Evaluation of the use of tacrolimus ointment for the prevention of hypertrophic scars in experimental model

Abstract BACKGROUND: Tacrolimus, for its activity on modulation of collagen production and fibroblast activity, may have a role in the prevention of hypertrophic scars. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate macroscopic, microscopic, metabolic, laboratory effects and side effects of the use of topical tacrolimus ointment, in different concentrations, in the prevention of hypertrophic scars. METHODS: Twenty-two rabbits were submitted to the excision of 2 fragments of 1 cm of each ear, 4 cm apart, down to cartilage. The left ear of the animals was standardized as control and Vaseline applied twice a day. The right ear received tacrolimus ointment, at concentrations of 0.1% on the upper wound and 0.03% on the lower wound, also applied twice a day. Macroscopic, microscopic, laboratory criteria and the animals' weight were evaluated after 30 days of the experiment. RESULTS: Wounds treated with tacrolimus, at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.03%, when compared to control, showed a lower average degree of thickening (p = 0.048 and p <0.001, respectively). The average of scar thickness and lymphocyte, neutrophil and eosinophil concentrations are lower in the treated wounds compared to the control (p <0.001, p=0.022, p=0.007, p=0.044, respectively). The mean concentration of lymphocytes is lower in wounds treated with a higher concentration of the drug (p=0.01). STUDY LIMITATIONS: experiment lasted only 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Tacrolimus at the 2 concentrations evaluated reduced the severity of inflammatory changes and positively altered the macroscopic aspect of the scar in the short term. Its use was shown to be safe, with no evidence of systemic or local adverse effects.

Vitamin E protects against hepatocyte ultrastructural damage induced by high fat diet in a rat model of pre-diabetes / La vitamina E protege contra el daño ultraestructural de los hepatocitos inducido por la dieta alta en grasas en un modelo de pre-diabetes en ratas

SUMMARY: We sought to investigate the potential protective effect of Vitamin E supplementation against hepatocyte ultrastructural alterations induced by high fat diet (HFD) in a rat model of pre-diabetes. Therefore, rats were either fed with HFD (model group) or a standard laboratory chow (control group) for 12 weeks before being sacrificed. The protective group fed on a HFD and started the treatment with vitamin E (100 mg/kg/day, i.p) from day 1 until being sacrificed at week 12. The harvested liver tissues were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and blood samples were assayed for biomarkers of liver injury and prediabetes. TEM images showed that HFD induced profound pathological changes to the hepatocyte ultrastructure as demonstrated by degenerated hepatocytes with damaged cytoplasm that have mitochondrial swelling, dilation of endoplasmic reticulum, blebbing of plasma membranes, and cytoplasmic accumulations of lipid droplets and vacuoles, which were substantially but not completely protected with vitamin E. In addition, HFD significantly (p<0.05) augmented biomarkers of liver injury and pre-diabetes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), which were significantly (p<0.05) reduced with vitamin E except TNF-α and TC. Furthermore, none of these biomarkers were reduced to the control level by vitamin E. We conclude that vitamin E is a partial protective agent against HFD-induced liver injury and pre-diabetes.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el posible efecto protector de la administración de suplementos de vitamina E contra las alteraciones ultraestructurales de los hepatocitos inducidas por una dieta rica en grasas (DRG) en un modelo de prediabetes en ratas. Antes de ser sacrificadas las ratas fueron alimentadas con DRG (grupo modelo) o un alimento estándar de laboratorio (grupo control) durante 12 semanas. El grupo protector se alimentó con una DRG y comenzó el tratamiento con vitamina E (100 mg/kg/día, i.p) desde el día 1 hasta sacrificarlo en la semana 12. Los tejidos hepáticos recolectados se examinaron mediante microscopía electrónica de transmisión (MET) y se tomaron muestras de sangre y se analizaron los biomarcadores de daño hepático y prediabetes. Las imágenes de MET mostraron que el DRG indujo cambios patológicos profundos en la ultraestructura de los hepatocitos, como lo demuestran los hepatocitos degenerados con citoplasma dañado e hinchazón mitocondrial, dilatación del retículo endoplasmático, formación de ampollas en las membranas plasmáticas y acumulaciones citoplásmicas de gotas de lípidos y vacuolas, los que fueron sustancialmente protegidas con vitamina E. Además, DRG aumentó significativamente (p <0,05) los biomarcadores de daño hepático y prediabetes como alanina aminotransferasa (ALT), aspartato aminotransferasa (AST), factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α), malondialdehído (MDA), colesterol total (CT), triglicéridos (TG) y lipoproteína de colesterol de baja densidad (LDL-C), la cual se redujo significativamente (p <0,05) con vitamina E, excepto TNF-α y CT. Ninguno de estos biomarcadores se redujo al nivel de control por la vitamina E. Concluimos que la vitamina E es un agente protector parcial contra la lesión hepática inducida por DRG y la prediabetes.

