Effects of hydro-ethanolic extract of leaves of Maesa lanceolata (Mursinaceae) on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Inflammopharmacology - Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that is characterized by acute and chronic inflammation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of...     

Using distinct molecular signatures of human monocytes and dendritic cells to predict adjuvant activity and pyrogenicity of TLR agonists

We present a systematic study that defines molecular profiles of adjuvanticity and pyrogenicity induced by agonists of human Toll-like receptor molecules in vitro. Using P₃CSK₄, Lipid A and Poly I:C as model adjuvants we show that all three molecules enhance the expansion of IFNγ⁺/CD4⁺ T cells from their naïve precursors following priming with allogeneic DC in vitro. In contrast, co-culture of naive CD4⁺ T cells with allogeneic monocytes and TLR2/TLR4 agonists only resulted in enhanced T cell proliferation. Distinct APC molecular signatures in response to each TLR agonist underline the dual effect observed on T cell responses. Using protein and gene expression assays, we show that TNF-α and CXCL10 represent DC-restricted molecular signatures of TLR2/TLR4 and TLR3 activation, respectively, in sharp contrast to IL-6 produced by monocytes upon stimulation with P₃CSK₄ and Lipid A. Furthermore, although all TLR agonists are able to up-regulate proIL-1β specific gene in both cell types, only monocyte activation with Lipid A results in detectable IL-1β release. These molecular profiles, provide a simple screen to select new immune enhancers of human Th1 responses suitable for clinical application.     

Living-donor kidney transplantation: the Freiburg experience

Background and aim The objective of this study was to determine outcome after living-donor kidney transplantation in a single-center institution in Germany. Materials and methods From 1976 to May 2005, a total of 298 living-donor kidney transplants were performed at the University of Freiburg. Most recipients (78.8%) were placed on cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids maintenance immunosuppression. Cox proportional hazard model was applied to analyze predictors for patient and graft survival. Mean follow-up was 5.3 years. Results According to Kaplan–Meier calculation, 1-, 5-, and 10-year patient survival was 98.6, 92.7, and 86.8%, respectively. Kidney function rate was 95.5, 82.8, and 67.9%, respectively. A 5-year graft function rate continued to increase from 79.5% in patients transplanted before 1996 to 83.6% in patients transplanted thereafter. In a Cox regression model recipient age above 50 years, duration of dialysis above 2 years and preexisting type 1 diabetes mellitus were associated with a decreased patient survival. Graft survival was mostly influenced by the type of immunosuppression and preexisting hypertension of the recipient. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that living-donor kidney transplantation is a highly effective therapy for patients with end stage renal failure. Updates in immunosuppression, recipient selection, and operative technique may have contributed to the improved graft survival over the past three decades.     

Erfahrungen der freiburger HNO-klinik bei der operativen behandlung von ohratresien

Zusammenfassung An 44 Patienten wurden 51 mißbildete Ohren operativ korrigiert. Das Durchschnittsalter zur Zeit der Operation betrug 15 Jahre. Nur an 7 Ohren gelang keine Hörbesserung. An 41 Ohren betrug der Hörgewinn mindestens 10 dB, davon 34 mal über 20 his zu 50 dB. 3 Ohren stehen noch zur Fensterung an. Das Problem des zur Restenosierung neigenden chirurgischen angelegten Gehörganges wurde am verläßlichsten mit gestielten Lappen (auch Insellappen) gelöst. Beim Aufbau des Mittelohres wurden vorhandene — auch mißbildete — Gehörbeine verwertet und mit einem Trommelfell abgedeckt. Nur in Fällen hochgradiger Mißbildung (Aplasien eines Fensters) wurde fenestriert.

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Experiences of the ENT-clinic Freiburg with the operative treatment of malformations of the ear

Summary 51 ear malformations were operated on 44 patients. The average age at the time of surgery was 15 years. In only 7 cases no improvement of hearing could be installed. 41 patients had a minimal gain of 10 dB, 34 of them of even 20 to 50 dB. 3 are waiting for a fenestration-operation. Using pedicle flaps to keep open the external meatus gave the best results. To build up a connection between the implanted tympanic membrane and the oval window the patient's own ossicles were used, even in case of malformations of the ossicles. Fenestrations were performed only in cases of aplasia of one of the windows.

