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Urea Nitrogen (urea + nitrogen)
Kinds of Urea Nitrogen Terms modified by Urea Nitrogen Selected AbstractsEffects of Nigella orientalis and N. segetalis fixed oils on blood biochemistry in ratsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 1 2006G. Kökdil Abstract Nigella orientalis and N. segetalis fixed oils were administered orally (1 mL/kg/day) to Wistar Kyoto rats for 4 weeks. The effects of the oils on biochemical parameters were compared with a control group that received distilled water under identical conditions. LDL-cholesterol level was decreased significantly in both oil groups while serum total cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were decreased significantly following administration of only N. orientalis fixed oil when compared with the control group. The HDL-cholesterol levels were increased significantly in both oil groups. N. orientalis fixed oil significantly reduced Aspartateaminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin and urea levels in rats. There was an increase in the albumin, uric acid and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) concentrations, while the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and RDW (red cell distribution width) levels decreased significantly. In N. segetalis fixed oil treated rats, the levels of ALP, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), MCHC, RDW were decreased significantly, whereas a significant increase was found in albumin, fibrinogen, Hematocrit (HCT) and MCV levels. The effects of 4 weeks oral intake of N. orientalis and N. segetalis fixed oils on blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant status (TOS) were also investigated in rats. The study showed that the oils had no significant effect on MDA production. N. orientalis and N. segetalis fixed oils caused a significant increase in the total antioxidant status in rats. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Performance of Severity of Illness Scoring Systems in Emergency Department Patients with InfectionACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 8 2007Michael D. Howell MD ObjectivesTo validate the Mortality in Emergency Department Sepsis (MEDS) score, the Confusion, Urea nitrogen, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, 65 years of age and older (CURB-65) score, and a modified Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (mREMS) in patients with suspected infection. MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study. Adult patients with clinically suspected infection admitted from December 10, 2003, to September 30, 2004, in an urban emergency department with approximately 50,000 annual visits were eligible. The MEDS and CURB-65 scores were calculated as originally described, but REMS was modified in neurologic scoring because a full Glasgow Coma Scale score was not uniformly available. Discrimination of each score was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC). ResultsOf 2,132 patients, 3.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.1% to 4.7%) died. Mortality stratified by the MEDS score was as follows: 0,4 points, 0.4% (95% CI = 0.0 to 0.7%); 5,7 points, 3.3% (95% CI = 1.7% to 4.9%); 8,12 points, 6.6% (95% CI = 4.4% to 8.8%); and ,13 points, 31.6% (95% CI = 22.4% to 40.8%). Mortality stratified by CURB-65 was as follows: 0 points, 0% (0 of 457 patients); 1 point, 1.6% (95% CI = 0.6% to 2.6%); 2 points, 4.1% (95% CI = 2.3% to 6.0%); 3 points, 4.9% (95% CI = 2.8% to 6.9%); 4 points, 18.1% (95% CI = 11.9% to 24.3%); and 5 points, 28.0% (95% CI = 10.4% to 45.6%). Mortality stratified by the mREMS was as follows: 0,2 points, 0.6% (95% CI = 0 to 1.2%); 3,5 points, 2.0% (95% CI = 0.8% to 3.1%); 6,8 points, 2.3% (95% CI = 1.1% to 3.5%); 9,11 points, 7.1% (95% CI = 4.2% to 10.1%); 12,14 points, 20.0% (95% CI = 12.5% to 27.5%); and ,15 points, 40.0% (95% CI = 22.5% to 57.5%). The AUCs were 0.85, 0.80, and 0.79 for MEDS, mREMS, and CURB-65, respectively. ConclusionsIn this large cohort of patients with clinically suspected infection, MEDS, mREMS, and CURB-65 all correlated well with 28-day in-hospital mortality. [source] The Effect of Administering Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Proteins in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: Results From a Retrospective StudyCONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 6 2006Reynolds M. Delgado MD Anemia is prevalent in patients with chronic heart failure and is associated with worse symptoms and poor prognosis. The authors reviewed the charts of all patients (N=467) treated at Texas Heart Institute from January 2000 to October 2003, during which time a clinical protocol offered treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating proteins. Post-treatment, the authors observed a significant increase in mean ± SD hemoglobin, from 9.9±1.1 g/dL to 11.7±1.5 g/dL (P<.0001), improvement of renal function (a decrease in mean levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen), and fewer hospital admissions (1.0±1.4 vs 1.8±1.6; P=.0003) without an increase in adverse clinical events, compared with pretreatment and compared with an untreated control group. These results suggest a potential benefit of anemia treatment with recombinant erythropoiesis-stimulating proteins in patients with chronic heart failure. [source] Mouse toxicity of Anabaena flos-aquae from Lake Dianchi, ChinaENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Xiaojie Pan Abstract Some species of the genera Anabaena can produce various kinds of cyanotoxins, which may pose risks to environment and human health. Anabaena has frequently been observed in eutrophic freshwater of China in recent years, but its toxicity has been reported only in a few studies. In the present study, the toxicity of an Anabaena flos-aquae strain isolated from Lake Dianchi was investigated. Acute toxicity testing was performed by mouse bioassay using crude extracts from the lyophilized cultures. The mice exposed to crude extracts showed visible symptoms of toxicity and died within 10,24 h of the injection. Serum biochemical parameters were evaluated by the use of commercial diagnostic kits. Significant alterations were found in the serum biochemical parameters: alkaline phosphatase (AKP), ,-glutamyl transpeptidase (,-GT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), AST/ALT ratio, total protein content, albumin content, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Ssr), and total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC). Histopathological observations were carried out with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain under light microscope. Severe lesions were seen in the livers, kidneys, and lungs of the mice injected with crude extracts. The alterations of biochemical parameters were in a dose-dependent manner, and the severities of histological lesions were in the same manner. Based on biochemical and histological studies, this research firstly shows the presence of toxin-producing Anabaena species in Lake Dianchi and the toxic effects of its crude extracts on mammals. