胸腺素β4对大鼠脑缺血再灌注后内质网应激的影响

目的研究胸腺素β4(Tβ4)对SD大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤后内质网应激的影响。方法选取健康成年雄性SD大鼠48只,采用随机数字表法分为假手术组(Sham组)、脑缺血再灌注组(I/R组)和Tβ4干预组(Tβ4组),每组16只。采用线栓法制作大鼠大脑中动脉栓塞模型;Tβ4组在造模前、后1 h各腹腔注射1次Tβ4(8μg·kg~(-1)),Sham组和I/R组腹腔注射等量生理盐水。采用Longa评分法进行神经功能评分;采用TTC染色法测定脑梗死体积;采用TUNEL法检测神经细胞凋亡指数;采用HE染色法观察脑组织病理学改变;采用Western-blot法检测缺血脑组织葡萄糖调节蛋白78(GRP78)、C/EBP同源蛋白(CHOP)和Caspase 12表达水平。结果大鼠缺血再灌注24 h后,与Sham组相比,I/R组和Tβ4组大鼠神经功能评分、脑梗死体积及神经细胞凋亡指数均明显增加(P <0.05),GRP78、CHOP、Caspase 12蛋白表达增多(P <0.05);与I/R组相比,Tβ4组大鼠神经功能评分、脑梗死体积及神经细胞凋亡指数均有减少(P <0.05),GRP78表达增高,而CHOP和Caspase12表达明显降低(P <0.05)。结论胸腺素β4对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤具有一定的保护作用,该机制可能与其上调GRP78表达、下调CHOP和Caspase 12表达,从而减轻内质网应激有关。     

姜黄素联合黄芩苷对乙醇诱导大鼠肝细胞凋亡的干预作用研究

目的探讨姜黄素和黄芩苷对乙醇诱导大鼠肝细胞凋亡的保护作用及其潜在机制。方法 50只健康雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为正常对照组、乙醇模型组(50%v/v)、姜黄素干预组(50 mg/kg·bw)、黄芩苷干预组(50 mg/kg·bw)及姜黄素和黄芩苷联合干预组。TUNEL染色观察大鼠肝细胞凋亡情况,RT-qPCR检测大鼠肝CHOP、GRP78、ASK1、MKK3、Caspase-3和Caspase-12的mRNA表达水平,Western blot检测大鼠肝CHOP、GRP78、ASK1、p-ASK1、MKK3、p-MKK3、Caspase-3和Caspase-12的蛋白表达水平。结果与对照组相比,乙醇模型组肝组织TUNEL阳性细胞数、CHOP、GRP78、Caspase-3和Caspase-12的mRNA表达水平及CHOP、GRP78、p-ASK1、p-MKK3、Caspase-3和Caspase-12的蛋白表达水平均上调(P0.05)。联合干预组TUNEL阳性细胞数、CHOP、GRP78、p-MKK3、Caspase-3和Caspase-12的蛋白表达水平均低于乙醇模型组及姜黄素和黄芩苷单独干预组(P0.05),CHOP和GRP78的mRNA表达水平低于乙醇模型组(P0.05),p-ASK1水平和Caspase-3 mRNA表达水平低于乙醇模型组和姜黄素干预组(P0.05),Caspase-12 mRNA表达水平低于乙醇模型组和黄芩苷干预组(P0.05)。此外,姜黄素和黄芩苷联用对GRP78和Caspase-3 mRNA表达及p-ASK1/ASK1和p-MKK3/MKK3的比值存在协同交互作用,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论姜黄素和黄芩苷可能通过抑制内质网应激凋亡通路而减轻乙醇诱导的大鼠肝细胞过度凋亡。     

