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The current study aimed to investigate the effects of caffeine intake on psychomotor state and oxidative stress markers after an endurance race following 26 hours of sleep deprivation. Ten recreati...

Purpose: To compare the effect of a 20-minute nap opportunity (N20), a moderate dose of caffeine (CAF; 5 mg·kg−1), or a moderate dose of caffeine before N20 (CAF+N) as possible countermeasures to the decreased performance and the partial sleep deprivation–induced muscle damage. Methods: Nine male, highly trained judokas were randomly assigned to either baseline normal sleep night, placebo, N20, CAF, or CAF+N. Test sessions included the running-based anaerobic sprint test, from which the maximum (Pmax), mean (Pmean), and minimum (Pmin) powers were calculated. Biomarkers of muscle, hepatic, and cardiac damage and of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants were measured at rest and after the exercise. Results: N20 increased Pmax compared with placebo (P d = 0.75). CAF+N increased Pmax (P d = 1.5; d = 0.94), Pmin (P d = 2.79; d = 2.6), and Pmean (P d = 1.93; d = 1.79) compared with placebo and CAF, respectively. Postexercise creatine kinase increased whenever caffeine was added, that is, after CAF (P d = 1.19) and CAF+N (P d = 1.36). Postexercise uric acid increased whenever participants napped, that is, after N20 (P d = 2.19) and CAF+N (P d = 2.50) and decreased after CAF (P d = 2.96). Conclusion: Napping improved repeated-sprint performance and antioxidant defense after partial sleep deprivation. Contrarily, caffeine increased muscle damage without improving performance. For sleep-deprived athletes, caffeine before a short nap opportunity would be more beneficial for repeated sprint performance than each treatment alone.

The present study aimed to assess the effects of repeated administration of low-dose caffeine during a night of total sleep deprivation on physical and cognitive performance. Twelve recreational runners (being non-habitual caffeine users) performed four test sessions in a double-blind randomized order after (i) a placebo or 6 mg/kg of caffeine ingestion during a baseline night (BN) or (ii) a placebo or three doses of 2 mg/kg of caffeine during a night of total sleep deprivation (TSD). At each session, they completed an exhaustive run at 75% of the final velocity in a Vameval test (Vvameval) around a 400 m outdoor athletics track and performed the correct detection and reaction time tasks. In comparison with BN, the TSD condition significantly impaired running performance, reaction time, and correct detections. On the contrary, caffeine intake improved exhaustive running performance after BN by 5.2% (p .001) and after TSD by 8.9% (p .001), increased correct detections after BN (p .05) and TSD (p .05), and decreased reaction time after BN (p .01) and TSD (p .05) compared to placebo. Therefore, the repeated ingestion of low-dose caffeine is an effective strategy to counteract the detrimental effects of total sleep deprivation on physical and cognitive performance.

The present work deals with the extraction and purification of chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate from skin (CSG) and bone (CBG) of corb (Sciaena umbra). Electrophoresis of these polymers in barium acetate buffer on cellulose acetate revealed two fractions similar to dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. The in vivo anticoagulant activity of both chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) were evaluated, at 25 and 75 mg kg−1 of body weight (b.w), using activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombine time (TT) and thrombin time (PT) tests. Results showed that aPTT of CSG and CBG at 75 mg kg−1 of b.w were prolonged by 1.59 and 1.48-fold respectively, compared with the control. Further, toxicity studies on liver performed by the catalytic activity of transaminases in plasma, oxidative stress markers and hepatic morphological changes demonstrated that CSG and CBG at both doses are not toxics. In summary, the higher activity and lower toxicity of both CS/DS, especially at 25 mg kg−1 of b.w, recommended these compounds as a better drug candidate.

The polysaccharide preparation from Pimpinella anisum seeds (PAP) was isolated and characterized to evaluate its laser burn wound-healing and anti-inflammatory activities in mice. The structure characterization of PAP by Infra-red spectrometry (IR), Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Gas chromatogram-Mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and colorimetric methods revealed an optimum yield of 8.84%, a high quantity of carbohydrate (64.75%) and low levels of lipids, protein and sulfate. Galactose (33.47%), β-d-Glucose (26.71%) and α-d-Mannose (18.21%) were the major monosaccharides components presenting in PAP, and a smaller amounts of β-d-Galactose, d-Fructose, α-d-Glucose, α-l-Galactose and arabinose were detected. PAP showed noticeable antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The anti-inflammatory activity of PAP in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in mice, demonstrated by reduced edema and cellular infiltration, and oxidative stress markers in muscle tissue. A beneficial wound healing effect was also revealed. The topical application of PAP based gel on laser burn lesions accelerates wound contraction, the re-epithelization and remodeling phases after seven days of treatment. The results demonstrated that PAP is a novel promising source of natural wound healing and anti-inflammatory drugs. The high content and varied PAP monosaccharides seem to be responsible for the observed biological activities.

The current study aimed to examine the effects of caffeine consumption on physical and cognitive performance after an endurance race following one night of sleep deprivation. Ten recreational runne...