Can thiamine pyrophosphate prevent desflurane induced hepatotoxicity in rats?

ABSTRACT PURPOSE : To investigate the effects of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) against desflurane induced hepatotoxicity. METHODS : Thirty experimental animals were divided into groups as healthy (HG), desflurane control (DCG) , TPP and desflurane group (TDG). 20 mg/kg TPP was injected to intraperitoneally TDG. After one hour of TPP administration, desflurane was applied for two hours. After 24 hours, liver tissues of the animals killed with decapitation were removed. The oxidant/antioxidant levels and ALT, AST and LDH activities were measured. The histopathological examinations were performed in the liver tissues for all rats. RESULTS : Notwithstanding the levels of oxidants and liver enzymes were significantly increased (p<0.0001), antioxidant levels were significantly decreased in DCG (p<0.0001). On contrary to the antioxidant parameters were increased (p<0.05) the oxidant parameters and liver enzymes were decreased in TDG (p<0.0001). Whereas multiple prominent, congestion, hemorrhage and dilatation were observed in sinusoids and lymphocyte-rich inflammation results in the centrilobular and portal areas of liver tissue in DCG, these findings were observed less frequently in TDG. CONCLUSİON : Thiamine pyrophosphate prevented liver oxidative damage induced with desflurane and may be useful in prophylaxis of desflurane induced hepatotoxicity.

Grape seed protects cholestatic rats liver from ischemia/reperfusion injury

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To determine the effect of grape-seed extract against ischemia/reperfusion injury in cholestatic liver. METHODS: Eighteen Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups. In control and study groups, cholestasis was provided by bile duct ligation. Seven days later, the rats were subjected to 30 min hepatic ischemia, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Oral administration of 50 mg/kg/day grape-seed extract was started 15 days before bile duct ligation and continued to the second operation in the study group. Serum, plasma and liver samples were taken. Laboratory analysis, tissue gluthation, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase levels and histopathological examination were performed. RESULTS: Significant decrease in liver gluthation level and significant increase in malondialdehyde level and myeloperoxidase activity were observed after ischemia/reperfusion in cholestatic rats. Serum and plasma levels for laboratory analysis were also significantly higher in cholestatic I/R group. Hepatic necrosis and fibrosis were detected in histopathological examination. Oral grape-seed extract administiration reversed all these parameters and histopathological findings except serum bilirubin levels. CONCLUSION: Oral grape-seed extract treatment can improve liver functions and attenuate the inflammation and oxidative stress in cholestatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Moringa oleifera impairs the morphology and functions of the kidney in adult Wistar rats / Moringa oleifera altera la morfología y funciones del riñón en ratas Wistar adultas