人参皂苷Rg1对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾脏内质网应激的影响

目的观察人参皂苷Rg1(G-Rg1)对单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)模型大鼠肾组织内质网应激反应(ERS)的影响。方法 22只SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、治疗组。治疗组在UUO的基础上给予G-Rg120 mg·kg-1·d-1腹腔注射,模型组及对照组均给予等剂量的生理盐水腹腔注射。14 d后处死大鼠,收集血标本检测肾功能,肾组织行肾脏病理染色及蛋白印迹法检测各组大鼠内质网应激相关蛋白GRP78、凋亡蛋白CHOP等的表达情况。结果模型组大鼠肾功能恶化明显,肾间质纤维化、炎细胞浸润等明显加重;蛋白印迹法结果表明GRP78、CHOP的表达明显增多;治疗组大鼠肾功能明显好转,肾脏病理损害减轻,同时ERS相关蛋白GRP78、CHOP的表达下降。结论 G-Rg1可以通过抑制内质网应激反应减轻UUO模型的肾间质纤维化,发挥肾脏保护作用。     

阿托伐他汀对2型糖尿病大鼠心肌GRP78和CHOP表达的影响

探讨阿托伐他汀对2型糖尿病大鼠心肌组织内质网应激相关因子CCAAT/增强子结合蛋白同源蛋白（CHOP）和葡萄糖调节蛋白78（GRP78）表达的影响。将Wistar大鼠随机分为正常对照组（NC组）、糖尿病心肌病模型组（DCM组）和阿托伐他汀治疗组（DCM+Ato组）。采取高脂肪饲料喂养加一次性腹腔注射链脲佐菌素的方式制备2型糖尿病心肌病大鼠模型,DCM+Ato组大鼠予阿托伐他汀干预8周。采用左室插管评估大鼠心功能,HE染色观察心肌组织病理学改变,TUNEL法测定心肌细胞凋亡水平,Western blot检测心肌组织的GRP78和CHOP蛋白表达量。DCM组较NC组细胞肥大,排列紊乱,形态不规则,DCM+Ato组较DCM组改善。与NC组比较,DCM组左室舒张末期压（LVEDP）显著升高,左室收缩压（LVSP）和左室压力上升或下降最大速率（LV±dp/dt max）显著降低,细胞凋亡率升高,GRP78、CHOP表达明显升高（P＜0.05）;与DCM组比较,DCM+Ato组LVEDP显著降低,LVSP和LV±dp/dt max显著升高,细胞凋亡率降低,GRP78、CHOP表达明显下降（P＜0.05）。阿托伐他汀能有效减轻2型糖尿病大鼠的心肌病理损伤及改善心功能,可能与下调内质网应激相关因子GRP78、CHOP的表达,减少心肌细胞凋亡有关。     

原花青素对脑缺血再灌注后大鼠海马内质网应激相关分子GRP78和CHOP表达的影响

目的:探讨原花青素(procyanidin,PC)对脑缺血再灌注后大鼠海马内质网应激(endoplasmic re-ticulum stress,ERS)相关分子表达的影响。方法:将180只SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组和PC组,每组60只。PC组于术前1周灌胃给予PC(100 mg.kg-1)然后建立脑缺血再灌注模型,分别在脑缺血再灌注后3,6,12,24和48 h处死大鼠。观察不同时间点大鼠的神经行为表现;焦油紫染色处理大鼠海马组织切片,光镜观察病理学改变;末端标记法(TUNEL)检测细胞凋亡;采用免疫组化及RT-PCR方法检测脑缺血再灌注后不同时间点大鼠海马GRP78和CHOP的表达。结果:PC组大鼠脑缺血再灌注后的神经功能缺损明显改善,与模型组相比具有统计学差异(P<0.01),其细胞凋亡数亦明显少于模型组(P<0.05);模型组与假手术组相比,GRP78与CHOP明显升高(P<0.01),PC组GRP78表达高于模型组(P<0.05),而PC组CHOP表达低于模型组(P<0.05)。结论:PC对脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠具有保护作用,其机制可能与其增加GRP78表达、拮抗CHOP表达、阻断内质网应激(E...     

