Moderate-dose Group Research Articles

P.6.c.001 Role of nuclear factor-kappa B signalling in methamphetamine-induced blood–brain barrier dysfunction

Baicalin is one of the principal flavonoids isolated from the dried root of Scutellariae Baicalensis Georgi and has been widely used as a traditional herbal medicine to suppress brain edema and reduce cerebral ischemic damage. However, the effects of baicalin on the blood–brain barrier (BBB) are poorly understood.To explore the effects of baicalin on the permeability of the BBB under ischemic conditions in vitro with regard to changes in the tight junctions(TJ) proteins claudin-5 and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1).Brain microvascular endothelial cells(BMVECs) from Bal b/c mice were cultured to establish an in vitro BBB model. Oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) was applied to simulate ischemia. The experiment consisted of a normal control group, a model group and baicalin-treated groups (high-dose group, moderate-dose group and low-dose group). Transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability to HRP were used as indicators of changes in BBB permeability. A real-time fluorescent quantitative assay was utilized to monitor the transcriptional changes in claudin-5 and ZO-1, and western blotting was used to detect the changes in protein expression of claudin-5, ZO-1 and PKC.OGD led to a significant increase of permeability in this in vitro BBB model. Baicalin effectively decreased the permeability of the BBB, promoted transcription and expression of TJ proteins (claudin-5 and ZO-1) and reduced the levels of PKC.We propose that baicalin is capable of restoring the barrier function of the BBB under ischemic conditions and this beneficial effect may be linked to the decreased expression of TJ proteins.

金雀异黄素对II型胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠血清骨保护素及核因子-κB受体活化因子配体的影响

Objective To explore the effects of genistein（Gen） on OPG/RANKL in the serum of Collagen-induced arthritis（CIA） rats. Methods Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups, with 10 rats in each group respectively, normal group, model group, low-dose Gen treatment group, moderate-dose Gen treatment group, high-dose Gen treatment group and methotrexate group. The levels of OPG and RANKL were determined by ELISA. Results The level of RANKL serum was significantly higher in the model group （0.328±0.044） that in control group（0.328±0.044）, P〈0.05. Moderate-dose Gen treatment group and high-dose Gen treatment group can down-regulate of RANKL（0.144±0.017, 0.163±0.020）respectively. The level of OPG in the model group（0.103±0.013） was the lower than that in the control group（0.268±0.022）, P〈0.05. Gen treatment group and high-dose Gen treatment group can up-regulation of OPG（0.149±0.012, 0.145±0.024）respectively. Conclusion The Gen can enhance the OPG/RANKL ratio for the CIA rats, which may exert their inhibitory effect of RA bone destruction. Key words: Genistein; Collagen induced arthritis; RANKL; OPG

Effects of aqueous extract from Desmodium styracifolium (Osb.) Merr.on oxidative stress of renal calcium oxalate rat models

Objective To investigate the effects of aqueous extract from Desmodium styracifolium (Osb.) Merr.(Ds) on oxidative stress of renal calcium oxalate (CaOx) rat models.Methods The models of renal CaOx were established with ethylene glycol in drinking water and ammonium chloride by gavage.The 50 adult healthy male Wistar strain rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (10 of each),i.e.,normal control group (group A),calcium oxalate model group (group B),low-dose Ds extract-treated group (group C),moderate-dose Ds extract-treated group (group D) and high-dose Ds extract-treated group (group E).Group A was established with drinking water and physiological saline by gavage (2 ml per day),group B was established with 1％ ethylene glycol in drinking water and 2％ ammonium chloride by gavage (2 ml per day),group C,D and E were established with aqueous extract from Ds (0.6,1.2 and 2.4 g/ml,respectively) by gavage on the basis of group B (2 ml per day).After feeding for 28 days,blood and renal samples were collected.The presence of CaOx crystals was scored in left kidneys under hematoxylin and eosin staining,and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA),superoxide dismutase (SOD),glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) in the blood and right kidney homogenate were measured as indicators of oxidative stress.Results For the formation of CaOx crystals,the scores of group B were significantly higher than group A (P＜0.01),the scores of group C,D and E were significantly lower than group B (P＜0.01),especially the group D showed the best effect.For the parameters of oxidative stress,compared with group A,the concentration of MDA in blood and kidney tissues of group B significantly increased (P＜0.01),which significantly decreased (P＜0.01) after the intervention of Ds (group C,D and E).Compared with group A,the content of SOD,CAT and GSH-Px in group B significantly decreased (P＜0.01),the SOD level in renal homogenate significantly increased (P＜0.01) after the intervention of Ds (group C,D and E).In group D,the SOD and GSH-Px levels in blood significantly increased (P＜0.05).But the Ds showed no significant influence either for CAT in blood or GSH-Px and CAT in renal homogenate (P＞0.05).Conclusion The moderate-dose Ds extract seems to prevent the formation of renal CaOx in rats,which is probably due to its antioxidant effects. Key words: Calcium oxalate ; Desmodium styracifolium ; Oxidative stress ; Reactive oxygen species

