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1.
Injury ; 43(12): 2088-93, 2012 Dec.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22503485

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Media reports portray a growing problem of gun and stab assaults amongst UK children. Recent legislative changes aim to increase integration between services and protect children better. Child victims of gun or stab assaults are at increased risk of reinjury and are therefore vital targets for interventions shown to be effective at preventing violent injury. There is currently a paucity of data with which to inform public debate, guide policy and develop prevention strategies. We therefore aimed to provide contemporary data on the epidemiology and clinical outcomes for intentional gun and stab injuries in children, using a large UK city as a model environment and also to ascertain whether interventions to prevent violent injury are currently in routine use in a sample of UK urban paediatric EDs. METHODS: A retrospective case series analysis was performed of children (<16 years) attending Emergency Departments (EDs) in a typical major UK city with high levels of deprivation. In addition, we undertook a qualitative survey of a sample of UK urban paediatric EDs regarding their use of violent injury prevention strategies in children. RESULTS: Contrary to media reports and data from London, rates of gun and stab assault remained unchanged through the study (2003-2008). Although tragic fatal injury can occur, the majority of injuries were minor, with most children not requiring admission. Of those admitted, a minority needed surgery (mainly wound debridement and closure). Socioeconomically deprived, adolescent boys appear to be particularly at risk, with attacks at weekends and in public spaces beyond home and school being more common. Interventions to prevent violent reinjury are not currently employed in paediatric EDs in the 15 most populated urban areas of the UK. CONCLUSIONS: Patient safety literature emphasises the need to identify near miss events. Media reports of tragic child deaths due to gunshot and stabbing are actually accompanied by large numbers of minor wounds that we should see as near miss events. Measures shown to reduce reinjury in these high-risk groups could now be pursued in the UK for patient safety and child protection purposes.


Asunto(s)
Protección a la Infancia , Servicio de Urgencia en Hospital , Violencia/prevención & control , Heridas por Arma de Fuego/prevención & control , Heridas Punzantes/prevención & control , Adolescente , Distribución por Edad , Niño , Servicio de Urgencia en Hospital/legislación & jurisprudencia , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Política Pública , Estudios Retrospectivos , Distribución por Sexo , Factores Socioeconómicos , Reino Unido/epidemiología , Población Urbana/estadística & datos numéricos , Violencia/estadística & datos numéricos , Heridas por Arma de Fuego/epidemiología , Heridas Punzantes/epidemiología
2.
Oncogenesis ; 1: e24, 2012 Aug 27.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23552815

RESUMEN

Neuroblastoma is a paediatric cancer that arises from the sympathetic ganglia (SG) or adrenal gland. Tumours that occur in patients under 18 months of age have a particularly good prognosis and frequently undergo spontaneous regression. This led to the hypothesis that developmental cues in the youngest patients may prompt belated differentiation and/or apoptosis of the tumour cells. To test our hypothesis, we have injected MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells into the extra embryonic veins of chick embryos at embryonic day 3 (E3) and E6 and analysed the response of these Kelly cells at E10 and E14. Amplification of the MYCN gene occurs in up to 30% of tumours and is normally associated with a very poor prognosis. Kelly cells injected at E3 follow neural crest pathways and integrate into neural locations such as SG and the enteric nervous system although never into the adrenal gland. Additionally they migrate to non-neural locations such as the heart, meninges, jaw regions and tail. The cells respond to their respective microenvironments and in SG, some cells differentiate, they show reduced cell division and crucially all cells have undetectable MYCN expression by E10. In non-neural locations, cells form more rapidly dividing clumps and continue to express MYCN. The downregulation of MYCN is dependent on continuous and direct interaction with the sympathetic ganglion environment. We propose that the MYCN-amplicon in the Kelly cells retains the ability to correctly interpret the environmental cues leading to downregulation of MYCN.

