Uso de corticosteroides no tratamento da lesão hepática aguda grave decorrente de anabolizante estanazolol / Use of corticosteroids in the treatment of stanazolol-induce severe acute liver injury

A busca pelo corpo perfeito pode gerar graves consequências para a população que faz uso indiscriminado de substâncias visando a resultados rápidos. O caso relatado se refere a um pa- ciente de 21 anos, do sexo masculino, na cidade de São Paulo (SP), que apresentou quadro de síndrome colestática 15 dias após uso do anabolizante estanazolol para fins estéticos na ativi- dade física, evoluindo com hepatite medicamentosa grave, com aumento de transaminases, hiperrubilinemia às custas de bilirrubina direta e fatores de coagulação, sem resposta satis- fatória ao tratamento de suporte convencional, com melhora significativa após introdução de corticoterapia.

Searching for the perfect body image can cause severe conse- quences to the population using substances indiscriminately to reach results fast. The case reported refers to a male patient, 21 years old, from the city of São Paulo (SP), who developed choles- tatic syndrome 15 days after the use of the steroid Stanazol for aesthetic purposes during physical activity, progressing with se- vere drug-induced hepatitis, transaminases, bilirubin, and coagu- lation factors increase with no satisfactory response to the con- ventional support treatment, and significant improvement after the introduction of corticotherapy.

Probióticos en el síndrome de intestino irritable con predominio de diarrea / Probiotics for the treatment of diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Una mujer de 36 años, diagnosticada con síndrome de intestino irritable a predominio de diarrea (SII-D) acude a la consulta médica. Ella pregunta si el uso de probióticos sería útil para controlar los episodios de diarrea, ya que los fármacos con los que está siendo tratada no le resultan eficaces. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica con el objetivo de en contrar evidencia en respuesta a su consulta, tras la cual se seleccionaron dos ensayos clínicos y una revisión sistemática. Se evidenciaron diversos resultados en cuanto al uso de probióticos en el SII-D y se discutieron los riesgos y beneficios del tratamiento, así como las implicancias en la vida de la paciente. (AU)

A 36-year-old woman diagnosed with diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS) goes to meet the doctor. She raises whether the use of probiotics would be useful for controlling diarrhea episodes, since the drugs which she is being treated with, are not effective. A bibliographic search was conducted with the objective of finding evidence in response toher query. Two clinical trials and a systematic review were found. Variable results were found regarding the use of probioticsin D-IBS. The risks and benefits of the treatment were discussed, as well as the implications in the patient's lifestyle. (AU)

Mycophenolate Mofetil Overdose Induced Ventricular Tachycardia in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus / 대한내과학회지

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive agent used to treat severe lupus, including lupus nephritis. Common adverse effects of MMF include gastrointestinal and hematological manifestations; however, cardiac toxicity in association with MMF has not been reported. We present a 21-year-old woman with lupus nephritis who developed ventricular tachycardia 2 hours after an overdose of MMF (34 g). Ventricular bigeminy was documented 12 hours after the MMF overdose. Transthoracic echocardiography showed no evidence of structural heart disease. The ventricular arrhythmia was successfully treated with potassium replacement, hydration, and cholestyramine. This case suggests that an overdose of MMF can induce ventricular tachycardia, and electrocardiogram monitoring is critical to identify this rare cardiac complication of MMF.

Evaluación piloto de la reducción de niveles séricos de productos de glicación avanzada (AGEs) sobre la electrofisiología de la visión, en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Pilot evaluation of the serum levels reduction of advanced glication products (AGEs) on the vision electrophysiology in type 2 diabetic patients