Oral administration of leaf extracts of Momordica charantia affect reproductive hormones of adult female Wistar rats

To determine the effect of graded doses of aqueous leaf extracts of Momordica charantia on fertility hormones of female albino rats. TWENTY ADULT, HEALTHY, FEMALE WISTAR RATS WERE DIVIDED INTO FOUR GROUPS: low dose (LD), moderate dose (MD) and high dose (HD) groups which received 12.5 g, 25.0 g, 50.0 g of the leaf extract respectively and control group that was given with water ad libatum. Estrogen levels reduced by 6.40 nmol/L, 10.80 nmol/L and 28.00 nmol/L in the LD, MD and HD groups respectively while plasma progesterone of rats in the LD, MD and HD groups reduced by 24.20 nmol/L, 40.8 nmol/L and 59.20 nmol/L respectively. Our study has shown that the antifertility effect of Momordica charantia is achieved in a dose dependent manner. Hence, cautious use of such medication should be advocated especially when managing couples for infertility.

Inhibitive effect on apoptosis in splenic lymphocytes of mice pretreated with Lingzhi (Ganoderma Lucidum) spores

ObjectiveTo investigate how the pretreatment of mice with Ganoderma spores affected the apoptosis of their splenic lymphocytes induced by dexamethasone after 19 days treatment. MethodsSixty Kunming mice were randomly divided into six groups: blank control groupdrenched with normal saline; a drug control group drenched with 150 mg/mL Ganoderma spores; a model group treated with saline; a low dose group with 50 mg/mL Ganoderma spores; a moderate dose group with 100 mg/mL Ganoderma spores; and a high dose group with 150 mg/mL Ganoderma spores. The effect of Ganoderma spores on apoptosis in spleen lymphocytes was analyzed. All groups were treated for 19 days. On day 20, the model group and the 3 treatment groups were intraperitoneally injected dexamethasone to induce apoptosis. Splenic index and apoptosis indes were employed to measure cell apoptosis. ResultsThe results showed that Ganoderma spores reduced the splenic index to different degrees in each group and the best effect was seen in the high dose group (P<0.05). Terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated 2′-Deoxyuridine 5′-Triphosphate nick end labeling staining revealed that the apoptotic index in all groups administered Ganoderma spores differed significantly from the model group, and a dose-response was observed. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that spleen lymphocyte apoptosis in the model group was extensive. Each dose of Ganoderma spores inhibited dexamethasone-induced apoptosis in spleen lymphocytes, and a dose-response was observed as well. The highest dose of Ganoderma spores decreased Malondialdehyde content in serum induced by dexamethasone (P<0.05). ConclusionThe findings imply that the pretreatment of the mice with Ganoderma spores could reduce the apoptosis rate induced by dexamethasone in their splenic lymphocytes.

Effects of heme iron enriched peptide on iron deficiency anemia in rats

The present study aims to investigate whether a daily intake of heme iron enriched peptide obtained from bovine hemoglobin is effective in alleviating iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: a control group, an anemic group not treated, and anemic groups treated with FeSO4 or with the heme iron enriched peptide at low, moderate or high doses. The rats in the anemic groups were fed on a low-iron diet to establish the iron deficiency anemia model. After the model had been established, different doses of heme iron enriched peptide were given to the rats once a day via intragastric administration. After the iron supplement administration, it was observed that heme iron enriched peptide had effective restorative action returning the hemoglobin, red blood cells, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and serum iron in IDA animals to normal values or better. In addition, compared with FeSO4, higher Fe bioavailability and fewer side effects were observed. The rats in the moderate dose group had the highest apparent Fe absorption. Moreover, in vivo antioxidant activity was also observed, enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduced malondialdehyde levels in IDA rats. Furthermore, the heme iron enriched peptide also exhibited strong in vitro antioxidant activities. In conclusion, heme iron enriched peptide significantly alleviated iron deficiency anemia, and exhibited strong in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities. This suggests that heme iron enriched peptide might be exploited as a safe, efficient new iron supplement.

