Obvious Signs Of Inflammation Research Articles

Punicalagin improves inflammation and oxidative stress in rat model of pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is one of the major public health concerns accounting for 30% of infertility and 50% of ectopic pregnancy cases due to severe inflammation and fibrosis. Punicalagin® are known to exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Punicalagin®, against pelvic inflammatory disease in rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24) were divided into 6 groups (n = 4) as control, PID, prophylactic (low dose and high dose) and therapeutic group (low dose and high dose). PID model was constructed by implanting the rat cervix with mixed microbe (Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus) solution. Prophylactic group was gavaged with 3 mg/kg (low dose) and 6 mg/kg (high dose) Punicalagin® daily starting one day before PID induction and therapeutic group was gavaged with 3 mg/kg (low dose) and 6 mg/kg (high dose) Punicalagin® daily starting 1 day after confirmation of PID model. Rats were sacrificed at the end of experiment and samples from upper genital tract were collected for ELISA, antioxidant assay and histopathological examination. According to results, obvious signs of inflammation and oxidative stress including infiltration of neutrophils and significantly raised levels of cytokines, and oxidative stress markers were observed in PID group when compared to control group. Punicalagin® significantly decreased the levels of IL-1β, catalase and lipid peroxidation in both prophylactic and therapeutic groups when compared to PID group. Punicalagin® also decreased the infiltration of leucocytes in uterus of prophylactic and therapeutic group when compared to PID group, as determined by histological examination. On basis of these results, we concluded that Punicalagin® showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential in rat model of pelvic inflammatory disease and could be used as possible therapeutic agent in treatment of PID.

Acute Appendicitis in Duplicated Appendix: Images in Medicine

A 26-year-old male patient, with a 3-days history of peri-umbilical pain which had localized to the right iliac fossa by the time he attended the hospital, was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital. The abdominal examination revealed a soft abdomen, rebound tenderness in the right iliacfossa, and a positive psoas sign. He was not peritonitic and had a negative Rosving's sign and absenthernias. Blood tests showed a mild leucocytosis of 12.5×109/l (range, 4.0–11.0×109/l) with a neutrophilia of 10.5×109/l (range. 2.0–7.5×109/l) and a CRP of 90mg/l. Ultrasonography confirmed a diagnosis of appendicitis by the presence of free fluid within the RIF and within the 10mm appendix which was incompressible. Under general anesthesia, the surgical exploration by laparotomy revealed the presence of acute appendicitis, but the meticulous investigation of the area around the cecum detected a second appendix with a definite mesoappendix and obvious signs of inflammation (Figure 1). Formal appendectomy was then performed for both processes (Figure 2).

Salsolinol Protects SH-SY5Y Cells Against MPP+ Damage and Increases Enteric S100-Immunoreactivity in Wistar Rats

A dopamine derivative, 1-methyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, known as salsolinol (SAL), has increasingly gained attention since its first detection in the urine of Parkinson’s disease patients treated with levodopa, and has been proposed as a possible neurotoxic contributor to the disease. Yet, so far, the neurobiological role of SAL remains unclear. Thus, the main aims of our study were to compare the neurotoxic potential of SAL with MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion) in vitro, and to examine intestinal and metabolic alterations following intraperitoneal SAL administration in vivo. In vitro, SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line was monitored following MPP+ and SAL treatment. In vivo, Wistar rats were subjected to SAL administration by either osmotic intraperitoneal mini-pumps or a single intraperitoneal injection, and after two weeks, biochemical and morphological parameters were assessed. SH-SY5Y cells treated with MPP+ (1000 μM) and SAL (50 µM) showed increase in cell viability and fluorescence intensity in comparison with the cells treated with MPP+ alone. In vivo, we predominantly observed decreased collagen content in the submucosal layer, decreased neuronal density with comparable ganglionic area in the jejunal myenteric plexus, and increased glial S100 expression in both enteric plexuses, yet with no obvious signs of inflammation. Besides, glucose and triglycerides levels were lower after single SAL-treatment (200 mg/kg), and low- to high-density lipoprotein (LDL/HDL) ratio and aspartate to alanine aminotransferases (AST/ALT) ratio levels were higher after continuous SAL-treatment (200 mg/kg in total over 2 weeks). Low doses of SAL were non-toxic and exhibited pronounced neuroprotective properties against MPP+ in SH-SY5Y cell line, which supports the use of SAL as a reference compound for in vitro studies. In vivo results give insight into our understanding of gastrointestinal remodeling following intraperitoneal SAL administration, and might represent morphological correlates of a microglial-related enteric neurodegeneration and dopaminergic dysregulation.

