Liječenje i ishod trudnoća kompliciranih infekcijom COVID-19: deskriptivna studija jednog centra

This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics, radiological and laboratory results, therapy and outcome of pregnancies complicated by COVID-19 infection. Methodology. A retrospective descriptive study included all pregnant women with COVID-19 who gave birth in our hospital from April 2020 to January 2022. Exclusion criteria were: incomplete or unclear medical documentation, suspected COVID-19 infection without confirmation by PCR or rapid Ag test, previously diagnosed autoimmune diseases, positive history of malignant diseases, and started oxygen support in another institution before admission to our hospital. Results. Our study included 186 pregnant women who gave birth at KBC “Dr. Dragiša Mišović – Dedinje” in the mentioned period. Of these, 69 had no symptoms of COVID-19 infection, and 67 developed a milder clinical picture. In comparison, 41 pregnant women were diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. A total of 38 pregnant women were admitted to the intensive care unit, of which 32 pregnant women needed oxygen support, 20 pregnant women were on an oxygen mask, 2 of them on a high-flow nasal canal, four pregnant women on non-invasive mechanical ventilation and six pregnant women on invasive mechanical ventilation. Of the total number of patients, 111 had a natural vaginal delivery, while 75 underwent cesarean section. Of 111 pregnant women who had a vaginal delivery, 92 (83%) received epidural analgesia, while 19 (17%) did not. Among pregnant women undergoing cesarean section, nine pregnant women (12%) received epidural anesthesia, 51 of them (68) received spinal anesthesia, while a cesarean section in 15 pregnant women (20%) was performed under general balanced anesthesia. Of 186 hospitalized and delivered pregnant women, 183 (98.4%) were discharged home in good general condition, while three (1.6%) had a fatal outcome. Conclusion. The clinical manifestations of pregnant women suffering from COVID-19 infection corresponded to the symptoms of the general population to the greatest extent. In contrast, the excessive use of antibiotics, even for asymptomatic patients, is very worrying.Ovo istraživanje ima za cilj opisati kliničke karakteristike, radiološke i laboratorijske nalaze, terapiju i ishod trudnoća kompliciranih infekcijom COVID-19. Metodologija. Retrospektivna deskriptivna studija obuhvatila je sve trudnice s COVID-19 koje su rodile u našoj bolnici od travnja 2020. do siječnja 2022. Kriteriji za isključenje bili su: nepotpuna ili nejasna medicinska dokumentacija, sumnja na infekciju COVID-19 bez potvrde PCR-om ili brzim Ag testom, prethodno dijagnosticirane autoimune bolesti, pozitivna anamneza malignih bolesti, te započeta potpora kisikom u drugoj ustanovi prije prijema u našu bolnicu. Rezultati. Našim istraživanjem obuhvaćeno je 186 trudnica koje su se u navedenom periodu porodile u KBC “Dr. Dragiša Mišović – Dedinje”. Od toga 69 nije imalo simptome infekcije COVID-19, a 67 je razvilo blažu kliničku sliku. Za usporedbu, kod 41 trudnice dijagnosticirana je obostrana upala pluća. Ukupno 38 trudnica primljeno je na jedinicu intenzivne njege, od čega su 32 trudnice trebale kisikovu potporu, 20 trudnica je bilo na kisikovoj maski, od toga 2 na visokoprotočnoj nazalnoj njezi, četiri trudnice na neinvazivnoj. mehaničkom ventilacijom i šest trudnica na invazivnoj mehaničkoj ventilaciji. Od ukupnog broja pacijentica, 111 je imalo prirodni vaginalni porod, a 75 je podvrgnuto carskom rezu. Od 111 trudnica koje su imale vaginalni porod, 92 (83%) dobile su epiduralnu analgeziju, a 19 (17%) nije. Od trudnica podvrgnutih carskom rezu, devet trudnica (12%) dobilo je epiduralnu anesteziju, njih 51 (68) spinalnu anesteziju, dok je carski rez u 15 trudnica (20%) obavljen u općoj uravnoteženoj anesteziji. Od 186 hospitaliziranih i porodilja, 183 (98,4%) otpuštene su kući u dobrom općem stanju, dok su tri (1,6%) imale smrtni ishod. Zaključak. Kliničke manifestacije trudnica oboljelih od infekcije COVID-19 u najvećoj su mjeri odgovarale simptomima opće populacije. Nasuprot tome, pretjerana uporaba antibiotika, čak i kod asimptomatskih pacijenata, vrlo je zabrinjavajuća