罗哌卡因对骨肉瘤细胞增殖和凋亡的影响及作用机制

目的探讨罗哌卡因对骨肉瘤细胞增殖和凋亡的影响及作用机制。方法体外培养骨肉瘤细胞 MG63,分为对照组、低剂量罗哌卡因组、中剂量罗哌卡因组、高剂量罗哌卡因组、 anti?miR?NC组、 anti?miR?199b?5p组、中剂量罗哌卡因 +miR?199b?5p组和中剂量罗哌卡因 +miR?NC组。四甲基偶氮唑盐微量酶反应比色法(MTT法)检测细胞增殖,流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡,白质印迹法(Western Blot)检测细胞中细胞周期蛋白 D1(CyclinD1)、 P21、B细胞淋巴瘤 /白血病 ?2(Bcl?2)、 Bcl?2相关 X蛋白蛋(Bax)表达水平,实时荧光定量逆转录 PCR(RT?qPCR)检测细胞中 miR?199b?5p表达水平。结果与对照组比较,低剂量罗哌卡因组、中剂量罗哌卡因组、高剂量罗哌卡因组 MG63细胞增殖能力［(0.88±0.08)、(0.49±0.05)、(0.34±0.03)比(0.92±0.09)］、 Cyclin D1蛋白［(0.85±0.08)、(0.66±0.06)、(0.41±0.04)比(0.95±0.09)］表达降低(P＜0.05),而 P21［(0.18±0.02)、(0.37±0.04)、(0.71±0.07)比(0.14±0.01)］蛋白表达升高(P＜0.05)中剂量罗哌卡因组 Bcl?2蛋白［(0.20±0.02)比(0.76±0.07)］及 miR?199b?5p［(0.13±0.01)比(0.82±0.08)］的表达降低(P＜0.05),而,MG63细胞凋亡率［(23.51±2.42)%比(7.66±0.75)%］和 Bax蛋白［(0.89±0.09)比(0.28±0.03)］表达升高(P＜0.05)。与 anti?miR?NC组比较, anti?miR?199b?5p组 MG63细胞增殖能力［(0.64±0.06)比(0.98±0.09)］及 Cyclin D1蛋白［(0.40±0.04)比(0.95±0.09)］和 Bcl?2蛋白［(0.36±0.03)比(0.76±0.07)］的表达降低(P＜0.05),而 MG63细胞凋亡率［(19.56±1.58)%比(7.66±0.75)%］及 P21［(0.53±0.05)比(0.14±0.01)］和 Bax［(0.71±0.07)比(0.28±0.03)］的蛋白表达升高(P＜0.05)。与中剂量罗哌卡因 +miR?NC组比较,中剂量罗哌卡因 +miR?199b?5p组 MG63细胞增殖能力［(0.58±0.06)比(0.36±0.03)］及 Cyclin D1蛋白［(0.71±0.07)比(0.40±0.04)］和 Bcl?2蛋白［(0.53±0.05)比(0.21±0.02)］的表达升高(P＜0.05),而 MG63细胞凋亡率［(12.68±1.23)%比(23.35±2.34)%］及 P21［(0.37±0.03)比(0.72±0.07)］和 Bax［(0.57±0.06)比(0.88±0.09)］的蛋白表达降低(P＜0.05)。结论罗哌卡因可能通过下调 miR?199b?5p降低了骨肉瘤细胞的增殖,并促进了其凋亡。     