We tested the hypothesis that Moringa oleifera impairs the morphology and functions of the kidney in rats. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were employed in the study. Rats of Control Group I received physiological saline while rats of Groups II ­ IV received 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg bodyweight of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera respectively for twenty one days. No behavioral anomalies were observed in rats of Groups I ­ IV. Rats of Control Group I gained statistically significant increased bodyweight while rats of Groups II ­ IV experienced non-significant decreased bodyweight during experimental procedure. (P0.05). No statistical significant differences (P0.05) were observed in the analyses of the relative weights of kidneys of rats of Groups I ­ IV. Histological examinations showed normal cyto-architecture of the kidneys of rats of Group I while the Capsular spaces of the kidneys of rats of Groups II ­ IV appeared wider than those of Group I. Statistical analyses showed significant higher levels (P0.05) of Alanine and Aspartate Transaminases, and serum urea in rats of Groups II ­ IV in a non- dose-dependent manner when compared to rats of Group I. Our findings are consistent with the stated hypothesis.

Se puso a prueba la hipótesis que Moringa oleifera altera la morfología y función del riñón en ratas. Fueron utilizadas 24 ratas Wistar macho adultas. El grupo control recibió suero fisiológico mientras que los Grupos II a IV recibieron 250, 500 y 750 mg/kg peso corporal del extracto metanólico de Moringa oleifera respectivamente, durante 21 días. No se observaron anomalías en el comportamiento en ratas de los Grupos I - IV. En las ratas del grupo de control se registró un aumento de peso corporal estadísticamente significativo, mientras que las ratas de los grupos II - IV experimentaron una disminución no significativa de peso corporal durante el procedimiento experimental (P0,05). No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (P0,05) en el análisis de los pesos relativos en riñones de las ratas de los grupos I - IV. Los exámenes histológicos mostraron citoarquitectura normal de los riñones de las ratas del grupo I, mientras que en ratas de los grupos II ­ IV los espacios capsulares de los riñones aparecían más amplios que los del Grupo I. Los análisis estadísticos mostraron niveles superiores significativos ( P 0,05 ) de la alanina y aspartato aminotransferasa, y de urea en suero en ratas de los Grupos II - IV no dependiente de la dosis, en comparación con las ratas del Grupo I. Estos resultados coinciden con la hipótesis planteada.

Effects of silymarin on reducing liver aminotransferases in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases

The hepatoprotective effects of silymarin have been confirmed by various researchers worldwide; however few studies are available about the therapeutic impact of silymarin on the level of aminotransferases in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]. Our purpose is to determine whether silymarin improves the serum level of aminotransferases in patients with NASH. This was a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial performed on 100 patients with NASH. Subjects were randomized to receive silymarin [140 mg/q12h] for three months or placebo, given in the same manner. A blood sample was drawn at baseline [before treatment] and after completion of the treatment schedule to assess serum aminotransferase levels. We measured body mass index [BMI] before and after administration of the treatments for both groups of patients. There were insignificant changes in BMI for both groups. The mean serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] level in the case group significantly changed from 84.06 to 68.54 IU/mL following treatment with silymarin [p<0.001], however this change was not significant in the control group. The mean serum aspartate aminotransferase [AST] level in the case group significantly decreased from 71.94 to 54.70 IU/mL after treatment with silymarin. This change in the placebo group was not significant [from 62.94 to 61.56 IU/mL]. Administration of silymarin can effectively reduce liver aminotransferases without any changes in BMI in patients with NASH disease

comparison of ezetimibe and acarbose in decreasing liver transaminase in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized clinical trial

Ezetimibe inhibits the resorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol in the small intestine and decreases insulin resistance in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. Acarbose has been used in type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. This study aims to compare the therapeutic effects of ezetimibe and acarbosein decreasing liver transaminase levels in patients with NAFLD. This was a single center, double-blind, parallel-group study conducted at Bu-Ali Sina Hospital, Qazvin, Iran. In this trial, we enrolled, by simple randomization, a total of 62 patients diagnosed with NASH. There were 29 patients treated with ezetimibe and 33 who were treated with acarbose over a ten-week period. Ezetimibe treatment significantly reduced ALT, AST, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP], and serum insulin levels and the insulin resistance homeostasis model assessment [HOMA-IR] index compared to patients treated with acarbose [p<0.001]. Ezetimibe treatment decreased ALT [p=0.05], AST [p=0.01], total cholesterol [p=0.01], HDL cholesterol [p=0.03] and LDL cholesterol [p=0.03] levels to a significantly higher extent. Both ezetimibe and acarbose improved metabolic and biochemical abnormalities in patients with NASH, however these effects were more prominent with ezetimibe

