Pulmonary injuries and cytokine levels after the intraperitoneal administration of pancreatic homogenates in rats

INTRODUCTION

Our objective was to investigate the effects of the administration of pancreatic homogenates, with or without enzymatic activation, to healthy animals regarding cytokine serum levels and the development of pulmonary distress.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

106 male Wistar rats, divided into three groups, were studied: group A, intraperitoneal administration of homogenates activated with enterokinase; group B, homogenates without enterokinase; and group C, control group with administration of physiological saline solution. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups according to the time of sacrifice: 0, 2, 6 and 24 hours. We studied the pulmonary and pancreatic histology, serum parameters of renal and hepatic function, and serum levels of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNFalpha.

RESULTS

There was no mortality in any group. Pancreatic disorders in A and B groups were noted at 24 hours. These two groups had statistically significant higher transaminase serum levels than those of the control group, as well as statistically significant higher creatinine levels in group A. IL-1beta showed a statistically significant higher level at 6 h in both groups, A and B, but was higher in group A, which also exhibited significant pulmonary histologic damage with respect to controls at 6 h.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher IL-1beta level in group A may result from production by peritoneal macrophages under the influence of homogenate enzymatic activation. This may be the reason for lung damage.

Mutations in the desert hedgehog (DHH) gene in patients with 46,XY complete pure gonadal dysgenesis

Mutations of SRY are the cause of complete pure gonadal dysgenesis (PGD) in 10-15% of patients. In the remaining individuals, it has been suggested that mutations in other genes involved in the testis-determining pathway could be causative. We describe the first report in which three cases of 46,XY complete PGD are attributed to mutations of the Desert hedgehog (DHH) gene. DHH was sequenced using genomic DNA from paraffin-embedded gonadal tissue from six patients with complete 46,XY PGD. Mutations were found in three patients: a homozygous mutation in exon 2, responsible for a L162P, and a homozygous 1086delG in exon 3. Mutated individuals displayed 46,XY complete PGD, differentiating from the only previously described patient with a homozygous DHH mutation, who exhibited a partial form of PGD with polyneuropathy, suggesting that localization of mutations influence phenotypic expression. This constitutes the first report where mutations of DHH are associated with the presence of 46,XY complete PGD, demonstrating that the genetic origin of this entity is heterogeneous and that disorders in other genes, different from SRY, involved in the testis-determining pathway are implicated in abnormal testicular differentiation in humans. These data extend previous reports demonstrating DHH is a key gene in gonadal differentiation.

Homogenization of magnetodielectric photonic crystals

We calculate the low-frequency index of refraction of a medium which is homogeneous along axis z and possesses a periodic dependence of the permittivity epsilon(r) and permeability micro(r) in the x-y plane (2D magnetodielectric photonic crystal). Exact analytical formulas for the effective index of refraction for two eigenmodes with vector E or H polarized along axis z are obtained. We show that, unlike nonmagnetic photonic crystals where the E mode is ordinary and the H mode is extraordinary, now both modes exhibit extraordinary behavior. Because of this distinction, the magnetodielectric photonic crystals exhibit optical properties that do not exist for natural crystals. We also discuss the limiting case of perfectly conducting cylinders and clarify the so-called problem of noncommuting limits, omega-->0 and epsilon--> infinity.

Procedure guidelines for radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging

Radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is an established and non-invasive imaging technique with diagnostic and prognostic efficacy in the investigation of coronary artery disease. It is the only widely available test for assessing myocardial perfusion directly but there are variations in the way it is performed in different centres. Harmonization of practice, at least at a national level, is therefore essential, and clinical governance now makes it mandatory for practice to be based upon evidence whenever possible [ 1]. This is best achieved by expert analysis of the evidence and to this end the British Nuclear Cardiology Society (BNCS) in association with the British Cardiac Society (BCS) and the British Nuclear Medicine Society (BNMS) have developed procedure guidelines for tomographic myocardial perfusion imaging. A systematic literature search was performed and every effort was made to conform with the AGREE recommendations [ 2]. All recommendations are therefore based on either evidence from clinical studies, previous published guidelines or expert consensus of the writing and advisory groups. The guidelines cover the clinical indications of MPI, the methods used for stress testing, the radiopharmaceuticals and the injected activities and also issues related to acquisition, processing and interpretation of images. They do not cover the benefits or drawbacks of the technique in specific circumstances; neither do they address its cost effectiveness in clinical diagnosis and management nor its potential impact on clinical outcomes. The guidelines aim to assist medical practitioners and other health care professionals in recommending, performing, interpreting and reporting single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of myocardial perfusion.

