Peroxidase secretion in rat submandibular glands induced by PGE2: role of cAMP and nitric oxide

Free radicals are associated with the appearance of disorders such as tumours, CNS alterations and inflammatory pathologies. Their levels are known to be increased in inflammatory diseases due to the activity of prostaglandins, which are related to protein secretion including enzymes. Peroxidase is an oral enzyme that is implicated in the defence of the oral cavity. In this paper, investigations of the effect and mechanism of the activity of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on peroxidase secretion of female rat submandibular glands are reported. Results showed that PGE2 significantly increased the secretion of submandibular peroxidase and that this effect was mediated by an increase of intracellular cAMP and nitric oxide synthase activation. This could imply that prostaglandins play a modulatory role in diseases where free radicals are involved.

Transtympanic steroids in refractory sudden hearing loss. Personal experience

The treatment of choice for sudden sensorineural hearing loss is still lacking. Many drugs have been used over the years, with varying results and steroids have proven to be effective in clinical trials, albeit systemic administration is associated with untoward side-effects and cannot be used in all patients. The transtympanic approach presents two main advantages: first, it allows higher concentrations in the inner ear environment and, second, it minimizes systemic absorption. Aim of the present investigation was to establish the effectiveness of transtympanic steroid treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss in patients in whom conventional treatment had failed. For this purpose, a prospective, non-randomized study was designed to evaluate hearing improvement in sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients treated with transtympanic steroids. A solution of methyl-prednisolone and sodium bicarbonate was administered, via a transtympanic injection, in 10 patients. Hearing levels were evaluated before treatment and on days 1, 7 and 30, thereafter. Improvement in hearing was observed in 70% of patients, moreover, in patients not usually considered amenable to this kind of treatment. Transtympanic steroid treatment is an effective and safe option for patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss when conventional treatment regimens have failed. Further studies are needed to define the optimal dosage, route of administration and type of steroids.

Factors associated with climacteric symptoms in women around menopause attending menopause clinics in Italy

OBJECTIVE

To obtain data on correlates of climacteric symptoms in women around menopause attending menopause clinics in Italy.

METHODS

Since 1997 a large cross sectional study has been conducted on the characteristics of women around menopause attending a network of first level menopause outpatient's clinics in Italy. A total of 66,501 (mean age 54.4 years) women are considered in the present paper.

RESULTS

The odds ratios of moderate and severe hot flashes/night sweats were lower in more educated women and (for severe symptoms only) in women reporting regular physical activity. Depression, difficulty to sleep, forgetfulness and irritability tended to be less frequent in more educated women and (depression only) in women reporting regular physical activity. Parous women reported more frequently these symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This large study confirms in Southern European population that low education, body mass index and low physical activity are associated with climacteric symptoms. Parous women are at greater risk of psychological symptoms.

1,3-dihydroxy-5-(tridec-4',7'-dienyl)benzene: a new cytotoxic compound from Lithraea molleoides

A dichloromethane extract from the leaves of Lithraea molleoides (Anacardiaceae), an argentine medicinal plant, showed cytotoxicity on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Bioassay guided fractionation of this extract led to the isolation of a new active 5-alkyl resorcinol: 1,3-dihydroxy-5-(tridec-4',7'-dienyl)benzene. Chemical structure was established based on spectroscopic data (UV, IR, MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, COSY). This compound presented cytotoxic activity on 3 human tumoral cell lines: hepatocellular carcinoma cell line-Hep G2 (IC50 +/- SD of 68 +/- 2 microM), mucoepidermoid pulmonary carcinoma cell line-H292 (IC50 +/- SD of 63 +/- 5 microM) and mammary gland adenocarcinoma cell line -MCF7 (IC50 +/- SD of 147 +/- 5).

Antinociceptive activity of Eupatorium buniifolium aqueous extract

The antinociceptive properties of the aqueous extract of Eupatorium buniifolium aerial parts were investigated in chemical and thermal models of nociception in mice. Oral doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg produced an inhibition of 42.3% and 73.9%, respectively, of the abdominal writhes induced by acetic acid in mice. This antinociceptive effect was not reversed by pretreatment with naloxone. In the formalin test, the administration of 500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o. had no effects in the first phase (0-5 min) but produced a dose-dependent analgesic effect on the second phase (15-30 min) with inhibitions of the licking time of 38.9% and 57.3%, respectively. In the hot plate test, no effect was seen at the dose of 500 mg/kg p.o.

Antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities of Artemisia copa extracts

The aqueous extract from aerial parts of Artemisia copa Phil. (Compositae), was evaluated for antinociceptive activity using writhing, formalin, and hot-plate tests in mice. A dose-related antinociceptive response was obtained in the writhing test at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o. (percentage of inhibition 23.3 and 52.70, respectively). The extract also inhibited the second phase of formalin test (38.81%) and this effect was not antagonized by pretreatment with naloxone 5mg/kg i.p. Furthermore, no significant effect was obtained in the hot-plate test. Dichloromethane and ethanolic extracts, were analyzed for antiinflammatory activity with the carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and the ear edema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13 acetate (TPA) and arachidonic acid (AA) in mice. Both extracts showed antiinflammatory activity in the TPA (88 and 54%), and the ethanolic extract showed a 37% inhibition in AA test. No effects were seen at doses of 300 mg/kg p.o. and 100 mg/kg i.p. in the carrageenan test. The results obtained indicate that A. copa has analgesic and topical antiinflammatory activities that supports the folk medicinal use of the plant.

Development of a model based on body composition to predict drug kinetics; II. Application of the model to the use of digoxin in elderlies

The applicability of a kinetic model for the prediction of steady-state blood levels, based on body composition as assessed by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), was applied to a population of elderly patients, candidates for digoxin therapy. Elderlies, all >70 years of age, underwent standard laboratory and clinical evaluation but no further characterization of liver or renal function. These 72 patients were given 0.125 mg digoxin for 5 days, in order to reach steady-state levels. Treatment was then interrupted and samples were collected 2 and 48 h after the last administration. Plasma digoxin levels were determined both by the immunochemical method with TDX and according to the BIA method described in the accompanying paper. Plasma levels calculated and measured in 2 h samples did not differ statistically, but levels were about 15% higher in the directly measured samples. There was a similar underestimation, i.e. about 15%, for the 48 h calculated levels. However, only approximately 5% of the levels were outside of the 95% confidence intervals as determined from the directly measured levels. These findings indicate that digoxin levels, calculated based on a BIA evaluation, may be sufficiently reliable, in the majority of patients, to allow direct determination of the more appropriate doses of digoxin.

Flavonoids from Achyrocline satureioides with relaxant effects on the smooth muscle of Guinea pig corpus cavernosum

Ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. (Asteraceae) showed a significant, dose dependent, relaxant effect on the smooth muscle of corpus cavernosum strips, obtained from Guinea pig (65.5 +/- 4.1% of relaxation at the dose of 25.0 mg/ml). Bioassay guided fractionation of this extract furnished two flavonoids, quercetin and quercetin 3-methyl ether, with important vasorelaxing effects on the corpus cavernosum strips (79.8 +/- 8.4 and 66.0 +/- 4.8% of relaxation respectively at the dose of 0.075 mg/ml). Two methyl derivatives of quercetin obtained by synthesis, quercetin 3,7,3',4'-tetramethylether and quercetin 3,5,7,3',4'-pentamethylether, showed similar relaxant effects at the dose of 0.075 mg/ml (86.4 +/- 8.5 and 67.31 +/- 1.4% of relaxation respectively). The results show that the ethanol extract of A. satureioides and the assayed compounds exhibit significant vasorelaxing properties. Additionally, it is shown that the number of methyl groups in the quercetin nucleus has no significant influence on the effectiveness of these compounds.

Argentinian plant extracts with relaxant effect on the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum of guinea pig

Extracts of different polarity from Baccharis trimera, Haplopappus rigidus Huperzia saururus, Maytenus ilicifolia, Satureja parvifolia and Senecio eriophyton were tested for their relaxant activity on smooth muscle using L-phenylephrine precontracted strips of corpus cavernosum obtained from Guinea pigs. Highly significant and dose dependent results were obtained with the dichloromethane extracts of H. saururus (87% of relaxation at the dose of 10 mg/ml), S. parvifolia (95% of relaxation at 2.5 mg/ml) and S. eriophyton (94% of relaxation at 5 mg/ml). Similar effects were observed with the methanol extracts of H. saururus (88% of relaxation at 10 mg/ml) and S. parvifolia (84% of relaxation at 10 mg/ml). These results were comparable to those obtained with the dichloromethane and methanol extracts of the well known Mexican species Turnera diffusa. Moreover, the aqueous extract of H. rigidus and the aqueous and methanol extracts of S. eriophyton were highly effective in a dose dependent manner (more than 90% of relaxation at the dose of 10 mg/ml). Significant results, but with a lower overall relaxant activity (about 70% of relaxation at 10 mg/ml), could also be obtained with the aqueous extract of S. parvifolia and with the dichlormethane and methanol extracts of B. trimera and M. ilicifolia. The positive controls with Sildenafil citrate at doses ranging from 0.35 to 35 microg/ml yielded moderate effects (up to 46% of relaxation at 35 microg/ml). The effects observed in the present study seem to validate the folk medicinal use of the tested plants and open new ways in the search for natural products with vasodilatory effects.