BACKGROUND: Diabetic vascular complications are associated with elevated concentrations of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These substances can be originated endogenously by hyperglycaemia and oxidative stress, but also by dietary intake. There is indirect evidence suggesting that these complications can be prevented by lowering AGEs levels by dietary or pharmacological interventions, however its clinical benefits are still not clear enough because this would require long periods of treatment. Specific neuro-ophthalmologic tests like Multifocal Electroretinogram (MFERG) and visual evoked potentials (VEP) can detect retinal and myelinic nerve early changes, and thus could represent good methods to study the results of certain interventions in shorter lapses. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the effects of a pharmacological intervention designed to lower AGEs levels, on these variables. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 7 patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2), with more than 5 and less than 10 years of disease, without clinically evident micro and macrovascular disease, without renal failure, hypothyroidism nor vitamin B12 deficiency, whose AGEs dietary intake was moderately elevated or high (according to dietary recalls). Upon admission, a clinical evaluation, urine and blood samples were obtained for routine labs, plus ultrasensitive C Reactive Protein (usCRP) as an inflammatory marker, and carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) as representative of AGEs. Then a complete ophthalmologic evaluation was performed, including fundus, MFERG and VEP. After the initial evaluation, placebo capsules were prescribed (12 daily capsules, 4 with each main meal) during 3 months, repeating the same initial evaluation at completion of this period. Then the active treatment followed, with capsules containing cholestyramine (4 capsules containing 500 mg each, totaling 6 g per day). Patients were cited each month, to register adverse events and repeating the same evaluation after this second 3 months period. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 2 male patients, mean age was 55.1 ± 3.8 years, and diabetes was managed with metformin plus other oral agents or o insulin (4 cases). In addition, 4 patients received lipid lowering and 4 antihypertensive drugs. Metabolic control and lipid levels were variable (ranges of HbA1c 6.2-8.4%, LDL cholesterol 45-141 mg/dL, triglycerides 70-220 mg/dL). AGEs levels represented by CML were highly variable (median 31.7, range min-max 3.4-58.9 ug/uL). Basal usCRP was also variable (median 405.9, range min-max 265.6-490.7 mg/L). The treatment was well tolerated, except for mild constipation associated with cholestiramine intake. No significant changes in electroretinography or evoked potentials were observed when comparing the initial placebo period with cholestyramine treatment. A significant increase in triglyceride levels and decrease of vitamin D levels after cholestyramine treatment was observed. No changes were detected in serum concentrations of CML, usCRP or glycemic control, after treatment. The latter variables were not correlated with neurophthalmologic studies. DISCUSSION: In this preliminary study we did not observe changes in MFERG nor VEP after 6 g/day cholestyramine treatment, which did not induce lowering of CML levels. This could be attributed to the many limitations of a pilot study, such as a small sample size, short duration of treatment, reduced doses. However this design allowed to evaluate the patients´ tolerance to the drug and rule out adverse effects, in order to plan further studies using the necessary doses to obtain lowering of AGEs

