Reductions In Hb Research Articles

Desensitizing efficacy of a universal dentin adhesive containing mesoporous bioactive glass on dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized clinical trial with a split-mouth model

This split-mouth blinded randomized controlled study compared the efficacy of a desensitizing agent with oxalate/resin polymer and a universal adhesive containing mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) for dentin hypersensitivity (DH) relief, using Schiff sensitivity score (SSS) and visual analog scale (VAS). Split quadrants containing teeth with DH were treated with either MS Coat ONE or Hi-Bond Universal with MBG as the functional additive. Assessments at baseline, immediately post-application, and at 1- and 2-week follow-ups used standardized stimulus protocols (air, cold, and acid). The SSS difference was the primary outcome, while the VAS difference was the secondary outcome. A mixed linear effect model performed statistical analysis. Immediate DH reduction occurred in response to air stimuli, with a significant decrease in Group HB than in Group MS (p = 0.0178). Cold stimulus reduction exhibited a gradual cumulative effect, with consistently greater reductions in Group HB than in Group MS (p ≤ 0.0377). Both groups effectively managed acidic stimuli, with no significant differences (p > 0.05). The VAS scores decreased gradually over the follow-up period (p < 0.0001). This study highlights the differential efficacy of treatments for various DH triggers and recommends specific approaches based on different stimulus types. The universal adhesive containing MBG demonstrated DH relief potential, promising efficacy identical to or superior to that of a dedicated desensitizing agent. Further research exploring the long-term efficacy and underlying mechanisms is warranted. The universal adhesive containing MBG can be adopted as an in-office desensitizing agent for DH relief. The desensitizing efficacy of universal adhesive matches or surpasses dedicated agents for air and cold stimuli.

Effects of Rauwolfa vomitoria (Akata) and Olax subscorpioidea (Asaja) Roots on Hematology of Chicken Type II Collagen-Freund’s Adjuvant-induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in Albino Rats

This study evaluated the effects of ethanol and aqueous root extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria and Olax subscorpioidea on Chicken type II collagen in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-induced arthritis in albino rats. A total of 225 albino rats, weighing between 120-200 g, were used and divided into 15 groups of 15 rats each. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) was induced by administering 0.1 ml of Chicken type II-Complete Freund’s Adjuvant into the left hind paw. The study duration was 32 days, during which the arthritic rats were treated with Rauwolfia vomitoria and Olax subscorpioidea root extracts at doses of 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg/kg body weight. The sub-lethal toxicity study revealed significant increases (P&lt;0.05) in WBC, platelet, and differential counts, along with significant reductions (P&lt;0.05) in RBC count, PCV, and HB in the adjuvant induced arthritic rats compared to the negative control group. However, treatment with the plant extracts (groups 4-15) significantly reversed these trends towards normal levels compared to the untreated arthritis group (group 2) within the 32-day period. The ameliorative effects of the extracts were both time- and dose dependent (P&lt;0.05). This study concludes that the ethanol and aqueous root extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria and Olax subscorpioidea effectively ameliorate arthritis symptoms in albino rats, potentially due to the presence of active chemical constituents. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic use of these plant extracts in managing arthritis.

Ameliorative effect of Tinospora cordifolia stem aqueous extract on Hematological parameters of wistar rat against HgCl2 induced toxicity