Dermatomycoses caused by Nattrassia mangiferae in São Paulo, Brazil

Nattrassia mangiferae formerly known as Hendersonula toruloidea, is a phaeoid coelomycete described by Nattrass in 1933. We report five cases of N. mangiferae infections in São Paulo, Brazil. This fungus was isolated from interdigital lesions on the feet in one patient, toenails in three cases and fingernails in the other one. The infections were initially considered to be caused by a dermatophyte. Although there are only a few cases described in the medical literature, the five cases reported suggest that N. mangiferae should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of tinea pedis infections.

Loss of lineage antigens is a common feature of apoptotic lymphocytes

The analysis of apoptosis in cell populations involves the detection of their specific lineage antigen (LAg) expression. This experimental approach relies on their assumed constant expression, but it is unclear whether such expression is actually maintained during cell death. We examined whether the loss of LAgs is a common feature of apoptotic lymphocytes and whether some might completely lose their LAgs. The changes in the expression of CD3, CD5, CD8, CD4, CD28, CD56, and CD19 were monitored in highly purified lymphocyte populations obtained by negative selection in a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. These were cultured for 24 h with or without phytohemagglutinin or staurosporin. For each LAg-positive subset studied, apoptosis was consistently more common among cells showing partial or total loss of LAg expression compared with cells maintaining their initial LAg levels. The kinetics of expression loss was rapid for CD8, CD56, and CD28, and more than 80% of initial expression was lost in the early stages of apoptosis but was slower for CD3, CD5, and CD4. For CD3 and CD5, expression was dependent on the apoptotic stimulus used. It is interesting that loss of antigen expression was independent of cell size. This phenomenon was also found in nonmanipulated, highly pure CD19 B lymphocytes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from B chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. Loss of LAg expression appeared to be a common feature of apoptotic lymphocytes under all the conditions assayed. The different kinetic patterns of LAg loss suggest apoptotic cells might actively regulate this process.

Hemophagocytic syndrome associated with retinoic acid syndrome in acute promyelocytic leukemia

A 56-year-old woman with an acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) developed a severe all-trans-retinoic (ATRA) syndrome on day 17 of treatment. Shortly after, she presented a picture of pancytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, increased triglycerides, ferritin, and liver enzymes. A bone marrow biopsy showed abundant macrophages and no evidence of leukemia. Tests for secondary hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) were negative. A diagnosis of HPS was made. Treatment with dexamethasone and high-dose immunoglobulins was unsuccessful. Consolidation chemotherapy with idarubicin and ATRA rapidly reversed the HPS. The HPS in this patient could be related to the release of macrophage-stimulating cytokines by APL cells during ATRA syndrome.

Neocarzinostatin induces an effective p53-dependent response in human papillomavirus-positive cervical cancer cells

Human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 viral oncoprotein plays an important role during cervical carcinogenesis. This oncoprotein binds the tumor suppressor protein p53, leading to its degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Therefore, it is generally assumed that in HPV-positive cancer cells p53 function is completely abolished. Nevertheless, recent findings suggest that p53 activity can be recovered in cells expressing endogenous E6 protein. To investigate whether p53-dependent functions controlling genome integrity, cell proliferation, and apoptosis can be reactivated in cervical cancer cells, we examined the capacity of HeLa, INBL, CaSki, C33A, and ViBo cell lines to respond to neocarzinostatin (NCS), a natural product which induces single- and double-strand breaks in DNA. We found that NCS treatment inhibits cellular proliferation through G2 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. This effect was preceded by nuclear accumulation of p53 protein and by an increase of p21 transcripts. Although apoptosis was blocked in ViBo cells (HPV-negative), nuclear accumulation of transcriptionally active p53 and inhibition of cell proliferation are observed after NCS treatment. These results suggest that HPV-positive cervical cancer cells are capable of responding efficiently to DNA damage provoked by NCS treatment through a p53-dependent pathway in spite of the presence of E6 protein.