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009. [source] Using regional exposure criteria and upstream reference data to characterize spatial and temporal exposures to chemical contaminants,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2000Susan M. Cormier Abstract Analyses of biomarkers in fish were used to evaluate exposures among locations and across time. Two types of references were used for comparison, an upstream reference sample remote from known point sources and regional exposure criteria derived from a baseline of fish from reference sites throughout Ohio, USA. Liver, bile, and blood were sampled from white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) collected during 1993 and 1996 in the Ottawa River near Lima, Ohio. Levels of exposure were measured for petroleum by naphthalene-type metabolites, combustion by-products by benzo[a]pyrene-type metabolites, coplanar organic compounds by ethoxyresorufin- O -deethylase (EROD) activity, and urea by blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The four biomarkers analyzed proved effective in determining differences between reference and polluted sampling sites, between geographically close (<0.5 km) sites, and between sampling years at sites common in both years. Calculated exposure criteria levels of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon bile metabolites were found to be a conservative approximation of levels from a designated reference site and could thereby permit comparison of biomarker levels of fish from the Ottawa River to a regional reference level. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon bile metabolite and EROD activity levels were more reflective of spatial patterns of contamination than BUN, although all biomarkers indicated differences overtime. Biomarkers from white suckers seemed to be more responsive in detecting changes in contaminant levels than the same biomarkers from common carp. Lower levels in 1996 of all biomarkers at many sites suggested lower exposures than in 1993 and could be indicative of some improvement over the period. [source] A Modified Atkins Diet Is Effective for the Treatment of Intractable Pediatric EpilepsyEPILEPSIA, Issue 2 2006Eric H. Kossoff Summary:,Purpose: The Atkins diet may induce ketosis as does the ketogenic diet, without restrictions on calories, fluids, protein, or need for an inpatient fast and admission. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a modified Atkins diet for intractable childhood epilepsy. Methods: Twenty children were treated prospectively in a hospital-based ambulatory clinic from September 2003 to May 2005. Children aged 3,18 years, with at least three seizures per week, who had been treated with at least two anticonvulsants, were enrolled and received the diet over a 6-month period. Carbohydrates were initially limited to 10 g/day, and fats were encouraged. Parents measured urinary ketones semiweekly and recorded seizures daily. All children received vitamin and calcium supplementation. Results: In all children, at least moderate urinary ketosis developed within 4 days (mean, 1.9). Sixteen (80%) completed the 6-month study; 14 chose to remain on the diet afterward. At 6 months, 13 (65%) had >50% improvement, and seven (35%) had >90% improvement (four were seizure free). Mean seizure frequency after 6 months was 40 per week (p = 0.005). Over a 6-month period, mean serum blood urea nitrogen increased from 12 to 17 mg/dl (p = 0.01); creatinine was unchanged. Cholesterol increased from 192 to 221 mg/dl, (p = 0.06). Weight did not change significantly (34.0,33.7 kg); only six children lost weight. A stable body mass index over time correlated with >90% improvement (p = 0.004). Conclusions: A modified Atkins diet is an effective and well-tolerated therapy for intractable pediatric epilepsy. [source] Systemic, renal, and hepatic hemodynamic derangement in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitisHEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2003Luis Ruiz-del-Arbol M.D. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is frequently associated with renal failure. This study assessed if systemic and hepatic hemodynamics are also affected by this condition. Standard laboratory tests, tumor necrosis factor , (TNF-,) in plasma and ascitic fluid, plasma renin activity (PRA) and norepinephrine (NE), and systemic and hepatic hemodynamics were determined in 23 patients with SBP at diagnosis and after resolution of infection. Eight patients developed renal failure during treatment. At diagnosis of infection, patients developing renal failure showed significantly higher values of TNF-,, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), PRA and NE, peripheral vascular resistance, and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and lower cardiac output than patients not developing renal failure. During treatment, a significant reduction in cardiac output and arterial pressure and increase in PRA and NE, HVPG, and Child-Pugh score were observed in the first group but not in the second. Peripheral vascular resistance remained unmodified in both groups. Changes in PRA and NE correlated inversely with changes in arterial pressure and directly with changes in BUN, Child-Pugh score, and HVPG. Five patients in the renal failure group developed encephalopathy, and 6 died. In the group without renal failure, none of the patients developed encephalopathy or expired. In conclusion, patients with SBP frequently develop a rapidly progressive impairment in systemic hemodynamics, leading to severe renal and hepatic failure, aggravation of portal hypertension, encephalopathy, and death. This occurs despite rapid resolution of infection and is associated with an extremely poor prognosis. [source] Pyogenic liver abscesses: a comparison of older and younger patientsHPB, Issue 3 2001JA Alvarez Background Pyogenic liver abscess is a life-threatening disease. Few studies have specifically explored the way in which the clinical features and management of elderly patients with pyogenic liver abscess differ from those of younger individuals. Methods A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate whether older patients with pyogenic liver abscess have distinctive presenting features or whether their management and outcome differ from that of younger patients. A total of 133 patients with liver abscess treated in five hospitals during 13 years comprised two groups: 78 patients aged 60 years or above (older group) and 55 patients below age 60 years (younger group). Clinical features, laboratory data, imaging and microbiological findings, management and outcome were determined in each group. Results The older group contained more patients with associated diseases (p = 0.03), nausea and vomiting at presentation (p = 0.02), higher APACHE II (Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation II scale) score (p < 0.001) and blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.001) and serum creatinine levels (p = 0.002). Multiple abscess (p = 0.05) and bilobar (p = 0.03) abscess were also commoner in this group. By contrast, in the younger group men predominated (p = 0.01), and there was a higher overall complication rate (p = 0.05). Time to diagnosis, hospital mortality rate and other variables analysed were similar in both groups. Discussion Elderly patients with pyogenic liver abscess have some subtle differences in clinical and laboratory presentation, but these do not appear to delay diagnosis. Active