Effect of a probiotic and metformin on liver aminotransferases in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: a double blind randomized clinical trial

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] is a clinicopathological entity that is being recognized more frequently in recent years. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Metformin, with and without a probiotic supplement on liver aminotransferases in patients with NASH. Sixty four patients 18-75 years with NASH confirmed by biopsy and histological assessment were enrolled to study. Patients were randomized to one of the following treatments for 6 months: Group I, probiotic [Protexin two tablets per day] plus Metformin 500 mg two tablets per day [Met/Pro], or group II, Metformin 500 mg two tablets per day plus two placebo tablet [Met/P]. After 6 month alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase, and ultrasound grading of NASH were assessed. In group I, serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT: 133.7 +/- 70 vs. 45.2 +/- 32.5; P < 0.00], and aspartate aminotransferase activity [AST: 123.1 +/- 72 vs. 44.2 +/- 33.9; P < 0.001], and ultrasound grading of NASH [P < 0.001] all decreased significantly by the end of the treatment period. In group II, while serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] was not significantly reduced [118.4 +/- 67.9 vs. 112.5 +/- 68.7; P < 0.064], aspartate aminotransferase activity [AST: 125.3 +/- 71 vs. 113.4 +/- 71; P < 0.001], and ultrasound grading of NASH did fall significantly [P < 0.01]. Body mass index [BMI], fasting blood sugar [FBS], cholesterol, and triglyceride fell significantly in both groups. Probiotic combination with Metformin improves liver aminotransferases better than metformin alone in patients with NASH

Effect of moderate ethanol administration on biochemical indices in streptozotocin-diabetic Wistar rats / Efecto de la administración moderada de etanol sobre los índices bioqumicos en ratas Wistar diabéticas por estreptozotocina

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of moderate ethanol administration on the biochemical indices in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six animals each. Groups one and two contained non-diabetic normal rats and normal rats treated with ethanol, respectively. Group three was untreated STZ-diabetic rats and group four was made up of ethanol-treated STZ-diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (35 mg/kg), while ethanol (10%v/v) was given at a dose 2 g/kg thrice per week for three weeks. After the last dose of ethanol and an overnight fasting, rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Blood was collected by syringe from the heart into plain centrifuge tubes. RESULTS: Moderate ethanol administration to STZ-diabetic rats caused a significant (p < 0. 05) increase in relative weight of liver relative to normal. Ethanol intake in STZ-diabetic rats produced an insignificant (p > 0. 05) effect on the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c rrelative to the untreated-diabetic group. Moderately, ethanol administration to STZ-diabetic rats produced a marked and significant (p < 0. 05) increase in the levels of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and the activities of alanine aminotransferase relative to untreated diabetic rats. Ethanol-treated diabetic rats had significantly (p < 0. 05) lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels, while the activities of lactate dehydrogenase and α-amylase were insignificantly (p > 0. 05) affected. There were no significant (p > 0. 05) differences in all the biochemical indices in normal rats relative to ethanol-treated normal rats. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate ethanol administration did not affect FBG and HbA1c , but altered the lipid profile of STZ-diabetic rats. Moderate ethanol intake may further increase the risk of complications in diabetes.

