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Biomedical subjects

K Watters

Publications and source records attributed to K Watters.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Reduction of glycemic and lipid levels in db/db diabetic mice by psyllium plant fiber.

The soluble plant fiber psyllium significantly reduced fasting glucose and total cholesterol levels in the C57BL/KsJ db/db diabetic mouse relative to placebo-fed mice. Insulin levels were significantly higher in psyllium-fed than placebo-fed animals, indicating this fiber may delay the progression of diabetes in the animal model. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels rose moderately in both psyllium- and placebo-fed animals during the study, whereas triglyceride levels remained unchanged in both groups. Psyllium's effect on glycemic, lipid, and hormone parameters was not explained by weight loss or reduced food intake; these were similar in psyllium- and placebo-fed animals during the study. Our results show that psyllium fiber can beneficially moderate glycemic and lipid parameters in the db/db diabetes model.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Clinical trial of cefuroxime axetil in children.

Cefuroxime axetil tablets were given to 12 children (aged 19 months to 13.5 years) for a total of 14 episodes of lower respiratory tract infection. Doses ranged from 15 to 32 mg/kg/day. Six infections were regarded as cured and seven improved. In four cases, Haemophilus influenzae was present at the end of treatment. Serum levels of cefuroxime showed great variability. Absorption and penetration of the drug into the lower respiratory mucosa may not be sufficient to kill organisms which are sensitive in vitro. Cefuroxime axetil tablets were acceptable to most children.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1987

Congenital leukonychia striata.

Leukonychia striata of a unique appearance and distribution is described in a 51-year-old woman. Histopathologic examination of a specimen from the nail plate revealed a transverse band of parakeratosis on the ventral surface. Disturbance in keratinization on the nail plate is presumed to be secondary to abnormalities in the nail matrix. We review briefly the classification and pathogenesis of leukonychia, an interesting aberration in nail plate keratinization.

Female↗
PubMed1986

Pigmentation induced by quinidine therapy.

Abnormalities of pigmentation are a well-known side effect of antimalarial therapy. Quinidine, an antiarrhythmic agent, is structurally related to the common antimalarials but, to our knowledge, has not been associated with pigmentary abnormalities. We report a case of localized blue-gray pigmentation, clinically and histologically identical to antimalarial-induced pigmentation, in a patient receiving quinidine therapy.

Aged↗
PubMed1980

Manipulation of platelet aggregation by prostaglandins and their fatty acid precursors: pharmacological basis for a therapeutic approach.

Addition of the one-, two- or three- series endoperoxide to human platelet-rich plasma tend to suppress aggregation, through the action of their respective non-enzymatic breakdown products PGE1, PGD2, or PGD3 all of which elevate cyclic AMP levels. On the other hand, these stable primary products do not arise in appreciable amounts from intrinsic endoperoxides generated from either endogenous or exogenous free fatty acids. 5,8,11,14,17-Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) suppresses arachidonic acid (5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid) conversion by cyclooxygenase (as well as lipoxygenase) to aggregatory metabolites in platelets. Exogenously added EPA was capable of inhibiting PRP aggregation induced either by exogenous or endogenous (released by ADP or collagen) arachidonate. The hypothetical combination of an EPA-rich diet and a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor might abolish production of the pro-aggregatory species, thromboxane A2, and enhance formation of the anti-aggregatory metabolite, prostacyclin. Whereas EPA is not detectably metabolized by platelets, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid) is primarily converted by cyclooxygenase and thromboxane synthetase into the inactive metabolite, 12-hydroxyheptadecadienoic (HHD) acid. Pretreatment of human platelet suspensions with the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor imidazole unmasks the aggregatory property of PGH1 and DLL which was partially compromised by the PGE1 formed. The combination of the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor and an adenylate cyclase inhibitor unmasks a complete irreversible aggregation by DLL or PGH1. The basis of a dietary strategy that replaces AA with DLL must rely on the production by the platelet of an inactive metabolite (HHD) rather than thromboxane A2.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗
PubMed1975

Vitamin C metabolism and atopic allergy.

The procedure for carrying out the Leucocyte Ascorbic Acid Uptake Direct Antigen Challenge Test (LAADACT) is described. Leucocytes from normal individuals, when incubated in a buffered medium containing ascorbic acid, increase their ascorbic acid concentration by about 80%. When leucocytes from atopic individuals are incubated in a medium containing the antigen to which they are sensitive, as shown by positive skin tests, the leucocyte uptake of ascorbic acid is significantly reduced. Addition of antigen, to which atopic or normal individuals are not sensitive, to the incubation mixture does not reduce leucocyte ascorbic acid uptake. Measurement of ascorbic acid uptake into leucocytes is a relatively simple, routine, laboratory procedure. The LAADACT, therefore, provides a quick and accurate blood test for diagnosing sensitivity to specific antigens, and measuring relative antigenic sensitivities. The underlying mechanism of the LAADACT is discussed.

Antigen-Antibody Reactions↗