Assessment of biosafety and implantation feasibility of novel phakic refractive lens

PurposeWe investigated the biosafety and implantation feasibility of a new phakic refractive lens (PRL) in rabbit eyes.MethodsShort PRLs (S-PRLs), large PRLs (L-PRLs), and large-grooved PRLs (LG-PRLs), were prepared by molding medical-grade liquid silicon. The cytotoxicity and cellular adhesion of the PRLs was assessed in vitro. To assess implantation feasibility, the S-PRL, L-PRL, and LG-PRL were implanted in the posterior chamber of rabbit eyes and the relative position was assessed by optical coherence tomography. The intraocular pressures (IOP) were compared between the S-PRL, L-PRL, LG-PRL, and control groups to evaluate the PRL biosafety after implantation.ResultsThe in vitro assays showed that cell viability and cellular adhesion in the S-PRL, L-PRL and LG-PRL groups was not significantly different to those in the control group throughout the study. After implantation into the posterior chamber of rabbit eyes, there were no obvious signs of inflammation or increases in IOP at each time point relative to the control group, demonstrating good biosafety of the PRL. The relative positions of the L-PRLs and LG-PRLs in the posterior chamber were appropriate and the retention frequencies were high.ConclusionsThe newly developed LG-PRL showed good biosafety with negligible in vitro cytotoxicity, ocular inflammation, or fluctuations in IOP. The LG-PRL provided the best implantation feasibility. The grooves on the LG-PRL provided channels for aqueous humor circulation. The LG-PRL is a promising type of PRL with an appropriate size and surface structure for effective correction of refractive errors in rabbit eyes.

MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF WOUND PROCESS IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY AND DESTRUCTIVE PERIODONTAL DISEASES IN CASE OF DIABETES MELLITUS

The aim of this study implied comparing the morphology of periodontal tissues in patients with diabetes mellitus following the results of surgical intervention due to inflammatory and destructive periodontal diseases. We used an erbium laser and a standard surgical method. For this, histological samples obtained from 34 patients were examined. The biopsy samples in Group 1 were studied prior to the surgical treatment of inflammatory and destructive periodontal diseases. Group 2 included histological samples of patients following surgeries employing conventional surgical techniques. Group 3 included gum biopsies obtained after surgical interventions performed with the erbium laser. The research outcomes revealed that when performed in patients with diabetes mellitus complicated with diabetic microangiopathy of the gingival mucosa, surgical curettage or a standard surgical operation with a scalpel did not lead to any significant decrease in the chronic inflammatory process. The morphological picture of the gum soft tissues in patients with Type I and II diabetes mellitus, 3 months after the treatment with the erbium laser as a cutting tool, matched the usual structure of the mucous membrane with no obvious signs of inflammation.

Comparative assessments of the biodistribution and toxicity of oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes dispersed with two different reagents after intravenous injection

The present study compared the effects of two commonly-used dispersants, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), on the biodistribution and toxicity of oxidized super-growth single-wall carbon nanotubes (oxSG) injected intravenously into mice over 3 months. About 1–2% of the injected dose (ID) of oxSG dispersed in BSA (oxSG-BSA) was present in the lungs at all time points. By contrast, about 15% of the ID of oxSG dispersed in PEG (oxSG-PEG) was present in the lungs at 1 day (D1), with accumulation decreasing to about 5% of the ID at 90 days (D90). About 70–80% of the IDs of both oxSG-BSA and oxSG-PEG were present in the liver at D1; by D90, about 15% of the IDs were cleared slowly (oxSG-BSA) or rapidly (oxSG-PEG). In the spleen, about 7% of the IDs of both oxSG-BSA and oxSG-PEG were present at all time points. The toxicities of oxSG-BSA and oxSG-PEG were comparable: no obvious signs of inflammation were observed on histological assessments of the lungs, liver, and spleen and on measurements of cytokine activity in blood plasma and tissue lysates. Concentrations of aspartate transaminase slightly increased at some time points in blood plasma, suggesting that oxSG-BSA and oxSG-PEG were slightly hepatoxic. Taken together, these results indicated that the dispersants had limited effect on the biodistribution and toxicity of oxSGs.

