Zinc Supplementation and Ischemia Pre-conditioning in Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

BACKGROUNDS: Renal ischemia/reperfusion (RIR) is a major cause of kidney dysfunction in clinic. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pre-conditioning ischemia (IPC) and zinc (Zn) supplementation on renal RIR injury. METHODS: A total of 63 unilateral nephrectomised male and female Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group 1 (ShOPR): Rats as sham-operated group were subjected to surgical procedure without RIR. Group 2 (Isch): Rats underwent RIR (left kidney ischemia for 30 min followed by 48 h reperfusion). Group 3 (Zn+Isch): Rats were treated as group 2 but they received Zn sulphate (30 mg/kg) 1 h before induction of RIR. Group 4 (IPC+Isch): Rats were treated as group 2 but they underwent 1 min of ischemia followed by 3 min reperfusion as IPC, which was repeated for three times before induction of RIR. Group 5 (Zn+IPC+Isch): Rats were subjected to receive both Zn sulphate and IPC before induction of RIR. Urine samples were collected in the last 6 h of reperfusion, and finally biochemical and histological measurements were performed. RESULTS: The serum level of creatinine (Cr), normalised kidney weight (KW) and kidney tissue damage score (KTDS) increased by RIR alone significantly (P < 0.05). These parameters were attenuated statistically by Zn supplementation (P < 0.05). However, IPC alone or co-treatment of Zn and IPC did not improve the biochemical and histological markers altered by RIR injury. CONCLUSION: Zn supplementation had a protective role against RIR while such protective effect was not observed by IPC alone or by co-treatment of Zn and IPC.

Electrically tunable all-optical diode in a one-dimensional photonic crystal structure.

All-optical-diode tunability with externally applied voltage in a one-dimensional photonic crystal structure of arrangement (BA)5/AgLiNbO3Ag/(AB)5(AABB)5 was investigated. It is an asymmetric hybrid Fabry-Perot resonator which is composed of distributed Bragg reflector segments (AB5) containing the linear (B layers) and nonlinear (A layers) optical materials. The LiNbO3, (LNO) sandwiched with two pairs Ag layers, is employed as a defect. The electro-optical (EO) effect and optical nonlinear response (Kerr effect) of LNO is considered. The linear transmittance (LT) spectrum, nonlinear transmission (NT) curves and field distribution, for left to right (L-R) and right to left (R-L) incidents at different applied voltages are graphically illustrated. Results show that with an increase in the applied voltage, L-R and R-L NT curves deflect, amplify, and compress in comparison to zero applied voltage. At negative voltages, due to accumulation of the EO and Kerr effects, variations are more sensitive. The EO effect in LNO causes tunability of the LT spectrum, and the Kerr effect in nonlinear layers dynamically tunes the optical bistability threshold. The results of this study can be useful in designing externally tunable basic elements for optoelectronic devices.

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatment effects on the incidence of major cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery ectasia: an updated systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE), widenings in sections of the arteries, is a rare condition found in up to 3-5% of angiography cases. Sometimes recurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) has been reported in the CAE subjects. The present systematic review aims to collect and summarize reports on whether the use of anticoagulants in addition to single antiplatelet/dual antiplatelet therapy (SAPT/DAPT) in CAE patients with significant occlusion/ heavy thrombus is efficient and safe in decreasing the incidence/recurrence of MACE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematically comprehensive search was performed covering PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies were found including 20 case reports, four case series, and one randomized clinical trial. Of 20 case reports 15 were male (75%), and five were female (25%). Of the four the case series, all showed positive outcomes after DAPT plus anticoagulant in more than 50% of patients; two took only DAPT and 13 took anticoagulant ± DAPT, and five compared both. Cases received DAPT only experienced recurrences of MACE. The other cases were uneventful with less MACE and better outcomes after the use of anticoagulant ± DAPT. Results of these case-series included 457 CAE patients showed that more than 80% of subjects were male, and in all studies tailored pharmacological interventions, including antiplatelet and anticoagulant (warfarin) therapies, resulted in less MACE and mortality. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that antiplatelet (SAPT/DAPT) must be applied in combination with anticoagulants to provide more efficient protection against MACE in CAE patients. However, further high-quality randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the results.

Is the Metallic Color of Stainless Steel Crown Satisfying for Cooperative Children and their Parents? a Preliminary Study.