3.
J Biomater Appl ; 26(8): 917-38, 2012 May.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21363874

RESUMEN

Impaired wound healing in diabetes is a well-documented phenomenon. Emerging data favor the involvement of free radicals in the pathogenesis of diabetic wound healing. We investigated the beneficial role of the sustained release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in diabetic dermal wound healing. In order to achieve the sustained delivery of ROS in the wound bed, we have incorporated glucose oxidase in the collagen matrix (GOIC), which is applied to the healing diabetic wound. Our in vitro proteolysis studies on incorporated GOIC show increased stability against the proteases in the collagen matrix. In this study, GOIC film and collagen film (CF) are used as dressing material on the wound of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A significant increase in ROS (p < 0.05) was observed in the fibroblast of GOIC group during the inflammation period compared to the CF and control groups. This elevated level up regulated the antioxidant status in the granulation tissue and improved cellular proliferation in the GOIC group. Interestingly, our biochemical parameters nitric oxide, hydroxyproline, uronic acid, protein, and DNA content in the healing wound showed that there is an increase in proliferation of cells in GOIC when compared to the control and CF groups. In addition, evidence from wound contraction and histology reveals faster healing in the GOIC group. Our observations document that GOIC matrices could be effectively used for diabetic wound healing therapy.


Asunto(s)
Colágeno/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/metabolismo , Glucosa Oxidasa/metabolismo , Piel/lesiones , Cicatrización de Heridas , Animales , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Catalasa/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/enzimología , Colorantes Fluorescentes , Glutatión/metabolismo , Hidroxiprolina/metabolismo , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Ratas , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Estreptozocina , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo , Ácidos Urónicos/metabolismo
6.
Cell Biol Toxicol ; 25(4): 331-40, 2009 Aug.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18553143

RESUMEN

During the course of cancer radiation treatment, normal skin invariably suffers from the cytotoxic effects of gamma-radiation and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are generated from the interaction between radiation and the water molecules in cells. The present study was designed to investigate the radioprotective role of alpha-lipoic acid (LA), an antioxidant on murine skin fibroblasts exposed to a single dose of 2, 4, 6, or 8Gy gamma-radiation. Irradiation of fibroblasts significantly increased ROS, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation (P < 0.001); all of these factors substantially decreased with 100 microM LA treatment. Hydroxyl radical (OH(.)) production from 8Gy irradiated fibroblasts was measured directly by electron spin resonance using spin-trapping techniques. LA was found to inhibit OH(.) production at 100-microM concentrations. Dose-dependent depletion of antioxidants, such as catalase and glutathione reductase, was observed in irradiated fibroblasts (P < 0.001), along with increased superoxide dismutase (P < 0.001). LA treatment restored antioxidant levels. Concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta was significantly reduced in irradiated fibroblasts when treated with LA. MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assays demonstrated that LA treatment reduced cell injury and protected cells against irradiation-induced cytotoxicity. Thus, we conclude that results are encouraging and need further experiments to demonstrate a possible benefit in cancer patients and the reduction of harmful effects of radiation therapy.


Asunto(s)
Antioxidantes/farmacología , Fibroblastos/efectos de los fármacos , Protectores contra Radiación/farmacología , Piel/efectos de los fármacos , Ácido Tióctico/farmacología , Animales , Catalasa/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Espectroscopía de Resonancia por Spin del Electrón , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Fibroblastos/efectos de la radiación , Rayos gamma/efectos adversos , Glutatión Reductasa/metabolismo , Radical Hidroxilo/metabolismo , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones , Óxido Nítrico , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Piel/citología , Piel/efectos de la radiación , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo
7.
Life Sci ; 83(3-4): 96-102, 2008 Jul 18.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18590917