Blood is crucial for the human body's health and survival. It carries out a variety of functions, including as delivering nutrients and oxygen. RBCs, WBCs, plasma, and platelets are the blood's major four constituents. It serves as a pathological sign for the condition of animals under different situations and toxicant exposure. This work aimed to explore the in vivo therapeutic mechanism of Tinospora cordifolia aqueous extracts against the haematotoxic effects of HgCl2. Ameliorative effect of T.cordifolia aqueous extract was evaluated in two groups of rats, including a treated group and a control group. The treated group was divided into following subgroups, I: HgCl2 treated, subgroup II: HgCl2 + T. cordifolia treated, subgroup III: T. cordifolia treated. These treated subgroups were further divided into 5 set of rats, one for acute (1d), three for sub-acute (7, 14 and 28ds), and one for sub-chronic (60 ds) study. The controls were run simultaneously. Male Wistar rats were given aqueous extracts of T. cordifolia (400 mg/kg body weight, orally, once daily) along with HgCl2 treatments. Dose of HgCl2 administered to animals after calculation of LD50 (25 mg/kg body weight). Animals used in acute, sub-acute, and sub-chronic studies of mercuric chloride received 1/10, 1/50, and 1/100 of the calculated LD50. This corresponds to 2.5, 0.5 and 0.25 mg/kg respectively. In mercury-treated mice, significant reductions in WBC, RBC, Hb, PCV and platelet count were also observed. These HgCl2-related effects were circumvented by regular intake of T. cordifolia aqueous extract. These results show that T. cordifolia protects against HgCl2 poisoning.

Clinical and hemato-biochemical profiles of dogs diagnosed of natural trypanosomosis at university of Nigeria Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Nsukka

Hematological and serum biochemical profiles of animals are reflections of physiological disposition to their health status and production potentials. Findings in experimental studies on trypanosomosis may not translate directly to the expected findings in natural infections because of the effect of some variables like species and infecting dose of the parasite, nutritional status of the animal, concurrent infections, and stage of the trypanosomosis at the time of presentation to the clinic. Trypanosoma brucei and T. congolense infections in dogs have grave prognosis especially if the cases are not detected at their early stages. Clinical presentation, survivability of dogs treated with Diminazene aceturate as well as haematological and serum biochemical aberrations caused by natural infections with different Trypanosoma species were investigated with the view to identifying a variable or factor that could be used for prognostic evaluation in the treated dogs. Telephone numbers of the clients for dogs diagnosed with and treated against natural trypanosomes infections were collected and used to monitor the therapeutic outcomes. The clinical signs observed suggestive of late stage trypanosomosis were matched with the revelations from the case history. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) reductions in PCV, HB, absolute neutrophil, and significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in monocytes count, serum urea, and creatinine were recorded in trypanosome infected dogs. Inability of clients to note the early clinical signs of infections with trypanosomes could have contributed to the low survival rate of the trypanosome-infected dogs even when treated.

Relationship between distance of referring facilities and haemoglobin change in children in Malawi

ABSTRACT Background Anaemia is a significant cause of mortality in children in sub-Saharan Africa where blood transfusion is often available only at referral hospitals. Understanding the pattern of referrals by health facilities is essential to identify the delays that affect child survival. Aim To determine if there was a correlation between change in haemoglobin (Hb) level and distance from referring facilities to Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Malawi, and whether distance affected mortality rates. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 2259 children referred to KCH whose Hb was measured at the referring facility or at KCH. Maps were created using ArcGIS® software. The relationship between distance from KCH and change in Hb was assessed by χ2 analysis and multiple linear regression with SAS© software. Results The majority of children were referred by health facilities in the Lilongwe District. When categorised as Hb <4, 4–6 or >6 g/dL, 87.0% of children remained in the same category during transfer. There was no significant relationship between Hb drop and distance from KCH. Distance from KCH was not a significant predictor of Hb level at KCH or Hb change. However, mortality rates were significantly higher in facilities that were 10–50 km from KCH than in those which were <10 km away. Conclusions Using distance as a proxy for time, this suggests that referring facilities are transferring children sufficiently quickly to avert significant reductions in Hb. Despite this, there is a need to identify the factors that influence the decision to transfer anaemic children.

Optimization of Dose Regimen for ALXN1210, a Novel Complement C5 Inhibitor, in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): Results of 2 Phase 1/2 Studies

Optimization of Dose Regimen for ALXN1210, a Novel Complement C5 Inhibitor, in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): Results of 2 Phase 1/2 Studies

Maternal Thyroid Dysfunction and Gestational Anemia Risk: Meta-Analysis and New Data.