内质网应激介导白藜芦醇对心肌细胞肥大的保护作用

目的探讨白藜芦醇(resveratrol,Res)对异丙肾上腺素(isoproterenol,ISO)诱导的心肌细胞肥大的保护作用及与内质网应激的关系。方法利用ISO建立乳鼠心肌肥大细胞模型,分为正常对照组、ISO组,白藜芦醇干预组和白藜芦醇对照组。检测心肌细胞表面积和ANP基因表达;流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率;检测培养液中乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)和丙二醛(MDA)漏出量;实时定量PCR和Western blot分析GRP78和CHOP的基因和蛋白表达。结果 Res有效抑制ISO诱导的心肌细胞肥大和凋亡,表现为降低心肌细胞表面积和ANP基因表达,减少LDH、MDA漏出量和心肌细胞凋亡率,同时下调GRP78和CHOP的基因和蛋白表达。结论Res可能通过抑制内质网应激相关因子GRP78和CHOP表达发挥对心肌肥大的保护作用。     

富氢水对糖尿病视网膜病变大鼠硫氧还蛋白相互作用蛋白/核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白 3通路及视网膜血管通透性的影响

目的探究富氢水对糖尿病视网膜病变大鼠视网膜血管通透性及硫氧还蛋白相互作用蛋白(TXNIP)/核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白 3(NLRP3)通路的影响。方法 2020年 6—9月,SD大鼠采用随机数字表法选取 15只为空白组,其余大鼠尾静脉注射链脲佐菌素(STZ,60 mg/kg)和高脂饲料喂养构建 DR模型,造模成功的大鼠采用随机数字表法分为模型组、富氢水低、高剂量组(5、10 mL/kg)每组 15只。连续给药 28 d后,记录大鼠体质量,检测空腹血糖(FBG)水平;眼底照相和荧光素血管造影(FFA)观察大鼠右眼新生,血管和荧光素渗漏现象;光学相干断层扫描(OCT)检测视网膜厚度;伊文思蓝-白蛋白复合物渗漏分析视网膜血管通透性;HE染色观察视网膜病理变化;免疫荧光染色观察新生血管形成情况;TUNEL染色检测视网膜细胞凋亡;酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)试剂盒测量视网膜匀浆中血管生成素-1(Ang-1)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、白细胞介素 1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素 6(IL-6)水平;WB法检测视网膜 TXNIP/NLRP3通路和凋亡相关蛋白的表达。结果与空白组相比,模型组大鼠 FBG［(26.49±2.18)mmol/L比(5.76±1.09)mmol/L］、血-视网膜屏障(BRB)通透性［(32.51±2.05)μg/g比(11.24±1.76)μg/g］、视网膜细胞凋亡［(23.31±2.14)%比(0.07±0.01)%］、Bcl-2相关 X蛋白(Bax)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)、TXNIP［(0.85±0.09)比(0.40±0.05)］、NLRP3［(0.93±0.10)比(0.48±0.07)］、IL-1β［(0.74±0.05)比(0.41±0.04)］、胱天蛋白酶-1(caspase-1)［(0.78±0.07)比(0.24±0.04)］表达、Bax/Bcl-2比值、视网膜匀浆中 Ang-1、VEGF、IL-1β、IL-6水平显著增加(P<0.05),体质量、视网膜厚度［(148.31±12.76)μm比(223.57±17.23)μm］显著降低(P<0.05),视网膜有较多新生血管和血管曲折,血管渗漏严重,视网膜细胞明显水肿,有大量炎性渗出,神经节细胞层(GCL)细胞数量减少;与模型组相比,富氢水低、高剂量组大鼠 FBG［(20.85±3.45) mmol/L、(14.27±2.42)mmol/L比(26.49±2.18)mmol/L］、BRB通透性［(24.67±1.85)μg/g、(17.48±1.63)μg/g比(32.51±2.05)μg/g］、视网膜细胞凋亡［(14.65±1.36)%、(9.85±1.22)%比(23.31±2.14)%］、Bax、Bcl-2、TXNIP［(0.64±0.09)、(0.52±0.08)比(0.85±0.09)］、NLRP3［(0.72±0.09)、(0.61±0.08)比(0.93±0.10)］、IL-1β［(0.62±0.06)、(0.53±0.05)比(0.74±0.05)］、caspase-1［(0.57±0.06)、(0.41±0.05)比(0.78±0.07)］表达、Bax/Bcl-2比值、视网膜匀浆中 Ang-1、VEGF、IL-1β、IL-6水平明显降低(P<0.05)体质量、视网膜厚度［(173.62±14.46)μm、(196.54±15.75)μm比(148.31±12.76)μm］明显增加(P<0.05)视网膜水肿情况减轻, CLG,细胞数量明显增加,损伤得到改善。结论富氢水可抑制新生血管形成,降低 DR大鼠视网膜血管通,透性,减轻视网膜神经元损伤;其作用机制可能与抑制 TXNIP/NLRP3通路的激活有关。     

