Influence of Ingestion of Game Meat on Blood Concentration of Lead in Southern Germany: A Pilot Study.

Consumption of game meat may exert additional lead exposure with potential health risks. The purpose of the present pilot study was to determine blood lead concentration in game meat and no game meat consumers in southern Germany. Concentration of lead in blood (µg·L- 1) was significantly higher in game meat consumers (n = 190; 21.3 [20.0; 29.7]) compared to study participants consuming no game meat (n = 74; 20.0 [20.0; 20.0], p < 0.0001). In study participants with no game meat consumption, blood lead concentration was significantly higher in those who perform active hunting (80.3 [50.5; 110.0]) as well as active shooting (80.3 [50.5; 110.0]) than in those with no hunting or shooting activities (20.0 [20.0; 20.0], p < 0.01). In conclusion, game meat consumers as well as active hunters and shooters should take in to account their potential for an increased lead exposure and the corresponding health risks.

Emergence times and airway reactions during general anaesthesia with remifentanil and a laryngeal mask airway: A multicentre randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Avoidance of airway complications and rapid emergence from anaesthesia are indispensable for the use of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). Evidence from adequately powered randomised studies with a low risk of bias for the optimal anaesthetic in this context is limited. OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that when using remifentanil-based intra-operative analgesia, desflurane would be the most suitable anaesthetic: with noninferiority in the occurrence of upper airway complications and superiority in emergence times compared with sevoflurane or propofol. DESIGN: A randomised, multicentre, partially double-blinded, three-arm, parallel-group study. SETTING: Two university and two regional German hospitals, from February to October 2015. PATIENTS: A total of 352 patients (age 18 to 75 years, ASA physical status I to III, BMI less than 35 kg m and fluent in German) were enrolled in this study. All surgery was elective with a duration of 0.5 to 2 h, and general anaesthesia with a LMA was feasible. INTERVENTION: The patients were randomised to receive desflurane, sevoflurane or propofol anaesthesia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: This study was powered for the primary outcome 'time to state date of birth' and the secondary outcome 'intra-operative cough'. Time to emergence from anaesthesia and the incidence of upper airway complications were assessed on the day of surgery. RESULTS: The primary outcome was analysed for 343 patients: desflurane (n=114), sevoflurane (n=111) and propofol (n=118). The desflurane group had the fastest emergence. The mean (± SD) times to state the date of birth following desflurane, sevoflurane and propofol were 8.1 ±â€Š3.6, 10.1 ±â€Š4.0 and 9.8 ±â€Š5.1 min, respectively (P < 0.01). There was no difference in upper airway complications (cough and laryngospasm) across the groups, but these complications were less frequent than in previous studies. CONCLUSION: When using a remifentanil infusion for intra-operative analgesia in association with a LMA, desflurane was associated with a significantly faster emergence and noninferiority in the incidence of intra-operative cough than either sevoflurane or Propofol. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02322502; EudraCT identifier: 2014-003810-96.

Effects of intrarenal administration of the calcium antagonist nimodipine during porcine aortic occlusion-induced ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Ca++ antagonists have been tested to improve I/R injury in the kidney, but their clinical use is limited due to their hypotensive properties. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis on whether infusing the Ca++ blocker nimodipine directly into the renal artery would reduce kidney cell apoptosis and thus improve organ function in a porcine model of suprarenal abdominal aortic cross-clamping. In a prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded study, anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and instrumented pigs underwent 45 min of suprarenal aortic cross-clamping animals receiving either 0.25 microg kg(-1) min(-1) nimodipine (n = 8) or vehicle (n = 8). Systemic and right kidney hemodynamics, oxygen exchange, and metabolism were assessed before clamping, as well as before and at 75 and 195 min of reperfusion (i.e., at 120 and 240 min after aortic occlusion). At the end of the experiments, the right kidney was harvested for conventional hematoxylineosin staining and immunohistochemistry for the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(WAF1/CIP1) gene expression and apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin end labeling test). Neither systemic nor renal hemodynamics and oxygen exchange, plasma and urine protein concentrations, urine osmolarity, and lactate-pyruvate ratios showed any intergroup difference. Nimodipine infusion resulted in a significantly higher creatinine clearance after 195 min of reperfusion (26 [17 - 42] vs. 17 [9 - 22] mL x min(-1)) and attenuated renal tubular damage, as indicated by lower urinary small protein (25 kd) concentrations. Improved renal function was concomitant with significantly less pronounced positive nuclear terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin end labeling staining. In a porcine model of suprarenal aortic cross-clamping, intrarenal nimodipine infusion improved postischemia kidney function, most likely as a result of attenuated glomerular apoptosis.

