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Preventive Role (preventive + role)
Selected AbstractsPreventive role of garlic in atherosclerotic plaque progressionFOCUS ON ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH, Issue 1 2000Article first published online: 14 JUN 2010 [source] The targets of violence committed by young offenders with alcohol dependence, marijuana dependence and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: findings from a birth cohortCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2002Louise Arseneault Background: Estimates of who is most at risk from violence by people with mental illness rest mainly on identified patient samples. This study, without such selection bias, examined the targets of violence committed by young adults with as-yet untreated alcohol dependence, marijuana dependence, or schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, to determine the extent to which their victims were co-residents or non-household members. Methods: In a total birth cohort of 21-year-olds (n = 956), past-year prevalence of alcohol dependence, marijuana dependence and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders were diagnosed using standardized DSM-III-R interviews. None of the people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder has been hospitalized in the past year. Past-year violence and victim targets were measured using self-reports. Results: Compared with controls, cohort members with substance dependence or schizophrenia-spectrum disorders had higher prevalence and frequency rates of assault against co-residents, against non-household members, and also robbery and gang fights. Out of 39, five individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder committed violent street crimes. Persons with substance dependence had similar proportions of violence against co-resident and non-household members, but persons with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders tended to victimize co-residents more than others. Conclusions: At the age when they are most likely to contribute to the community's violence burden, young untreated offenders with alcohol or marijuana dependence or with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders assault not only co-residents, but others as well, and commit violent street crimes. Families, schoolteachers and primary care physicians have an important potentially preventive role in early identification and treatment of the disorders. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Smoking out tobacco: A vital preventive role for emergency departmentsEMERGENCY MEDICINE AUSTRALASIA, Issue 4 2010Mike Daube No abstract is available for this article. [source] Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker inhibits fibrosis in rat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Akira Hirose Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is now the most frequent cause of chronic liver impairment in developed countries and is a suggested causative factor in the development of cryptogenic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. At present there is no effective and accepted therapy for NASH. The renin-angiotensin system is involved in hepatic fibrosis through activation of hepatic stellate cells, major fibrogenic cells in the liver. Hepatic stellate cells are activated by liver injury to express excessive matrix proteins and profibrogenic cytokines such as transforming growth factor,beta 1. Medicines that inhibit this pathway may be of therapeutic potential in NASH. Using a methionine-choline,deficient rat model of NASH, we studied the potential utility of an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB), olmesartan, on biochemical, histologic, and antioxidant measures of disease activity. ARB significantly attenuated increases in aspartate aminotransferase, activation of hepatic stellate cells, oxidative stress, expression of transforming growth factor,beta 1, expression of collagen genes, and liver fibrosis. Conclusion: Our observations strongly suggest a potential preventive role for ARB in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.) [source] Managing enlarged prostate in primary careINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 12 2006M. J. NASLUND Summary Assessment and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate, has evolved considerably in recent years; clear evidence has accumulated for the progression of disease over time, the association between disease progression and negative outcomes, and the potential for medical management of this condition. Commensurate with the long-term preventive role of primary care, efforts can and should be made to treat the underlying condition of enlarged prostate as well as to manage the symptoms short-term. This review outlines evaluation of men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms, examines the challenges for medical treatment and suggests how treatment choice can address these challenges. [source] Protective effect of arjunolic acid against arsenic-induced oxidative stress in mouse brain,JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 1 2008Mahua Sinha Abstract Arsenic, a notoriously