Refracture following vertebral fragility fracture when bone fragility is not recognized: summarizing findings from comparator arms of randomized clinical trials.

PURPOSE: Since vertebral fragility fractures (VFFs) might increase the risk of subsequent fractures, we evaluated the incidence rate and the refracture risk of subsequent vertebral and non-vertebral fragility fractures (nVFFs) in untreated patients with a previous VFF. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to February 2022 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that analyzed the occurrence of subsequent fractures in untreated patients with prior VFFs. Two authors independently extracted data and appraised the risk of bias in the selected studies. Primary outcomes were subsequent VFFs, while secondary outcomes were further nVFFs. The outcome of refracture within ≥ 2 years after the index fracture was measured as (i) rate, expressed per 100 person-years (PYs), and (ii) risk, expressed in percentage. RESULTS: Forty RCTs met our inclusion criteria, ranging from medium to high quality. Among untreated patients with prior VFFs, the rate of subsequent VFFs and nVFFs was 12 [95% confidence interval (CI) 9-16] and 6 (95% CI 5-8%) per 100 PYs, respectively. The higher the number of previous VFFs, the higher the incidence. Moreover, the risk of VFFs and nVFFs increased within 2 (16.6% and 8%) and 4 years (35.1% and 17.4%) based on the index VFF. CONCLUSION: The highest risk of subsequent VFFs or nVFFs was already detected within 2 years following the initial VFF. Thus, prompt interventions should be designed to improve the detection and treatment of VFFs, aiming to reduce the risk of future FFs and properly implement secondary preventive measures.

The integrated structure of care: evidence for the efficacy of models of clinical governance in the prevention of fragility fractures after recent sentinel fracture after the age of 50 years.

Randomized clinical trials and observational studies on the implementation of clinical governance models, in patients who had experienced a fragility fracture, were examined. Literature was systematically reviewed and summarized by a panel of experts who formulated recommendations for the Italian guideline. PURPOSE: After experiencing a fracture, several strategies may be adopted to reduce the risk of recurrent fragility fractures and associated morbidity and mortality. Clinical governance models, such as the fracture liaison service (FLS), have been introduced for the identification, treatment, and monitoring of patients with secondary fragility fractures. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the association between multidisciplinary care systems and several outcomes in patients with a fragility fracture in the context of the development of the Italian Guidelines. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were investigated up to December 2020 to update the search of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies that analyzed clinical governance models in patients who had experienced a fragility fracture were eligible. Three authors independently extracted data and appraised the risk of bias in the included studies. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. Effect sizes were pooled in a meta-analysis using random-effects models. Primary outcomes were bone mineral density values, antiosteoporotic therapy initiation, adherence to antiosteoporotic medications, subsequent fracture, and mortality risk, while secondary outcomes were quality of life and physical performance. RESULTS: Fifteen RCTs and 62 observational studies, ranging from very low to low quality for bone mineral density values, antiosteoporotic initiation, adherence to antiosteoporotic medications, subsequent fracture, mortality, met our inclusion criteria. The implementation of clinical governance models compared to their pre-implementation or standard care/non-attenders significantly improved BMD testing rate, and increased the number of patients who initiated antiosteoporotic therapy and enhanced their adherence to the medications. Moreover, the treatment by clinical governance model respect to standard care/non-attenders significantly reduced the risk of subsequent fracture and mortality. The integrated structure of care enhanced the quality of life and physical function among patients with fragility fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, clinicians should promote the management of patients experiencing a fragility fracture through structured and integrated models of care. The task force has formulated appropriate recommendations on the implementation of multidisciplinary care systems in patients with, or at risk of, fragility fractures.

A systematic review on the performance of fracture risk assessment tools: FRAX, DeFRA, FRA-HS.

