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Clinical Trial 2005; 26(6): 709-712 PubMed PMID: 16380696 Citation  Keywords:  Adrenocorticotropic Hormone:blood, Adult, Dexamethasone:therapeutic use, Down-Regulation, Female, Humans, Hydrocortisone:blood, Middle Aged, Nelson Syndrome:blood, Somatostatin:therapeutic use, Treatment Outcome, Valproic Acid:therapeutic use,.   

OBJECTIVE: Pituitary tumours occurring in patients bilaterally adrenalectomized because of Cushing's disease (Nelson's syndrome) are frequently invasive and a complete their resection is not possible in most of them. Administration of the drugs decreasing ACTH secretion could be helpful in such unresectable tumours. We tried to evaluate the influence of somatostatin and valproic acid, compared to dexamethasone, in short-term studies, on plasma ACTH levels in Nelson's syndrome (NS).r />r /> MATERIAL AND METHODS: Basal ACTH levels were determined within 18 h after last dose of hydrocortisone and next, 1 and 2 hours following oral administration of 20 mg of hydrocortisone. Somatostatin was injected s.c. in two patients with NS while sodium valproate and dexamethasone were administered orally for three days in three patients with NS (two with an invasive pituitary tumour and one with a localized, intrasellar adenoma). The blood for ACTH and cortisol determination was drawn before the tests (two hours after 20 mg of hydrocortisone ingestion) as well as 1 and 2 hours following somatostatin injection and after 3 days of valproic acid or dexamethasone administration.r />r /> RESULTS: High plasma ACTH levels were found before the tests. Somatostatin lowered ACTH levels in both patients, more effectively in the patient with non-invasive pituitary adenoma. Valproic acid decreased moderately ACTH concentration in two patients, while following dexamethasone administration a fall in ACTH levels was observed in all three patients, the most evident in the patient with a non-invasive Nelson's adenoma.r />r /> CONCLUSION: Somatostatin seemed to be more effective in its inhibitory action on ACTH secretion than valproic acid, thus its administration in invasive cases of NS could be tried as a supplementary method to neurosurgery. The response to dexamethasone administration indicates that a feed-back regulation, although impaired, exists in these cases....

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Comparative Study 2005; 26(6): 843-847 PubMed PMID: 16380695 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Anticonvulsants:toxicity, Female, Fertility:drug effects, Fetal Resorption:chemically induced, Fructose:analogs & derivatives, Male, Organ Size, Ovary:anatomy & histology, Pregnancy, Rats, Rats, Sprague-Dawley,.   

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study is to investigate the toxic effects of Topamax (100 mg/kg/body weight) on the reproductive system after administration to female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g for two time periods 4 and 12 weeks.r />r /> METHODS: Twenty adult female rats were divided into two groups and exposed to Topiramate diet at a concentration of 100 mg/kg/body weight for two periods of time. First group containing 10 rats received treatment for 4 weeks and a second group of 10 rats received the same dose of treatment for a period of 12 weeks and compared with twenty non-exposed female rats received vehicle treatment. Female rats were allowed mating with males after 10 days prior to the last administration dose. Animals were autopsied under light anesthesia after mating and several parameters were determined including: number of pregnant rats, body and reproductive organ weight, number of implantation sites, viable fetuses, and resorption sites. Assessment of pregnancies in females was measured and the significance of these results was calculated using student's 't' and Chi-square tests.r />r /> RESULTS: The effect of Topamax exposure on fertility was assessed in terms of pregnant rats number, implantation sites, viable fetuses, and resorption sites. Exposure to Topamax for 4 weeks did not have much effect on fertility. Significant decrease in the relative ovarian weights and embryo weights in rats exposed to Topamax were observed. Exposure to Topamax for a 12 weeks resulted in a reduction in the percentage of pregnancies and in the number of implantation sites, when compared with controls in both treatment periods. Rats receiving 12 weeks treatment showed an increase in ovarian weights and a decrease in viable fetuses number. These results indicate that long-term exposure of female rats to Topamax causes adverse effects on the reproductive system and fertility.r />r /> CONCLUSION: The results of the current study suggest that ingestion of Topamax by adult female rats causes adverse effects on fertility and reproduction....

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Journal Article 2005; 26(6): 823-829 PubMed PMID: 16380694 Citation  Keywords:  Aggression:drug effects, Androgen Antagonists:pharmacology, Animals, Behavior, Animal:drug effects, Female, Fertility:drug effects, Male, Organ Size, Plant Extracts:pharmacology, Rats, Ruta, Sexual Behavior, Animal:drug effects, Sperm Motility:drug effect.   