The aim of this work was to evaluate some biological properties of hake head oil (HHO) as well its lipid composition. The fatty acid profiles showed a dominance of unsaturated fatty acids overtaking 55% of the total fatty acids. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles exhibited a dominance of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) (3.96%) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) (25.39%). The antioxidant activity was determined through two different assays: DPPH scavenging activity and β-carotene bleaching by linoleic acid assay. Eighteen mice were excised on their back and divided into 3 groups, treated with sterile saline, commercial healing cream and HHO, respectively. The wound closure rate, the hydroxyproline contents and the histopathology evolution in skin tissue were elaborated. Also, the anti-inflammatory activity was studied by carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema. Mice were divided into 3 groups treated respectively with sterile saline, anti inflammatory drug reference and HHO. The anti-inflammatory evaluation of HHO in mice exhibited an important inhibition of carrageenan-induced hind paws edema, as confirmed by the histological analysis, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level. HHO displayed a significant wound healing effect probably due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of its EPA and DHA contents. The overall results proved that HHO might be favorable drugs who exert a great therapeutic potential wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects in animal model.

Background: Caffeine is frequently consumed by athletes to maintain alertness in conditions of sleep loss. However, the effect of caffeine ingestion during total sleep deprivation during aerobic exercise remains questionable. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the effects of repeated intake of low-dose caffeine during a night of total sleep deprivation on endurance performance and psychological states. Methods: Twelve recreational runners performed four test sessions in a double-blind randomized order after a placebo or 6 mg/kg of caffeine ingestion after a baseline night (BN) or three doses of 2 mg/kg of caffeine during a night of total sleep deprivation (TSD). At each session, they completed an exhaustive run around a 400 m athletics track and performed the Feeling Scale test. ANOVA with repeated measures followed by paired t-tests was used to analyze the data. Results: In comparison with BN, the TSD condition significantly impaired running performance (P < 0.001). On the contrary, caffeine administration improved endurance running performance (P < 0.001) and increased feeling of well-being (P < 0.05) after TSD night as compared to placebo. Conclusions: Repeated ingestion of low-dose caffeine is an effective way to mitigate the negative effects of total sleep deprivation on endurance performance and mood states.

This study investigated low-dose caffeine ingestion, conditioning activity (CA) effects on psycho-physical performances in young taekwondo athletes. In a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover design, 20 athletes (10 males; 17.5 ± 0.7 yrs) performed taekwondo-specific agility test (TSAT), 10 s/multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKT-10s/FSKT-mult) after ingesting 3 mg·kg−1 caffeine (CAF) or placebo (PL) 60 min before performing standard warm-up without (NoCA) or with CA (3 × 10 vertical jumps above 40 cm), resulting in four experimental (PL + NoCA, CAF + NoCA, PL + CA, and CAF + CA) and one control (warm-up session without CAF or CA) conditions. Mood/physical symptoms (MPSS), subjective vitality (SVS), and feeling (FS) scales were analyzed post-to-pre for all conditions. Ratings of perceived-exertion and perceived-recovery status were determined after tests. For TSAT, CAF + CA induced better performance compared with all conditions (p < 0.001). For FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult, CAF + CA induced better performance compared with all conditions (p < 0.001). For MPSS, FS, CAF + NoCA induced higher scores than PL + NoCA and PL + CA (p = 0.002, 0.009 for MPSS; p = 0.014, 0.03 for FS). For SVS, PL + CA elicited lower scores than PL + NoCA and CAF + NoCA (p = 0.01, 0.004). Sex comparisons resulted in better performances for males for TSAT (p = 0.008), FSKT-10s (p < 0.001), FSKT-mult (p < 0.01), MPSS (p = 0.02), SVS (p = 0.028), and FS (p = 0.020) scores. Caffeine and conditioning activity are two efficient performance-enhancing strategies, which could synergistically result in greater psycho-physical performances.

Resume Introduction L’anesthesie generale implique l’administration de plusieurs medications en une duree de temps tres courte. Ces produits peuvent donner plusieurs effets secondaires, notamment des complications allergiques peranesthesiques. Plusieurs etudes ont evalue l’importance d’un bilan allergologique suite aux accidents peranesthesiques. L’objectif de cette etude est de demontrer l’interet du bilan allergologique suite a un accident d’hypersensibilite immediate peri-anesthesique. Methode A partir de la base de donnees de pharmacovigilance du centre regional de pharmacovigilance (CRPV) de Sfax, nous avons inclus des cas d’hypersensibilite immediate aux produits anesthesiques generaux notifies sur une periode de trois ans. Les tests cutanes ont ete realises en conformite avec les recommandations de l’ENDA/EAACI. Les produits anesthesiques generaux testes ont ete les suivants : l’atracurium, le cisatracurium, le suxamethonium, le midazolam, le propofol et la ketamine. Resultats Dans notre etude, 15 cas d’HSI aux produits anesthesiques generaux ont ete notifies dans le CRPV et seulement 7 cas ont fait l’exploration allergologique. Six produits anesthesiques ont ete impliques dans la survenue des reactions d’HSI : le Cisatracurium dans 5 cas, l’atracurium dans 3 cas, le suxamethonium dans 2 cas, le propofol dans 2 cas, la ketamine dans 1 cas, et le Midazolam dans 2 cas. Les prick tests ont ete negatifs dans tous les cas, les intradermo reactions (IDR) ont ete positives pour le cisatracurium et la ketamine pour la patiente no 1, pour l’atracurium et le midazolam pour la patiente no 2, pour le cisatracurium pour la patiente no 3, pour l’atracurium et le suxamethonium pour la patiente no 4, pour le cisatracurium uniquement pour les patientes no 5 et no 6 et pour tous les produits sauf la ketamine pour la patiente no 7. Une reactivite croisee entre les curares a ete observee dans un cas et une sensibilisation entre les curares et les hypnotiques a ete observee dans 3 cas. Conclusion La realisation d’une consultation d’allergologie a la suite d’un accident perianesthesique s’avere importante pour ne pas reexposer le patient a un produit contre lequel il est sensibilise, et permet de guider le choix d’un anesthesique qui peut etre utilise lors d’une nouvelle anesthesie.