PURPOSE: Preventing fragility fractures by treating osteoporosis may reduce disability and mortality worldwide. Algorithms combining clinical risk factors with bone mineral density have been developed to better estimate fracture risk and possible treatment thresholds. This systematic review supported panel members of the Italian Fragility Fracture Guidelines in recommending the use of best-performant tool. The clinical performance of the three most used fracture risk assessment tools (DeFRA, FRAX, and FRA-HS) was assessed in at-risk patients. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched till December 2020 for studies investigating risk assessment tools for predicting major osteoporotic or hip fractures in patients with osteoporosis or fragility fractures. Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), and areas under the curve (AUCs) were evaluated for all tools at different thresholds. Quality assessment was performed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2; certainty of evidence (CoE) was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. RESULTS: Forty-three articles were considered (40, 1, and 2 for FRAX, FRA-HS, and DeFRA, respectively), with the CoE ranging from very low to high quality. A reduction of Sn and increase of Sp for major osteoporotic fractures were observed among women and the entire population with cut-off augmentation. No significant differences were found on comparing FRAX to DeFRA in women (AUC 59-88% vs. 74%) and diabetics (AUC 73% vs. 89%). FRAX demonstrated non-significantly better discriminatory power than FRA-HS among men. CONCLUSION: The task force formulated appropriate recommendations on the use of any fracture risk assessment tools in patients with or at risk of fragility fractures, since no statistically significant differences emerged across different prediction tools.

Treatment plan comparison in acute and chronic respiratory tract diseases: an observational study of doxophylline vs. theophylline.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this article is to estimate the global cost related to the use of the two drugs (associated drugs, specialist visits, hospital admissions, plasma drug monitoring). METHODS: The drug prescriptions were extracted from the Information System of the Pharmaceutical Prescriptions of the Marche Region for each ATC code in the years 2008-2012 and the number of patients per year and other outcomes measure were obtained. RESULTS: 13,574 patients were treated with theophylline and 19,426 patients with doxophylline. The number of patients treated was approximately 5,000 per year. Co-prescription with other drugs, use of corticosteroids, mean number of visits and hospital admissions (per 100 patients) were lower for doxophylline vs theophylline (1.55vs5.50, 0.3vs0.7, 2.05vs3.73 and 1.57vs3.3 respectively). The annual mean cost per patient was €187.4 for those treated with doxophylline and €513.5 for theophylline. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, doxophylline resulted to be associated with a reduction of the overall cost.

Fatal hypersensitivity reaction to an oral spray of flurbiprofen: a case report.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Safety of the anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen is comparable with that of other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs of the propionic acid class, which are commonly associated with gastrointestinal and renal side effects. Here we report a case of a fatal hypersensitivity reaction to an oral spray of flurbiprofen taken for sore throat. CASE SUMMARY: A 29-year-old man came to the emergency care unit reporting sore throat with an intense burning sensation associated with fever. Pharyngotonsillitis was diagnosed, and local treatment with oral flurbiprofen spray was prescribed. Immediately after using the spray, the patient experienced a severe reaction characterized by serious dyspnoea, followed by death. The cause of death was heart failure with acute asphyxia from oedema of the glottis. The cause of death was concluded to be hypersensitivity to flurbiprofen spray. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Oral propionic acid derivatives have been associated with a relatively high frequency of allergic reactions. However, allergy to flurbiprofen has rarely been documented. Scientific literature reports two relevant cases of hypersensitivity reaction to flurbiprofen: in one case, a patient presented with a maculopapular rash 48 h after having taken oral flurbiprofen followed by angio-oedema and hypotension. In another case, a single oral dose of flurbiprofen caused itching and swelling around the eyes, redness and increased lacrimation. We describe, for the first time, a fatal case of hypersensitivity reaction to flurbiprofen oral spray. Hypersensitivity reactions to flurbiprofen are infrequent; however, health professionals should be aware of potential adverse reactions, even during topical administration as oral spray.

Assessing the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw due to bisphosphonate therapy in the secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures.