BACKGROUND: The Ruta graveolens L. is currently used by the Jordanian population systemically for its antispasmodic, diuretic, sedative, and analgesic effects and externally for its antirheumatic effect.r />r /> OBJECTIVE: To study plant effects on the reproductive system and fertility using adult male albino rats with special emphasis on the aggressive behavior and sex behavior. The aqueous extracts of Ruta graveolens L. solution was fed orally to male albino rats at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight for 60 days.r />r /> RESULTS: This dose induces a significant decrease in the weight of reproductive organs (P<0.01) when compared to controls. The sperm motility and density in cauda epidydimides and testicular ducts were significantly decreased (P<0.01). A significant decreased (P<0.001) in spermatogenesis activity is observed in somniferous tubule. Treated rats testicular cell population showed a decrease in number of spermatocytes and spermatids (P<0.001) when compared to controls. Serum hormonal assay indicated a decrease in testosterone and follicular stimulating hormone levels in treated rats. A decrease in number of female rats impregnated by males receiving treatment was observed and demonstrated by a decrease in the implantation sites and viable fetuses number (P<0.01). The ingested extract also suppresses the sexual behavior in adult male rats expressed by a prolongation of first mount time, increase in intromission latency, decrease in intromissions number, and prolongation of the post-ejaculatory interval. This led to reduction of the ejaculation time and increase of the post ejaculatory intervals. Ingestion of R. graveolens markedly abolished aggressive behavior parameters in adult male treated rats namely, a suppression in lateralization, boxing bouts and ventral presenting postures.r />r /> CONCLUSION: The aqueous extracts of Ruta graveolens L might have adverse effects on territorial aggression and sexual behavior in male albino rats....

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Journal Article 2005; 26(6): 663-666 PubMed PMID: 16380693 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Apoptosis:physiology, Endometrium:metabolism, Female, Humans, Immunohistochemistry, Menstrual Cycle:metabolism, Metallothionein:metabolism, Middle Aged, Statistics, Nonparametric,.   

OBJECTIVES: Molecular changes observed in endometrium with respect to menstrual cycle changes seem to be crucial for the reproductive function. Accumulation of cytotoxic cells increases the exposure of endometrial cells to apoptosis. Protection against apoptosis may be reached by endometrial cells by self molecular regulation. Metallothionein was suggested to participate in this process. The aim of our study was to evaluate endometrial MT immunoreactivity with respect to the menstrual cycle phases.r />r /> MATERIALS AND METHODS: MT expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry method in 47 endometrial tissue samples derived from randomly selected patients with respect to the menstrual cycle phases--proliferative and secretory with distinguishing early, mid and late subphases in each.r />r /> RESULTS: MT expression changes were observed respectively to hormonal fluctuations with the highest level during mid secretory phase and its respective decrease during the early, late secretory and mid proliferative menstrual cycle phases. The lowest MT immunoreactivity level was disclosed during early proliferative phase.r />r /> CONCLUSION: Significant differences in MT expression observed in endometrium with respect to menstrual cycle changes might suggest MT participation in endometrial cells protection against apoptosis....

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Comparative Study 2005; 26(6): 780-788 PubMed PMID: 16380692 Citation  Keywords:  Age Factors, Animals, Animals, Newborn:physiology, Body Weight:physiology, Corticosterone:blood, Female, Germ Cells:cytology, Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases:metabolism, Hypothyroidism:chemically induced, Luteinizing Hormone:blood, Male, Organ Size, Pregnan.   

OBJECTIVE: Effects of transient neonatal hypothyroidism (HPOT) on adult testis size and serum hormone profiles were evaluated in the Charles foster strain of rats, maintained under the temperature of 21 degrees C (HPOTL) or of 34 degrees C (HPOTH).r />r /> METHODS: Hypothyroidism was induced in suckling pups in preweanling period (1-21 days), by administering 0.1% 6-propyl-2-thiouracil in drinking water to mothers. Body mass and testis characteristics, the steroidogenic potential [measured by histochemical localization of 3alpha-, 3beta- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDHs)] and serum concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T) and corticosterone (Cort) were evaluated on the 35th, 45th, 60th and 90th day of age.r />r /> RESULTS: The HPOTH rats showed lower testis masses, while the HPOTL rats showed higher testis masses and lower body masses after 90 days. Histologically, the testes of the HPOTH rats demonstrated increased germ cell degeneration after 35 and 45 days and reduced tubular size, germ cell numbers and sperm density after 90 days. In contrast, the testes of the HPOTL rats showed reduced tubular diameters after 35 and 45 days, and increased tubular diameters, germ cell numbers and sperm density after 90 days. Serum TSH, T3, T4, LH and T concentrations and 3beta- and 17beta-HSDH activities were reduced in both groups of the HPOT rats after 35 and 45 days. Intratubular steroidogenesis and a prominent triangle up5 pathway were also found in the HPOT animals.r />r /> CONCLUSION: The temperature has a definite influence on the thyroid hormone action, postnatal growth and function of rat testes....

