Intake of oligoelements with cytarabine or etoposide alters dopamine levels and oxidative damage in rat brain.

Research on the relationships between oligoelements (OE) and the development of cancer or its prevention is a field that is gaining increasing relevance. The aim was to evaluate OE and their interactions with oncology treatments (cytarabine or etoposide) to determine the effects of this combination on biogenic amines and oxidative stress biomarkers in the brain regions of young Wistar rats. Dopamine (DA), 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-Hiaa), Glutathione (Gsh), Tiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and Ca+2, Mg+2 ATPase enzyme activity were measured in brain regions tissues using spectrophometric and fluorometric methods previously validated. The combination of oligoelements and cytarabine increased dopamine in the striatum but decreased it in cerebellum/medulla-oblongata, whereas the combination of oligoelements and etoposide reduced lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that supplementation with oligoelements modifies the effects of cytarabine and etoposide by redox pathways, and may become promising therapeutic targets in patients with cancer.

Assessment of the Roles of Magnesium and Zinc in Clinical Disorders.

The ability and facility of magnesium (Mg2+) and zinc (Zn2+) to interact with phosphate ions confer them the characteristics of essential trace elements. Trace elements are extremely necessary for the basic nucleic acid chemistry of cells of all known living organisms. More than 300 enzymes require zinc and magnesium ions for their catalytic actions, including all the enzymes involved in the synthesis of ATP. In addition, enzymes such as isomerases, oxidoreductases, lyases, transferases, ligases and hydrolases that use other nucleotides to synthesize DNA and RNA require magnesium and zinc. These nucleotides may trigger oxidative damage or important changes against free radicals. In the same way, nucleotides may play an important role in the pathophysiology of degenerative diseases, including in some clinical disorders, where vascular risk factors, oxidative stress and inflammation work to destabilize the patients` homeostatic equilibrium. Indeed, reduced levels of zinc and magnesium may lead to inadequate amount of antioxidant enzymes, and thus, acts as an important contributing factor for the induction of oxidative stress leading to cellular or tissue dysfunction. Hence, the development of zinc or magnesium enzyme inhibitors could be a novel opportunity for the treatment of some human disorders. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to assess the clinical benefits of zinc and magnesium in human health and their effects in some clinical disorders.

Inflammatory Process and Immune System in Major Depressive Disorder.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric illnesses in the general population. In mental disorders, the activation of inflammatory pathways in the brain is a major producer of excitotoxicity and an inducer of oxidative stress. The occurrence of these 2 events is partly responsible for the neuronal damage inherent in patients with mental disorders. In the case of MDD, the release of hormone and increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma and indicators of oxidative stress have been identified as consequences of this event. The most important affectations in patients with MDD are changes in their cognitive and executive functions due to brain inflammation. Hence, these biomarkers can serve as diagnostic and severity classification tools and treatment. In this work, we described the communication pathway between the immune and neuroendocrine systems in MDD and suggested possible therapeutic options for the disease.

Tuberculosis in Children in a Pediatric Hospital in Mexico.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global problem and a diagnostic challenge, especially in pediatrics. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, microbiological, radiological, and histopathological data of TB in children. A 7-year retrospective and descriptive cohort study that included 127 patients under 18 years of age with diagnosis of active TB was conducted from 2011 to 2018 in a pediatric hospital. Tuberculosis was microbiologically confirmed using Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a total of 94 (74%) cases. Thirty-three cases were defined as probable TB based on tuberculin skin test result and epidemiological evaluation. The TB forms found were lymph node (39.3%), bone (15.7%), lung (13.6%), and meningeal TB (8.6%). The most common symptoms were fever (48.8%) and adenopathy (45.6%). History of contact was established in 34.6%. Positive ZN staining (sensitivity 30%) and culture (sensitivity 37%) were found in 29% and 37.7% of subjects, respectively. About 64.5% depicted abnormal chest X-ray. Xpert MTB/RIF® (PCR) was positive in 9.4% and biopsy was compatible in 52.7% of these samples. It is fundamental to have laboratory and epidemiological evaluation that support the diagnosis of the disease in children and thus, define its management; since, in most cases, early microbiologic confirmation is lacking.