Informe de evaluación científica basada en la evidencia disponible: colitis ulcerosa / Scientific evaluation report based on available evidence: ulcerative colitis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La colitis ulcerosa es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica que afecta la mucosa del colon en forma continua, comprometiendo el recto y una porción variable de la extensión del resto del colon, sin la presencia de granulomas en la biopsia. En esta enfermedad, el sistema inmune reconoce esta porción del colon como ajena al cuerpo y lo ataca generando úlceras que caracterizan a esta enfermedad. TECNOLOGÍAS SANITARIAS ANALIZADAS: Adalimumab, azatioprina, golimumab, infliximab, mesalazina, lansoprazol, omeprazol, sulfasalazina y colestiramina. EFICACIA DE LOS TRATAMIENTOS: Se extrajeron 31 revisiones sistemáticas que incluyen 11 ensayos controlados aleatorizados que evaluaban la eficacia de adalimumab, golimumab e infliximab en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa moderada a grave. El tratamiento con adalimumab aumenta ligeramente el número de pacientes que cicatrizan su mucosa e incrementan su score IBDQ (calidad de vida) en más de 12 puntos, a las 8 semanas. El tratamiento con golimumab probablemente aumenta el número de pacientes que responden clínicamente a las 6 semanas, mientras que probablemente aumenta ligeramente el número de pacientes que remite y cicatrizan su mucosa a las 6 semanas. Además, golimumab probablemente no genera diferencias en cuanto a la calidad de vida (cuestionario IBDQ) de pacientes con colitis ulcerosa. El tratamiento con infliximab aumenta el número de pacientes que presentan respuesta clínica a las 8 semanas, mientras que reduce ligeramente el número de pacientes que reciben colectomía a las 54 semanas. No se encontró evidencia de eficacia de los tratamientos sobre una menor hospitalización o una menor estadía hospitalaria, ni estudios que evaluaran la eficacia en niños con colitis ulcerosa. ANÁLISIS ECONÓMICO: Infliximab resultó ser la alternativa que presentó mayor efectividad. Sin embargo, la efectividad incremental en relación a adalimumab es sólo de 0,66 QALYs, superándolo en costes en aproximadamente un 45%. Infliximab y golimumab fueron los tratamientos que presentaron mayor costo en relación a adalimumab. En esto se incluyen los costos de efectos adversos serios, porcentaje de pacientes que se sometían a colectomía mientras estaban en terapia con algún biológico y los costos de administración de infliximab. Para este último se consideró un costo mayor, ya que como su administración es intravenosa se deben considerar las horas en que el paciente debe estar en una sala de observaciones para que se le administre el biológico. En cuanto a las agencias internacionales, Inglaterra recomienda el uso de adalimumab, infliximab o golimumab en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa moderada a grave, siempre y cuando la terapia convencional no funcione o no sea la adecuada. El impacto presupuestario calculado para el primer año de tratamiento fue de MM$1.810 para adalimumab, $MM2.424 para infliximab, y MM$353.378 para golimumab. CONCLUSIÓN: Para dar cumplimiento al artículo 28° del Reglamento que establece el proceso destinado a determinar los diagnósticos y tratamientos de alto costo con Sistema de Protección Financiera, según lo establecido en los artículos 7°y 8° de la ley N°20.850, aprobado por el decreto N°13 del Ministerio de Salud, se concluye que el presente informe de evaluación se considera favorable, de acuerdo a lo establecido en el Título III. de las Evaluaciones Favorables de la Norma Técnica N° 0192 de este mismo ministerio.

Eficacia y seguridad del uso de colestiramina en el tratamiento de diarrea cronica con malabsorción de acidos biliares / Efficacy and safety of the use of cholestyramine in the treatment of chronic diarrhea with bile acid malabsorption

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: El presente dictamen presenta la evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad del uso de colestiramina en el tratamiento de diarrea crónica asociada a malabsorción de ácidos biliares en niños. Aspectos Generales: La diarrea crónica es el signo principal de la malabsorción de ácidos biliares (MAB), la cual se produce por un desbalance en la homeostasis de estos ácidos en la circulación enterohepática. Los ácidos biliares recirculan entre el hígado y el intestino delgado a través del sistema de circulación enterohepática. Este sistema permite la absorción de grasas en el intestino delgado y la reabsorción de los ácidos biliares en el íleon terminal. Tecnología Sanitaria de Interés: La colestiramina es un secuestrador de ácidos liliares. Esta consta de resinas no digeribles cargadas positivamente que se unen a los ácidos biliares en el intestino, y permiten su excreción en las heces en forma de complejos insolubles. Así, evita que los ácidos biliares se acumulen en el colon y provoquen desbalance hídrico y diarrea. METODOLOGIA: Estrategia de Búsqueda: Se llevó a cabo una busqueda de la literatura con respecto a la eficacia y seguridad de colestiramina en el tratamiento de diarrea crónica en la bases de datos de PubMed, Tripdatase y www.clinicaltrials.gov. RESULTADOS: Sinopsis de la Evidencia: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de evidencia científica relacionada al uso de colestiramina en el tratamiento de pacientes con diarrea crónica asociada a malabsorción de ácidos biliares. En la presente sinopsis se describe la evidencia disponible según el tipo de publicación, siguiendo lo indicado en los criterios de elegibilidad (Guias de Práctica Clínica, Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud, Revisiones Sistemáticas, Resúmenes de Artículos, MA, ECA fase III). CONCLUSIONES: A la fecha (octubre 2016) no se han llevado a cabo ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que evalúen la eficacia y seguridad del uso de colestiramina en pacientes pediátricos o adultos con diarrea crónica ocasionada por la malabsorción de ácidos biliares. Los resultados reportados en el presente dictamen preliminar corresponden a cuatro GPC, una revisión sistemática basada en estudios observacionales y el resumen de un estudio retrospectivo que evalúa la respuesta al tratamiento con colestiramina en pacientes adultos con diarrea crónica acuosa. El Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologias en Salud e Investigación (IETSI) aprueba el uso de colestiramina como alternativa de tratamiento en pacientes con diarrea crónica por ácidos biliares. En el periodo de vigencia de este dictamen es de un año y la continuación de dicha aprobación estará sujeta a los resultados obtenidos de los pacientes que se beneficien con dicho tratamiento y a nueva evidencia que pueda surgir en el tiempo.