Optimizing the Dose of Three‐Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients on Warfarin Therapy

To determine the percentage of patients with correction of their first international normalized ratio (INR)less than1.5 after administration of moderate-dose three-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), 35 IU/kg compared with low-dose PCC, 25 IU/kg. Retrospective review. Community teaching hospital. A total of 42 adult patients diagnosed with warfarin-associated traumatic brain injury (TBI) presented with an INRof1.5 or more and received at least one dose of PCC during a 19-month study period. The low-dose group received PCC 25 IU/kg from November 2011-July 2012 and the moderate-dose group received PCC 35 IU/kg from August 2012-May 2013. Of the 42 patients, 25 were in the low-dose group and 17 were in the moderate-dose group. Baseline characteristics were similar between both groups in regard to age, sex, weight, creatinine clearance, weekly warfarin dose, initial INR, initial Glasgow Coma Score, and injury severity score. Of the patients in the low-dose group, 12% achieved INR reversal with first measured INR after PCC administration compared with 69% in the moderate-dose group (p<0.001). The median time to INR reversal was 6.9hours in the low-dose PCC group and 1.9hours in the moderate-dose PCC group (p=0.04). There were no differences between the groups in other secondary end points, including stabilization of TBI, days in the intensive care unit, total days of hospitalization, blood product administration, and adverse events. Moderately dosed PCC at 35 IU/kg compared with a lower dosage of 25 IU/kg was associated with a higher percentage of INR reversal and more rapid time to INR normalization in patients with TBI. Future randomized controlled studies to further investigate this novel dose and the impact on potential reductions in the use of fresh frozen plasma are warranted.

Effects of Radix Platycodonis Polysaccharide on Expressions of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-5 in the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Nf-κВ in the Lung Tissue of Asthmatic Rats

Objective: To investigate the effect of Radix playtycodoni polysaccharide (RPPS) on rats with ovalbumin-induced asthma and its mechanisms. Methods: 48 Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control group, asthma model group, dexamethasone control group (1 mg / kg), and high-dose RPPS group (40 mg / kg), moderate-dose RPPS group (20 mg / kg) and low-dose RPPS group (10 mg / kg). The ovalbumin sensitization method was used to establish the asthma model in rats. The rats were given it in the atomization administration for two weeks and then were sacrificed. The BALF was collected for the count of eosinophils (EOS); enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was employed for the determination of IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-γ levels in BALF; the expression of NF-κВ in the lung tissues was measured by Western blot. Results: Compared with the model group, RPPS could reduce the number of EOS in blood and BALF, increase the content of IFN-γ in BALF, lower IL-4 and IL-5 contents, and down-regulate the expression of NF-κВ protein in rats with asthma. Conclusion: RPPS can inhibit the airway inflammation in asthma, down-regulate the expression level of IL-4 and IL-5, up-regulate the IFN-γ level to regulate the abnormal immune status induced by the imbalance of TH1/TH2 in asthma and inhibit the expression of NF-κВ, which may be one of the mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory activity.

&lt;i&gt;Gongronema Latifolium&lt;/i&gt; delays gastric emptying of semi-solid meals in diabetic dogs

The aim of the study was to investigate sonographically the effect of Gongronema latifolium on gastric emptying of semi-solid meals in diabetic dogs. Twenty-five alloxan-induced diabetic dogs were randomly allotted into five groups of five dogs each in a randomised placebo-controlled study. These are placebo, prokinetic dose, low dose, moderate dose and high dose groups. The placebo group served as the control. The low, moderate and high dose groups ingested methanolic leaf extract of G. latifolium at 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg respectively, while the prokinetic group ingested 0.5 mg/kg of metoclopramide. After a 12-hour fast, each group ingested its treatment capsules 30 minutes before the administration of test meal. Measurements of gastric emptying and blood glucose levels were obtained from each dog 30 minutes before and immediately after the ingestion of a test meal, every 15 minutes for another 4 hours and then every 30 minutes for further 2 hours. Gastric emptying of the moderate and high dose groups were 227.8 ± 9.9 min and 261.3 ± 19.3 min respectively and significantly (p < 0.0001) slower than the placebo control group of 143.0 ± 17.8 min. The gastric emptying of the low dose group (169.8 ± 3.8) and control group did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). A strong inverse relationship between gastric emptying and the incremental blood glucose levels was noted in the diabetic dogs after the ingestion of Gongronema latifolium (r = -0.90; p < 0.0001). Gonogronema latifolium delayed gastric emptying in diabetic dogs.

