Impact of calcium aluminate cement with additives on dental pulp-derived cells

Abstract Calcium aluminate cement (CAC) has been highlighted as a promising alternative for endodontic use aiming at periapical tissue repair. However, its effects on dental pulp cells have been poorly explored. Objective: This study assessed the impact of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) or zinc oxide (ZnO) additives on odontoblast cell response to CAC. Methodology: MDPC-23 cells were exposed for up to 14 d: 1) CAC with 2.8% CaCl2 and 25% ZnO (CACz); 2) CAC with 2.8% CaCl2 and 25% Bi2O3 (CACb); 3) CAC with 10% CaCl2 and 25% Bi2O3 (CACb+); or 4) mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), placed on inserts. Non-exposed cultures served as control. Cell morphology, cell viability, gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1), ALP activity, and extracellular matrix mineralization were evaluated. Data were compared using ANOVA (α=5%). Results: Lower cell density was detected only for MTA and CACb+ compared with Control, with areas showing reduced cell spreading. Cell viability was similar among groups at days one and three (p>0.05). CACb+ and MTA showed the lowest cell viability values at day seven (p>0.05). CACb and CACb+ promoted higher ALP and BSP expression compared with CACz (p<0.05); despite that, all cements supported ALP activity. Matrix mineralization were enhanced in CACb+ and MTA. Conclusion: In conclusion, CAC with Bi2O3, but not with ZnO, supported the expression of odontoblastic phenotype, but only the composition with 10% CaCl2 promoted mineralized matrix formation, rendering it suitable for dentin-pulp complex repair.

Local and systemic effects caused by Crotalus durissus terrificus, Crotalus durissus collilineatus, and Crotalus durissus cascavella snake venoms in swiss mice

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Crotalus envenomations cause serious complications and can be fatal without appropriate treatment. Venom isoforms present and inter/intraspecific variations in the venom composition can result in different symptoms presented by bites by snakes from the same species but from different geographical regions. We comparatively evaluated the local and systemic effects caused by Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt), C.d. collilineatus (Cdcolli), and C.d. cascavella (Cdcasc) envenomation. METHODS: Venom chromatography was performed. Proteolytic, phospholipase, and LAAO activities were analyzed. Edema, myotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and coagulation alterations were evaluated. RESULTS: The venom SDS-PAGE analyses found the presence of convulxin, gyroxin, crotoxin, and crotamine in Cdt and Cdcolli venoms. Crotamine was not present in the Cdcasc venom. Cdt, Cdcollli, and Cdcasc venoms had no proteolytic activity. Only Cdcasc and Cdt venoms had phospholipase activity. LAAO activity was observed in Cdcolli and Cdcasc venoms. Cdcolli and Cdcasc venoms caused 36.7% and 13.3% edema increases, respectively. Cdt venom caused a 10% edema induction compared to those by other venoms. All venoms increased TOTAL-CK, MB-CK, and LDH levels (indicating muscle injury) and ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP levels (markers of liver damage) and were able to induce a neuromuscular blockade. Urea and creatinine levels were also altered in both plasma and urine, indicating kidney damage. Only Cdcolli and Cdcasc venoms increased TAPP and TAP. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these results allow us to draw a distinction between local and systemic effects caused by Crotalus subspecies, highlighting the clinical and biochemical effects produced by their respective venoms.

Combination therapy of curcumin and alendronate modulates bone turnover markers and enhances bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

ABSTRACT Objective: This study evaluated the effects of combination therapy of curcumin and alendronate on BMD and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Subjects and methods: In a randomized, double-blind trial study, 60 postmenopausal women were divided into three groups: control, alendronate, and alendronate + curcumin. Each group included 20 patients. Total body, total hip, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMDs were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline and after 12 months of therapy. Bone turnover markers such as bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx) were measured at the outset and 6 months later. Results: Patients in the control group suffered a significant decrease in BMD and increased bone turnover markers at the end of study. The group treated with only alendronate showed significantly decreased levels of BALP and CTx and increased levels of osteocalcin compared to the control group. The alendronate group also showed significant increases in the total body, total hip, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMDs at the end of study compared to the control group. In the curcumin + alendronate group, BALP and CTx levels decreased and osteocalcin levels increased significantly at the end of study compared to the control and alendronate groups. BMD indexes also increased in four areas significantly at the end of study compared to the control and alendronate groups. Conclusion: The combination of curcumin and alendronate has beneficial effects on BMD and bone turnover markers among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2018;62(4):438-45