Statement of the Problem: Currently, the demand for tooth-colored restorations in children and young adults is increasing. Stainless steel crown (SSC) is the most common restoration for decayed primary molars. Given the dark metallic color of SSC, the esthetic appearance of this restoration is poor and subsequently their acceptance is still a matter of debate. Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of restoration's color on children's daily living conditions and compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of composite resins with SSC in primary molars. Materials and Method: This clinical trial study was performed on 70 primary molars in 44 healthy 4- to 7-year-old children. The children were randomly divided into two groups restored with SSC and restored with composite resin. Two researcher-made questionnaires were used to assess the children's satisfaction concerning the appearance and color of restoration. The data were analyzed with SPSS 20 using chi-squared, Fisher's, and Mann-Whitney U tests. The significance level was set at p< 0.05. Results: Children's satisfaction with restoration color in the treatment session was 75% in the SSC group and 85% in the composite resin group. However, the difference was not statistically significant (p= 0.246). After one year of follow-up, the satisfaction rate decreased to 69% in the SSC group and increased to 90.6% in the composite resin group, with a significant difference (p< 0.001). Moreover, the frequency of clinical success was 95% in the SSC group and 96.7% in the composite resin group, with no statistically significant difference (p= 0.749). The frequency of radiographic success was 87.5% in the SSC group and 100% in the composite resin group; this difference was not significant (p= 0.061). Conclusion: The results verified that restoration color was not important for cooperative children in the treatment session. However, after one year, children who received composite resin restorations were pointedly more satisfied than those who were treated with SSC restorations.

Evaluation of Knowledge and Preparedness of Pedodontists and Residents to Prevent and Treat Pediatric Medical Emergencies during Dental Treatments

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of pedodontists and residents in the face of pediatric medical emergencies. Material and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on pedodontists and residents participating in the Congress. The knowledge evaluation tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with acceptable validity and reliability. The questionnaire consisted of seven sections on information and education, prevention, office staff readiness, practical abilities, cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills and intravenous access, medicines, and emergency treatment equipment. After completing the questionnaires, the data were analyzed using SPSS 21. Chi-squared test, t-test, ANOVA, correlation test, and linear regression were used for data analysis (P<0.05). Results: The study examined 150 specialists, 88 residents, and 62 pedodontists. The level of knowledge of specialists and pedodontic residents in the face of pediatric medical emergencies was 35.3% (moderate) and 31.7 (weak), respectively. The specialists' scores on the entire questionnaire and areas of information, medicine, and equipment were significantly higher than those of residents. Moreover, participation in lectures and reading papers significantly increased general awareness. Conclusion: The results indicated that specialists' awareness and pedodontic residents about pediatric medical emergencies during dentistry were at a different level, necessitating more practical and theoretical training.

Protective Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rat: Gender-related Difference.

BACKGROUND: Zinc (Zn) knows as essential microelement which prevents oxidative stress. The effect of Zn supplement on renal function parameters in rats subjected to renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury was investigated. METHODS: Male and female rats were subjected to renal IR with and without Zn sulfate (10 mg/kg/day for 5 days) supplementation. The kidney function markers and histology findings in Zn-treated group were compared with sham and control groups. RESULTS: The serum levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine (Cr) and kidney tissue damage score were increased significantly after renal injury (P < 0.05) gender dependently, but no alterations were observed for these markers in Zn-treated animals after renal IR injury. Cr clearance was significantly different between genders (P < 0.05); however, Zn supplementation increased the Cr clearance and kidney nitrite level significantly in male rats (P < 0.05). Zn also increased urine flow in female (P < 0.05), but it did not alter urine load of Na (UNaV) and percentage of Na excretion (ENa%). CONCLUSIONS: Zn may improve renal function after IR injury gender dependently.

Testosterone and Zinc Supplementations on Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Orchiectomized Rats.