A Case of Methimazole-Resistant Severe Graves' Disease: Dramatic Response to Cholestyramine

A 22-year-old woman with severe Graves' disease was referred from a local clinic because of her refractory hyperthyroidism. She presented with exophthalmos, diffuse goiter, and tachycardia. She was treated with a maximal dose of methimazole and a beta-blocker for 2 months. However, her thyroid function test (TFT) did not improve. TFT showed a free T4 level of 74.7 ng/dL and a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 0.007 µIU/mL. She was then administered cholestyramine (4 g thrice daily), hydrocortisone (300 mg/day) and methimazole (100 mg/day) which prepared the patient for surgery by reducing the free T4 level (4.7 ng/dL). The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy without experiencing thyrotoxic crisis. This case describes the use of cholestyramine for the first time in Korea in treating Graves' disease and provides limited evidence that cholestyramine can be an effective option.

A Case of Methimazole-Resistant Severe Graves' Disease: Dramatic Response to Cholestyramine

A 22-year-old woman with severe Graves' disease was referred from a local clinic because of her refractory hyperthyroidism. She presented with exophthalmos, diffuse goiter, and tachycardia. She was treated with a maximal dose of methimazole and a beta-blocker for 2 months. However, her thyroid function test (TFT) did not improve. TFT showed a free T4 level of 74.7 ng/dL and a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 0.007 µIU/mL. She was then administered cholestyramine (4 g thrice daily), hydrocortisone (300 mg/day) and methimazole (100 mg/day) which prepared the patient for surgery by reducing the free T4 level (4.7 ng/dL). The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy without experiencing thyrotoxic crisis. This case describes the use of cholestyramine for the first time in Korea in treating Graves' disease and provides limited evidence that cholestyramine can be an effective option.

Cholestyramine Use for Rapid Reversion to Euthyroid States in Patients with Thyrotoxicosis

Cholestyramine (CS) is an ion exchange resin, which binds to iodothyronines and would lower serum thyroid hormone level. The use of CS added to conventional antithyroid drugs to control thyrotoxicosis has been applied since 1980's, and several studies indicate that using CS in combination with methimazole (MZ) produces a more rapid decline in serum thyroid hormones than with only MZ treatment. Our recent retrospective review of five patients taking high dose MZ and CS, compared to age-, gender-, initial free thyroxine (T4) level-, and MZ dose-matched 12 patients with MZ use only, showed more rapid decline of both free T4 and triiodothyronine levels without more adverse events. CS could be safely applicable short-term adjunctive therapy when first-line antithyroid medications are not enough to adequately control severe thyrotoxicosis or side effects of antithyroid drug would be of great concern.

