1,216 research outputs found
Analysis of density changes of selected brain receptors after a 14-day supply of chromium(III) and evaluation of chromium(III) affinity to selected receptors and transporters
Chromium(III) is one of the most controversial biometals. Although, it is no longer on the list of minerals necessary for the proper functioning of the human body, and its pharmacological effect is still under discussion. One of the purposes of Cr(III) administration is to use it in patients with mood disorders and it is strictly related to its pharmacological, not dietary effect. This is because its high doses are necessary to obtain the results and additionally, no deficiencies in human population have been noted. In this study, the affinity of chromium(III) to selected receptors and transporters in the rat brain was evaluated, and the effect of the 14-day administration of thismetal was assessed on the density of selected receptors. All analyses were performed in vitro using radioligand binding assays, and the results indicated lack of affinity to β1 and α1 receptors and serotonin transporter (SERT), furthermore very weak affinity to the 5-HT1A receptor (30% inhibition at 10−4 and 10−5 M). Analysis of the α1 and β1 adrenergic receptor density indicated lack of any adaptive effects after 14 days of Cr(III) administration through intraperitoneal injections (doses 6 and 12 mg/kg). The antidepressant activity of chromium(III) indicated in clinical trials concerned patients with atypical, seasonal, or dystonic symptoms. This effect, as it seems based on the presented results, does not depend on direct affinity to serotonin receptors
and transporter nor is the result of adaptive changes in the adrenoreceptor system
Zinc Deficiency and Depression
Zinc deficiency has multiple effects, including neurological and somatic symptoms. Zinc deficiency can lead to depression, increased anxiety, irritability, emotional instability, and induced deficits in social behavior. Clinical studies have shown that low levels of zinc intake contributes to the symptoms of depression and patients suffering from depression have a lower serum zinc level. Also the animal studies have shown an important role of dietary zinc deficiency in the induction of depressive‐like symptoms. Moreover, both preclinical and clinical studies have indicated the potential benefits of zinc supplementation as an adjunct to conventional antidepressant drugs or as a stand‐alone intervention. This chapter focuses on the role of the zinc deficiency in the pathogenesis of depression, changes in animal behavior induced by dietary zinc restriction, the role of zinc supplementation in the treatment of depression, and the possible mechanisms involved in these relationships. Both clinical and preclinical studies related to these findings will be discussed
Ketamine and Ro 25-6981 reverse behaviorala abnormalities in rats subjected to dietary zinc restriction
Clinical and preclinical studies indicate that zinc (Zn) is an essential factor in the development
and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Conventional monoamine-based antidepressants
mobilize zinc in the blood and brain of depressed patients as well as rodents. N-methyl-D-aspartate
acid receptor (NMDAR) antagonists exhibit antidepressant-like activity. However, not much is
known about the antidepressant efficacy of NMDAR antagonists in zinc-deficient (ZnD) animals.
We evaluated the antidepressant-like activity of two NMDAR antagonists (ketamine; global NMDAR
antagonist and Ro 25-6981 (Ro); selective antagonist of the GluN2B NMDAR subunit) in ZnD rats
using the forced swim test (FST) and sucrose intake test (SIT). A single dose of either Ro 25-6981
or ketamine normalized depressive-like behaviors in ZnD rats; however, Ro was effective in both
tests, while ketamine was only effective in the FST. Additionally, we investigated the mechanism of
antidepressant action of Ro at the molecular (analysis of protein expression by Western blotting) and
anatomical (density of dendritic spines by Golgi Cox-staining) levels. ZnD rats exhibited decreased
phosphorylation of the p70S6K protein, and enhanced density of dendritic spines in the prefrontal
cortex (PFC) compared to control rats. The antidepressant-like activity of Ro was associated with
the increased phosphorylation of p70S6K and ERK in the PFC. In summary, single doses of the
NMDAR antagonists ketamine and Ro exhibited antidepressant-like activity in the ZnD animal model
of depression. Animals were only deprived of Zn for 4 weeks and the biochemical effects of Zn
deprivation and Ro were investigated in the PFC and hippocampus. The shorter duration of dietary
Zn restriction may be a limitation of the study. However, future studies with longer durations of
dietary Zn restriction, as well as the investigation of multiple brain structures, are encouraged as a
supplement to this study
Analysis of selected methods of diagnostics and physiotherapy of pes plano-valgus in children
Introduction: Flat feet is one of the most common posture defects among children and it usually co-occurs with valgus of the heels, which is called pes plano-valgus. There are many diagnostic methods and physiotherapeutic activities that allow for early detection and appropriate correction of the defect. The use of non-surgical methods may allow the child to avoid surgery in the future.
