effect of silver nitrate, chloroformic garlic extract, and normal saline in induction of sclerosing cholangitis in rabbits

To evaluate the effects of 0.5% silver nitrate, 20% chloroformic garlic extract, and 0.9% normal saline in induction of sclerosing cholangitis in the bile ducts of rabbits. During a-6-months period from April to September 2006 in Shiraz University Laboratory Animal Research Center, we selected 3 equal groups of rabbits. We injected 0.5% silver nitrate, 20% chloroformic garlic extract, and 0.9% normal saline into the bile ducts of each group. The animals were euthanized, and autopsied after 4 months and the liver and bile ducts were removed and studied histopathologically. Cholangiography was undertaken to evaluate the presence and extent of any sclerosing cholangitis. Animals showed sclerosing cholangitis in silver nitrate group [7 [58%]], one [8%] in chloroformic garlic extract group and one [7%] in normal saline group. The difference between silver nitrate and chloroformic garlic extract groups were statistically significant and similar results were noticed between chloroformic garlic extract and normal saline groups. Twenty percent of chloroformic garlic extract had fewer complications such as sclerosing cholangitis, compared to other materials

effect of season and Ramadan fasting on the onset of acute cholecystitis

To investigate whether Ramadan fasting and seasonal variation has any effect on the onset of acute cholecystitis. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Faghihi and Namazee Hospitals between September 1999 to August 2004. All files of patients with definite diagnosis of gallstone induced acute cholecystitis were reviewed for age, gender, date and method of treatment in relation to seasons and Ramadan fasting month. For comparison, we used Shaaban months [prior months] and Shavval months [following months]. Eight hundred and sixty-four files [32.7% male and 62.8% were female] with definite diagnosis of acute cholecystitis were reviewed. Mean age was 56.3 +/- 16.18 years. The frequency of acute cholecystitis was higher in summer in comparison with other seasons. The difference in the frequency of acute cholecystitis in Ramadan in comparison with Shaaban and Shavval months was not considerable. Acute cholecystitis displays seasonal characteristics; however, this seasonal variability would be influenced by other unknown environmental and genetic factors. Ramadan fasting may not precipitate the onset of acute cholecystitis