In vivo antileishmanial activity and chemical profile of polar extract from Selaginella sellowii

The polar hydroethanolic extract from Selaginella sellowii(SSPHE) has been previously proven active on intracellular amastigotes (in vitro test) and now was tested on hamsters infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis (in vivo test). SSPHE suppressed a 100% of the parasite load in the infection site and draining lymph nodes at an intralesional dose of 50 mg/kg/day × 5, which was similar to the results observed in hamsters treated with N-methylglucamine antimonate (Sb) (28 mg/Kg/day × 5). When orally administered, SSPHE (50 mg/kg/day × 20) suppressed 99.2% of the parasite load in infected footpads, while Sb suppressed 98.5%. SSPHE also enhanced the release of nitric oxide through the intralesional route in comparison to Sb. The chemical fingerprint of SSPHE by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection and tandem mass spectrometry showed the presence of biflavonoids and high molecular weight phenylpropanoid glycosides. These compounds may have a synergistic action in vivo. Histopathological study revealed that the intralesional treatment with SSPHE induced an intense inflammatory infiltrate, composed mainly of mononuclear cells. The present findings reinforce the potential of this natural product as a source of future drug candidates for American cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Tratamento intralesional de malformações linfáticas com ênfase na escleroterapia com picibanil (OK-432): revisão sistemática / Intralesional treatment of lymphatic malformations with emphasis on Picibanil (OK-432) sclerotherapy: a systematic review

INTRODUÇÃO: Conduziu-se revisão sistemática retrospectiva da literatura incluindo estudos relatando o uso de picibanil para tratar malformações linfáticas (ML). MÉTODOS: A pesquisa foi realizada com estudos publicados no PubMed de janeiro de 1990 a 14 de abril de 2013. Na estratégia de busca, usou-se os descritores "OK-432" ou "Picibanil" e "lymphatic malformation". Os seguintes elementos foram comparados aos de outras modalidades relatadas e, então, compilados: mecanismo de ação, indicações, contraindicações, eficácia, administração, efeitos colaterais, complicações, vantagens e desvantagens. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 44 estudos, 27 dos quais atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. O picibanil é uma preparação liofilizada de uma cepa de baixa virulência de Streptococcus pyogenes inativada pela penicilina G. Seu mecanismo de ação ainda não definido claramente, mas especula-se que provoque uma resposta inflamatória controlada com adesão das paredes dos cistos. O picibanil é indicado quase que unanimemente para o tratamento da ML macrocística, cuja resposta é mais efetiva do que em lesões microcísticas ou mistas. Em geral, o picibanil é administrado por meio de punção com visualização direta ou guiada por ultrassonografia, com o paciente sob anestesia geral. A preparação comumente utilizada consiste em 0,1 mg de picibanil em 10 ml de soro fisiológico. Os efeitos colaterais são, em geral, leves; sendo dor, inchaço e febre os mais frequentemente relatados. CONCLUSÃO: Os estudos apresentam pouca evidência científica. A revisão sistemática identificou que o picibanil é útil no tratamento da ML de qualquer tipo, mas tem resultados melhores em lesões macrocísticas. A eficácia foi comparável à de outras terapias. Não foi apresentada nenhuma contraindicação específica. Embora o mecanismo de ação ainda não tenha sido determinado, o picibanil trata-se de opção de tratamento.

INTRODUCTION: We performed a retrospective systematic review of studies reporting the use of Picibanil for treatment of lymphatic malformations (LMs). METHODS: We searched the PubMed database for available studies, including those published between January 1990 and April 14, 2013. The search strategy involved the use of the keywords "OK-432" or "Picibanil" and "lymphatic malformation." Information was compiled regarding the reported mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, efficacy, administration, side effects, complications, and advantages and disadvantages compared to those of other modalities. RESULTS: Forty-four studies were found, of which 27 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Picibanil is a lyophilized preparation of a low-virulence strain of Streptococcus pyogenes inactivated with penicillin G. Its mechanism of action is unclear, but it has been speculated that it causes a controlled inflammatory response with adhesion of cyst walls. Picibanil is almost unanimously indicated for the treatment of macrocystic LMs, which show a greater effectiveness response compared to that shown by microcystic or mixed LMs. Picibanil is usually administered by puncturing, either with direct visualization or guided by ultrasound, with the patient under general anesthesia. The most widely used preparation comprises 0.1 mg of Picibanil in 10 mL of saline. Side effects are mostly mild, with pain, swelling, and fever being the most frequently reported. CONCLUSION: The studies had low scientific evidence. A systematic review found that Picibanil is useful against any LM, with better results in macrocystic lesions. Efficacy was comparable to that of other therapies. No specific contraindication was presented. Although the mechanism of action has not been established, the inclusion of Picibanil as a treatment option is warranted.

