The effect of sulforaphane on oxidative stress and inflammation in rats with toxic hepatitis induced by acetaminophene.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to reveal the possible effect of sulforaphane on oxidative stress and inflammation in rats liver with toxic hepatitis induced by acetaminophene. BACKGROUND: Sulforaphane is a compound with high antioxidant properties. Acetaminophen, which is a para-aminophenol derivative, can lead to fatal hepatic necrosis with direct hepatotoxic effects at high doses. METHODS: Thirty six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Control group (n = 9) was fed with standard rat chow and water for 3 days. Group APAP (n = 9) received a single dose acetaminophen 1 g/kg by oral gavage in addition to standard chow and water. Group SFN (n = 9) received sulforaphane 500 µg/kg by oral gavage in addition to standard chow and water for 3 days. Group APAP+SFN (n = 9) received sulforaphane 500 µg/kg and a single dose acetaminophen 1 g/kg by oral gavage in addition to standard chow and water. Acetaminophen was administered three hours after SFN administration. RESULTS: Neopterin, MDA, AST, ALT and CRP levels of group APAP were significantly increased compared to control group. GSH level of group APAP was significantly lower than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Sulforaphane is a protective agent against acetaminophen-induced liver damage and it can be added in the treatment protocol (Tab. 1, Fig. 5, Ref. 51).

Effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration time on pain.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of administration time of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on the level of pain related to G-CSF. METHODS: This study was carried out with 48 cancer patients divided into A and B groups. In the first stage of the study, the groups A and B were planned to be administered with G-CSF at 10: 00 and 14: 00, respectively. In the second stage, patients in groups A and B were asked to self-administer filgrastim at 14: 00 and 10: 00, respectively. Patients were also asked to assess their pain level after G-CSF administration for a total of 4 times. RESULTS: According to the findings, the incidence of pain related to G-CSF was 91.7 %. The pain score after G-CSF being administered at 10: 00 was significantly higher compared to administration at 14: 00 in both groups (group A after 4, 8, and 12 hours: p < 0.05; group B after 4 and 8 hours: p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study have demonstrated that the pain score related to G-CSF administration at 14:00 p.m. was significantly reduced. Thus, in order to minimize the pain, it will be more beneficial to administer G-CSF at 14: 00 (Tab. 4, Ref. 31). Text in PDF www.elis.sk.

Late effects of renal transplantation on endothelial functions and cardiac morphology.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is common in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD), and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are higher in these patients. In this study, we evaluated the late posttransplantation effects of cyclosporine and tacrolimus on endothelial function, inflammation, and cardiac architecture. METHODS: The study included 12 patients undergoing hemodialysis (group 1); 22 renal transplant recipients, of which 13 were receiving cyclosporine therapy (group 2) and 9 were receiving tacrolimus therapy (group 3); and 12 healthy control individuals (group 4). Kidney recipients were included if the transplantation procedure had been performed at least 1 year before the study. Asymmetric dimethylarginine, C-reactive protein, carotid intima-media thickness, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular muscle mass index, flow-mediated dilation, and nitroglycerine-induced dilation of the brachial artery were evaluated. RESULTS: Serum asymmetric dimethylarginine, C-reactive protein, carotid intima-media thickness, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, interventricular septal thickness, and left ventricular muscle mass index values were significantly higher in patients undergoing HD than in the other 3 groups (P < .05), whereas percent change in flow-mediated dilation and nitroglycerine-induced dilation of the brachial artery was significantly lower (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing HD demonstrate endothelial dysfunction. In the late posttransplantation period, kidney recipients seem to have similar endothelial function and cardiac architecture as in the healthy population. This result may explain the reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality after transplantation in patients undergoing HD. Tacrolimus and cyclosporine have similar effects on endothelial function.

Interaction between grapefruit juice and diazepam in humans.

Grapefruit juice has been reported to markedly improve the bioavailability of triazolam, midazolam, terfenadine, cyclosporine and several dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers including felodipine, nifedipine, nitrendipine and nisoldipine. Because these drugs are metabolized by the hepatic cytochrome P450 isozyme (CYP) 3A4, the inhibitory effect of grapefruit juice is thought to results from inhibition of CYP3A4. In this study, our aim was to investigate the effects of grapefruit juice on plasma concentrations of diazepam. Eight healthy male and female subjects participated in this study. Oral (5 mg) diazepam was administered with either 250 ml water and grapefruit juice. Blood samples were collected for a 24 h period, and whole blood concentrations of diazepam were measured enzyme immunoassay. The mean AUC(0-24) of diazepam was increased 3.2-fold (P < 0.001) and Cmax was increased 1.5-fold (P < 0.05) by the grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice postponed the tmax of diazepam from 1.50 h to 2.06 h (P < 0.01).