Co-infection with Streptococcus anginosus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in an immunocompetent pediatric patient. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous infection in tuberculosis (TB) is rare. The mixed infection between Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) and M. tuberculosis (MTB) has not been reported in children. The aim of this report was to describe a pediatric case with a pulmonary abscess caused by the duality SAG-MTB co-infection. CASE PRESENTATION: An 11-year-old boy with an acute onset of throbbing pain of two-day evolution located in the anterior chest wall. The patient reported a history of fever, cough and rhinorrhea during the last seven days. An anterior chest radiography revealed a heterogenic opacity at the lower right lobe while the lateral projection showed an obliteration at the anterior diaphragmatic insertion. Parenteral Ceftriaxone (100 mg/kg/day) and Dicloxacillin (200 mg/kg/day) was started. The abscess was subsequently drained and analyzed. After a year of follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: This case represents the first reported case of pulmonary co-infection involving MTB and SAG in an immunocompetent pediatric patient.

Sildenafil alters biogenic amines and increases oxidative damage in brain regions of insulin-hypoglycemic rats.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of sildenafil on dopamine, 5-hydroxyindol acetic acid (5-HIAA) and selected biomarkers of oxidative stress in the brain of hypoglycemic rats. The animals were treated intraperitoneally as follows: group 1 (control), saline solution; group 2, insulin (10 U per rat or 50 U kg-1); group 3, insulin + single dose of sildenafil (50 U kg-1 + 50 mg kg-1); group 4, insulin + three doses of sildenafil every 24 hours (50 U kg-1 + 50 mg kg-1). In groups 2, 3 and 4, insulin was administered every 24 hours for 10 days. Blood glucose was measured after the last treatment. On the last day of the treatment, the animals´ brains were extracted to measure the levels of oxidative stress markers [H2O2, Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase, glutathione and lipid peroxidation (TBARS)], dopamine and 5-HIAA in the cortex, striatum and cerebellum/medulla oblongata by validated methods. The results suggest that administration of insulin in combination with sildenafil induces hypoglycemia and hypotension, enhances oxidative damage and provokes changes in the brain metabolism of biogenic amines. Administration of insulin and sildenafil promotes biometabolic responses in glucose control, namely, it induces hypoglycemia and hypotension. It also enhances oxidative damage and provokes changes in the brain metabolism of biogenic amines.

Osteitis secondary to BCG vaccine in immunocompetent patients: Three case reports.

RATIONALE: Osteitis corresponds to a rare but potentially serious complication reported in pediatric population after the application of the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. In the present study, 3 clinical cases associated with this entity are reported. PATIENT CONCERNS: The 1st case corresponds to a 1-year-old female patient who presented an increase in the volume of the right pelvic limb after BCG application. The second case is a 2-year-old male who began with an increase in volume, overactive gait and pain at the level of the left knee on walking that began after a trauma in the left low limb. The 3rd case corresponds to a 3-year-old patient who started with intense pain and limitation for ambulation. DIAGNOSIS: Both the radiographical and histological studies presented data suggestive of infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, corroborated through biopsy and genotyping analysis with the isolation of Mycobacterium bovis as the causal agent. INTERVENTIONS: The basic treatment scheme was based on Ethambutol, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, and Isoniazid. When M. bovis was typified, clarithromycin was added in the treatment. OUTCOMES: Osteitis secondary to BCG vaccine usually has a favorable evolution, especially in immunocompetent patients. LESSONS: It was possible to confirm the association of BCG vaccine with the clinical picture of the patients who presented improvement after the start of antimicrobial management. Osteitis secondary to BCG vaccine usually presents a favorable evolution, especially in immunocompetent patients; however, the involvement of joint, growth discs and vertebrae increases the risk of presenting long-term sequels.