Pharmacologic Agents for Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea is usually associated with a number of non-infectious causes. When definitive treatment is unavailable, symptomatic drug therapy is indicated. Pharmacologic agents for chronic diarrhea include loperamide, 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists, diosmectite, cholestyramine, probiotics, antispasmodics, rifaximin, and anti-inflammatory agents. Loperamide, a synthetic opiate agonist, decreases peristaltic activity and inhibits secretion, resulting in the reduction of fluid and electrolyte loss and an increase in stool consistency. Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant that is generally considered as the first-line treatment for bile acid diarrhea. 5-HT3 receptor antagonists have significant benefits in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea. Ramosetron improves stool consistency as well as global IBS symptoms. Probiotics may have a role in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, data on the role of probiotics in the treatment of chronic diarrhea are lacking. Diosmectite, an absorbent, can be used for the treatment of chronic functional diarrhea, radiation-induced diarrhea, and chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. Antispasmodics including alverine citrate, mebeverine, otilonium bromide, and pinaverium bromide are used for relieving diarrheal symptoms and abdominal pain. Rifaximin can be effective for chronic diarrhea associated with IBS and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Budesonide is effective in both lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis. The efficacy of mesalazine in microscopic colitis is weak or remains uncertain. Considering their mechanisms of action, these agents should be prescribed properly.

Refractory Graves' Disease Successfully Cured by Adjunctive Cholestyramine and Subsequent Total Thyroidectomy

The three major forms of treatment for Graves thyrotoxicosis are antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy and thyroidectomy. Surgery is the definitive treatment for Graves thyrotoxicosis that is generally recommended when other treatments have failed or are contraindicated. Generally, thyrotoxic patients should be euthyroid before surgery to minimize potential complications which usually requires preoperative management with thionamides or inorganic iodine. But several cases of refractory Graves' disease have shown resistance to conventional treatment. Here we report a 40-year-old female patient with Graves' disease who complained of thyrotoxic symptoms for 7 months. Her thyroid function test and thyroid autoantibody profiles were consistent with Graves' disease. One kind of thionamides and beta-blocker were started to control her disease. However, she was resistant to nearly all conventional medical therapies, including beta-blockers, inorganic iodine, and two thionamides. She experienced hepatotoxicity from the thionamides. What was worse is her past history of serious allergic reaction to corticosteroids, which are often used to help control symptoms. A 2-week regimen of high-dose cholestyramine improved her uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis and subsequent thyroidectomy was successfully performed. In conclusion, cholestyramine could be administered as an effective and safe adjunctive agent for preoperative preparation in patients with severe hyperthyroid Graves's disease that is resistant to conventional therapies.

Leflunomide-induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Leflunomide was licensed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in 1998 and has been available in Korea since 2003. Allergic cutaneous reactions (rash, purpura) are common (<10%) side effects of leflunomide, but severe cases such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rarely reported. There has not been a report of SJS or TEN induced by leflunomide in Korea. Here we report a case of leflunomide-induced TEN in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide was discontinued, and the TEN was treated with methylprednisolone, cholestyramine and immunoglobulin. The skin lesion eventually resolved over four weeks with residual post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Diarrhea / 대한내과학회지

Diarrhea is exceedingly common and produces high economic burden. Understanding pathophysiologic mechanisms of chronic diarrhea facilitates a rational approach to diagnosis and management. Careful history taking and physical examination can characterize the mechanism of diarrhea and identify causes. In contrast to acute diarrhea, causes of chronic diarrhea are noninfectious, and most common causes in primary care are functional disorders. The first step is to differentiate functional from organic cause by asking about alarm symptoms and performing minimal screening tests. A therapeutic trial, for example, cholestyramine for bile acid malabsorption, is often appropriate, definitive, and highly cost effective without need for further evaluation. Treatment of chronic diarrhea depends on the specific etiology. For many chronic conditions, diarrhea can be controlled by suppression of the underlying mechanism. For functional diarrhea, empirical therapy may be beneficial.

