Evaluation of immunopathologic effects of aqueous extract of Echinacea purpurea in mice after experimental challenge with Pasteurella multocida serotype A

In order to assess the immunopathological effects of aqueous Echinacea purpurea extract [EPE] on mice experimentally challenged with Pasteurella multocida serotype A, forty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups. The groups included a control group [received sterile distilled water 2 times/week for 2 weeks, intraperitoneally and then 100 microl sterile saline intranasally], a PMA group [received sterile distilled water as the control group and after 2 weeks, 5.6 x 10[3] CFU/ml of P. multocida serotype A, intranasally], an EPE+PMA group [received E. purpurea extract intraperitoneally 2 times/week for 2 weeks and then challenged as the PMA group] and an EPE group [received E. purpurea extract as EPE+PMA group and then 100 microl sterile saline intranasally]. After 24 and 48 h post challenge, half of the animals in each group were sacrificed and analyzed for bacterial counts in their lungs and livers, TNF[alpha] serum levels and histapathological changes. The results showed significant differences in lung bacterial counts between PMA and EPE+PMA groups. TNF[alpha] serum level was significantly higher in the PMA group. Histopathological examination revealed infiltration of neutrophils in alveolar septa and hyperemia in the PMA group. In addition, the criteria of bronchopneumonia were partially recovered in the EPE+PMA compared to the PMA group. According to the results, it seems that E. purpurea extract has an immunomodulatory effect and can be used to prevent or control of pneumonia caused by Pasteurella

role of dyslipidemia in sensorineural hearing loss in children

The relationship between dyslipidemia and hearing is controversial, especially in children as data are scarce and limited to case reports. We sought to determine whether dyslipidemia is associated with sensorineural hearing loss [SNHL] in a group of 5-18 year old children and adolescents. Records of all 5 to 18 year old children who attended the pediatric endocrinology clinic of Loghman Hospital in Tehran, Iran, between April 2007 and April 2009, were reviewed. Records with a lipid profile were obtaimed and following confirmation of their; lipid profiles, they were enrolled if the results were the same as before [normal or dyslipidemic]. Pure tone thresholds, speech discrimination score and lipid profiles were analyzed. When controlled for age and sex, no associations between dyslipidemia and SNHL were found. There was also no statistically significant relationship between dyslipidemia and SNHL in different age groups. No association was found between dyslipidemia and SNHL in children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years