poisonous metalloid, is ubiquitous in the environment, and it affects nearly all organ systems of animals including humans. The present study was designed to investigate the preventive role of a triterpenoid saponin, arjunolic acid against arsenic-induced oxidative damage in murine brain. Sodium arsenite was selected as a source of arsenic for this study. The free-radical-scavenging activity and the in vivo antioxidant power of arjunolic acid were determined from its 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging ability and ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay, respectively. Oral administration of sodium arsenite at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight for 2 days significantly decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione- S -transferase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, the level of cellular metabolites, reduced glutathione, total thiols and increased the level of oxidized glutathione. In addition, it enhanced the levels of lipid peroxidation end products and protein carbonyl content. Treatment with arjunolic acid at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight for 4 days prior to arsenic administration almost normalized above indices. Histological findings due to arsenic intoxication and arjunolic acid treatment supported the other biochemical changes in murine brains. Results of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging and ferric reducing/antioxidant power assays clearly showed the in vitro radical scavenging as well as the in vivo antioxidant power of arjunolic acid, respectively. The effect of a well-established antioxidant, vitamin C, has been included in the study as a positive control. Combining all, results suggest that arjunolic acid possessed the ability to ameliorate arsenic-induced oxidative insult in murine brain and is probably due to its antioxidant activity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:15,26, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20209 [source] Thiazide Diuretics Affect Osteocalcin Production in Human Osteoblasts at the Transcription Level Without Affecting Vitamin D3 ReceptorsJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2000D. Lajeunesse Abstract Besides their natriuretic and calciuretic effect, thiazide diuretics have been shown to decrease bone loss rate and improve bone mineral density. Clinical evidence suggests a specific role of thiazides on osteoblasts, because it reduces serum osteocalcin (OC), an osteoblast-specific protein, yet the mechanisms implicated are unknown. We therefore investigated the role of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) on OC production by the human osteoblast-like cell line MG-63. HCTZ dose-dependently (1,100 ,M) inhibited 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]- induced OC release by these cells (maximal effect, ,40,50% and p < 0.005 by analysis of variance [ANOVA]) as measured by ELISA. This effect of HCTZ on OC release was caused by a direct effect on OC gene expression because Northern blot analysis revealed that OC messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were reduced in the presence of increasing doses of the diuretic (,47.2 ± 4.0%; p < 0.0001 by paired ANOVA with 100 ,M HCTZ). HCTZ (100 ,M) also stimulated calcium (Ca2+) uptake (8.26 ± 1.78 pmol/mg protein/15 minutes vs. 13.6 ± 0.49 pmol/mg protein/15 minutes; p < 0.05) in MG-63 cells. Reducing extracellular Ca2+ concentration with 0.5 mM EDTA or 0.5 mM ethylene glycol-bis(,-amino ethyl ether)- N,N,N',N' -tetraacetic acid (EGTA) only partly prevented the inhibitory effect of the diuretic on OC secretion (maximal effect, ,22.5 ± 6.9%), suggesting that thiazide-dependent Ca2+ influx is not sufficient to elicit the inhibition of OC secretion. Because OC production is strictly dependent on the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 in human osteoblasts, we next evaluated the possible role of HCTZ on vitamin D3 receptors (VDR) at the mRNA and protein levels. Both Northern and Western blot analyses showed no effect of HCTZ (1,100 ,M) on VDR levels. The presence of EGTA in the culture media reduced slightly the VDR mRNA levels under basal condition but this was not modified in the presence of increasing levels of HCTZ. The OC gene promoter also is under the control of transcription factors such as Yin Yang 1 (YY1) and cFOS. Western blot analysis revealed no changes in YY1 levels in response to HCTZ either in the presence or in the absence of 0.5 mM EGTA in the culture media. In contrast, HCTZ induced a dose-dependent increase in cFOS levels (p < 0.002 by ANOVA), a situation prevented by incubation with EGTA. These studies indicate that HCTZ inhibits OC mRNA expression independently of an effect on VDR, YY1, or extracellular Ca2+ levels but involves changes in cFOS levels. As OC retards bone formation/mineralization, the inhibition of OC production by HCTZ could explain its preventive role in bone loss rate. (J Bone Miner Res 2000;15:894,901) [source] Epigallocatechin gallate attenuates experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced by high fat dietJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 8pt2 2008Nalan