SUMMARY: There is evidence that the use oral bisphosphonates can lead to osteronecrosis of the jaws (ONJ). Although the occurrence of ONJ appears rare among oral bisphosphonates (BPs) users, it is important to know that it exists and can be opportunely minimized. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between BPs prescribed for the secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures and the occurrence of ONJ. METHODS: An Italian record linkage claims database with a target population of around 18 million individuals (6 million over 55 years of age) constituted the data source. We conducted a nested case-control study within a cohort of individuals aged 55+ years old, who were discharged from hospitals with a primary diagnosis of incident osteoporotic fracture. The date related to the discharge diagnosis of ONJ was the index date. Conditional logistic regression for matched data was fitted to estimate the odds ratio (OR) along with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) for the likely association between use of BPs and the risk of ONJ. RESULTS: Any one of the 61 ascertained cases of ONJ (incidence rate, 36.6 per 100,000 person-years) was matched to 20 controls for a total of 1120 controls. When the exposure to BPs was modeled according to recency (i.e., exposure time window prior to the index date) of use, the adjusted OR (95 % CI) for current users was 2.8 (1.3-5.9) against never users. The cumulative use of BPs has shown to increase the incidence of ONJ among patients with primary osteoporotic fractures, although not statistically significant risk has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although the risk of BP-related ONJ appears low in non-oncological indications, it is important to be aware that it exists and to know how it may be predicted and possibly minimized.

Serotonin involvement in Rhodiola rosea attenuation of nicotine withdrawal signs in rats.

Rhodiola rosea has been used for centuries in the traditional medicine to stimulate nervous system, to enhance physical and mental performance and to treat fatigue. It is known that administration of Rhodiola rosea extract elicits antidepressant activity, but the mechanism of action still remains unclear. Evidence from animal models and human studies show that nicotine reduces symptoms of depression and that nicotine cessation induces depressive-like symptoms. We investigated the effects of Rhodiola rosea on nicotine withdrawal signs. Nicotine dependence was induced by subcutaneous nicotine injection (2 mg/kg, four times daily) for 14 days. Another group of animals treated with nicotine (for 14 days) and successively with Rhodiola rosea extract was co-administered with selective 5-HT receptorial antagonist WAY 100635 (1 mg/kg). After nicotine withdrawal animals were evaluated for behavioural parameters (locomotor activity, abstinence signs, marble burying test), diencephalic serotonin metabolism and serotonin receptor-1A expression. Results show a significant increase of 5-HT content in N treated with R. rosea, with a significant increase of serotonin receptor 1A, suggesting an involvement of serotonin in beneficial effects of R. rosea on suffering produced by nicotine withdrawal.

Effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide on the histological damage and the altered spermatogenesis induced by testicular ischaemia and reperfusion in rats.

The effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), an agonist of the A2A adenosine receptors which when activated positively influences sperm activity, were tested in an experimental testicular ischaemia/reperfusion injury model. Anaesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to testicular torsion-induced ischaemia, followed by reperfusion (TI/R). Immediately after detorsion, randomized animals, including SHAM, received intraperitoneal injections of: (i) vehicle (1 mL/kg 0.9% NaCl solution); (ii) PDRN (8 mg/kg); (iii) DMPX (3,7-dimethyl-1-propargilxanthine, 0.1 mg/kg); or (iv) PDRN (8 mg/kg) + DMPX (0.1 mg/kg). Animals were euthanized at 1, 7 and 30 days following reperfusion. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression is normally associated with adenosine A2A receptor stimulation. After treatment, VEGF mRNA/protein expression quantified by qPCR and Western blot, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA measured by qPCR, VEGF and VEGFR1 assessed using immunohistochemical methods, histological staining and spermatogenic activity were all analysed. Testis ischaemia-reperfusion (TI/R) injury caused increases in VEGF mRNA and protein, VEGFR1 and eNOS mRNA, histological damage and reduced spermatogenic activity. Immunostaining showed a lower expression of VEGF in germinal epithelial cells and a strong expression of VEGFR1 in Leydig cells after TI/R. PDRN administration increased significantly VEGF message/protein, VEGFR1 and eNOS message, decreased histological damage and ameliorated spermatogenic activity. PDRN might be useful in the management of testicular torsion.

Cardiovascular and gastrointestinal safety of NSAIDs: a systematic review of meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials.