A high-fat diet (HFD) promotes oxidative stress, which contributes to the development of kidney dysfunction. We examined the protective effects of an ethanol extract of artichoke leaves (EEA) compa...

Obesity plays a pivotal role in the insulin resistance disease, which is related to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The purp...

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of caffeine ingestion and one night of total sleep deprivation on the diurnal variation of cognitive and short-term maximal performances. In a ran...

The effects of cefuroxime on reproductive system were investigated in male rats. Doses of 0, 30, 60 or 120 mg/kg of cefuroxime were intraperitoneally injected daily, for 7 days. Half of the rats were euthanized 24 h after the last dose and other half were induced to death 70 days after the last treatment. After 8 days of the experiment, results showed that cefuroxime induced a significant reduction in the weights of testes, epididymis and accessory sex organs. In addition, it decreased sperm quality, plasma testosterone level, and antioxidant enzyme activities while increasing the level of malondialdehyde. After a complete cycle of spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation, the results indicated complete reversibility of the adverse effects previously mentioned. In conclusion, cefuroxime induced reversible dose-dependent adverse effects on testicular and epididymal functions of rats.

Summary Objective The purpose of this study was to identify the potential benefits of both intermittent and continuous training programs in improving cardiovascular parameters and decreased decline in lung function among cigarette or hookah smokers. Methods Fifteen cigarette smokers (CS), 14 hookah smokers (HS), and 14 non-smokers (NS) participated in the low-intensity continuous training (LCT). Eleven CS, 12 HS, and 12 NS participated in the moderate-intensity intermittent training (MIT). The LCT groups performed a 20 to 30-minute continuous exercise at 40% of the VO2max. The MIT groups performed 6 to 10 sets of 2-minute sprint at 70% of the VO2max interspersed by a 1-min recovery period. Before and after 12 weeks of training, lung function and cardiovascular capacity parameters were determined using respectively spirometry and maximal treadmill exercise test. Results The LCT and the MIT programs induced significant increases in the velocity at maximum oxygen uptake v V ˙ O 2 max for NS and CS participants. Similarly, the VO2max improvement was significant for CS and HS groups who participated in the LCT program (P Conclusion In conclusion, both LCT and MIT programs improve cardiovascular capacity and reduce lung function decline in both cigarette and hookah smokers. These both training programs could have important implications in prevention and defense programs.

Multiple drug hypersensitivity (MDHS) is defined as confirmed drug hypersensitivity (DHS) to 2 or more drugs that are not chemically related. The objective of our study is to describe the cases of MDHS with antibiotics notified to the regional pharmacovigilance service (SRPV) of Sfax (Tunisia).Our study is of a descriptive cross-sectional type, focusing on patients who consulted at the SRPV in Sfax during the period between 2013 and 2020 and who presented at least two episodes of DHS occurring at different times (at least one month apart).In our study, we included 29 patients (18 women and 11 men with a mean age of 59 years) who presented 69 sequential MDHS reactions documented either by a positive re-administration in 29 cases or by allergological exploration in 20 case, or by a highly suggestive clinical history in 20 cases. The frequency of MDHS was 1.13%. The drugs involved in the occurrence of these 69 DHS reactions were antibiotics in 55 cases (80%), antiepileptics in 6 cases (9%), NSAIDs in 4 cases (6%) and other drugs in 4 cases (6%) (one case with allopurinol, one case with strontium ranelate and two cases with gliclazide).MDHS pose a real problem of therapeutic management. Indeed, these reactions can lead to a difficult choice of drugs with the impossibility of prescribing optimal first-line therapies.

Despite advances in diabetes care, impaired diabetic wound healing remains a significant clinical problem. The present study was aimed at developing a novel cream based on Ginkgo biloba extract and investigating its wound healing effect on full-thickness wounds in diabetic rats. The topical formulated oil-in-water emulsion-based cream contains Ginkgo biloba aqueous extract in an amount of about 1% to 5% as an active agent. The prepared formula was subjected to physicochemical assessment and pharmacotechnical characterization. Eighteen alloxan-induced diabetic rats completing full-thickness excisional skin wounds were randomly divided into three groups topically treated with either a normal saline (control group), the reference drug (“Cytol Centella cream®”), and cream based on the Ginkgo biloba extract. The response to treatment was assessed by macroscopic, qualitative, and quantitative histopathological analysis. The prepared formula showed good physicochemical properties. The rheological behavior of the prepared cream followed a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic pattern at different storage temperatures. The cream, which is a macroemulsion with uniform size distribution, remained stable for 6 months. Skin tolerance studies confirmed the compatibility of the cream with the skin. During the experimental trial, the cream based on the Ginkgo biloba-treated group showed significant improvements over the control and reference groups for both general wound appearance and healing dynamics. This increased rate of closure of wounds in diabetic rats was associated with increased collagen synthesis. Our findings showed that the cream could be a promising and innovative topical treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract for the management of acute diabetic wounds.