Effects of Ginko Biloba and caspase inhibitors on brain ischemia in the Mongolian Gerbil

AIM

Data reported in previous studies and our own previous experience have led us to explore the mechanism of and the degree of protection afforded by Ginko Biloba in a model of cerebral ischemia in the Mongolian Gerbil evaluating histological and neurological effects in this rodent.

METHODS

Mongolian Gerbils were divided into experimental groups: Group A consisted of animals subjected only to experimental ischemia; 5 minutes occlusion of the carotid arteries. Group B consisted of animals subjected to experimental ischemia and to a dose of Ginko Biloba, given intraperitoneally immediately before the surgical procedure. Group C consisted of animals subjected to experimental ischemia and to a dose of Ginko Biloba, given intraperitoneally immediately after the surgical procedure. Group D consisted of animals subjected to experimental ischemia and to a dose of the caspase inhibitors z-VAD.FMK and z-DEVD.FMK injected intracerebroventricularly through the right hemisphere before the surgical procedure. Group E consisted of animals subjected to experimental ischemia and to a dose of caspase inhibitors injected after the surgical procedure. Group F consisted of Sham-operated animals. Histological controls were done by H and E and the TUNEL method in the frontal cortex and caudate-putamen.

RESULTS

The percentage of normal cells was not statistically significant at analysis with H and E, whereas the TUNEL method showed good protection with Ginko Biloba and caspase inhibitors, when the latter is given in the reperfusion phase. These data were in agreement with data obtained at neurological examination.

CONCLUSION

We could say that cellular morphology is in itself an untrustworthy tool for judging the effects of ischemia and protective drugs; the TUNEL method may add important information about the different components of cellular death; the reperfusion phase may be critical for apoptotic phenomena; Ginko Biloba might protect neurons of the frontal cortex from both necrotic and apoptotic death in this model of ischemia.

[Use of dermo-adipose grafts in facial morphology restoration in cases of progressive partial lipodystrophy]

Two cases of partial progressive lipodystrophy syndrome with extensive soft tissue atrophy of the face and of the upper part of the trunk, with kidney and blood alteration, are presented. On the basis of the psysical examination and pathological history of the patients, blood and instrumental tests have been performed in both cases. The diagnosis of partial progressive lipodystrophy syndrome has been made and a surgical treatment with dermal fat graft from the inguinal region was proposed to the patients after several information and was performed to improve the facial contour. After a follow up of 18 months a resorption of 50% of dermal fat graft was found according to surgeons' expectations with a good esthetic improvement of the face.

Influence of nitric oxide on the spontaneous activity of globus pallidus neurones in the rat

Previous observations have suggested a role for nitric oxide in the activity of the globus pallidus, but this functional involvement has not yet been tested in vivo. The extracellular activity of single units of the globus pallidus was recorded, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase was inhibited by systemically administering 7-nitro-indazole to a group of anaesthetised rats. Forty-five per cent of cells responded with a decrease in the firing rate. In another group of rats, the microiontophoretic administration of 3-morpholino-sydnonimin-hydrochloride (a nitric oxide donor) induced an increase in neuronal firing rate (24/28 cells), whereas the administration of N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) reduced the activity of pallidal neurones (8/11 cells). No electrophysiological differences between drug-sensitive and -insensitive neurones were evidenced. An excitatory role of nitric oxide in controlling the level of spontaneous activity of globus pallidus neurones is suggested, without any influence upon the discharge pattern.

