ABSTRACT
The analgesic activity of Artemisia sieberi oil was assessed by acetic acid-induced writhing test and Eddy's hot plate method; while the acute anti-inflammatory effect was investigated by inflammatory paw edema test in rats. The administration rout of the essential oil, standard drugs and the vehicle used in all assays was intraperitoneal injection. The 1 and 2.5 mg/kg doses of the studied oil significantly decreased the number of acetic acid-induced writhes in mice. The dose of 1 mg/kg of the oil also exhibited a central analgesic effect as evidenced by a significant increase in reaction time at several time points after 15 min treatment in the hot plate method. In addition, the 1 mg/kg dose of the oil significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema in rats at the first hour of the test by 72.7% inhibition and lasted to the third hour of the test by 74.3% inhibition found to be very close to that of the standard drug, diclofenac sodium (50 mg/kg). The major components of the oil were characterized as camphor (31.2%) and 1,8-cineole (20.0%). The results suggest that A. sieberi essential oil has a significant effect against acute inflammation and has central and peripheral anti-nociceptive effects.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Prognostic value of cortisol and thyroid function tests (TFTs) has previously been evaluated in medical ICUs. We aimed to evaluate prognostic efficacy of cortisol and TFTs in critical y il poisoned patients admitted to toxicology intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS:In a prospective study of consecutively enrolled subjects admitted to the toxicology ICU, lab analyses included TFTs (total T3 and T4 as well as TSH) and cortisol levels drawn between 8 am–10 am during period of the first 24 hours post-ingestion/exposure. Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) were recorded. All scores were compared to detect the best prognostic factor. Type of poisoning was also included. RESULTS:In 200 patients evaluated, 129 were male and mean age was 31 years. In general, SAPS II, T4, and cortisol could prognosticate death. After regression analysis, only cortisol had such efficacy (P=0.04; OR=1.06; 95％CI=1.05–1.08; cut-off=42 μg/dL; sensitivity=70％; specificity=82％). Between aluminium phosphide (ALP)- and non ALP-poisoned patients, level of consciousness, mean arterial pressure, and cortisol level could prognosticate death in ALP poisoning (all Ps<0.001 in both uni and multivariate analyses). Median (interquartile range; IQR) GCS was 7 (6, 10) and 15 (8, 15) in non-ALP and ALP-poisoned patients (P<0.003). SAPS II and APACHE II could not prognosticate death at all. CONCLUSION:Cortisol best prognosticated outcomes for subjects admitted to the toxicology ICU. Its level is higher in ALP-poisoned patients probably due to the higher stress while they remain conscious till the final stages of toxicity and are aware of deterioration of their clinical condition or may be due to their significantly lower blood pressures.