management is tolerated well, with a lower morbidity rate than in younger patients and no difference in the mortality rate. [source] Acyclovir-induced neuropsychosis successfully recovered after immediate hemodialysis in an end-stage renal disease patientINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2007Hung-Hsu Yang MD A 70-year-old man developed herpes zoster over the right L5,S2 region for 3 days and was admitted for acyclovir therapy. He had a medical history of rectal cancer status post-colostomy and end-stage renal disease undergoing thrice weekly hemodialysis. Without a prior loading dose, acyclovir 500 mg (7.7 mg/kg) daily was given intravenously in two divided doses. On the third dosage, the patient became confused and agitated and developed insomnia. Within the following 24 h, delirium, visual and auditory hallucinations, disorientation to place and time, as well as impaired recent memory occurred. At the same time, a transient low grade fever (38 °C) was noted but resolved spontaneously after ice pillow (Fig. 1). Figure 1. The clinical and treatment course of the patient The etiology was vigorously explored. He had no history of any neurological or psychiatric disorders. Drug history was reviewed, but no other medications besides acyclovir were currently being used. Physical examination revealed neither meningeal signs nor focal neurological deficits. Serum blood urea nitrogen, glucose, and electrolytes were within normal limits except for an elevated creatinine level at 6.2 and 5.7 mg/dl (before and after neuropsychotic symptoms, respectively). Complete blood count with differentiation was also unremarkable. Cerebrospinal fluid examination was not possible as the patient's family refused the lumbar puncture. Moreover, an electroencephalograph study and head computed tomography scan disclosed no abnormalities. Acyclovir-induced neurotoxicity was suspected. Therefore, acyclovir was discontinued. Subsequently, serum acyclovir and CMMG were checked by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum acyclovir level was 1.6 mg/l (normal therapeutic level, 0.12,10.8 mg/l) and CMMG level was 5 mg/l. Emergent hemodialysis (4-h/session) was given; the neuropsychotic symptoms, including agitation, delirium, and visual and auditory hallucinations, greatly abated after the second session. The patient fully recovered after three consecutive days of hemodialysis; the serum was rechecked and revealed that the acyclovir level was below 0.5 mg/l and the CMMG level was undetectable. At the same time, his herpetic skin lesions resolved well. [source] A child with spider bite and glomerulonephritis: a diagnostic challengeINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2000Jennifer M. Lung MD A previously healthy 7-year-old white boy presented to St. Louis Children's Hospital with a 1-day history of headache, malaise, temperature of 38.7 °C, and a progressively erythematous, tender calf with central dusky purpura. On the morning of admission, his mother noticed a 2-mm crust on the patient's right calf with a 3-cm × 3-cm area of surrounding erythema. No history of recent trauma or bite was obtained. He had suffered two episodes of nonbloody, nonbilious emesis during the last day. In addition, over the previous 12 h, he presented brown urine without dysuria. His mother and brother had suffered from gastroenteritis over the previous week without bloody diarrhea. On initial physical examination, there was a 6-cm × 11-cm macular tender purpuric plaque with a central punctum on the right inner calf, which was warm and tender to the touch, with erythematous streaking towards the popliteal fossa ( Fig. 1). The inguinal area was also erythematous with tender lymphadenopathy and induration, but without fluctuance. Laboratory studies included an elevated white blood cell count of 20,800/,L with 6% bands, 86% segs, and 7% lymphocytes, hemoglobin of 12.5 g/dL, hematocrit of 35.1%, and platelets of 282,000/,L. The prothrombin time/activated partial tissue thromboplastin was 10.4/28.0 s (normal PT, 9.3,12.3 s; normal PTT, 21.3,33.7 s) and fibrinogen was 558 mg/dL (normal, 192,379 mg/dL). Urinalysis showed 1+ protein, 8,10 white blood cells, too numerous to count red blood cells, and no hemoglobinuria. His electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatine were normal. The urine culture was negative. Blood culture after 24 h showed one out of two bottles of coagulase negative Staphylococcus epidermidis. Figure 1. (A) 7-year-old boy with painful purpura of the calf The patient's physical examination was highly suggestive of a brown recluse spider bite with surrounding purpura. Over the next 2 days, the surrounding rim of erythema expanded. The skin within the plaque cleared and peeled at the periphery. The coagulase negative staphylococci in the blood culture were considered to be a contaminant. Cefotaxime and oxacillin were given intravenously. His leg was elevated and cooled with ice packs. The patient's fever resolved within 24 h. The lesion became less erythematous and nontender with decreased warmth and lymphadenopathy. The child was discharged on Duricef for 10 days. Because the patient experienced hematuria rather than hemoglobinuria, nephritis was suggested. In this case, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis was the most likely cause. His anti-streptolysin-O titer was elevated at 400 U (normal, <200 U) and C3 was 21.4 mg/dL (normal, 83,177 mg/dL). His urine lightened to yellow,brown in color. His blood pressure was normal. Renal ultrasound showed severe left hydronephrosis with cortical atrophy, probably secondary to chronic/congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction. His right kidney was normal. [source] Assessment of renal function with color Doppler ultrasound in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney diseaseINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 3 2001Akira Kondo Abstract Background: Measurement of renal blood flow by color Doppler ultrasound is useful for assessment of renal function in a variety of renal disorders. In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), however, it might be difficult to visualize interlobar arteries because of deformity of renal structure. To evaluate the usefulness of color Doppler in ADPKD, parameters determined by blood flow examination were compared with the results of ordinal renal function tests. Methods: Twenty-one patients with ADPKD were examined by color Doppler ultrasound measurement. In each patient, 10 interlobar arteries in both kidneys were investigated. Minimum blood flow velocity (Vmin), maximum blood flow velocity (Vmax), mean blood flow velocity (Vmean), acceleration, resistive index and pulsatility index were measured in relation to the results of creatinine clearance, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and 15 and 120 min values of the phenolsulfonphthalein test. Results: In all patients, interlobar arteries were able to be visualized and blood-flow profile was measured. Although variations of Vmin, Vmax, Vmean and acceleration were relatively large, the resistive index and pulsatility index varied little in each kidney. Mean values of Vmin (P < 0.005), Vmean (P < 0.05), resistive index (P < 0.005) and pulsatility index (P < 0.005) were well correlated to creatinine clearance with statistical significance. Conclusions: In ADPKD, color Doppler ultrasound measurement is a useful method for assessment of renal function and could be used for monitoring the dynamic state of renal blood flow as a non-invasive technique. [source] Effect of ethyl icosapentate on urinary calcium and oxalate excretionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 10 2000Eiji Konya Background: The effect of ethyl icosapentate (EPA-E) on urinary calcium and oxalic acid excretion was examined to evaluate whether EPA-E is useful in the prevention of calcium-containing urinary stones. Methods: For 6 months, urine was measured daily from 40 calcium-containing urinary stone producers at an outpatient clinic, before and after the administration of 1800 mg/day EPA-E. The urine was measured for volume, urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, uric acid, oxalic acid and citric acid. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride were also measured. Results: Urinary calcium excretion was not reduced in any of the patients or particular hypercalciuric groups, nor did the level of calcium change. However, nine of the 25 hypercalciuric patients experienced a significant urinary calcium reduction to the normal calciuric level (a reduction of approximately 44%). It is not known why these particular patients experienced a reduction. Urinary oxalic acid did not change, whether hypercalciuria was present or not. Conclusions: These findings suggest that EPA-E is not particularly effective in reducing urinary calcium excretion in the hypercalciuric patients, but it needs future investigation because some patients experienced significant urinary calcium reduction. [source] Plasma Hypertonicity: Another Marker of Frailty?JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 8 2004Jodi D. Stookey PhD Objectives: To determine whether plasma hypertonicity might be a marker of early frailty, this study tested the associations between plasma hypertonicity, incident disability, and mortality in nondisabled older adults. Design: Longitudinal, observational study. Setting: Community-based. Participants: Older adults (,70), who reported no disability and gave blood in the 1992 Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly survey (n=705), were re-interviewed in 1996 for functional status (n=561) and followed for all deaths up to January 1, 2000. Measurements: Plasma tonicity was estimated from plasma glucose, sodium, and potassium measures and used to classify subjects as normo- (285,294 mOsm/L) or hypertonic (,300 mOsm/L). Disability was defined as any impairment on the Rosow-Breslau, activity of daily living (ADL), and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) scales. The relative risk (RR) of any new disability and relative hazard of death associated with hypertonicity were estimated using logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively. All models were controlled for age, sex, race, weight status, current smoking, activity level, plasma blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, cognitive impairment, depression, and chronic disease status. To determine whether observed effects were attributable to plasma glucose alone, all models were repeated on a subsample of nondiabetic, normoglycemic subjects. Results: Plasma hypertonicity (observed in 15% of subjects) was associated with increased risk of new Rosow-Breslau (RR=2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2,3.6), IADL (RR=2.3, 95% CI=1.2,4.3), and ADL (RR=2.7 95% CI=1.3,5.6) disability by 1996 and mortality by 2000 (RR=1.4, 95% CI=1.0,1.9). Results were similar for the normoglycemic subgroup (ADL: RR=2.9, 95% CI=1.0,8.0; IADL: RR=2.5, 95% CI=1.0,6.3; Rosow-Breslau: RR=1.8, 95% CI=0.8,3.9; mortality: RR=1.5, 95% CI=0.9,2.3). Conclusion: Plasma hypertonicity may be a marker of early frailty. It was prevalent in this sample of nondisabled community-dwelling older adults and predicted incident disability and mortality. Further research to identify its determinants and consequences may help inform interventions against frailty. [source] An Intervention to Increase Fluid Intake in Nursing Home Residents: Prompting and Preference ComplianceJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 7 2001Sandra F. Simmons PhD OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a three-phase, behavioral intervention to improve fluid intake in nursing home (NH) residents. DESIGN: Controlled clinical intervention trial. SETTING: Two community NHs. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-three incontinent NH residents. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention consisted of three phases for a total of 32 weeks: (1) 16 weeks of four verbal prompts to drink per day, in between meals; (2) 8 weeks of eight verbal prompts per day, in between meals; and (3) 8 weeks of eight verbal prompts per day, in between meals, plus compliance with participant beverage preferences. MEASUREMENTS: Between-meal fluid intake was measured in ounces by research staff during all three phases of the intervention. Percentage of fluids consumed during meals was also estimated by research staff for a total of nine meals per participant (3 consecutive days) at baseline and at 8 and 32 weeks into the intervention. Serum osmolality, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine values were obtained for all participants in one of the two sites at the same three time points. RESULTS: The majority (78%) of participants increased their fluid intake between meals in response to the increase in verbal prompts (phase 1 to 2). A subset of residents (21%), however, only increased their fluid intake in response to beverage preference compliance (phase 3). There was a significant reduction in the proportion of intervention participants who had laboratory values indicative of dehydration compared with the control participants. Cognitive and nutritional status were predictive of residents' responsiveness to the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A behavioral intervention that consists of verbal prompts and beverage preference compliance was effective in increasing fluid intake among most of a sample of incontinent NH residents. Verbal prompting alone was effective in improving fluid intake in the more cognitively impaired residents, whereas preference compliance was needed to increase fluid intake among less cognitively impaired NH residents. [source] In vivo acute toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles to mice after intraperitioneal injectionJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Jinyuan Chen Abstract Because of its excellent optical performance and electrical properties, TiO2 has a wide range of applications in many fields. It is often considered to be physiologically inert to humans. However, some recent studies have reported that nano-sized TiO2 may generate potential harm to the environment and humans. In this paper the in vivo acute toxicity of nano-sized TiO2 particles to adult mice was investigated. Mice were injected with different dosages of nano-sized TiO2 (0, 324, 648, 972, 1296, 1944 or 2592 mg kg,1). The effects of particles on serum biochemical levels were evaluated at various time points (24 h, 48 h, 7 days and 14 days). Tissues (spleen, heart, lung, kidney and liver) were collected for titanium content analysis and histopathological examination. Treated mice showed signs of acute toxicity such as passive behavior, loss of appetite, tremor and lethargy. Slightly elevated levels of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were found from the biochemical tests of serum whereas blood urea nitrogen was not significantly affected (P <0.05). The accumulation of TiO2 was highest in spleen (P <0.05). TiO2 was also deposited in liver, kidney and lung. Histopathological examinations showed that some TiO2 particles had entered the spleen and caused the lesion of spleen. Thrombosis was found in the pulmonary vascular system, which could be induced by the blocking of blood vessels with TiO2 particles. Moreover, hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis, hepatic fibrosis, renal glomerulus swelling and interstitial pneumonia associated with alveolar septal thickening were also observed in high-dose groups. