Acute cholestatic hepatitis caused by amoxicillin/ clavulanate

Amoxicillin/clavulanate is a synthetic penicillin that is currently commonly used,especially for the treatment of respiratory and cutaneous infections.In general,it is a well-tolerated oral antibiotic.However,amoxicillin/clavulanate can cause adverse effects,mainly cutaneous,gastrointestinal,hepatic and hematologic,in some cases.Presented here is a case report of a 63-yearold male patient who developed cholestatic hepatitis after recent use of amoxicillin/clavulanate.After 6 wk of prolonged use of the drug,he began to show signs of cholestatic icterus and developed severe hyperbilirubinemia(total bilirubin>300 mg/L).Diagnostic investigation was conducted by ultrasonography of the upper abdomen,serum tests for infection history,laboratory screening of autoimmune diseases,nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)of the abdomen with bile duct-NMR and transcutaneous liver biopsy guided by ultrasound.The duration of disease was approximately 4 mo,with complete resolution of symptoms and laboratory changes at the end of that time period.Specific treatment was not instituted,only a combination of anti-emetic(metoclopramide)and cholestyramine for pruritus.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Tabernaemontana catharinensis

In this work we describe the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and toxic activities as well as the phytochemical profile of the ethanol extract from Tabernaemontana catharinensis A. DC. (Apocynaceae) stem bark. Analgesic evaluation was carried out against chemical and thermal stimuli. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated on carrageenan-induced edema in rats and toxicological studies (LD₅₀) were conducted in mice. Phytochemical analyses were performed by standardized methodology. In an analgesic assay, acetic acid-induced writhings were significantly inhibited by extract doses of 37.5?mg/kg (40.97%), 75?mg/kg (77.70%) and 150?mg/kg (88.98%). A central analgesia was also observed using T. catharinensis extract at all doses tested, particularly noticed at 60 and 90?min following administration. The extract significantly reduced edema development by 30.35% (37.5?mg/kg), 34.46% (75?mg/kg), and 56.42% (150?mg/kg) when assessed 180?min following carrageenan intraplantar injection, demonstrating an effective anti-inflammatory action. The LD₅₀ value was 2200?mg/kg. Phytochemical analyses of ethanol extract from Tabernaemontana catharinensis stem bark showed the presence of alkaloids and terpenoids, which may be responsible for the observed pharmacological activities described in this work.     

Nuclear localization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in ameloblastomas

Background: Ameloblastoma is a locally invasive neoplasm often associated with morbidity and facial deformities, showing increased Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) expression. Inhibition of EGFR was suggested as a treatment option for a subset of ameloblastomas. However, there are resistance mechanisms that impair anti-EGFR therapies. One important resistance mechanism for EGFR-inhibition is the EGFR nuclear localization, which activates genes responsible for its mitogenic effects, such as Cyclin D1.Methods: We assessed EGFR nuclear localization in encapsulated (unicystic, n = 3) and infiltrative (multicystic, n = 11) ameloblastomas and its colocalization with Cyclin D1 by using anti-EGFR and anti-lamin B1 double labeling immunofluorescence analyzed by confocal microscopy. Oral inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma samples were used for comparison.Results: Twelve cases of ameloblastoma exhibited nuclear EGFR colocalization with lamin B1. This positive staining was mainly observed in the ameloblast-like cells. The EGFR nuclear localization was also observed in control samples. In addition, nuclear EGFR colocalized with Cyclin D1 in ameloblastomas.Conclusions: Nuclear EGFR occurs in ameloblastomas in association with Cyclin D1 expression, which is important in terms of tumor biology clarification and raises a concern about anti-EGFR treatment resistance in ameloblastomas.     

The influence of a diet based on flaxseed,an omega-3 source,during different developmental periods,on the blood pressure of rats submitted to stress

Objective: This study aimed to investigate a flaxseed diet during different developmental periods, and its effect on the blood pressure of rats submitted to stress.

Methods: Fifty-six male rats (F₁), born from 14 rats (F₀), were divided into seven groups (n?=?8): flaxseed group (FG); flaxseed group gestation and lactation (FG-GL); flaxseed group weaning (FG-W); flaxseed group weaning and stress (FG-WS); flaxseed group stress (FG-S); flaxseed group gestation lactation and weaning (FG-GLW), and control Group (CG). Stress protocol was undertaken for 1 month. Blood pressure was analysed before and after the stress protocol. The left adrenal glands and serum corticosterone levels were analysed.

Results: Systolic blood pressure before stress was lower in all groups with flaxseed diet compared with the CG (p?=?.00001). After stress, CG showed higher blood pressure compared with FG, FG-GL, and FG-GLW (p?=?.004). The levels of corticosterone were lower in the FG between all groups (p?p?Conclusions: Results suggest a possible factor from a flaxseed diet against the effects of stress on a blood pressure in all periods of life but especially in the gestation and lactation periods.