Experimental study of local administration of silver nanoparticles for the treatment of pyogenic spondylitis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To establish a proper animal model of pyogenic spondylitis, to evaluate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles for treatment of spinal pyogenic infections, and to explore the distribution of the particles in the body of the animals.@*METHODS@#Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated into intervertebral discs of rabbits to establish a spinal pyogenic infection model. These rabbits were divided into Group A [0.1 mg/(kg.d)], Group B [1 mg/(kg.d)], and a Control group. Groups A and B were injected with different doses of silver nanoparticles solution daily at locally infected side. Two weeks later, bacterial cultures, radiographic outcomes, histopathology were analyzed. Atomic absorption spectrometry was utilized to measure silver contents in some vital organs of the rabbits to detect the distribution and accumulation of silver particles.@*RESULTS@#Staphylococcus aureus (100 CFU/mL), induced 100% pyogenic spondylitis. 1 mg/kg dose of silver nanoparticles solution could effectively inhibit the occurrence of spinal pyogenic infection with the effective rate of 75%. While the effect of 0.1 mg/kg dose of silver nanoparticles solution was less obvious, the efficiency was only 25%. Significant numbers of silver nanoparticles were observed to accumulate in the animal. In the 1 mg/kg group silver was deposited mainly in the spinal cord, liver, kidneys, spleen, and testicles, while in the 0.1 mg/kg group it accumulated only in the spinal cord.@*CONCLUSION@#Local administration of silver nanoparticles can effectively prevent and treat pyogenic spondylitis; the particles accumulate in the body commensurate with the administered drug concentration.

CT cavernosography: a new method for evaluating venous incompetence in impotent patients

Cavernosography is traditionally recognized as an imaging modality for evaluation of venous leakage in impotent men. We introduce CT cavernosography as a novel method for demonstrating leaking veins. Sixty-seven patients diagnosed as venous incompetence by Doppler study, and eight normal subjects were enrolled into the study. After intracavernosal injection of papaverine, normal saline was injected into the corpora cavernosa and the injection rate was gradually increased and the penis was observed to obtain the injection rate causing erection. Then contrast media was injected into the corpus cavernosum with obtained injection rate followed by CT scan of the penis and pelvis. In the first group, 63 patients [94%] had venous leakage by CT cavernosography. In this group, full erection was observed at the rate of 36 ml/min of saline injection in three patients and 24 ml/min in one patient. In 46 patients [73%], erection was induced with saline injection at the rates of 48-120 ml/min, and in 17 patients [27%] no full erection was demonstrated even at the injection rate of 120 ml/min. In the 2nd group we observed full erection after saline injection at the rates of 36 ml/min and 24 ml/min in five and three patients, respectively. Beside the capability of CT source images in precise visualization of all leaking veins without superimposition of bony structures, different techniques of two- or three- dimensional reformation enable us to demonstrate the anatomy of the penis and the leaking veins elegantly for further surgical planning

Successful Treatment of Steatocystoma Multiplex with OK-432 Sclerotherapy / 대한피부과학회지

Steatocystoma multiplex is a hamartomatous malformation of the pilosebaceous junction and this manifests as multiple, asymptomatic, yellowish or skin-colored cystic papules and nodules located most commonly on the upper anterior portion of the trunk, upper arms and axillae. Various treatment methods such as radical excision, simple surgery, CO2 laser, cryotherapy, needle aspiration and oral retinoids have been reported, but there is currently no standard treatment. OK-432 is a biological preparation consisting of lyophilized powder containing Streptococcus pyogenes Su strain cells (group A, type3) that were treated with benzylpenicillin potassium. This has been used for sclerotherapy in patients with lymphangioma. We herein report on a case of 36-year-old female with steatocystoma multiplex on the trunk and axillary area. She was successfully treated with intralesional infusion of OK-432 after aspiration of the oily contents without recurrence or any complications such as scarring, atrophy and skin necrosis. We suggest that this sclerotherapy is a cosmetically acceptable treatment option for the multiple lesions of steatocystoma multiplex.

Comparison of Analgesic Efficacy between Single Interscalene Block Combined with a Continuous Intra-bursal Infusion of Ropivacaine and Continuous Interscalene Block after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a continuous interscalene block (CISB) by comparing it with that of a single interscalene block combined with a continuous intra-bursal infusion of ropivacaine (ISB-IB) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: Patients who had undergone CISB (CISB group; n = 25) were compared with those who had undergone ISB-IB (ISB-IB group; n = 25) for more than 48 hours after surgery. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, motor and/or sensory deficit, supplementary analgesics and adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the postoperative VAS of the CISB and ISB-IB groups, except at 1 hour after surgery. Their supplementary analgesics of the two groups were similar. Transient motor weakness (52%) and sensory disturbance (40%) of the affected arm were observed in patients in the CISB group. The catheters came out accidentally in 22% of the CISB group but in only 4% of the ISB-IB group. CONCLUSIONS: ISB-IB provides similar analgesia to CISB. However, the ISB-IB group had a lower incidence of neurological deficits and better catheter retention.