Effects of intrarenal administration of the cox-2 inhibitor parecoxib during porcine suprarenal aortic cross-clamping.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intrarenal administration of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor parecoxib during suprarenal aortic cross-clamping. In a prospective, controlled, blinded, randomized manner, 16 anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs were instrumented to measure systemic and right kidney hemodynamics, oxygen exchange, and metabolism. During 45 min of suprarenal aortic cross-clamping, animals received 40 mg of parecoxib (n = 8) or vehicle (n = 8) infused continuously into the right renal artery. Hemodynamic and metabolic data, right kidney venous blood, as well as urine samples were obtained before clamping, as well as before and 75 and 195 min after declamping. Clamping transiently increased mean arterial pressure in both groups. Systemic and renal blood flow did not differ between the pre- and postclamping measurements or between groups. Parecoxib attenuated the otherwise significant fall in right kidney creatinine clearance (controls: from 45 [7;111] to 17 [9;22] mL/min; parecoxib: from 39 [3;59] to 27 [11;45] mL/min, P = 0.039 and P = 0.297, respectively versus before clamping, P = 0.021 versus controls at 195 min) and prevented the impairment of renal lactate balance observed in the control group (controls: from 0.5 [-0.8;3.5] to 0.2 [-0.2;0.6] mumol/kg/min; parecoxib: from 0.6 [-1.0;2.0] to 0.4 [-1.2;0.6] mumol/kg/min, P = 0.038 and P = 0.285, respectively, versus before clamping). In conclusion, intrarenal parecoxib infusion beneficially influenced kidney function in this clinically relevant model of suprarenal aortic cross-clamping.

Emergence times and airway reactions in general laryngeal mask airway anesthesia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in appropriate patients supports fast-track anesthesia with a lower incidence of postoperative airway-connected adverse events. Data on the most favorable anesthetic in this context, with the lowest rate of upper airway complications and fast emergence times, are controversial and limited. Desflurane seems to match these criteria best, but large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a standardized study protocol are lacking. Therefore, we aim to compare desflurane with other commonly used anesthetics, sevoflurane and propofol, in a sufficiently powered RCT. We hypothesize that desflurane is noninferior regarding the frequency of upper airway events and superior regarding the emergence times to sevoflurane and propofol. METHODS/DESIGN: A total of 351 patients undergoing surgery with an LMA will be included in this prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled, multicenter clinical trial. The patients will be randomly assigned to the three treatment arms: desflurane (n = 117), sevoflurane (n = 117), and propofol (n = 117). The emergence time (time to state the date of birth) will be the primary endpoint of this study. The secondary endpoints include further emergence times, such as time to open eyes, to remove LMA, to respond to command and to state name. Additionally, we will determine the frequency of cough and laryngospasm, measured intraoperatively and at emergence. We will assess the postoperative recovery on the first postoperative day via the Postoperative Quality Recovery Scale. DISCUSSION: Despite increasing importance of cost-effective and safe anesthesia application, we lack proof for the most advantageous anesthetic agent, when an LMA is used. There are only a few RCTs comparing desflurane to other commonly used anesthetics (sevoflurane, propofol and isoflurane) in patients with LMA. These RCTs were conducted with small sample sizes, huge interstudy variability, and some also showed strong biases. The present multicenter RCT will provide results from a large sample size with a standardized study protocol and minimized bias, which is feasible in the clinical routine. Furthermore, we will expand our knowledge regarding the most favorable recovery on the first postoperative day, which impacts patients' comfort after surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT Identifier: 2014-003810-96, 5 September 2014 ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02322502, December 2014.

Systemic and hepatosplanchnic hemodynamic and metabolic effects of the PARP inhibitor PJ34 during hyperdynamic porcine endotoxemia.

Activation of the poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP), a highly energy-consuming DNA-repairing enzyme, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of multiorgan failure. Most results, however, were derived from experiments with hypodynamic shock states characterized by a markedly decreased cardiac output (CO) and/or using a pretreatment approach. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the novel potent and selective PARP-1 inhibitor PJ34 in a posttreatment model of long-term, volume-resuscitated porcine endotoxemia. Anesthetized, mechanically ventilated and instrumented pigs received continuous intravenous (i.v.) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) over 24 h. Hydroxyethyl starch was administered to maintain a mean arterial pressure > 65 mmHg. After 12 h of LPS infusion, the animals were randomized to receive either vehicle (Control, n = 9) or i.v. PJ34 (n = 6; 10 mg/kg over 1 h followed by 2 mg/kg/h until the end of the experiment). Measurements were performed before as well as at 12, 18, and 24 h of LPS infusion. In all animals CO increased because of reduced systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and fluid resuscitation. PJ34 further raised CO (P < 0.05 vs. control group) as the result of a higher stroke volume indicating its positive inotropic effect. In addition, it diminished the rise in the ileal mucosal-arterial PCO2 gap, which returned to baseline levels at 24 h of LPS, and improved the gut lactate balance (P = 0.093 PJ34 vs. control) together with significantly lower portal venous lactate/pyruvate ratios. By contrast, it failed to influence the LPS-induced derangements of liver metabolism. Incomplete PARP inhibition because of dilutional effects and/or an only partial efficacy when used in post-treatment approaches may account for this finding.