As part of the Safety of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (SOS) Project, we reviewed the incidence of cardiovascular (CV) and gastrointestinal (GI) events associated with the use of this category of drugs. We collected data from published meta-analyses (MAs) of clinical trials of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The Medline, Cochrane, ISI, and SCOPUS databases were systematically searched for MAs of NSAID clinical trials that could potentially contain data on adverse incidents such as myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular events (CeVs), stroke, thromboembolic events (ThEs), heart failure (HF), gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), and perforation, ulcer, and bleeding (PUB). From 1,733 identified references, 29 MAs were selected for the review. This allowed 109 estimations of incidence rates of CV adverse events and 26 estimations of incidence rates for GI adverse events. No data were found on hemorrhagic stroke or LGIB. Coxibs were studied in more MAs than traditional NSAIDs were (21 MAs for coxibs vs. 7 for traditional NSAIDs; one meta-analysis studied both). Many NSAIDs were not considered in any of the MAs. Our systematic review of MAs included information on the incidence of CV and GI events and identified important knowledge gaps regarding, in particular, the CV safety of traditional NSAIDs.

Lipid-lowering drug use in Italian primary care: effects of reimbursement criteria revision.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the prescribing pattern of lipid-lowering drugs (LLD) changed after reimbursement criteria revision in a general practice in southern Italy. METHODS: From the Caserta-1 Local Health Service database, 93 general practitioners (GPs) who had consistently sent data about their patients during the years 2003-2005 were recruited. Prevalence of use and incidence of new treatments were calculated for each year, stratified by three drug cohorts: statins, omega-3 fatty acids, and fibrates. Subanalyses by gender, age, and indication of use were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 1-year prevalence of LLD use increased from 2003 to 2004. After reimbursement criteria revision (November 2004), a slight decrease was observed for statins, from 41.1 (95% CI: 39.9-42.2) per 1,000 inhabitants in 2004 to 40.3 (39.2-41.5) in 2005, while omega-3 utilization fell markedly: 14.6 (13.9-15.3) vs. 5.4 (5.0-5.8). The use of both statins and omega-3 fatty acids was reduced particularly for primary prevention. On the other hand, utilization of statins increased in diabetic patients and as secondary prevention from 2004 to 2005. Concerning individual molecules, 1-year prevalence of use of any statin declined from 2004 to 2005, except for rosuvastatin. CONCLUSIONS: Revision of reimbursement criteria led to significant changes in the trend in LLD use in general practice in southern Italy: (1) statin utilization was slightly reduced in 2005, although it increased in certain categories, such as diabetic patients, and (2) omega-3 fatty acid use was strongly reduced even though a higher use in postinfarction cases was reported.

Prescribing patterns of antiepileptic drugs in Italy: a nationwide population-based study in the years 2000-2005.

To evaluate prevalence of use and prescribing patterns of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in Italian general practice. Primary care data were obtained from the Health Search Database, a longitudinal observational database implemented by the Italian College of General Practitioners (GPs). We selected 465 061 subjects registered by the end of 2005 in the lists of 320 GPs, homogeneously distributed throughout Italy. Prevalence of AED use was assessed in the entire sample and by drug type, age group, year and main geographic area (north, centre and south/islands). Overall, 24 383 subjects (5.2%) received at least one AED prescription in the study period. Prevalence of AED use (with 95% confidence interval) increased progressively from 7.1 (6.9-7.3) in 2000 to 11.8 (11.5-12.1) in 2005 for old AEDs and from 1.1 (1.0-1.2) to 12.2 (11.9-12.5) for new AEDs. Carbamazepine, phenobarbital and valproic acid were the most common AEDs until 2003, when gabapentin became first. There were no differences in prescribing patterns in the three main geographic areas. Newer AEDs were mostly used in patients aged 65 years and older. The more widespread use of newer AEDs was for mood disorders or pain. Older AED currently remain first line drugs for epileptic disorders. An increasing use of AEDs has been recently observed over a 6-year period in Italian general practice, mostly explained by newer compounds used for conditions other than epilepsy.

Serotonin mediates beneficial effects of Hypericum perforatum on nicotine withdrawal signs.

