Investigation of Neuroprotective Effect of Geniposide on Chronic Alcoholism Rats Based on Metabonomics / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveMetabolomics was used to identify biomarkers of chronic alcoholism， and to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of geniposide， providing reference for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic alcoholism. MethodThe rat model of chronic alcoholism was established by intragastric administration of 50% ethanol with 8 mL·kg-1 for 14 days， and then increased to 12 mL·kg-1 for 21 days. Meanwhile， the intervention was performed by continuous gavage of geniposide （15 mg·kg-1） for 35 days. At the end of the experiment， the biochemical indexes and histopathological morphology of liver and brain tissues of rats were detected. Ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-TOF-MS） was used for urine metabonomics. The chromatographic conditions was as follows：ACQUITY UPLC™ HSS T3 column （2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.8 μm）， mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid acetonitrile solution （A）-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution （B） for gradient elution （0-2.5 min， 1%-11%A； 2.5-4.5 min， 11%-21%A； 4.5-7.0 min， 21%-40%A； 7.0-8.5 min， 40%-99%A； 8.5-10.5 min， 99%A； 10.5-10.6 min， 99%-1%A； 10.6-13.0 min， 1%A）， the flow rate of 0.4 mL·min-1. The conditions of mass spectrometry were electrospray ionization （ESI）， positive and negative ion modes， scanning range of m/z 50-1 200. Progenesis QI 2.0 and MassLynx 4.1 were used for data analysis， and biomarkers were identified by matching element composition and secondary fragments with Human Metabolome Database （HMDB）. ResultThe pathological results showed that on the 35th day of model replication， compared with the model group， the cortical neurons in the geniposide group showed a significantly improved state of disorder， nuclear pyknosis， hyperchromatism and cell membrane boundary blurred necrosis. The biochemical results showed that geniposide could significantly increase the activities of glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and superoxide dismutase （SOD）， decrease the activity of acetylcholinesterase （AChE）， decrease the levels of β-endorphin （β-EP） and malondialdehyde （MDA）. A total of 48 biomarkers of chronic alcoholism were identified by metabonomics， involving seven metabolic pathways of tryptophan metabolism， phenylalanine metabolism， pentose and glucuronate interconversions， pyrimidine metabolism， ascorbate and aldarate metabolism， steroid hormone biosynthesis and purine metabolism. The main pathway is 5-hydroxytryptamine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. ConclusionBiomarkers related to nerve injury in chronic alcoholism are mainly derived from the 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolic pathway. Geniposide can regulate this pathway so as to improve oxidative stress in the brain and play a neuroprotective role.

Sociodemographic and medical characteristics of liver cirrhosis deaths in a Ghanaian tertiary hospita

Objective: Cirrhosis is common in Ghana because of its high risk factors prevalence. However, information on cirrhosis in Ghana is lacking. This study aimed to study the clinical, and laboratory characteristics of cirrhotic patients in a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Design: This was a retrospective study of sociodemographic characteristics, symptoms and signs, biochemical and fibrotic indices, treatments, and complications data of 247 patients with cirrhosis who died on admission. Setting: This study was carried out at the Gastroenterology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana, Results: Two-thirds (68.0%) of the patients were within 30 to 60 years, with more than half (73.7%) being males. The most common aetiological factors among the patients were Hepatitis B virus infection (53.8%), alcohol use (31.6%) and Hepatitis C virus infection (4.9%). More than half (55.0%) of the patients reported late for admission, and 67.2% died within the first two weeks of admission. The most common clinical feature was abdominal distension (61.1% of patients), and the least was upper-abdominal mass (14.2%). The levels of most liver test parameters were elevated, fibrotic indices were high, and haemoglobin and albumin levels were reduced. More than half (53.8%) of the patients were in Child Pugh class B. The most common complication was hepatic encephalopathy; the least was hepato-renal syndrome. Definite treatment for complications of cirrhosis was lacking. Conclusion: Deaths from cirrhosis at the hospital were mostly of young males with chronic hepatitis B infection. Implementation of hepatitis B prevention and treatment guidelines can help reduce cirrhosis deaths.

