Intramuscular Injection Of Dexamethasone Research Articles

A Histological Evaluation of the Efficiency of Using Periprosthetic Autologous Fat to Prevent Capsular Contracture Compared to Other Known Methods-An Experimental Study.

Capsular contracture remains a common complication in silicone breast implantation. The etiology, formation mechanisms, predisposing and favoring factors are still subjects of research. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of using autologous fat introduced periprosthetically in preventing capsular contracture compared to other known methods: antibiotics and corticosteroids. A cohort of 80 Wistar rats was included in the study, divided into four subgroups. All subjects received a silicone implant, implanted in a pocket created along the abdominal midline. The first subgroup served as the control group, with subjects having the implant placed without any treatment. For the second and third subgroups, the implants were treated with an antibiotic solution and intramuscular injections of dexamethasone, respectively. The subjects in the last subgroup received centrifuged autologous fat introduced periprosthetically. The subgroup with autologous fat exhibited a significantly smaller capsule thickness, which was poorly represented, with a smooth surface. The use of autologous fat for treating silicone prosthesis was linked with the lack of acute inflammation around the prosthetic site. Autologous fat helps to minimize the "non-self" reaction, which results in the development of a periprosthetic capsule consisting of mature collagen fibers interspersed with adipocytes.

Comparison of the Pathway to the Inner Ear Between Postauricular and Intramuscular Injection of Dexamethasone in Guinea Pigs

BackgroundPostauricular injection as a local therapy has been confirmed to be effective for inner ear diseases. However, the mechanism for the drugs entering the inner ears remains unknown. This study aims to compare the distribution of dexamethasone by intramuscular injection with that by postauricular injection, and explore the pathway of the drugs entering the inner ears.MethodsAn in vivo optical imaging system was used to conduct a time course observation to compare the distribution of dexamethasone by intramuscular injection with that by postauricular injection in male guinea pigs. The drug availability in the tympanic mucosa, tympanum, endolymphatic sac, and cochlea was observed by a confocal laser scanning microscope.ResultsThe local fluorescent intensity by postauricular injection was significantly higher in the inner ears, and lower in partial peripheral organs, than that by the intramuscular injection. The drug metabolism by postauricular injection exhibited an obviously sustained release effect in the inner ears. Drugs by postauricular injection might enter the endolymphatic sac through the posterior auricular artery and occipital artery, as well as the connections of the mastoid emissary vein, sigmoid sinus and endolymphatic sac.ConclusionMore drugs concentrated in the inner ear for longer therapeutic time and less systemic delivery implied more effective and less risk of side effects through postauricular injection than intramuscular injection safer for the treatment of inner ear diseases.

Angel or devil? Speech disorder after dexamethasone injection for sore throat

Introduction: The use of a single-dose of intramuscular (IM) dexamethasone in emergency department (ED) is a commonly employed practice. Along with its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, dexamethasone use has considerable adverse effects and complications that affect almost all body systems. This paper describes a middle-aged patient receiving IM injection of the agent followed by a serious temporary neurological deficit. Case report: A 48-year-old male patient presented to the ED due to cough, sore throat, fever, and malaise lasting for three days. In the medical history, the patient did not reveal any chronic illness, allergies or regular drug use. After complete evaluation, an IM injection of dexamethasone (8 mg vial) was administered to the patient as a treatment in the green (low acuity) area of the ED. While the neurological examination of the patient was completely normal on admission; dysarthria, bilateral dysmetria, and truncal ataxia ensued within 15 minutes after the IM injection. No pathological findings were detected in the laboratory and radiological work up. The signs and symptoms subsided and returned to normal within three-hour follow-up. Conclusion: Acute neurological complications, although very rare, can follow IM steroid injections. Patients receiving IM dexamethasone need to be observed for a while even if they are asymptomatic. Causal relationships need to be highlighted with well-designed prospective studies.