Immunomodulating properties of Argentine plants with ethnomedicinal use

Five Argentine medicinal plants selected according to folk traditional or ethnomedical use, references and primary pharmacological screening; were chosen to elucidate their immunomodulating properties. Dichloromethane, methanolic and aqueous extracts of the aerial parts of Achyrocline flaccida (A. flaccida), Eupatorium arnottianum (E. arnottianum) and Eupatorioum buniifolium (E. buniifolium), leaves of Lithraea molleoides (L. molleoides) and leaves and stems of Phyllanthus sellowianus (P. sellowianus) were analyzed to disclose their effects on murine normal and tumor cell growth as well as on complement hemolytic activity. Modulation of cell growth was evaluated by tritiated thymidine incorporation while inhibition of complement activity was measured on both classical and alternative complement pathways (CP and AP respectively). The results obtained show that most of the extracts exerted inhibitory effect on tumor as well as on mitogen activated normal spleen cell growth. On tumor cells, IC50 ranged between 1-75 microg/ml for most of the extracts with the exception of dichloromethane of L. molleoides and P. sellowianus which required concentrations higher than 100 microg/ml to produce the effect. On mitogenic activated splenocytes, IC50 ranged between < 1 to 85 microg/ml with the exception of methanolic extract of E. buniifolium or P. sellowianus which were not effective on ConA or LPS stimulated splenocytes respectively. Only E. buniifolium was active on murine normal splenocytes proliferation (IC50 0.5-1.5 microg/ml). Finally, one (7%) of 15 extracts showed inhibition of complement activity on CP and 6 extracts (40%) presented moderate activity on CP. The dichloromethane extract of E. arnottianum was the most active (IC50 5 microg/ml), although remarkable effect was also obtained with dichloromethane and methanolic extracts of P. sellowianus (IC50 11.2 and 17.3 microg/ml respectively). Besides, 2 extracts (13%), dichloromethane extract of E. arnottianum and aqueous extract of P. sellowianus, showed moderate inhibition on AP.

The hypoglycemic effect of Phyllanthus sellowianus fractions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Phyllanthus sellowianus Müller Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant used in folk medicine as a hypoglycemic and diuretic agent. The present study describes the hypoglycemic effect of fractions obtained from the stem barks of P. sellowianus using a bioassay-guided fractionation protocol and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic mice. The aqueous extract was partitioned between dichloromethane and butanol to yield the dichloromethane (D), butanol (B) and the remaining aqueous (A) fractions. Fractions B and A, administered at the dose of 200 mg/kg p.o., caused a significant reduction in blood glucose concentration at 6 and 9 h, while the same dose of fraction D was ineffective. The reduction in blood glucose levels obtained with the B and A fractions was similar to that observed with glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) which was used as a reference for the hypoglycemic activity. Phytochemical analysis of fractions B and A revealed the presence of flavonoid compounds, of which rutin and isoquercitrin were the major constituents, respectively. The possible involvement of these flavonoids in the hypoglycemic effect of the active fractions is discussed.

Prospective study of the ability of histamine, serotonin or serum chromogranin A levels to identify gastric carcinoids in patients with gastrinomas

BACKGROUND

Chronic hypergastrinaemia causes gastric enterochromaffin cell proliferation and carcinoid tumours. The only reliable means to diagnose enterochromaffin cell changes/carcinoids is by biopsy.

AIM

To assess whether serum histamine, chromogranin A or serotonin and urinary N-methylimidazoleacetic acid or 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid correlate with advanced enterochromaffin cell changes or gastric carcinoids in patients with gastrinomas.

METHODS

Consecutive patients (n=145) had the above assays and endoscopy with gastric biopsies.

RESULTS

Lower N-methylimidazoleacetic acid and chromogranin A levels (P < 0.0001) occurred in disease-free patients. In patients with active disease, the fasting serum gastrin levels correlated (P < 0.0001) with both chromogranin A and N-methylimidazoleacetic acid levels. Chromogranin A (P=0.005), but not N-methylimidazoleacetic acid, serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid or histamine levels, correlated with the enterochromaffin cell index. Carcinoids, but not advanced enterochromaffin cell changes only, were associated with higher chromogranin A and N-methylimidazoleacetic acid levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum chromogranin A levels and urinary N-methylimidazoleacetic acid levels, but not serum histamine or serotonin or urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, correlate with the presence of gastric carcinoids. However, no assay identified patients with advanced enterochromaffin cell changes only with high sensitivity/specificity. Thus, N-methylimidazoleacetic acid and chromogranin A levels are unable to identify patients with advanced changes in enterochromaffin cells and therefore neither can replace routine gastric biopsies.

In vitro genotoxic evaluation of the medicinal plant Chenopodium ambrosioides L

Chenopodium ambrosioides (Chenopodiaceae) is an anthelmintic herb used in Latin-America's folk medicine. The aim of this work is to evaluate genetic damage induced by decoction and infusion of this plant which were assayed in different concentrations (1, 10, 100, 1000 microg/ml), by addition of the extract to human lymphocyte cell cultures. The endpoints evaluated were chromosomal aberrations (CA), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), cell proliferation kinetics (CPK) and mitotic indexes (MI). The repeated measure analysis of variance was used for statistic evaluation of the results. The results showed (a) a statistical increase in the percentage of cells with CA and in the frequency of SCE when cultures were exposed to both preparations of Paico, (b) a decrease in MI of both preparations assayed, although no modification in the CPK values either in the infusion or in the decoction was observed. These results suggest a possible genotoxic effect of both preparations, probably due to different active principles.

