ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of succimer against lead induced neurotoxicity in developing brain of rats. Methodology: Healthy albino Wistar rats were segregated into four groups, Control (receives normal water), Lead (100 ppm through drinking water), Lead+Succimer (100 ppm + 50 mg kg-1 b.wt. day-1) and succimer alone (50 mg kg-1 b.wt. day-1). Doses were started from the first day of pregnancy confirmed and continued till day 30 post-natal pups. The 1st, 15th, 30th day post-natal pups were used for oxidative stress markers assessment, histological study, whereas 15th, 30th day pups were used for behavioral assessment. Results: Lead treated rats showed lowered motor coordination, thermal and mechanical pain sensitivity when compared to control group and these responses reversed on treatment with succimer (p< 0.01). Lead treated rats showed a significant (p< 0.01) decrease in CAT, SOD activity and GSH levels, while LPO and GSSG levels were increased as compared to control group, and succimer treatment reversed the altered oxidative metabolism. Lead treated rats showed a decrease in number of branches in neurons and branching of neuronal networks. The number of branches and branching of neuronal networks were reverted on treatment with succimer. Interpretation: This study concludes that succimer has considerable therapeutic value against lead induced neurotoxicity along with neurodegeneration with its chelation as well as anti-oxidant properties reverse neuro-behavioral alterations, oxidative stress and histological impairments caused with lead during pre- and post-natal exposure to rats.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Continuous thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is compared with erector spinae plane (ESP) block for the perioperative pain management in patients undergoing cardiac surgery for the quality of analgesia, incentive spirometry, ventilator duration, and intensive care unit (ICU) duration. Methodology: A prospective, randomized comparative clinical study was conducted. A total of 50 patients were enrolled, who were randomized to either Group A: TEA (n = 25) or Group B: ESP block (n = 25). Visual analog scale (VAS) was recorded in both the groups during rest and cough at the various time intervals postextubation. Both the groups were also compared for incentive spirometry, ventilator, and ICU duration. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent Student's t-test. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: C omparable VAS scores were revealed at 0 h, 3 h, 6 h, and 12 h (P > 0.05) at rest and during cough in both the groups. Group A had a statistically significant VAS score than Group B (P ≤ 0.05) at 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h but mean VAS in either of the Group was ≤4 both at rest and during cough. Incentive spirometry, ventilator, and ICU duration were comparable between the groups. Conclusion: ESP block is easy to perform and can serve as a promising alternative to TEA in optimal perioperative pain management in cardiac surgery.