Neuroprotective effects of Nigella sativa extract on cell death in hippocampal neurons following experimental global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Global cerebral ischemia followed by reperfusion, leads to extensive neuronal damage, particularly the neurons in the hippocampal CA region. Recent studies have demonstrated that pharmacological agents, such as Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) that is an annual herbaceous flowering plant, given at the time of reperfusion afforded protection against ischemia, which is referred to as pharmacological post conditioning. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Nigella sativa in the hippocampus neurons of rats exposed to global ischemia/reperfusion. METHODS: In the present study 30 Wister rats (200-250 g) were divided into 5 groups namely sham (operated without treatment), control (operation with normal saline treatment), and 3 treatment groups with Nigella sativa 1mg/kg, 10mg/kg and 50mg/kg. Firstly, the animals were anesthetized by ketamin and xylazine, and then the right carotid artery was operated upon dissection of the soft tissues around it and ligation by a clamp for 20 min. The Nigella sativa extraction was used during surgery through IP route and after 72 h the animals were euthanized and their brain removed, fixed and prepared for histopathological examinations. RESULTS: In treatment group (1mg/kg) the interstitial neuron frequency which contains cytoplasmic edema, along with CA, was 28 cells, whereas the edematous astrocyte number along with CA in this group was 115 cells. In the treatment group (10mg/kg) the interstitial neurons of cornua ammonis (CA) were 15 and the edematous astrocytes were 122 cells and in the treatment group (50mg/kg) the number of edematous interstitial neurons was 7 cells in distance of 2900 µ of CA. In such group the number of edematous interstitial neurons was less as well. In this group the appearance of CA cells was more similar to control group, not only the edema decreased in interstitial and astrocyte cells, but it dramatically decreased in pyramidal cells. Our study revealed that the Nigella sativa extraction could prevent intracellular edema of interneurons in 50mg/kg group significantly compared to sham group (91.6%) and the extraction (50mg/kg) decreased edematous astrocytes 67.1% dramatically compared to sham group. Furthermore there was no significant difference between control and two treatment groups (1 and 10mg/kg) (P>0.05), CONCLUSION: Our finding suggested that the N. sativa extraction could prevent the cerebral edema which the best result was obtained in 50mg/kg group; consequently such extraction is able to prevent ischemia/reperfusion in the hippocampus tissue of the brain.

Creatine kinase revisited.

Creatine kinase (CK) is the single most important biochemical test in the evaluation of patients with myopathies. In health, serum CK concentration is higher in men, blacks, muscular individuals, and athletes. Idiopathic hyperCKemia is an entity restricted to asymptomatic patients with a negative family history for a neuromuscular disease acid normal neurological, electrodiagnostic. and histologic examinations. Serum CK concentration in myopathy correlates with seventy of illness, course of disease, available muscle mass, and myofiber necrosis. CK may be elevated in neurogenic disorders, particularly in Kennedy's disease and type III spinal muscular atrophy.

Flunarizine in migraine: a double-blind placebo-controlled study (in a Saudi population).

We evaluated the effect of flunarizine (Fz) (10 mg/d) on migraine in a double-blind placebo-controlled design. The attacks' frequency, duration, severity and associated symptoms were compared before and after treatment. Forty-two patients completed a three-month trial period; 21 patients received Fz and 21 placebo. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between Fz and placebo (p > 0.05). In this study Fz was not more efficient than placebo in migraine.

Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis. A grave non-demyelinating disease with benign prognosis.

We describe 6 patients with ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and normal or exaggerated deep tendon reflexes. All had been preceded by a febrile illness and had a full recovery without sequelae. The brainstem auditory evoked potentials showed a localised lesion in the upper brainstem while the pattern shift visual evoked potentials were normal and did not show any additional silent lesions. CSF IgG oligoclonal bands were not detected in any of the patients. MRI in 2 patients showed a confluent high intensity lesion in the upper mesencephalon and thalamus involving white and gray matter. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 24 months and showed no relapse.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome in the Middle East from imported blood.

In Saudi Arabia, a native patient with no known risk factors for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) developed both clinical and laboratory evidence of AIDS 2 years after receiving transfusion of 11 units of blood obtained from a commercial distributor in the United States. This case suggests that a history of transfusions of blood components imported from areas where AIDS is prevalent should be elicited from patients in the Middle East with symptoms and physical findings suggesting AIDS.