scholarly journals Study to elucidate the pharmacological activity of retinalamin in a rat model of ischemic retinopathy

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-48
Author(s):  
Anna Pobeda ◽  
Anna Kalatanova ◽  
Daria Abasheva ◽  
Aleksandr Dolzhikov ◽  
Nikolai Solovev ◽  
...  

Introduction: Over the past few years, the incidence of retinal ischemic disorders has been increasing, due to a rising prevalence of such socially burdensome diseases as diabetes and hypertension, which ultimately lead to ocular vascular pathology. The identification of new treatment options that would prevent retinal neuron death is a crucial task of modern pharmacology. Materials and methods: The research was carried out on male Wistar rats. Retinopathy was modeled by inducing a 30-min ischemic episode, with a 72-hour period of reperfusion and subsequent administration of Retinalamin and Emoxypine for 10 days. The effectiveness of the drugs was evaluated by electroretinographic, ophthalmoscopic and morphological assessments. Results and discussion: On Day 14 of the experiment, a dose-dependent preservation of the electroretinogram b-wave/a-wave amplitude ratio was observed in the animals treated with Retinalamin depending on a dose (1.39±0.06, 1.46±0.03 and 1.49±0.04 in low (0.214 mg/kg), medium (0.428 mg/kg) and high (0.857 mg/kg) Retinalamin dose groups, respectively). The ophthalmoscopic picture of the fundus oculi also improved following the treatment with Retinalamin (1.42, 1.69 and 1.90 times lower ophthalmoscopic scores compared to placebo-treated animals in low, medium and high dose groups, respectively). The morphologic “coefficient of change” applied to ganglion cell layer was 2.2, 1.7 and 1.6 points in low, medium and high dose Retinalamin groups, respectively. These results are significantly different from both intact and placebo group (p<0.05). Based on the aforementioned experimental findings, we conclude that Retinalamin has a retinoprotective effect and is superior to the drug of comparison (Emoxypine). Conclusion: The greatest neuroprotective effects were shown in the groups receiving Retinalamin. In these groups, the ERG b-wave/a-wave amplitude ratio was preserved, the ophthalmoscopic picture was less pathologic and retinal morphology features were close to those of the intact retina.

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 963
Author(s):  
Shabnam Movassaghi ◽  
Zeinab Khazaei Koohpar ◽  
Mehrdad Hashemi ◽  
Sourena Jafari Semnani ◽  
Zahra Nadia Sharifi

Background: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is psychoactive and hallucinogenic and has been shown to produce neurotoxicity both in animals and in humans. Recently, vasodilator drugs such as pentoxifylline (PTX) have been introduced as an alternative with neuroprotective effects. There is no study about the protective effect of PTX on hippocampal apoptosis due to high-dose administration of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), so in this study, the protective effect of PTX on the hippocampus of male Wistar rats following high-dose of the drug has been investigated. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into four groups: control, sham (MDMA injection), experimental (MDMA+PTX injection), and vehicle (MDMA+saline) groups. Two weeks later, the brains were removed and prepared for TUNEL and western blot techniques. Concomitantly the hippocampus was removed to study the change in Bcl-2 and BAX mRNA expression with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Data showed that the number of apoptotic bodies significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the other groups, except for in control. Also, further investigation revealed that BAX reduced considerably, while Bcl-2 mRNA expression increased dramatically after PTX treatment. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PTX may be a neuroprotective agent, and its neuroprotective potential may contribute to reducing the severity of lesions in the hippocampus following a high dose administration of MDMA. [GMJ.2019;8:e963]


2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (9) ◽  
pp. 2139-2143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alin Constantin Pinzariu ◽  
Sorin Aurelian Pasca ◽  
Allia Sindilar ◽  
Cristian Drochioi ◽  
Mihail Balan ◽  
...  

To examine the effect of high dose vitamin D3 treatment on visceral adipose tissue, we used vitamin D deficient male Wistar rats (18 months old) as a model of sarcopenia. The aging process is not only responsive for the losing muscle mass but also for redistribution of lipid resulting in altered fatty acid storage and dysdifferentiation of mesenchymal precursors. The effect of aging and vitamin D treatment (weekly oral gavage with 0.125 mg vitamin D3 (5000 IU)/100g body weight) on the omental adipose tissue were histological examinated. At the end of the experiment (9 monhs), adaptive changes to the reduction of adipogenesis and increased apoptosis in response to long-term treatment with vitamin D consisted of smaller size of adipocyte and moderate macrophage infiltrate.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Freja Lærke Sand ◽  
Simon Francis Thomsen

Patients with severe chronic urticaria may not respond to antihistamines, and other systemic treatment options may either be ineffective or associated with unacceptable side effects. We present data on efficacy and safety of adalimumab and etanercept in 20 adult patients with chronic urticaria. Twelve (60%) patients obtained complete or almost complete resolution of urticaria after onset of therapy with either adalimumab or etanercept. Further three patients (15%) experienced partial response. Duration of treatment ranged between 2 and 39 months. Those responding completely or almost completely had a durable response with a mean of 11 months. Six patients (30%) experienced side effects and five patients had mild recurrent upper respiratory infections, whereas one patient experienced severe CNS toxicity that could be related to treatment with TNF-alpha inhibitor. Adalimumab and etanercept may be effective and relatively safe treatment options in a significant proportion of patients with chronic urticaria who do not respond sufficiently to high-dose antihistamines or in whom standard immunosuppressive drugs are ineffective or associated with unacceptable side effects.


