The ameliorative effects of Hypericum perforatum extract on high altitude cerebral edema in hypoxic rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the ameliorative effects of Hypericum perforatum extract(HPE)on high altitude cerebral edema(HACE)in hypoxia rats.Methods A large low-pressure oxygen chamber was used to simulate the hypoxia environment at an altitude of 7 500 m.The pathological changes of HPE on the brain tissues of HACE rats were observed,and the water content,oxidative stress and inflammatory factors related indicators of brain tissues were detected.Results Through administered HPE by gavage,the histopathological damage of HACE rats was improved,the concentration of nuclear pyknosis was reduced,the degree of vacuolization was reduced,and the inflammatory response was alleviated.At the same time,HPE decreased the water content and the contents of MDA,H2O2,IL-1β,IL-6,VEGF and TNF-α in brain tissues of HACE rats,while increased the content of GSH and the activities of T-SOD and CAT.Conclusions HPE can ameliorate HACE in hypoxic rats to some extent,the mechanism of which may be related to ameliorating oxidative stress injury and reducing inflammation response.Hypericum perforatum is expected to be developed as a drug preparation for the treatment of HACE.

Occurrence of high altitude cerebral edema (hace) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPO) simultaneously at 12000 ft: a rare phenomen

High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPO) are the most dreaded complications related to high altitude. Authors managed a case of HACE and HAPO simultaneously set at unusually low height (1200 ft) in a patient. The altitude was not too much to develop these comorbidities as studied earlier. Relationship with altitude was immaterial in our case. However, rapid ascent without proper acclimatisation, young and tender age, male sex and smoking were associated contributing factors. He was managed with standard protocol and descent to lower altitude.

Comorbid cerebral and pulmonary edema at 7010 m/23000 ft: an extreme altitude perspective.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) are two dreaded altitude emergencies which can independently lead to complications. Two cases of suspected comorbid HACE and HAPE were managed at 5800 m/19000 ft in Karakoram Himalayas. Altitude acclimatization, purported to prevent high altitude illness, may not be protective. Comorbid HACE and HAPE at extreme altitude may present atypically necessitating high index of suspicion and prompt clinical decision making in challenging situations. One man HAPE bag/PHC is an excellent temporary measure in cases of delayed descent/evacuation. Due attention to extreme altitude emergencies is required in view of increased recreational, scientific and military activities at extreme altitude.