OBJETIVO: Este estudio se diseñó con el propósito de evaluar el efecto del uso de etanol moderado sobre los índices bioquímicos en ratas Wistar diabéticas por estreptozotocina (STZ). MÉTODOS: Veinticuatro ratas Wistar machos fueron divididas en cuatro grupos de seis animales cada uno. Dos de los grupos tenían ratas normales no diabéticas y ratas normales tratadas con etanol, respectivamente. El tercer grupo estaba formado por ratas diabéticas por STZ no tratadas, y el cuarto por ratas diabéticas por STZ tratadas con etanol. La diabetes fue inducida mediante una inyección intraperitoneal de STZ (35 mg/kg), mientras que el etanol (10% v/v) fue administrado en dosis de 2 g/kg tres veces por semana durante tres semanas. Tras la última dosis de etanol y un ayuno de una noche, las ratas fueron sacrificadas mediante dislocación cervical. La sangre fue recogida del corazón con jeringuillas e introducida en tubos para centrífuga sin graduación. RESULTADOS: La administración moderada de etanol a ratas diabéticas por STZ, causó un aumento significativo (p < 0.05) en el peso relativo del hígado con relación al normal. La ingestión de etanol en ratas diabéticas por STZ tuvo un efecto insignificante (p > 0.05) en los niveles de glucosa en sangre en ayuno (GSA) y HbA1c en relación con grupos diabéticos no tratados. En medida moderada, la administración de etanol a ratas diabéticas por STZ produjo un aumento marcado y significativo (p < 0.05) en los niveles de colesterol total en suero, triglicéridos, el colesterol asociado con las lipoproteínas de baja densidad, o colesterol LDL, y la actividad de la aminotransferasa alanina en relación con las ratas diabéticas no tratadas. Las ratas diabéticas tratadas con etanol tuvieron niveles significativamente disminuidos de colesterol asociado con las lipoproteínas de alta densidad, o colesterol HDL, en tanto que la actividad del lactato deshidrogenasa y la α-amilasa no fue afectada significativamente (p > 0.05). No hubo diferencias significativas (p > 0.05) en todos los índices bioquímicos en las ratas normales con respecto a las ratas normales tratadas con etanol. CONCLUSIONES: El suministro moderado de etanol no afectó el GSA ni el HbA1c , pero alteró el perfil lípido de las ratas diabéticas por STZ. La ingestión moderada de etanol puede aumentar a un más el riesgo de las complicaciones de la diabetes.

Evaluation of ginseng on lipid profiles, liver and renal markers in diabetic rats

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs as a consequence of decrease in insulin secretion or resistance to insulin. Most diabetes related treatments have problems with adverse reactions. Natural therapeutics have been in use from long time ago up to present time. Ginseng is a traditional drug used for treatment of many diseases particularly diabetes. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of oral Ginseng on the serum glucose and other biochemical parameters such as lipid profile. In this study 30 male rats with a body weight of 250 +/- 25 gr and age of 4-6 months was used. Each animal was housed under controlled temperature [21 +/- 2 C] and standard conditions with free access to food and water. Blood test was carried out to measure glucoses and other biochemical parameters such as cholesterol, TG, ALT, AST and BUN. Animals were equally divided into three groups; 1-control group, 2-the STZ-induced-diabetes [60 mg/kg] group, 3- the STZ-induced-diabetes [60 mg/kg] and 150 mg/kg oral ginseng. The study was lasted for 6 weeks. Blood samples were taken and tested for glucoses and other parameters. The average blood sugar in the control group was 131.1 +/- 7.9 mg/dl, but it was higher than 550mg/dl in streptozocine- received group. In group 3, which received ginseng, blood sugar decreased up to 50%. Cholestrol decreased up to 40% in the treatment group. Among the measured parameters HDL showed a 50%decrease in treatment group in comparison with diabetic group. AST and ALT values between the control and treatment groups did not show a significant difference. BUN values decreased from 71.6 +/- 6.6 in diabetic group to 50.1 +/- 5.7 mg dl in the treatment group. The results of this study revealed that ginseng can be considered as a substance which decreases blood glucoses, reduces diabetes adverse reactions, and consequently diminishing blood lipids in animal model. However, to apply these results to human, further studies are needed to be carried out