Lentiviral Vector-Mediated Expression of Exoenzyme C3 Transferase Lowers Intraocular Pressure in Monkeys.

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is considered a lifelong disease characterized by optic nerve deterioration and visual field damage. Although the disease progression can usually be controlled by lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP), therapeutic effects of current approaches do not last long. Gene therapy could be a promising method for persistent treatment of the disease. Our previous study demonstrated that gene transfer of exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3) to the trabecular meshwork (TM) to inhibit Rho GTPase (Rho), the upstream signal molecule of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), resulted in lowered IOP in normal rodent eyes. In the present study, we show that the lentiviral vector (LV)-mediated C3 expression inactivates RhoA in human TM cells by ADP ribosylation, resulting indisruption of the actin cytoskeleton and altered cell morphology. In addition, intracameral delivery of the C3 vector to monkey eyes leads to persistently lowered IOP without obvious signs of inflammation. This is the first report of using a vector to transduce the TM of an alive non-human primate with a gene that alters cellular machinery and physiology. Our results in non-human primates support that LV-mediated C3 expression in the TM may have therapeutic potential forglaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness in humans.

Cytokines, Antibodies, and Histopathological Profiles during Giardia Infection and Variant-Specific Surface Protein-Based Vaccination.

Giardiasis is one of the most common human intestinal diseases worldwide. Several experimental animal models have been used to evaluate Giardia infections, with gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) being the most valuable model due to their high susceptibility to Giardia infection, abundant shedding of cysts, and pathophysiological alterations and signs of disease similar to those observed in humans. Here, we report cytokine and antibody profiles both during the course of Giardia infection in gerbils and after immunization with a novel oral vaccine comprising a mixture of purified variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs). Transcript levels of representative cytokines of different immune profiles as well as macro- and microtissue alterations were assessed in Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleens. During infection, cytokine responses showed a biphasic profile: an early induction of Th1 (gamma interferon [IFN-γ], interleukin-1β [IL-1β], IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]), Th17 (IL-17), and Th2 (IL-4) cytokines, together with intestinal alterations typical of inflammation, followed by a shift toward a predominant Th2 (IL-5) response, likely associated with a counterregulatory mechanism. Conversely, immunization with an oral vaccine comprising the entire repertoire of VSPs specifically showed high levels of IL-17, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-5, without obvious signs of inflammation. Both immunized and infected animals developed local (intestinal secretory IgA [S-IgA]) and systemic (serum IgG) humoral immune responses against VSPs; however, only infected animals showed evident signs of giardiasis. This is the first comprehensive report of cytokine expression and anti-Giardia antibody production during infection and VSP vaccination in gerbils, a reliable model of the human disease.

Immunosuppression for uveal effusion syndrome – a report of two cases

PurposeUveal effusion syndrome (UES) is a rare inflammatory disease characterised by massive choroidal detachment due to accumulation of fluid in the suprachoroidal space. There may also be an associated exudative retinal detachment (ERD). The cause of UES is not known but can be primary due to connective tissue disease (1) or secondary to inflammatory disease. We report two cases of secondary UES cases which were refractory to treatment and discuss further management.MethodsA case series of two patients presenting to a hospital in United Kingdom with ocular symptoms secondary to UES.ResultsCase 1 presented with reduced vision and photopsia in one eye without obvious signs of inflammation while case 2 presented with a painful red eye associated with epiphora and increased intraocular pressure. Large uveal effusions and ERD were clinically apparent on fundoscopy in both patients and an inflammatory etiology was presumed. Both patients suffered a severe relapsing course requiring repeated adjustments to their immunosuppressive therapies ‐ several pulses of intravenous methylprednisolone for exacerbations of the disease plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (case 1) and azathioprine (case 2). Failure to respond required a cycle of cyclophosphamide (pulse 15 mg/kg/infusion) which settled the disease in case 2. However, case 1 failed to respond and is treated with 8‐weekly course of Remsima infusions (anti‐TNFa, 5 mg/kg/infusion) which led to essentially complete resolution of the effusion while maintaining patient's vision.ConclusionsUES is a rare condition which is difficult to manage. In cases of secondary inflammatory UES a range of immunosuppressants may be required to achieve resolution of the disease.1. Forrester et.al (1990) The uveal effusion syndrome and trans‐scleral flow. Eye 4: 354‐65.