1-Deoxynojirimycin from Bacillus subtilis improves antioxidant and antibacterial activities of juvenile Yoshitomi tilapia

Background: Juvenile Yoshitomi tilapia is often infected by pathogens and results in low-level survival rate. Bacillus subtilis, as a probiotic, may have beneficial effects on Y. tilapia with compound 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which has antibacterial activities. The effects of dietary probiotic supplementation on Y. tilapias were evaluated. Results: Juvenile Y. tilapia was fed with B. subtilis for 56 d. Y. tilapia was infected by Aeromonas hydrophila and survival rate was compared. Dietary B. subtilis increased weight gain rate, specific growth, food conversion ratios and food intake rate of Y. tilapia. The diet improved the cumulative survival rate (CSR) of juvenile Y. tilapia when the concentration of B. subtilis was more than 2.05 × 1010 cfu/kg and CSR reached a maximum rate when the concentration of bacillus was 4.23 × 1010 (P b 0.05). Meanwhile, B. subtilis improved total antioxidant capacity (TAC), spleen index, the activities of serum lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (P b 0.05). In contrast, B. subtilis reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and C3 complement (P b 0.05). DNJ was isolated from secondary metabolisms and proved to increase the levels of SOD, CAT and reduce the levels of AST, ALT and MDA at cell levels. After A. hydrophila infection, DNJ prevented the reduction in survival rate of Y. tilapia (P b 0.05). Conclusions: 1-Deoxynojirimycin from Bacillus subtilis can be used to improve the growth performance of juvenile Y. tilapia by affecting its antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Short term sodium alendronate administration improves the peri-implant bone quality in osteoporotic animals

Abstract Sodium alendronate is a bisphosphonate drug that exerts antiresorptive action and is used to treat osteoporosis. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone repair process at the bone/implant interface of osteoporotic rats treated with sodium alendronate through the analysis of microtomography, real time polymerase chain reactions and immunohistochemistry (RUNX2 protein, bone sialoprotein (BSP), alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin and osteocalcin). Material and Methods A total of 42 rats were used and divided in to the following experimental groups: CTL: control group (rats submitted to fictitious surgery and fed with a balanced diet), OST: osteoporosis group (rats submitted to a bilateral ovariectomy and fed with a low calcium diet) and ALE: alendronate group (rats submitted to a bilateral ovariectomy, fed with a low calcium diet and treated with sodium alendronate). A surface treated implant was installed in both tibial metaphyses of each rat. Euthanasia of the animals was conducted at 14 (immunhostochemistry) and 42 days (immunohistochemistry, micro CT and PCR). Data were subjected to statistical analysis with a 5% significance level. Results Bone volume (BV) and total pore volume were higher for ALE group (P<0.05). Molecular data for RUNX2 and BSP proteins were significantly expressed in the ALE group (P<0.05), in comparison with the other groups. ALP expression was higher in the CTL group (P<0.05). The immunostaining for RUNX2 and osteopontin was positive in the osteoblastic lineage cells of neoformed bone for the CTL and ALE groups in both periods (14 and 42 days). Alkaline phosphatase presented a lower staining area in the OST group compared to the CTL in both periods and the ALE at 42 days. Conclusion There was a decrease of osteocalcin precipitation at 42 days for the ALE and OST groups. Therefore, treatment with short-term sodium alendronate improved bone repair around the implants installed in the tibia of osteoporotic rats.

