Influence of sertraline on the antinociceptive effect of morphine, metamizol and indomethacin in mice

Interaction between analgesic and various psychotropic drugs constitute a subject of many research investigations. Literature data considering this issue are often inconsistent. Sertraline is one of the most potent drugs in the family of selective serotonine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The influence of sertraline (5 mg/kg) on antinociceptive effect of morphine (10 mg/kg), metamizol (500 mg/kg) and indomethacin (10 mg/kg or 1.4 mg/kg) was investigated in a mouse model using the tail-flick and hot-plate tests. All drugs were injected intraperitoneally. Sertraline was administered to mice 30 min before applying the analgesic drugs. Measurement of nociception was performed within 2 h after sertraline administration. The research studies were futher conducted with multiple (14 days) drug dosage. Sertraline after single dose increased the antinociceptive effect of morphine (in the hot-plate test) and metamizol and indomethacin (only in the tail-flick test). Sertraline after 14 day administration decreased analgesic effect of morphine (only in the hot-plate test). Sertraline applied for 14 days increased the antinociceptive effect of indomethacin. Sertraline alone after multiple doses increased pain reaction time. The results of experiments suggest the role of sertraline in nociception and possibility of interaction between sertraline and analgesic drugs.     

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity in vitro of 2-aminobenzimidazole derivatives

A novel series of Schiff bases 1-11, the derivatives of 2-aminobenzimidazole and substituted aromatic aldehydes, has been synthesised. Compounds 1-11 reduced by NaBH(4) formed 2-benzylaminobenzimidazoles 12-21. 2-(o-Bromobenzylamino)benzimidazole (15) acylated by cinnamoyl chloride gave 2-(o-bromobenzylamino)-1-cinnamoylbenzimidazole (22). Long heating of 15 and 19 with p-nitrocinnamoyl or cinnamoyl chloride led to the formation of pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazol-4-ones 23 and 24. The structures of 1-24 were identified by the results of elemental analysis and their IR, (1)H NMR and MS spectra. Among the compounds 1-24 evaluated for their antiproliferative activity in vitro, 16, 19, 20 and 22 exhibited cytotoxic activity against the cells of human cancer cell lines, namely SW707 (rectal), HCV29T (bladder), A549 (lung) and T47D (breast cancer).     

Favre-Racouchot disease

Solar elastosis with comedones studding the central face is often referred to as Favre-Racouchot disease. These open and cystically dilated comedones tend to appear in the periorbital region of the face. The clinical manifestations, pathogenesis and current treatment of this disorder are reviewed.     

Childhood reactions to terrorism-induced trauma: a review of the past 10 years

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the literature about the clinical presentation and treatment interventions of childhood reactions to terrorism-induced trauma. METHOD: The literature on children's responses to terrorist activities was reviewed. RESULTS: Over the past 10 years, more research has emerged on the subject of terrorism in children. Many of the effects of terrorism-induced trauma are similar to the effects of natural and man-made trauma. Children's responses include acute stress disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, regressive behaviors, separation problems, sleep difficulties, and behavioral problems. However, several aspects of terrorist attacks result in unique stressors and reactions and pose specific challenges for treatment. The unpredictable, indefinite threat of terrorist events, the profound effect on adults and communities, and the effect of extensive terrorist-related media coverage exacerbates underlying anxieties and contributes to a continuous state of stress and anxiety. Intervention strategies include early community-based interventions, screening of children at risk, triage and referral, and trauma-loss-focused treatment programs. CONCLUSIONS: Advances have been made in the research of childhood reactions to terrorism-induced trauma. Further research is needed to identify children at risk and to determine the long-term impact on children's development. Although the preliminary results of interventions developed to help children are promising, outcome data have not been examined, and further research is needed to evaluate their effectiveness.     

Review of child and adolescent refugee mental health

OBJECTIVE: To review stressful experiences and stress reactions among child and adolescent refugees, as well as interventions and ethical considerations in research and clinical work, within the framework of the chronological experiences of child refugees; namely, the phases of preflight, flight, and resettlement. Highlighted are special refugee populations such as unaccompanied minors, asylum seekers, and former child soldiers. Pertinent medical findings are summarized. METHOD: The authors reviewed articles from 1990 to 2003 addressing the topics above. Literature was gathered from databases including PsycINFO, Medline, and SocioFile. Pertinent earlier papers and those from other disciplines cited in database-identified articles were also included. RESULTS: Child and adolescent refugees suffer from significant conflict-related exposures. Reactions to stress may be mediated by coping strategies, belief systems, and social relations. CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed on interventions, specifically on efficacy and cultural relevance. Interventions that have an impact on multiple ecological levels need further development and evaluation.     

Modulation of 3-methylcholanthrene-induced rat hepatic and renal cytochrome P450 and phase II enzymes by plant phenols: protocatechuic and tannic acids

Naturally occurring phenolics, protocatechuic and tannic acids have been reported to be inhibitors of chemical mutagenesis and carcinogenesis in experimental models. Here, we have studied the effect of pretreatment with these compounds on MC-induced cytochrome P450 and phase II enzymes in rats. The male Wistar rats were treated intraperitoneally with protocatechuic acid and tannic acid in the dose of 50mg/kg every 3 days for 2 weeks. MC was administered at the 12th day of phenolics treatment. The activities of EROD (CYP1A1), MROD (CYP1A2), PROD (CYP2B), PNPH (CYP2E1), GST, UDPGT, NQO1 were measured in the liver and kidney. Protocatechuic acid treatment minimally reduced the MC-induced EROD and MROD, but the observed differences were statistically significant. This compound was also a weak inhibitor of hepatic PNPH. Moreover, Western blot analysis with CYP1A1/1A2- and CYP2E1-specific antibodies showed the same effect in the levels of hepatic CYP1A1/1A2 and CYP2E1. Minimal decrease of renal constitutive (by 23%) and more significant reduction of induced form (by 66%) of PNPH was found as result of treatment with protocatechuic acid. Tannic acid alone had no effect on cytochrome P450 enzymes while in combination with MC this polyphenol minimally enhanced the MC induction of MROD and in greater extent PNPH in liver. The treatment with protocatechuic acid alone enhanced slightly the activities of all three phase II enzymes in liver. The pretreatment with this phenolic of the MC-induced rats however significantly increased the activities of hepatic GST and NQO1 in comparison with MC-treated group. In kidney MC-induced activity of NQO1 was reduced (about 43%) to the control level by tannic acid pretreatment. The results of our present study indicate that in rat the prolonged treatment with protocatechuic acid affects differently the activities of CYP and phase II enzyme when compared to tannic acid. Moreover, the effect of this polyphenols significantly depends on the method of treatment.