Aim and Methods: Review and analysis of the current scientific literature on the diagnosis and physiotherapy of plano-valgus feet in children.
Conclusions: In the diagnostic process, there are many static and dynamic methods for the assessment of plano-valgus foot among children. Special devices such as plantoconturograph, podoscope, and pedobarographic mat are used in the diagnosis of feet in children and have proven to be helpful in the detailed analysis of foot defects. However, an extensive range of physiotherapeutic methods allows for comprehensive treatment using not only corrective exercises, but also physical therapy treatments in order to relieve pain and accelerate recovery. Orthopedic appliances, such as supination insoles, also play an important role in the treatment. The best results were seen in the use of comprehensive treatment and multiple terapeutic methods. Early detection and correct diagnosis of foot abnormalities allow for appropriate treatment with the use of a wide range of physiotherapy methods. This increases the chances of restoring normal foot functions among children and reducing pain with other abnormal symptoms
Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic potential of zinc-ibuprofen and zinc-naproxen complexes in rats
Because of numerous indications and high availability,
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are
among the most commonly prescribed and used medicines in
the world. However, long-term therapy with and improper
use of NSAIDs may lead to gastrointestinal damage.
Therefore, improving the therapeutic index of the existing
drugs has become a priority over the past decades. Considerable
attention in the field has been concentrated on metal
complexes of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The
aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of complexation
with zinc on the anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic effects of
ibuprofen and naproxen after single and triple intragastric
administration to rats. The anti-inflammatory effect was
assessed in carrageenan-induced inflammatory edema in the
hind paw of male albino Wistar rats. The mucosal lesions
were inspected and evaluated for gross pathology. Single
administration of both the investigated complexes, namely
zinc-ibuprofen and zinc-naproxen (20 mg/kg equivalent to
ibuprofen and naproxen, respectively) and their parent drugs
and physical mixtures with zinc hydroaspartate (ZHA doses:
16.05 and 14.37 mg/kg), caused a significant reduction of the
edema after the same time from the carrageenan injection in comparison to the control groups. However, no statistically
significant differences between the investigated drugs were
observed after their single administration. The mean ulceration
score for the mixture of ibuprofen and ZHA was
statistically lower than the mean score achieved in rats after
treatment with ibuprofen alone. On the other hand, triple
intragastric administration of the ZHA-ibuprofen and ZHA-
naproxen combination showed substantial enhancement of
the anti-inflammatory activity against control groups, as well
as against the parent NSAIDs. The most potent anti-inflammatory
activity was demonstrated after 2 h from the
carrageenan injection in animals receiving ZHA together
with naproxen. The edema growth was reduced in these
animals by 80.9% as compared to the control group. This
result was significantly higher than the results achieved in
animals receiving zinc-naproxen (50.2%) or naproxen alone
(47.9%). Both NSAID complexes with zinc and mixtures
with ZHA alleviated ulcerations caused by parent NSAIDs;
however, the mixtures of both ibuprofen and naproxen with
ZHA after triple administration were the least damaging. In
view of the above results, zinc supplementation during
NSAID therapy may have a beneficial effect on ulcer prevention
and healing by reducing the effective dose of the
parent drug and increasing its potency
Serotonin transporter activity of imidazolidine-2,4-dione and imidazo[2,1-f]purine-2,4-dione derivatives in aspect of their acid–base properties
Affinities of arylpiperazinylalkyl derivatives of imidazo[2,1-f]purine-2,4-dione and imidazolidine-2,4-dione for serotonin transporter and their acid–base properties were evaluated. The dissociation constant (pK(a)) of compounds 1–22 were determinated by potentiometric titration and calculated using pKalc 3.1 module of the Pallas system. The data from experimental methods and computational calculations were compared and suitable conclusions were reached
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