Fimasartan attenuates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by modulating inflammation-related apoptosis

Fimasartan, a new angiotensin II receptor antagonist, reduces myocyte damage and stabilizes atherosclerotic plaque through its anti-inflammatory effect in animal studies. We investigated the protective effects of pretreatment with fimasartan on ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in a mouse model of ischemic renal damage. C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with or without 5 (IR-F5) or 10 (IR-F10) mg/kg/day fimasartan for 3 days. Renal ischemia was induced by clamping bilateral renal vascular pedicles for 30 min. Histology, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis assays were evaluated 24 h after IRI. Compared to the untreated group, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were significantly lower in the IR-F10 group. IR-F10 kidneys showed less tubular necrosis and interstitial fibrosis than untreated kidneys. The expression of F4/80, a macrophage infiltration marker, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, decreased in the IR-F10 group. High-dose fimasartan treatment attenuated the upregulation of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in ischemic kidneys. Fewer TUNEL positive cells were observed in IR-F10 compared to control mice. Fimasartan caused a significant decrease in caspase-3 activity and the level of Bax, and increased the Bcl-2 level. Fimasartan preserved renal function and tubular architecture from IRI in a mouse ischemic renal injury model. Fimasartan also attenuated upregulation of inflammatory cytokines and decreased apoptosis of renal tubular cells. Our results suggest that fimasartan inhibited the process of tubular injury by preventing apoptosis induced by the inflammatory pathway.

Effects of Atracurium in the Patients with Myasthenia Gravis Undergoing Thymectomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that shows increased sensitivity to nondepolarizing muscle relaxants. Atracurium is eliminated by Hofmann elimination and ester hydrolysis. We studied the onset and duration of atracurium in patients with myasthenia gravis. METHODS: Ten patients undergoing thymectomy for myasthenia gravis and ten patients of ASA Class I-II without liver, kidney and neuromuscular disease for orthopedic surgical procedures were assigned. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental (4~5 mg/kg) and maintained with inhalation of N2O:O2 (1:1) and enflurane (1.0~2.0 vol%). Atracurium (0.5 mg/kg) was given as a muscle relaxant and then intubation was performed after twitch response was depressed more than 80%. Neuromuscular relaxation was assessed by TOF (T1) at the adductor pollicis with supramaximal stimulation of ulnar nerve at 2 Hz every 12 seconds. The onset and the duration of 5, 25, 50, 75% recovery time of T1 and the recovery index were recorded. RESULTS: Onset of block was shortened and recovery time of 5, 25, 50, 75% and recovery index were prolonged in patients with myasthenia gravis. Conlusions: In patients with myasthenia gravis, atracurium induced rapid onset time and prolonged recovery time of 5, 25, 50, 75% and recovery index.

A Survey on Anthropometric and Nutritional Status of children in Three Different Kinds of Kindergartens in Cheonan

According to economical status, malnutrition and overnutrition coexist among preschool children in Korea. Malnutrition have been a serious problem for children in some of rural. Many children have deficiencies of some nutrients such as riboflavin A, and simultaneously they have overcarloric intakes with empty calorie foods. Preschool children have nutritional problems which can affect the growth and development. To investigate whether nutritional intakes can influence on the growth or not, nutritional intakes and anthropometric measurements were determined for infants aged 4~6 years old in three different kinds of preschools. Daily nutrient intakes were calculated by the combination of a direct measurement and 24 hour recall, and the diet consumption patterns were determined by diet quality index. Overall growth of infants in Cheonan area was under the normal growth in Korea. Preschool children in orphanage consumed almost all nutrients much less than the recommended daily allowances, on the other hands, children in private preschool had over-intakes of nutrients when it is compared with the daily requirements. However, the scores of the diet quality index were similar in three preschools since children in private preschool consumed more fat and junk food than those in orphanage. The weight and height of preschool children in orphanage was lower than those in private preschools. This was due to the lower consumption of the important nutrients in infants in orphanage. The consumption of all nutrients except fat did not show any correlation with height or weight. The quality index of fat, cholesterol, grains and protein intakes was higher in children in private preschool than in orphanage. In conclusions, 1)the private preschool children had worse nutrient intake patterns. Better consumption of vitamin B2, calcium and grains were, bigger height and chest circumferences children obtained. 2)Since most of energy intake of preschool children came from junk foods, they needed to consume more supplementation of vitamins and minerals, which is necessary for normal growth. 3)It is desirable for the children to cut down junk foods and empty calorie foods.