Antidepressants may be effective treatment for smoking cessation and new evidence on relationship between smoking and depression is emerging. Extracts of the plant Hypericum perforatum possess antidepressant activity in humans and reduce nicotine withdrawal signs in mice. Both nicotine and H. perforatum administration elicit changes in serotonin (5-HT) formation in the brain. On this basis, we investigated the possible involvement of 5-HT in the beneficial effects of H. perforatum on nicotine withdrawal signs. With the aim to induce nicotine dependence, nicotine (2 mg/kg, four intraperitoneal injections daily) was administered for 14 days to mice (NM). Saline (controls, M) or H. perforatum extract (Ph 50, 500 mg/kg) were orally administered immediately after the last nicotine injection for 30 days after nicotine withdrawal. Another group of animals treated with nicotine (14 days) and successively with H. perforatum extract was intraperitoneally co-administered with selective 5-HT receptorial antagonist WAY 100635 (WAY) (1 mg/kg). All animals were evaluated for locomotor activity and abstinence signs, 24 after nicotine withdrawal. Brain 5-HT metabolism was evaluated in the cortex of mice sacrificed 30 days after nicotine withdrawal through evaluation of 5-HT, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio. After nicotine withdrawal measurement of 5-HT metabolism in the cortex showed a reduction of 5-HT content while animals treated only with Hypericum extract showed a significant reduction of total abstinence score compared to controls. WAY inhibited the reduction of total abstinence score induced by H. perforatum. Moreover, 5-HT1A expression has been evaluated 30 days after nicotine withdrawal. Our results, show a significant increase of cortical 5-HT content in NM treated with H. perforatum, with a concomitant significant increase of 5-HT1A receptor. So, it is possible to suggest an involvement of 5-HT in beneficial effects of H. perforatum on suffering produced by nicotine withdrawal in dependent mice.

Vascular endothelial growth factor induces brain erythropoietin expression?

To investigate whether the formation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) influences erythropoietin (EPO) expression in physiological conditions, we injected into the left lateral cerebral ventricle of the Mongolian gerbil an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector capable of expressing the 165-amino-acid isoform of VEGF (VEGF165). Twelve and 18 days after AAV vector injection, the experimental animals were sacrificed and expression of EPO was evaluated through immunohistochemical analysis of both the hippocampus and the frontal cortex. We observed that VEGF165 induces EPO expression in the hippocampal pyramidal layers and in the frontal cortex of the gerbil, particularly after the 18th day following treatment with the vector, which suggests that VEGF165 could act as a hypoxic-like signal for EPO production. This finding could help to clarify the functional role of EPO and the molecular mechanisms by which VEGF might mediate its effects in the brain.

Effect of rosiglitazone and 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 on bleomycin-induced lung injury.

Thiazolidinedione rosiglitazone and 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), are two peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma ligands. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rosiglitazone and 15d-PGJ2 on the lung injury caused by bleomycin administration. Mice subjected to intratracheal administration of bleomycin developed significant lung injury. An increase in immunoreactivity to nitrotyrosine, poly(ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) and inducible nitric oxide synthase as well as a significant loss of body weight and mortality was observed in the lung of bleomycin-treated mice. Administration of the two PPAR-gamma agonists rosiglitazone (10 mg x kg(-1) i.p.) and 15d-PGJ2 (30 microg x kg(-1) i.p.) significantly reduced the: 1) loss of body weight, 2) mortality rate, 3) infiltration of the lung with polymorphonuclear neutrophils (myeloperoxidase activity), 4) oedema formation, and 5) histological evidence of lung injury. Administration of rosiglitazone and 15d-PGJ2 also markedly reduced the nitrotyrosine, PARP and inducible nitric oxide synthase formation. In addition, treatment with the PPAR-gamma antagonist bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (1 mg x kg(-1) i.p. 30 min before the rosiglitazone or 15d-PGJ2) significantly antagonised the effect of the two PPAR-gamma agonists. These results demonstrate that the two peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonists, rosiglitazone and 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2, significantly reduce lung injury induced by bleomycin in mice.