Background: Previous studies indicate the effects of thyroid dysfunction on adverse obstetric outcomes and fetal neurodevelopment, of which the results on gestational anemia are controversial. Here, we evaluated the influence of thyroid dysfunction on gestational anemia via published epidemiological articles and a new prospective study conducted by our team, respectively.Methods: We searched studies on the PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases as of November 2019, and conducted a prospective study in which participants underwent thyroid function and blood routine testing throughout pregnancy.Results: The meta-analysis showed that pregnancies with overt hypothyroidism [OH; odds ratio (OR) = 3.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.95–7.15] or that were thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb)-positive (OR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.19–3.26) had increased anemia risk, but similar results were not found in pregnancies with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and hyperthyroidism. In the prospective study from our new data, the hypothyroid group had significant reductions in hemoglobin (Hb) (P = 0.048) and increased anemia risk (OR = 6.384, 95%CI: 2.498–16.311) during the second half of pregnancy. From the first to second half of pregnancy, the longitudinal reductions in Hb, erythrocyte (RBC), and hematocrit (Hct) levels were significantly increased in hypothyroid group.Conclusions: Our meta-analysis indicates that untreated OH or TPOAb-positive pregnant women have increased risk of anemia. In addition, our new data showed that treated hypothyroidism is also a risk factor for anemia in the second half of pregnancy rather than in the first half. The results may guide strengthening of Hb monitoring in pregnancies with thyroid dysfunction.

The Impact of Lowering Haemoglobin Targets on Patterns of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent Use in Patients on Haemodialysis

Background/Aims: Haemoglobin (Hb) targets have been reduced in patients receiving haemodialysis (HD). We have investigated the impact of new guidance on current practices and costs. Methods: Anaemia management in all patients undergoing thrice-weekly HD was retrospectively reviewed. Hb targets were compared against Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes 2012 recommendations. The impact of new guidance was assessed by comparing anaemia parameters pre- and post-guideline publication. Results: Two hundred and ninety two patients, with a mean age of 64 years were included. The Hb target range was achieved in 44% patients and was above target in 51%. In a sub-group of 230 patients, the mean Hb did not differ during Q4-2011 and Q4-2012. A reduction in erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) use was observed. ESA efficiency (Hb/ESA) increased in the later period (6.08 vs. 6.41 g/l/μg) and was associated with a 3% cost reduction. Conclusion: Introduction of guidelines lowering Hb targets in HD patients led to more efficient ESA usage and cost-savings. Anaemia treatment, however, remains unnecessarily aggressive in some patients. Further reductions in Hb and ESA dose are achievable.

Risks of Hemolysis in Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficient Infants Exposed to Chlorproguanil-Dapsone, Mefloquine and Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine as Part of Intermittent Presumptive Treatment of Malaria in Infants.