Effects of fluoride on proliferation and mineralization in periodontal ligament cells in vitro

Fluoride, which is often added to toothpaste or mouthwash in order to protect teeth from decay, may be a novel therapeutic approach for acceleration of periodontal regeneration. Therefore, we investigated the effects of fluoride on proliferation and mineralization in human periodontal ligament cells in vitro. The periodontal ligament cells were stimulated with various concentrations of NaF added into osteogenic inductive medium. Immunohistochemistry of cell identification, cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, Alizarin red S staining and quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed. Moderate concentrations of NaF (50-500 μmol/L) had pro-proliferation effects, while 500 μmol/L had the best effects. ALP activity and calcium content were significantly enhanced by 10 μmol/L NaF with osteogenic inductive medium. Quantitative RT-PCR data varied in genes as a result of different NaF concentrations and treatment periods. We conclude that moderate concentrations of NaF can stimulate proliferation and mineralization in periodontal ligament cells. These in vitro findings may provide a novel therapeutic approach for acceleration of periodontal regeneration by addition of suitable concentrations of NaF into the medication for periodontitis treatment, i.e., into periodontal packs and tissue patches.

Biocompatibility and bioactivity of calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers in human dental pulp cells

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a calcium silicate-based material. New sealers have been developed based on calcium silicate as MTA Fillapex and MTA Plus.Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate biocompatibility and bioactivity of these two calcium silicate-based sealers in culture of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs).Material and Methods The cells were isolated from third molars extracted from a 16-year-old patient. Pulp tissue was sectioned into fragments with approximately 1 mm3 and kept in supplemented medium to obtain hDPCs adherent cultures. Cell characterization assays were performed to prove the osteogenic potential. The evaluated materials were: MTA Plus (MTAP); MTA Fillapex (MTAF) and FillCanal (FC). Biocompatibility was evaluated with MTT and Neutral Red (NR) assays, after hDPCs exposure for 24 h to different dilutions of each sealer extract (1:2, 1:3 and 1:4). Unexposed cells were the positive control (CT). Bioactivity was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymatic assay in cells exposed for one and three days to sealer extracts (1:4 dilution). All data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey post-test (p≤0.05%).Results MTT and NR results showed suitable cell viability rates for MTAP at all dilutions (90-135%). Cells exposed to MTAF and FC (1:2 and 1:4 dilutions) showed significant low viability rate when compared to CT in MTT. The NR results demonstrated cell viability for all materials tested. In MTAP group, the cells ALP activity was similar to CT in one and three days of exposure to the material. MTAF and FC groups demonstrated a decrease in ALP activity when compared to CT at both periods of cell exposure.Conclusions The hDPCs were suitable for the evaluation of new endodontic materialsin vitro. MTAP may be considered a promising material for endodontic treatments.

Tridax procumbens flavonoids promote osteoblast differentiation and bone formation

BACKGROUND: Tridaxprocumbens flavonoids (TPFs) are well known for their medicinal properties among local natives. Besides traditionally used for dropsy, anemia, arthritis, gout, asthma, ulcer, piles, and urinary problems, it is also used in treating gastric problems, body pain, and rheumatic pains of joints. TPFs have been reported to increase osteogenic functioning in mesenchymal stem cells. Our previous study showed that TPFs were significantly suppressed the RANKL-induced differentiation of osteoclasts and bone resorption. However, the effects of TPFs to promote osteoblasts differentiation and bone formation remain unclear. TPFs were isolated from Tridax procumbens and investigated for their effects on osteoblasts differentiation and bone formation by using primary mouse calvarial osteoblasts. RESULTS: TPFs promoted osteoblast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner demonstrated by up-regulation of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. TPFs also upregulated osteoblast differentiation related genes, including osteocalcin, osterix, and Runx2 in primary osteoblasts. TPFs treated primary osteoblast cells showed significant upregulation of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) including Bmp-2, Bmp-4, and Bmp-7. Addition of noggin, a BMP specific-antagonist, inhibited TPFs induced upregulation of the osteocalcin, osterix, and Runx2. CONCLUSION: Our findings point towards the induction of osteoblast differentiation by TPFs and suggested that TPFs could be a potential anabolic agent to treat patients with bone loss-associated diseases such as osteoporosis.