Adenosine triphosphate-magnesium chloride: relevance for intensive care.

BACKGROUND: Despite aggressive resuscitation shock often results in multiple-organ failure characterized by increased energy demands of organs and decreased ability of effective energy production. The administration of ATP-MgCl(2) as a supportive measure has been investigated in various animal models of ischemia/reperfusion injury and hemorrhagic, endotoxic, and septic shock. INVESTIGATIONS: These studies showed improvement in organ blood flow, microcirculation, energy balance, cellular and mitochondrial, functions and restoration of immune competence, ultimately leading to increased survival. Originally these effects were attributed to direct energy provision by the ATP-Mg complex, but the minute amount of ATP infused compared to the body's ATP formation rate suggests that other mechanisms must be responsible for its beneficial properties such as stabilization of the cell membrane, phosphorylation of membrane proteins, decreased cell swelling, and improved microcirculatory perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental evidence currently available suggests the use of ATP-MgCl(2) as a therapeutic adjunct in patients with multiple-organ dysfunction. In addition, given the extremely short half-life which allows both rapid titration and control of the systemic hemodynamic response, for example, reduction in mean arterial pressure, ATP-MgCl(2) may be suitable as an alternative to other fast-acting vasodilators used for the management of acute pulmonary hypertensive crises and/or for the maintenance blood pressure during aortic cross-clamping.

Mechanisms of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition-related improvement of gut mucosal acidosis during hyperdynamic porcine endotoxemia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the mechanisms of improved gut mucosal acidosis associated with selective inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled experimental study. SETTING: Animal research laboratory. ANIMALS: Fourteen domestic pigs. INTERVENTIONS: Anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs received continuous i.v. endotoxin for 24 h. A selective iNOS-inhibitor (1400 W, n=8) or vehicle (control, n=6) was started at 12 h of endotoxin and infused until the end of the experiment. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Before as well as at 12 and 24 h of endotoxin, portal venous flow (ultrasound probe), intestinal oxygen (O(2)) extraction, portal venous-arterial carbon dioxide (CO(2)) content difference and ileal mucosal-arterial PCO(2) gap (fiberoptic sensor) were assessed together with video recordings of the villous microcirculation (number of perfused/unperfused villi) using orthogonal polarization spectral imaging via an ileostomy. The gut wall microvascular blood flow (units) and hemoglobin O(2) saturation ( micro Hb-O(2)) were assessed with a combined laser Doppler flow and remission spectrophotometry probe. 1400 W blunted the otherwise progressive rise in the PCO(2) gap without affecting portal venous flow, regional O(2) and CO(2) exchange or the number of unperfused villi. While endotoxin markedly aggravated the heterogeneity of the microvascular blood flow and oxygenation, 1400 W had no further effect. CONCLUSIONS: Given the uninfluenced parameters of the ileal mucosal microcirculation in our model of long-term porcine endotoxemia, selective iNOS inhibition probably improved the PCO(2) gap due to a redistribution of the microvascular perfusion within the gut wall and/or an amelioration of the cellular respiration.