BACKGROUND: Renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury has numerous deleterious effects on the kidney function. An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the possible protective role of testosterone (TES) and zinc (Zn) supplementations on the kidney function after IR injury in orchiectomized rats. METHODS: Orchiectomized rats (n = 32) were divided into the five groups as sham operated (Group 1), IR (Group 2), IR pretreatment with TES (IR + TES, Group 3), Zn (IR + Zn, Group 4), and TES + Zn (IR + TES + Zn, Group 5). Twenty-four hours' post-IR injury, the animals were sacrificed and the required parameters were measured. RESULTS: The results revealed that there were not any significant difference in serum levels of creatinine (Cr), nitrite and malondialdehyde (MDA), Cr clearance (ClCr), renal sodium (Na) load, and percentage of Na excretion (ENa%) between sham and IR groups. The pretreatment with TES and Zn either alone or combine did not alter the serum levels of Cr, nitrite and MDA, and ClCr, Na load, and ENa%. However, pretreatment with Zn, TES, or combined altered kidney weight, kidney tissue levels of nitrite and MDA, and urine flow in IR groups. CONCLUSIONS: The orchiectomy itself performed protective effect against renal IR injury. However, pretreatment with Zn or TES may not alter kidney function against renal IR in orchiectomized rats.

The Role of Vasodilator Receptors of Renin-angiotensin System on Nitric Oxide Formation and Kidney Circulation after Angiotensin II Infusion in Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Rats.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) as a vasodilator factor has renoprotective effect against renal ischemia. The balance between angiotensin II (Ang II) and NO can affect kidney homeostasis. The aim of this study was to determine NO alteration in response to renin-Ang system vasodilator receptors antagonists (PD123319; Ang II type 2 receptor antagonist and A779; Mas receptor antagonist) in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three Wistar male and female rats were used. Animals from each gender were divided into four groups received saline, Ang II, PD123319 + Ang II, and A779 + Ang II after renal IRI. Renal IRI induced with an adjustable hook. Blood pressure and renal blood flow (RBF) measured continuously. The nitrite levels were measured in serum, kidney, and urine samples. RESULTS: In female rats, the serum and kidney nitrite levels increased significantly by Ang II (P < 0.05) and decreased significantly (P < 0.05) when PD123319 was accompanied with Ang II. Such observation was not seen in male. Ang II decreased RBF significantly in all groups (P < 0.05), while PD + Ang II group showed significant decrease in RBF in comparison with the other groups in female rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Males show more sensibility to Ang II infusion; in fact, it is suggested that there is gender dimorphism in the Ang II and NO production associated with vasodilator receptors.

Relationship between Quality of Life and Oral Health Status of Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the relationship between the quality of life and work ability related to the oral health status of patients with chronic liver diseases. Material and Methods: The sample size contains all patients referred to the internal ward of Afzalipour and Bahonar hospitals due to chronic liver disease from 2019 to 2020. Patient selection was based on a simple census and a questionnaire that contained characteristics information of the patient, Work Ability Index questionnaire and SF-36 questionnaire were completed by the patients and some information was extracted from medical file. The SF-36 questionnaire assesses the quality of life in two general dimensions (physical health and mental health) with the physical function subscale. DMFT, Gingival index, and Periodontal disease index are used to evaluate the severity and extent of gingivitis and periodontitis. For data analysis, ANOVA, Spearman correlation coefficients were used and the significant level was p<0.05. Results: a total of 108 patients were examined. The mean age of participants was 41.2 ± 4.3 years. The DMFT index in patients was also reported as 22.6 ± 7.35. Also, 32.4% of people described their ability to do work as poor, 21.3% as good, and 7.4% as excellent. Patients with poor or moderate workability reported a higher index of DMFT. Among the participants, 61 and 21 patients had gingivitis and periodontitis, respectively. Mean results of total SF-36 indices were reported at a low level in patients with increased DMFT and gum diseases. Patients with poor or moderate workability had a higher index of DMFT. There was a significant relationship between these two variables (p=0.001). However, they were not significantly associated with periodontitis. Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between the SF-36 index, the ability to work and the type of liver disease.

Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity; Protective Supplements and Gender Differences

Cisplatin (CDDP) has been widely used as a chemotherapeutic agent for solid tumors. The most common side effect of CDDP is nephrotoxicity, and many efforts have been made in the laboratory and the clinic to employ candidate adjuvants to CDDP to minimize this adverse influence. Many synthetic and herbal antioxidants as well as trace elements have been investigated for this purpose in recent years and a variety of positive and negative results have been yielded. However, no definitive supplement has so far been proposed to prevent CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity; however, this condition is gender related and the sex hormone estrogen may protect the kidney against CDDP damage. In this review, the results of research related to the effect of different synthetic and herbal antioxidants supplements are presented and discussed with suggestions included for future work.