Kuzu Abstract Background and Aim:, In the present study, we examined the preventive role of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in an experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis model induced by a high fat diet. Methods:, The study included 21 male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were equally divided into three groups. The first group was fed on a standard rat diet, the second group on a high fat diet (HFD), and the third group on a HFD + EGCG. The study concluded after 6 weeks. Histopathological examination was performed. Plasma and tissue MDA levels, glucose, insulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels were studied. Insulin resistance was calculated by the homeostasis model of insulin resistance method. Results:, Steatosis, inflammation, ballooning degeneration, and necrosis increased significantly in the HFD group, compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Steatosis and inflammation decreased in the HFD + EGCG group, in comparison to the HFD group (P < 0.05, for each). There was a significant decline in ALT (P < 0.01), triglyceride (P < 0.01), insulin (P < 0.05), and glucose (P < 0.05) levels in the HFD + EGCG group, when compared to the HFD group. Plasma and liver MDA levels in the HFD + EGCG group were lower than those of the HFD group; the difference was significant (P < 0.01 for each). Glutathione levels in the HFD + EGCG group was significantly higher those in the HFD group. CYP 2E1 and ,-smooth muscle actin expression decreased in the HFD + EGCG group, in comparison to the HFD group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion:, EGCG reduces the development of experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced by a high fat diet. It seems to exercise this effect through its effect on lipid metabolism and antioxidant characteristics. [source] Study of the effects of interferon a on several human hepatoma cell lines: analysis of the signalling pathway of the cytokine and of its effects on apoptosis and cell proliferationLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2004A. Legrand Background: Interferon , (IFN,), currently used for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis, is also known to prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the mechanism of this action being still debatable. Aims: To study thoroughly in human hepatoma cell lines (HHL) , Hep3B, HepG2, HuH7, SKHep1, and Chang-Liver , submitted to rhIFN,, the signalling pathway of IFN,, the binding activity of the cytokine on specific gamma-activated sequence (GAS) and interferon-stimulated regulatory element (ISRE) nuclear sequences, and its effects on apoptosis and cell proliferation. Methods: The behaviour of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1, STAT2, p48IRF9 and the binding of nuclear proteins were investigated by immunoblot and electro-mobility shift assay. Expression of some IFN,-dependent proteins , p21/WAF1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, IRF1 and 2 , were studied by immunoblot. Apoptosis and the cell cycle were studied by morphological and biochemical methods. Results: Transduction of INF, was unaltered, although there were some variations in the different HHL. Nuclear protein binding to GAS or ISRE showed that ISRE was mainly involved. Apoptosis did not occur. The cell cycle was slightly modified in HuH7. Three GAS- and/or ISRE-dependent proteins increased, suggesting that IFN, may have some biological effects on HHL. Conclusions: The IFN, signalling pathway is functional in several HHL, but the cytokine has no apoptotic effect and a moderate anti-proliferative effect. This suggests that the preventive role of IFN, on HCC cannot be explained by an apoptotic and/or an anti-proliferative effect, but possibly by its action on several specific nuclear sequences that protect liver cells from transformation. [source] Occupational exposure to UV light and mortality from multiple sclerosis,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009M. Westberg MD Abstract Background The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is largely unknown; low exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light has been a suggested risk factor. The aim of this study was to investigate whether occupational exposure to UV light reduces the risk of death from MS. Methods The cohort was based on all individuals in the Swedish census in 1980. All MS-related deaths were identified in the national registry of causes of death. A job-exposure matrix was developed to classify the occupational exposure to UV light. Results MS was recorded as a cause of the death for 839 individuals. The risk of MS-related death decreased with increasing occupational exposure to UV light. The relative risk adjusted for age, sex, and socioeconomic status was 0.48 (95% CI 0.28,0.80) in the high-exposure group and 0.88 (95% CI 0.73,1.06) in the intermediate-exposure group. Conclusions Occupational exposure to UV light was associated with a reduced risk of MS. Our findings are corroborated by previous observations that UV light has a preventive role in the development of MS, although the possibility of reversed causality cannot be completely ruled out. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:353,357, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc [source] Proteomic and transcriptomic analysis for streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat pancreas in response to fungal polysaccharide treatmentsPROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 11 2008Sang Woo Kim Abstract In an attempt to search for novel biomarkers for monitoring diabetes prognosis, we examined the influence of the hypoglycemic fungal extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) on the differential change in pancreatic proteome and transcriptome in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats using 2-DE-based protein mapping and oligonucleotide microarray analysis. The 2-DE system separated more than 2000 individual spots, demonstrating that 34 proteins out of about 500 matched spots were differentially expressed. A total of 22 overexpressed and 12 underexpressed proteins in 2-DE map were observed (p<0.05) between the healthy and diabetic rats, of which 26 spots were identified by PMF analysis. Of these, significant down regulation of carbonyl reductase (Cbr), hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMGCS), and putative human mitogen-activated protein kinase activator with WD repeats-binding protein (MAWDBP) in diabetic pancreas were reported for the first time in this study. When treated with EPS, all these four proteins were reverted to normal levels. The microarray analysis revealed that 96 out of 1272 genes were down- or up-regulated in the diabetic rats and the altered transcript levels of many of these genes were reversed after EPS treatment. In particular, ROS generation in rat islets was significantly increased after STZ treatment, thereafter EPS treatment was likely to play a preventive role in ,-cell destruction mediated by STZ. Taken together, EPS may act as a potent regulator of gene expression for a wide variety of genes in diabetic rats, particularly in antioxidative stress, insulin biosynthesis, and cell proliferation. [source] The effect of topical sodium thiosulfate in experimentally induced myringosclerosis,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 7 2010Yong Ho Park MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of topical sodium thiosulfate (STS) in experimentally induced myringosclerosis (MS). Study Design: A prospective experimental animal study. Methods: Thirty Wistar albino rats were bilaterally myringotomized. The right ears were treated with STS or saline daily, and the left ears were left untreated and used as controls. The tympanic membranes were observed by otoendoscopy weekly, and tympanometric measurements were performed. All animals were histopathologically examined for myringosclerotic plaques. Results: Under otoendoscopy, myringosclerosis were observed around the handle of the malleus and near the annular region. The numbers of myringosclerotic ears were significantly more frequent in control and saline groups compared with the STS group (P < .05), and the formation of MS was more severe in control and saline groups compared with STS group (P < .05). Using tympanometric measurement, significantly reduced magnitudes of maximum admittance were observed in control and saline groups compared to normal and STS groups (P < .05). Under histopathologic examination, the tympanic membrane of the STS group appeared thinner than the control group (P < .05), with reduced calcium deposition than control and saline groups. Conclusions: Our results show that sodium thiosulfate has a preventive role in the development of myringosclerosis in the experimental animal model. Laryngoscope, 2010 [source] Epidemiological and clinical trials evidence about a preventive role for statins in Alzheimer's diseaseACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2006K. Rockwood This paper reviews epidemiological and clinical trials data about whether statin use reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The available information has come in three waves. The initial, mostly cross-sectional observational reports suggested that statins might prevent dementia. Next, two large clinical trials with cognitive add-on studies showed no benefit and neither did the third wave, again with observational studies. The latter were mostly longitudinal, and were critical of the first studies for not adequately addressing confounding by indication (i.e. that patients with dementia would be denied statins). Most recently, new data from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging have produced a mixed result. While methodological considerations are clearly important in understanding why the reports are so variable, there might also be merit in differentiating between statins, based on their presumed , and variable , mechanisms of action in dementia prevention, before concluding that the initial reports are entirely artefactual. Still, the first reports appear to have overestimated the extent of protection, so that unless there are important effects achievable with specific statins, a more than a modest role for statins in preventing AD seems unlikely. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||