Cytarabine and Ferric Carboxymaltose (Fe+3) Increase Oxidative Damage and Alter Serotonergic Metabolism in Brain.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure the effect on brain biomarkers after treatment with anticancer compounds - cytarabine (CT) and ferric carboxymaltose (FC) (Fe+3) in Wistar rats. METHODS: The Wistar rats were treated as follows: group 1 (control), NaCl 0.9%; group 2, CT (25 mg/k), group 3, FC(Fe+3) (50 mg/k) and group 4, CT + FC(Fe+3). The animals were sacrificed and their brains were obtained and used to measure lipoperoxidation (TBARS), H2O2, Na+, K+ ATPase, glutathione (GSH), serotonin metabolite (5-HIAA) and dopamine. The results indicated an enhancement of lipid peroxidation in the cortex and striatum of groups treated with FC(Fe+3) and CT, while GSH decreased in the cortex of group treated with CT + FC(Fe+3). Dopamine decreased in the cortex of the rats that received CT, while in the striatum, 5HIAA increased in all groups. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the treatment with CT and FC(Fe+3) boosted oxidative stress and led to an alteration in momoamine concentrations in the brain.

Riboflavin and pyridoxine restore dopamine levels and reduce oxidative stress in brain of rats.

BACKGROUND: Neurological disorders suggest that the excitotoxicity involves a drastic increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and the formation of reactive oxygen species. The presence of these free radicals may also affect the dopaminergic system. The aim of this work was to determine if riboflavin (B2) and pyridoxine (B6) provide protection to the brain against free radicals generated by 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) by measuring the levels of dopamine (DA) and selected oxidative stress markers. METHODS: Male Fisher rats were grouped (n = 6) and treated as follows: group 1, control (NaCl 0.9%); group 2, 3-NPA (20 mg/kg); group 3, B2 (10 mg/kg); group 4, B2 (10 mg/kg) + 3-NPA (20 mg/kg); group 5, B6 (10 mg/kg) and group 6, B6 + 3-NPA. All treatments were administered every 24 h for 5 days by intraperitoneal route. After sacrifice, the brain was obtained to measure DA, GSH, and lipid peroxidation, Ca2+, Mg2+, ATPase and H2O2. MAIN FINDINGS: Levels of dopamine increased in cortex, striatum and cerebellum/medulla oblongata of animals that received 3-NPA alone. The lipid peroxidation increased in cortex, striatum, and cerebellum/medulla oblongata, of animals treated with B2 vitamin alone. ATPase dependent on Ca+2, Mg+2 and H2O2 increased in all regions of animals that received 3-NPA alone. CONCLUSION: The results confirm the capacity of 3-NPA to generate oxidative stress. Besides, the study suggests that B2 or B6 vitamins restored the levels of DA and reduced oxidative stress in brain of rats. We believe that these results would help in the study of neurodegenerative diseases.

Neuroprogression: the hidden mechanism of depression.

For many years, depressive disorder (DD) was considered a transient and natural disease of people's mood. Its etiology had been attributed mainly to biochemical alterations of the monoamines and their receptors. Nevertheless, its prevalence and considerable impact on the family and social environment of those afflicted by it have placed the disease as a global public health problem. Neuroprogression is the term used to describe the changes in several psychiatric conditions evidenced and observed in the clinical manifestations, biochemical markers, and cerebral structures of the patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), which frequently overlap with neurodegenerative disorders. DD is considered a potentially aggressive state of neuronal deterioration involving apoptosis, reduced neurogenesis, decreased neuronal plasticity, and increased immune response. Clinically, it encompasses a poor response to treatment and an increase in depressive episodes, both of which bring about vulnerability and decline of functions associated with structural changes in the brain. The interest of this work is to review the metabolic processes involved in the morphologic alterations in the limbic system reported in patients with MDD, as well as the neurologic bases of this complex pathology that include environmental stress, genetic vulnerability, alterations in the neurotransmission, and changes in the neuroplasticity, all of which today bring into limelight a mechanism of progressive neuronal damage.

ß-Cyclodextrin and oleic acid increase levels of dopamine and potentiates oxidative damage in young and adult rat brain.