BackgroundChlorproguanil-dapsone (CD) has been linked to hemolysis in symptomatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient (G6PDd) children. Few studies have explored the effects of G6PD status on hemolysis in children treated with Intermittent Preventive Treatment in infants (IPTi) antimalarial regimens. We sought to examine the joint effects of G6PD status and IPTi antimalarial treatment on incidence of hemolysis in asymptomatic children treated with CD, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), and mefloquine (MQ).MethodsA secondary analysis of data from a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of IPTi was conducted. Hemoglobin (Hb) measurements were made at IPTi doses, regular follow-up and emergency visits. G6PD genotype was determined at 9 months looking for SNPs for the A- genotype at coding position 202. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to examine hemolysis among children with valid G6PD genotyping results. Hemolysis was defined as the absolute change in Hb or as any post-dose Hb <8 g/dL. These outcomes were assessed using either a single follow-up Hb on day 7 after an IPTi dose or Hb obtained 1 to 14 or 28 days after each IPTi dose.FindingsRelative to placebo, CD reduced Hb by approximately 0.5 g/dL at day 7 and within 14 days of an IPTi dose, and by 0.2 g/dL within 28 days. Adjusted declines in the CD group were larger than in the MQ and SP groups. At day 7, homo-/hemizygous genotype was associated with higher odds of Hb <8 g/dL (adjusted odds ratio = 6.7, 95% CI 1.7 to 27.0) and greater absolute reductions in Hb (-0.6 g/dL, 95% CI -1.1 to 0.003). There was no evidence to suggest increased reductions in Hb among homo-/hemizygous children treated with CD compared to placebo, SP or MQ.ConclusionsWhile treatment with CD demonstrated greater reductions in Hb at 7 and 14 days after an IPTi dose compared to both SP and MQ, there was no evidence that G6PD deficiency exacerbated the adverse effects of CD, despite evidence for higher hemolysis risk among G6PDd infants.

Correction of Poikylocytosis and Blood Biochemical Indicators in Acute Blood Loss

Objective: to provide a rationale for the use of perfluorane to correct erythrocyte morphological changes and blood biochemical indicators in acute blood loss. Material and methods. Experiments were carried out in outbred male rats weighing 250—300 g under nembutal anesthesia. Blood loss was induced by arterial blood exfusion until blood pressure (BP) reached 40 mm Hg, following which this BP level was maintained for 60 minutes. Then the amount of blood withdrawn was reinfused. Perfluorane was injected intraarterially at a dose of 3 ml/kg 45 min before the start of blood loss. On the following day arterial and venous blood samples were harvested. The values of metabolic parameters (acid-base balance (ABB), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and blood biochemistry), the morphological characteristics of erythrocytes (the size of discocytes and the percentage of stomatocytes and echinocytes), and the levels of reticulocytes in peripheral blood were studied. Results. Perfluorane exerted a normalizing effect on the values of blood ABB. Twenty-four hours after blood loss and reinfusion, Group 1 (a non-perfluorane group; n=8) showed reductions in Hb, PCV, and serum iron as compared to Group 3 (intact animals; n=12). In Group 2 (a perfluorane group; n=10), these indicators were decreased to a lesser extent. In these time periods, hypercholesterolemia was less marked in Group 2 than in Group 1. In Group 2, the mean diameter of a discocyte was larger than that in the animals of the two other groups. Group 1 displayed as high as 32% increases in the count of echinocytes with their virtually complete absence in the intact animals. At the same time, the levels of echinocytes in Group 2 animals were similar to those in the intact animals. As compared to Group 3, Group 1 exhibited a 4.5-fold drop in the percentage of reticulocytes (р≤0.05) while Group 2 showed a 2.2-fold rise in this indicator (р≤0.05). Conclusion. The injection of perfluorane at a dose of 3 ml/kg body weight 45 min prior to blood loss causes an increase in the values of Hb, PCV, and serum iron and a reduction in total cholesterol. The administration of perfluorane

Effect of Aspirin on Sperm Specification and Some Hematological Parameters in Male Albino White Rat

Thirty male albino rats were divided into three groups, the first group was given aspirin at a dose of 25 mg / kg orally and twice a day, the second group dosage was 125 mg / kg at the same way, the third set group which considered as control was treated with physiological saline, each group took 0.5 ml amount. The period of experience took four weeks at the end of the experience, in the day 29the animals were anesthetized and eradicated the epididym is and calculated the total number of sperm and percentages of viable and dead sperm as well as the percentages of motile and non-motile sperm, the blood was taken for hematological tests, results confirmed the existence of a decreased significant value (P&lt;0.01) in the total number of sperm of the 2nd group compared with control group and the decline value was less significant (p&lt;0.05) in the first group compared with control group. In addition a significant value (P&lt;0.01) increased in the percentage of dead sperm and non-motile sperm, also a significant value (p &lt;0.01) decreased in the percentage of viable sperm and motile sperm, while the results proved the existence of a significant value (p&lt;0.05) reductions in PCV, Hb, TWBC and monocyte values compared with control group. effect of aspirin on the male reproductive system may be due to being a Prostaglandins inhibitor, and These findings probably indicate that aspirin have deleterious effect on the blood chemistry of male albino rats.

