effects of ultrasound on BBB integration in ischemic brain injury Model

Ultrasound [US] has been used in neuroprotection after cerebral ischemia, however the mechanism of action remains unclearly. We have previously shown the protective effect of ultrasound on infarction volume and brain edema in ischemic brain injured at normothermic condition. Ultrasound may also amplify the effect of fibrinolytic medications in thrombolysis process. We have also shown that hyperthermia can exacerbate cerebral ischemic injury and that the efficacy of tissue plasminogen activator [tPA] is reduced in the presence of hyperthermia. In this study, the effects of US alone or in combination with tPA on brain ischemic injury were evaluated. Focal ischemic brain injury was induced by emblazing a pre-formed clot into the middle cerebral artery in rats. Principally, we examined whether US can reduce the perfusion deficits and, the damage of blood-brain barrier [BBB] in the ischemic injured brain. There are two series of experiments at this study. In the first series, animals were randomly assigned to four groups [n = 7 per group] as follows: 1-control [saline], 2-US [1W/cm2, 10 duty cycle], 3- US+high- tPA [1W/cm2, 10 duty cycle +20 mg/kg] and 4- high -tPA [20 mg/kg]. We also examined the effects of US and tPA on BBB integrity after ischemic injury. The animals were assigned into four groups [n = 7 per group], treatment is the same as above. BBB permeability was assessed by the Evans blue [EB] extravasations method at 8 h after MCA occlusion. BBB permeability was evaluated by fluorescent detection of extravagated Evans blue dye and Perfusion deficits were analyzed using an Evans blue staining procedure. The perfused microvessels in the brain were visualized using fluorescent microscopy. Areas of perfusion deficits in the brain were traced, calculated and expressed in mm[2]. The results showed that US improved neurological deficits significantly [p < 0.05]. The administration of US significantly decreased perfusion deficits and BBB permeability. In the control set, for the US+high tPA, high tPA only and US only groups, the mean perfusion deficits [ +/- SD] were 14.32 +/- 3.15, 7.03 +/- 4.08, 5.92 +/- 1.90 and 9.14 +/- 3.37 mm2, respectively, 8 h after MCA occlusion [P < 0.05]. These studies suggest that US is protective in a rat embolic model of stroke due to decreased perfusion deficits

Comparison of micronutrient intake in multiple sclerosis patients in Tehran with the recommended doses

Multiple Sclerosis [MS] is the most prevalent autoimmune disease of the nervous system in young adults. There are currently more than 30000 cases in Iran and the number is increasing everyday.The objective of this study was to measure the amount of vitamin and mineral intake in MS patients and to compare it with reference values. We randomly selected 108 relapsing-remitting MS patients from the Iranian MS society in Tehran in 2005. Two questionnaires- covering personal information and medical data- were filled for each patient. Food intake was assessed by three 24-hour recalls and a quantitative food frequency questionnaire for the year preceding the study. The food intake recorded on the original questionnaire was changed to values in grams using [Manual for Household Measures] and then converted to corresponding amounts of nutrient ingredients by the [Nutritionist 3] program. Data analysis was performed by the SPSS software package. We calculated means and standard deviations for intake levels and applied t tests to compare the results with reference values. Women with MS took excessive amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C, while their daily intake of folate, vitamin E, vitamin D, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine and calcium was below reference values. Male patients had higher-than-recommended intake of vitamin A, phosphorous, manganese and iron. Their ingestion of folate, Vitamin D and E, magnesium, zinc, calcium and selenium was shown to be below the recommended amount. In view of these results, higher intake of vitamin D and calcium is recommended. Women should be encouraged to take more iron and folate as many symptoms of anemia mimics MS symptoms. Considering the well-known role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of MS, men should be urged to increase their ingestion of antioxidant-rich foods. It appears that nutritional assessment, dietary counseling and education are necessary for Iranian MS patients