BACKGROUND: Cyclodextrins are active pharmaceutical ingredients to treat neurological diseases by reducing neurotoxicity. The aim of this study was to test if combined consumption of ß-cyclodextrin (BCD) and Oleic acid (OA) potentiates brain antioxidant protection. METHODS: Four groups of young Wistar rats, grouped in 6 animals each, were treated as follows: Group (G) 1, saline solution 0.9% (control); G2, BCD (0.7 g/kg); G3, OA (15 ml/kg); G4, BCD + OA. The same design was assayed for groups of adult rats. Treatments were daily administered by oral means for five consecutive days. On the last day of administration, brains of the animals were extracted to measure dopamine, 5-HIAA, glutathione (GSH), ATPase, Lipoperoxidation and H2O2. RESULTS: Oleic acid and ß-cyclodextrin upgraded the levels of dopamine, 5-HIAA and lipid peroxidation and downgraded the concentrations of GSH and H2O2 in cortex, hemispheres (striatum) and cerebellum/medulla oblongata regions. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that combined use of oleic acid and ß-cyclodextrin may increase oxidative damage in brain regions and promote alteration in dopamine and 5-HIAA amines and hence, constitutes health risks among age of subjects.

Oseltamivir and indomethacin reduce the oxidative stress in brain and stomach of infected rats.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oseltamivir and indomethacin on lipid peroxidation (LP), GABA levels, and ATPase activity in brain and stomach of normal and infected rats (IR), as novel inflammation model. Female Sprague Dawley rats grouped five each, either in the absence or presence of a live culture of Salmonella typhimurium (S. typh), were treated as follows: group 1 (control), PBS buffer; group 2, oseltamivir (100 mg/kg); group 3, indomethacin (67 µg/rat); group 4, oseltamivir (100 mg/kg) + indomethacin (67 µg/rat). All drugs were given intraperitoneally for 5 days. IR received the same treatments and the brain and stomach of the rats were removed in order to measure levels of GABA, LP, and total ATPase, using validated methods. Levels of GABA increased in stomach and cortex of IR with oseltamivir, but decreased in striatum and cerebellum/medulla oblongata of IR with indomethacin. LP decreased in the three brain regions of IR with oseltamivir. ATPase increased in stomach of IR and non-IR with oseltamivir and in striatum and cerebellum/medulla oblongata of IR with indomethacin. Results suggest that the effect of free radicals produced in an infection and inflammatory condition caused by S. typh could be less toxic by a combination of oseltamivir and indomethacin.

Bronchopulmonary infection by Lophomonas blattarum in a pediatric patient after hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation: first report in Mexico.

Lophomonas blattarum is a multiflagellated protozoon which parasitizes the gut of termites and cockroaches. Although L. blattarum infection is rare, it can affect lung, maxillary sinuses and genitourinary tract. The presentation of bronchopulmonary lophomonas includes nonspecific symptoms such as fever, cough and dyspnea. Diagnosis is based on identification of living protozoan forms in fresh samples from respiratory secretions (bronchoalveolar lavage). We report the case of a 2-year-old male with a history of severe combined immunodeficiency (T-, B-, NK-), post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant and full immune reconstitution 12 months following a successful transplant who thereafter presented lophomonas.

Trace elements cause oxidative damage in the brain of rats with induced hypotension.

Hypertension causes neuronal damage and apoptosis in the brain. Diazoxide is a drug used in the treatment of hypertension however, its effect on 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) and dopamine amines in adult animal models remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of oligoelements on 5-HIAA and dopamine in the brain of adult rats treated with diazoxide METHODS: Male Fisher rats (weight 250g) were treated as follows: Group I, NaCl 0.9% (control); group II, tracefusin® (1.5mL/rat); group III, diazoxide (20mg/rat) and group IV, tracefusin® (1.5mL/rat)+diazoxide (20mg/rat). All doses were intraperitoneally administered on daily basis for four consecutive days. After the last administration, the brain of the animals was obtained and dissected in cortex, hemispheres (striatum) and cerebellum/medulla oblongata to measure the levels of 5-HIAA, dopamine, lipid peroxidation and total ATPase activity through validated methods. RESULTS: Dopamine and 5-HIAA levels decreased significantly in the group that received trace elements and diazoxide in the hemisphere regions, while in cerebellum/medulla oblongata, dopamine levels increased significantly in the groups that received diazoxide alone in. Lipid peroxidation in all brain regions increased significantly in the groups that received trace elements and diazoxide. ATPase dependent of calcium and magnesium decreased in the groups that received diazoxide alone or combined with trace elements in cerebellum/medulla oblongata regions. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that the use of trace elements and diazoxide alters metabolism of dopamine and 5-HIAA amines. Free radicals may be involved in this effect.