Sociodemographic and medical characteristics of liver cirrhosis deaths in a Ghanaian tertiary hospital

Objective: Cirrhosis is common in Ghana because of its high risk factors prevalence. However, information on cirrhosis in Ghana is lacking. This study aimed to study the clinical, and laboratory characteristics of cirrhotic patients in a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Design: This was a retrospective study ofsociodemographic characteristics, symptoms and signs, biochemical and fibrotic indices, treatments, and complications data of 247 patients with cirrhosis who died on admission. Setting: This study was carried out at the Gastroenterology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana, Results: Two-thirds (68.0%) of the patients were within 30 to 60 years, with more than half (73.7%) being males. The most common aetiological factors among the patients were Hepatitis B virus infection (53.8%), alcohol use (31.6%) and Hepatitis C virus infection (4.9%). More than half (55.0%) of the patients reported late for admission, and 67.2% died within the first two weeks of admission. The most common clinical feature was abdominal distension (61.1% of patients), and the least was upper-abdominal mass (14.2%). The levels of most liver test parameters were elevated, fibrotic indices were high, and haemoglobin and albumin levels were reduced. More than half (53.8%) of the patients were in Child Pugh class B. The most common complication was hepatic encephalopathy; the least was hepato-renal syndrome. Definite treatment for complications of cirrhosis was lacking. Conclusion: Deaths from cirrhosis at the hospital were mostly of young males with chronic hepatitis B infection. Implementation of hepatitis B prevention and treatment guidelines can help reduce cirrhosis deaths.

Histoplasmosis bucal / Oral histoplasmosis

Introducción: La histoplasmosis es una micosis causada por Histoplasma capsulatum. Este hongo se encuentra en las excretas de algunos animales (murciélagos y aves) y su reservorio es el suelo. Es una enfermedad endémica en el continente americano. La inhalación de esporas causa infección pulmonar primaria que puede diseminarse. Objetivo: Describir un caso de histoplasmosis bucal en un paciente seronegativo al virus de inmunodeficiencia humana. Caso clínico: Paciente diabético, fumador y alcohólico con cuadro febril de varios meses acompañado de manifestaciones respiratorias. Además, se constataron úlceras en encías y lengua, lesiones nodulares en mucosas del carrillo, fondo del surco vestibular y reborde alveolar. Se informó anemia, leucopenia y aumento de la velocidad de sedimentación globular. El diagnóstico se confirmó mediante citología e histopatología. La terapéutica empleada fue itraconazol 200 mg tres veces al día, luego 200 mg dos veces al día por dos meses y una tableta diaria hasta seis meses después del segundo mes. El paciente se encuentra asintomático y las lesiones bucales desaparecieron. Conclusiones: La histoplasmosis se diagnostica fundamentalmente por la epidemiología, la clínica y el cultivo. Los estudios citopatológicos e histopatológicos de la úlcera confirman el diagnóstico. Este caso representa una forma no habitual de presentación de la enfermedad, que aunque no se sospecha usualmente, puede ocurrir. Este trabajo es una alerta a los estomatólogos, maxilofaciales y a todo aquel personal de la salud que asiste a pacientes con manifestaciones sistémicas(AU)

Introduction: Histoplasmosis is a mycosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus is found in the feces of some animals (bats and birds) and its reservoir is the soil. Histoplasmosis is an endemic disease in the American continent. Inhalation of spores causes primary pulmonary infection, which may in turn be disseminated. Objective: Describe a case of oral histoplasmosis in a patient seronegative to the human immunodeficiency virus. Clinical case: A case is presented of a diabetic, smoker and alcoholic patient with fever of several months' evolution and respiratory manifestations. Examination revealed ulcers in the patient's gums and tongue, as well as nodular lesions in the mouth mucosa, the bottom of the vestibular sulcus and the alveolar ridge. Laboratory testing found anemia, leucopenia and an increased globular sedimentation rate. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytology and histopathology. The treatment indicated was 200 mg itraconazole three times a day and then 200 mg twice a day for two months, and a daily tablet for six months after the second month. The patient is now asymptomatic and the oral lesions have disappeared. Conclusions: Histoplasmosis is mainly diagnosed by epidemiological testing, clinical examination and culture. Cytopathologic and histopathological analysis of the ulcer confirm the diagnosis. The case illustrates an infrequent form of presentation of the disease, not usually suspected but possible. The study is a warning to dentists, maxillofacial specialists and all the health personnel caring for patients with systemic manifestations(AU)

