Antioxidant Effect of Curcumin on the Prevention of Oxidative Damage to the Cochlea in an Ototoxic Rat Model Based on Malondialdehyde Expression

Abstract Introduction Aminoglycoside, as an antimicrobial medication, also has side-effects on the inner ears, bringing about hearing disorders. Curcumin has been proven to be a strong scavenger against various reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the increase in ROS production is considered to play an important role in the process of hearing disorder. Objective To prove that curcumin is an effective antioxidant to prevent cochlear damage based on malondialdehyde (MDA) expression. Methods The present research used 32 Rattus norvegicus, of the Wistar lineage, randomly divided into 8 groups: negative control, ototoxic control (a single dose of 40 mg/ml of gentamicin via intratympanic injection), 2 groups submitted to ototoxic control + curcumin treatment (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg), 2 groups who iunderwent ototoxic control + curcumin treatment for 7 days, and two groups submitted to curcumin treatment as prevention for 3 days + ototoxic induction. Results The results showed that the lowest dosage of curcumin (100 mg/kg) could decrease MDA expression on the cochlear fibroblastic wall of the ototoxic model; however using greater doses of curcumin (200 mg/kg) for 7 days would provide a better effect. Curcumin could also significantly decrease MDA expression when it was administered during the preototoxic exposure. Conclusion Curcumin can be used as a therapy for ototoxic prevention based on the decrease in MDA expression.

Antioxidant Effect of Curcumin on the Prevention of Oxidative Damage to the Cochlea in an Ototoxic Rat Model Based on Malondialdehyde Expression.

Introduction Aminoglycoside, as an antimicrobial medication, also has side-effects on the inner ears, bringing about hearing disorders. Curcumin has been proven to be a strong scavenger against various reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the increase in ROS production is considered to play an important role in the process of hearing disorder. Objective To prove that curcumin is an effective antioxidant to prevent cochlear damage based on malondialdehyde (MDA) expression. Methods The present research used 32 Rattus norvegicus , of the Wistar lineage, randomly divided into 8 groups: negative control, ototoxic control (a single dose of 40 mg/ml of gentamicin via intratympanic injection), 2 groups submitted to ototoxic control + curcumin treatment (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg), 2 groups who iunderwent ototoxic control + curcumin treatment for 7 days, and two groups submitted to curcumin treatment as prevention for 3 days + ototoxic induction. Results The results showed that the lowest dosage of curcumin (100 mg/kg) could decrease MDA expression on the cochlear fibroblastic wall of the ototoxic model; however using greater doses of curcumin (200 mg/kg) for 7 days would provide a better effect. Curcumin could also significantly decrease MDA expression when it was administered during the preototoxic exposure. Conclusion Curcumin can be used as a therapy for ototoxic prevention based on the decrease in MDA expression.

An Association Between C-Reactive Protein Levels and the Occurrence of Cognitive Dysfunction After Heart Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is defined as cognitive dysfunction related to inflammation after surgical procedures, which is common following cardiac surgery. Cognitive deficits are thought to result from a systemic inflammatory response. C-reactive protein (CRP) and other proinflammatory cytokines, which are released in response to inflammation, disrupt the blood-brain barrier and neurotransmission, resulting in POCD. This study aimed to determine the correlation between POCD and increased levels of CRP in patients who had undergone heart valve replacement. METHODS: This study comprised 32 patients with normal cognitive function undergoing heart valve replacement. The CRP levels were measured before surgery and on the second postoperative day, and cognitive function was examined via the Indonesian-adapted Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA-INA) on the third postoperative day. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation test. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients, 28 (87.5%) experienced POCD. The median level of CRP was 6.6 mg/dL (interquartile range: 4.0, 8.3 g/dL). According to Spearman correlation test, increased levels of CRP were significantly related to POCD following heart valve replacement (p = 0.003, r = 0.501). The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the CRP cutoff level was 3.345 mg/dL, and the sensitivity and specificity were 89.3% and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSION: High expression level of CRP was correlated with POCD following heart valve replacement.