Effect of cement dust on reproductive performance and some physiological parameters in albino rats

A total of 30 Albino rats of 12 weeks of age were sourced from Altran Farm in Nsukka and acclimatized for 3 weeks. Five males and five females were exposed to cement dust for 3 months at the Eastern Blocks and Concrete Industries Limited, Nsukka, Nigeria. Ten males and ten females were kept in an environment free from cement dust but within the same climatic zone and were the unexposed. The effect of cement dust was then determined on reproductive performance and some physiological parameters of the rats. The uterus of the exposed females showed significant decrease (p < 0.05) in weight (2.19 ± 0.05) when compared to that of the unexposed females (4.09 ± 0.55). The mean epididymal sperm reserve of the exposed males (12.25 ± 2.17) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) when compared to that of the control group (18.46 ± 0.325). The mean testicular weight of the exposed males (1.03 ± 0.09) was significantly reduced when compared to the control (1.42 ± 0.026). The mean fetal weight and crown rump length of the offsprings from the exposed females (4.07 ± 0.17, 3.12 ± 0.09, respectively) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) when compared to those of the offsprings from the unexposed females (5.64 ± 0.10, 5.36 ± 0.17, respectively). The mean number of offsprings from exposed males (6.00 ± 0.45) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) when compared to that from unexposed males (9.80 ± 0.37). The hematological evaluation showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in mean PCV, HB, RBC, and WBC of the exposed rats (27.50 ± 2.20, 8.31 ± 0.61, 3.61 ± 0.82, 4.70 ± 0.63, respectively) when compared to the unexposed (43.17 ± 3.52, 14.1 ± 0.72, 7.21 ± 0.45, 8.48 ± 0.86, respectively). The results of serum enzyme levels (AST, ALP, and ALT) of the exposed rats (87.12 ± 3.42, 93.87 ± 14.18, 45.06 ± 5.25, respectively) were significantly increased (p < 0.05) when compared to the unexposed rats (56.98 ± 8.38, 24.71 ± 2.11, 25.72 ± 2.96, respectively).

Fetal Red Blood Cell Parameters in Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies

Introduction: With the lack of fetal blood specimens in routine practice, little is known about red blood cell (RBC) parameters of fetuses with various thalassemia syndromes. This study aimed to describe these in various forms of thalassemia. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 93 fetal blood specimens obtained from pregnant women by cordocentesis during 18-24 weeks of gestation. RBC parameters were recorded on automated analyzer. Hemoglobin (Hb) and DNA analyses were performed for definite genotyping. Results: No significant difference in RBC parameters was observed between non-thalassemic fetuses and those with β-thalassemia trait, Hb E trait, homozygous Hb E and β-thalassemia/Hb E disease. However, in those with α⁰-thalassemia trait and double heterozygous α⁰-thalassemia/Hb E, slight reduction in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was noted. Fetuses with the Hb H disease showed significant reductions in Hb, MCV and mean corpuscular Hb (MCH). Marked reductions in Hb, hematocrit, MCH and mean cell Hb concentration and increased RBC distribution width with numerous nucleated RBC were clearly observed in Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis. Conclusion: Simple analysis of fetal RBC parameters is useful for making presumptive prenatal diagnosis of α-thalassemia syndromes including Hb H disease and Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis which can then be confirmed by Hb and DNA analyses.