Muerte súbita por cetoacidosis alcohólica en etilistas crónicos: reporte de 3 casos / Sudden death by alcoholic ketoacidosis in chronic alcoholics: report of 3 cases

Resumen En Patología Forense es común estudiar cadáveres de individuos con antecedente de alcoholismo crónico, que son encontrados fallecidos y cuyo deceso no fue presenciado; por lo que en gran cantidad de autopsias la determinación de la causa de muerte es compleja. La cetoacidosis alcohólica constituye un síndrome complejo derivado de una alteración del metabolismo en el contexto de un consumo excesivo de alcohol e ingesta calórica insuficiente. Se trata de un diagnóstico diferencial importante como causa de muerte en alcohólicos crónicos que fallecen posterior a un ayuno de algunos días, secundario a molestias abdominales como gastritis inducida por etanol, usualmente asociada a vómitos. Clínicamente estas personas presentan además dolor abdominal, taquicardia y alteraciones respiratorias. El diagnóstico postmortem se confirma mediante la presencia de cuerpos cetónicos, especialmente beta-hidroxibutirato, en sangre, humor vítreo u orina. A continuación se presentan tres casos de muerte súbita por cetoacidosis alcohólica con historia de abuso crónico de bebidas etílicas; se discute su fisiopatología, hallazgos al momento de la autopsia y resultados de exámenes complementarios (análisis toxicológico y estudio histopatológico).

Abstract In the forensic pathology setting, it is frequent to study corpses of individuals that were known to be chronic alcoholics and suffered a sudden death. Therefore, many autopsies are performed, in which determining the cause of death is a complex task. Alcoholic ketoacidosis refers to a complex syndrome derived from a metabolic disarrangement, related to excessive consumption of alcohol and an insufficient caloric intake. It is an important diagnosis that should be considered in sudden deaths of chronic alcoholics with a recent history of fasting, due to abdominal complains such as gastritis induced by alcohol and usually associated with recurrent vomiting. Clinically these patients present with abdominal pain, tachycardia and respiratory anomalies. The diagnosis can be confirmed when elevated ketone bodies, especially beta-hydroxybutyrate, are found in blood, vitreous humour or urine. In this paper we present three cases of sudden death by alcoholic ketoacidosis with a history of chronic abuse of alcohol, discussing it´s pathophysiology, autopsy findings and the results of additional studies (toxicologic screening and histopathology).

Post head injury neurobehavioral sequelae: severity among alcoholics

Background: Alcohol use and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are closely linked public health problems. Alcohol intoxication is one of the major risk factor for TBI, and is a main determinant of prognosis in terms of mortality and functional outcome. The aim of the study is to find out the impact of alcoholism in the neurobehavioral outcome following TBI.Methods: A total of 150 head injury patients were divided into two groups: alcoholics and non-alcoholics, and evaluated between six weeks to one year after injury using the revised neurobehavioral rating scale by Levin et al (NRS-R) for the evaluation of neurobehavioral sequelae and the outcome was compared between groups.Results: The study showed significant difference between the groups indicating that the neurobehavioral sequelae were more in the chronic alcoholics group. In the comparison of individual factors, all except factors III (negative symptoms) and IV (mood and affect) were found to be significantly different. The factors I (executive), II (positive symptoms), V (oral and motor), and VI (not loading on any of the factors) were significant at 0.01 level.Conclusions: Chronic alcoholism significantly increases the risk of developing neurobehavioral sequelae after traumatic brain injury.

Gelatinasas como marcadores de consumo crónico de alcohol: un estudio piloto en Uruguay / Gelatinases as markers of chronic alcohol consumption: a pilot study in Uruguay / Gelatinasas como marcadores de consumo crônico de álcool: um estúdio piloto em Uruguai