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Collagen Metabolism Is Markedly Altered in the Hypertrophic Cartilage of Growth Plates from Rats with Growth Impairment Secondary to Chronic Renal FailureJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2001Jesús Álvarez Abstract Skeletal growth depends on growth plate cartilage activity, in which matrix synthesis by chondrocytes is one of the major processes contributing to the final length of a bone. On this basis, the present work was undertaken to ascertain if growth impairment secondary to chronic renal insufficiency is associated with disturbances of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the growth plate. By combining stereological and in situ hybridization techniques, we examined the expression patterns of types II and X collagens and collagenase-3 in tibial growth plates of rats made uremic by subtotal nephrectomy (NX) in comparison with those of sham-operated rats fed ad libitum (SAL) and sham-operated rats pair-fed with NX (SPF). NX rats were severely uremic, as shown by markedly elevated serum concentrations of urea nitrogen, and growth retarded, as shown by significantly decreased longitudinal bone growth rates. NX rats showed disturbances in the normal pattern of chondrocyte differentiation and in the rates and degree of substitution of hypertrophic cartilage with bone, which resulted in accumulation of cartilage at the hypertrophic zone. These changes were associated with an overall decrease in the expression of types II and X collagens, which was especially marked in the abnormally extended zone of the hypertrophic cartilage. Unlike collagen, the expression of collagenase-3 was not disturbed severely. Electron microscopic analysis proved that changes in gene expression were coupled to alterations in the mineralization as well as in the collagen fibril architecture at the hypertrophic cartilage. Because the composition and structure of the ECM have a critical role in regulating the behavior of the growth plate chondrocytes, results obtained are consistent with the hypothesis that alteration of collagen metabolism in these cells could be a key process underlying growth retardation in uremia. [source] New enzymatic assay for serum urea nitrogen using urea amidolyaseJOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS, Issue 2 2003Shigeki Kimura Abstract We established an enzymatic assay for measurement of serum urea nitrogen using urea amidolyase (EC 3.5.1.45) from yeast species. The method is based on hydrolysis of urea by the enzyme. In this assay, we eliminated endogenous ammonium ion by use of glutamate dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.4). Then in the presence of urea amido-lyase, ATP, bicarbonate, magnesium, and potassium ions, ammonium ion was produced proportionally to urea concentration in serum. The concentra-tion of ammonium ion formed was determined by adding GLDH to produce NADP+ in the presence of 2-oxoglutarate and NADPH. We then monitored the change of absorbance at 340 nm. The inhibitory effect of calcium ion on this assay was eliminated by adding glyco-letherdiamine-N, N, N,, N,-tetraacetic acid to the reaction system. The with-in-assay coefficient of variations (CVs) of the present method were 1.80,3.76% (n = 10) at 2.8,19.0 mmol/L, respectively. The day-to-day CVs were 2.23,4.59%. Analytical recovery was 92,115%. The presence of ascorbic acid, bilirubin, hemoglobin, lipemic material, ammo-nium ion, or calcium ion did not affect this assay system. The correlation be-tween values obtained with the present method (y) and those by another enzy-matic method (x) was 0.997 (y = 1.02x , 0.10 mmol/L, Sy/x = 0.841, n = 100), with a mean difference of ,0.18 ± 0.86 mmol/L [(values by reference method , that of present method) ± SD] using the Bland-Altman technique. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 17:52,56, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Curcuma Aromatica Inhibits Diabetic Nephropathy in the RatJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 9 2006Ji-Young Hong ABSTRACT:, To test the possible involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the etiology of diabetic complications and therapeutic potential of antioxidant biofactors, we studied the effects of Curcuma aromatica (C. aromatica) on the pathologic events in streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats. Administration of streptozotocin (100 mg/kg, i.p.) increased plasma levels of glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and lipid peroxidation products but decreased plasma albumin levels and suppressed the growth of animals. Histological examination revealed a marked injury in renal glomeruli and proximal tubules with concomitant occurrence of 8-hydroxy-2,-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and mitochondrial 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE). Urinary excretion of 8-OHdG was also increased in streptozotocin-treated animals. Administration of streptozotocin decreased the mitochondrial localization of both Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and cytochrome C in the kidney without affecting the localization of Mn-SOD. When animals were given 1.5%C. aromatica- containing diet for 1 wk before and 8 wk after administration of streptozotocin, all the events induced by streptozotocin except for hyperglycemia decreased markedly. Thus, C. aromatica may have therapeutic potential for the prevention of hyperglycemia-associated diabetic complications. [source] In vivo magnetic resonance imaging of iron oxide,labeled, arterially-injected mesenchymal stem cells in kidneys of rats with acute ischemic kidney injury: Detection and monitoring at 3TJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 6 2007Harald Ittrich MD Abstract Purpose To evaluate MRI for a qualitative and quantitative in vivo tracking of intraaortal injected iron oxide,labeled mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into rats with acute kidney injury (AKI). Materials and Methods In vitro MRI and R2* measurement of nonlabeled and superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-labeled MSC (MSCSPIO) was performed in correlation to cellular iron content and cytological examination (Prussian blue, electron microscopy). In vivo MRI and R2* evaluation were performed before and after ischemic/reperfusion