Group differences in anterior hippocampal volume and in the retrieval of spatial and temporal context memory in healthy young versus older adults

The ability to retrieve temporal and spatial context information from memory declines with healthy aging. The hippocampus (HC) has been shown to be associated with successful encoding and retrieval of spatio-temporal context, versus item recognition information (Davachi, Mitchell, & Wagner, 2003; Nadel, Samsonovich, Ryan, & Moscovitch, 2000; Ross & Slotnick, 2008). Aging has been linked to volume reduction in the HC (Bouchard, Malykhin, Martin, Hanstock, Emery, Fisher, & Camicioli, 2008; Malykhin, Bouchard, Camicioli, & Coupland, 2008; Raz et al., 2005). As such, age-associated reductions in anterior HC volume may contribute to the context memory deficits observed in older adults. In the current MRI study we investigated whether item recognition, spatial context and temporal context memory performance would be predicted by regional volumes in HC head (HH), body (HB) and tail (HT) volumes, using within group multiple regression analyses in a sample of 19 healthy young (mean age 24.3) and 20 older adults (mean age 67.7). We further examined between age-group differences in the volumes of the same HC sub-regions. Multiple regression analyses revealed that in younger adults both spatial and temporal context retrieval performance was predicted by anterior HC volume. Older age was associated with significant volume reductions in HH and HB, but not HT; and with reduced ability to retrieve spatial and temporal contextual details from episodic memory. However, HC volumes did not predict context retrieval performance in older adults. We conclude that individual differences in anterior, not posterior, HC volumes predict context memory performance in young adults. With age there may be a posterior-to-anterior shift from using HC-related processes, due to HC volume loss, to employing the prefrontal cortex to aid in the performance of cognitively demanding context memory tasks. However, due to concomitant changes in the prefrontal system with age, there are limits to compensation in the aging brain.

A Population-Based Study of Hemoglobin, Race, and Mortality in Elderly Persons

Anemia is associated with increased mortality risk. The impact of mildly low hemoglobin concentration (Hb) on risk for mortality remains unclear, especially among blacks. We examined the racial differences between Hb and mortality. This was a population-based study conducted from 1993 through 2006, in a geographically defined community of Chicago, Illinois. A stratified, random sample of 1806 participants 65 years old or older and 50% black, who were participating in the Chicago Health Aging Project and underwent clinical evaluation. Mortality was ascertained using the National Death Index. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the independent relation of Hb to mortality risk. The proportion of participants with anemia by World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (Hb < 13.0 g/dL for men and < 12.0 g/dL for women) was 39% among blacks, and 17% among whites. Blacks had lower mean Hb (12.6 +/- 1.5 g/dL) than did whites (13.5 +/- 1.5 g/dL). In multivariable analysis, anemia was associated with increased mortality risk in blacks (hazard ratio [HR], 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43-2.53) and in whites (HR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.32-2.59). Among blacks, Hb 0-0.9 g/dL below the anemia threshold is associated with increased mortality risk compared to Hb 0-0.9 g/dL above the anemia cutoff (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.21-2.79), Hb 1.1-2.0 g/dL above the anemia cutoff (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.88-2.05) and Hb 2.1-3.0 g/dL above the anemia cutoff (HR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.12-4.47). The terms for interaction between black ethnicity/race and anemia suggested that blacks did not have a statistically significant difference in mortality risk compared to whites. Subgroup analyses of interaction terms suggested that Hb 0.1-1.0 g/dL above anemia cutoff group, blacks may have lower mortality risk compared to whites in the mildly low normal ranges of Hb (p =.02). Both anemia by WHO criteria and mild reductions in Hb were related to increased risk of mortality in older blacks and whites.

The haemotoxicity of mitomycin in a repeat dose study in the female CD-1 mouse.