Effect of Fluoride-Treated Enamel on Indirect Cytotoxicity of a 16% Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching Gel to Pulp Cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of fluoride solutions applied to enamel to protect pulp cells against the trans-enamel and transdentinal cytotoxicity of a 16% carbamide peroxide (CP) bleaching gel. The CP gel was applied to enamel/dentin discs adapted to aicial pulp chambers (8 h/day) during 1, 7 or 14 days, followed by fluoride (0.05% or 0.2%) application for 1 min. The extracts (culture medium in contact with dentin) were applied to MDPC-23 cells for 1 h, and cell metabolism (MTT assay), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and cell membrane damage (flow cytometry) were analyzed. Knoop microhardness of enamel was also evaluated. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α=0.05). For the MTT assay and ALP activity, significant reductions between the control and the bleached groups were observed (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference occurred among bleached groups (p>0.05), regardless of fluoride application or treatment days. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated 30% of cell membrane damage in all bleached groups. After 14 days of treatment, the fluoride-treated enamel presented significantly higher microhardness values than the bleached-only group (p<0.05). It was concluded that, regardless of the increase in enamel hardness due to the application of fluoride solutions, the treated enamel surface did not prevent the toxic effects caused by the 16% CP gel to odontoblast-like cells.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o possível efeito protetor de soluções fluoretadas aplicadas sobre o esmalte dentário frente à citotoxicidade trans-amelodentinária de um gel clareador com 16% de peróxido de carbamida (PC). O gel de PC foi aplicado sobre discos de esmalte/dentina adaptados a câmaras pulpares aiciais (8 h/dia) durante períodos de 1, 7 ou 14 dias, seguido de aplicação de soluções fluoretadas (0,05% ou 0,2%) durante 1 min. Os extratos (meio de cultura em contato com a dentina) foram aplicados sobre células MDPC-23 durante 1 h, seguido de análise do metabolismo celular (teste do MTT), atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP) e danos à membrana celular (citometria de fluxo). A microdureza Knoop do esmalte dental foi avaliada. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes de ANOVA e Kruskal-Wallis. Para o teste do MTT e atividade de ALP, redução significante entre os grupos controle e clareados foram observados (p<0,05). Nenhuma diferença entre os grupos clareados foi observada (p>0,05), independente da aplicação das soluções fluoretadas ou tempo de tratamento. A análise por citometria de fluxo demonstrou lesão à membrana celular em torno de 30% para todos os grupos clareados. Após 14 dias de tratamento, os espécimes clareados e fluoretados apresentaram aumento significante na microdureza do esmalte (p<0,05). Pôde-se concluir que apesar do aumento na dureza do esmalte decorrente da aplicação das soluções fluoretadas, este tratamento não preveniu os efeitos tóxicos causados pelo gel com 16% de PC sobre as células odontoblastóides. .

Biochemical and Mitochondrial Changes Induced by Cd, Fe and Zn in Limnodrillus hoffmeisteri / Cambios Bioquímicos y Mitocondriales Inducidos por Cd, Fe y Zn en Limnodrillus hoffmeisteri

The effects of sublethal concentrations of cadmium (0.64 µg/L), iron (0.043 mg/L) and zinc (0.31 mg/L) and a mixture of these metals on succinate dehydrogenase (SD) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity and on structural changes in the mitochondria of epithelium cells of the digestive tract were examined in the oligochaete Limnodrillus hoffmeisteri after 96 h of exposure in artificial sediments. SD activity was significantly inhibited, particularly in treatments with Cd alone (92.57 percent), while AP increased its activity with Cd alone (73.23 percent). However, when this metal was mixed with Fe and Zn, the inhibition of SD activity was lower (67.82 percent) than with Cd alone, showing an antagonistic effect and AP increased its activity (73.26 percent). Mitochondria were structurally damaged by exposure to Cd alone. However, in the metal mixtures, the toxic effects may exert interactive effects eliciting a less structural damage in the mitochondria of epithelium cells of the digestive tract than when Cd is alone.