Effects of large dose of atorvastatin on the expression of Sprouty-1 in CD4 + T lymphocytes from unstable angina patients during perioperative period of PCI

Objective To investigate the effects of large dose of atorvastatin on the expression of Sprouty-1 in CD4 + T lymphocytes from unstable angina patients during perioperative period of PCI.Methods A total of 52 unstable angina patients enrolled were divided randomly (random number) into large-dose atorvastatin (80 mg/d,n =26) pretreated group and moderate-dose atorvastatin (20 mg/d,n =26) pretreated group.Circulating CD4 + T cells were obtained by magnetic cell sorting system (MACS) before PCI and 18-24h after PCI.For detecting the gene expression,the reverse transcription fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure the expression of Sprouty-1 mRNA in CD4 + T lymphocyte.The level of Sprouty-1 protein was detected with Western blot analysis and IL-2 was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results ①Compared with large-dose group before PCI,the expression of Sprouty-1 mRNA and Sprouty-1 protein levels were dramatically increased in large-dose group after PCI (P ＜ 0.05).②Compared with moderate-dose group before PCI,the expression of Sprouty-1 mRNA and protein levels were slightly increased in moderate-dose group after PCI,but there was no statistical significance (P ＞ 0.05).③Compared with large-dose group before PCI,the serum level of IL-2 was decreased in large-dose group after PCI (P ＜ 0.05).Whereas the serum level of IL-2 was slightly increased in moderate-dose group after PCI compared to moderate-dose group before PCI,there was still no statistical significance (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Large-dose atorvastatin pretreatment reduced post-PCI myocardial inflammation through up-regulating the expression of Sprouty-1 mRNA and level of Sprouty-1 protein in CD4 + T lymphocytes. Key words: Unstable angina; Atorvastatin; CD4 + T lymphocytes; Sprouty1, IL-2

GW24-e0003 Effects of intensive atorvastatin on the expression of PDCD4 in CD4 + T lymphocytes from unstable angina patients during perioperative period of PCI

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of intensive atorvastatin on the expression of PDCD4 in CD4 + T lymphocytes from unstable angina patients during perioperative period of PCI.MethodsA total of 66 unstable...

Elevated 18F-FDG Levels in Blood and Organs After Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker Administration: Experiment in Mice Administered Telmisartan

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are a common treatment for hypertensive patients but affect renal function. In this study, the effects of ARB on (18)F-FDG distribution and excretion were examined in mice treated with telmisartan at different doses. Male C57BL/6J mice were given telmisartan (low-dose group, 0.33 mg/kg/d; moderate-dose group, 0.66 mg/kg/d; high-dose group, 3 mg/kg/d) mixed in a high-fat diet for 20 wk. Mice on a telmisartan-free diet served as the control. At designated time points, the mice were injected with (18)F-FDG (18.5 MBq/mouse, n = 5-10/time point for each group) to examine its biodistribution. Autoradiography using kidney sections was performed to visualize (18)F-FDG excretion. Plasma blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels were also measured to evaluate renal function. Twenty-week telmisartan treatment significantly and dose-dependently increased (18)F-FDG levels in the blood (percentage injected dose per gram of tissue normalized by animal body weight: low, 0.13 ± 0.03 [P < 0.0083]; moderate, 0.15 ± 0.01 [P < 0.0083]; high, 0.15 ± 0.03 [P < 0.0083], vs. control, 0.09 ± 0.01). Significantly increased (18)F-FDG levels in organs were observed in mice in the moderate- and high-dose groups but not in the low-dose group. The plasma BUN and creatinine levels also dose-dependently increased, but they were within the reference ranges (for BUN: low, 27.00 ± 4.42 mg/dL; moderate, 28.40 ± 2.70 mg/dL; high, 39.22 ± 6.91 mg/dL [P < 0.0083], vs. control, 22.40 ± 2.80 mg/dL. For creatinine: low, 0.28 ± 0.11 mg/dL; moderate, 0.40 ± 0.07 mg/dL [P < 0.0083]; high, 0.51 ± 0.09 mg/dL [P < 0.0083], vs. control, 0.18 ± 0.04 mg/dL). The blood (18)F-FDG level positively correlated with plasma BUN (r = 0.48, P < 0.01) and creatinine (r = 0.61, P < 0.01) levels. The (18)F-FDG levels in the blood and organs returned to baseline 3 wk after cessation of telmisartan treatment. Autoradiography indicated that renal (18)F-FDG excretion was attenuated by telmisartan treatment and was reversed after treatment cessation. (18)F-FDG levels in the blood and organs were significantly increased by telmisartan treatment, indicating a potential increase in background activity on PET imaging of patients treated with ARBs. Our findings indicate the need for a careful assessment of (18)F-FDG uptake in patients treated with ARBs. A brief cessation of ARB treatment may be a potential method to avoid these effects and solve this problem.