Effects of ibogaine per os treatment on redox homeostasis in rat kidney

Our previous results showed that a single oral dose (1 or 20 mg/kg body weight) of the anti-addiction agent ibogaine induced in rats 6 and 24 h after administration glycogenolytic activity in hepatocytes, followed by a mild oxidative stress. In this work, we examined the in vivo effect of the same doses of ibogaine on rat kidney morphology, antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutases (SOD1 and 2), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione- S-transferase) activities, and oxidative stress (TBARS) and redox (-SH groups) parameters. The dose of 1 mg/kg ibogaine induced an elevation in SOD1 activity and decreased GR activity after 6 and 24 h. GR activity was decreased at 6 and 24 h after 20 mg/kg ibogaine administration, suggesting changed redox homeostasis. After 24 h, we observed an increase in moderate morphological changes, without changes in urinalyses, indicating that kidney function was not measurably affected. Nevertheless, kidney-function monitoring during and following ibogaine use in human subjects is advisable

Effects of ibogaine per os application on redox homeostasis in rat liver and erythrocytes

Ibogaine, administered as a single oral dose (1-25 mg/kg body weight), has been used as an addiction-interrupting agent. Its effects persist for up to 72 h. Ex vivo results showed that ibogaine induced cellular energy consumption and restitution, followed by increased reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aim of this work was to explore the effect of a single oral dose of ibogaine (1 or 20 mg/kg body weight) on antioxidative defenses in rat liver and erythrocytes. Six and 24 h after ibogaine administration, histological examination showed glycogenolytic activity in hepatocytes, which was highest after 24 h in animals that received 20 mg/kg ibogaine. There were no changes in the activities of superoxide dismutases, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase in the liver and erythrocytes after ibogaine treatment, regardless of the dose. Hepatic xanthine oxidase activity was elevated in rats that received 20 mg/kg compared to the controls (p<0.01), suggesting faster adenosine turnover. TBARS concentration was elevated in the group treated with 1 mg/kg after 24 h compared to the controls (p<0.01), suggesting mild oxidative stress. Our results show that ibogaine treatment influenced hepatic redox homeostasis, but not sufficiently to remodel antioxidant enzyme activities at 6 and 24 h post-ibogaine application

Chronic unpredictable stress in adolescence causes disruption of colon morphology that is associated with depressive phenotype in adult mice

Adolescence is a critical period for neurodevelopment, and exposure to chronic stress during this stage can have long-lasting effects on physiological systems and mental health, particularly on depression. Recent studies report that stress affects the gutbrain axis, leading to changes in gut morphology and motility, nutrient absorption, and gut microbiome, which can be associated with development of depression. We investigated the impact of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) in adolescence on depressive-like behavior and colon in adult mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to CUS, including different daily stressors such as social isolation, forced swim, and restraint stress, and others, during postnatal days 28-40. Control mice were housed under standard conditions. Behavioral assessments were conducted during adulthood (postnatal day 70), to evaluate depressive-like behavior. Alterations in mice colon were assessed by histopathological analysis. Our results revealed that mice exposed to CUS during adolescence have disrupted colon, including loss of colonic crypts and significantly increased presence of mucosa and submucosa in respect to controls. Changes in colon were associated with increased depressive-like behavior in CUS-mice compared to control mice. These findings suggest that CUS experienced in adolescence can disrupt colon morphology that is associated with depressive phenotype in adult mice, highlighting the importance of understanding the long-term consequences of chronic stress during this critical period of development as a potential risk for development of depression. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions to mitigate the effects of stress on mental health and gut functionPoster Session: Brain Metabolism & Dietary Intervention

Synthesis, Characterization, and Therapeutic Efficacy of 177Lu-DMSA@SPIONs in Nanobrachytherapy of Solid Tumors

