Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis potentiates apoptosis in the rabbit corpus luteum

To determine if nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in corpus luteum (CL) physiology by affecting progesterone secretion or luteal apoptosis, an in-vitro pseudopregnant rabbit ovarian perfusion system was used to measure the effects of an inhibitor of NO synthesis, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), on progesterone secretion and corpus luteal apoptosis as measured by internucleosomal DNA breakdown. Pseudopregnant rabbit ovaries perfused in vitro with L-NAME did not demonstrate any significant differences compared with control ovaries in progesterone secretion. However, apoptosis, as measured by internucleosomal breakdown, was significantly increased in L-NAME-perfused CL compared with controls. While NO does not appear to directly affect progesterone secretion, there does appear to be a role for NO in CL maintenance, or a role for inhibition of NO production in CL regression.     

Serum free cortisol index,free cortisol,and total cortisol in critically ill children

Background  In critical illness, serum total cortisol (TC) may not adequately reflect adrenal function because of reduced cortisol-binding globulin (CBG). Aim  To evaluate adrenal function of critically ill children, using free cortisol index (FCI), calculated free cortisol (cFC), and TC levels. Methods  Thirty-two critically ill and 36 healthy children were included. All children underwent the 1 μg cosyntropin test. TC and CBG levels were measured. Basal and peak TC, FCI, and cFC were determined. Results  Basal and peak TC, FCI, and cFC of critically ill children were significantly higher than those of the controls. Compared with TC, both basal and peak FCI and cFC of the patients were higher than those of controls to a greater degree. Use of FCI or cFC to diagnose adrenal insufficiency (AI) reduced the frequency of diagnosis of AI by 50%. Conclusion  FCI and cFC better reflect the dynamic changes of adrenal function of critically ill children.     

Partial Substitution of Glucose with Xylitol Prolongs Survival and Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Glycolysis of Mice Bearing Orthotopic Xenograft of Oral Cancer

Many types of cancer have metabolic alterations with increased glycolysis. Identification of alternative sweeteners that do not fuel cancer is a novel approach to cancer control. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of xylitol on tumor growth and survival of mice bearing orthotopic xenograft of tongue cancers. The results showed that partial substitution of glucose with xylitol (glucose 0.35 g plus xylitol 2.06 g/kg body weight) non-significantly reduced tumor volume, and significantly prolonged the median survival time from 19 days in the control to 30.5 days in the xylitol group. Immunohistochemical data of the tongue tissue shows significantly lower intense-to-mild staining ratios of the proliferation marker Ki-67 in the xylitol than those of the control group (p = 0.04). Furthermore, the xylitol substitution significantly reduced the expression of the rate-limiting glycolytic enzyme, phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) (p = 0.03), and showed a non-significant inhibition of PFK activity. In summary, partial substitution of glucose with xylitol at the equivalent dose to human household use of 10 g/day slows down tumor proliferation and prolongs survival of mice bearing an orthotopic oral cancer xenograft, possibly through glycolytic inhibition, with minimal adverse events. The insight warrants clinical studies to confirm xylitol as a candidate sweetener in food products for cancer survivors.     

Effect of PM10 pollution in Bangkok on children with and without asthma

This study aimed to investigate the effects of PM10 concentrations exceeding the Thai national standard (24-hr average, >120 microg/m3) on daily reported respiratory symptoms and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of schoolchildren with and without asthma in Bangkok. The 93 asthmatic and 40 nonasthmatic schoolchildren were randomly recruited from a school located in a highly congested traffic area. Daily respiratory symptoms and PEFR of each child were evaluated and recorded in the diary for 31 successive school days. During the study period, 24-hr average PM10 levels ranged between 46-201 microg/m3. PM10 levels exceeded 120 microg/m3 for 14 days. We found that when PM10 levels were >120 microg/m3, the daily reported nasal irritation of asthmatic children was significantly higher than when PM10 levels were < or =120 microg/m3. In addition, when PM10 levels were >120 microg/m3, nonasthmatic children had a significantly higher daily reported combination of any respiratory symptoms. PEFR did not change with different ambient PM10 levels in both groups. This study suggests that elevated levels of PM10 concentrations in Bangkok affect respiratory symptoms of schoolchildren with and without asthma.     

Vaginal misoprostol for cervical priming before operative hysteroscopy: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of vaginal misoprostol for cervical priming before operative hysteroscopy and to assess the cervicouterine complications related to cervical dilatation and hysteroscopic surgery in nulliparous women. METHODS: One hundred fifty-two women with definite intrauterine lesions were randomly assigned to receive either 200 microg vaginal misoprostol or placebo. Cervical response and outcome and complications of operative hysteroscopy were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-five subjects were needed in each arm to detect a type I error of 0.01 with a power of 0.99. The mean cervical dilatation estimated by Hegar dilator was significantly different between the treated group (7.3 +/- 0.7 mm) and the control group (3.8 +/- 1.1 mm, P <.001). In the misoprostol group, 55 (75.3%) patients needed cervical dilation, compared with 75 (94.9%, P =.001) in the placebo group. The median time of cervical dilation to Hegar number 9 was significantly shorter in the treated group (40 seconds) compared with the control group (120 seconds, P <.001). The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the treated group (36.4 +/- 10.9 minutes) compared with the control group (45.9 +/- 14.2 minutes, P <.001). Cervical tears occurred in nine (11.4%) patients in the control group and in one (1.4%, P =.018) in the misoprostol group. Creation of a false tract was more common in the control group. Two uterine perforations occurred in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Vaginal misoprostol applied before operative hysteroscopy reduced the need for cervical dilation, facilitated hysteroscopic surgery, and minimized cervical complications.