Despite advances in diabetes care, impaired diabetic wound healing remains a significant clinical problem. The present study was aimed at developing a novel cream based on Ginkgo biloba extract and investigating its wound healing effect on full-thickness wounds in diabetic rats. The topical formulated oil-in-water emulsion-based cream contains Ginkgo biloba aqueous extract in an amount of about 1% to 5% as an active agent. The prepared formula was subjected to physicochemical assessment and pharmacotechnical characterization. Eighteen alloxan-induced diabetic rats completing full-thickness excisional skin wounds were randomly divided into three groups topically treated with either a normal saline (control group), the reference drug (“Cytol Centella cream®”), and cream based on the Ginkgo biloba extract. The response to treatment was assessed by macroscopic, qualitative, and quantitative histopathological analysis. The prepared formula showed good physicochemical properties. The rheological behavior of the prepared cream followed a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic pattern at different storage temperatures. The cream, which is a macroemulsion with uniform size distribution, remained stable for 6 months. Skin tolerance studies confirmed the compatibility of the cream with the skin. During the experimental trial, the cream based on the Ginkgo biloba-treated group showed significant improvements over the control and reference groups for both general wound appearance and healing dynamics. This increased rate of closure of wounds in diabetic rats was associated with increased collagen synthesis. Our findings showed that the cream could be a promising and innovative topical treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract for the management of acute diabetic wounds.

The current study aimed to assess the effects of caffeine administration on performance time, cognition, psychomotor state, and blood levels of oxidative stress markers following a 3-km run competition. Thirteen recreational runners performed two test sessions in a double-blind randomized order after placebo or 3 mg/kg of body mass of caffeine. At each session, subjects completed a 3-km running competition around a 400 m outdoor athletics track. Cognitive tasks (attention and reaction time), psychological tests (Feeling scale and Hooper), and blood collection were carried out before and after the run. In comparison with placebo, caffeine ingestion enhanced the 3-km performance time by 1.1% (p 0.001) (10.13 ± 0.69 min versus 10.25 ± 0.72 min), improved attention by 15.6% (p 0.001) and reaction-time by 5.9% (p 0.05), increased good-feeling by 15.7% (p 0.01), and lowered stress-feeling by 17.6% (p 0.01) and pain-sensation by 11.3% (p 0.05). However, no significant effects of caffeine were observed on oxidative stress markers. Only exercise resulted in increased levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (12.2%, 8.8%) (p 0.05), reduced glutathione (GSH) (17.6%, 10.1%) (p 0.05), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (7.6%, 6.5%) (p 0.05) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (10.3%, 9.6%) (p 0.05), for both the placebo and caffeine groups respectively. In conclusion, our study highlighted that the consumption of 3 mg/kg caffeine could be an improving agent for the physical, cognitive, and psychological states without affecting the oxidative stress state during such a running competition.

Aim Hyperuricemia is defined by the European Rheumatology Society as a uric acid level greater than 6 mg/dl (60 mg/l or 360 μmol/l). Our goal was to evaluate the hypouricemic effect of nettle. For this reason, we have first of all try to create an hyperuricemic animal model which is very suitable because at the level of literature there is not an exact model, there are many models and our objective is to set an adequate model. Materials and methods An attempt has been made to test acute and chronic hyperuricemia by varying the duration and method of induction of potassium oxonate. Similarly, attempts have been made to induce chronic hyperuricemia through an animal and vegetable diet. The reversibility of hyperuricemia was tested with a maintenance protocol. Key findings For the creation of the hyperuricemia model, it has been shown that acute hyperuricemia cannot be induced by short administration of potassium oxonate and persistent chronic hyperuricemia can be induced only after daily administration of oxonate of potassium by intraperitoneal injection for 15 days. Indeed, hyperuricemia was reversible after stopping the administration of potassium oxonate. The high-purine diet is also capable of inducing chronic hyperuricemia but to a less extent. Significance After creating an adequate model of hyperuricemia while setting the dose of potassium oxonate, route of administration and duration. A maintenance protocol was followed which subsequently made it possible to deduce that the daily administration of potassium oxonate must be continued to maintain the hyperuricemia.