Anaphylaxie IgE-médiée au polysorbate 80 après injection épidurale de prednisolone

IntroductionImmediate hypersensitivity to corticosteroids is rare. It may be caused by either the corticosteroid itself or one of the excipients. We report a case of polysorbate 80-related anaphylaxis after epidural injection of Hydrocortancyl® (prednisolone). Patients and methodsA 62-year-old lung-transplant patient consulted for assessment of grade III anaphylaxis after epidural infiltration of lidocaine, Visipaque® (iodixanol) and Hydrocortancyl® (prednisolone). Long-term treatment included Cortancyl® (prednisone). The skin tests (ST) for Visipaque® (iodixanol) and lidocaine were negative, as was the subcutaneous challenge test with lidocaine. The ST for corticosteroids were: positive for Hydrocortancyl® (prednisolone), Diprostene® (betamethasone) and Pulmicort® Nebulizing Solution (budesonide) and negative for Solupred® (prednisolone), Celestène® (betamethasone), Solumédrol® (methylprednisolone) and Hydrocortisone® (hydrocortisone). ST were negative for carboxymethylcellulose and benzyl alcohol (present in Hydrocortancyl® and Diprostene®) and positive for polysorbate 80 (present in Hydrocortancyl®, Diprostene® and Pulmicort® nebulizing solution). The Solupred® (prednisolone) oral challenge was negative. The diagnosis was IgE-mediated allergy to polysorbate 80. The patient's long-term treatment included omeprazole, which contains polysorbate 80. DiscussionPolysorbate 80 has been implicated in cases of drug hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis, including 2 cases following intramuscular injection of dexamethasone. In our clinical case, the good safety of omeprazole is explained by the absence of gastrointestinal absorption of polysorbate 80. ConclusionInvestigation of the involvement of polysorbate 80 in an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to parenterally administered corticosteroids is essential in order to avoid unnecessary withdrawal of a corticosteroid or the risk of subsequent exposure.

Ganoderma lucidum Immune Modulator Protein rLZ-8 Could Prevent and Reverse Bone Loss in Glucocorticoids-Induced Osteoporosis Rat Model.

Immune modulation has been recognized as an effective anti-osteoporosis strategy since the pivotal role of the RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling in bone metabolism and remodeling was discovered. To investigate the potential preventive and/or therapeutic effects of immune modulator protein Ling Zhi-8 (LZ-8) on osteoporosis, the osteoporosis animal model was established in Wistar rats by intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (DEX), namely glucocorticoids-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) rat model. To investigate the potential preventive effect of rLZ-8 on GIOP, we co-treated the rats with DEX and rLZ-8 intraperitoneally during the GIOP modeling stage and analyze the bone mass measured by bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD), as well as levels of phosphorus (Pi), calcium (Ca2+) and hydroxyproline (HOP) in femur of GIOP rats. Consistently, all results suggested that rLZ-8 could prevent bone loss in the femurs of GIOP rats. Through analyzing the trabeculae morphology and the trabeculae amount by H&E staining, we found rLZ-8 could also improve the structural deterioration in femurs of GIOP rats. In order to further verify the results and its mechanism obtained from bone analysis, multiple biomarkers, including minerals metabolism (Pi and Ca2+), bone formation markers (osteocalcin, ALP and IGF-1), bone resorption markers (TRACP5b, CTX-1 and HOP), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), oxidative stress indicators (GSH-px, SOD and MDA) and hormone molecules (testosterone, estradiol, calcitonin and parathyroid hormone) have been detected in serum or urine of rats. Results of these biomarkers in serum or urine confirmed rLZ-8’s protective effect in GIOP. Through analyzing the relative expression level of OPG and RANKL in femurs via western blot, we foundrLZ-8 could increase OPG/RANKL ratio which could impede osteoclastogenesis process. To test the potential therapeutic effect of rLZ-8 on successfully generated GIOP rats, we administrated rLZ-8 to rats for three weeks starting from the ending day of 7 weeks treatment of DEX. We found rLZ-8 could also reverse the bone loss in GIOP rats. Through the BWs and organ coefficient analysis, we found rLZ-8 has little toxicity to the rats. Our results suggested that rLZ-8 may be developed into promising anti-osteoporosis drug with both preventive and therapeutic properties.

Effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on bone loss, bone mineral density and osteoclast number in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis rats, and the likely michanism of action

Purpose: To investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on bone loss, bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoclast number in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) rats, and the mechanism of action involved.Methods: Sixty female Wistar rats were assigned to control, model group, ginsenoside Rg3, and alendronate sodium groups, comprised of 15 rats per group. The osteoporosis rat model was established via intramuscular injection of dexamethasone. Changes in bone mineral content (BMC), BMD trabecular thickness and area, osteoblasts and osteoclasts in femurs and lumbar vertebrae were measured after 3 months of treatment.Results: There were significantly higher BMC and BMD levels in ginsenoside Rg3 group than in alendronate rats (p < 0.05). The thickness and trabecular area in femur and lumbar vertebrae in the ginsenoside Rg3 group were significantly higher than those in the model group (p < 0.05), but were comparable with those in the alendronate sodium group (p > 0.05). There were marked increases in osteoblasts, and marked decreases in osteoclasts in the ginsenoside Rg3 group, alendronate sodium and control rats, relative to model rats (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rg3 arrests bone loss, and enhances bone density, trabecular thickness and area, bone microstructure, osteoblast activity and population of osteoclasts number in glucocorticoidinduced osteoporotic rats. This provides a new research direction for the clinical treatment ofosteoporosis.
 Keywords: Ginseng soap, Rg3, Glucocorticoid, Osteoporosis, Bone loss, Bone mineral density, Osteoclast population

Abstract 153: Dexamethasone Inhibits Regeneration and Causes Ventricular Aneurysm in the Neonatal Porcine Heart After Myocardial Infarction

Background: The adult mammalian heart has limited ability to repair itself following injury. Zebrafish, newts and neonatal mice can regenerate cardiac tissue, largely by cardiac myocyte (CM) proliferation. More recently, we demonstrated that the hearts of neonatal pigs (2-day old) have regenerative capacity, likely driven by cardiac myocyte division, but this potential is lost immediately after birth. The current study aims to determine whether acute inflammation is required for CM regeneration after myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: We examined the role of acute inflammation on regenerative capacity of the neonatal pig heart (ages: 2 days postnatal) by intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (Dex) during the first week post-MI surgery. Myocardial scar and left ventricular function were determined by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Bromodeoxyuridine pulse-chase labeling, histology, and immunohistochemistry were performed to study CM cytokinesis and to quantify myocardial fibrosis. Results: After MI, there was early and sustained recovery of cardiac function and wall thickness in the absence of fibrosis in 2-day old pigs. In contrast, piglets received Dex injection developed ventricular aneurysm and did not recover function. Dex limited CM cytokinesis via inhibiting aurora-B protein expression and caused mature scar and thinned walls at infarct site. Conclusions: Dex suppresses acute inflammation, inhibits CM regeneration, and causes ventricular aneurysm in neonatal pig hearts after MI.

Kelulut honey ameliorates glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis via its antioxidant activity in rats

Objective: To explore the effects of kelulut honey on bone structure and histomorphometry against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Methods: Thirty-five male rats were used (n = 7). Twenty-eight adrenalectomized rats were divided into four groups; each group was given normal saline 0.9% (negative control), calcium water (positive control), kelulut honey (200 mg/kg/day and 400 mg/kg/day, respectively) treatment, respectively. All of them were administered with intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (120 μg/kg/day) to induce osteoporosis. Seven sham operated rats were given vehicle palm olein 0.05 mL/100 g/day by intramuscular injection and 0.1 mL/kg/day orally. All the treatments were given daily for 2 month. Lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress enzymes were measured. In addition, bone structural and histomorphometry analyses were also conducted. Results: Two-month glucocorticoid treatment increased the level of malondialdehyde and decreased superoxide dismutase significantly. No significant changes were found in the activities of catalase and glutathion peroxidase. Bone volume/tissue volume and trabecular number were significantly reduced while trabecular separation of the femoral bones was increased which corresponded to the decreased number of osteoblast surface after two months of receiving glucocorticoid treatment. Kelulut honey treatment restored the level of superoxide dismutase and reduced malondialdehyde significantly (P Conclusions: Kelulut honey may have potential bone protective effect, and may be a prophylaxis against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Effect of intramuscular administration of dexamethasone on the duration of labor induction