RESUMEN

Oxidative stress is one of the hypothesized pathogenic mechanisms for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD); numerous studies suggest that Abeta is toxic to neurons by free radical mediated mechanism. A constant feature in AD brain is selective neuronal loss, accompanied by dysfunction of several neurotransmitter systems, such as cholinergic, serotoninergic and noradrenergic systems. In the present study, we studied the neuroprotective role of melatonin against amyloid protofibrils and the toxicity of protofibrils on serotoninergic and noradrenergic systems. Mice were divided into four groups (n=8 each), control, Scrambles Abeta(35-25) treated, Abeta(25-35) injected, and melatonin treated. A single dose of Abeta(25-35) (25 microg) was administered to mice via intraperitoneal injection. Melatonin (50 mg/kg body weight) was administered intraperitoneally for 3 days to the Abeta(25-35) injected mice. Control mice received only physiological saline and Scrambles receives Abeta(35-25) single intraperitoneal injection of 25 microg of Abeta(35-25). Our study showed that melatonin significantly reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the astrocytes, lymphocytes and hepatocytes of Abeta injected mice by increasing the levels of scavenging enzymes, SOD, catalase and GSH when compared to the untreated group. Immunohistochemistry study reveals that melatonin prevents the activation of GFAP in neocortex and transcription factor NF-kappaB in liver and neocortex of Abeta injected mice. It also prevents the elevation of dopamine depletion and its degradation products. Thus, while melatonin may be a potential therapeutic agent in the prevention of oxidative stress associated with Abeta and AD, it can also prevent dopamine turnover induced by Abeta.


Asunto(s)
Enfermedad de Alzheimer , Péptidos beta-Amiloides , Antioxidantes/uso terapéutico , Aminas Biogénicas/metabolismo , Melatonina/uso terapéutico , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Fragmentos de Péptidos , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/prevención & control , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/administración & dosificación , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/metabolismo , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/toxicidad , Animales , Antioxidantes/administración & dosificación , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Astrocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Astrocitos/enzimología , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Encéfalo/enzimología , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Catalasa/metabolismo , Glutatión/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Hepatocitos/enzimología , Hepatocitos/metabolismo , Inmunohistoquímica , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/enzimología , Hígado/metabolismo , Linfocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos/enzimología , Linfocitos/metabolismo , Masculino , Melatonina/administración & dosificación , Melatonina/farmacología , Ratones , Fragmentos de Péptidos/administración & dosificación , Fragmentos de Péptidos/metabolismo , Fragmentos de Péptidos/toxicidad , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo
8.
Br J Neurosurg ; 22(4): 575-7, 2008 Aug.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18661320

RESUMEN

Infantile myofibromatosis (IM) is a rare pathological entity characterized by solitary or multiple nodular skin, soft tissues or bony lesions. Craniovertebral (CV) junction lesions are rare. We report the successful management of a solitary IM involving the posterior elements of the CV junction in a 6-month-old child.


Asunto(s)
Vértebras Cervicales , Miofibromatosis/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/diagnóstico , Enfermedades del Nervio Accesorio/etiología , Diatermia/métodos , Humanos , Lactante , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Masculino , Miofibromatosis/cirugía , Parálisis/etiología , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/etiología , Neoplasias de los Tejidos Blandos/cirugía , Neoplasias de la Columna Vertebral/diagnóstico
9.
Pediatr Surg Int ; 24(7): 815-7, 2008 Jul.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18427812

RESUMEN

An adverse association between oesophageal atresia (OA) and cleft lip-palate (3% incidence) has been reported. The present study analyses outcomes of this rare association at a UK paediatric surgical centre. Hospital charts of newborns diagnosed with OA were reviewed. Demographics, associated anomalies and prognostic classification (after Spitz 1994) were recorded. Mortality rates and causes of death were examined in OA babies with cleft lip-palate. Of 152 patients treated for OA, five babies (3%) had cleft lip-palate. All of these newborns had common variant OA-TEF and were Spitz group II category. Deaths occurred in 3 of 5 patients (60%) in the OA-cleft group compared to only 8 of 147 patients (5%) without clefts (p < 0.005; Fisher's exact test). OA-cleft non-survivors succumbed to tetralogy of Fallot (n = 2) and trisomy 18 (n = 1; treatment withdrawn). Both survivors with cleft lip-palate had features of the VACTERL sequence: one baby also had Goldenhaar syndrome, the other aortic coarctation. These children now attend mainstream school. Although high-quality survival is possible in OA with cleft lip-palate, this rare phenotype is associated with a substantially decreased survival. Rather than causing death directly, the combination of OA and cleft lip-palate appears to be a marker for further lethal anomalies.