微小RNA-150 靶向c-Myb 表达对T 淋巴细胞白血病Jurkat细胞增殖的影响

目的探讨微小RNA-150(miR-150)靶向c-Myb表达对人T淋巴细胞白血病(T-LL)Jurkat细胞增殖的影响。方法体外培养人Jurkat细胞,分为空白对照组(不转染)、阴性对照组(转染negative control-miR-150)和miR-150过表达组(转染hsamiR-150 mimic)。实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)法检测Jurkat细胞中miR-150 及c-Myb 表达;人胆囊收缩素/缩胆囊素八肽(CCK-8)法检测Jurkat细胞增殖;流式细胞仪检测各组Jurkat细胞凋亡情况;双荧光素酶报告基因实验检测miR-150和c-Myb的靶向关系;蛋白质印迹法(Western blotting)检测各组Jurkat细胞中c-Myb、增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)蛋白表达情况。结果空白对照组与阴性对照组Jurkat细胞中miR-150表达水平、c-Myb mRNA及蛋白表达水平、OD值、细胞凋亡率、及PCNA、Bax蛋白水平差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);与空白对照组相比,miR-150过表达组Jurkat细胞中miR-150表达水平［(1.42±0.14)比(1.03±0.09)］、凋亡率［(20.79±1.15)%比(8.76±0.74)%］、Bax蛋白表达水平［(0.65±0.18)比(0.42±0.13)］显著升高(P<0.05),c-Myb mRNA［(0.66±0.14)比(0.98±0.09)］及蛋白表达水平［(0.37±0.06)比(0.64±0.12)］、OD值［(0.25±0.06)比(0.46±0.09)］、PCNA蛋白表达水平［(0.33±0.07)比(0.56±0.11)］显著降低(P<0.05)。双荧光素酶报告基因实验显示,c-Myb是miR-150的靶基因。结论miR-150靶向c-Myb表达抑制Jurkat细胞增殖并诱导其凋亡。     

丹红注射液对感染性休克大鼠肺损伤的保护作用机制

目的观察丹红注射液(DHI)对感染性休克(SS)大鼠肺损伤的保护作用,并探讨其作用机制。方法2018年4月至2019年8月,48只健康雄性SD大鼠采用随机数字表法分为对照组、模型组、DHI干预组和阳性对照组,12只/组。采用腹腔注射脂多糖构建内毒素性休克致肺损伤模型;造模成功后,DHI干预组经腹腔注射2 mL/kg DHI,阳性对照组经腹腔注射1 mL/kg地塞米松,模型组和对照组大鼠均予以等体积生理盐水。通过苏木精-伊红(HE)染色观察大鼠肺组织病理改变;测量肺组织湿干质量比(W/D);采用酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)检测肺组织中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL)-6含量水平;采用免疫组织化学法检测肺组织核因子-κB(NF-κB)及κB抑制因子α(IκB-α)蛋白表达。结果模型组大鼠肺组织W/D较对照组增加［(5.56±0.51)比(4.02±0.37)］,DHI干预组肺组织W/D较模型组降低［(4.72±0.44)比(5.56±0.51)］(P<0.05),DHI干预组与阳性对照组W/D［(4.72±0.44)比(4.45±0.46)］比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);模型组TNF-α［(0.66±0.08)μg/g比(0.23±0.06)μg/g］,IL-6［(128.04±10.35)ng/g比(38.17±6.82)ng/g］含量较对照组升高(P<0.05),DHI干预组TNF-α［(0.41±0.06)μg/g比(0.66±0.08)ng/g］,IL-6［(66.38±6.20)ng/g比(128.04±10.35)ng/g］含量较模型组下调(P<0.05),阳性对照组肺组织TNF-α［(0.38±0.07)μg/g比(0.41±0.06)μg/g］,IL-6［(60.54±5.27)ng/g比(66.38±6.20)ng/g］含量与DHI干预组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);与对照组比较,模型组NF-κB(p65)及IκB-α呈强阳性免疫反应,与模型组比较,DHI干预组NF-κB(p65)及IκB-α阳性反应减弱,阳性细胞百分比下降(P<0.05),DHI干预组与阳性对照组NF-κB(p65)及IκB-α阳性细胞百分比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论DHI可能通过抑制NF-κB活化,减少TNF-α、IL-6等促炎细胞因子表达,在SS大鼠肺损伤中发挥保护作用。     