As an alternative to classical brachytherapy, intratumoral injection of radionuclide-labeled nanoparticles (nanobrachytherapy, NBT) has been investigated as a superior delivery method over an intravenous route for radionuclide therapy of solid tumors. We created superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) coated with meso-1,2-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and radiolabeled with Lutetium-177 (177Lu), generating 177Lu-DMSA@SPIONs as a potential antitumor agent for nanobrachytherapy. Efficient radiolabeling of DMSA@SPIONS by 177Lu resulted in a stable bond with minimal leakage in vitro. After an intratumoral injection to mouse colorectal CT-26 or breast 4T1 subcutaneous tumors, the nanoparticles remained well localized at the injection site for weeks, with limited leakage. The dose of 3.70 MBq/100 µg/50 µL of 177Lu-DMSA@SPIONs applied intratumorally resulted in a high therapeutic efficacy, without signs of general toxicity. A decreased dose of 1.85 MBq/100 µg/50 µL still retained therapeutic efficacy, while an increased dose of 9.25 MBq/100 µg/50 µL did not significantly benefit the therapy. Histopathology analysis revealed that the 177Lu-DMSA@SPIONs act within a limited range around the injection site, which explains the good therapeutic efficacy achieved by a single administration of a relatively low dose without the need for increased or repeated dosing. Overall, 177Lu-DMSA@SPIONs are safe and potent agents suitable for intra-tumoral administration for localized tumor radionuclide therap

Protective effects of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) seed oil on rat liver damage induced by chronic alcohol consumption

Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) possesses a protective potential against liver injury due to the presence of biologically active ingredients. Adult male albino rats were administrated PSO (per os, 2 mL/kg b.w./day) and a 12% ethanol solution in water, ad libitum, with an average intake of 8.14 g of ethanol/kg bw/day for 6 weeks. Congestion, hepatic central vein dilation, portal vein branch dilation, Kupffer cell hyperplasia, fatty liver changes, hepatocyte focal necrosis were observed after daily alcohol intake. All observed changes were reduced when PSO was ingested with ethanol. PSO intake itself induced discrete cellular edema, congestion and slight dilatation of the central and portal vain branches. Chronic ethanol intake elevated catalase (CAT) activity and glutathione reductase (GR) protein expression; concomitant PSO intake had no effect on CAT activity or GR protein expression. PSO intake decreased the activities of GR, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and xanthine oxidase (XOD) in the liver, probably due to the ingestion of antioxidants. Intake of PSO and ethanol significantly decreased cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and increased NF-?B protein expression compared to ethanol intake, suggesting that the protective effects of PSO were mediated by the NF-?B signaling pathway. Our results reveal a therapeutic potential of PSO in alcoholic liver disease

Antipsychotic Drug-Mediated Adverse Effects on Rat Testicles May Be Caused by Altered Redox and Hormonal Homeostasis

Sexual dysfunction, as a noticeable adverse effect of atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs) for the treatment of schizophrenia, has not been investigated in detail. A study was undertaken to investigate whether 28-day long treatment with clozapine, ziprasidone or sertindole (using a recommended daily dose for atypical antipsychotic therapy), induced histopathological changes both in rat testicles and prostate, changed the activity of the antioxidant defence system and altered blood testosterone and prolactin. Clozapine, ziprasidone and sertindole induced histopathological changes in rat testicular tissue, which could be attributed to a disturbed testicular antioxidant defence system in addition to an altered prolactin to testosterone ratio. None of the APD treatments induced histopathological changes in prostate. Our results demonstrate that APDs have the capacity to change both redox and endocrinological balance. One or both outcomes could underline testicular degeneration and disturbed spermatogenesis

Comparison of Hydroxyapatite/Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and Hydroxyapatite/Polyethyleneimine Composite Scaffolds in Bone Regeneration of Swine Mandibular Critical Size Defects: In Vivo Study