Asunto(s)
Anomalías Múltiples/mortalidad , Labio Leporino/mortalidad , Fisura del Paladar/mortalidad , Atresia Esofágica/mortalidad , Femenino , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Tasa de Supervivencia , Reino Unido/epidemiología
10.
Mol Cell Biochem ; 313(1-2): 113-23, 2008 Jun.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18401559

RESUMEN

Inflammation can activate macrophages or monocytes and sequentially release several inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress-induced acute inflammatory response plays an important role in several diseases. This study was designed to investigate the prophylactic effect of the antioxidant lipoic acid (LA) during inflammation-induced mice. Mice were divided in to three groups (n = 8 in each): control, systemic inflammation, and LA treated mice with systemic inflammation. Results show that ROS was significantly higher in lymphocytes, hepatocytes, and astrocytes (P < 0.05) of inflammation induced mice when compared with control but no significant changes were observed in the LA treated group. Increased levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreased activities of oxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, and ATPase were observed in the inflammation-induced mice, which returned to near normalcy following LA therapy. In vitro study has shown that LA treatment not only suppresses the increased LPO levels but also inhibits the lipid break down resulting from autoxidation. In addition, increased immunoreactivity of the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was observed in the neocortex region of inflammation-induced mice, whereas nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NFkappaB) immunoreactivity was observed in both the neocortex and liver of the same group which were effectively controlled by LA therapy suggesting that LA can efficiently manage systemic inflammation.


Asunto(s)
Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Inflamación/tratamiento farmacológico , Ácido Tióctico/uso terapéutico , Adenosina Trifosfatasas/metabolismo , Animales , Astrocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Membrana Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Membrana Celular/enzimología , Proteína Ácida Fibrilar de la Glía/metabolismo , Glutatión/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Hepatocitos/metabolismo , Espacio Intracelular/efectos de los fármacos , Espacio Intracelular/metabolismo , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/metabolismo , Hígado/patología , Linfocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Neocórtex/efectos de los fármacos , Neocórtex/metabolismo , Neocórtex/patología , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Sustancias Reactivas al Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/metabolismo , Ácido Tióctico/farmacología
11.
Mol Cell Biochem ; 311(1-2): 145-56, 2008 Apr.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18224425

RESUMEN

Abeta amyloid peptide is believed to induce oxidative stress leading to inflammation, which is postulated to play a significant role in the toxicity of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effects of DL-alpha lipoic acid (LA), a potential free radical scavenger, on oxidative vulnerability induced by intraperitoneal injection of Abeta25-35 amyloid fibrils in mice. Mice were divided into three groups: control, Abeta amyloid toxicity induced (AT), and LA treated (ATL). Blood Plasma was separated, liver, spleen and brain were dissected and analysis of oxidants, antioxidants, ATPases, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NFkappaB) were carried out. Results show biochemical parameters such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were significantly lowered (P < 0.05) and levels of antioxidants and ATPase (P < 0.05) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in hepatocytes, splenocytes and astrocytes of the ATL group. Moreover, our histological results revealed a decreased GFAP immunoreactivity in the neocortical region and NFkappaB immunoreactivity in neocortex, liver and spleen. This study reiterates LA as a potent free radical scavenger to combat oxidative vulnerability in the treatment for Abeta amyloid toxicity.


Asunto(s)
Péptidos beta-Amiloides/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo , Fragmentos de Péptidos/metabolismo , Ácido Tióctico/farmacología , Adenosina Trifosfatasas/metabolismo , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/química , Animales , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Astrocitos/citología , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Proteína Ácida Fibrilar de la Glía/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/citología , Hepatocitos/metabolismo , Humanos , Masculino , Ratones , Fragmentos de Péptidos/química , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Bazo/citología , Sustancias Reactivas al Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/metabolismo , Ácido Tióctico/química
12.
Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol ; 30(6): 897-906, 2007 Nov.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17963204