El consumo crónico de alcohol en Uruguay es un problema creciente, sin embargo, las determinaciones de biomarcadores consensuados no se realizan sistemáticamente ni se investigan otros marcadores potenciales. Para validar la hipótesis de que las metaloproteinasas de matriz con actividad gelatinasa son biomarcadores de consumo crónico de alcohol, se evaluaron muestras de sangre de 100 alcohólicos que comenzaron a atenderse en la Unidad de Trastornos Relacionados con el Alcohol y de 50 donantes sanos no alcohólicos. Las muestras de alcohólicos presentaron actividad de gelatinasas que triplicaron la de los controles y aumentos pequeños pero significativos en los niveles de γ-glutamil transferasa, aspartato-aminotransferasa y volumen corpuscular medio. Los valores de transferrina deficiente en carbohidratos fueron menores en alcohólicos que en controles. Estos resultados permiten proponer a las gelatinasas como los indicadores más sensibles del consumo sostenido de alcohol en la población analizada, ya que las enzimas hepáticas y el volumen corpuscular medio muestran una tendencia acorde con la literatura pero no alcanzaron valores asociados a la patología. Dado que la transferrina deficiente en carbohidratos es considerada el biomarcador indirecto más sensible y específico de consumo crónico de alcohol, los valores menores obtenidos en alcohólicos respecto de controles sugieren problemas metodológicos que podrían subsanarse aplicando otras técnicas de medida o por la presencia de interferencias que deben ser identificadas. Finalmente, estos hallazgos justifican una extensión de este trabajo piloto, así como estudios adicionales centrados en la participación de las metaloproteinasas de matriz con actividad gelatinasa en las cascadas de daño asociadas al consumo crónico de alcohol.

Chronic alcohol consumption in Uruguay is a growing problem, however, determinations of consensual biomarker are not performed systematically neither potential markers are explored. To validate the hypothesis that matrix metalloproteinases with gelatinase activity are biomarkers of chronic alcohol consumption, blood samples of 100 alcoholics that began medical treatment at the Unidad de Trastornos Relacionados con el Alcohol and 50 healthy non-alcoholic donors were evaluated. Alcoholic samples showed gelatinase activity that tripled that of controls and small but significant increases in levels of γ-glutamyl transferase, aspartate-aminotransferase and mean cellular volume. Carbohydrate deficient transferrin values were lower in alcoholics than in controls. These results allow proposing gelatinases as the most sensitive indicators of sustained alcohol consumption in the population analyzed since hepatic enzymes and mean cellular volume showed a tendency consistent with the literature but did not reach values associated with the pathology. Since carbohydrate-deficient transferrin is considered the most sensitive and specific indirect biomarker of chronic alcohol consumption, lower values in alcoholics related to controls suggest methodological problems that could be solved by applying other measurement techniques or by the presence of yet unknown interferences. Finally, these findings justify an extension of this pilot work, as well as additional studies focused on the participation of matrix metalloproteinases with gelatinase activity in the cascades of damage associated with chronic alcohol consumption.

O consumo crônico de álcool no Uruguai é um problema crescente, no entanto, as determinações consensuais de biomarcadores não são realizadas sistematicamente ou os potenciais marcadores são explorados. Para validar a hipótese de que as metaloproteinases de matriz com atividade gelatinase são biomarcadores do consumo crônico de álcool, foram avaliadas amostras de sangue cd 100 alcoólatras que começaram a ser tratadas na Unidad de Trastornos Relacionados con el Alcohol e 50 doadores não-alcoólatras saudáveis. As amostras alcoólicas apresentaram atividade de gelatinase que triplicou a dos controles e pequenos más significativos aumentos nos níveis de γ-glutamil transferase, aspartato-aminotransferase e volume médio celular. Os valores de transferrina deficientes em carboidratos foram menores nos alcoolistas que nos controles. Esses resultados permitem que as gelatinases sejam propostas como os indicadores mais sensíveis do consumo sustentado de álcool na população analisada, uma vez que as enzimas hepáticas e o volume celular médio apresentam uma tendência consistente com a literatura, mas não alcançaram valores associados à patologia. Como a transferrina deficiente em carboidratos é considerada o biomarcador indireto mais sensível e específico do consumo crônico de álcool, os valores mais baixos em alcoólatras do que em controles sugerem problemas metodológicos que poderiam ser sanados pela aplicação de outras técnicas de mensuração pela presença de interferências que deben ser identificadas. Finalmente, esses achados justificam uma extensão deste trabalho piloto, bem como estudos adicionais voltados para a participação de metaloproteinases de matriz com atividade de gelatinase nas cascatas de danos associados ao consumo crônico de álcool.