A sulfated polysaccharide from Globularia alypum L. (GASP) was extracted with a yield of 14.2%. GASP is composed mostly of sulfate and total sugars (13.29% and 71.56%, respectively) with small amount of proteins and lipids. The chemical and structural characterization was studied by Infra-Red spectroscopic and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). GASP composed of eight carbohydrates where galactose, glucose, and mannose are the major compounds (33.47%, 26.71% and 18.21%, respectively). The in vitro and in vivo anticoagulant activities in rats were tested using the standard coagulation assays activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombine time (TT) and thrombin time (PT) tests. Both doses of GASP (200 and 500 mg/kg b.w) displayed a significant in vitro (1.22 and 1.33–fold, 1.17 and 1.27–fold, and 1.21 and 1.26–fold, respectively) and in vivo (1.47 and 2.52-fold; 1.20 and 1.43-fold; 1.21 and 1.40-fold, respectively) compared with the control. Toxicity studies on liver performed by the catalytic activity of transaminases in plasma, oxidative stress markers and hepatic morphological changes indicated that GASP at both doses are not toxics. The important pharmacological and toxicological profile of GASP revealed that this compound may be used as a novel and effective drug.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of running exercise modality on oxidative stress. Thirteen endurance athletes (age: 21.46 &plusmn, 0.66 years) performed three different running exercise modalities (Continuous running exercise (CR): continuous running exercise at 75% of VO2max for 25 min, intermittent running exercise #1 (15/15): intermittent running protocol, 15 s running at 75% of VO2max, 15 s passive recovery, performed for 50 min, intermittent running exercise #2 (30/30): intermittent running protocol, 30 s running at 75% of VO2max, 30 s passive recovery, performed for 50 min) in a randomized order. Blood samples were drawn at rest and immediately after each running exercise and assessed for malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), superoxide dismutase(SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities. MDA increased by 55% following 30/30 exercise (p &lt, 0.01), while it remained unchanged with CR and15/15 exercise. SOD increased after CR (+13.9%, p &lt, 0.05), and also remained unchanged after 15/15 (p &gt, 0.05) and decreased after 30/30 (&minus, 19.7% p &lt, 0.05). GPX and AOPP did not change after exercise in all experimental sessions (p &gt, 0.05). In conclusion, 30/30 intermittent running induced higher lipid damages than the 15/15 and CR exercise. 15/15 intermittent exercise promoted a better balance between free radicals production and antioxidant defense compared to continuous exercise and intermittent 30/30 exercise.

Background: Lawsonia inermis-extracted oil is known for therapeutic properties, especially wound healing. This study assesses the potential of this oil for wound healing in a rat model. Methodology: To assess the potential of L. inermis-extracted oil for wound healing, phytochemical, antibacterial, and antioxidant analyses were conducted. Uniform wound excision was induced on the dorsum of randomly selected rats divided into 3 groups cleaned and treated with saline solution (control), Cicaflora (reference), and L. inermisoil. Biopsies performed after healing were histologically assessed. Conclusions: The quality and content of the fatty acids in the oil were determined. Results showed a high content of bioactive components inducing an efficient wound healing effect determined by an in vivo study. Histological and chromatic assessment findings revealed healing in the oil-treated group but not in the untreated group, a full reepithelialization with reappearance of skin appendages and well-organized collagen fibers without any inflammatory cells. This might be due to a synergistic effect of the phytoconstituents present in the oil.

It is well established that intensive physical training induces oxidative stress and muscle damage that can contribute to fatigue and injuries. Melatonin (MEL) has been used as an ergogenic aid (i....

Imipenem/cilastatin is a broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic used to treat several bacterial infections. The present study was designed to validate the nephrotoxic effect of this drug in rats and to explore its potentional urolithiatic effect. Thirty two Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: three experimental groups treated with different imipenem/cilastatin dosages (30, 50 and 80 mg/kg/day) and a control group.The experimental groups were given intraperitoneal imipenem/cilastatin injections twice daily for 7 days, and the control group was given intraperitoneal vehicle NaCl 0.9% solution. Nephrotoxic effect of this antibiotic was assessed based on urine and plasma biochemistry, oxidative stress parameters, histopathological examination and infrared spectroscopy characterization. Imipenem/cilastatin administration resulted in alkaline urine, polyuria, crystalluria, raised plasma levels of urea, creatinine and uric acid, decreased contents of plasma gamma glutamyltranspeptidase and alkaline phosphatase, oxidative stress status, malpighian metaplasia as well as crystal deposition in kidneys and urinary tracts of Wistar rats. In addition, the precise nature of the calculi was identified, being formed by imipenem/cilastatin, thus confirming their iatrogenic origin. In conclusion, this study demonstrated through rat model that subacute exposure to imipenem/cilastatin may induce nephrotoxicity and increase the risk for developing kidney stones even at therapeutic dose levels in a dose-dependent manner.