Introduction: induction of labor is a common obstetric procedure which is performed for a variety of medical and non-medical indications. If the cervix is unfavorable, prior ripening of the cervix makes induction of labor easier and more successful. There are different methods for ripening of the cervix and making it ready for induction. These methods included medical methods such as the administration of prostaglandins and mechanical methods such as extra amniotic saline infusion, traction on the cervix with Foley catheter and laminaria. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of intramuscular dexamethazone injection prior to induction in improving progression and duration of labour phases. Subjects and Methods: This study started with 100 Nulliparous Pregnant women who were conducted at the labor wards of Ain-Shams Maternity Hospital. The studied subjects were randomized into two groups ; dexamethasone group (group A) including 50 Nulliparous women (N=50) and control group (group B) including 50 Nulliparous woman (N=50).Results: In this study, the duration of active and second stages decreased without changing the mode of delivery. The study showed no significant statistical differences between the two studied groups regarding fetal heart rate. The duration of second stage in dexamethasone group was shorter than in the control group. Dexamethasone intramuscularly prior to induction significantly shortens duration of normal labor in normal parturient with minimal complications.Conclusion: An intramuscular injection of dexamethasone before labor induction shortens the duration of labor induction by decreasing the interval between the initiation of induction and the beginning of the active phase, duration of active phase and duration of second stage of labor with no observed maternal or neonatal complications.Recommendation: Further research with more patients undertaken for the assessment of the effects of the corticosteroids on the duration of labor on the patients with unfavorable cervix as well as maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality rate.

The Effect of Intramuscular Administration of Dexamethasone Alone or in Combination with Hyoscine Butylbromide in Shortening the duration of Induced Labor in Primigravidas

AbstractBackground: Induction of labour is common in clinical practice and is usually troublesome in primigravidas. Obesta-tricians are always in search of the best method of induction to ensure the best maternal and fetal outcome.Aim of Study: To evaluate the effect of Intramuscular (IM) administration of dexamethasone alone or in combined with Hyoscine Butylbromide (HBB) on the duration of labour induction in primigravidas.Patients and Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology casualty department at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital (Cairo University, Egypt) in the period from November 2015 to April 2016. 150 primi-gravidas with a singleton living healthy fetus who underwent Induction of Labour (IOL) participated in the study. They were randomly allocated into 3 groups: Group A where 50 women received IM dexamethasone (8mg) 6 hours prior to induction then IM 2ml saline at the onset of the active phase, Group B where 50 women received IM dexamethasone (8mg) 6 hours prior to induction then IM HBB (40mg) at the onset of the active phase and Group C (control) where 50 women received two IM saline injections (2mL) 6 hours prior to induction and at the onset of the active phase. IOL was done using 2.5mIU/min intravenous drip of oxytocin (in 500mL lactated Ringer's solution), increasing the dose by 2.5mIU/ml every 20 minutes until labour started. Amniotomy was done at a cervical dilatation of ³6cm, if spontaneous rupture of the membranes had not spontaneously occurred. All participants were monitored by a partogram and continuous CTG through-out labor.Results: Both groups A and B showed significant short-ening of the duration of the latent phase (3.4±0.6 and 3.6±0.7 vs 4.5±0.6hrs), the duration of the active phase (3.7±0.7 and 3.7±0.6 vs. 4.8±0.7hrs), the duration of the 2nd stage (21.6± 5.3 and 21.9±7.2 vs. 30.0±5.3 minutes) as well as the duration of the 3rd stage (6.3±1.7 and 7.5±1.9 vs. 10.0±2.8 minutes) respectively when compared to the control group (p-value <0.001 for all). No statistical significant differences were noticed in neonatal Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes between the three groups.Conclusions: Intramuscular injection of dexamethasone alone or in addition to hyoscine butylbromide was found to shorten the duration of induced labour in primigravidas, with no observed maternal or neonatal complications.