Influence of scopolamine hydrobromide orally disintegrating tablets on neurological behaviors in mice

Objective To study the effects of scopolamine hydrobromide orally disintegrating tablets(DTs) based nanospheres-particles(NiMS) system on the neurological behaviors in mice,so as to provide evidence for clinical administration. Methods The 3 tests in this study were all divided as following: twenty male and 20 female mice were each randomly divided into 4 groups,with 5 mice in each group.Then a female and a male group were merged into one group,so there were 4 groups,each containing 10 mice.The four groups were subjected to the following treatments: control,high dose(24 mg/kg),moderate dose(15 mg/kg) and low dose DTs(6 mg/kg).To study the effects of DTs on the balance capacity,we selected 40 mice with the ability to climb the bar from 50 mice.(1) The spontaneous activities of mice were observed and recorded 20 min after intragastric administration of DTs in each group.(2) Pentobarbital sodium was intraperitoneally injected in mice 20 min after intragastric administration of DTs to observe the sleep of mice,so as to evaluate the synergistic effect between the two drugs.(3) Mice were put on the top of a stainless bar 20 min after intragastric administration of DTs and the time spent by the mice from top to the bottom of bar was recorded to evaluate the impact of the medication on mouse balance capacity. Results(1) DTs at each dose had no significant influence on the spontaneous activity of mice compared with the controls(P0.05).(2) The sleep time of mice increased with the dose of DTs,and there were significant difference between control group with high dose and moderate dose groups(P0.05).(3) DTs shortened the time spent by mice from top to the bottom of the bar compared with the control group,with significant differences found in female mice taking three doses of DTs(P0.01) and in male mice taking high and moderate dose of DT(P0.01,P0.05). Conclusion Intragastric administration of DTs has no influence on spontaneous activity of mice,and its synergistic effect with pentobarbital sodium increases with dose.DTs can also decrease the balancing capacity of mice.

Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Events in Older Patients With Myocardial Infarction Prescribed Intensive-Dose and Moderate-Dose Statins

Practice guidelines recommend intensive-dose statins for patients with acute coronary syndrome, but recent data about the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus have raised concerns about its use. Our main objective was to evaluate the association between intensive statin therapy and new-onset diabetes mellitus in patients with myocardial infarction and to evaluate the association of intensive statin therapy with long-term adverse clinical outcomes. A propensity score-matched cohort was created consisting of 17 080 patients with myocardial infarction aged >65 years old, hospitalized in Ontario, Canada, from 2004 to 2010. Clinical outcomes were compared in patients prescribed intensive-dose versus moderate-dose statins at hospital discharge. At 5 years, 13.6% of patients receiving intensive-dose statins and 13.0% of patients receiving moderate-dose statins had new-onset diabetes, which was not significantly different (P=0.19). By contrast, the 5-year rate of death or acute coronary syndrome was significantly lower at 44.8% in the intensive-dose statin group compared with 46.5% in the moderate-dose group (P=0.044). The reduction in combined clinical outcome was driven mainly by a significantly lower rate of acute coronary syndrome (P=0.039) associated with intensive-dose statins. No significant difference in mortality rates (34.8% in both groups) was observed between the treatment groups during the study period (P=0.89). In older patients with myocardial infarction, we found intensive-dose statin therapy to be effective in reducing repeat hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome. The rate of new-onset diabetes mellitus at long term was not significantly different between intensive-dose and moderate-dose statins.