The modified bilateral advancement flap.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral advancement flaps are commonly used in the closure of circular skin defects because of their ease of execution and satisfactory result. However, the limited sliding capacity of these flaps has always been a problem. OBJECTIVE: The modified bilateral advancement flap maximizes the amount of tissue that can be brought into the defect. It relies on both advancement and transposition principles and borrows tissue from two planes. Thus the length of the flap could be shortened for increased flap survival. METHODS: Bilateral transposition flaps are created from tissue on both sides of the wound. These are then approximated and sutured together to form a single, new tip (apex), which is then advanced and sutured into the concave base of the opposing advancement flap at its midpoint. RESULTS: The modified bilateral advancement flap has been used effectively to close defects in the temporal, cheek, forehead, and lower eyelid, among 11 patients, providing a well-contoured and aesthetically pleasing reconstruction. CONCLUSION: This method extends the capacity of the bilateral advancement flap to reconstruct and improves its applications and advantages.

The treatment of lichen amyloidosis. A review and a new technique.

BACKGROUND: A number of treatments for lichen amyloidosis have been described and the results are frequently unsatisfactory. OBJECTIVE: To describe a new surgical technique that uses a scalpel to scrape the upper layer of the skin. METHODS: A scalpel (No. 15) is pressed firmly and perpendicularly against the skin and scraped exactly parallel with the surface of the skin. This can be repeated until the subpapillary dermal layer. RESULTS: Scraping with the scalpel removes the epidermis and deposits of amyloid in the dermis. All nine patients healed without complications with acceptable to good aesthetic results. CONCLUSION: The technique is quick, effective, simple to perform, inexpensive, and safe. This is another option in the surgical treatment of selected cases of lichen amyloidosis.

Method of minimizing hemorrhage in excising hemangioma.

Subtotal excision of hemangioma may be indicated to improve contour and minimize body image distortion. A method has been employed to minimize intraoperative hemorrhage. The surgical excision is easily accomplished by using hemostatic sutures. The method is described.

How to biopsy oral lesions.

Biopsy of oral lesions is a procedure of considerable diagnostic value. The size, location, and characteristics of the lesion determine the type of procedure used. The procedure is explained using photographs and appropriate commentary.

The modified MOHS micrographic surgery.

MOHS micrographic surgery produces the highest cure rate of any available treatment for skin cancer. This procedure, employing frozen sections of fresh tissue, requires special laboratory facilities as an integral part of the Mohs micrographic surgery unit and a skilled histotechnician, which makes it expensive. Moreover, the multi-stage procedures in one day requires an extensive commitment of operating time and personnel. We have overcome these problems by utilizing the existing facilities, different methods of tissue-handling, and the use of the expertise of a pathologist. Surgeries can be scheduled at such times that are less disruptive to the patient, surgeon and pathologist.

Circumcision: a review and a new technique.

Numerous techniques for circumcision have been described in the literature. They range from the dorsal slit incision, the squeeze technique using the Gomco clamp or Plastibell, the sleeve resection technique, and the guillotine technique. An alternative technique, which has not been previously described, is presented.

Surgical repair of atresia of nasal passages.

Surgical correction of nasal atresia following healing of smallpox lesions in a 15-year-old girl is presented. The surgical technique used was complete excision of the scars and resurfacing of the resulting wound with grafts of full-thickness retroauricular skin. Particular attention was paid to prevention of postoperative contracture.

Dermatomycoses in Indonesia.

A review of mycologic surveys and case reports indicates the unique occurrence of deep and superficial fungus infections of the skin as encountered in Indonesia, confirming that each country has its own pathogenic mycologic flora. Such diseases as phycomycosis, histoplasmosis, mycetoma, chromomycosis, cryptococcosis, and dermatophytosis are common.