Effect of Intramuscular Administration of Dexamethasone on the Duration of Labor Induction

Background: induction of labor is a common obstetric procedure which is performed for a variety of medical and non-medical indications. If the cervix is unfavourable, prior ripening of the cervix makes induction of labor easier and more succeful. There are different methods for ripening of the cervix and making it ready for induction. These methods included medical methods such as the administration of prostaglandins, and mechanical methods such as extra amniotic saline infusion, traction on the cervix with Foley catheter and laminaria. Aim of the Work: the aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of intramuscular dexamethazone injection prior to induction in improving progression and duration of labour phases. Patients and Methods: this study started with 100 Nulliparous Pregnant women who were conducted at the labor wards of Ain Shams Maternity Hospital. The studied subjects were randomized into two groups: Dexamethasone group: This group included 50 Nulliparous women (N=50), called A group. Control group: This group included 50 Nulliparous woman (N=50), called B group. Results: in this study the duration of active and second stages was decreased without change on mode of delivery. The study no significant statistical differences between the two studied groups as regards fetal heart rate. The duration of second stage in dexamethasone group was shorter than in the control group. Dexamethasone intramuscularly prior to induction significantly shortens duration of normal labor in normal parturants with minimal complications. Conclusion: an intramuscular injection of dexamethasone before labor induction is found to shorten the duration of labor induction by decreasing the interval between the initiation of induction and the beginning of the active phase, duration of active phase and duration of second stage of labor with no observed maternal or neonatal complications.

Effects of the combined Herba Epimedii and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi on bone turnover and TGF-β1/Smads pathway in GIOP rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceKidney deficiency is the main pathogenesis of osteoporosis based on the theory of “kidney governing bones” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Combined Herba Epimedii and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi, based on traditional Chinese formula Er-Zhi pills, were frequently used in TCM formulas that were prescribed for kidney tonifying and bone strengthening. However, it is unclear whether the combination of the two herbs may have a protective influence on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects and the underlying molecular mechanism of the decoction and the active fractions of the combined herbs in GIOP rats. Materials and methodsMale Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups, including the normal control (NC), GIOP model (MO), active fractions low (100mg/kg, LAF), active fractions high (200mg/kg, HAF), decoction low (3.5g/kg, LD), decoction high (7g/kg, HD) and Calcium with Vitamin D3 (0.2773g/kg, CaD)-treated group. The GIOP model was established by intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (1mg/kg) twice a week for 8 weeks. Different kinds of indicators were measured, including bone mineral density (BMD), bone biomechanical properties, serum bone alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), serum bone γ-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein (BGP), serum bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) and serum carboxy terminal cross linked telopeptide of typeⅠcollagen (ICTP), bone mineral content (BMC) and bone structured histomorphometry. The protein and mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4 and Smad7 were detected by Western blotting (WB) and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. ResultsAdministration of combined Herba Epimedii and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi decoction and combined active fractions could significantly prevent GC-induced bone loss by increasing the contents of serum b-ALP, BGP and BMP-2 as the markers of bone formation, reducing the serum TRACP and ICTP contents to inhibit bone resorption and enhancing BMC. They could also attenuate biomechanical properties and BMD reduction, deterioration of trabecular architecture in MO rats. The mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β1, smad2, smad3 and smad4 were up-regulated, and the mRNA and protein expression of Smad7 was down-regulated following combined Herba Epimedii and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi treatment. ConclusionCombination of Herba Epimedii and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi exhibited protective effects on promoting bone formation and precluding bone resorption. The underlying mechanism may be attributed to its regulations on TGF-β1/Smads pathway. The substance bases of the combined herbs on anti-osteoporosis were total flavonoids of Herba Epimedii, total iridoids and flavonoids of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi.