Interindividual variability in metabolic activation in humans in vivo

In assessing interindividual variability in metabolic activation, the toxic metabolite is often too unstable for conventional analysis. Possible alternatives include a stable product of the reactive metabolite e.g. cysteinyl derivatives of N-acetyl-4-benzoquinoneimine, the toxic metabolite of paracetamol, adducts with DNA or protein, and indirect measurement of the activity of the enzyme(s) producing the active metabolite. An example of the last approach is the use of furafylline, a highly specific inhibitor of human CYP1A2, to determine the extent of the metabolic activation of the cooked food mutagens PhIP and MeIQx. The extent of inhibition, determined from levels of unchanged amine in urine, is an indirect measure of the activity of the activation pathway. Further refinement of this approach, allied to improved measures of the biological process of interest should prove of value in evaluating interindividual variability and its role in the risk assessment process.     

Quantitative in vivo and in vitro sex differences in artemisinin metabolism in rat

1. The pharmacokinetics of the antimalarial compound artemisinin were compared in the male and female Sprague-Dawley rat after single dose i.v. (20 mg.kg) or i.p. (50 mg.kg) administration of an emulsion formulation. 2. Plasma clearance of artemisinin was 12.0 (95% confidence interval: 10.4, 13.0) l.h. kg in the male rat and 10.6 (95% CI: 7.5, 15.0) l.h. kg in the female rat suggesting high hepatic extraction in combination with erythrocyte uptake or clearance. Artemisinin half-life was 0.5 h after both routes of administration in both sexes. Values for plasma clearance and half-lives did not statistically differ between the sexes. 3. After i.p. administration artemisinin AUCs were 2-fold higher in the female compared with male rat (p 0.001). Artemisinin disappearance was 3.9-fold greater in microsomes from male compared with female livers and it was inhibited in male microsomes by goat or rabbit serum containing antibodies against CYP2C11 and CYP3A2 but not CYP2B1 or CYP2E1. 4. The unbound fraction of artemisinin in plasma was lower (p 0.001) in plasma obtained from the male (8.8 2.0%) compared with the female rat (11.7 2.2%). 5. The possibility of a marked sex difference, dependent on the route of administration, has to be taken into account in the design and interpretation of toxicological studies of artemisinin in this species.     

