White blood cell count profiles in multiple sclerosis during attacks before the initiation of acute and chronic treatments

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major demyelinating disease of the central nervous system; however, its exact mechanism is unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the profile of white blood cells (WBCs) in the acute phase of an MS attack. Sixty-four patients with MS at the time of diagnosis and 2492 age- and sex-adjusted healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Data regarding the blood cell counts were compared between the groups. The total WBC (p < 0.0001), monocyte (p < 0.0001), basophil (p = 0.0027), and neutrophil (p < 0.0001) counts were higher in the MS group than in the HC group, whereas the lymphocyte and eosinophil counts did not differ. Adjustments for the smoking status and body mass index yielded the same results. The total and differential WBC counts of the patients with MS did not correlate with the counts of T2 hyperintense brain lesions or the levels of neurological disturbance. In summary, patients with MS showed elevated counts of total WBCs, monocytes, basophils, and neutrophils at the time of diagnosis. However, the clinical relevance of these biomarkers in the context of the development and progression of MS remains unclear.

Benzodiazepine Therapy

Benzodiazepines are some of the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide. When used appropriately for the right condition, patient, dose, and duration, these drugs can provide rapid relief of the symptoms of anxiety and insomnia for some patients, but they are also linked to a variety of adverse effects (whether used long-term, short-term, or as needed). Many patients are prescribed, and take, benzodiazepines long-term without ever receiving evidence-based first-line treatments such as psychotherapy, relaxation techniques, sleep hygiene education, or serotonergic agents. This chapter discusses the risks and benefits of, and alternatives to, benzodiazepines. The evidence-based indications and contraindications are discussed, as are putative biopsychosocial bases for effectiveness, ineffectiveness, and harm. The known potential adverse effects and drug-drug interactions are summarized. Finally, alternative fast-acting/acute and chronic treatments for anxiety and/or insomnia are discussed. Response to treatment—whether benzodiazepines, other pharmacological agents, or psychotherapy—must be assessed.

Absence of sibutramine effect on spontaneous anxiety in rats

INTRODUSTION: Sibutramine has been described as a drug recommended for treatment of obesity, since it has the ability to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline in the central nervous system, thereby increasing energy expenditure. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the anxiogenic and anxiolytic effects of acute and chronic treatment with sibutramine in rats submitted to the task of the elevated plus-maze. METHODS: Diazepam was used as a positive control for the anxiolytic effect, and the task of the elevated plus-maze showed sensitivity to detect the effect. In the chronic treatment, sibutramine was ingested for a period of two months. RESULTS: The acute and chronic treatments at the studied dose, which is described to produce a maximum effect of anti-obesity in rats, did not interfere with anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The acute and chronic administration of sibutramine is not related to anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects.