[Association of serum obestatin concentration with thyroid function]

Obestatin is a gastrointestinal-peptide hormone which influences glucose and lipid metabolism, body weight and energy homeostasis. Very little is known about the association between gut peptides and thyroid diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between serum concentrations of obestatin and thyroid function in subclinical hypothyroid and hyperthyroid subjects. This study was performed on 35 hypothyroid, 35 hyperthyroid and 35 euthyroid subjects [controls] who referred to the Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. In all participants, serum levels of obestatin, TSH, FT3, FT4, insulin, glucose as well as BMI were assessed. Serum obestatin, FT3, FT4 and TSH were measured by ELISA, Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay [ECLIA] and Immunoradiometric assay [IRMA], respectively. Data were analyzed by T-test, One-Way ANOVA and Pearson correlation using SPSS 16. Serum concentrations of obestatin in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism [0.04 +/- 0.01 and 0.05 +/- 0.02 ng/ml respectively] were significantly lower than in the control group [0.09 +/- 0.01 ng/ml], [P-value<0.001]. No significant correlations were observed between serum levels of obestatin and FT3, FT4, and TSH. Our results indicated obestatin concentrations were significantly associated with thyroid function

Reduced bioavailability of oral metronidazole in postoperative ileus

Metronidazole has been reported to reduce postoperative anaerobic infections following surgical procedures. Because of high cost and poor availability of intravenous metronidazole compared with that of oral preparation, we decided to measure the serum level of metronidazole after oral administration in patients during postoperative ileus, and to evaluate the substitution of intravenous metronidazole for the oral product. The present study comprised 45 adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery via long laparatomy incision from Aug to Nov 2003. [500 mg of Metronidazole was administered as a single dose orally to each patient twice, one in ileus condition and the other in nonileus condition. Blood sampling was done 1 hour after each episode of the drug administration]. A significant reduction [P<0.001] was found between the mean serum metronidazole concentration [2.90 +/- 2.29 SD g/ml] during postoperative ileus, and that of controls [11.07 +/- 6.72 SD g/ml]. In majority of patients [62.5%], the serum level of metronidazole in ileus did not reach its minimum inhibitory concentration [3 micro g/ml] for the most clinically important anaerobic bacteria. Postoperative ileus significantly affected the oral absorption of metronidazole. As a result, if we want to control an active anaerobic infection with a prompt antibiotic therapy, it seems that initiating of the therapeutic regimen with oral Metronidazole postoperatively is not justified

Preparation of fibrin glue as a biological sealant fo control bleeding in heart muscle and blood vessels

Fibrin glue is used for control of bleeding in various surgical procedures. In this work the ability of fibrin glue to seal punctures in the vascular system is demonstrated. Blood samples were taken from rabbits, fibrinogen was separated and fibrin glue was eventually prepared. The rabbits were anesthetized and a midline incision was carried out. The heart and abdominal aorta were exposed. Punctures were made in different parts of the vascular system and bleeding was controlled either with [test] or without [control] fibrin glue. Oozing was also tested by scratching the rabbit's ears. A minimum of 6 rabbits was employed for each experience. The mean bleeding time using fibrin glue was found to be 37 seconds. This average without fibrin glue was more than 3 minutes. This study shows the powerful effect of this biological glue in bleeding control, and its routine use is therefore recommended, especially in major surgery

clinical application of prefabricated free flaps for nasal reconstruction

We have found prefabrication of hairless radial forearm free flap to be a useful technique for nasal reconstruction. Prior skin grafting and a suitable period of maturation permits safe, reliable surgery. Its use should be considered in those patients whose forehead tissue is not suitable or in whom appropriate distant flaps are not available, as is often the case with hirsute males