2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud M. Said ◽  
Marwa M. Abd Rabo

AbstractAluminium (Al) is a neurotoxic metal that contributes to the progression of several neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of dietary eugenol supplementation against aluminium (Al)- induced cerebral damage in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: normal controls, rats fed a diet containing 6,000 μg g-1eugenol, rats intoxicated daily with aluminium chloride (84 mg kg-1body weight) p. o. and fed either a basal diet or a eugenol-containing diet. Daily oral administration of Al for four consecutive weeks to rats significantly reduced brain total antioxidant status (TAS) (11.42±0.31 μmol g-1tissue, p<0.001) with a subsequent significant enhancement of lipid peroxidation (MDA) (32.55±1.68 nmol g-1tissue, p<0.002). In addition, Al enhanced brain acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) (46.22±4.90 U mg-1protein, p<0.001), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (118.72±11.32 pg mg-1protein, p<0.001), and caspase 3 (Casp-3) (8.77±1.26 ng mg-1protein, p<0.001) levels, and in contrast significantly suppressed brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (82.74±14.53 pg mg-1protein, p<0.002) and serotonin (5-HT) (1.54±0.12 ng mg-1tissue, p<0.01) levels. Furthermore, decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining was noticed in the striatum of Al-intoxicated rats, compared with untreated controls. On the other hand, co-administration of dietary eugenol with Al intoxication restored brain BDNF (108.76±2.64 pg mg-1protein) and 5-HT (2.13±0.27 ng mg-1tissue) to normal levels, enhanced brain TAS (13.43±0.24 μmol g-1tissue, p<0.05), with a concomitant significant reduction in TNF-α (69.98±4.74 pg mg-1protein) and Casp-3 (3.80±0.37 ng mg-1protein) levels (p<0.001), as well as AChE activity (24.50±3.25 U mg-1protein, p<0.001), and increased striatal GFAP immunoreactivity, compared with Al-treated rats. Histological findings of brain tissues verified biochemical data. In conclusion, eugenol holds potential as a neuroprotective agent through its hydrophobic, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties, as well as its neurotrophic ability against Al-induced brain toxicity in rats.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Marcel Kemper ◽  
Georg Lenz ◽  
Rolf Michael Mesters

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) has already been described after vaccination with ChAdOx2 nCov-19 (AstraZeneca) and Ad26.COV2.S (Johnson &amp; Johnson/Janssen). However, less knowledge so far has been gained about optimal therapeutic regimens in VITT-suspected patients. Here, we report the case of a 26-year-old female patient, who developed bilateral deep vein thrombosis in the lower legs and severe thrombocytopenia after ChAdOx2 nCov-19 vaccination. After initial anticoagulation therapy regimens including fondaparinux, apixaban, and danaparoid failed, the patient was successfully treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins in combination with parental anticoagulation therapy with argatroban. As vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 affects billions of people worldwide, medical facilities and hospitals have to be prepared and provide effective treatment options in VITT-suspected patients, including rapid application of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins, to improve patient outcomes.


Author(s):  
Aikkarach KETTAWAN ◽  
Kansuda WUNJUNTUK

Pak-wanban (Sauropus androgynus L. Merr.), a popular Thai vegetable, has been found to have a high content of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is a powerful antioxidant. This study investigated the quantitation, absorption and tissue distribution of CoQ10 from raw and stir-fried Pak-wanban and its antioxidant activities in rats. Male Wistar rats (seven weeks old) were randomly grouped as follows: (1) control, (2) raw Pak-wanban powder of 0.5 mg CoQ10/kg/day, (3) stir-fried Pak-wanban powder of 0.5 mg CoQ10/kg/day, (4) stir-fried Pak-wanban powder of 1.0 mg CoQ10/kg/day, and (5) commercially CoQ10 supplement groups of 0.5 mg CoQ10/kg/day. The results found that stir-fried cooking did not significantly reduce the content of CoQ10 in the Pak-wanban leaves. After 3 weeks of experimentation, the level of CoQ10 in the plasma, liver and spleen was increased in all Pak-wanban groups when compared to the control group. The level of CoQ10 in the stir-fried Pak-wanban group was significantly higher than the raw Pak-wanban group but slightly lower than the CoQ10 supplement group.  Liver alpha-tocopherol concentrations were markedly increased in rats that consumed a high dose of CoQ10 from stir-fried Pak-wanban of 1 mg of CoQ10/kg/day when compared with the control group. Plasma antioxidant activities (ORAC: FRAP: DPPH) were significantly increased in both groups of stir-fried Pak-wanban when compared with the control group. We concluded that CoQ10 in  Pak-wanban could be well absorbed and improved the plasma antioxidant activities. Furthermore, cooking oil may increase the bioavailability of CoQ10 from vegetables. Therefore, it would be useful for vegetarian people.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantelle C. Lachance ◽  
Khai Tran ◽  
Elizabeth Carson ◽  
Joanne Kim ◽  
David Palma ◽  
...  