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Fetal surgery to improve lung growth comprises tracheal occlusion in selected 'high-risk' fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Sonographically measured fetal lung-to-head ratio (LHR) is utilized to recruit candidates for fetal surgery. This study provides a meta-analysis of the evidence regarding the prognostic use of lung-to-head ratio measurements in fetal CDH. METHODS: MEDLINE, SCOPUS and ISI PROCEEDINGS databases were searched for MeSH terms: lung, head, hernia and ratio. References in retrieved studies were also searched. Studies were categorized as follows: Phase I studies measured normal fetal LHR; Phase II studies compared fetal LHR in CDH survivors and non-survivors (if LHR informed therapy decisions or LHR was not measured during the window for intervention (< 32 weeks' gestation), studies were excluded); Phase III studies used LHR to guide selection for fetal surgery (non-randomized trials were excluded); Phase IV studies measured CDH survival before and after LHR application in clinical practice. RESULTS: The one Phase I study showed that LHR varied substantially with gestation and technique. No complete studies met the selection criteria for Phase II: meta-analysis of subgroups revealed similar LHR in CDH survivors and non-survivors. A single Phase III study revealed no benefit for LHR-directed fetal surgery. No Phase IV studies were identified. CONCLUSION: The prognostic use of LHR in fetal CDH entered clinical practice prior to publication of robust normal data and is not supported by current evidence. Application of a structured approach to any 'new' prognostic test could improve its validity and clinical application.


Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Fetales/diagnóstico por imagen , Hernia Diafragmática/diagnóstico por imagen , Cefalometría/métodos , Femenino , Edad Gestacional , Hernia Diafragmática/mortalidad , Hernia Diafragmática/cirugía , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Mediciones del Volumen Pulmonar/métodos , Masculino , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Embarazo , Resultado del Embarazo , Segundo Trimestre del Embarazo , Análisis de Regresión , Ultrasonografía
13.
Pediatr Surg Int ; 23(5): 411-7, 2007 May.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17216534

RESUMEN

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are essential to respiratory morphogenesis in species as diverse as Drosophila and mice; they play a role in the regulation of numerous HS-binding growth factors, e.g. fibroblast growth factors. Moreover, an HS analogue, heparin, modulates lung growth in vitro. However, it has been difficult to assess the roles of specific HS structures in lung development due to technical barriers to their spatial localisation. Lungs from Sprague-Dawley rats were harvested between E15.5 and E19.5 and immediately fixed in 4 % (w/v) paraformaldehyde (in 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.4). Lungs were washed in PBS, cryoprotected with 20% (w/v) sucrose (in PBS), gelatin embedded [7.5% (w/v) gelatin, 15% (w/v) sucrose in PBS], before being covered in Cryo-M-Bed (Bright, Huntingdon, UK) and snap frozen at -40 degrees C. Cryosections were cut at 8 microm and stained with the HSPG core protein specific antibody 3G10 and a HS 'phage display antibody, EW4G2V. 3G10 and EW4G2V immunohistochemistry highlighted the presence of specific HS structures in lungs at all gestational ages examined. 3G10 strongly labelled airway basement membranes and the surrounding mesenchyme and showed weak staining of airway epithelial cells. EW4G2V, however, was far more selective, labelling the airway basement membranes only. Mesenchymal and epithelial cells did not appear to possess the HS epitope recognised by EW4G2V at these gestational ages. Novel 'phage display antibodies allow the spatial distribution of tissue HS to be analysed, and demonstrate in situ that distinct cellular compartments of a tissue possess different HS structures, possibly on the same proteoglycan core protein. These probes offer a new opportunity to determine the role of HS in the pathogenesis of congenital defects such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), where lung development is aberrant, and the resulting pulmonary hypoplasia and hypertension are a primary cause of mortality.


Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos/inmunología , Especificidad de Anticuerpos/inmunología , Heparitina Sulfato/inmunología , Inmunohistoquímica/métodos , Pulmón/inmunología , Animales , Epítopos/inmunología , Proteoglicanos de Heparán Sulfato/inmunología , Pulmón/citología , Pulmón/embriología , Biblioteca de Péptidos , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley
14.
Mol Cell Biochem ; 298(1-2): 69-81, 2007 Apr.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17136482