PP073: Inhibitory effects of Zengshengping water fraction on DMBA-induced buccal pouch carcinogenesis in hamsters

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tumor inhibitory effects due to the topical application of water extracts from ZSP, a Chinese herbal drug, on 7,12-dimethlbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA) induced oral tumors in hamsters. The study also investigated the anti-cancer mechanisms of the ZSP water extraction on oral carcinogenesis. DMBA (0.5%) was applied topically to the buccal pouches of Syrian golden hamsters (6–8 weeks old) three times per week for 6 weeks in order to induce the development of oral tumors. Then ZSP water fraction is applied topically to the oral tumor lesions at varying dosages (0.35 g/100 ml; 0.7 g/100 ml; 1.4 g/100 ml) to animals with oral tumors for 18 weeks. Tumor volume was measured by histopathological examination. Tumor cell proliferation was evaluated by counting BrdU labeled cells and by Western blotting for mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein levels. The protein levels of apoptosis marker Caspase-3 and regulator Bcl-2 protein were also measured by Western blotting. Liver and kidney toxicity were also detected. Average tumor number in each treatment group is lower than positive control group. Moderate-dose group decreased from 2.3 ± 1.8 to 1.5 ± 1.1 (P < 0.05); high-dose group reduced to 1.2 ± 1.0 (P < 0.01). The average tumor volume had not significant difference. It showed that there were no apparent liver and kidney toxicity in the long-term. Topical application of ZSP water fraction also markedly decreased the BrdU-positive cell numbers in oral tumor lesions and reduced the expression level of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In addition, ZSP water fraction promoted tumor cell apoptosis by increasing Caspase-3 expression but decreasing Bcl-2 protein production. The water fractions of ZSP are effective at inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and stimulating apoptosis in oral cancer suggesting that these fractions have chemopreventive effects on DMBA induced oral carcinogenesis.

A double-blind, randomized pilot trial of chromium picolinate for binge eating disorder: Results of the Binge Eating and Chromium (BEACh) Study

ObjectiveChromium treatment has been shown to improve mood, appetite, and glucose regulation in various psychiatric and medical patient populations. The authors propose that chromium may be useful in the treatment of binge eating disorder (BED). MethodTwenty-four overweight adults with BED were enrolled in a 6-month double-blind placebo-controlled trial and randomly assigned to receive either 1000mcg chromium/day (“high dose”; n=8) or 600mcg chromium/day (“moderate dose”; n=9) as chromium picolinate or placebo (n=7). Mixed linear regression models were used to estimate mean change in binge frequency and related psychopathology, weight, symptoms of depression, and fasting glucose. ResultsFasting glucose was significantly reduced in both chromium groups compared to the placebo group; similarly, numerically, but not significantly, greater reductions in binge frequency, weight, and symptoms of depression were observed in those treated with chromium versus placebo, although statistical power was limited in this pilot trial. For fasting glucose, the findings suggest a dose response with larger effects in the high dose compared to moderate dose group. ConclusionThese initial findings support further larger trials to determine chromium's efficacy in maintaining normal glucose regulation, reducing binge eating and related psychopathology, promoting modest weight loss, and reducing symptoms of depression in individuals with BED. Studies designed to link the clinical effects of chromium with changes in underlying insulin, serotonin, and dopamine pathways may be especially informative. If efficacious, chromium supplementation may provide a useful, low-cost alternative to or augmentation strategy for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which have partial efficacy in BED. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00904306.

Role of dexmedetomidine in prevention of agitation during recovery from pediatric anesthesia with sevoflurane

Objective To explore the effect of preemptive analgesia with different doses of dexmedetomidine on postoperative agitation.Methods Sixty ASA Ⅰ children undergoing cheiloplasty were randomly divided into low-dose dexmedetomidine group (group D1,n =20),moderate-dose dexmedetomidine group (group D2,n =20),and control group (group C,n =20).Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane for tracheal intubation.In groups D1 and D2,0.2 μ g/kg and 0.4 μ g /kg dexmedetominde were administered intravenously after intubation,and in group C,normal saline was administered.Anesthesia was maintained with uses of sevoflurane.Results There were no significant differences in time to consciousness recovery,extubation time,and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) among the three groups (P＞0.05).As compared with group C,heart rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly decreased during extubation and 10 min after extubation in group D1 and D2.The incidence of postoperative agitation was decreased significantly,and sedation extent was increased significantly in group D2 (P＜0.01).Conclusions Dexmedetominde can effectively prevent postoperative agitation during consciousness recovery in children receiving inhalational sevoflurane. Key words: Dexmedetomidine; Anesthesia with sevoflurane; Agitation consciousness recovery; Younger children

