Multiple Administration of Endogenous Amines TIQ and 1MeTIQ Protects Against a 6-OHDA-Induced Essential Fall of Dopamine Release in the Rat Striatum: In Vivo Microdialysis Study

Parkinson’s disease (PD) represents one of the neurodegenerative disorders which are caused by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway. Different toxins, e.g., 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), are used to model PD in animals. 6-OHDA is a neurotoxin which damages catecholaminergic neurons via production of oxygen radicals. Tetrahydroisoquinolines (TIQs) are endogenous amines which are present in the mammalian brain. Some of them, like TIQ and 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1MeTIQ), demonstrate neuroprotective properties. These compounds act as reversible MAO inhibitors and this way block free radical formation. To continue our previous experiments, we evaluated the effect of acute and chronic treatment with TIQ and 1MeTIQ on locomotor/exploratory activity and the release of dopamine as well as its metabolite 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) in the striatum of unilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned and sham-operated rats using in vivo microdialysis methodology. Additionally, the changes in the concentration of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra were measured. A unilateral 6-OHDA lesion in the substantia nigra produces a strong reduction in the release of dopamine (approx. 70%) and 3-MT (approx. 50%) in the rat striatum. This effect was completely inhibited by multiple administration of TIQ and 1MeTIQ. The results obtained from the in vivo microdialysis study suggest that multiple treatment with both endogenous amines, TIQ and 1MeTIQ, protects dopaminergic neurons against a 6-OHDA-induced deficit of dopamine release. Furthermore, these amines were able to maintain physiological functions of striatal dopamine neurons damaged by a unilateral 6-OHDA lesion.     

Severe dilated cardiomyopathy as a complication of well controlled Churg-Strauss syndrome

We present a case of a 42 year-old male with Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS), who despite clinical remission developed severe dilated cardiomyopathy. Intensified immunosuppression helped to improve heart function. As heart involvement in CSS is very common, and may occur without prior symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging is advisable to identify patients with heart damage and introduce proper treatment.     

Patient‐reported outcome of pediatric epilepsy surgery: Social inclusion or exclusion as young adults?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the social relationships and participation in educational, vocational, and community life in young adults who had undergone epilepsy surgery during childhood or adolescence. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross‐sectional, case‐controlled, and multisite design study. Findings were compared between young adults who had undergone epilepsy surgery and were seizure‐free in the previous 12 months (n = 38), those who had undergone epilepsy surgery and were not seizure‐free (n = 33), and a group of individuals with epilepsy who had not undergone surgery (n = 31). Results: The surgical seizure‐free group had significantly better general social well‐being than the other two groups. Specifically, these participants were employed for more months over the past year, were less likely to report that epilepsy had affected their employment, and were more likely to belong to at least one community organization. However, these participants were not any more likely to be involved in a relationship than those in the other two groups. In addition, there were no group differences in the reported number of friends or the frequency of visits with friends, or in what participants described as their principal activity (i.e., student, employed or unemployed). Discussion: There are a number of benefits to social functioning associated with having had epilepsy surgery and being seizure‐free in the past year. Further research is recommended to increase our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the social and personal challenges that these individuals face.     

Antioxidant potential, paraoxonase 1, ceruloplasmin activity and C-reactive protein concentration in diabetic retinopathy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ferric-reducing ability of serum (FRAS), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), ceruloplasmin serum oxidase activity and hsCRP level in patients with type1 diabetes mellitus without and with diabetic retinopathy. The study was performed in 76 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 35 without diabetic retinopathy (group 1) and 41 with preproliferative and proliferative retinopathy (group 2). Control group consisted of 35 nondiabetic, age-, gender-, body mass-matched healthy volunteers who came to the outpatient clinic for a routine health check-up. We evaluated FRAS using the method described by Benzie and Strain; PON1 by kinetic spectrophotometric assay with paraoxon as substrate and ceruloplasmin using its oxidative activity with 3-phenylenodiamine as substrate. CRP was measured with a high sensitive enzyme immunoassay. PON1 activity was significantly decreased in patients with diabetic retinopathy (227.66 ± 123.57 U/l) when compared with control (312.04 ± 129.77 U/l). FRAS was significantly decreased in group 2 (439.33 ± 79.87 μmol/l) when compared with group 1 (522.79 ± 167.56 μmol/l) and control (529.80 ± 81.99 μmol/l). Ceruloplasmin activity was significantly elevated in group 1 (58.36 ± 22.56 U/g protein) when compared with control (45.22 ± 14.96 U/g protein). We have found significant increase in hsCRP level in group 2 (3.71 ± 2.47 mg/l) when compared with group 1 (1.75 ± 1.01 mg/l) and control (0.57 ± 0.46 mg/l). The PON1/CRP ratio in control group was significantly increased when compared with diabetic patients and was significantly decreased in group 2 compared with group 1. We have not found gender-dependent difference in studied parameters in both control and in study groups. We have found tendency to decrease the serum activity of FRAS and hsCRP in elder patients but the difference was significant only in group 2. FRAS and PON 1 activity is decreased in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with presence of diabetic retinopathy which confirms that oxidative stress could play a role in pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Significantly elevated levels of hsCRP in diabetic patients with the presence of diabetic retinopathy compared with patients without diabetic retinopathy providing a link between inflammation and the development of microvascular complication of diabetes. Because of the significant difference in PON1/CRP ratio between patients without and with the presence of diabetic retinopathy, it seems that PON1:CRP ratio may be used as a biochemical marker for progression of retinopathy. The link between the antioxidant concentration, inflammation and the development of diabetes complications needs further longitudinal studies in order to confirm our findings.     

Mineral elements content in smoked fish

The content of macroelements (phosphorus, calcium, magnesium potassium and sodium) and microelements (copper, zinc, iron, manganese, chromium, selenium, fluorine and iodine) in the following smoked fish: sprat, mackerel, salmon, smoked herring and trout were determined. The most of calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper and manganese contain smoked sprat. The amount of calcium in fish's remaining species is considerably lower, and phosphorus approximated to his content in sprat. The selenium and the fluorine occur on approximate level in all examined fish, however the amount of iodine was diverse but high. Smoked salmon and trout contain the most iodine, and the least smoked herring, sprat and mackerel. Contribution of fish in the recommended daily intake for mineral elements was estimated.     

Determinants of participation in leisure activities in children and youth with cerebral palsy: systematic review

Children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP) experience difficulties in their ability to move, problem solve, socialize, and communicate, associated with limitations in activities in all environments. They are at risk for lower participation in social and leisure activities critical in fostering friendships, developing interests, and promoting well-being. Little is known about involvement in leisure activities and their determinants. This systematic review aims to describe participation in leisure activities by children with CP and identify personal and environmental factors that influence participation. The following databases were reviewed--CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane, Web of Science, OT-seeker, and REHABDATA--using the keywords participation, cerebral palsy, leisure, and recreation. The literature to date suggests that children with physical disabilities are less involved in leisure activities than their peers; activities are more passive, home based, and lack variety. Several factors influence participation in leisure activities, including age, gender, activity limitations, family preferences and coping, motivation, and environmental resources and supports.