Se estudió el efecto de las concentraciones subletales de Cd (0,64 µg/L), Fe (0,043 mg/L) y Zn (0,31 mg/L) en forma aislada y en mezcla sobre la actividad de la succinato deshidrogenasa (SD) y la fosfatasa alcalina (AP) en las mitocondrias de las células epiteliales del tracto digestivo en el oligoqueto Limnodrillus hoffmeisteri después de 96 h de exposición en sedimentos artificiales. La SD se inhibió significativamente, particularmente en los tratamientos con Cd en forma aislada (92,57 por ciento), mientras que la AP se incrementó con Cd en forma aislada (73,23 por ciento). Sin embargo, cuando este metal se mezcló con Fe y Zn, la inhibición de la SD fue menor (67,82 por ciento) que con Cd en forma aislada, lo que mostró un efecto antagonístico y la AP incrementó su actividad (73,23 por ciento). Sin embargo, cuando este metal estaba en mezcla con Fe y Zn, la inhibición de la SD fue menor (67,82 por ciento) que con Cd en forma aislada, mostrando un efecto antagonístico y un incremento en la actividad de la AP (73,26 por ciento). Las mitocondrias fueron dañadas estructuralmente por exposición al Cd en forma aislada. Sin embargo, con los metales en mezcla, los efectos tóxicos pudieron ejercer efectos interactivos provocando un menor daño estructural en la mitocondria de las células del epitelio del tracto digestivo que cuando el Cd estaba en forma aislada.

[ 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

Bone metabolism alteration on antiepileptic drug therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether serum total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone-specific ALP (bone ALP), calcium, phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHvit D) concentrations are altered early in the course of treatment with carbamazepine or valproic acid monotherapy in ambulatory children with adequate sun exposure; and to determine the effectiveness of simultaneous supplementation with calcium and 25-OHvit D at recommended dietary allowance doses on these biochemical parameters. METHODS: For each drug, children were divided into two groups (Group A: without supplementation; and Group B: with supplementation) and serum biochemical parameters estimated at 0, 30, 60, and 90 days of starting treatment. Statistical analysis: Serial changes in serum biochemical parameters (mean +/- SD) were compared within each of the four groups using student's paired t test. Also for each drug, serum biochemical parameters were compared between Groups A and B at 0, 30, 60, and 90 days of starting treatment using student's unpaired t test. RESULTS: For both drugs, in Group A, serum total ALP levels were significantly increased above the normal range (P<0.0001) by 90 days of starting treatment; however, serum bone ALP level was significantly increased (P=0.002) only in children on valproic acid. For both drugs when serum biochemical parameters were compared between Groups A and B, supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in serum total ALP (P<0.0001) and bone ALP levels (P<0.001), and a significant increase in serum calcium (P<0.0001) and 25-OHvit D levels (P<0.0001) by 90 days of starting treatment. CONCLUSION: Serum biochemical changes which indicate predisposition to development of rickets or osteomalacia appear within 90 days of starting carbamazepine or valproic acid monotherapy. However simultaneous supplementation with oral calcium and 25-OHvit D is effective in preventing the development of these adverse biochemical changes.