Introduction Le syndrome d’allergies medicamenteuses multiples (SAMM) est defini comme une hypersensibilite a au moins deux medicaments chimiquement independants. Certaines etudes ont rapporte que le SAMM etait plus decrit chez des sujets allergiques aux penicillines. Les etudes portant sur le SAMM sont rares et le mecanisme reste encore mal elucide. Le but de notre etude est de faire une analyse descriptive des cas de SAMM notifies au service regionale de pharmacovigilance de Sfax. Methodes Nous avons mene une etude transversale descriptive portant sur des patients : (1) ayant consultes au service regional de pharmacovigilance de Sfax, (2) ayant une allergie a au moins un antibiotique, et (3) ayant un diagnostic confirme de SAMM. Resultats Dans notre etude, nous avons inclus 29 patients (18 femmes et 11 hommes avec un âge moyen de 59 ans) ayant presentes 69 reactions d’hypersensibilites medicamenteuses (HSM) documentes soit par une re-administration positive (n= 20), soit par une exploration allergologique (n = 25), soit par une histoire fortement evocatrice (n = 24). L’atopie a ete trouve dans 8 cas : asthme (n = 7) et rhinite allergique (n = 1). Les reactions d’HSM notifies chez nos patients etaient classees en deux types : reactions d’HSM immediates (qui etaient observees dans 40 cas et retardees observees dans 29 cas. Les medicaments impliques dans la survenue de ces 69 reactions d’HSM etaient les antibiotiques dans 55 cas (80 %), les antiepileptiques dans 6 cas (9 %) les AINS dans 4 cas (6 %) et autres medicaments dans 4 cas (6 %) (un cas a l’allopurinol, un cas au ranelate de strontium et deux cas au gliclazide). Discussion Malgre la prevalence apparemment faible du SAMM, ces cas posent un reel probleme de prise en charge therapeutique. En effet, lorsqu’un patient rapporte des histoires cliniques clairs d’HSMM, les medecins prescripteurs seraient obliges d’eviter a tout prix la liste des medicaments coupables et parfois de contre-indiquer plusieurs classes therapeutiques. Cela peut conduire a un choix difficile des medicaments avec impossibilite de prescrire des therapies de premiere intention optimales et necessite d’utiliser des traitements alternatifs, peut-etre moins efficaces

The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of Prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica flowers was studied using carrageenan induced rat paw edema model. In order to characterize the extract, the qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds of the methanol extract of Opuntia ficus-indica flowers (OFIFE) were performed using LC–MS/MS technique. The main components of OFIFE were phenolic acids and flavonoids. It was observed that the OFIFE inhibited significantly the inflammation as confirmed by the hematological and the histological analysis. The anti-inflammatory effect of OFIFE was associated with the reduction of malonaldialdehyde level (MDA as an index of lipid peroxidation) and an increase in activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Overall, the results showed that OFIFE might serve as a natural source for the treatment of inflammation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeine ingestion and partial sleep deprivation on mood and cognitive and physical performances. In randomised order, 12 healthy male physical ...

Imidacloprid (IMI) is a widely used in Tunisia and abroad, and high doses of IMI have been known to cause endocrine disruption. Some reports claim that Urtica urens L. (UU) can reduce toxicity thanks to it anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, but there is no scientific evidence justifying its use, which lets us think to its direct effect on the metabolism of the ovarian tissue. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of UU against the toxicity of Confidor®, whose active substance is imidacloprid (IMI), in female rat, as well as the chemical compositions of UU ethanol (EtOH) extract by GC-MS. Female rats were divided into control group, 3 groups treated with IMI at 50, 200 or 300mg/kg/day and three groups co-treated with IMI (50, 200 or 300mg/kg/day)+100mg/kg/day of UU, for 60days. Blood samples were collected for the dosage of 17β-estradiol levels. Ovaries were removed for tissular dosage of malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), glutathione (GSH), vitamin E, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Histological and histomorphometric examinations were performed as well. IMI caused an acute ovary injury, increased the ovary tissue levels of MDA and AOPP, and decreased the levels of GSH, vitamin E, and antioxidant enzyme activities. The number and the diameter of follicles were markedly diminished together with a reduction of the relative weight of ovaries. Compared with controls, the treated rats exhibited a significant reduction in serum 17b-estradiol levels. These results suggest an endocrine disruption by IMI which may interfere with ovarian follicles development in rat. The injection of UU EtOH extract improved the histological and all biochemical parameters cited above. In conclusion, IMI induced an acute ovary injury accompanied with disturbance of oxidant status and causes follicular atresia. Significant antioxidant activities were also observed in UU EtOH and a total of 31 compounds were identified. The injection of UU EtOH provided a significant protection which might be due to its antioxidant activities.

Imipenem is a carbapenem antibiotic largely used to treat infection diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of imipenem/cilastatin (IMP) on oxidative stress, antioxidant levels, testicular structure and sperm parameters in rats. Adult Wistar rats (84days old; N=8/group) were treated intraperitoneally with physiological serum containing 0mg/kg, 30mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 80mg/kg of IMP for one week. The results revealed that exposure to IMP especially at high doses, significantly decreased sexual organs weights (testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate), sperm characteristics (motility, viability and count) and plasma testosterone level while increased sperm abnormality. In addition, the testicular tissue level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) was significantly increased while the level of activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathion peroxidase (GPx) decreased compared to the control group. Severe testicular lesions were recorded in the seminiferous tubules as well as a significant impairment in sperm characteristics. In conclusion, IMP induced an oxidative stress-status and histopathological changes in the testis and altered spermatogenesis in particular at both 50 and 80mg/kg dose-levels (p

