The Effects of Dexamethasone and L-NAME on Acute Lung Injury in Rats with Lung Contusion.

The therapeutic efficiency of an anti-inflammatory agent, dexamethasone (DXM), and a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), in lung tissue injury after lung contusion was investigated. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), YKL-40, an inflammatory peptide, inducible NOS (iNOS), and Clara cell protein 16 (CC-16) were evaluated. Immunohistochemical analyses were also performed, and the lung tissue was examined histopathologically. The study consisted of eight groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 10 in each group), weighing 250-300 g: (1) control, (2) contusion, (3) control + DXM, (4) contusion + DXM, (5) control + L-NAME (6) contusion + L-NAME, (7) control + DXM + L-NAME, and (8) contusion + DXM + L-NAME. A previously developed lung contusion model was used, in addition to the control group. The rats were administered DXM and L-NAME intraperitoneally (i.p.) at doses of 15 and 60 mg/kg/day, respectively. DXM and L-NAME administration decreased the iNOS level in the contusion groups. DXM increased the levels of YKL-40 and IL-10 in both the control and contusion groups, with higher levels in the contusion groups. L-NAME increased the serum level of IL-10 in the lung contusion groups. DXM increased the synthesis of CC-16 in the control and contusion groups. The combined use of a high-dose steroid and NOS inhibitor resulted in the death of the rats. Steroids can increase the level of cytokines, such as YKL-40 and IL-10, and the synthesis of CC-16 and prevent pneumonia, ALI/ARDS, and sepsis in lung contusion.

Assessment of bone metabolism and mineral density in chronic viral hepatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess bone metabolism and impact of disease on bone mineral density in patients with non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B or C. METHODS: 105 patients with chronic hepatitis B or C receiving antiviral agents and 60 healthy controls were included. Subgroups (n=15) were defined on the basis of age (males) or menopausal status (females). Bone mineral density; serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), total alkaline phosphatase, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels; 24-hour urinary levels of Ca and P; and urinary telopeptide (NTX) were measured. Statistical comparisons were made between patient groups and the matched controls. RESULTS: Compared to controls, the average serum levels of PTH were lower and 24-hour urinary mean Ca levels and T scores were higher in chronic hepatitis B patients between 20 and 40 years of age. Men with chronic hepatitis B and aged 40 - 65 years had lower mean serum P concentrations. Postmenopausal women with chronic hepatitis B had significantly higher NTX levels. Men with chronic hepatitis C had significantly elevated levels of 24-hour mean urinary P levels. The serum 25 OH vitamin D levels were significantly higher in premenopausal women with chronic hepatitis C. Postmenopausal women with chronic hepatitis C had significantly lower serum P concentrations. Other parameters and T scores did not differ significantly between patient groups and matched controls. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that chronic hepatitis B and C infections do not pose a risk for osteoporosis and low bone mineral density.