Coadministration of Dexamethasone and Melissa officinalis Has Neuroprotective Effects in Rat Animal Model with Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes inflammation, deformity and cell loss. It has been shown that Melissa officinalis (MO), as herbal medicine, and dexamethasone (DEX) are useful in the prevention of various neurological diseases. The present study evaluated combinational effects of DEX and MO on spinal cord injury. Thirty six adult male Wistar rats were used in this experimental study. The weight-drop contusion method was employed to induce spinal cord injury in rats. DEX and MO were administrated alone and together in different treatment groups. Intra-muscular injection of DEX (1 mg/kg) was started three hours after injury and continued once a day for seven days after injury. Intra-peritoneal (I.P) injection of MO (150 mg/ kg) was started one day after injury and continued once a day for 14 days. Our results showed motor and sensory functions were improved significantly in the group received a combination of DEX and MO, compared to spinal cord injury group. Mean cavity area was decreased and loss of lower motor neurons and astrogliosis in the ventral horn of spinal cord was significantly prevented in the group received combination of DEX and Melissa officinalis, compared to spinal cord injury group. Furthermore, the findings showed a significant augmentation of electromyography (EMG) recruitment index, increase of myelin diameter, and up-regulation of myelin basic protein in the treated group with combination of DEX and MO. Results showed that combination of DEX and MO could be considered as a neuroprotective agent in spinal cord injury.

Effect of dexamethasone on bacteriostatic activity of turkey monocytes and implications for food safety

Stress has been shown to affect the immune system of turkeys making them more susceptible to bacterial infections. Five-week-old male and female turkeys were treated with 3 intra-muscular injections of dexamethasone (Dex) at 0, 0.5 and 2.0mg/kg body weight. Twenty-four hours after the third injection birds were bled and white blood cell (WBC) differentials and bacteriostatic activity of monocytes were measured. Dex at both 0.5 and 2.0mg/kg decreased phagocytic activity in females only. Bacteriostatic activity was decreased at both concentrations of Dex at 8 and 16h post-infection in both sexes and was lower in males as compared to females. Total WBC counts were increased in females at both concentrations of Dex whereas male total WBC counts were unaffected. Both males and females had an increase in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio. Within the same study, replicate pens of turkeys were challenged with intra-air sac inoculation of 100cfu of Escherichia coli. Isolation of E. coli was significantly increased by both Dex and E. coli challenge, but there were no differences between sexes. These results suggest that stress can compromise the bacteriostatic activity of turkey monocytes and increase bacterial colonization of blood and tissues, potentially affecting food safety.

The use of sodium tetradecyl sulphate for the treatment of venous malformations of the head and neck.

Vascular malformations have devastating cosmetic effects in addition to being associated with pain and bleeding. Sclerotherapy has been used as an effective therapeutic modality for the management of vascular malformations. The purpose of this case series is to describe our clinical experience of using sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) 3% in the treatment of venous malformation lesions of head and neck. Thirteen patients were included in this study (three male and ten female; age range between 8months and 54years; mean age 18.2years,±SD 15.71). The patients were treated by 3% STS intralesional injections. Of the thirteen patients treated, complete resolution occurred in four patients (28.57%), a good response occurred in five patients (35.7%), a moderate response in two patients (14.28%), a mild response in two patients (14.28%) and no response in one patient (7.14%). The side effects encountered in all patients were pain and edema after injection which was controlled by oral analgesics and an intramuscular injection of dexamethasone. In addition, two patients developed a superficial ulceration (11.76%) which healed uneventfully, and one patient developed ecchymosis after injection (5.88%). Sclerotherapy with 3% STS is a simple, safe, and effective modality for the treatment of venous malformations.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) segmental lung challenge in nonhuman primates – a model of airway inflammation