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

beneficial effect of vitamin E supplementation on zinc status, carbohydrate metabolism, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase activities in alloxan-diabetic rats fed on zinc deficiency diet

The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effect of vitamin E supplementation on zinc deficiency in experimental diabetes. Male alloxan-diabetic Wistar, albino rats of 10 weeks of age were divided into three groups. The first group received a diet containing 54 mg zinc/kg [adequate zinc group, AZ], the second group received a diet containing 1mg zinc/kg [zinc deficient group, ZD], and the third group received a diet containing 1mg zinc/kg supplemented with vitamin E [500mg/kg diet] [ZD+VE]. Body weight gain and food intake of all rats were recorded regularly over a period of four weeks. On day 28, after overnight fasting, animals were killed and blood glucose, serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum protein, serum urea, serum zinc, femur zinc, pancreatic zinc, testis zinc, liver glutathione concentrations and serum glutamic oxalic transaminase [GOT], serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase [GPT] and serum alkaline phosphatase activities were determined on blood and tissue samples. Body weight gain of zinc deficient diabetic animals at the end of four weeks of dietary manipulation was significantly lower than that of zinc adequate diabetic animals. Dietary zinc intake significantly increased blood glucose, serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and serum urea of zinc deficient diabetic rats. In contrast, serum zinc, femur zinc, pancreatic zinc, serum protein and liver glutathione levels were lower. The consumption of zinc deficient diet led also to an increase in serum GOT, GPT coupled with a decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase. Vitamin E ameliorated all the previous parameters. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that vitamin E supplementation significantly reduced the severity of zinc deficiency in diabetes mellitus

protective effect of Zn-metallothionein [Zn-Mt] on the toxicity of diazinon, mancozeb and their mixture on rats

The joint action of pesticides that have similar chemical structures and mode of toxic action can be predicted. However, this approach and other modeling techniques often provide little insight into the observed toxicity produced by mixtures of pesticides from different classes. The present study shows significant decrease in body weight gain after all exposure periods to diazinon and its mixture with mancozeb. In case of Mancozeb, the percentage body weight gain decreased significantly only after 42 days intake in drinking water. The injection of Zn-MT lead to recover of body weight gain especially in the case of the exposure to diazinon and mancozeb, separately. In case of mixture exposure, Zn-MT treatment reduced the effect until 28 days but the decreasing in body weight gain was still significant [p < 0.05] under the long term exposure until the end of the experiment period. Also a decrease in the activity of plasma cholinesterase after 30 days exposure to mancozeb and its mixture with diazinon was observed and was highly significant [p < 0.01] after 90 days of exposure to diazinon, mancozeb and their mixture. Zn-MT played a role to recover the cholinesterase activity completely in diazinon-treated animals and significantly [p < 0.05] in both mancozeb and the mixture. Alkaline phosphatase was significantly inhibited in plasma after 30 and 90 days in all treatments [p < 0.01] and the injection of Zn-MT leads to a decrease in the injury. The same trend was found in the case of the alkaline phosphatase activity in the liver. The kidney's alkaline posphatase was more tolerant against the effect of both diazinon, mancozeb and their mixture

Monitoring of Risedronate by biochemical bone markers in clinical practice.

The study of trend of Risedronate 10 mg/day in menopausal women with a high level of resorptive bone marker (Betacrosslaps, CTx) by the following bone markers:Bone alkaline phosphatase (formation marker) total alkaline phosphatase (TAlP), NMID osteocalcin, undercarboxylated osteocalcin (UcOC) and procollagen type 1 carboxyl propeptides (PICP). Risedronate does not suppress bone resorption deeply that enhances the bone recovers quickly after withdrawal. The level of undercarboxylated osteocalcin was increased after one year of treatment; it may be a sign of vitamin K2 deficiency. The bone alkaline phosphatase was decreased at the end of 12 months and Procollagen type 1 carboxyl propeptides (PICP) of twelfth month changed significantly compared to the sixth months of treatment (p=0.001) The once week 70 mg/week group also changed of CTx the same as daily dose group.