Effect ofGongronema latifoliumon gastric emptying in healthy dogs

To investigate sonographically the effect of Gonogronema latifolium (G. latifolium) on gastric emptying of semi-solid meals in healthy dogs. In a randomized, placebo-controlled experiment, twenty-five clinically healthy dogs were randomly allotted into five groups of five dogs in each group. The placebo group served as the control, and the low, moderate and high dose groups ingested the methanolic leaf extract of G. latifolium in capsules at 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, respectively, while the prokinetic group ingested 0.5 mg/kg capsules of metoclopramide. After a 12-h fast, each group ingested its treatment capsules 30 min before the administration of a test meal. Measurements of gastric emptying and blood glucose levels were obtained 30 min before and immediately after the ingestion of the test meal and thereafter every 15 min for 4 h. This was followed by further measurements every 30 min for another 2 h. The gastric emptying times of the placebo, low dose, moderate dose, high dose and prokinetic dose groups were 127.0 ± 8.2 min, 135.5 ± 3.7 min, 155.5 ± 3.9 min, 198.0 ± 5.3 min and 59.0 ± 2.5 min, respectively. Gastric emptying times of the moderate and high dose groups were significantly slower than in the placebo control group (155.5 ± 3.9 min, 198.0 ± 5.3 min vs 127.0 ± 8.2 min, P = 0.000). No significant difference in gastric emptying between the low dose and placebo control groups was noted (135.5 ± 3.7 min vs 127.0 ± 8.2 min, P = 0.072). Gastric emptying of the prokinetic group was significantly faster than that of the control group (59.0 ± 2.5 min vs 127.0 ± 8.2 min, P = 0.000). The hypoglycaemic effect of G. latifolium and gastric emptying were inversely related (r = -0.95, P = 0.000). G. latifolium delays gastric emptying and lowers postprandial blood glucose in healthy dogs. It reduces the postprandial blood glucose by delaying gastric emptying.

Intensive-Dose Atorvastatin Regimen Halts Progression of Atherosclerotic Plaques in New-onset Unstable Angina With Borderline Vulnerable Plaque Lesions

To compare the therapeutic effects of intensive versus moderate dosage of atorvastatin regimens in new-onset unstable angina with borderline lesions, 100 patients were randomized to receive either 80 mg/d or 20 mg/d atorvastatin for 9 months. Clinical symptoms, lipid profiles, and coronary stenosis (evaluated by coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound) were compared to their corresponding baselines within each group and between the 2 groups after 9 months of treatment. The results showed that (1) when compared to their corresponding baselines, both groups exhibited improvement in clinical symptoms, a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; P < .01) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); (2) the improvement in clinical symptoms and the decrease in LDL-C and hs-CRP were significantly greater (P < .01) in the intensive-dose group than in the moderate-dose group; (3) the mean plaque volume did not progress in the intensive-dose group but increased significantly (P < .05) in the moderate-dose group. We conclude that compared to the moderate dose, the intensive-dose regimen significantly improves clinical symptoms, lowers LDL-C and hs-CRP, and halts the progression of borderline atherosclerotic plaques in patients with new-onset unstable angina.

Multiple toxicity studies of trehalose in mice by intragastric administration

In the present study, aberration, body weight, food consumption, haematology, organ coefficients, and both gross and microscopic appearance of some histiocytes were compared between the test and control groups. A sperm abnormality test, bone marrow cell micronucleus test, and a haematology study were conducted at levels of 1.25g/kg, 2.5g/kg, and 5g/kg of trehalose. In both the sperm abnormality test and bone marrow cell micronucleus test, statistically significant differences were observed between the positive control and treatment groups (P<0.05), while no statistical difference was observed among the negative control, high dose, moderate dose and low dose groups (P>0.05). In the haematology study, there was no significant difference found from the controls at P>0.05. The results obtained in the present study could support the conclusion that consumption of trehalose has no adverse effects for humans.