Resume Introduction Les reactions d’hypersensibilites retardees (HSR) sont parmi les effets indesirables les plus frequents des antiepileptiques. Peu d’etude ont evalue la sensibilite des patch-tests dans le diagnostic des reactions d’HSR aux antiepileptiques. L’objectif de notre etude est d’evaluer la place du patch-test dans le diagnostic positif d’une reaction d’HSR induite par les antiepileptiques. Methodes A partir de la base de donnees de pharmacovigilance du centre regional de pharmacovigilance (CRPV) de Sfax, nous avons inclus des cas d’effets indesirables cutanes de type retarde contemporains a une prise d’un medicament antiepileptique notifies entre le 1 juin 2014 et le 30 avril 2016. Le score d’imputabilite de ces medicaments antiepileptiques, evalue selon la methode francaise d’imputabilite, a ete au moins douteux. Les tests epicutanes ont ete realises en conformite avec les recommandations de l’European Network on Drug Allergy/European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (ENDA/EAACI). L’interpretation des resultats a ete faite selon les normes adoptees par l’International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG). Resultats Dans notre etude, 20 patients ont ete inclus et 23 evenements ont ete observes. Trois antiepileptiques ont ete impliques dans la survenue des reactions cutanees : la carbamazepine dans 11 cas, le phenobarbital dans 10 cas et l’acide valproique dans 4 cas. L’exantheme maculopapuleux a ete observe dans 11 cas, le drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome dans 6 cas, le syndrome de Steven-Johnson dans 2 cas, l’erytheme pigmente fixe dans 2 cas et l’erythrodermie dans 2 cas. Les patch-tests ont ete positifs chez 19 patients (95 %). Une reactivite croisee entre les medicaments antiepileptiques a ete observee dans 4 cas. Cette reactivite a ete entre l’acide valproique et la carbamazepine dans 2 cas, entre l’acide valproique et le phenobarbital dans 1 cas et entre le phenobarbital et la carbamazepine dans 1 cas. Conclusion La realisation des patch-tests s’avere complementaire a l’enquete de pharmacovigilance dans l’identification de l’agent causal dans les reactions d’HSR aux antiepileptiques.

Kalach 360 SL (KL), glyphosate (G) surfactant-based herbicides, is a systemic herbicide effective against weeds. It was applied in agriculture in Tunisia and throughout the world, which can represent a risk to non-target organisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological and biochemical aspects of ovary injury after exposure to KL. Female Wistar rats were divided into three groups: group 1 was used as a control; group 2 orally received 0.07 ml of KL, (126 mg of G/kg) and group 3 orally received 0.175 ml of KL (315 mg of G/kg) each day for 60 days. The subchronic exposure of KL induces impaired folliculogenesis, ovary development, decreased oestrogen secretion, promoted oxidative stress and impairments of ovary histological aspects. Histological finding shows necrosis cell, vacuolisation of follicles, dissociated oocytes and granulosa cell, associated with several atretic follicles. We conclude that KL induces endocrine disruption and ovary damage in female rats.

Imidacloprid (IMI) is very harmful to human health and cause problems. Recently, plants have been considered as potential agents for protection against these disorders. Urtica urens L. (UU) is very useful for relieving rheumatic pains and there is no scientific evidence justifying its use, which lets us think of its direct effect on the bone. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of UU against toxicity effects of IMI in female rat. Rats were divided into control group, 3 groups treated with IMI at 50, 200 or 300mg/kg/day and 3 groups co-treated with IMI (50, 200 or 300mg/kg/day)+100mg/kg/day of UU. We studied bone remodeling through histological, histomorphometry and biochemical analyses. In IMI- treated groups, we have noted, following histomorphomotric analysis, significant decreases in cortical, trabecular thicknesses and osteoid surfaces. Elsewhere, IMI intoxication significantly decreased serum vitamin D and hydroxyproline levels in the groups treated for 60days. IMI intoxication increased significantly calcium, phosphorus contents, MDA and AOPP levels and the rate of calcification. It decreased significantly GSH, GPx, SOD, CAT, 17b-Estradiol and vitamin E levels, induces a tendency of rarefaction and increases of intrabecular spaces. The co-treatment with UU improved all biochemical parameters (hydroxyproline, MDA, AOPP, GSH, GPx, SOD, CAT, 17b-Estradiol, vitamin D, vitamin E calcium, phosphorus). UU leads to a significant increase in cortical, trabecular thicknesses, osteoid surfaces, a decrease in the intrabecular spaces and the rarefaction of bone. In conclusion, IMI inhibits bone remodeling and enhances bone formation. A significant antioxidant activity was also observed in UU and a total of 6 compounds were identified. Co-administration of UU provided a significant protection which might be due to its antioxidant property.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the oxidative status and antioxidant defense and its involvement in the relapse of ALL. The plasmatic levels of malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation of protein products and reduced glutathione (GSH), and the plasmatic activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase were determined in 34 patients who were newly diagnosed with ALL and compared with 92 healthy individuals. The plasmatic concentrations of malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation of protein products were higher in ALL patients than in controls and increased during chemotherapy. A decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity and an increase in catalase and SOD activities and GSH plasma levels were observed in ALL patients, as compared with sex-matched controls. Moreover, SOD activity and GSH levels were significantly correlated with the relapse of ALL patients. These data suggest the involvement of oxidative stress in acute lymphoid leukemias and leukemic relapse.

