Suppressive impact of anethum graveolens consumption on biochemical risk factors of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

We aimed to determine the effects of Anethum graveolens [Dill] powder on postprandial lipid profile, markers of oxidation and endothelial activation when added to a fatty meal. In an experimental study, 32 rabbits were randomly designated into four diet groups: normal diet, high cholesterol diet [1%], high cholesterol diet plus 5% [w/w] dill powder and high cholesterol diet plus lovastatin [10 mg/kg, bw]. The concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol [TC], low density lipoproteins cholesterol [LDL C], alanine aminotransferase [alt], aspartate aminotransferase [ast], fibrinogen, factor VII, apolipoprotein B [ApoB], nitrite and nitrate were measured in blood samples following 15 h of fasting and 3 h after feeding. Concurrent use of A. graveolens powder or lovastatin significantly decreased ALT, TC, glucose, fibrinogen and LDL C values in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet group [P < 0.05]. Consumption of A. graveolens or lovastatin did not change factor VII, ApoB, nitrite and nitrate levels significantly in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet group. Intake of A. graveolens significantly decreased serum AST compared to hypercholesterolemic diet. A. graveolens might have some protective values against atherosclerosis and that it significantly affects some biochemical risk factors of this disease. Our findings also confirm the potential harmful effects of oxidized fats and the importance of dietary polyphenols in the meal

Fungal peritonitis in Iranian children on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Fungal peritonitis [FP], causing catheter obstruction, dialysis failure, and peritoneal dysfunction, is a rare but serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. In this study, the frequency and risk factors of FP are evaluated in children who underwent peritoneal dialysis. A retrospective multicenter study was performed at the 5 pediatric peritoneal dialysis centers in Iran from 1971 to 2006, and FP episodes among 93 children were reviewed. Risk ratios were calculated for the clinical and demographic variables to determine the risk factors of FP. Ninety-three children aged 39 months on average were included in study. Sixteen out of 155 episodes of peritonitis were fungi infections, all by Candida albicans. The risk of FP was higher in those with relapsing bacterial peritonitis [P = .009]. Also, all of the patients had received antibiotics within the 1 month prior to the development of FP. Catheters were removed in all patients after 1 to 7 days of developing FP. Six out of 12 patients had catheter obstruction and peritoneal loss after the treatment and 5 died due to infection. Fungal peritonitis, accompanied by high morbidity and mortality in children should be reduced by prevention of bacterial peritonitis. Early removal of catheter after recognition of FP should be considered