We developed a reproducible model of neutrophilic inflammation in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) in order to study potential novel anti-inflammatory compounds intended for respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma. Using a pediatric bronchoscope, a baseline bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on the left lung prior to LPS segmental challenge to the right lung. At 24, 72 and 168 hours post challenge, BAL fluid (BALF) was collected to assess the level of pulmonary inflammation. At both 24 and 72 hours (Hr) post LPS challenge, total BAL cells were significantly elevated over baseline. BAL cell differentials revealed that mean percent neutrophils significantly increased from baseline (1.3 ±1.6%) to (74.0 ± 21.9% at 24 Hr and 26.6 ± 21.0% at 72 Hr) whereas, BAL macrophage numbers had significantly decreased from baseline (94.4 ± 3.1%) to (31.6 ± 21.2 % at 24 Hr and 64.2 ± 20.1% at 72 Hr) post challenge. In addition to increased inflammation, we also observed a significant increase in BAL cell gene expression of MMP-9 and significant increases in sCD14 and IL-8 from concentrated BALF 24 Hr post challenge. Numbers of infiltrating cells and other inflammatory parameters returned to baseline levels by 168 Hr following LPS challenge. In some studies, intramuscular injections of dexamethasone (Dex [1 mg/kg]) were administered 24 Hr prior and just prior to LPS challenge. Dex did not significantly reduce total BAL inflammation or IL-8 protein, but did significantly reduce percent neutrophils and sCD14 protein within the BALF 24 hours post challenge. Dex also significantly increased percent macrophages 24 Hr post challenge. These data show that segmental challenge with LPS produces an acute pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation, which is reduced by pretreatment with Dex. This reproducible, short-term, large animal model may help us to better understand neutrophillic inflammation pathways contributing to lung injury and host defense.

Treating effects of nourishing-kidnev herbs on rat models with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

Objective To observe the effects of nourishing-kidney herbs on rat model with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.Methods 60 Wistar rats male and female half and half were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group and a nourishing-kidney group.By intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg) twice a week to replicate osteoporosis rat model.All groups were treated for 9 weeks.Detected the BMD of femur in vitro and determined the bone metabolism marker in serum by biochemical process.Results The BMD decreased obviously (0.109± 0.007)g/cm2 and the content of TRAP in serum increased evidently (9.96± 1.15) μg/ml in the model group.In the nourishing-kidney group,the BMD was up-regulated (0.116 ± 0.007)g/cm2,and TRAP down-regulated(5.76 ± 0.85)μg/ml.Conclusion Intramuscular injection of dexamethasone can induce GIO rat model,and nourishing-kidney herbs have the effect of anti-osteoporosis. Key words: Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, Dexamethasone; Animal model; Nourishing-kidney

Maternal dexamethasone and EEG hyperactivity in preterm fetal sheep

Maternal treatment with synthetic corticosteroids such as dexamethasone (DEX)significantly reduces neonatal morbidity and mortality, but its effects on the fetal brain remain unclear. In this study we evaluated the effects of DEX on EEG activity in preterm fetal sheep. Ewes at 103 days gestation received two intramuscular injections of DEX (12 mg, n = 8) or saline vehicle (n = 7) 24 h apart. Fetal EEG activity was recorded from 6 h before until 120 h after the first injection (DEX-1). DEX-1 was associated with a marked transient rise in total EEG power, maximal at 12 h (P < 0.001), with a relative increase in delta and reduced theta, alpha and beta activity, resolving by 24 h. Continuous EEG records showed a shift to larger but less frequent transient waveforms (P < 0.001). Unexpectedly, evolving epileptiform activity, consistent with electrographic and clinical seizures, developed from 178 ± 44 min after DEX-1.Similar but smaller changes were seen after the second injection. Following the injections, total power returned to control values, but the proportion of alpha activity progressively increased vs. controls (P < 0.001), with reduced interburst interval duration and number (P < 0.001). No histological neural injury or microglial activation was seen. In summary, exposure to maternal dexamethasone was associated with dramatic, evolving low-frequency hyperactivity on fetal cortical EEG recordings, followed by sustained changes consistent with maturation of fetal sleep architecture. We postulate that these effects may contribute to improved neonatal outcomes.