Nylon, fbrin glue and Vicryl®– the graft fxation techniques in the conjunctival autotransplant for the treatment of primary pterygium

Abstract Objective: to compare nylon, fibrin glue and Vicryl® in the conjunctival autograft for treatment of primary pterygium. Methods: Prospective study approved by the Ethics Committee following the Declaration of Helsinki. 89 eyes were underwent pterygium excision and conjunctival autograft. They were grouped according to the technique: fibrin glue, nylon 10-0 and 8-0 Vicryl® and followed up for 3 months. Surgical Time, intra and postoperative symptoms, biomicroscopic signs, ocular discomfort ( by Visual Analogue Scale), aesthetic appearance and recurrences (day 21, 90 and 3 years) were evaluated. Results: The operative time was shorter with the fibrin glue (p<0.001). As to intraoperative symptomatology, burning sensation predominated with Vicryl® (p=0,012). The postoperative symptoms and signs: on day 1- secretion with fibrin glue (p=0.02), foreign body sensation (p=0.017) and subconjunctival hemorrhage (p=0.022) with Vycril®; on day 7- chemosis (p=0.035), hyperemia (p<0.001) and eyelid edema (p=0.011) with Vicryl®; on day 21-foreign body sensation (p=0.001) and conjunctival hyperemia (p<0.001) with nylon; on day 90- dry eye (p=0.005) with Vicryl®. Ocular discomfort was greater with Vycril® (p=0.015) on day 7. Final aesthetic appearance was superior with fibrin glue (p=0.003). The recurrences was greater on day 90: 20,7%(nylon), 10%(fibrin glue) and 19%(Vicryl®) (p=0.496) and after 3 years: 4.8% in NG, 0% in FGG, and 5.3% in VG (p=0.536). Conclusion: Fibrin glue showed efficacy, rapidity, less postoperative discomfort and better final aesthetic appearance. Vicryl® showed significant intraoperative and early postoperative symptoms and obvious signs of inflammation, beside ocular discomfort on day 7. Nylon caused more foreign body sensation and conjunctival hyperemia until its removal. The signs of recurrence were similar among the groups.

The onset of rheumatoid arthritis following trauma.

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known to have many predisposing factors.ObjectiveWe studied individuals whose RA was initiated by physical injuries.Patients and methodsSixty patients (43 females), previously well, developed RA following trauma. No other known environmental or familial influences were present. Fourteen sustained a fracture; of the 46 who did not, 36 sustained multiple injuries that in part involved the axial skeleton. Subsequent unremitting daily pain, stiffness, limited motion, pain on motion, and/or swelling in the injured areas were mandatory for inclusion.ResultsNine months after injuries (span: 2 weeks–36 months), more obvious signs of inflammation (IM) appeared in multiple other joints that were previously not affected by the original trauma. In those with laboratory tests done prior to the spread of IM (30/60), 22 (73%) were normal until an average 8 months after the spread of IM. Of the entire cohort of 60, only 23% had a positive rheumatoid factor, but 43% had a positive antinuclear antibody.ConclusionIt seems apparent that any severe trauma to a joint may precipitate an ongoing localized chronic inflammatory disorder for an indefinite period of time, which may then lead to the spread of IM to multiple other joints. The initiation of RA following trauma warrants consideration as a legitimate entity.

Ultrathin Polyimide Membrane as Cell Carrier for Subretinal Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium.