Medicinal plants have been used as a source of effective and safe alternative therapeutic agents for various ailments including inflammation. In fact, the aim of this study is to assess the topical anti-inflammatory and antioxidative potential effects of Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin), Linum usitatissimum (linseed), and Opuntia ficus indica (prickly pear) oils on acute inflammation using carrageenan-induced paw edema model. The study was conducted on 36 rats splitted in 6 groups: a normal control group and 5 carrageenan-treated groups (1%), each treated with either a normal saline, the reference drug (“Inflocine®” 2 mg/paw), pumpkin, linseed, or prickly pear oils (25 μl/paw). The response to these treatments was mainly assessed by the measuring of edema paw size, hematological and biochemical analysis, oxidative stress testing, and histological study. All the studied seed oils especially prickly pear oil proved to be efficient in treating acute inflammation. The oil-treated groups revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the clinical signs of inflammation, hematological parameters (white blood cells and platelets), concentrations of CRP and fibrinogen, and congestion compared to the normal saline-treated group. The results also showed that the tested oils, endowed with a radical scavenging ability, could significantly increase the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx in carrageenan-treated skin by reducing the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation (TBARS, AOPP). The anti-inflammatory effect of the tested oils was closely related to both their antioxidant properties as well as their bioactive compounds (polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and phytosterols). For the first time, the findings of the current study highlight the “in vivo” anti-inflammatory property of pumpkin, linseed, and prickly pear oils on carrageenan-induced acute inflammation by regulating inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers.

Obesity plays a pivotal role in the insulin resistance disease, which is related to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the present study was done to evaluate the effect of artichoke leaves extract (ALE) in the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced cellular obesity and cardiac damage in Wistar rats. Body and organ weights, serum lipid profile, cardiac markers, and antioxidants enzymes were measured. Oral administration of ALE at two doses 200 and 400 mg/kg for a period of 60 days showed a significant decrease in body and organ weights, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDH, ALT accompanied by decreasing in oxidative stress biomarker (MDA, and AOPP) and increasing antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) levels as compared to HFD groups. The histological findings showed a cardioprotective effect of ALE. These findings suggest that ALE exert anti-oxidant cardiac effects in HFD- induced obese rats.

Background This work aimed to evaluate oxidative stress in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients treated with tunisian (IM) vs controls and in CML patients with resistance to IM vs patients without resistance to IM. Methods The study included 40 CML patients and 34 controls. Of 40 patients with CML, 26 patients were developed in resistance to IM. The oxidant/antioxidant markers were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods for all used samples. Results For CML patients, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels were found compared to controls (P, High malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation of protein products levels were evidenced in chronic myeloid leukemia. Disturbed enzymatic and no enzymatic defenses were found in plasma of chronic myeloid leukemia patients. Patients with resistance to imatinib revealed more pronounced oxidant/antioxidant markers than no‐resistant chronic myeloid leukemia patients. Hydrogen peroxide was incriminated in the disturbed oxidative profile in chronic myeloid leukemia patients with resistance to imatinib.

Background Natural products, whether pure compounds or standardized plant extracts, offer unlimited opportunities for other drug sources due to the unequaled availability of chemical diversity. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a unique herbaceous perennial flowering plant with stinging hairs. The leaf extract of nettle was one of the herbal remedies which the experimental, clinical and trials have complemented each other. It is a very well-known plant with a wide historical background use of stems, leaves and roots. It has a long history of use as power sources such as soup or curry, and also used as fiber and a medicinal plant. Urtica dioica has traditionally been used in the control of cardiovascular disorders especially hypertension. The leaf extract of Urtica dioica has been reported to improve glucose homeostasis in vivo. Nettle root could prevent some of the effects of prostatic hyperplasia. Extracts of nettle leaf are used as anti-inflammatory remedies for rheumatoid arthritis. Urtica dioica extract significantly increased the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to paclitaxel. This article aims to review the very wide ranging of pharmacological effects of Urtica dioica extract. Methods Articles on PuBmed between 1980 and 2019. Results Description and critical review of the pharmacological effects of Urtica dioica and other uses. Conclusion The nettle is actually a plant with many qualities and uses. The interest in it is deserved and it is given by other studies and investigations.

The present study aimed to characterize and evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anticoagulant activity of sulfated glycosaminoglycans from the skins of smooth hound (SHSG) and grey triggerfish (GTSG). The analysis of SHSG and GTSG with acetate cellulose electrophoresis in Zn-acetate revealed the presence of hyaluronic acid (HA), chondroitin sulfate (CS) and dermatan sulfate (DS). Both glycosaminoglycans were evaluated for their in vitro anticoagulant activities using activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin time (TT) and prothrombine time (PT) tests. SHSG and GTSG and calciparin were tested as in vivo anticoagulants by subcutaneous (s.c) injection to adult female Wistar rats in a concentration of 75mg/kg of body weight. The administration of SHSG, GTSG and calciparin to rats induced a significant decrease of platelet rates compared to the control. The aPTT assay of SHSG and GTSG was prolonged 1.3 and 1.23-fold respectively compared with the control. Toxicity studies were performed to investigate whether or not SHSG and GTSG can cause pathological changes in the liver, proteins and DNA. The concentration and catalytic activity of liver oxidative stress markers and enzymes, respectively, as well as the observed hepatic morphological changes indicated that calciparin induced hepatic toxicity and oxidative damage in the liver. The higher activity and lower toxicity of SHSG and GTSG recommended these compounds as a better drug candidate than calciparin.