Theophylline kinetics in peripheral tissues in vivo in humans

Several biochemical and cellular effects have been described for methylxanthines under in vitro conditions. However, it is unknown, whether threshold concentrations required to exert these effects are attained in target tissues in vivo. We therefore employed the microdialysis technique for measuring theophylline concentrations in peripheral tissues under in vivo conditions.Following in vitro and in vivo calibration, microdialysis probes were inserted into the medial vastus muscle and into the periumbilical subcutaneous adipose layer of healthy volunteers. Following single oral dose administration of 300 mg or i.v. infusion of 240 mg theophylline, in vivo time courses of theophylline concentrations were monitored in tissues and plasma. Major pharmacokinetic parameters (c_max, t_max, AUC) were calculated for plasma and tissue time courses. The mean AUC_tissue /AUC_plasma-ratio was 0.56 (p.o.) and 0.55 (i.v.) for muscle and 0.55 (p.o.) and 0.72 (i.v.) for subcutaneous adipose tissue.We conclude that microdialysis provides important information on the distribution and the tissue pharmacokinetics of theophylline.Abbreviations FPIA Fluorescence polarisation immuno assay - AUC Area under the curve - t_max Time to peak concentration - c_max Peak concentration     

休克时血中氧自由基的变化

本实验测定10名休克患者血浆和红细胞的丙二醛(MDA)、血浆总抗的氧化活性(AOA)的含量。结果表明:休克病人红细胞膜和血浆 MDA 含量(4.298±0.722;5.348±0.834)与对照组(3.235±0.682;4.356±1.081)比较明显增高(P<0.05);血浆 AOA(39.65±7.858)与对照组(48.21±10.81)比较明显降低(P<0.01)。提示:休克时,患者机体内自由基反应增强是引起组织细胞损伤的原因之一。     

Polymorphisms in genes involved in neurotransmission in relation to smoking

Smoking behavior is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The genetic contribution to smoking behavior is at least as great as its contribution to alcoholism. Much progress has been achieved in genomic research related to cigarette-smoking within recent years. Linkage studies indicate that there are several loci linked to smoking, and candidate genes that are related to neurotransmission have been examined. Possible associated genes include cytochrome P450 subfamily polypeptide 6 (CYP2A6), dopamine D₁, D₂, and D₄ receptors, dopamine transporter, and serotonin transporter genes. There are other important candidate genes but studies evaluating the link with smoking have not been reported. These include genes encoding the dopamine D₃ and D₅ receptors, serotonin receptors, tyrosine hydroxylase, trytophan 2,3-dioxygenase, opioid receptors, and cannabinoid receptors. Since smoking-related factors are extremely complex, studies of diverse populations and of many aspects of smoking behavior including initiation, maintenance, cessation, relapse, and influence of environmental factors are needed to identify smoking-associated genes. We now review genetic polymorphisms reported to be involved in neurotransmission in relation to smoking.     

Tramadol concentrations in blood and in cerebrospinal fluid in a neonate

Based on blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples collected in a full-term neonate, the penetration of tramadol in the central nervous system is described. Following intravenous administration of tramadol, a lag time of about 4 h was observed until full blood–brain equilibration was achieved. This pharmacokinetic observation is in line with a recent pharmacodynamic evaluation of the central opioid effects of tramadol in adults.     

Disease control in asthmatic children seen in private practice in Switzerland

ABSTRACT

Background: Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease in Switzerland with a prevalence of 10%. Asthma has a high economic burden accounting for high medical costs. Assessment of disease control is likely to be of help in the implementation of strategies to improve asthma. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate asthma control and therapy regimens among children in private practice.

Methods: We assessed asthma control as well as therapy regimens in 575 asthmatic children in an experience programme in Switzerland by using an abbreviated questionnaire based on the asthma control questionnaire and the child health questionnaire on Visit 1 and Visit 2.

Results: Good asthma control at Visit 1 was only present in 25.7% of asthmatic children. Occasional asthma symptoms, limitation of physical activity, nocturnal awakening and anxiety of the parent was present in 80.5%, 41.2%, 46.8% and 57% of the children, respectively. After adjustment of therapy regimens at Visit 1, mainly by adding a leukotriene receptor antagonist, asthma control was reported to be much better in 53.4% of the children at Visit 2.

Conclusions: As asthma control is inadequately achieved within a major portion of asthmatic children, it is imperative to find measures to improve asthma control and hence, to reduce the burden of disease.