RESUMEN

A beta vaccination as a therapeutic intervention of Alzheimer's has many challenges, key among them is the regulation of inflammatory processes concomitant with excessive generation of free radicals seen during such interventions. Here we report the beneficial effects of melatonin on inflammation associated with A beta vaccination in the central and peripheral nervous system of mice. Mice were divided into three groups (n=8 in each): control, inflammation (IA), and melatonin-treated (IAM). The brain, liver, and spleen samples were collected after 5 days for quantitative assessment of plasma lipid peroxides (LPO), an oxidative stress marker, and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx). IA group mice have shown the elevated concentration of LPO significantly while there was a reduction at antioxidant enzyme levels. In addition, a significant (P<0.05) reduction in neurotransmitters like dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE) was also observed in the IA group mice. Nevertheless, their metabolites, such as homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) increased significantly (P<0.05) as compared to control. Samples were further evaluated at microscopic level to examine the neuropathological changes by immunohistochemical methods. Melatonin treatment effectively reversed these above changes and normalized the LPO and antioxidant enzyme levels (P<0.05). Furthermore, melatonin salvaged the brain cells from inflammation. Our Immunohistochemical findings in the samples of melatonin-treated animals (IAM group) indicated diminished expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nuclear factor kappa B (Nf kappa B) than those observed in the IA group samples. Our results suggest that administration of melatonin protects inflammation associated with A beta vaccination, through its direct and indirect actions and it can be an effective adjuvant in the development of vaccination in immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD).


Asunto(s)
Péptidos beta-Amiloides/inmunología , Inflamación/tratamiento farmacológico , Melatonina/uso terapéutico , Vacunación/efectos adversos , Adenosina Trifosfatasas/metabolismo , Animales , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Astrocitos/citología , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Membrana Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Membrana Celular/enzimología , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Proteína Ácida Fibrilar de la Glía/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Hepatocitos/metabolismo , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos/metabolismo , Melatonina/farmacología , Ratones , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Neocórtex/citología , Neocórtex/efectos de los fármacos , Neurotransmisores/análisis , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Sustancias Reactivas al Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/metabolismo
15.
Pediatr Surg Int ; 22(1): 95-8, 2006 Jan.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16292652

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Human studies note sex reversal syndromes and sex difference(s) in the incidence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Epidemiology surveys record a higher incidence of CDH in females, whilst other reports cite a higher frequency in males. Nitrofen, a teratogen, produces experimental CDH. This agent is speculated to interfere with retinoid acid-steroid signalling pathways and may also be linked with sexual differentiation. This study was designed therefore to test the hypothesis that nitrofen may influence sexual phenotype and frequency of CDH. METHODS: Time mated Sprague Dawley rats were dosed with nitrofen at day 9.5 to generate predominantly left sided CDH. Fetuses were delivered by caesarean section on days 20 or 21 of gestation (term=day 22). External genitalia were examined to define external genital phenotype. The abdominal cavity was opened and the genito-urinary system carefully examined. The internal genital organs were assigned a phenotype and findings correlated with external appearances. The diaphragm of each fetus was studied for the absence or presence of CDH and the laterality of defect recorded. Controls (non nitrofen fed) were used for all comparative analysis. RESULTS: Control (n=600) and nitrofen exposed offspring (n=504) had equal frequencies of males and females. CDH occurred with similar incidence in male and female nitrofen treated pups. In all nitrofen exposed fetuses and normal controls, internal and external genitalia concorded without evidence of significant genital tract malformations or intersex states. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal nitrofen exposure is not associated with significant gender differences (or prenatal loss) in the risk of CDH. Genital tract malformations do not appear to accompany CDH in the nitrofen model.


Asunto(s)
Trastornos del Desarrollo Sexual , Hernia Diafragmática/fisiopatología , Hernias Diafragmáticas Congénitas , Éteres Fenílicos/farmacología , Diferenciación Sexual/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Femenino , Hernia Diafragmática/embriología , Masculino , Exposición Materna , Embarazo , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley
16.
Brain Res Bull ; 67(3): 235-41, 2005 Oct 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16144660

