MESNA (2-Mercaptoethanesulfonate) Attenuates Brain, Heart, and Lung Injury Induced by Carotid Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats.

Background: Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) causes organ dysfunction as a result of the increased formation of various reactive oxygen metabolites, infiltration of inflammatory cells, interstitial edema, cellular dysfunction, and tissue death. Aim: The study aimed to investigate the cytoprotective effect of 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (MESNA) against tissue damage in rats exposed to carotid ischemia-reperfusion. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): sham, carotid I/R, I/R + MESNA (75 mg/kg), and I/R + MESNA (150 mg/kg) groups. To induce ischemia in rats, the carotid arteries were ligated with silk sutures for 10 min; the silk suture was then opened, and 1 h reperfusion was done. MESNA (75 and 150 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before ischemia-reperfusion. Tissue samples from the animals were taken for histological examination, while the serum levels of some biochemical parameters were utilized to evaluate the systemic alterations. ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests were applied with a significance level of 5%. Results: The ischemia-reperfusion-induced tissue damage as evidenced by increase in serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde, lactate dehydrogenase, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, -2, -8) was significantly (P < 0.05-0.0001) reversed after treatment with MESNA in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with MESNA (75 and 150 mg/kg), significantly (P < 0.05-0.0001) decreased the I/R-induced increase in serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1-beta (IL-1 ß). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that MESNA has a protective effect on tissues by suppressing cellular responses to oxidants and inflammatory mediators associated with carotid ischemia-reperfusion.

Non-HACEK Gram-negative bacillus endocarditis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of clinical data using 26 diagnosed non-HACEK Gram-negative infective endocarditis cases from nine hospitals in Turkey. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 53 (28-84) years, with a 23% case fatality. Nineteen (73%) of the 26 patients had at least one predisposing factor. The presence of a central venous catheter was the most common predisposing factor (7/26 patients). Pseudomonasaeruginosa (7/26 patients) and Escherichiacoli (7/26 patients) were the most common pathogens. The median duration of the antibiotic therapy was 42 days (range 3-84 days). Surgical procedures were performed in 10 patients. The case fatality was similar in patients who did or did not undergo surgery (20% vs. 25%).