Role of S-methylisothiourea (SMT) in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Excessive production of nitric oxide (NO) via inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is associated in renal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the role of S-methylisothiourea (SMT) as selective inhibitor iNOS in renal IRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were subjected to 45 minutes of bilateral renal ischemia by occlusion of renal vessels of both kidney followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Prior to renal IRI, the rats received either vehicle (saline, group 2) or SMT (50 mg/kg, group 3), and were compared with the sham-operated animals (group 1). At the end of reperfusion period, the rats were sacrificed for kidney tissue pathology investigation. RESULTS: Serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), nitrite levels, and kidney weight significantly increased in groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.05). Kidney tissue damage scores in groups 2 and 3 were also higher than that in the sham-operated group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SMT not only prevent the kidney during IRI, but also promotes kidney function disturbance and severity of renal injury.

Gentamicin Induced Nephrotoxicity: The Role of Sex Hormones in Gonadectomized Male and Female Rats.

Background. Gentamicin (GM) induced nephrotoxicity may be sex hormones related. The effects of sex hormones on GM induced nephrotoxicity in gonadectomized rats were investigated. Methods. Ovariectomized rats received 0.25, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg/week of estradiol (ES) alone or accompanied with 10 mg/kg/week of progesterone (Pro) for two weeks followed by GM (100 mg/kg/day) for 9 days. Castrated rats were also treated with 10, 50, or 100 mg/kg/week of testosterone (TS) for two weeks and then received GM. In addition, a single castrated group received 0.25 mg/kg/week of ES plus GM. Results. GM increased the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) and kidney tissue damage score (KTDS) (P < 0.05). TS had no effect on the serum levels of BUN and Cr and KTDS, while low dose of ES intensified these parameters in male (P < 0.05). ES (0.5 mg/kg) without Pro ameliorated KTDS in female (P < 0.05) while ES (1 mg/kg) with or without Pro exacerbated the BUN values and Cr values, KTDS, and body weight loss (P < 0.05). Conclusion. ES (0.5 mg/kg) without Pro ameliorated kidney damage induced by GM in female while neither TS nor ES had beneficial effect on nephrotoxicity induced by GM in male, although ES aggravated it.

Effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade on kidney ischemia/reperfusion; a gender-related difference.

BACKGROUND: Renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury may be related to activity of reninangiotensin system (RAS), which is gender-related. In this study, it was attempted to compare the effect of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor type 1 (AT1R) blockade; losartan in I/R injury in male and female rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male and female Wistar rats were assigned as sham surgery, control I/R groups treated with vehicle, and case I/R groups treated with losartan (30 mg/kg). Vehicle and losartan were given 2 hours before bilateral kidney ischemia induced by clamping renal arteries for 45 minutes followed by 24 hours of renal reperfusion. RESULTS: The I/R injury significantly increased the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr), and kidney tissue damage score in both genders. However, losartan decreased these values in female rats significantly (P < 0.05). This was not observed in male rats. CONCLUSION: Losartan protects the kidney from I/R injury in female but not in male rats possibly because of gender-related difference of RAS.

Preventive Role of Endothelin Antagonist on Kidney Ischemia: Reperfusion Injury in Male and Female Rats.

BACKGROUND: Renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (RIRI) is the most common cause of acute kidney injury. We tested the protective role of endothelin-1 receptor blocker; bosentan (BOS) in animal model of RIRI in two different genders. METHODS: Male and female Wistar rats were assigned as sham operated (sham), control group (ischemia), and case group (ischemia + BOS) treated with BOS (50 mg/kg) 2 h before bilateral kidney ischemia induced by clamping renal vessels for 45 min followed by 24 h of renal reperfusion. RESULTS: The RIRI significantly increased the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in both genders (P < 0.05). These values were significantly decreased by BOS in both genders. In male rats, the serum levels of malondialdehyde in the ischemia + BOS group were decreased significantly when compared with ischemia group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BOS can be used in both genders to attenuate kidney ischemia injury possibly due to its effect in the renal vascular system.