Modification of actin, myosin and tubulin distribution during cytoplasmic granule movements associated with platelet adhesion

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Cytoskeletal elements determine the changes in platelet cell shape which occur during adhesion, aggregation and release of granular contents as part of the activation process. The aim of this study was to characterize the changes in the distribution of actin filaments, myosin and tubulin molecules during several stages of platelet adhesion to glass and their association with granule displacement, as assessed by confocal microscopy.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Platelets obtained from healthy donors were adhered to glass and cytoskeleton distribution was characterized and correlated to changes of cell shape and intracellular granule displacement by immunofluorescence assays and phase contrast microscopy. Treatment with specific cytoskeleton inhibitors such as cytochalasin D, butanedione monoxime and colchicine were used before and after the adhesion process. The spatial distribution of the cytoskeleton in association with cytoplasmic granules was analyzed in both confocal microscopy projections and three-dimensional images obtained by merging the respective projections.

RESULTS

Our experiments revealed that as platelets contact the substrate, a sequential and simultaneous rearrangement of actin filaments, myosin and tubulin molecules occurred and this was related to cell shape, as well as to movements of cytoplasmic granules. Treatment of platelets with cytoskeleton inhibitors, modified not only the target molecule but also other cytoskeletal components with consequent alterations in the studied platelet functions.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS

During platelet adhesion to glass and granule displacement, a close spatial and functional relation between actin filaments, myosin molecules and microtubules was observed suggesting that these different cytoskeleton components interact in supporting the platelet functions here studied.

Receptor model source apportionment of nonmethane hydrocarbons in Mexico City

With the purpose of estimating the source contributions of nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC) to the atmosphere at three different sites in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area, 92 ambient air samples were measured from February 23 to March 22 of 1997. Light- and heavy-duty vehicular profiles were determined to differentiate the NMHC contribution of diesel and gasoline to the atmosphere. Food cooking source profiles were also determined for chemical mass balance receptor model application. Initial source contribution estimates were carried out to determine the adequate combination of source profiles and fitting species. Ambient samples of NMHC were apportioned to motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapor, handling and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas), asphalt operations, painting operations, landfills, and food cooking. Both gasoline and diesel motor vehicle exhaust were the major NMHC contributors for all sites and times, with a percentage of up to 75%. The average motor vehicle exhaust contributions increased during the day. In contrast, LP gas contribution was higher during the morning than in the afternoon. Apportionment for the most abundant individual NMHC showed that the vehicular source is the major contributor to acetylene, ethylene, pentanes, n-hexane, toluene, and xylenes, while handling and distribution of LP gas was the major source contributor to propane and butanes. Comparison between CMB estimates of NMHC and the emission inventory showed a good agreement for vehicles, handling and distribution of LP gas, and painting operations; nevertheless, emissions from diesel exhaust and asphalt operations showed differences, and the results suggest that these emissions could be underestimated.

Basic statistics of PM2.5 and PM10 in the atmosphere of Mexico City

The high levels of fine particulate matter in Mexico City are of concern since they may induce severe public health effects as well as the attenuation of visible light. Sequential filter samplers were used at six different sites from 23 February to 22 March 1997. The sampling campaign was carried out as part of the project 'Investigación sobre Materia Particulada y Deterioro Atmosferico-Aerosol and Visibility Evaluation Research'. This research was a cooperative project sponsored by PEMEX and by the US Department of Energy. Sampling sites represent the different land uses along the city, the northwest station, Tlalnepantla, is located in a mixed medium income residential and industrial area. The northeast station, Xalostoc, is located in a highly industrialized area, Netzahualcoyotl is located in a mixed land use area, mainly commercial and residential. Station La Merced is located in the commercial and administrative district downtown. The southwest station is located in the Pedregal de San Angel, in a high-income neighborhood, and the southeast station located in Cerro de la Estrella is a mixed medium income residential and commercial area. Samples were collected four times a day in Cerro de la Estrella (CES), La Merced (MER) and Xalostoc (XAL) with sampling periods of 6 h. In Pedregal (PED), Tlalnepantla (TLA) and Netzahualcoyot1 (NEZ) sampling periods were every 24 h. In this paper the basic statistics of PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentrations are presented. The average results showed that 49, 61, 46, 57, 51 and 44% of the PM10 consisted of PM2.5 for CES, MER, XAL, PED, TLA and NEZ, respectively. The 24-h average highest concentrations of PM25 and PM10 were registered at NEZ (184 and 267 microg/m3) and the lowest at PED (22 and 39 microg/m3). The highest PM10 correlations were between XAL-CES (0.79), PED-TLA (0.80). In contrast, the highest PM2.5 correlations were between CES-PED (0.74), MER-CES (0.73) and TLA-PED (0.72), showing a lower correlation than the PM10 one. The results of the PM10 from 12.00 to 18.00 h at CES and MER presented the highest variability and also the highest median concentrations, meanwhile XAL showed them from 06.00 to 12.00 h. The highest variability and median concentrations of PM2.5 were from 06.00 to 12.00 h for the three stations.