In this study, we investigated the suitability of ultrathin and porous polyimide (PI) membrane as a carrier for subretinal transplantation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) -derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in rabbits. The in vivo effects of hESC-RPE cells were analyzed by subretinal suspension injection into Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats. Rat eyes were analyzed with electroretinography (ERG) and histology. After analyzing the surface and permeability properties of PI, subretinal PI membrane transplantations with and without hESC-RPE were performed in rabbits. The rabbits were followed for three months and eyes analyzed with fundus photography, ERG, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histology. Animals were immunosuppressed with cyclosporine the entire follow-up time. In dystrophic RCS rats, ERG and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness showed some rescue after hESC-RPE injection. Cells positive for human antigen were found in clusters under the retina 41 days post-injection but not anymore after 105 days. In rabbits, OCT showed good placement of the PI. However, there was loss of pigmentation on the hESC-RPE-PI over time. In the eyes with PI alone, no obvious signs of inflammation or retinal atrophy were observed. In the presence of hESC-RPE, mononuclear cell infiltration and retinal atrophy were observed around the membranes. The porous ultrathin PI membrane was well-tolerated in the subretinal space and is a promising scaffold for RPE transplantation. However, the rejection of the transplanted cells seems to be a major problem and the given immunosuppression was insufficient for reduction of xenograft induced inflammation.

FRI0030 Cxcl4 and CXCL7 Expression on Macrophages: A Potential Predictor of Disease Outcome in Patients Presenting with Early Synovitis?

BackgroundWithin the context of a comprehensive study of the pathology of the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) we compared cytokine mRNA expression in the synovium of patients with early...

1.66 CXCL4 and CXCL7 expression on macrophages: a potential predictor of disease outcome in patients presenting with early synovitis?

Background and ObjectivesWithin the context of a comprehensive study of the pathology of the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) we compared cytokine mRNA expression in the synovium of patients...

Reply to Kaye and Sobel

To the Editor—In their letter [1], Kaye and Sobel express concern regarding the model described in our recent review [2] in which we suggest that recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) may in part be attributable to the ability of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) to invade and persist within the bladder epithelium. This idea is based on results from numerous studies dating back to 1998 that used bladder cell cultures and mouse models of UTI [3]. In mice, persistent bacterial populations within the bladder are often intracellular, as assessed by gentamicin protection assays and microscopy, and unfazed by antibiotic treatments that effectively sterilize the urine. Ongoing studies in our lab and published work using mice indicate that these intracellular bacteria can reemerge sporadically and grow to high titers within the bladder lumen days to weeks after the cessation of antibiotic treatments (eg, [4–6]). The statement in our review that UPEC can persist intracellularly within the bladders of mice “without any overt clinical symptoms” was not the best choice of words and was perhaps too anthropomorphic [2]. We simply meant that mice could harbor intracellular UPEC reservoirs without displaying any obvious signs of inflammation and in the absence of any detectable bacteria within the urine. Epidemiological studies support the possibility that intracellular bacterial reservoirs within the urinary tract are responsible for many recurrent UTIs in women, but these data may also be explained by the persistence of UPEC reservoirs within local environments outside of the urinary tract (discussed in [7]). Ex vivo assays show that UPEC can invade human urothelial cells in tissue explants from volunteers, and the analysis of shed human urothelial cells collected from the urine of women with UTI symptoms indicates the presence of intracellular E. coli [8, 9]. Together, these sorts of observations suggest that intracellular UPEC reservoirs are likely more than a mouse-specific laboratory phenomenon. However, Kaye and Sobel are correct in noting that the ability of UPEC to persist long-term intracellularly within the human urinary tract has not been established. Determining if intracellular UPEC reservoirs contribute to recurrent UTIs within the human population is a daunting task, plagued by issues of tissue procurement and contamination, possible reinoculation of the bladder by UPEC from niches outside of the urinary tract, and limited means to accurately detect small numbers of bacteria within a relatively enormous tissue. Ultimately, defining the relevance of intracellular UPEC reservoirs to the etiology of recurrent UTIs may only come to light with the development of approaches that can eradicate the reservoirs. We of course agree with Kaye and Sobel that it is premature to alter treatment protocols for recurrent or chronic UTIs outside of controlled clinical investigations based solely on results from mice, but we also feel that it is important to consider alternate rational explanations for recalcitrant UTIs, whether or not they gibe with the traditional view that UPEC act as strictly extracellular pathogens.

