A combination of cefuroxime and N-acetyl-cysteine for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections in children

One hundred and three children with lower respiratory tract infections were treated with a combination of cefuroxime and N-acetyl-cysteine. Positive clinical results were obtained in 100 patients, symptoms being completely relieved in 58 and distinct improvement produced in 42. Chest x-rays provided objective evidence of recovery or improvement in these 100 patients. Of the 72 pathogenic strains isolated before treatment in the trial population as a whole, none were still detectable at the end of treatment. No side effects or adverse reactions of any kind were observed.

The distribution of peroxide regulating enzymes in the canine eye

The retina and rod outer segments (ROS), rich in unsaturated lipids, are highly susceptible to autoxidation via free radical mechanisms. In the canine eye, four enzymes, i.e.; p-phenylenediamine (PPD) peroxidase, glutathione peroxidases, catalase and superoxide dismutase which are involved in the production or degradation of peroxides, were measured. All enzymes were present in the retina, ciliary body and iris, but differed in concentration. Superoxide dismutase showed high activity in the ROS. In the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) a peroxidase utilizing PPD as cosubstrate and superoxide dismutase were both present. The former enzyme was found equally distributed between soluble and insoluble forms. A pigment granule fraction from the RPE only contained PPD-peroxidase. The compartmentalization of peroxide regulating enzymes in the eye is striking. Whereas the retina seems well protected against superoxide free radicals and hydrogen peroxide by virtue of superoxide dismutase, peroxidases and catalase activities, the ROS are only protected by superoxide dismutase. Therefore, after phagocytosis of the ROS, any peroxidized lipids, organic peroxides, or unconverted superoxide radicals contained within the ROS, must be detoxified by a specific RPE peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Hydrogen peroxide or other peroxidized compounds apparently are not degraded by glutathione peroxidases or catalase, since these enzymes were not measurable in our RPE preparations. The role of antioxidative enzymes in the eye, which retard peroxide and free radical information, appears to be specific and regional.