Reconstruction of jaw bone defects present a significant problem because of specific aesthetic and functional requirements. Although widely used, the transplantation of standard autograft and allograft materials is still associated with significant constraints. Composite scaffolds, combining advantages of biodegradable polymers with bioceramics, have potential to overcome limitations of standard grafts. Polyethyleneimine could be an interesting novel biocompatible polymer for scaffold construction due to its biocompatibility and chemical structure. To date, there have been no in vivo studies assessing biological properties of hydroxyapatite bioceramics scaffold modified with polyethyleneimine. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo effects of composite scaffolds of hydroxyapatite ceramics and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and novel polyethyleneimine on bone repair in swine’s mandibular defects, and to compare them to conventional bone allograft (BioOss). Scaffolds were prepared using the method of polymer foam template in three steps. Pigs, 3 months old, were used and defects were made in the canine, premolar, and molar area of their mandibles. Four months following the surgical procedure, the bone was analyzed using radiological, histological, and gene expression techniques. Hydroxyapatite ceramics/polyethyleneimine composite scaffold demonstrated improved biological behavior compared to conventional allograft in treatment of swine’s mandibular defects, in terms of bone density and bone tissue histological characteristics

The effects of whey and pumpkin seed oil on blood biochemical parameters of liver function and lipid profile in rats chronically drinking low concentrations of ethanol

We studied the effects of whey and pumpkin seed oil supplementation on the biochemical parameters in blood serum of male rats after chronic ad libitum alcohol consumption. The levels of AST, ALT, total bilirubin, ALP, LDH, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, triglyceride/HDL ratio, total cholesterol/HDL ratio (cholesterol ratio) and LDL/HDL ratio (index of atherosclerosis) were determined in rats after six weeks of treatment with: (i) ethanol (12% ethanol, ad libitum), (ii) whey (2 g/kg per day), (iii) pumpkin seed oil (2 mL/kg per day), (iv) both ethanol and whey, and (v) both ethanol and pumpkin seed oil. The results showed no changes in the levels of AST, ALT, total bilirubin, ALP, total cholesterol, HDL and VLDL in alcoholic rats when compared to the controls (fed with a standard laboratory diet ad libitum) and rats supplemented with whey and pumpkin seed oil. Our results suggest that alcohol consumption in small doses for 6 weeks changes lipid metabolism and significantly elevates the LDL/HDL ratio (index of atherosclerosis) but does not induce extensive liver damage. Ethanol consumption in our experimental conditions lowered the triglyceride level as well as the triglyceride/HDL ratio, suggesting lipid redistribution and the induction of some cardio-protective effect. However, ethanol induced a higher index of atherosclerosis. Pumpkin seed oil showed some protective potential in alcoholic rats by lowering the total cholesterol/HDL ratio, but it elevated the LDH. Whey consumption prevented elevation of the atherosclerosis index, pointing to its protective role, probably through the redistribution of lipids. However, whey in combination with ethanol elevated LDH

Significance of periacinar cleftings as supporting criteria in diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma Gleason score-a 7 (3+4) and Gleason score-a 7 (4+3) and their relationship with parameters of predictive value

Diagnosis of different pathohystological diseases of prostate in the most cases is based on common benignant and malignant characteristics. The presence of periacinar cleftings (PC) is an additional criterion favouring prostatic adenocarcinoma. According to the presence and extent of PC, analysed on high power field (400x), glands were classified into 3 groups: group 1-glands without PC or with PC affecting ≤50% of gland circumference; group 2-glands with PC affecting >50% gland circumference in 50% gland circumference in ≥50% examined glands. The aim of our study was to determine the importance of presence of PC in prostatic adenocarcinoma (ADCP) of Gleason score 7(3+4) and 7(4+3) and establish the existence of differences in their appearance at ADCP with first and second dominant histological grade 3 and 4 in each different relationship based on correlation analysis of PC and parameters of the predictive value (preoperative value of serum prostate specific antigen, tumor volume, clinical stage and degree of focal neuroendocrine differentiation). The study included 33 ADCP of Gleason score 7, 26 (78.79%) ADCP 7(3+4) and 7 (21.21%) ADCP 7(4+3). In ADCP Gleason 7(3+4) periacinar cleftings are more common in tumors that are smaller, better differentiated (produce more PSA), which is diagnosed in less advanced clinical stages and showing a less degree of focal neuroendocrine differentiation. In ADCP Gleason 7(4+3) periacinar cleftings are more common in tumors which produce less value of serum PSA (poorly differentiated) and in tumors that are diagnosed in advanced clinical stages. Periacinar cleftings are common findings in prostatic adenocarcinoma Gleason score 7(4+3) which are considerd as tumors with worse prognosis. Because of all we can rank PC among the important additional criteria for the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the prostate