AKI (N = 14) and intraaortal injection of 1.5 × 106 MSCSPIO (N = 7), fetal calf serum (FCS) (medium, N = 6), and SPIO alone (N = 1) up to 14 days using a clinical 3T scanner. Signal to noise ratios (SNR), R2* of kidneys, liver, spleen, and bone marrow, renal function (creatinine [CREA], blood urea nitrogen [BUN]), and kidney volume were measured and tested for statistical significance (Student's t -test, P < 0.05) in comparison histology (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E], Prussian blue, periodic acid-Schiff [PAS], CD68). Results In vitro, MSCSPIO showed a reduction of SNR and T2* with R2* , number of MSCSPIO (R2 = 0.98). In vivo MSCSPIO administration resulted in a SNR decrease (35 ± 15%) and R2* increase (101 ± 18.3%) in renal cortex caused by MSCSPIO accumulation in contrast to control animals (P < 0.01). Liver, spleen, and bone marrow (MSCSPIO) showed a delayed SNR decline/R2* increase (P < 0.05) resulting from MSCSPIO migration. The increase of kidney volume and the decrease in renal function (P < 0.05) was reduced in MSC-treated animals. Conclusion Qualitative and quantitative in vivo cell-tracking and monitoring of organ distribution of intraaortal injected MSCSPIO in AKI is feasible in MRI at 3T. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;25:1179,1191. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Haematology and blood chemistry of Cebus apella in relation to sex and ageJOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2001M. Cristina Riviello An effective health care program entails the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of medical problems. A knowledge of baseline values in clinically normal individuals is essential for determining the limits between good health and disease and for understanding the changes produced by pathogenic agents. However, very little information is currently available concerning the blood chemistry and haematological values of different species of monkeys, particularly new-world primates. The values of some haematological and chemical parameters in Cebus apella were determined. The aim of the present work was to verify the effect of age and sex on normal blood values. Blood samples were collected once a year for two successive years from 36 monkeys living in large captive social groups. Significant differences between males and females were found for AST, GGT, urea nitrogen and creatinine, erythrocytes, haemoglobin and haematocrit. Significant differences between juveniles and adults were found for calcium, AST, alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus, glucose, neutrophils, lymphocytes and serum protein parameters. [source] Spontaneous amyloidosis in twelve chimpanzees, Pan troglodytesJOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2001Gene B. Hubbard Spontaneous amyloidosis was diagnosed in 11 male and 1 female chimpanzees and confirmed histologically and immunohistochemically. The chimpanzees were ,15 years of age when first diagnosed and averaged 22.4 years of age. The average survival time after diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis was 1.86 years with a standard deviation of 4.06 years (n=7). The chimpanzees with amyloidosis were asymptomatic except for hepatomegaly, which became more detectable with age. Significant increases in clinical chemistry values, as compared with referenced normals and established normals, of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), asparate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), globulin, total protein, creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), sedimentation rate, and triglycerides were found in animals 7 years of age or older with amyloidosis. These serum chemistry values, while increased in chimpanzees with amyloidosis, were generally within normal limits. Immunohistochemistry for both amyloid A protein and amyloid P component-labeled extracellular amyloid in all chimpanzees with amyloidosis was determined. Amyloid was deposited primarily in the liver. Amyloidosis in the chimpanzee is a chronic, intractable, progressive, fatal disease, and appears to be similar to secondary amyloidosis in other species. [source] Serum markers of chronic dehydration are associated with saliva spinabilityJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 10 2007A. YOSHIHARA Summary, Findings of a relationship between saliva and dehydration have been observed, but the precise nature of these relationships is unclear and no evidence of a direct link has been found. In particular, no study reports a relationship between chronic dehydration and saliva conditions in community-dwelling older adults. This study aimed to identify whether salivary conditions are sensitive to body hydration markers in an elderly population. A total of 403 subjects aged 76 years participated in the study. Stimulated saliva flow rate and spinability of saliva were measured. In addition, determinations of serum levels of uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, sodium and potassium were made. Dehydration was defined as uric acid , 7 mg dL,1 according to the standard value. The salivary spinability were significantly associated with the concentration of uric acid (OR=2·06, P=0·044) according to multiple logistic regression analysis. In addition, after adjusting for gender, the uric acid concentration and the salivary spinability was significantly associated with BUN, potassium and creatinine levels. The subjects with high uric acid levels (,,7 mg dL,1) had the most elastic saliva. Both BUN and serum creatinine are the most commonly used indicators of renal function. Therefore, our findings might demonstrate that older adults who are dehydrated showed highly elastic saliva, which was associated with renal function. In conclusion, this study suggests that there is a significant relationship between chronic dehydration status and salivary spinability level. [source] Influence of dosing schedules on toxicity and antitumour effects of combined cisplatin and docetaxel treatment in miceJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 5 2009Ayumi Kodama Abstract Objectives The combination of cisplatin and docetaxel shows a better cure rate against non-small-cell lung cancer than other drug combinations in clinical studies; however, severe myelosuppression and nephrotoxicity are dose-limiting factors. The purpose of this study was to establish a suitable dosing schedule to reduce adverse effects and improve the antitumour effects. Methods Cisplatin and docetaxel were administered i.p. to male ICR mice simultaneously, or sequentially with either cisplatin or docetaxel first followed by the second drug 12 h later (docetaxel,cisplatin and cisplatin,docetaxel groups). Antitumour effects of these schedules were also tested in C57BL/6N mice bearing Lewis lung carcinomas. Key findings The simultaneous docetaxel/cisplatin group showed the lowest survival rate and the highest blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration. Cisplatin concentrations in the plasma and kidney were higher in the simultaneous dosing group than the sequential dosing groups. Antitumour effect was the greatest in the docetaxel,cisplatin group. Conclusions The docetaxel,cisplatin regimen inhibited tumour growth the best and reduced mortality and