Mitomycin (MMC), like many antineoplastic drugs, induces a predictable, dose-related, bone marrow depression in man and laboratory animals; this change is generally reversible. However, there is evidence that MMC may also cause a late-stage or residual bone marrow injury. The present study in female CD-1 mice investigated the haematological and bone marrow changes induced by MMC in a repeat dose study lasting 50 days. Control and MMC-treated mice were dosed intraperitoneally on eight occasions over 18 days with vehicle, or MMC at 2.5 mg/kg, autopsied (n = 6-12) at 1, 7, 14, 28, 42 and 50 days after the final dose and haematological changes investigated. Femoral nucleated bone marrow cell counts and levels of apoptosis were also evaluated and clonogenic assays carried out; serum levels of FLT3 ligand (FL) were assessed. At day 1 post-dosing, MMC induced significant reductions in RBC, Hb and haematocrit (HCT) values, and there were decreases in reticulocyte, platelet, and femoral nucleated cell counts (FNCC); neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte values were also significantly reduced. On days 7 and 14 post-dosing, all haematological parameters showed evidence of a return towards normal values, but at these times, and at day 28, values for RBC and FNCC remained significantly reduced in comparison with controls. At days 42 and 50 post-dosing, many haematological parameters in MMC-treated mice had returned to control levels; however, there remained evidence of late-stage effects on RBC, Hb and HCT values, and FNCC also continued to be significantly decreased. Results for granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units and erythroid colonies showed a profound decrease immediately post-dosing, but a return to normal values was evident at day 50. Serum FL concentrations demonstrated very significant increases in the immediate post-dosing period, but a return to normal was seen at day 50 post-dosing; a relatively similar pattern was seen in the number of apoptotic femoral marrow nucleated cells. The histopathological examination of kidney tissues from MMC animals at day 42 and 50 post-dosing showed evidence of hydronephrosis with cortical glomerular/tubular atrophy and degeneration. It is therefore concluded that MMC administered on eight occasions over 18 days to female CD-1 mice at 2.5 mg/kg induced profound changes in haematological and bone marrow parameters in the immediate post-dosing period with a return to normal levels at day 50 post-dosing; however, there was evidence of mild but significant late-stage/residual effects on RBC and FNCC, and on cells of the erythroid lineage in the bone marrow.

Effect Of Sub Chronic Administration Of Ethanolic Leaf Extract Of &lt;i&gt;Croton zambesicus&lt;/i&gt; On Hematological Parameters Of Rats

Ethanolic leaf extract of Croton zambesicus was administered to rats at doses of 100 – 400mg / kg for 21 days to investigate its effect on the haematological indices of rats. Haematological indices, namely packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) Red blood cell count (RBC), Mean cell Haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Mean cell volume (MCV), and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) were assessed from whole blood obtained from the treated animals as well as those in the control group. The extract at the doses administered was found to caused reductions in PCV, HB, RBC, MCH, MCH and WBC, in a dose – dependent fashion. However elevation of MCV was observed. This results indicate that the extract has the potential of suppressing haemopoiesis and causing anaemia. Key words: Croton zambesicus, haemotological indices, anaemia, rats. Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol.19(1&2) 2004: 10-13

Risk Assessment and Therapeutic Indices of Artesunate and Artelinate in Plasmodium berghei–Infected and Uninfected Rats

Artesunate (AS) is being developed as a potential agent for the treatment of severe and complicated malaria. A risk assessment of the therapeutic index and related hematological changes of AS and artelinate (AL) following daily intravenous injection for 3 days was conducted in Plasmodium berghei-infected and uninfected rats. The minimum doses of AS and AL for parasitemia suppression were 2.3 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively, and the suppressive doses for half parasitemia (SD50) were 7.4 and 8.6 mg/kg, respectively. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for AS was 240 mg/kg with a therapeutic index of 32.6. The MTD for AL was 80 mg/kg with a therapeutic index of 9.3. Hematological changes were studied on days 1 and 8 after the final dosing. In both AS- and AL-treated rats, dose-dependent and rapidly reversible hematological changes (significant reductions in RBC, HCT, Hb, and reticulocyte levels) were seen in the peripheral blood. Bone marrow evaluation revealed a statistically significant reduction in the myeloid/erythroid ratio only at the highest dose of AS (240 mg/kg), albeit still within the normal ratio range (1.0-1.5:1.0). Looking at the respective therapeutic indices the authors have concluded that AS is much safer than AL. Both drugs induced hematological changes in rats that parallel the dose-dependent, reversible anemia and reticulocytopenia previously reported in animals and humans. However, no significant bone marrow depression was seen for either agent.