Lung changes and cytokine levels in a model of experimental acute pancreatitis

AIM

Prognosis of acute pancreatitis is related mainly to systemic involvement. The establishment of this systemic inflammation is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines. Our aim is to study serum levels of some proinflammatory cytokines and the associated damage of the lung in a model of experimental acute pancreatitis.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Eighty seven male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: group A (control) with saline solution administration; group B with acute pancreatitis induced by intraperitoneal caerulein (50 mg/kg every hour, 4 doses). The animals were killed at 0, 2, 6 and 24 hours of the last dose of caerulein or saline solution. Pancreatic and pulmonary histology were examined, and serum levels of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 were evaluated, as well as some laboratory parameters as indicators of systemic involvement.

RESULTS

The administration of caerulein induced an acute edematous pancreatitis without mortality and with a trend towards resolution in 24 hours. IL-1 beta in animals with acute pancreatitis showed significantly higher levels than in the control group at 6 hours. Serum transaminases, urea and creatinine were also significantly higher at 2 and 6 h. The group with acute pancreatitis showed histological lung damage all over the study.

CONCLUSIONS

In our model of acute pancreatitis we observed systemic involvement as judged by alterations of serum transaminases and parameters of renal function, as well as histological lung damage, that correlated with an increase in serum levels of IL-1b.

Evidence- and consensus-based practice guidelines for the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) presents a significant diagnostic and management challenge for primary care practitioners. Improving the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis may result in improved quality and efficiency of care.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically appraise the existing diagnostic criteria and combine the evidence with expert opinion to derive evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for a diagnostic approach to patients with suspected IBS.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review (January 1966-April 2000) of computerized bibliographic databases. Articles meeting explicit inclusion criteria for diagnostic studies in IBS were subjected to critical appraisal, which formed the basis of guideline statements presented to an expert panel. To develop a diagnostic algorithm, an expert panel of specialists and primary care physicians was used to fill in gaps in the literature. Consensus was developed using a modified Delphi technique.

RESULTS

The systematic literature review identified only 13 published studies regarding the effectiveness of competing diagnostic approaches for IBS, the accuracy of diagnostic tests, and the internal validity of current diagnostic symptom criteria. Few studies met accepted methodological criteria. While symptom criteria have been validated, the utility of endoscopic and other diagnostic interventions remains unknown. An analysis of the literature, combined with consensus from experienced clinicians, resulted in the development of a diagnostic algorithm relevant to primary care that emphasizes a symptom-based diagnostic approach, refers patients with alarm symptoms to subspecialists, and reserves radiographic, endoscopic, and other tests for referral cases. The resulting algorithm highlights the reliance on symptom criteria and comprises a primary module, 3 submodules based on the predominant symptom pattern (constipation, diarrhea, and pain) and severity level, and a subspecialist referral module.

CONCLUSIONS

The dearth of available evidence highlights the need for more rigorous scientific validation to identify the most accurate methods of diagnosing IBS. Until such time, the diagnostic algorithm presented herein could inform decision making for a range of providers caring for primary care patients with abdominal discomfort or pain and altered bowel function suggestive of IBS.

Risk factors associated with mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus. A case-control study in a tertiary care center in Mexico City

OBJECTIVE

To identify the mortality risk factors in a group of Mexican patients with SLE.