Studies of ketoprofen toxicity in avian species

Certain environmental factors are very important to stabilize the wild life; avian diseases, vulture crises and ecological annoyance. This should be fixed scientifically to minimize the health hazards. Thus; we have aimed this project to evaluate effects of toxic dosage levels of Ketoprofen in broiler chickens. Two hundred and twenty five [225] healthy broiler chickens were reared upto 28 days and divided into five groups 25 birds in each group. On day 29[th] four groups were medicated twice a day at dose rate of 50 mg/kg body weight respectively intra-muscularly for four days. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. A physical examination, toxicity and mortality rate were recorded daily. Blood samples was drawn to determination the serum values of Aspartate Transaminase [AST], Alanine transaminase [ALT], Uric Acid, Alkaline phosphatase [ALP], and Creatinine. Postmortem performed on day 41 after all samples taken. In second experiment other 100 birds were divided into five groups comprising of 20 birds in each group. One of the groups was injected I/M Ketoprofen 5mg/kg twice a day. Postmortem performed after medication on 5th day. Based on the necropsy findings and biochemical analysis it was found that Ketoprofen was not safe drug in the avian species. Keeping in view the environmental problem [vultures crises] it is recommended that Ketoprofen which has good pharmacological effects in human medicine should be avoided in veterinary practice

[ effect of cabergoline on level of liver enzymes and serum proteins in adult male rat]

The liver has an important role in the metabolism of chemical drugs and plasma protein synthesis. Caberoline is used in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia and Parkinson disease and some of other disorders. This study aimed to find the effect of cabergoline on the liver enzymes and serum proteins. In this experimental study 40 adult male Wistar rats were divided in to five equal groups. The drug was subcutaneously injected for 14 days. The experimental groups received 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg respectively. The control group had no drug and the last group received distilled water. At the end, blood samples were taken from all subjects and liver enzymes, ALT [Alanine Transaminase], AST [Asportate Transaminase], ALP [Alkaline phosphatase], Albumin and total protein were determined by outoanalyzer in order to evaluate the liver function. The results were analyzed by non-parametric [K Independent Sample] tests. No significant differences were observed in the level of ALT and AST enzymes between cases and control groups. The level of ALP in case groups [474 +/- 53.06, 471 +/- 28.7] showed a significant decrease compared to the control group [551 +/- 31.64]. Total protein showed a significant decrease in the groups who received medium and maximum doses of cabergoline [4.6 +/- 0.05 and 4.46 +/- 0.02 compared to 4.71 +/- 0.08 in control group]. As there was no significant difference in the level of AST and ALT as the main indicators of liver function, it could be concluded that cabergoline as a dopamine antagonist has no side effects on the liver parenchymal cells, but more study seems to be needed

Effect of concurrent creatine monohydrate ingestion and resistance training on hepatic enzymes activity levels in non-athlete males

The use of creatine [Cr] as a nutritional supplement to aid athletic performance has gained widespread popularity among athletes. However, concerns have recently been expressed over the potentially harmful effects of short and long term Cr supplementation on health.] Therefore this study was conducted to determine effect of creatine monohydrate [CrM] ingestion and resistance training on serum Alanin Aminotransferase [ALT] and As part ate Aminotransferase [AST] changes in non-athlete males. Twenty non-athlete males [age 22.25 +/- 2.02yr, weight 71.55 +/- 4.72Kg and height 171.92 +/- 5.98 Cm] were selected and studied in two groups, the training-creatine [TC]: n=10, and the training-placebo [TP]: n=10, in a double-blind trial. Both groups participated in resistance training and completed two months of weight training [75% one repeat maximum]. The TC group consumed a 250 ml CrM solution supplement [0.07 g/kg/day, creatine] during the training protocol, while the control group just placebos [0.07 g/kg/day, wheat flour]. Venous blood samples were obtained before and 48h after the last session and serum ALT and AST activities were measured using the auto-analyzer system. Data was statistically analyzed by dependent and independed t-test, with a 0.05 significance level. There were no significant differences in serum ALT and AST activity between the TC [ALT, P<0.102; AST, P<0.086] and TP groups [ALT, P<0.265; AST, P<0.009]. Nor were any significant differences observed in mean and changes range for ALT and AST activities between the TC and TP groups. The results suggest that two months resistance training and CrM ingestion had no adverse effects on hepatic cellular damage idices. However, more research is needed to identify the side effects of acute and chronic CrM ingestion and resistance training

Breast cancer; role of tamoxifen as selective estrogen receptor modulator in preventing bone loss, reducing serum cholesterol and activity of liver enzymes in patients with different hormonal states

To assess the alterations of serum cholesterol, liver and bone enzyme with breast cancer patient taking tamoxifen with different hormaonal status. Experimental study. Period: April to September, 2006 [24 weeks]. The study was carried out on serum samples that were obtained from out department of Oncology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital of Lahore. The study included 68 [serum specimen] of breast cancer patients. These patients were different stages of menstruation [postmenarche, perimenopausal and post menopausal]. Clinical history and provisional diagnosis were also noted. These patients [68 women] with breast cancer were divided into three major groups; [1] Postmenarche patient, [2] perimenopausal [3] post menopausal status. It is observed that the level of serum cholesterol, ALT and serum alkaline phosphatase in post menarche women were within the normal limits. While women in perimenopausal and post menopausal age groups, had increased level of serum cholesterol [P<0.01] and alkaline phosphatase. Level of ALT however was observed on border line. It is therefore concluded that tamoxifen either prevents or shows no effect on the bone and liver function as well as on cholesterol in postmenarche patients. While in case of perimenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer patients who received tamoxifen, it may induce increase in cholesterol level and bone resorption, which may be due to decreased level of estrogen. However, further research is needed to reach better conclusions

Comparison of interferon monotherapy with interferon-lamivudine combination treatment in children with chronic hepatitis B.

AIM: To compare interferon monotherapy with combination treatment using interferon and lamivudine in children with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: Data from 65 children who had received either interferon-alpha (5 MU/m2 subcutaneous thrice a week for 6 months; n=35; Group 1) or this dose of interferon-alpha for 6 months with oral lamivudine for one year (4 mg/Kg/day, maximum 100 mg/day; n=30; Group 2) were analyzed retrospectively. Complete response was defined as ALT normalization, HBeAg/anti-HBe seroconversion and HBV DNA clearance. RESULTS: ALT normalization rates were similar in Groups 1 and 2 at the end of interferon treatment (13 [38%] and 16 [52%], respectively), at 12 months (19 [56%] and 18 [58%]) and at 24 months (24 [71%] and 23 [74%]). HBV DNA clearance was more frequently observed at 6 months in Group 2 than in Group 1 (19 [63%] versus 7 [20%]; p=0.01), but not at 12 months (19 [63%] versus 17 [49%]) or at 24 months (20 [67%] versus 21 [60%]). Rate of HBeAg/anti-HBe seroconversion was higher in Group 2 at 12 months (18 [60%] versus 11 [31%]; p< 0.05). Rate of complete response was similar in Groups 1 and 2 at 6 months (5 [14%] and 10 [33%], respectively), 12 months (14 [40%] and 17 [57%]) and 24 months (20 [57%] and 19 [63%]). CONCLUSION: Although lamivudine and interferon combination achieved higher initial rates of HBV DNA loss and HBeAg/anti-HBe seroconversion than interferon alone, the final response rates were similar with the two treatments. The combination treatment is therefore not indicated for chronic hepatitis B in children.