Protective Role of Aerobic Exercise Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin (CP) is a chemotherapy drug and nephrotoxicity is considered as its major side effect. Aerobic exercise is well known as an approach to reduce the side effects of many drugs. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine the protective role of aerobic exercise against CP-induced nephrotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I had aerobic exercise on a treadmill one hour per day and five days per week for eight weeks. Then, the exercise protocol was continued for another week, but during this week, the animals also received CP (2.5 mg/kg/day; ip). Group II underwent the same protocol as group I without exercise in the last week during the CP therapy. Groups III and IV were assigned as positive and negative control groups, and were treated with CP and saline without exercise, respectively. Finally, the animals were sacrificed for the biochemical measurement and tissue histopathology investigation. RESULTS: CP alone without exercise increased serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and malondialdehyde (MDA); and kidney nitrite level, while treadmill exercise in group I significantly ameliorated these parameters (P < 0.05). Kidney and serum levels of MDA and nitrite did not alter significantly. Also, the severity of kidney tissue damage decreased significantly in groups I and II (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise may reduce CP-induced nephrotoxicity with a favorable effect on renal function by increasing activation of antioxidant system.

The effect of an specific inducible NO synthase inhibitor, S-methylisothiourea hemisulfate on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity; gender-related differences.

BACKGROUNDS: It has been previously demonstrated that the increase of nitric oxide (NO) level may promote cisplatin (CP)-induced nephrotoxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) inhibitor to prevent CP-induced nephrotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups of male and four groups of female rats were treated daily with vehicle, S-methylisothiourea hemisulfate (SMT) as a selective iNOS inhibitor (5 mg/kg/twice a day), CP (2.5 mg/kg/day), and CP + SMT for 6 days. Then, all animals were sacrificed and the serum levels of creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), nitrite, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The kidney was removed immediately for histopathological study. RESULTS: Our results showed that inhibition of iNOS by SMT could make different response in male and female animals. SMT therapy in male animals decreased serum BUN, Cr, nitrite, and MDA levels; and it also protected kidney against CP-induced nephrotoxicity. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that decrease in NO production by SMT has a beneficial effect on reducing CP-induced nephrotoxicity in male. However, such beneficial effect was not observed in female animals.

Effect of testosterone on Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in surgically castrated rats.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin (CP) is an important antitumor drug with serious side effects such as nephrotoxicity. Estrogens can affect CP-induced nephrotoxicity; however, the role of testosterone (TS), the main male sex hormone, is not clear. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of TS on CP-induced nephrotoxicity in castrated male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 54 male Wistar rats were castrated and allocated into eight groups. Groups 1 through 3 respectively received 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg/wk of TS and group 4 received sesame oil for four weeks; then all four groups received 2.5 mg/kg/d CP for one week. Groups 5 through 8 received the same treatment regimen as groups 1 through 4 during first four weeks but instead of CP, they received saline for one week. Then the animals were sacrificed for biochemical and histopathologic studies. RESULTS: CP increased the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and malondialdehyde (SMDA) as well as kidney weight (KW), bodyweight (BW) loss, and kidney tissue damage score (KTDS). It significantly decreased the serum and kidney levels of nitrite and serum level of TS in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). However, coadministration of CP and low dose of TS significantly decreased the serum levels of BUN as well as Cr and KTDS (P < 0.05). Administration of high-dose TS alone increased the SMDA level, KTDS, and KW while decreased the BW significantly (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that testosterone in low dose, i.e. physiologic dose, protects kidneys against CP-induced nephrotoxicity; however, special care is needed in CP therapy of patients with high levels of TS.

Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthase by L-NAME Promotes Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Male Rats.

Objective. Nitric oxide (NO) has numerous important functions in the kidney. The role of NO in cisplatin (CP)-induced nephrotoxicity is not completely understood. This study was designed to determine the role of NO synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) on the severity of CP-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods. Sixty four male (M) and female (F) Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups. The sham groups (group 1, male, n = 6 and group 2, female, n = 6) received saline. Groups 3 (male, n = 8) and 4 (female, n = 8) were treated with L-NAME (4 mg/kg, i.p.), and groups 5 (male, n = 8) and 6 (female, n = 8) received CP (3 mg/kg) for 7 days. Groups 7 (male, n = 8) and 8 (female, n = 8) were treated with L-NAME and CP for 7 days. Results. The CP-alone treated rats showed weight loss and increase in serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr). Coadministration of L-NAME and CP did not improve weight loss, and it increased the levels of BUN and Cr in male but not in female rats (P < 0.05). CP alone increased kidney damage significantly (P < 0.05 ), however, the damage induced by combination of CP and L-NAME was gender-related. Conclusion. NOS inhibition by L-NAME increased CP-induced nephrotoxicity, which was gender-related.