METHODS

A case-control autopsy study in a tertiary care center in Mexico, City. Patients with SLE who died during 1958 to 1994 with an autopsy study were selected as cases, and alive patients matched by age (+/- 3 years), decade of SLE onset, and disease duration (+/- 5 years) were defined as controls. Clinical charts were reviewed looking at clinical variables. SLE disease activity was evaluated with the MexSledai index, and SLE disease severity with the Severity Index. Variables were classified as present at any moment during the follow-up and 3 months before death in cases or cut-off date in controls.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

matched univariate and multivariate analysis by multiple logistic regression were performed, and the results were presented as odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (OR, 95%CI).

RESULTS

76 matched pairs of patients were studied. Age, gender, and years offormal education were similar in the cases and controls. Variables associated with mortality three months before death were: lung involvement OR= 15.6, 95%CI (4.8-50.3), p<0.001; severe thrombocytopenia 9.6 (2.9-31.7), p<0.001; heart involvement 5.8 (2.6-13.0), p<0.001; and the severity index (cases 8.8 mu, 2.4 sigma vs controls 3.5, 2.0, respectively) 2.2 (1.5-3.4), p<0.001. Variables associated with mortality detected at any moment before death were kidney involvement 2.16 (1.09-4.29), p<0.02; the steroid therapeutic index 2.3 (1.2-4.5), p<0.001; number of previous admissions 2.4 (1.4-4.3), p<0.001; the MEX-SLEDAI index (cases 21.6 mu 6.3 sigma vs controls 12.6, 5.8), 1.2 (1.1-1.3), p<0.001; and the number of severe infections 14.4 (4.4-46.2), p<0.001. Protective variables were skin involvement 0.1 (0.3-0.6), p<0.001; daily dose of chloroquine (cases 3.9 mu, 24.1 sigma vs controls 39.4, 60.0 mg), p <0.0001 and the time from thefirst SLE symptom to the patient's demise or the cut-off date 0.7(0.6-0.9), p<0.001. Multiple logistic regression showed that the model which best explained mortality consisted of a severity index 2.6 (1.7-3.8), p<0.001; heart disease 6.5 (1.5-28.2), p=0.01, and steroid therapeutic index 3.3 (1.6-6.6), p=0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

An active SLE with multi-organic involvement, steroids and infections were associated with mortality in Mexican patients with lupus attended in a tertiary care center A protective effect of cutaneous disease and chloroquine use was observed.

Defective natural killer and phagocytic activities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are restored by glycophosphopeptical (inmunoferón)

We have investigated both modifications in natural (innate) immunity caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the effects of a glycophosphopeptical immunomodulator (Inmunoferón) treatment on COPD-associated immunoalterations. In a double-blinded clinical trial, 60 patients with COPD received glycophosphopeptical or placebo during 90 consecutive days at oral doses of 3 g/d. Fifty-six sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects were included as a reference group for immunologic parameters. Peripheral blood natural killer (PBNK) cell cytotoxic activity and phagocytic activity of peripheral monocytes/macrophages (Mo/Ma) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells were assessed at baseline and then again at the end of treatments. We found both PBNK activity and phagocytic activity to be significantly decreased in patients with COPD compared with levels in healthy volunteers. The treatment with glycophosphopeptical provoked significant stimulatory effects on PBNK cytotoxic activity. This stimulation was not mediated by an increase in CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cells. Further, glycophosphopeptical significantly increased the percentage of monocytes and PMNs that phagocytize Escherichia coli in vitro, as well as increased phagocytic indices. We conclude that peripheral blood cells of patients with COPD show clear defects in natural immunity that are partially rescued by glycophosphopeptical.

Left sided heartport approach for combined mitral valve and coronary bypass surgery

BACKGROUND

To explore the possibility of achieving adequate exposure of the mitral valve (MV) and the entire coronary anatomy using a limited (Port-Access) left lateral thoracotomy incision.

METHODS

Using this incision, four patients underwent a single bypass to the left anterior descending, combined with MV repair (1), MV replacement (2), and left atrial (LA) myxoma excision (1). This approach required single lung ventilation, femoral venous cannulation, and cannulation of the femoral artery or thoracic aorta. Exposure of the MV was achieved through a LA incision parallel to the atrio-ventricular groove, extending into the pulmonary vein or behind the pulmonary artery as necessary.