A novel in vivo model for evaluating functional restoration of a tissue-engineered salivary gland

To create a novel model for development of a tissue-engineered salivary gland from human salivary gland cells that retains progenitor cell markers useful for treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia. A three-dimensional (3D) hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel scaffold was used to encapsulate primary human salivary gland cells and to obtain organized acini-like spheroids. Hydrogels were implanted into rat models, and cell viability and receptor expression were evaluated. A parotid gland surgical resection model for xenografting was developed. Salivary cells loaded in HA hydrogels formed spheroids and in vitro were implanted in the three-fourths resected parotid bed of athymic rats. Implants were removed after 1 week and analyzed for spheroid viability and phenotype retention. Spheroids in 3D stained positive for HA receptors CD168/RHAMM and CD44, which is also a progenitor cell marker. The parotid gland three-fourths resection model was well-tolerated by rodent hosts, and the salivary cell/hydrogel scaffolds were adherent to the remaining parotid gland, with no obvious signs of inflammation. A majority of human cells in the extracted hydrogels demonstrated robust expression of CD44. A 3D HA-based hydrogel scaffold that supported long-term culture of salivary gland cells into organized spheroids was established. An in vivo salivary gland resection model was developed that allowed for integration of the 3D HA hydrogel scaffold with the existing glandular parenchyma. The expression of CD44 among salivary cultures may partially explain their regenerative potential, and the expression of CD168/RHAMM along with CD44 may aid the development of these 3D spheroids into regenerated salivary glands. NA.

Novel concepts in nontypeableHaemophilus influenzaebiofilm formation

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a Gram-negative microbe that frequently colonizes the human host without obvious signs of inflammation, but is also a frequent cause of otitis media in children and exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Accumulating data suggest that NTHi can reside in biofilms during both colonization and infection. Recent literature proposes roles for phosphorylcholine, sialic acid, bacterial DNA, but also eukaryotic DNA in the development of NTHi biofilms. However, many questions remain. Until now, there are insufficient data to explain how NTHi forms biofilms. Here, we review the recent advances in NTHi biofilm formation with particular focus on the role that neutrophils may play in this process. We propose that recruitment of neutrophils facilitates NTHi biofilm formation on mucosal sites by the initiation of neutrophil extracellular traps.

Increased homocysteinemia is associated with beneficial effects on body weight after long-term high-protein, low-fat diet in rats

ObjectiveDiets rich in protein are often used for weight loss in obese patients, but their long-term effects are not fully understood. Homocysteine (Hcy) is considered to be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and its levels are influenced by diet, particularly the protein and fat content. We studied the effect of diets with varying fat/protein content on body weight and composition, food intake, Hcy, B vitamins, leptin, and several pro-inflammatory cytokines. MethodsFor 2 mo, Long-Evans rats were fed either a low protein/high fat (LP), a standard control (C), or a high protein/low fat (HP) diet containing 5, 15, or 40% protein, respectively, and normal carbohydrate content (55% of total energy). ResultsThe HP rats ingested 12 to 15% fewer calories (P < 0.001), gained less weight (P < 0.04), and were less fatty (P < 0.01) than the other groups. Plasma Hcy was increased in HP rats compared to C (+23%) and LP (+29%) rats (P < 0.03). It was positively correlated with protein intake (r = 0.386; P < 0.01). No obvious signs of inflammation were observed in any of the groups. Hcy increase was related directly to decrease in plasma folate (r = −0.372; P < 0.02). ConclusionThese data confirm the beneficial effects of HP diets on body weight but bring attention to the control of folate allowance to limit the adverse effects of elevated Hcy. Ingestion of folate-rich foods or even folate supplementation should be considered when using these HP diets over the long term for weight loss.

Avian Malaria Deaths in Parrots, Europe

Avian Malaria Deaths in Parrots, Europe

Total dependence of the cerebral circulation on the right vertebral artery in Takayasu's disease—A case report

A twenty-four-year-old woman with Takayasu's disease was admitted in June 1992 to the hospital because of amaurosis fugax. There were neither a history of stroke nor other neurologic signs. For a long time the patient had suffered from extreme fatigue and claudication of the upper limbs. In 1988 arteriography revealed total occlusion of both subclavian arteries and a severe filiform stenosis of the left common carotid artery. The disease appeared to be stable between 1988 and 1992 without obvious signs of inflammation. At present arteriography additionally reveals total occlusion of both common carotid arteries and the left vertebral artery. Only the right vertebral artery is patent, although presenting clear stenosis at its origin. A computed tomographic scan of the brain appears normal.