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Herrn Prof. Dr. Th. Hünermann zum 80. Geburtstag gewidmet.     

Gene flow between domestic and sylvan populations of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in North Cameroon

Polymorphisms at eight microsatellite loci and a fragment of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-ND4 gene were surveyed in Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) populations collected from six localities in North Cameroon, with emphasis on comparing domestic versus sylvan populations. The microsatellites revealed significant genetic differentiation among sylvan populations, with mean F(ST) = 0.066. Domestic collections were genetically homogeneous (mean F(ST) = 0.012). No pattern of isolation by distance was detected, and one of highest levels of genetic differentiation was estimated between populations sampled a few kilometers apart, each in a distinctly different ecological environment (F(ST) = 0.076). Analyses of mtDNA-ND4 polymorphisms and divergence between the two neighboring populations revealed increased genetic diversity within the domestic population, with molecular signatures suggesting recent demographic expansion, whereas a single haplotype was observed in the sylvan sample. These data suggest reduced gene flow between sylvan and domestic Ae. aegypti populations in North Cameroon, reminiscent of the situation for Ae. aegypti in Kenya in East Africa.     

Antioxidant potential of the methanol-methylene chloride extract of Terminalia glaucescens leaves on mice liver in streptozotocin-induced stress

Aim:

The antioxidant effect of the methanol–methylene chloride extract of Terminalia glaucescens (Combretaceae) leaves was investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced oxidative stress.

Methods:

Oxidative stress was induced in mice by a daily dose of STZ (45 mg/kg body weight i.p.) for five days. From day one, before STZ injection, normal and diabetic-test mice received an oral dose of the extract (100 or 300 mg/kg b.w.) daily. Plasma metabolites, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes in the liver were assessed and gain in body weight recorded.

Results:

In normal mice the plant extract reduced food and water intake, blood glucose and LDL-C level and body weight gain, did not affect the lipid peroxidation in the liver, while the antioxidant enzyme activities seemed increased. Blood glucose was decreased (P < 0.05) in normal mice treated with 300 mg/kg extract. Diabetic mice pretreated with 100 mg/kg extract as diabetic control mice (DC) showed significant (P < 0.001) body weight loss, polyphagia and polydipsia, high plasma glucose level, decrease in the liver catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities, and increase in lipid peroxidation. The HDL-C level was lowered (P < 0.05) whereas LDL-C increased. In 300 mg/kg extract-pretreated diabetic mice the extract prevented body weight loss, increase of blood glucose level, lipid peroxidation in liver, food and water intake, and lowering of plasma HDL-C level and liver antioxidants; this extract prevented LDL-C level increase.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that T. glaucescens protects against STZ-induced oxidative stress and could thus explain its traditional use for diabetes and obesity treatment or management.     

Effect of methanolic fraction of Kalanchoe crenata on metabolic parameters in adriamycin-induced renal impairment in rats

Objectives:

To investigate the effect of Kalanchoe crenata methanolic fraction (MEKC) on proteinuria, glucosuria, and some other biochemical parameters in adriamycin-induced renal impairment in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Ether anesthetized rats received three intravenous injections (days 0, 14, and 28) of 2 mg/kg body weight of adriamycin. Repeated doses of the extract (0, 50, and 68 mg/kg b.w.) and losartan (10 mg/kg b.w.) were administered orally once daily, for 6 weeks, to these rats. Kidney functions were assessed through biochemical parameters.

Results:

MEKC decreased proteinuria and also the urinary excretion of creatinine, glucose, and urea significantly in diseased rats. A decrease in serum levels of creatinine, urea, potassium, alkaline phosphatase, conjugate bilirubin, and alanine transaminase level was also recorded in nephropathic rats, but plasma levels of uric acid and glucose remained unchanged. Moreover, the plant extract markedly (P < 0.05) increased plasma sodium and decreased (P < 0.01) the urinary sodium and potassium levels.

Conclusions:

The results indicated that the treatment with the methanolic fraction of K. crenata may improve proteinuria and all other symptoms due to adriamycin-induced nephropathy and, more than losartan, could ameliorate kidney and liver functions. K. crenata could be a potential source of new oral antinephropathic drug.KEY WORDS: Adriamycin, antioxidant effect, Kalanchoe crenata methanolic extract, nephropathy, rat