Synthetic long-chain alkyl maltosides and alkyl sucrose esters as enhancers of nasal insulin absorption.

A series of new glycosides with extended alkyl side-chains (C(13-16)) linked to maltose or sucrose were synthesized and tested for their efficacy in enhancing nasal insulin absorption in anesthetized rats. The new reagents were compared to previously tested alkylglycosides with shorter alkyl side chains (C(8-12)). Dose-response studies revealed that within the family of alkylmaltoside derivatives, (C(8-16)), maximal increases in insulin absorption took place when tetradecylmaltoside (C(14)) was added to the formulation. Pentadecylmaltoside (C(15)) and hexadecylmaltoside (C(16)) were less potent at increasing insulin absorption, although both reagents achieved maximal effects when used at higher concentrations. Within the family of alkanoylsucrose derivatives, tridecanoylsucrose (C(13)) and tetradecanoylsucrose (C(14)) were most potent at increasing insulin absorption. Cross-comparisons between alkylmaltoses and alkanoylsucroses showed that the alkyl chain length had a greater impact than the glycoside moiety in determining the potency of a potential insulin-absorption enhancing agent. When tetradecylmaltoside was applied to the nasal mucosa 15 min before insulin was applied, the enhanced insulin absorption was still observed.

[Congenital Horner syndrome associated with hypoplasia of the internal carotid artery]. / Syndrome de Claude Bernard-Horner congénital associé à une hypoplasie de la carotide interne.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoplasia of the internal carotid artery is a rare cause of congenital Horner syndrome. Birth trauma is the most common identifiable cause. We report a case of congenital Horner syndrome associated with ipsilateral hypoplasia of the internal carotid artery. OBSERVATION: A 5-month-old boy presented with left Horner syndrome with myosis, iris hypopigmentation, and enophthalmia. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging was normal. Cerebral angiography showed hypoplasia of the left internal carotid artery. The anterior and middle cerebral arterial flow was supplied through the communicating arteries. Computed tomography demonstrated hypoplasia of the left carotid canal. CONCLUSION: Infants with isolated congenital Horner syndrome with no history of birth trauma require complete investigation by a pediatrician. CT or MRI imaging should be discussed to search for associated abnormalities.

Supplementation of L-carnitine improves mitochondrial enzymes in heart and skeletal muscle of aged rats.

Aging is characterized by a general decline in physiological functions that affects many tissues and increases the risk of death. Deterioration of mitochondria, the major source and target of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is implicated in aging and a variety of age-related diseases. In the present study, the activities of citric acid cycle enzymes, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase, were found to be decreased in aged rats as well as that of electron-transferring enzymes such as NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase. After supplementation of carnitine to aged rats, the activities of these enzymes reverted nearer to that of young control rats. These findings suggest that L-carnitine improves the activities of mitochondrial enzymes, increases the electron flow through the electron transport chain, and improves reducing equivalence, thereby improves energy status in aged rats.