assessed 125I-iomazenil (125I-IMZ) binding in a mouse model. El mice were divided into two groups of 12 mice each which received either no diazepam (E1(D[-]) group) or 2 mg/kg of diazepam per week (El(D[+]) group). Nine ddY mice were used as a control. Once each week from the age of 5 to 19 weeks, the El mice received stimulation to produce epileptic seizures 20 minutes after receiving intraperitoneal injections. At 20 weeks of age, a total dose of 0.37 MBq of 125I-IMZ was injected in all mice and their brains were rapidly removed 3 hours later. The incidence of epileptic seizures at the age of 19 weeks and the autoradiograms of the brain were compared. The incidence of epileptic seizures in response to weekly stimulation was significantly lower in the E1(D[+]) group than in the E1(D[-]) group (p < 0.001). The percent injected doses of 125I-IMZ per gram of tissue in the cortex, hippocampus and amygdala were significantly lower in the E1(D[+]) group than in the E1(D[-]) group (p < 0.05). The results suggest that diazepam binds competitively to 125I-IMZ as an agonist to free benzodiazepine receptor sites in the cortex, hippocampus and amygdala and shows anticonvulsant effect in E1 mice.

Oxidative Stress‐Mediated Skin Damage in an Experimental Mobile Phone Model Can Be Prevented by Melatonin

Most mobile phones emit 900 MHz of radiation that is mainly absorbed by the external organs. The effects of 900 MHz of radiation on fibrosis, lipid peroxidation, and anti-oxidant enzymes and the ameliorating effects of melatonin (Mel) were evaluated in rat skin. Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were used in the study. The experimental groups were the control group, the irradiated group (IR), and the irradiated+Mel treated group (IR+Mel). A dose of 900 MHz, 2 W radiation was applied to the IR group every day for 10 days (30 min/day). The IR+Mel group received 10 mg/kg/day melatonin in tap water for 10 days before the irradiation. At the end of the 10th day, a skin specimen was excised from the thoracoabdominal area. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxypyroline and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) were studied in the skin samples. MDA and hydroxyproline levels and activities of CAT and GSH-Px were increased significantly in the IR group compared to the control group (p<0.05) and decreased significantly in the IR+Mel group (p<0.05). SOD activity was decreased significantly in the IR group and this decrease was not prevented by the Mel treatment. These results suggest that rats irradiated with 900 MHz suffer from increased fibrosis and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Mel treatment can reduce the fibrosis and LPO caused by radiation.