Efeito de flavonóides e de corantes do urucum sobre a hiperlipidemia induzida em coelhos / Flavonoids and natural urucum dyes on induced hyperlipidemic rabbits

Induziu-se hipercolesterolemia em coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia e comparam-se os efeitos hipolipidêmicos, por via oral, dos flavonóides baicaleína, morina, naringenina, naringina, quercetina, rutina, crisina, luteolina e apigenina, os corantes naturais extraidos do urucum norbixina e bixina e o medicamento comercial hipolipidêmico colestiramina. Todos os flavonóides estudados e o corante bixina foram significativamente mais hipocolesterolêmicos que o medicamento colestiramina, sendo que as melhores reduções foram observadas com naringenina (54,04%), naringina (49,26%), quercetina (49,78%), rutina (48,89%), crisina (55,56%), luteolina (52,58%) e apigenina (49,88%). As substâncias que mais aumentaram o HDL foram os flavonóides baicaleína (122,21%), apigenina (281,63%), morina (10,79%) e luteolina (21,14%) e o medicamento colestiramina (37,26%). A maior parte dos falvonóides estudados reduziu mais o tricilglicerol do que o medicamento colestiramina, sendo a baicaleína (-56,91% do que o controle sadio) e a rutina os mais eficientes. Verificou-se também in vitro, que a bixina, norbixina, apigenina e luteolina aumentaram a atividade da lipase. Tais resultados indicam que os compostos estudados poderiam ser utilizados como medicamento se devidamente testados no homem. Os cortes histológicos do arco aórtico e da artéria aorta não mostraram diferenças entre os grupos tratados e os controles, enquanto que algumas diferenças histológicas foram observadas nos hepatócitos dos grupos tratados em relação aos coelhos hiperlipidêmicos.

Cholestyramine resin for erythropoietic protoporphyria with severe hepatic disease: a case report / 대한간학회지

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare disorder of heme biosynthesis caused by mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme ferrochelatase. In EPP, deficient ferrochelatase activity leads to the excessive production and biliary excretion of protoporphyrin (PP). The major clinical features of EPP are photosensitivity and hepatobiliary disease that may progress to severe liver disease, that are caused by the toxicity of PP. EPP-related liver disease has been treated medically or surgically including liver transplantation. We described a 20-year-old male with severe liver disease who was diagnosed with EPP based on clinical and laboratory findings. He was treated with cholestyramine resin. Six months after the treatment, he was doing well without any abdominal pain or photosensitivity.

A Case of Interstitial Pneumonitis in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Leflunomide / 결핵및호흡기질환

Leflunomide, a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has been available in Korea since 2003. Leflunomide-associated interstitial pneumonitis has been appearing recently. A 25-year-old woman with a 12-month history of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presented with acute respiratory insufficiency. She developed fever, dyspnea, and non-productive cough. Her medication history included methotrexate (15 mg/week. commencing 1 year prior) and leflunomide (20 mg/day, no loading dose, commencing 4 months prior). She was diagnosed with leflunomide-associated interstitial pneumonitis based on history, physical examination, laboratory and radiologic findings. She recovered quickly after leflunomide was withdrawn and steroids and cholestyramine were initiated quickly. We report a case of leflunomide-associated interstitial pneumonitis treated successfully with intravenous high-dose steroid and cholestyramine.

