Blockade of CXCR1/2 chemokine receptors protects against brain damage in ischemic stroke in mice: Ischemia and Reparixin

OBJECTIVE:

Ischemic stroke may result from transient or permanent reductions of regional cerebral blood flow. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils have been described as the earliest inflammatory cells to arrive in ischemic tissue. CXCR1/2 receptors are involved in the recruitment of these cells. However, the contribution of these chemokine receptors during transient brain ischemia in mice remains poorly understood. In this work, we investigated the effects of reparixin, an allosteric antagonist of CXCR1/2 receptors, in a model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion in mice.

METHODS:

C57BL/6J male mice treated with reparixin or vehicle were subjected to a middle cerebral artery occlusion procedure 1 h after the treatment. Ninety minutes after ischemia induction, the monofilament that prevented blood flow was removed. Twenty-four hours after the reperfusion procedure, behavioral changes, including motor signs, were analyzed with the SmithKline/Harwell/Imperial College/Royal Hospital/Phenotype Assessment (SHIRPA) battery. The animals were sacrificed, and brain tissue was removed for histological and biochemical analyses. Histological sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, neutrophil infiltration was estimated by myeloperoxidase activity and the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β was measured by ELISA.

RESULTS:

Pre-treatment with reparixin reduced the motor deficits observed in this model of ischemia and reperfusion. Myeloperoxidase activity and IL-1β were reduced in the reparixin-treated group. Histological analysis revealed that ischemic injury was also attenuated by reparixin pre-treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest that the blockade of the CXCR1/2 receptors by reparixin promotes neuroprotective effects by reducing the levels of polymorphonuclear infiltration in the brain and the tissue damage associated with middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion.     

Is it useful to perform carbon monoxide diffusion capacity and respiratory muscle function tests in patients with multiple sclerosis without disability?

Background and objective: Impairment of respiratory function has been described in end‐stage multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as in patients with mild to severe disability. No data are available regarding the respiratory function of MS patients without disability. The objective of this study was to assess the pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity of the lungs (DL_CO) in patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) without disability. Methods: Twenty‐seven RRMS patients and 25 healthy control subjects were recruited. All subjects underwent clinical and neurological examination, and spirometry; lung volumes, DL_CO and maximal respiratory pressures were measured. All subjects were rated on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale scales. Results: There were no significant differences in age, gender, height, weight or body mass index between the groups. The mean duration of illness in the MS group was 5.44 ± 3.74 years, and the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale was 0.62 ± 0.65. The mean values for total lung capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) and FEV₁/FVC were normal in both groups. Fifteen RRMS patients exhibited a reduction in maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), but only one patient exhibited a reduction in maximal inspiratory pressure. The mean values for DL_CO were lower in RRMS patients (P = 0.0004) than in the control group. DL_CO was decreased in 15 (55.55%), out of 27 RRMS patients. The fatigue scale results were not correlated with pulmonary function test results Conclusions: DL_CO and MEP may be impaired in RRMS patients without disability.     

Noradrenaline induces peripheral antinociception by endogenous opioid release

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate this involvement in not inflammatory model of pain and which opioid receptor subtype mediates noradrenaline-induced peripheral antinociception. Noradrenaline is involved in the intrinsic control of pain-inducing pro-nociceptive effects in the primary afferent nociceptors. However, inflammation can induce various plastic changes in the central and peripheral noradrenergic system that, upon interaction with the immune system, may contribute, in part, to peripheral antinociception.

Curcumin supplementation improves oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

International Urology and Nephrology - Recent studies have shed light on the potential role of curcumin in mitigating inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to...     

Calcium and phosphorus contents of body parts of some domestic animals used as meat source in Nigeria

ObjectiveTo investigate the calcium and phosphorus contents of four domestic animals used as sources of meat in Nigeria.MethodsThe calcium contents of the body parts of the animals were determined using atomic absorption spectrometer. Their phosphorus contents were determined colorimetrically using the molybdenum blue method.ResultsThe calcium and phosphorus contents were significantly higher in the bone samples than in the other animal parts investigated (P<0.05). The calcium contents of all the edible parts were higher in chicken than in the other animals. High calcium and phosphorus contents were detected in the faeces of chicken and goat, and that of cattle and goat, respectively. Low calcium and phosphorus contents were detected in the urine samples. Calcium: phosphorus ratios calculated for the bones of chicken, cattle and goat were satisfactory.ConclusionsIn conclusion, calcium and phosphorus contents of the animal parts vary significantly and their relative contents may be related to the animal's diet. Chicken parts may be the preferred dietary source of these minerals. This study highlights the need for routine investigation of the mineral contents of food, which is necessary for proper nutritional guidelines.     

Family presence during resuscitation and invasive procedures

The practice of allowing family to be present during patient resuscitation or invasive procedures (Family Presence) is gaining acceptance in North America and the United Kingdom in controlled circumstances. Research into Family Presence has demonstrated multiple benefits for the patient, family and health care team. These advantages include helping the family to understand the severity of the illness/trauma and to see that appropriate attempts were undertaken to save their loved one. Family Presence can also facilitate improved communication between the health care team and family. In spite of evidence supporting Family Presence as a useful practice for patient, family and health care team, the use of Family Presence is uncommon within Australian emergency departments and hospitals. Clear expectations at organisational, governmental and professional levels are essential to effectively implement this approach. To be supported in the clinical area, the success of a Family Presence program requires an inclusive approach to program development. A critical component of a successful Family Presence program is a family facilitator who is adequately prepared for the role and committed to supporting the family during resuscitation or invasive procedures. Research exploring Family Presence in Australia is lacking and highlights the need for context specific research in this area.