An observational study on effects of hypomagnesemia among critically ill patients at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Magnesium is the fourth abundant cation in the human body and second most abundant intracellular cation after potassium and also serving as cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions. Magnesium deficiency is the most commonly overlooked condition in critically ill patients and associated with other coexisting electrolyte abnormalities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum magnesium levels in critically ill patients and to correlate with patient outcome and other parameters like length of stay in ICU, ventilator support, APACHE-II score and duration and mortality.Methods: A two years observational study after ethical committee approval was conducted at a tertiary care hospital among critically ill patients admitted in ICU. Serum magnesium levels and other relevant investigations were performed within 24 hours of admission. Patients management and progress were followed till the outcome. The data was analysed by using SPSS software version 16.0 for windows.Results: Total of 150 patients with 102 males and 48 females were enrolled. 97 cases (64.7%) of hypomagnesemia were observed and 11 cases of hypermagnesemia and 42 cases with normal serum magnesium levels were observed. Hypomagnesemia cases were compared with normal cases and found that: Hypomagnesemia cases had higher mortality rate, higher APACHE II score, more length of hospital stay and ventilator duration. Significant association was identified with diabetes and chronic alcoholism (p valve <0.05).Conclusions: Monitoring of magnesium levels in critically ill patients has several prognostic and therapeutic implications and should be recommended as a regular parameter as it is commonly out looked condition. Statistically significant association of hypomagnesaemia was found with hypocalcaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, septicaemia, diabetes and chronic alcoholism. Higher APACHE II score is associated with higher mortality and more length of stay in ICU among the cases of hypomagnesaemia.

Effects of aminooxyacetic acid on the learning and memory ability and its possible mechanism in rats with chronic alcoholism / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) on learning and memory ability and possible mechanisms in rats with chronic alcoholism.@*METHODS@#Sixty SD male rats were randomly divided into three groups on average.The model group rats and the remedy group rats were fed with the water containing (v/v) 6% alcohol for 28 days.After 14 days, the remedy group rats were treated with AOAA (5 mg/kg·d) by intraperitoneal injection once a day for 14 days and the other two group rats were treated with the equal amount of saline by intraperitoneal injection every day.Five days before the end of the experiment, the water maze test was carried out to test the learning and memory ability of rats for 5 days.Subsequently, the content of HS, the activity of ATP enzyme and the expression of 5-HT in hippocampus were measured.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the rats in the control group, the latency and the swimming distance of the 2nd to the 4th day, the content of HS in hippocampus of rats in the model group were all increased, the mitochondrial ATP enzyme activity in hippocampus and the positive expression of 5-HT in hippocampus CA1 and CA3 of rats in the model group were decreased (<0.01).Compared with the rats in the model group, the latency and the swimming distance of the 2nd to the 4th day, the content of HS in hippocampus of the rats in the remedy group were decreased, the mitochondrial ATP enzyme activity in hippocampus and the positive expression of 5-HT in hippocampus CA1 and CA3 of rats in the model group were increased (<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#AOAA could alleviate the symptoms of chronic alcoholism rats, which may be related to the effects of AOAA on the content of HS, the mitochondrial enzyme activity and the expression of 5-HT in hippocampus.

Effects of n-butylphthalide on mitochondria in hippocampus and learning and memory abilities in rats with chronic alcoholism / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the effects of n-butylphthalide (NBP) on mitochondria in hippocampus and learning and memory abilities in rats with chronic alcoholism.@*Methods@#60 male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups on average, including normal group, model group and treatment group, with 20 rats in each group.Rats of model group and treatment group are given 6% (V/V) alcohol solution continuously for 28 d to establish the model of chronic alcoholism.Rats in the treatment group were given butylphthalide for 14 days from the fourteenth day after giving alcohol solution.The Y type electric maze was used to test the learning and memory ability of rats, the content of H2S in the hippocampus and the activity of mitochondrial ATP enzyme were measured by spectrophotometry, and the protein expression of F-actin was detected by Western blot.@*Results@#Compared with the normal group, the learning and memory ability of the rats in the model group were decreased, the content of H2S in the hippocampus were increased, and the activity of mitochondrial ATP enzyme and the expression of F-actin protein were decreased, and most of the mitochondria were damaged under the electron microscope.The training times of the rats in treatment group(61.88±3.61)was lower than that of the model group(82.19±4.87), the ability of learning and memory was improved(P<0.05). Compared with the model group ((1.50±0.07)U/mgprot, (0.08±0.01)), the activity of the mitochondrial ATP enzyme((1.84±0.11)U/mgprot) and the level of F-actin protein(0.12±0.01)in rat hippocampus of treatment group were increased, the difference was statistically significant(both P<0.05). The level of H2S in rat hippocampus of the treatment group ((34.56±2.47) nmol/g) was lower than that of the model group ((44.55±3.71) nmol/g), the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). Compared with model group, the mitochondrial damage of the hippocampus in the treatment group was improved under electron microscope.@*Conclusion@#NBP can abate mitochondrial damage and improve learning and memory abilities in chronic alcoholism rats.

Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor rolipram prevents chronic alcoholism and withdrawal-induced depression-like behaviors in mice / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effect of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor rolipram on the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of alcoholism model mice.METHODS:The mice (n=60) were randomly divided into control group , con-trol+rolipram group, alcoholism model group, and alcohol +rolipram (0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg) groups.The mice were given alcohol preference test on days 6, 13, 20 and 27.After the test, the mice received withdrawal of alcohol for 1 d.On day 28, the mice were given behavior test of depression , and after the test, the mice were sacrificed.The cAMP levels in the hippocampus and PFC were detected by ELISA , and the protein levels of PKA , CREB, p-CREB and BDNF were detec-ted by Western blot.RESULTS:The mice showed an obvious drinking phenomenon (P<0.01), and the immobility time of forced swimming test and tail suspension test was significantly increased (P<0.01), with increasing drinking days and withdrawal times .However , chronic treatment with rolipram for 28 d reversed this phenomenon .Moreover , the cAMP lev-els in the hippocampus and PFC were significantly decreased after 28 d alcohol treatment ( P<0.01 ) , and pretreatment with rolipram (1 mg/kg) obviously reversed this decrease (P<0.01).Parallel to these changes of cAMP , the protein lev-els of PKA, p-CREB and BDNF were also decreased in the hippocampus and PFC (P<0.01), and 28 d rolipram adminis-tration inhibited the decreased cAMP , PKA, p-CREB and BDNF levels in the hippocampus .Moreover, 28 d rolipram ad-ministration also reversed decreased cAMP , PKA and p-CREB in the PFC.CONCLUSION:Rolipram treatment protects against alcohol-induced depression-like behaviors , and also reduces alcohol drinking .These effects may be related to PDE4-cAMP-PKA-CREB-BDNF pathway .

The diagnostic value of DTI and DKI technique in marchiafava bignami disease of chronic alcoholism / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)and diffusion kurtosis imaging(DKI)in marchiafava bignami disease(MBD)of chronic alcoholism.The ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic significance of each parameter (FA,ADC and MK values).Methods Sixty-eight patients with chronic alcoholism were enrolled in this study,sixty normal middle-aged people were selected as the control group.The ROC curves of differentparameters in the diagnosis of chronic alcoholism were drawn,after whichthe thresholds were determined to evaluate the clinical significance of FA,ADC and MK values in the diagnosis of the disease.Results The FA and MK values of patients with chronic alcoholism were found to be significantly lower than those of the normal control group(P<0.01).ROC curve analysis showed that the critical values for the FA,ADC and MK parameters were 0.274,5.55 and 0.874,respectively.Conclusion Compared with the ADC and MK parameters,FA parameter has a high clinical significance in the diagnosis of MBD.

Changes in expression of BDNF and its receptors TrkB and p75NTR in the hippocampus of a dog model of chronic alcoholism and abstinence

Chronic ethanol consumption can produce learning and memory deficits. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptors affect the pathogenesis of alcoholism. In this study, we examined the expression of BDNF, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in the hippocampus of a dog model of chronic alcoholism and abstinence. Twenty domestic dogs (9-10 months old, 15-20 kg; 10 males and 10 females) were obtained from Harbin Medical University. A stable alcoholism model was established through ad libitum feeding, and anti-alcohol drug treatment (Zhong Yao Jie Jiu Ling, the main ingredient was the stems of watermelon; developed in our laboratory), at low- and high-doses, was carried out. The Zhong Yao Jie Jiu Ling was effective for the alcoholism in dogs. The morphology of hippocampal neurons was evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The number and morphological features of BDNF, TrkB and p75NTR-positive neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG), and the CA1, CA3 and CA4 regions of the hippocampus were observed using immunohistochemistry. One-way ANOVA was used to determine differences in BDNF, TrkB and p75NTR expression. BDNF, TrkB and p75NTR-positive cells were mainly localized in the granular cell layer of the DG and in the pyramidal cell layer of the CA1, CA3 and CA4 regions (DG>CA1>CA3>CA4). Expression levels of both BDNF and TrkB were decreased in chronic alcoholism, and increased after abstinence. The CA4 region appeared to show the greatest differences. Changes in p75NTR expression were the opposite of those of BDNF and TrkB, with the greatest differences observed in the DG and CA4 regions.