Pharmacokinetics of sildenafil in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Recently, sildenafil was introduced to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); however, there are currently few studies on the pharmacokinetics of sildenalfil in children. Therefore, we aimed to carry out a pharmacokinetic study of sildenafil in children with PAH using a single dose. METHODS: Twelve children diagnosed with PAH, consisting of with ten males and two females, were recruited for the study after obtaining written consent from their parents or guardians. Blood samples were obtained predose and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours after the oral administration of 1 mg/kg of sildenafil using an extemporal pediatric formulation developed in our laboratory. The samples were analyzed using a previously validated high performance liquid chromatography method. RESULTS: A pharmacokinetic analysis using the WinNonlin 3.1 program that considered the Akaike information criterion (AIC) for selecting a more adjustable model was performed. The following pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained: maximal concentration (Cmax): 366±179 ng/mL, time to maximal concentration: 0.92±0.30 hours, elimination half-life (t1/2): 2.41±1.18 hours, total clearance (CLtot/F): 5.85±2.81 L/hour, volume of distribution (Vd/F): 20.13±14.5 L, absorption rate constants (Ka): 0.343 hour-1, elimination rate (Ke): 0.35 hour-1, area under curve from zero to infinity: 2061±618 ng/mL/hour. The data of all patients adjusted to the model of one compartment were corroborated using AIC. CONCLUSIONS: The parameters Ka, Ke and t1/2 were found to be similar to those reported in adults; however, the values of Cmax and Vd/F were significantly higher. Based on these findings, we propose that treatment regimen of sildenafil be adjusted in children with PAH.

Natural Steroids and Androgen Antagonists used as Neuroprotection in Common Neurological Disorders.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Multiple classes of natural products, such as antiandrogens or steroids have been used as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory treatments in neurodegenerative diseases. This paper aims to review current knowledge on these substances and their possible relationship with free radicals as an alternative therapy and prevention of common neurological disorders. An exhaustive review of the neurochemical mechanisms of these substances in the central nervous system of humans and animal models is yet to be undertaken in the literature, particularly regarding their importance and increasing use. CONCLUSION: Androgen receptor antagonists act in a different way that may underlie the benefits of natural products, with the expectation that in adults, neurological disorders would respond to natural antiandrogens. We hope that this work would provide valuable insight into the protective and therapeutic roles for natural antiandrogens and steroids in common neurological disorders.

Assessment of Mexican Arnica (Heterotheca inuloides Cass) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Extracts on Dopamine and Selected Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Stomach and Brain of Salmonella typhimurium Infected rats.

