Protection against Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Young CBA/J Mice by Low-Dose Kanamycin

Animal studies indicate that a combination of kanamycin (KM) and noise produces a synergistic effect, whereby the threshold shift from the combination is greater than the sum of the shifts caused by either agent alone. Most such studies have focused on adult animals, and it has remained unclear whether younger, presumably more susceptible, animals show an even greater synergistic effect. The present study tested the hypothesis that young CBA/J mice receiving a low dose of KM (300 mg/kg, 2×/day, s.c.) from 20 to 30 days post-gestational age followed by brief noise exposure (110 dB SPL; 4–45 kHz, 30 s) would show greater noise-induced permanent threshold shifts (NIPTS) than mice receiving either treatment alone. Noise exposure produced 30–40 dB of NIPTS and moderate hair cell loss in young saline-treated mice. KM alone at this dose had no effect on thresholds. Surprisingly, mice receiving KM plus noise were protected from NIPTS, showing ABR thresholds not significantly different from unexposed controls. Mice receiving KM prior to noise exposure also showed significantly less outer hair cell loss than saline-treated mice. Additional experiments indicated protection by KM when the noise was applied either 24 or 48 h after the last KM injection. Our results demonstrate a powerful protective effect of sub-chronic low-dose kanamycin against NIPTS in young CBA/J mice. Repeated kanamycin exposure may establish a preconditioned protective state, the molecular bases of which remain to be determined

Screening, Prevention, Counseling, and Treatment for the Complications of Type II Diabetes Mellitus Putting Evidence into Practice

To summarize current knowledge of interventions that should improve the care of patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Interventions lie within the realms of prevention, screening, and treatment, all of which are focused on office practice. METHODS: Review of the literature by a multidisciplinary team involved in the care of patients with diabetes, followed by synthesis of the literature into a clinical care guideline. Literature was identified through consultation with experts and a focused MEDLINE search. MAIN RESULTS: An algorithm-based guideline for screening and treatment of the complications of diabetes was developed. The emphasis is on prevention of atherosclerotic disease, and prevention, screening, and early treatment of microvascular disease. Implementation of these practices has the potential to significantly improve quality of life and increase life expectancy in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. KEY WORDS: diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent; guideline; prevention; complications; patient education.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/72059/1/j.1525-1497.1997.07111.x.pd