RESUMEN

Acute inflammation activates macrophages or monocytes and subsequently releases several inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. These proinflammatory cytokines activate astrocytes and trigger neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, we chose to address the mechanistic aspects of alpha-crystallin's protective function in inflammation-triggered neurotoxicity in mice. Alpha-crystallin, a lens structural protein, comprising alpha-A and alpha-B subunits is an ubiquitous molecular chaperone, which have been shown to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and enhance cellular glutathione level in the acute inflammation-induced mice. Results show that the proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly high (P<0.05) in the plasma, liver, cortex and hippocampus of inflammation-induced mice when compared to control. Alpha-crystallin pretreatment prevents inflammation-induced cytokines and NO production. In addition, a significant (P<0.05) reduction of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) was also observed in the inflammation-induced mice. Nevertheless, their metabolites, such as 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) increased significantly (P<0.05) as compared to control. The results indicate that alpha-crystallin pretreatment controls the inflammation-induced DA, 5-HT and NE catabolism and suggest that alpha-crystallin has the potential to act as an anti-inflammatory agent in the neuroprotective processes.


Asunto(s)
Inflamación/prevención & control , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/administración & dosificación , alfa-Cristalinas/administración & dosificación , Análisis de Varianza , Animales , Aminas Biogénicas/metabolismo , Encéfalo/anatomía & histología , Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Química Encefálica/efectos de los fármacos , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión/métodos , Electroquímica/métodos , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Plasma/efectos de los fármacos , Plasma/metabolismo
17.
Free Radic Res ; 39(6): 603-12, 2005 Jun.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16036338

RESUMEN

The major pathological ramification of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is accumulation of beta-Amyloid (Abeta) peptides in the brain. An emerging therapeutic approach for AD is elimination of excessive Ass peptides and preventing its re-accumulation. Immunization is the most effective strategy in removing preexisting cerebral Abetas and improving the cognitive capacity as shown in transgenic mice model of AD. However, active immunization is associated with adverse effect such as encephalitis with perivascular inflammation and hemorrhage. Details about the mechanistic aspects of propagation of these toxic effects are matter of intense enquiry as this knowledge is essential for the understanding of the AD pathophysiology. The present work aimed to study the oxidative vulnerability in the plasma, liver and brain of the inflammation-induced rats subjected to Ass immunization. Induction of inflammation was performed by subcutaneous injection of 0.5?ml of 2% silver nitrate. Our present result shows that the proinflammatory cytokines such as IL1alpha and TNFalpha are increased significantly in the inflammation-induced, Abeta1-42, Abeta25-35 treated groups and inflammation with Abeta25-35 treated group when compared to control, complete Freund's adjuvant and Abeta35-25 treated groups. These increased proinflammatory cytokines concurrently releases significant amount of free radicals in the astrocytes of respected groups. The present result shows that nitric oxide (NO) level was significantly higher (P<0.001) in plasma, liver and brain of the rat subjected to inflammation, Abeta1-42, Abeta25-35 and inflammation with Abeta25-35 injected groups when compared to control. The increased level of lipid peroxides (LPO) (P<0.001) and decreased antioxidant status (P<0.05) were observed in the plasma, liver and brain of inflammation-induced group when compared to control. Our result shows that significant oxidative vulnerability was observed in the inflammation with Ass treated rats when compared to other groups. Based on our results, we suggest that immunization of AD patients with Ass should be done with caution as the increase in Ass could trigger the brain inflammation in uncontrollable level.


Asunto(s)
Enfermedad de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/metabolismo , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Fragmentos de Péptidos/metabolismo , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/genética , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/genética , Animales , Ácido Ascórbico/metabolismo , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Catalasa/metabolismo , Glutatión Peroxidasa/metabolismo , Inflamación/genética , Inflamación/metabolismo , Interleucina-1/metabolismo , Peroxidación de Lípido , Hígado/metabolismo , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Oxidación-Reducción , Fragmentos de Péptidos/genética , Ratas , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo
18.
Biochim Biophys Acta ; 1740(3): 411-20, 2005 Jun 10.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15949709