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Journal Article 2005; 26(6): 799-805 PubMed PMID: 16380691 Citation  Keywords:  Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Dihydropyridines:analysis, Histamine:chemistry, Malondialdehyde:chemistry, Neurotoxins:chemistry, Nitrogen Compounds:analysis, Protein Carbonylation,.   

OBJECTIVES: To explore the mechanism of carbonyl stress-related toxification on neurotransmitter histamine and the potential de-carbonylation function of histamine.r />r /> METHODS: The reaction mixture of malondialdehyde (MDA) and histamine (HA) at pH7.4, 37 degrees C was assayed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectrophotometry and spectrofluorometry. The reaction products were assayed by LC/MS.r />r /> RESULTS: In physiological condition, the reaction of MDA and HA yielded two products: a nonfluorescent enaminal derivatives and a fluorescent 1,4-dihydropyridine adducts. The fluorescence maxima of the fluorescent products (Ex. 393 nm/Em. 464 nm) were similar to those of lipofuscin pigment. The fluorescence intensity of reaction mixture was in direct proportion to the MDA concentration.r />r /> CONCLUSIONS: HA can react with MDA to form stable products, a non-fluorescent enamine (product 1) and a fluorescent 1,4-dihydropyridine (product 2) which are ceroid/lipofuscin-related adducts. The reaction of HA with MDA may reveal toxic effect of unsaturated carbonyls in the brain and may reflect a novel de-carbonylation function of histamine under various pathological conditions....

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Controlled Clinical Trial 2005; 26(6): 745-751 PubMed PMID: 16380690 Citation  Keywords:  Analysis of Variance, Antigens, CD:immunology, Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte:immunology, Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic:blood, Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated:blood, Fatty Acids, Omega-3:blood, Fatty Acids, Omega-6:blood, Fatty Acids, Unsaturated:blood,.   

: There is now evidence that major depression is accompanied by decreased levels of omega3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). There is a strong comorbidity between major depression and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The present study has been carried out in order to examine PUFA levels in CFS. In twenty-two CFS patients and 12 normal controls we measured serum PUFA levels using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. We found that CFS was accompanied by increased levels of omega6 PUFAs, i.e. linoleic acid and arachidonic acid (AA), and mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), i.e. oleic acid. The EPA/AA and total omega3/omega6 ratios were significantly lower in CFS patients than in normal controls. The omega3/omega6 ratio was significantly and negatively correlated to the severity of illness and some items of the FibroFatigue scale, i.e. aches and pain, fatigue and failing memory. The severity of illness was significantly and positively correlated to linoleic and arachidonic acid, oleic acid, omega9 fatty acids and one of the saturated fatty acids, i.e. palmitic acid. In CFS subjects, we found significant positive correlations between the omega3/omega6 ratio and lowered serum zinc levels and the lowered mitogen-stimulated CD69 expression on CD3+, CD3+ CD4+, and CD3+ CD8+ T cells, which indicate defects in early T cell activation. The results of this study show that a decreased availability of omega3 PUFAs plays a role in the pathophysiology of CFS and is related to the immune pathophysiology of CFS. The results suggest that patients with CFS should respond favourably to treatment with--amongst other things--omega3 PUFAs, such as EPA and DHA....

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Comparative Study 2005; 26(6): 719-723 PubMed PMID: 16380689 Citation  Keywords:  Adaptation, Physiological, Adrenal Glands:enzymology, Animals, Electron Transport Complex IV:biosynthesis, Enzyme Induction:drug effects, Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System:physiopathology, Liver Circulation:drug effects, Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental:chemica.   

OBJECTIVES: Cytochrome oxidase activity has been determined in the adrenal glands of thioacetamide (TAA)-cirrhotic rats.r />r /> MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two groups of animals (Control group; n=10 and TAA group; n=11) of three months evolution were used to study the cytochrome oxidase activity in the suprarenal cortex (glomerular, fascicular and reticular layers) and medulla. TAA was administered orally and cytochrome oxidase (COX) activity was assayed by an immunohistochemical technique.r />r /> RESULTS: In TAA-cirrhotic rats, COX activity increases in the cortex fascicular layer (221 +/- 1.79 vs 181.9 +/- 2.75; p<0.001) as well as in the medulla (146.6 +/- 1.72 vs 129 +/- 3.09; p<0.001).r />r /> CONCLUSION: These results make it possible to consider the existence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis and adrenomedullary sympathetic system hyperactivity, both peripheral limbs of the stress system, in this experimental model of cirrhosis....

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