The tyrosine kinase inhibitor tyrphostin AG 126 reduces the multiple organ failure induced by zymosan in the rat.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of tyrphostin AG 126, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on the multiple organ failure (MOF) caused by zymosan in the rat. DESIGN: Zymosan (500 mg/kg, suspended in saline solution, i.p.) causes an enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species, which contribute to the pathophysiology of MOF. After zymosan or saline administration, animals were monitored for 12 days. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Treatment of rats with tyrphostin AG 126 (10 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg intraperitoneally, 1 h and 6 h after zymosan) attenuated the peritoneal exudation and the migration of polymorphonuclear cells caused by zymosan in a dose-dependent fashion. Tyrphostin AG 126 also attenuated the lung, liver, and intestinal injury (histology) as well as the increase in the levels of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde caused by zymosan in the lung, liver, and intestine. Immunohistochemical analysis for nitrotyrosine, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PAR), iNOS, and COX-2 revealed a positive staining in lung, liver and intestine from zymosan-treated rats. The degree of staining for nitrotyrosine, PAR, iNOS, and COX-2 were markedly reduced in tissue sections obtained from zymosan-treated rats which had received tyrphostin AG 126. Furthermore, treatment of rats with tyrphostin AG 126 significantly reduced the production of peroxynitrite and of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence that the protein kinase inhibitor tyrphostin AG 126 attenuates the degree of MOF associated with zymosan-induced peritonitis in the rat.

Antibiotic prescribing for dental conditions: a community-based study in southern Italy.

The aim of this study was to investigate for which conditions antibiotics are being used in community dental practice, and which clinical features represent the most common reason for an antibacterial approach to the treatment of dental conditions. The study was carried out from November 1998 to June 1999. Dentists were selected according to the different areas of southern Italy, from a list provided by the Italian Society of Dentists. Out of 87 selected dentists, 33 agreed to participate and filled in 1615 questionnaires for each therapeutic intervention ending with antibiotic treatment. Analysis of data indicated that alveolar-gingival abscesses were the most commonly treated infection, accounting for 23.6% of total treatments, followed by acute periodontitis (20.6%) and disodontiasis of the 3rd molar (18.5%). Parenteral antibiotics were chosen in 7.8% of cases. Penicillins were the most commonly used group, 40.1% of total treatments, followed by macrolides (30.2%) and cephalosporins (13.4%). Moreover, penicillins were widely used for post-surgery therapy (52.1%) and disodontiasis of the 3rd molar (50.8%), while macrolides were the most commonly used group for gingivitis (44.1%) and parodontal diseases (55.0%). The choice of parenteral antibiotics was related to severe general symptoms (odds ratios [OR], 4.4; 95% CI: 2.2-9.0), pain (OR, 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2-6.1) and lymphonodal involvement (OR, 6.4; 95% CI: 2.7-15.1). In conclusion, our study demonstrates that antibiotic treatment is often based on the eradication of as many microorganisms as possible, and on the clinical assessment of the patients, rather than on any knowledge of the pathogens involved.

Protective effects of M40403, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, in a rodent model of colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease is characterised by oxidative and nitrosative stress, leukocyte infiltration, and up-regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression in the colon. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of M40403, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, in rats subjected to experimental colitis. Colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic instillation of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Rats experienced bloody diarrhoea and significant loss of body weight. At 4 days after TNBS administration, the colon damage was characterised by areas of mucosal necrosis. Neutrophil infiltration (indicated by myeloperoxidase activity in the mucosa) was associated with up-regulation of ICAM-1 and expression of P-selectin and high levels of malondialdehyde. Immunohistochemistry for nitrotyrosine and poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase showed an intense staining in the inflamed colon. Treatment with M40403 (5 mg/kg daily i.p.) significantly reduced the appearance of diarrhoea and the loss of body weight. This was associated with a remarkable amelioration of the disruption of the colonic architecture as well as a significant reduction of colonic myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels. M40403 also reduced the appearance of nitrotyrosine and poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase immunoreactivity in the colon as well as reduced the up-regulation of ICAM-1 and the expression of P-selectin. The results of this study suggested that administration of a superoxide dismutase mimetic may be beneficial for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Celecoxib, a selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor reduces the severity of experimental colitis induced by dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in rats.