Oligometastatic cancer (cancer with a limited number of metastases) represents an intermediate state between cancer confined to a single location in the body and cancer that has metastasized — or spread — widely. One treatment option, for which there is growing interest, is stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, also known as SABR. SABR precisely delivers a high dose of radiation to ablate tumours at specific sites while minimizing the radiation dose to surrounding normal tissues. SABR may be used independently or alongside other treatment options in the management of oligometastatic cancer. This CADTH clinical review evaluated the evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness and safety of SABR with or without standard of care (SOC) for people with oligometastatic cancer and found the following: SABR in addition to SOC may offer a benefit in terms of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The findings for the effectiveness of SABR alone compared with SOC were mixed and deemed inconclusive. There are insufficient data related to adverse events (AEs) at the present time to draw conclusions regarding the safety of SABR relative to SOC alternatives. Note that the CADTH Clinical Review Report will be updated every 3 months to ensure the findings remain up-to-date as new evidence emerges.


Author(s):  
Salome Waldvogel ◽  
Andrew Atkinson ◽  
Mélanie Wilbeaux ◽  
Mathias Nelle ◽  
Markus R. Berger ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (sPDA) is the most common heart abnormality in preterm infants. Optimal duration and dose of medical treatment is still unclear. We assessed undesired effects and closure rate of high-dose indomethacin (HDI) for pharmacological closure of sPDA. Study Design Retrospective single center analysis of 248 preterm infants born between January 2006 and December 2015 with a birth weight <2,000 g and sPDA which was treated with indomethacin. Patients were treated with either standard dose indomethacin (SDI; n = 196) or HDI (n = 52). Undesired effects and PDA closure were compared between patients treated with SDI and HDI. Results In univariate analysis, patients receiving HDI had a significant increase in gastrointestinal hemorrhage (32.7 vs.11.7%, p = 0.001), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (77.8 vs. 55.1%, p = 0.003), and retinopathy of prematurity (13.5 vs. 2.6%, p = 0.004). Moreover, HDI patients needed longer mechanical ventilation (2.5 vs. 1.0 days, p = 0.01). Multivariate analyses indicated that necrotizing enterocolitis (17 vs. 7%, p = 0.01) and BPD (79 vs. 55%, p = 0.02) were more frequent in HDI patients. PDA closure rate was 79.0% with HDI versus 65.3% with SDI. Conclusion HDI used for PDA closure is associated with an increase in necrotizing enterocolitis and BPD. Risks of HDI should be balanced against other treatment options.


Author(s):  
Pankaj Phukan ◽  
Sanjit Namasudra ◽  
Meenakshi Bawari ◽  
Mahuya Sengupta

Objective: This study aims to assess the effects of the aqueous extract of Hydrocotyle javanica (HJ) in ameliorating mercury-induced neurobehavioral toxicity.Methods: For the study, 36 adult male Swiss albino mice of 25–30 g in weight were taken. They were equally divided into six groups. Group I was treated with distilled water, Group II was treated with mercuric chloride (1.5 mg/kg), Group III was treated with HJ extract low dose (100 mg/kg), Group IV was treated with HJ extract high dose (200 mg/kg), Group V was treated with mercuric chloride plus HJ extract low dose, and Group VI was treated with mercuric chloride plus TB extract high dose. In all the groups, the doses were administered orally through oral gavage tube and the treatment lasted for 14 days. The behavioral effects evaluated were locomotor activity in the open field test, immobility in forced swimming test and anxiety in elevated plus maze test, spatial learning ability, and memory in the Morris water maze test.Results: The present study showed that mercury exposure significantly decreased the locomotor activity (p<0.001), number of annulus crossovers (p<0.001), number of open arm entries (p<0.01), time spent in open arms (p<0.001), and increased escape latency (p<0.01), path length (p<0.001), and immobility (p<0.001) in mice. The aqueous extract of HJ significantly alleviated the neurotoxic effects of mercury. The aqueous extract of HJ showed to increase the locomotor activity (p<0.01), number of annulus crossovers (p<0.001), number of open arm entries (p<0.05), and time spent in open arms (p<0.05), which was decreased in mercury-exposed mice. The HJ extract also showed to decrease the immobility (p<0.001), escape latency (p<0.05), and path length (p<0.001) in mercury-exposed mice.Conclusion: The result of the study shows that neurobehavioral changes induced by mercuric chloride were significantly reversed by the aqueous extract of HJ. Thus, base on the present study, it is concluded that HJ is effective in ameliorating the neurobehavioral deficits induced by mercury.


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