nephrotoxicity. [source] Protective role of ,-aminobutyric acid against chronic renal failure in ratsJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 11 2006Sumiyo Sasaki The protective effect of ,-aminobutyric acid (GABA) against chronic renal failure (CRF) was investigated using a remnant kidney model with 5/6 nephrectomized rats. Nephrectomy led to renal dysfunction, which was evaluated via several parameters including serum urea nitrogen, creatinine (Cr) and Cr clearance. However, the administration of GABA ameliorated renal dysfunction, and a longer administration period of GABA increased its protective effect. In addition, nephrectomized control rats showed an elevation in the fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) with an increase in urinary sodium, while GABA led to a significant decline in FENa. Moreover, nephrectomy resulted in a decrease of serum albumin and an increase of urinary protein with a change in the urinary protein pattern, whereas the rats administered GABA showed improvement in these changes associated with CRF caused by nephrectomy. This suggests that GABA would inhibit the disease progression and have a protective role against CRF. As one of the risk factors for CRF progression, hypertension was also regulated by GABA. The results also indicate that GABA may play a protective role against CRF through improvement of the serum lipid profile, with reductions in triglyceride and total cholesterol. Furthermore, nephrectomy led to renal oxidative stress with a decrease in the activity of antioxidative enzymes and elevation of lipid peroxidation. The administration of GABA attenuated oxidative stress induced by nephrectomy through an increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase, and decrease in lipid peroxidation. The histopathological lesions, including glomerular, tubular and interstitial lesions, under nephrectomy were also improved by GABA with the inhibition of fibronectin expression. This study demonstrated that GABA attenuated renal dysfunction via regulation of blood pressure and lipid profile, and it also ameliorated the oxidative stress induced by nephrectomy, suggesting the promising potential of GABA in protecting against renal failure progression. [source] Protective effect of Hachimi-jio-gan against renal failure in a subtotal nephrectomy rat modelJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 12 2005Noriko Yamabe The protective effect of Hachimi-jio-gan extract against chronic renal failure in a subtotal nephrectomy rat model was investigated. The level of serum urea nitrogen by nephrectomy was increased over 15 weeks, but the administration of Hachimi-jio-gan at 50 and 200 mg led to the decrease. In addition, the levels of creatinine (Cr), urinary methylguanidine (MG) and MG/Cr were increased, whereas Cr clearance dramatically decreased in nephrectomized rats. However, oral administration of Hachimi-jio-gan extract prevented the elevation of these uremic toxins in serum and urine, and the production of hydroxyl radical. Moreover, nephrectomy led to a significant decline in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities, but increased glutathione peroxidase activity compared with normal levels, indicating an abnormal antioxidative system. The increased activity of both SOD and catalase by the oral administration of Hachimi-jio-gan suggested that these enzymes are associated with the protective role of Hachimi-jio-gan extract against oxidative stress by nephrectomy. Moreover, the decrease in serum albumin in nephrectomized control rats was increased and proteinuria was ameliorated by the administration of Hachimi-jio-gan with improved glomerular hyalinosis, interstitial fibrosis and inflammation, suggesting the beneficial effect of Hachimi-jio-gan to prevent glomerular sclerosis and progressive renal fibrosis. This study suggests that Hachimi-jio-gan plays a protective role in the progression of chronic renal failure through the decline in uremic toxins, elevation of antioxidative enzyme activity such as SOD and catalase, and amelioration of histopathological lesions in the kidney. [source] Attenuation of ciclosporin-induced nephrotoxicity by dietary supplementation of seal oil in Sprague-Dawley ratsJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 11 2005Wei Yang Fish oil, rich in omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), has been reported to attenuate nephrotoxicity induced by ciclosporin (cyclosporine A). Harp seal oil is a rich source of n-3 PUFAs. This study investigated the ability of dietary seal oil to reduce nephrotoxicity caused by ciclosporin. Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on a standard diet (with sunflower oil as lipid, SFO) or a diet enriched with seal oil (with 85% seal oil and 15% sunflower oil as lipid, SO) for four weeks before and four weeks after intravenous administration of ciclosporin (15 mg kg,1 daily). Kidney function was assessed by measuring blood urea nitrogen, creatinine clearance, urinary N -acetyl-1-,- d -glucosaminidase, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1,, thromboxane B2 and malondialdehyde. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored. Ciclosporin concentrations in blood were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The fatty acid compositions of the diets and erythrocyte membranes were analysed by gas chromatography (GC). The results showed that nephrotoxicity was induced by ciclosporin in rats maintained on both SO and SFO diets. However, rats fed on SO diet endured less toxicity than those on SFO diet. The n-3 and n-6 PUFAs in the erythrocyte membrane of rats maintained on SO diet were found to be 10.79% and 11.93%, while those in rats maintained on SFO diet were found to be 1.67% and 22.71%, respectively. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of seal oil was found to reduce ciclosporin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. [source] Melatonin protects kidney grafts from ischemia/reperfusion injury through inhibition of NF-kB and apoptosis after experimental kidney transplantationJOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009Zhanqing Li Abstract:, Free radicals are involved in pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Melatonin is a potent scavenger of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Thus, this study was designed to elucidate its effects in a model of rat kidney transplantation. Twenty Lewis rats were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 10 animals each). Melatonin (50 mg/kg BW) dissolved in 5 mL milk was given to one group via gavage 2 hr before left donor nephrectomy. Controls were given the same volume of milk only. Kidney grafts were then transplanted into bilaterally nephrectomized syngeneic recipients after 24 hr of cold storage in Histidine,Tryptophan,Ketoglutarate solution. Both graft function and injury were assessed after transplantation through serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, transaminases, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Biopsies were taken to evaluate tubular damage, the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid hydroperoxide (LPO), and the expression of NF-kBp65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), caspase-3 as indices of oxidative stress, necrosis, and