Efficacy and safety of risedronate sodium in treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of risedronate sodium in treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, one-year randomized, double blind clinical trial was performed among 54 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. The changes were compared in bone mineral density (BMD), bone metabolism markers and adverse events after 12 months oral administration of risedronate sodium. BMD was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptionmetry (DEXA) and bone turnover marker was detected. The results showed that there was a significant increase in BMD of the lumbar spine (3.29% +/- 1.18%, 4.51% +/- 1.64% respectively) after 6 and 12 months in the risedronate treatment group versus placebo control group (-0.62% +/- 0.24%, 0.48% +/- 0.18% respectively). Bone turnover was decreased to a stable nadir over 6 and 12 months for resorption markers [N-Telopeptide (NTx), P < 0.05] and over 12 months for formation marker (ALP, P < 0.05; BGP, P < 0.05). The safety profile of risedronate sodium was similar to that of placebo. There were no trends toward increased frequency of any adverse experience except for gastrointestinal symptoms (7.1%), rash (7.1%) and hematuria (3.6%), which were usually mild, transient, and resolved with continued treatment. It was concluded that risedronate was an efficacious and safe drug in treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Profiles of acid and alkaline phosphatases in the prawn Macrobrachium malcolmsonii exposed to endosulfan.

The present study was performed to determine the toxic effects of endosulfan on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of acid and alkaline phosphatases (ACP and ALP) in Macrobrachium malcolmsonii. Intermoult juvenile prawns were exposed to 32.0 ng/l of endosulfan for a period of 21 days. Samples were taken from the hemolymph, hepatopancreas, gills and muscle of test prawns on the 21st day. The content of ACP and ALP in the hepatopancreas of test prawns were found to be higher in comparison to respective controls. The levels of these enzymes in the hemolymph, gills and muscle of test prawns were found to be lower than in the same tissues of controls. In non-denaturing PAGE, phosphatases appeared as white bands. The intensity of white bands in the hepatopancreas of test prawns were found to be higher when compared to controls. In the hemolymph, gills and muscle of test prawns, the intensity of white bands were found to be lower in comparison to controls. The results of the present study suggest that endosulfan affects the quantity and quality of ACP and ALP in the tissues of M. malcolmsonii.

Effect of glyphosate toxicity on growth, pigment and alkaline phosphatase activity in cyanobacterium Anabaena doliolum: a role of inorganic phosphate in glyphosate tolerance.

Response of glyphosate toxicity on photoautotrophic cyanobacterium A. doliolum and its mutant strain was investigated. Chlorophyll a content of both the wild type and mutant strain in the presence of glyphosate (N-phosphonomethyl glycine) initially showed an increasing trend when supplemented with Pi and a declining tendency under the Pi-starved condition. The results suggested that both the wild type and mutant strains were more sensitive to glyphosate in the absence of phosphate. Alkaline phosphatase activity of wild type strain in the presence of Pi, enhanced in response to addition of glyphosate (40 microg/ml), but the activity remained unaltered by addition of glyphosate in the Pi-starved cells, whereas the alkaline phosphatase activity in the mutant strain under both Pi-starved as well as unstarved conditions was stimulated (approximately 5.4 and 3.1-fold, respectively) by addition of glyphosate. The results on alkaline phosphatase activity indicated a glyphosate-induced depletion in the phosphate content of the cells, particularly in the mutant strain, as evident from the stimulated activity of alkaline phosphatase. It is suggested that enzyme activity in the Pi-starved wild type cells may not be influenced any further by glyphosate, as cellular phosphate reserve might not be available for further depletion.

Impact of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) on phosphatase activity in testis of the teleostean fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).

Fishes are sensitive indicators of pollutants present in water.These pollutants cause various physical and physiological alterations in fishes. In the present work alteration in the activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase was evaluated in testicular tissue of fresh water fish Heteropneustes fossilis exposed to LC50 value of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) for different exposure periods [24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h] With increase in the concentration of chemical LAS, the activity of acid phosphatase (ACP) was reported elevated while a significant fall in the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ACP) was recorded for same exposure period. Elevated activity of ACP, one of the important hydrolases of lysosomes, is quite suggestive of bringing about gross necrosis and dysarchitecture. ALP is involved in various metabolic activities including gonadal maturation and as such decreased activity of this enzyme is definitely one of the important causative factors for reproductive impairment of the fish.