Green tea catechins as hypolipemic agents-probable mode of action

The present study aimed at elucidating the hypochesterolemic effect of catechins [major constituents of green tea] and their possible mechanism of action. Cholestyramine, [quaternary resin] which has approved hypochesterolemic action was selected as comparative drug. In vivo and in vitro studies [mass spectrometry] were carried out. Experimental hyperchesterolemia was induced experimentally in rats which were classified into three groups. First one received catechins orally in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight daily, the second one received cholestyramine orally in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight daily, while the third one received no drugs and served as control. The experiment was lasted for 10 weeks. Twenty four hours prior to the end of the experiment, fecal residues were collected properly, and the cholesterol content was determined in these residues. Blood samples were taken and used for biochemical determination of total cholesterol [TC], triaceyglycerol [TAG] and amino transferase enzymes [ALT and AST]. Liver samples were also isolated and processed for determination of cholesterol content and histopathological examination. Fecal cholesterol level revealed significant increase while other serum parameters [TC, TAG, AST and ALT] showed significant decrease in the treated rats when compared to untreated control. From our in vitro and in vivo studies we conclude that the hypochesterolemic effect of catechins is predominatly attributed to the formation of an insoluble complex between catechins and cholesterol, thereby decreasing intestinal absorption and increasing fecal cholesterol excretion

Successful Treatment of Interstitial Pneumonitis Induced by Leflunomide / 대한류마티스학회지

Leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug that has been available in Korea since 2003. Leflunomide induced interstitial pneumonitis has been reported as an adverse effect in other countries but not in Korea. A 57-year-old woman was treated with leflunomide since she had been resistant to methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine. She developed high fever, dyspnea, and non-productive cough 3 months after the administration of leflunomide. She was diagnosed leflunomide-induced interstitial pneumonitis based on history, physical, laboratory, radiologic and pathologic findings. The patient was treated by prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day with cholestyramine 24 g/day, resulting in dramatic improvement. Here we report a case of leflunomide induced pneumonitis treated successfully with high dose steroid.

Efeito de caseína, proteína isolada de soja e colestiramina em coelhos hiperlipidêmicos / Effect of casein, isolated protein of soy and cholestyramine in hyperlipidemics rabbits

As anormalidades lipídicas são de grande importância, devido a sua ligação com a doença vascular aterosclerótica e com a doença cardíaca coronariana. Assim, objetivou-se comparar os efeitos da ingestão da caseína e proteína de soja sobre a diminuição do colesterol e suas funções, triglicérides e glicose, deposição lipídica no tecido hepático e redução do peso corporal total. Coelhos da raça albina foram divididos durante 30 dias nos seguintes grupos: colesterol + ácido cólico + ração (hipercolesterolêmico) e ração pura (controle), um para caseína, um para proteimax (proteína isolada de soja) e um outro para a colestiramina. Os níveis de colesterol plasmático, triglicérides, LDL-c e HDL-c foram medidos, no 16º e 31º dias do experimento, utilizando kits enzimáticos e os resultados foram expressos em mg/dL. Foram analisadas amostras de tecido hepático, sendo os cortes fixados em historesina e paraplasto. Observou-se a indução significativa de hipercolesterolemia nos animais que receberam ração + colesterol + ácido cólico. Foi verificado um maior aumento de colesterol, LDL-c e triglicérides no grupo que recebeu caseína, bem como maior deposição de gotículas de gordura nos hepatócitos, em comparação com o grupo que recebeu proteimax. Em contrapartida, houve aumento proporcional aos níveis de colesterol total nos níveis de HDL para o grupo que recebeu proteimax. Observou-se, ainda, redução no peso corporal total desencadeado pela proteína de soja. Verificou-se que a ingestão de maior quantidade de proteína vegetal na dieta, em substituição a proteína animal, pode ser um fator de prevenção ao ganho de peso corporal, aumento do colesterol plasmático e à disposição de triacilgliceróis nos hapatócitos, levando à esteatose e à consequente degeneração hepática

Current perspectives on statins.

As the epidemic of coronary artery disease rages on round the globe, research is always on to find suitable drugs to reverse the trend. While aspirin, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors have been shown to reduce coronary mortality and morbidity, statins are rapidly coming to fore as another important cog in the wheel of primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease. Newer trial like Heart Protection Study suggests benefit of statin for high risk individuals, irrespective of initial serum cholesterol concentrations. This may be of great relevance in the Indian context taking into consideration the vast majority of coronary artery disease patients having normal to mildly elevated serum cholesterol in contrast to their western counterparts.