RESUMEN

Acute inflammation can activate macrophages or monocytes and subsequently release several inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress triggered by the production of ROS plays deleterious role leading to multiple organ failure. This study was designed to investigate the prophylactic effect of alpha-crystallin, a major chaperone lens protein comprising of alpha-A and alpha-B subunits in inflammation-induced mice. Mice were divided into three groups (n=6 in each): control, inflammation and alpha-crystallin-treated. Results show that ROS was significantly higher in the lymphocytes, hepatocytes and astrocytes (P<0.05) of inflammation-induced mice when compared to control, but no significant changes were observed in the alpha-crystallin-treated group. Increased level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreased activities of antioxidant such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione were observed in the inflammation-induced mice when compared to control, whereas the activities of these were found to be normal followed by alpha-crystallin treatment. We also observed a reduction in reduced glutathione levels in hepatocytes of inflammation-induced mice, which were normalized on alpha-crystallin treatment. The in vitro study has shown that alpha-crystallin treatment not only suppresses the increase in LPO levels but also inhibits the lipid breakdown resulting from autooxidation in mouse cerebral cortex homogenate, and strongly suggests that alpha-crystallin therapy may serve as a potent pharmacological agent in systemic inflammation.


Asunto(s)
Inflamación/prevención & control , alfa-Cristalinas/farmacología , Enfermedad Aguda , Adenosina Trifosfatasas/metabolismo , Animales , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Catalasa/metabolismo , Activación Enzimática/efectos de los fármacos , Glutatión/metabolismo , Glutatión Peroxidasa/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/metabolismo , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo
19.
Pediatr Surg Int ; 21(4): 313-5, 2005 Apr.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15747124

RESUMEN

Wilms' tumour commonly presents with an abdominal mass and gross haematuria. Here, we present the novel application of paediatric renal arterial embolisation to control life-threatening haematuria in Wilms' tumour.


Asunto(s)
Embolización Terapéutica , Hematuria/etiología , Hematuria/terapia , Neoplasias Renales/complicaciones , Tumor de Wilms/complicaciones , Humanos , Lactante , Neoplasias Renales/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias Renales/cirugía , Masculino , Nefrectomía , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Tumor de Wilms/diagnóstico por imagen , Tumor de Wilms/cirugía
20.
Mol Cell Biochem ; 270(1-2): 29-37, 2005 Feb.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15792351

RESUMEN

Recent reports indicate that beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) vaccine based therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be on the horizon. There are however, concerns about the safety of this approach. Immunization with Abeta has several disadvantages, because it crosses the blood brain barrier and cause inflammation and neurotoxicity. The present work is aimed to study the protective effective of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) in the oxidative vulnerability of beta-amyloid in plasma, liver, spleen and brain, when Abeta fibrils are given intraperitoneally in inflammation induced mice. Result shows that reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the astrocytes of inflammation induced mice along with Abeta (IA) has shown 2.5-fold increase when compared with LA treated mice. The increased level of lipid peroxidase (LPO) (p < 0.05) and decreased antioxidant status (p < 0.05) were observed in the plasma, liver, spleen and brain of LA induced mice when compared with LA treated mice. Data shows that there were no significant changes observed between the control and LA treated mice. Our biochemical and histological results highlight that significant oxidative vulnerability was observed in IA treated mice, which was prevented by LA therapy. Our findings suggest that the antioxidant effect of LA when induced with Abeta may serve as a potent therapeutic tool for inflammatory AD models.


Asunto(s)
Péptidos beta-Amiloides/química , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/genética , Vacunas contra el Cáncer , Oxígeno/metabolismo , Ácido Tióctico/farmacología , Adenosina Trifosfatasas/química , Adenosina Trifosfatasas/metabolismo , Animales , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Astrocitos/química , Astrocitos/inmunología , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Peso Corporal , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Catalasa/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Glutatión/metabolismo , Glutatión Peroxidasa/metabolismo , Inflamación , Peroxidación de Lípido , Hígado/metabolismo , Ratones , Modelos Químicos , Tamaño de los Órganos , Fragmentos de Péptidos/química , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno , ATPasa Intercambiadora de Sodio-Potasio/química , Bazo/metabolismo , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo , Sustancias Reactivas al Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/metabolismo , Ácido Tióctico/metabolismo , Distribución Tisular
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