Erythropoietic Response to Anemia in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Receiving Combination Pegylated Interferon/Ribavirin

In hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients receiving pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)/ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy, anemia is a well-known side effect. The purpose of this study was to describe the time course and extent of hemoglobin (Hb) changes and the erythropoietic response to PEG-IFN/RBV-induced anemia. In this multicenter, observational, 8-wk study, laboratory parameters were measured weekly for 8 wk or until early withdrawal. Primary endpoints included changes in Hb and serum erythropoietin (sEPO) from baseline to week 8; other measures were changes in reticulocytes and RBV dose. The predictive value of baseline factors for maximum Hb decline was assessed. In the 97 evaluable patients, mean Hb decreased from 14.4 +/- 1.4 g/dl (baseline) to 11.9 +/- 1.3 g/dl (week 8). Twenty-one percent of patients withdrew before week 8. The estimated erythropoietic response was lower than that seen in two historic control populations of iron deficiency anemia patients. Mean RBV dose decreased from 986 +/- 190 mg/day (baseline) to 913 +/- 228 mg/day (week 8). Fifty-seven out of 77 (74%) patients who completed the study maintained their initial prescribed RBV dose. Patients maintained on the initial dose of RBV who had a higher baseline Hb and viral load showed a trend toward larger Hb declines. Platelets and white blood cells (WBCs) also declined during the study. HCV-infected patients receiving PEG-IFN/RBV therapy have reductions in Hb, platelets, and WBCs, possibly due to bone marrow suppression. They also have diminished endogenous sEPO production for their degree of anemia.

A retrospective chart review of uncontrolled use of metformin as an add-on therapy in type 2 diabetes

The hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and obesity syndrome associated with type 2 diabetes can have debilitating consequences. The biguanide metformin has a mechanism of action that is complementary to those of insulin and the sulfonylureas, suggesting that combination therapy that includes metformin may result in improved glycemic control. The purpose of this retrospective chart review was to determine the effects of adding metformin in an uncontrolled fashion to existing therapy in obese patients with type 2 diabetes who had suboptimal glycemic control and insulin resistance. For the review, the records of 124 patients were divided into two groups: group 1 included 71 patients who were taking insulin with or without a sulfonylurea, and group 2 consisted of 53 patients who were taking a sulfonylurea alone. Metformin was added to patients' existing therapy in conjunction with downward titration of the sulfonylurea and insulin doses. A retrospective chart review was conducted at the end of 6 months for group 1 and at the end of 12 months for group 2 to determine the change from baseline in measures of diabetes control (ie, insulin and sulfonylurea dose, glycated hemoglobin [Hb A 1c] value, body mass index [BMI], and lipid profiles). In group 1, the mean insulin dose decreased from 46.4 U/d at baseline to 6.1 U/d at the end of follow-up. Eighty-three percent of the patients were able to discontinue insulin therapy completely. Similarly, group 2 had statistically significant reductions in mean sulfonylurea dose. Both groups also achieved statistically significant reductions in Hb A 1c, BMI, and total cholesterol level. The addition of metformin to treatment with insulin or sulfonylureas, either alone or in combination, significantly improved glycemic control and cholesterol levels and promoted weight loss in obese type 2 diabetic patients with insulin resistance. Less than 5% of patients reported mild, transient gastrointestinal side effects, none of which required cessation of metformin therapy. Five patients discontinued metformin due to lack of efficacy.