Cultured fibroblast monolayers secrete a protein that alters the cellular binding of somatomedin-C/insulinlike growth factor I.

We studied somatomedin-C/insulinlike growth factor (Sm-C/IGF-I) binding to human fibroblasts in both adherent monolayers and in suspension cultures. The addition of Sm-C/IGF-I in concentrations between 0.5 and 10 ng/ml to monolayers cultures resulted in a paradoxical increase in 125I-Sm-C/IGF-I binding and concentrations between 25 and 300 ng/ml were required to displace the labeled peptide. The addition of unlabeled insulin resulted in no displacement of labeled Sm-C/IGF-I from the adherent cells. When fibroblast suspensions were used Sm-C/IGF-I concentrations between 1 and 10 ng/ml caused displacement, the paradoxical increase in 125I-Sm-C/IGF-I binding was not detected, and insulin displaced 60% of the labeled peptide. Affinity cross-linking to fibroblast monolayers revealed a 43,000-mol wt 125I-Sm-C-binding-protein complex that was not detected after cross-linking to suspended cells. The 43,000-mol wt complex was not detected after cross-linking to smooth muscle cell monolayers, and binding studies showed that 125I-Sm-C/IGF-I was displaced greater than 90% by Sm-C/IGF-I using concentrations between 0.5 and 10 ng/ml. Because fibroblast-conditioned medium contains the 43,000-mol wt complex, smooth muscle cells were incubated with conditioned medium for 24 h prior to initiation of the binding studies. 125I-Sm-C/IGF-I-binding increased 1.6-fold compared to control cultures and after cross-linking the 43,000-mol wt complex could be detected on the smooth muscle cell surface. Human fibroblast monolayers secrete a protein that binds 125I-Sm-C/IGF-I which can be transferred to the smooth muscle cell surface and alters 125I-Sm-C/IGF-I binding.     

Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in secondary glaucoma associated with Behçet disease

PURPOSE: To determine the outcome of initial trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) in the management of secondary glaucoma associated with Beh?et disease (BD) in a 1-year follow-up period. METHODS: Twenty-three eyes of 13 cases with secondary glaucoma associated with BD, were evaluated prospectively. They underwent primary trabeculectomy with MMC. The operative success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) < or =20 mm Hg (+/- medical therapy) in the absence of phthisis and without the necessity of further surgery for glaucoma and success rates at the postoperative first day, first month, sixth month, and first year were determined. RESULTS: Success was achieved in all of the eyes (100%) at the postoperative first day and month, in 21 eyes (91.3%) at the postoperative sixth month and in 19 eyes (82.6%) at the postoperative first year. The mean preoperative IOP was 30.9+/-5.3 mm Hg under the mean 3.3+/-0.7 antiglaucoma medications but it reduced to 16.8+/-3.1 mm Hg under the mean 1.7+/-0.8 medications at the postoperative sixth month and 18.5+/-3.2 mm Hg under the mean 2.6+/-1.1 medications at the postoperative first year. CONCLUSIONS: Trabeculectomy with MMC provides reduction of IOP and the number of antiglaucoma medications in cases with secondary glaucoma associated with BD in a 1-year follow-up period.     

Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra. extract exhibits antinociceptive activity in the mouse

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antinociceptive activity of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra. extract. The lyophilized extract was administered to male Swiss mice. Formalin paw test and tail flick tests were used for the evaluation of the antinociceptive activity. Plant extract (10, 25, 50 and 60 mg kg(-1), i.p.) (n = 16-24 for each group) or vehicle (n = 27) was administered 30 min before the subplantar formalin injection. In the tail flick test, mice were examined for latency to withdraw their tails from a noxious thermal stimulus using a tail flick meter (n = 8 for each group). The effects of the extract on sensorimotor performance was also assessed (n = 16-24 for each group). The extract caused a significant dose-related inhibition of the first phase (50, 60 mg kg(-1), i.p.) and second phase (10, 25, 50 and 60 mg kg(-1), i.p.) of formalin induced hindpaw licking. Additionally, the extract administration (50, 60 mg kg(-1), i.p.) increased the tail flick latencies. No significant change was observed in any of the treatment groups in the sensorimotor performance test. The observed antinociceptive activity of the extract may be due to its noradrenaline and serotonin reuptake blocking activity. Moreover, the probable antiinflammatory activity of the extract may play a role in the dose-related inhibition of the second phase of formalin paw test.     

Antibiotic treatment is superior to ursodeoxycholic acid on total parenteral nutrition associated hepatic dysfunction

Purpose  

This study aimed to investigate the apoptotic mechanisms, oxidative stress, and mechanisms of effect of antibiotics and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-associated liver injury.