Marchiafava bignami syndrome: A rare case report.

We have presented here a case report of Marchiafava Bignami Syndrome in a 36 years old male. Marchiafava Bignami Syndrome is a rare entity with few reports in literature across the world. This syndrome is associated with chronic alcoholism in old and aged alcoholics. The exact etiology is unclear and the clinical course can be mild to a very terrible fatal illness. The only treatment is alcohol abstinence and proper nutrition.

Chronic Alcoholism-mediated Metabolic Violations in Albino Rats Brain.

Despite of intensive investigation of alcoholism consequences for nervous system, the full complex of such metabolic alterations in brain remains unknown. The aim of present work was to study the influence of chronic ethanol consumption on rats’ brain contents of free amino acids, rates of CYP2E1 and CYP3A2 expression, NO-synthase activities and pro- and antioxidant system parameters. Study Design: Wistar albino male rats (body weight (BW), 160–200 g) were divided into two groups: I – alcohol, II – normal animals. Methodology: The content of amino acids in rat brain was determined using an amino acid analyzer. Brain CYP2E1 and CYP3A2 were evaluated with RT-PCR method, pro- and antioxidant system parameters – by standard methods. Results: Changes of brain free amino acids contents with alcoholism were demonstrated for 14 amino acids and their total sum. Chronic alcohol consumption caused 1.77 times increasing of CYP2Е1 mRNA expression in rat’s brain, 2.34 times – of CYP3A2 mRNA expression, 2.8 times - of cNOS activity, 42% - of TBARS formation rates. Activities of SOD and catalase were decreased 19% and 25% respectively. Conclusions: Thus investigation of alcoholism effects on brain levels of free amino acids permits to obtain complex estimation of this pathology influence on metabolic processes in brain, especially on amino acids, proteins, ATP and NADPH metabolisms. Alterations on the level of genome in our experiments were accompanied with complex alterations on the level of protein, amino acid and nitrous metabolisms.

Alcoholism with central pontine demyelination: a case report.

Central pontine myelinolysis is a non-inflammatory demyelinating disease characterized by loss of myelin with relative neuron sparing, associated with rapid correction of hyponatremia and sometimes hypernatremia or chronic alcoholism. We are reporting a case of 52 year old male patient who was chronic alcoholic from past 20 years, presented to us with complaints of altered sensorium and dysarthria of 5 days duration .He was investigated and diagnosed as case of central pontine myelinosis associated with chronic alcoholism.

Protective Mechanism of Puerarin on Spatial Memory in Hippocampus of Chronic Alcoholism Rats / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective mechanism of puerarin on spatial memory in hippocampus of rats suffering from chronic alcoholism.

Effects of puerarin on interstitial cells of Caj al and expression of c-kit protein in colon tissue of mice with chronic alcoholism / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective To explore the protective effects of puerarin on the colon tissue of the mice with chronic alcoholism through observing the changes of quantity and morphology of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC)and the expression of c-kit protein in colon tissue of chronic alcoholism mice.Methods 24 healthy BALB/C mice were randomly divided into saline control group (SC group ), chronic alcoholic intoxication group (CAI group ) and puerarin pretreatment group(PUE group).The models of chronic alcoholism mice were established in CAI group and PUE group. The intestinal transmission rate was tested by measuring the Indian ink advancing length;immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscope (TEM)were applied to detect the distribution, quantity and ultrastructure of ICC;Western blotting method was used to analyze the C-kit protein expression.Results The intestinal transmission rate in PUE group was significant higher than that in CAI group(P0.05).Compared with SC group,the ultrastructure of ICC in CAI group had obvious changes,the organelles were decreased,and the mitochondrion was swelling.But those changes were reversed in PUE group and the number of mitochondria was increased.The expression of C-kit protein in PUE tissue was higher than that in CAI group (P<0.05),but there was no significant difference compared with SC group.Conclusion Puerarin has a repair or reverse effect on the changes of the number,ultrastructure of ICC and C-kit protein expression caused by alcohol.