Progression of gastric enterochromaffin-like cells growth in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and atrophic body gastritis patients

BACKGROUND

Enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia of the gastric body mucosa occurs in hypergastrinaemic conditions such as atrophic body gastritis and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. However, the time course of change or factors involved are not known.

AIMS

To compare the rate of change of enterochromaffin-like cell proliferation in patients with atrophic body gastritis and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

PATIENTS

From a consecutive series of atrophic body gastritis and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome patients, studied at the time of first diagnosis, 10 atrophic body gastritis (4 with pernicious anaemia) and 14 Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (4 with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1) patients were followed-up for a median time of 48 months.

METHODS

At entry and during follow-up patients underwent: plasma gastrin determination, endoscopic sampling of body mucosa for qualitative assessment of enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia pattern and degree of glandular atrophy, qualitative and morphometric analyses of body mucosa endocrine cells.

RESULTS

At time of diagnosis, enterochromaffin-like cell lesions were more severe in atrophic body gastritis than in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. During follow-up, no significant variations were observed in gastrin values, enterochromaffin-like cell patterns and grade of body mucosa atrophy in atrophic body gastritis. In contrast, gastrin levels were significantly increased [median 1200 (235-2625) vs 1947 (225-5200) pg/ml; p<0.001)] as was total volume density of enterochromaffin-like cells [median 1.60 (0.53-4.06) vs 3.18 (1.35-21.13)% of mucosal epithelial component; (p<0.005)] in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Micronodular hyperplasia of enterochromaffin-like cells, present in only one patient at diagnosis, was observed in 8 Zollinger-Ellison syndrome patients at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the progression of enterochromaffin-like cell growth in human gastric mucosa requires an increase of and/or a prolonged exposure to severe hypergastrinaemia.

Prevention and treatment of keloids with intralesional verapamil

BACKGROUND

The current treatment of keloids is based on surgery, medical therapy and physical treatment. The optimal treatment remains undefined.

OBJECTIVE

This clinical study determines the effectiveness of verapamil hydrochloride on the prevention and treatment of keloids.

METHODS

Two groups of patients with keloids were divided according to lesion site and age. The first group was treated by perilesional surgical excision of keloids and topical silicone, combined with adjuvant treatment of intralesional 2.5 mg/ml verapamil hydrochloride injections administered at timed intervals. The second group served as control, receiving the same treatment except the verapamil hydrochloride.

RESULTS

A periodical examination to check specific clinical parameters and an 18-month follow-up determined that keloids were cured in 54% of the cases in the first group, compared to 18% in the second group. Moreover, in the remaining 36% of patients in the first group in whom keloids recurred, there was an improvement in size and above all in consistence.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that verapamil hydrochloride is an effective tool for the prevention and therapy of keloids.

Cytotoxic effect of Argentine medicinal plant extracts on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line

Methanolic extracts from Achyrocline satureioides (Dc.) Lam, Aristolochia macroura Gomez, Lithraea molleoides (Vell.) Engl., Schinus molle L., unlike those from Celtis spinosa Spreng, Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Petiveria alliacea L., and Plantago major L. showed cytotoxic activity against a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, Hep G2. Schinus molle L. was the most active (IC50=50+/-7 microg/ml). These results call for further studies of these extracts.

Antinociceptive effect of the aqueous extract of Balbisia calycina

The aqueous extract from the aerial parts of Balbisia calycina (Gris.) A.T. Hunziker et Ariza (Ledocarpaceae), was evaluated for antinociceptive activity using the abdominal constriction, hot plate and formalin tests. The extract was administered orally to male mice at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg. A dose-dependent antinociceptive effect of the extract was obtained with the abdominal constriction test at doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg. This antinociceptive effect was not reversed by pretreatment with naloxone. No significant response was obtained with the hot plate test. With the formalin test doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg had no significant effect during the first phase of the test (0-5 min), while with the dose of 800 mg/kg, a significant inhibition during the second phase (15-30 min) was observed. The phytochemical investigation of the aqueous extract of B. calycina revealed the presence of the flavonoids luteolin, avicularin and hyperoside. The possible involvement of these flavonoids (specially luteolin) in the antinociceptive action is discussed.