RESULTS

Excellent exposure of the MV and coronary anatomy was achieved in all patients. There were no surgical complications and all were discharged home within one week.

CONCLUSION

Left-sided Port-Access is a valid technique particularly suitable for combined primary MV and coronary bypass surgery. It does not allow exposure of the tricuspid or aortic valve, however, and is not recommended in repeat MV surgery due to the fragility of the LA appendage in such cases.

Variability of sperm specific histones in sea urchins

The variability of sperm histones was compared in two species of sea urchin. Whole sperm specific histones (SpH), were isolated from Tetrapygus niger (Arbacoida) and Parechinus angulosus (Echinoida). Individual histones were purified by chromatography on BioGel P-60 followed by reverse high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The heterogeneity of each major histone type from T. niger was established from their HPLC elution patterns and further confirmed by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels containing 6 mM Triton X-100 combined with a transverse urea gradient (0--8 M). In T. niger, as well as in P. angulosus, a single form of SpH1 and SpH2A were found. In contrast, SpH2B was found to be heterogeneous, but represented by one major form in both species. The relatedness between both sets of histones was determined by establishing their immunological cross-reactivity. In this context, polyclonal antibodies elicited against T. niger sperm histones were assayed against individual histones from P. angulosus. From the results obtained, it emerged that histone SpH2A was the more closely related protein between these two species, followed by histone SpH1. In contrast, histone SpH2B was found to be only moderately related. These results confirm that SpH2A did not co-evolve with SpH2B, as was predicted for most species.

Clinical effect of a Mexican sanguinaria extract (Polygonum aviculare L.) on gingivitis

It is well known that gingivitis is a bacterially-elicited inflammation of the marginal gingiva. A number of chemical agents have been evaluated over the years with regard to their antimicrobial effects in the oral cavity; however, all are associated with side effects that prohibit regular long-term use. Therefore, the effectiveness of a natural Mexican Sanguinaria extract (Polygonum aviculare L.) against gingivitis, was assessed in 60 male dentistry students between the ages of 18 and 25 years. Over a period of 2 weeks, these students used the Sanguinaria extract (1 mg/ml) in oral rinse twice daily as a unique oral health measurement (no tooth-brushing was allowed). The O'Leary Plaque Index and the Löe and Silness Gingivitis Index were recorded at baseline (day 0) in all the subjects. Also, a complete prophylaxis was performed after both indices were obtained. The antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects of the extract were evaluated on days 7, 11 and 14. The results showed that the Mexican Sanguinaria extract in oral rinse significantly decreased gingivitis from day 0 (-x=1. 056) to day 14 (-x=1.011) (P</=0.05). In contrast, a significant increase in dental plaque was observed from day 0 (-x=91.38) to day 14 (-x=98.69) (P</=0.05); however, the consistency of this plaque permitted its mechanical flushing easily. From this study, it is concluded that the Mexican Sanguinaria extract in oral rinse can be employed supportively in the therapy of gingivitis.

Fetoprotectivity of the flavanolignan compound siliphos against ethanol-induced toxicity

Of the three flavanolignans that are found in silymarin (Silybum marianum [L.] Gaertn.), silybin is thought to be the primary therapeutic constituent. To test the capacity of silybin to protect the rat fetus from toxic effects of maternally ingested EtOH we did the following: Adult female rats were assigned to one of four groups; EtOH, EtOH/silybin, pair-fed control, and chow fed control. Silybin was orally administered as Siliphos(R), which is one part silybin to two parts phosphatidylcholine. All groups except the chow-fed control were maintained on a liquid diet throughout pregnancy. On day 21 of pregnancy the rats were killed and the fetuses removed. Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) activity and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined for liver and brain tissue for both the fetuses and the dams. Maternal and fetal GGTP activity in the EtOH rats was significantly higher than that of pair-fed controls, whereas the GGTP activity observed in the Siliphos(R)/EtOH rats was not elevated. Fetal mortality rates in the EtOH rats significantly exceeded those of all three other groups.