Efectividad de la terapia floral de Bach en pacientes con alcoholismo crónico / Effectiveness of Bach flower therapy in patients with chronic alcoholism

Se realizó una intervención terapéutica en 15 pacientes con alcoholismo crónico, pertenecientes al Grupo Básico de Trabajo No. 3 del Policlínico Docente "Armando García Aspurú", de Santiago de Cuba, desde junio de 2008 hasta febrero de 2009, a fin de evaluar la efectividad de la terapia floral de Bach en el tratamiento de dichos pacientes, para lo cual se aplicó primero un esquema terapéutico general y luego individual. Se emplearon la media aritmética para cuantificar los datos, la desviación estándar para estimar la variabilidad y el porcentaje como medida de resumen, con un intervalo de confianza de 95 %. La favorable evolución observada en la mayoría de ellos puso de manifiesto la utilidad de esta terapia para disminuir manifestaciones psicosomáticas de ansiedad, depresión e insomnio y mejorar así la calidad de vida, tanto de los afectados como de sus familiares.

A therapeutic intervention was performed in 15 patients with chronic alcoholism, belonging to the Working Basic Group No. 3 of "Armando García Aspurú" Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba, from June 2008 to February 2009, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of Bach flower therapy in the treatment of these patients, thus applying a therapeutic regimen generally first and then individually. The arithmetic mean to quantify the data, the standard deviation to estimate the variability and the percentage as summary measure were used, with a 95% confidence interval. The favorable course observed in most of them demonstrated the usefulness of this therapy to reduce psychosomatic manifestations of anxiety, depression and insomnia and improve the life quality of both patients and their families.

Alteraciones en las características morfométricas del riñón de ratas albinas machos provocadas por la ingestión crónica de etanol desde la adolescencia / Alterations in the morphometric features of kidney of male albino rats provoked by chronic ingestion of ethanol from the adolescence

En el presente trabajo se pretendió determinar las variaciones que sobre las características morfométricas del riñón provoca la ingestión crónica de etanol en ratas adolescentes, para lo cual se utilizaron 42 ratas albinas machos de 30 días de nacidas con las cuales se conformaron dos grupos de 21 animales cada uno y con tiempos de tratamiento de tres y cinco meses y con estos, dos subgrupos: experimental y control. A las ratas experimentales se les suministró etanol a dosis de 5 g/kg de peso corporal mediante cánula intraesofágica. A las controles se les administró agua en lugar de etanol, en iguales condiciones. Se emplearon cortes histológicos coloreados con técnica PAS y se estudiaron las porciones contorneadas de los túbulos proximales y distales. Se calculó el área de sección transversal tubular y se midieron los volúmenes nucleares de las células de ambos túbulos. Se comprobó que las ratas experimentales mostraron volúmenes nucleares menores que las controles. El grupo experimental mostró valores de áreas de sección transversal de los túbulos renales mayores que los controles, siendo estos valores superiores en los túbulos proximales en las ratas de cinco meses, y los distales en las ratas de tres meses. Se concluyó que en la muestra estudiada el alcoholismo crónico iniciado en la adolescencia provocó variaciones morfométricas en los túbulos proximales y distales del riñón

Present paper allowed us to determine the variations exerted by the chronic ingestion of ethanol from the adolescence on the kidney morphometric features in 42 male albino rats of 30 days born divided into two groups of 21 animal each and with the treatment times of three and five months and with these 42 animals into two subgroups: one of experimental type and other as control. The experimental rats received ethanol at 5 g/kg doses according to the body weight using an intraesophageal cannula. The control ones received water instead of ethanol in similar conditions. We used histological sections stained with PAS technique to study the outlined portions of the proximal and distal tubules. The tubular transversal section area was estimated measuring the nuclear volumes of cells in both tubules. It was demonstrated that the experimental rats showed higher values of the transversal section of renal tubules higher than the control ones, where these values were superior in proximal tubules in the five months old rats and the distal ones in the three months old. We conclude that in study sample the chronic alcoholism started during adolescence provoked morphometric variations in proximal and distal tubules of kidney