BACKGROUND: The effects of some natural products on dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in brain of infected models are still unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of Mexican arnica/rosemary (MAR) water extract and oseltamivir on both biogenic amines and some oxidative biomarkers in the brain and stomach of young rats under infection condition. METHODS: Female Wistar rats (weight 80 g) in the presence of MAR or absence (no-MAR) were treated as follows: group 1, buffer solution (controls); oseltamivir (100 mg/kg), group 2; culture of Salmonella typhimurium (S.Typh) (1 × 106 colony-forming units/rat) group 3; oseltamivir (100 mg/kg) + S.Typh (same dose) group 4. Drug and extracts were administered intraperitoneally every 24 h for 5 days, and S.Typh was given orally on days 1 and 3. On the fifth day, blood was collected to measure glucose and hemoglobin. The brains and stomachs were obtained to measure levels of DA, 5-HIAA, glutathione (GSH), TBARS, H2O2, and total ATPase activity using validated methods. RESULTS: DA levels increased in MAR group treated with oseltamivir alone but decreased in no-MAR group treated with oseltamivir plus S.Typh. 5-HIAA, GSH, and H2O2 decreased in this last group, and ATPase activity increased in MAR group treated with oseltamivir plus S.Typh. TBARS (lipid peroxidation) increased in MAR group that received oseltamivir alone. Most of the biomarkers were not altered significantly in the stomach. CONCLUSION: MAR extract alters DA and metabolism of 5-HIAA in the brain of young animals infected. Antioxidant capacity may be involved in these effects. SUMMARY: The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of Mexican arnica/rosemary water extract and oseltamivir on both biogenic amines and some oxidative biomarkers in the brain and stomach of young rats under infection condition. Results: Mexican arnica and rosemary extract alter dopamine and metabolism of 5-HIAA in the brain of young animals infected. Antioxidant capacity may be involved in these effects. Abbreviations used: AS: Automated system, ATP: Adenosine triphosphate, CNS: Central nervous system, CFU: Colony-forming unit, DA: Dopamine EDTA: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 5-HIAA: Äcido 5-hidroxindolacético (serotonina), GABA: γ-aminobutyric acid, GSH: Glutathione, H2O2: Hidrogen peroxide, HCLO4: Perchloric acid, iNOS: Inducible nitric oxide synthase, LPS: Lipopolysaccharides, MAR: Arnica/Rosemary, NaCl: Sodium Chloride, NOGSH: nitrosoglutathione, NOS: Nitric oxide, OPT: Ortho-phtaldialdehyde, Pbs: Phosphate buffered saline, pH: potential of Hydrogen, Pi: Inorganic phosphate, ROS: Reactive oxygen species, RNSs: Reactive nitrogen species Tba: Thiobarbaturic acid, TBARS: Thiobarbituric aid reactive, Tca: Trichloroacetic, Tris-HCL: Tris hydrochloride, TSA: Trypticasein Soya Agar.

Mechanisms involved in the development of diabetic retinopathy induced by oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the main complications in patients with diabetes and has been the leading cause of visual loss since 1990. Oxidative stress is a biological process resulting from excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This process contributes to the development of many diseases and disease complications. ROS interact with various cellular components to induce cell injury. Fortunately, there is an antioxidan t system that protects organisms against ROS. Indeed, when ROS exceed antioxidant capacity, the resulting cell injury can cause diverse physiological and pathological changes that could lead to a disease like DR. OBJECTIVE: This paper reviews the possible mechanisms of common and novel biomarkers involved in the development of DR and explores how these biomarkers could be used to monitor the damage induced by oxidative stress in DR, which is a significant complication in people with diabetes. CONCLUSION: The poor control of glucemy in pacients with DB has been shown contribute to the development of complications in eyes as DR.

Pharmacokinetics of ranitidine in preterm and term neonates with gastroesophageal reflux.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of gestational age on pharmacokinetics of ranitidine in newborns with gastroesophageal reflux. METHODS: A prospective, descriptive and pharmacokinetic study was carried out in 30 pre-term and 20 full-term babies. 3 mg/kg of ranitidine was administered intravenously to all the babies and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 h following the administration, samples of blood were drawn to assess ranitidine levels using high performance liquid chromatographic technique. RESULTS: Pharmacokinetics of ranitidine had a bi-exponential behavior with a half-life elimination of (t1/2el) 2.79 h, area under curve (AUC) of 1688 ng/mL, volume of distribution (Vd) of 1.44 L/kg, and clearance (Cl) of 5.9 L/kg/h. The median plasmatic concentration in pre-terms was 1113 ng/mL and 280 ng/mL in full-terms. Vd, t1/2 and Cl presented high values in preterm although the correlation of Cl with glomerular filtration in term newborns was better. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma levels of ranitidine depend on the gestational age of the newborns. However, the possible relationship between after-birth age and pharmacokinetics of the neonates as their internal organs get matured without minding their gestational background.