Clinical and biochemical features of autoimmune hepatitis in 36 pediatric patients

RACIONAL: Poucos estudos sobre hepatite autoimune têm sido conduzidos em pacientes não-caucasianos. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar crianças brasileiras com hepatite autoimune tipos 1 e 2 em relação à evolução clínica e parâmetros clínicos e bioquímicos. MÉTODOS: Trinta e seis pacientes foram incluídos em um protocolo que registrou os dados da história clínica, exame físico, dados bioquímicos e evolução da doença. Vinte e quatro crianças tinham hepatite autoimune tipo 1, sete pacientes hepatite autoimune tipo 2 e em cinco casos, a hepatite autoimune não pôde ser classificada. A maioria dos pacientes pertencia ao sexo feminino (77%), a mediana de idade ao diagnóstico foi de 11 anos e a mediana de duração dos sintomas foi de 5,5 e 8 meses, para os tipos 1 e 2, respectivamente. Icterícia e colúria foram as manifestações clínicas mais freqüentes. RESULTADOS: A terapia com azatioprina e prednisona foi eficaz para os pacientes com os tipos 1 ou 2 de hepatite. As enzimas AST e ALT apresentaram decréscimo em relação aos valores no diagnóstico, após 4 a 8 semanas de tratamento, nos pacientes com hepatite autoimune do tipo 1. Os valores de GGT tornaram-se mais elevados após o início da terapia e retornaram aos níveis pré-tratamento após 1 ano, nos dois tipos de hepatite. Três pacientes foram a óbito e outros três realizaram transplante hepático. CONCLUSÕES: Crianças não-caucasianas apresentaram doença semelhante a pacientes caucasianos com hepatite autoimune. Níveis elevados de GGT no primeiro ano de tratamento não devem ser o único marcador da existência de colangiopatia.

Role of ursodeoxycholic acid in lowering ALT in chronic liver disease

The objective was to see the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid in improving the ALT levels in patients suffering from chronic liver disease. Thirty patients suffering from chronic liver disease [either B or C] were given oral ursodeoxycholic acid in a dose of 250 mg twice a day for 4 months. Their blood biochemistry and haematology were repeated monthly for 7 months i.e. 4 months of therapy and 3 months post therapy to see the response. The mean ALT levels of 30 patients who completed the study was 101+47 IU/L. During therapy 24 cases [80%] showed lowering of their ALT levels while 6 [20%] either showed no response or worsening of ALT levels. Of 24 cases who showed an improvement in their ALT levels; over 25% drop in ALT levels was seen in 217 cases [70%] and less than 25% drop seen in 7 cases [30%]. The mean ALT values during therapy were 75 IU/L showing an overall 25% reduction from the baseline values. Following cessation of therapy the mean ALT levels showed a rise to 90 IU/L which was almost similar to 101 IU/L value in the pre treatment period. The study showed some role of ursodeoxycholic acid in improving the ALT levels in chronic liver disease

effect of silymarin an glycemic control of type II diabetes: a double blind randomized clinical trial

Silymarin is a free radical scavenger and cell membrane stabilizer that may reduce insulin secretion without increasing blood-glucose concentration and this combination of effect could be useful in states of hyperinsulinaemic hyperglycemia, such as non-insulin dependent diabetes. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of silymarine on glycemic control of type II diabetes. A 4-month randomized clinical trial study was conducted. In two-well-matched groups of type II diabetes. One group [n=30] received 750mg silymarin into divided three doses per day plus standard therapy, while the control group [n=30] received standard therapy and placebo, At the beginning and the end of the study HbA[1c] PBS, serum Insulin, SGOT and SGPT were measured. The mean age of patients was 53.5 +/- 6.2 years and the mean duration of disease was 9.6 +/- 53 years. There was a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose [FBS] levels from 155 +/- 46 mg/dl to 133 +/- 39 mg/dl [p=0.001], also HbA[1]C levels from 7.82 +/- 2.01 to 6.78 +/- 1.05 [P=0.001] There was a significant decrease in SGOT [P=0.008] and SGPT [P=0.0001] levels, after 4-months treatment in the silymarin group. In addition, there was a non significant decrease in Blood pressure and weight in this group.The results show that treatment with silymarin reduces the FBS and HBA[1]C. The effect of silmarine may be due to antioxidative effects, reduction of the lipoproxidation of cell membranes and other unknown effects