Stress induced Salmonella Typhimurium recrudescence in pigs coincides with cortisol induced increased intracellular proliferation in macrophages.

Salmonella Typhimurium infections in pigs often result in the development of carriers that intermittently excrete Salmonella in very low numbers. During periods of stress, for example transport to the slaughterhouse, recrudescence of Salmonella may occur, but the mechanism of this stress related recrudescence is poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the role of the stress hormone cortisol in Salmonella recrudescence by pigs. We showed that a 24 h feed withdrawal increases the intestinal Salmonella Typhimurium load in pigs, which is correlated with increased serum cortisol levels. A second in vivo trial demonstrated that stress related recrudescence of Salmonella Typhimurium in pigs can be induced by intramuscular injection of dexamethasone. Furthermore, we found that cortisol, but not epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine, promotes intracellular proliferation of Salmonella Typhimurium in primary porcine alveolar macrophages, but not in intestinal epithelial cells and a transformed cell line of porcine alveolar macrophages. A microarray based transcriptomic analysis revealed that cortisol did not directly affect the growth or the gene expression or Salmonella Typhimurium in a rich medium, which implies that the enhanced intracellular proliferation of the bacterium is probably caused by an indirect effect through the cell. These results highlight the role of cortisol in the recrudescence of Salmonella Typhimurium by pigs and they provide new evidence for the role of microbial endocrinology in host-pathogen interactions.

Influence of hyperbaric oxygen on the early-stage osseointegration of porous implant in a rabbit model of necrosis of femoral head induced by steroid

Objective To observe the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on bone ingrowth into porous implant in a rabbit model of avascular necrosis of femoral head induced by dexamethasone. Methods Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were subject to intramuscular injection of dexamethasone twice a week for 8 weeks.Then,rabbits were divided into 4 groups:control group,HBO group,recombinant human bone morphogenetie protein-2 (rhBMP-2) group and HBO + rhBMP-2 group randomly.The femurs of rabbits in control group and HBO group were implanted with bare porous implants,while the rhBMP-2 group and HBO + rhBMP-2 group were implanted with porous implants of collagen compounded with rhBMP-2.Control group and rhBMP-2 group were treated without HBO;HBO group and HBO + rhBMP-2 group were treated with HBO.All rabbits were sacrificed at the 12th weeks after operation.All samples of right femurs were used for making hard tissue slices,while all samples of left femurs were used for biomechanics test. Results The oaseointegration rate:HBO + rhBMP-2 group ＞ HBO group ＞ rhBMP-2 group ＞ control group.The difference between control group and rhBMP-2 group was not statistically significant (P＞0.05).Differences among all other groups were statistically significant (P＜0.05).New bone ingrowth rate:HBO group ＞ HBO + rhBMP-2 group ＞ control group ＞ rhBMP-2 group.Differences between every two groups were statistically significant (P＜0.05).The results of pull out test showed that anti-shearing force in HBO group and HBO + rhBMP-2 group were greater than that in control group and rhBMP-2 group,the differences were statistically significant (P ＜0.05).Anti-shearing force in HBO + rhBMP-2 group was a little greater than that in HBO group,but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Anti-shearing force in rhBMP-2 group was significantly greater than that in control group (P＜0.05). Conclusions HBO therapy can improve osseointegration rate of bone and implant,promote new bone ingrowth into the porous implant,enhance the integration strength of bone and implant.HBO and rhBMP-2 have cooperative effect,but the carrier of rhBMP-2 can prevent bone ingrowth into implant. Key words: Hyperbaric oxygen; Hormone; Necrosis of femoral head; Porous implant; Osseointegration