Inflammatory bowel disease is characterised by oxidative and nitrosative stress, leukocyte infiltration, upregulation of the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and upregulation of P-selectin in the colon. Here, we investigate the effects of the selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, in rats subjected to experimental colitis. Colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic instillation of dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). Rats experienced hemorrhagic diarrhoea and weight loss. At 4 days after administration of DNBS, the mucosa of the colon exhibited large areas of necrosis. Neutrophil infiltration (determined by histology, as well as an increase in myeloperoxidase activity in the mucosa) was associated with upregulation of ICAM-1 and P-selectin, as well as high tissue levels of malondialdehyde. Immunohistochemistry for nitrotyrosine and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase showed intense staining in the inflamed colon. Celecoxib (5 mg/kg twice a day orally) significantly reduced the degree of hemorrhagic diarrhoea and the weight loss caused by administration of DNBS. Celecoxib also caused a substantial reduction of (i) the degree of colonic injury, (ii) the rise in myeloperoxidase activity (mucosa), (iii) the increase in the tissue levels of malondialdehyde, (iv) the increase in staining (immunohistochemistry) for nitrotyrosine, as well as (v) the upregulation of ICAM-1 and P-selectin caused by DNBS in the colon. Thus, we provide the first evidence that a selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib reduces the degree of colitis caused by DNBS.

The protective role of endogenous estrogens in carrageenan-induced lung injury in the rat.

BACKGROUND: We have recently demonstrated that 17beta-estradiol (E2) inhibits the increase of inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) activity in selected model systems such as macrophages, microglia, smooth muscle cells, and proposed that this effect might be associated with an anti-inflammatory activity of this hormone. Here we investigate the effects of endogenous estrogens in rats subjected to carrageenan-induced pleurisy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult female rats were ovariectomized 3 weeks before the experiments to deplete circulating estrogens. Selected inflammatory markers, landmarks of the delayed phase of carrageenan-induced pleurisy, were measured in intact (N-OVX), and ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. In addition, the effect of hormone replacement was evaluated in ovariectomized rats with intraperitoneal injection of 17beta-estradiol (E2; 50 microg/kg) 1 hr before carrageenan treatment (OVX + E2). RESULTS: Ovariectomy enhanced the carrageenan-induced degree of pleural exudation and polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration in rats subjected to carrageenan-induced pleurisy. Lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and lipid peroxidation were significantly increased in estrogens-deprived rats. The iNOS in lung samples was significantly increased by the surgery. The increase of iNOS activity was correlated with a marked enhancement in the production of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Immunohistochemical analysis for P-selectin and ICAM-I, as well as nitrotyrosine and poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase (PARS) revealed a positive staining in lungs from carrageenan-treated rats, which was markedly enhanced in ovariectomized rats when compared to cycling rats, particularly in the estrous phase of the cycle. Estrogen replacement counteracted the effect of surgery on all of the above indicators of lung inflammation, suggesting that in the cycling rat this hormone plays a key role in the increased sensitivity to inflammatory injury observed in the OVX rat. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that endogenous estrogens production plays an important protective role against carrageenan-induced acute inflammation by decreasing the expression of specific markers of the delayed phase of this well-known model of acute inflammation.

Interleukin-6 involvement in antidepressant action of Hypericum perforatum.

Hypericum, a plant widely used as antidepressant has been shown to interact with the immune system. We studied the effects of the administration of the Hypericum perforatum extract Ph-50, a Hypericum extract, standardized to flavonoids (50%) and containing 0.3% of hypericin and 4.5% of hyperforin in a forced swimming test and tryptophan, serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) diencephalic content using a high performance liquid chromatography method in male interleukin-6 (IL-6) knock-out (IL-6(-/-)) and wild type (IL-6(+/+)) mice. Hypericum extract (Ph-50; 500 mg/kg) oral acute administration reduced the immobility time of wild type, but not of knockout mice. Tryptophan content was not modified by Hypericum in all the animal groups. Serotonin and 5-HIAA diencephalic content was increased by Hypericum in both wild type and knockout mice. However, the increase observed in the wild type was greater than in knockout mice. These data indicate that IL-6 could be necessary to the antidepressant action of Hypericum, and that this cytokine (probably) mediates the effects of Hypericum through activation of the serotonin system.