apoptosis, respectively. Melatonin improved survival (P < 0.01) while decreasing BUN, creatinine, transaminases, and LDH values up to 39,71% (P < 0.05). Melatonin significantly reduced the histological index for tubular damage, induced tissue enzymatic activity of SOD while reducing LPO. At the same time, melatonin down-regulated the expression of NF-kBp65, iNOS, and caspase-3. In conclusion, donor preconditioning with melatonin protected kidney donor grafts from IRI-induced renal dysfunction and tubular injury most likely through its anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic and NF-kB inhibitory capacity. [source] Melatonin protects against endosulfan-induced oxidative tissue damage in ratsJOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008Gülden Z. Omurtag Abstract:, Endosulfan is a chlorinated cyclodiene insecticide which induces oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the possible protective effect of melatonin, an antioxidant agent, against endosulfan (Endo)-induced toxicity in rats. Wistar albino rats (n = 8) were administered endosulfan (22 mg/kg/day orally) followed by either saline (Endo group) or melatonin (10 mg/kg/day, Endo + Mel group) for 5 days. In other rats, saline (control group) or melatonin (10 mg/kg/day, Mel group) was injected for 5 days, following corn oil administration (vehicle of endosulfan). Measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and collagen content were performed in liver and kidney. Furthermore, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were measured in the serum samples, while tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF-,), interleukin-, (IL-,) and total antioxidant capacity (AOC) were assayed in plasma samples. Endosulfan administration caused a significant decrease in tissue GSH and plasma AOC, which was accompanied with significant rises in tissue MDA and collagen levels and MPO activity. Moreover, the proinflammatory mediators (TNF-, and IL-,), LDH activity, AST, ALT, creatinine and BUN levels were significantly elevated in the endosulfan-treated rats. On the other hand, melatonin treatment reversed all these biochemical alterations induced by endosulfan. Our results suggest that oxidative mechanisms play an important role in endosulfan-induced tissue damage and melatonin, by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration, balancing oxidant,antioxidant status and regulating the generation of inflammatory mediators, ameliorates oxidative organ injury as a result of endosulfan toxicity. [source] Melatonin protects against pressure ulcer-induced oxidative injury of the skin and remote organs in ratsJOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2006Göksel Abstract:, Pressure ulcers (PU) cause morphological and functional alterations in the skin and visceral organs; the damage is believed to be due to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this study, we examined the role of oxidative damage in PU and the beneficial effect of treatment with the antioxidant melatonin. PU were induced by applying magnets over steel plates that were implanted under the skin of rats; this compressed the skin and caused ischemia. Within a 12-hr period, rats were subjected to five cycles of I/R (2 and 0.5 hr respectively), followed by an additional 12 hr of ischemia (to simulate the period at sleep at night). This protocol was repeated for 3 days. In treatment groups, twice a day during reperfusion periods, melatonin (5 mg per rat) was either applied locally as an ointment on skin, or administered i.p. (10 mg/kg). At the end of the experimental period, blood and tissue (skin, liver, kidney, lung, stomach, and ileum) samples were taken for determination of biochemical parameters and for histological evaluation. Local treatment with melatonin inhibited the increase in malondialdehyde levels; an index of lipid peroxidation, myeloperoxidase activity; an indicator of tissue neutrophil infiltration, and the decrease in glutathione; a key antioxidant, in the skin induced by PU, but was less efficient in preventing the damage in visceral organs. However, systemic treatment prevented the damage in the visceral organs. Significant increases in creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and collagen levels in animals with PU were prevented by melatonin treatment. The light microscopic examination exhibited significant degenerative changes in dermis and epidermis in the PU rats. Tissue injury was decreased especially in the locally treated group. Findings of the present study suggest that local and/or systemic melatonin treatment may prove beneficial in the treatment of PU. [source] Melatonin ameliorates chronic renal failure-induced oxidative organ damage in ratsJOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2004Göksel, ener Abstract:, Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with oxidative stress that promotes production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Melatonin, the chief secretory product of the pineal gland, was recently found to be a potent free radical scavenger and antioxidant. The aim of this study was to examine the role of melatonin in protecting the aorta, heart, corpus cavernosum, lung, diaphragm, and kidney tissues against oxidative damage in a rat model of CRF, which was induced by five of six nephrectomy. Male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to either the CRF group or the sham-operated control group, which had received saline or melatonin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) for 4 wk. CRF was evaluated by serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level and creatinine measurements. Aorta and corporeal tissues were used for contractility studies, or stored along with heart, lung, diaphragm, and kidney tissues for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation), protein carbonylation (PC, an index for protein oxidation), and glutathione (GSH) levels (a key antioxidant). Plasma MDA, PC, and GSH levels and erythrocytic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were studied to evaluate the changes of antioxidant status in CRF. In the CRF group, the contraction and the relaxation of aorta and corpus cavernosum samples decreased significantly compared with controls (P < 0.05,0.001). Melatonin treatment of the CRF group restored these responses. In the CRF group, there were significant increases in tissue MDA and PC levels in all tissues with marked reductions in GSH levels compared with controls (P < 0.05,0.001). In the plasma, while MDA and PC levels increased, GSH, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities were reduced. Melatonin treatment reversed these effects as well. In this study, the increase in MDA and PC levels and the concomitant decrease in GSH levels of tissues and plasma and also SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activities of plasma demonstrate the role of oxidative mechanisms in CRF-induced tissue damage, and melatonin, via its free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, ameliorates oxidative organ injury. CRF-induced dysfunction of the aorta and corpus cavernosum of rats was reversed by melatonin treatment. Thus, supplementing CRF patients with adjuvant therapy of melatonin may have some benefit. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||