HMR1402, a potassium ATP channel blocker during hyperdynamic porcine endotoxemia: effects on hepato-splanchnic oxygen exchange and metabolism.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of the potassium ATP (KATP) channel blocker HMR1402 (HMR) on systemic and hepato-splanchnic hemodynamics, oxygen exchange and metabolism during hyperdynamic porcine endotoxemia. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled study with repeated measures. SETTING. Animal laboratory. SUBJECTS: Eighteen pigs allocated to receive endotoxin alone (control group, CON, n=10) or endotoxin and HMR (6 mg/kg h(-1), n=8). INTERVENTIONS: Anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and instrumented pigs receiving continuous i.v. endotoxin were resuscitated with hetastarch to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) >60 mmHg. Twelve hours after starting the endotoxin infusion, they received HMR or its vehicle for another 12 h. RESULTS: HMR transiently increased MAP by about 15 mmHg, but this effect was only present during the first 1 h of infusion. The HMR decreased cardiac output due to a fall in heart rate, and thereby reduced liver blood flow. While liver O(2) delivery and uptake remained unchanged, HMR induced hyperlactatemia [from 1.5 (1.1; 2.0), 1.4 (1.2; 1.8), and 1.2 (0.8; 2.0) to 3.1 (1.4; 3.2), 3.2 (1.6; 6.5), and 3.0 (1.0; 5.5) mmol/l in the arterial, portal and hepatic venous samples, respectively] and further increased arterial [from 8 (3; 13) to 23 (11; 57); p<0.05], portal [from 9 (4; 14) to 23 (14; 39); p<0.05] and hepatic vein [from 7 (0; 15) to 30 (8; 174), p<0.05] lactate/pyruvate ratios indicating impaired cytosolic redox state. CONCLUSION: The short-term beneficial hemodynamic effects of KATP channel blockers have to be weighted with the detrimental effect on mitochondrial respiration.

Inhaling nitrous oxide or xenon does not influence bowel wall energy balance during porcine bowel obstruction.

UNLABELLED: Xenon (Xe) is less soluble than nitrous oxide (N(2)O) and hence may be more suitable during bowel obstruction. Therefore, we compared the intestinal mechanical and biochemical effects of these two gases with those of total IV anesthesia in a porcine model of small-bowel obstruction. Intestinal obstruction was induced in 33 anesthetized pigs, in 18 of which segmental ileal perfusion was reduced by partial arterial occlusion. Pigs received total IV anesthesia, Xe, or N(2)O (in 30% oxygen) for 4 h, and we determined the intraluminal pressure and volume, the arterial-ileal PCO(2) gap, and the lactate and pyruvate levels in the segmental mesenteric vein. Under both experimental conditions, Xe or N(2)O ventilation caused the volume to significantly increase with a concomitant significant increase in the intraluminal pressure during N(2)O ventilation. Regardless of the anesthesia technique, none of the biochemical variables was influenced in the animals with maintained ileal blood supply. In contrast, reducing the segmental perfusion induced pronounced alterations of all variables of bowel wall energy metabolism. The type of anesthesia, however, had no further statistically significant effect. Short-term inhalation of Xe or N(2)O seems to have no deleterious effects on the metabolic balance of the gut wall during intestinal obstruction. IMPLICATIONS: In anesthetized pigs, short-term inhalation of xenon or nitrous oxide over 4 h when compared with total IV anesthesia had no additional deleterious effects on the metabolic balance of the gut wall during intestinal obstruction, no matter whether the arterial blood flow was reduced or not.

Systemic, pulmonary, and hepatosplanchnic effects of N-acetylcysteine during long-term porcine endotoxemia.

OBJECTIVE: Controversial data have been reported on the effects of N-acetylcysteine in patients with septic shock. We therefore investigated the systemic, pulmonary, and hepatosplanchnic hemodynamic, gas exchange, and metabolic effects of N-acetylcysteine during long-term, volume-resuscitated, hyperdynamic porcine endotoxemia, which mimics the features of hyperdynamic human sepsis. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study. SETTING: Investigational animal laboratory. SUBJECTS: Eighteen pigs were randomized to receive endotoxin alone (controls, n = 9) or endotoxin plus N-acetylcysteine (n = 9). INTERVENTIONS: Anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and instrumented animals received continuous intravenous endotoxin and were resuscitated with hydroxyethylstarch to keep mean arterial pressure >60 mm Hg. After 12 hrs of endotoxemia, they were randomized to receive either placebo or N-acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg loading dose over 1 hr followed by 20 mg.kg-1.hr-1 for 11 hrs). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Before as well as 12, 18, and 24 hrs after starting the endotoxin infusion, systemic, pulmonary, and hepatosplanchnic hemodynamics, oxygen exchange, and metabolism as well as nitric oxide, glutathione, and 8-isoprostane concentrations were assessed. N-acetylcysteine failed to improve any of the variables of the systemic, pulmonary, or hepatosplanchnic hemodynamics, gas exchange, and metabolism. Although N-acetylcysteine significantly elevated glutathione concentration, it did not influence the 8-isoprostane concentrations and even further reduced hepatic venous pH. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increased glutathione concentration, N-acetylcysteine did not improve systemic, pulmonary, and hepatosplanchnic hemodynamics, oxygen exchange, and metabolism. When compared with previous reports in the literature, a different timing of N-acetylcysteine administration and/or an ongoing or even N-acetylcysteine-induced aggravation of oxidative stress may account for this result.