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Repair of wounded monolayers of cultured vascular endothelial cells after simultaneous exposure to lead and zinc.

We investigated the interaction between lead and zinc on the repair of wounded monolayers of cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. A half area of the monolayers was wounded and then incubated in the presence of lead (5.0 and 10 microM) and/or zinc (10 microM). It was morphologically observed that the appearance of the cells in the wounded area was strongly decreased by lead alone but considerably increased by zinc alone. The repair of wounded area after simultaneous exposure to lead and zinc showed that lead inhibits not only spontaneous but also zinc-promoted repair of endothelial cell layers without a change of the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase. Interaction between lead and zinc on the DNA synthesis of growing endothelial cells was similar to that on the repair, suggesting that the repair reflected the proliferation. In growing endothelial cells, the intracellular accumulation of lead was significantly increased by zinc; that of zinc was unaffected by lead; and that of metallothionein was slightly increased by zinc and lead but the effect of zinc was suppressed in the presence of lead. Although zinc significantly decreased the intracellular accumulation of radioactive calcium, lead increased it in the presence or absence of zinc. It was therefore concluded that lead inhibits not only spontaneous but also zinc-promoted repair of the damaged endothelial cell layers through an inhibition of the proliferation mediated by the calcium-mediated signalling pathways and/or a disturbance of intracellular calcium homeostasis.

Animals↗

Development and validation of a flow-injection method for the determination of albumin tannate, the active component of a pharmaceutical preparation.

A flow-injection analysis method for the determination of albumin tannate in tablets is reported. After optimization of the variables involved, the method has been characterized and validated in terms of calibration using three procedures: repeatability and reproducibility; ruggedness; and selectivity. Finally, it has been applied to real samples (tablets).

Albumins↗

Treatment of hyperhidrosis.

The patient who complains of hyperhidrosis presents the physician with a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Patients who present with generalized hyperhidrosis are, in general, adults whose sweating occurs both during the waking and sleeping hours. Such patients require a search for a cause that may sometimes be as simple as a drug that they are taking for some medical disorder. Occasionally a systemic illness may account for the onset of hyperhidrosis and a thorough exam and appropriate testing may be necessary to identify the cause. Most patients with primary or essential hyperhidrosis present in childhood or adolescence and have a problem localized to their hands and/or feet. They have a physiologic disorder not a psychiatric or endocrinologic disease. A number of systemic, topical, surgical, and electrical remedies are available for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Patients with hyperhidrosis of the palm or soles deserve a trial of conservative therapy, iontophoresis in particular, before aggressive surgical techniques that carry with them the risk of lifelong troublesome side effects are offered.

Adolescent↗

[Zinc deficiency in mucoviscidosis].

UNLABELLED: Zinc deficiencies can induce dermatitis in subjects presenting cystic fibrosis. CASE REPORT: A patient, Clement, presented with a digestive form of cystic fibrosis. At four months of age, he presented a dermatitis similar to acrodermatitis enteropathica. Early clinical diagnosis and treatment led to a rapid response to zinc sulfate therapy. DISCUSSION: Less intestinal absorption, malnutrition, and diet are just some of the numerous reasons for the zinc deficiency in this case. Biological support is not necessary to begin the treatment.

Acrodermatitis↗

Involvement of matrix metalloproteinases and tenascin-C in elastin calcification.

Elastin degeneration and calcification occur in many cardiovascular diseases, including medial arterial elastocalcinosis, atherosclerosis, and bioprosthetic heart valve mineralization. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the onset and progression of elastin-oriented calcification is associated with matrix remodeling and elastin degradation events. We studied whether aluminum ions inhibit elastin calcification by reducing elastin degradation and altering remodeling events. Subdermal implantation of pure elastin in juvenile rats resulted in a time-dependent calcification of elastin, reaching high levels 21 days after implantation. In situ hybridization showed that elastin calcification was associated with an up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) mRNA expression, specifically MMP-9 and MMP-2. Gelatin zymography demonstrated increased MMP-9 and MMP-2 enzyme activities in early stages of elastin calcification. Calcified elastin displayed a time-dependent pattern of tenascin-C (TN-C) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) expression. Pretreatment of pure elastin with aluminum ions prior to implantation resulted in complete inhibition of elastin calcification. Aluminum ion binding to elastin was found to protect elastin against MMP-mediated degradation in vitro. Noncalcified, explanted aluminum-pretreated elastin exhibited reduced activities of MMPs. TN-C expression in elastin implants exhibited a time-dependent pattern that was also affected by pretreatment of elastin with aluminum ions. In conclusion, elastin calcification is accompanied by matrix remodeling events, and the efficacy of aluminum pretreatment in inhibiting elastin calcification may be related in part to its effects on elastin remodeling.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Treatment of 'vasomotor rhinitis' by the local application of silver nitrate.

A series of 52 patients were closely assessed prospectively to determine the effectiveness, untoward effects and patient acceptance of a new method of treatment of 'vasomotor rhinitis' by silver nitrate application. The patient's age ranged from 11 to 50 years except one who was 58 years old. The report describes the technique used and results obtained following the painting of the 'trigger area' of the nasal mucosa in patients with 'vasomotor rhinitis'. Each patient was evaluated regularly and the evaluation was based on both subjective response and clinical examination. Only cases who had rhinorrhoea and sneezing as presenting symptoms were selected. Silver nitrate (20 per cent) was used after topical anaesthesia, and patients received four applications. Successful relief was obtained in 88.5 per cent (53.0 per cent good relief; 34.6 per cent acceptable relief), while 11.5 per cent of the cases (6 out of 52 cases) had poor relief. No complication was seen among the patients during treatment and follow-up and no silver poisoning was detected.

Administration, Topical↗

Antiperspirant activity of H1-histamine blockers as determined by a modified rat foot pad assay.

A method for inducing sweating in the rat via heat stress and without the use of general anesthetics is presented. Five commonly used H1-blocking antihistamines were evaluated in this model for their antiperspirant efficacy. The antihistamines evaluated and their ED50 values (micrograms base/pad) were as follows: phenindamine, 3.02; diphenhydramine, 3.25; chlorpheniramine, 3.12; tripelennamine, 4.91; and pyrilamine, 13.03. Atropine sulfate, injected into the foot pads, was also found to inhibit the sweat response. The response to atropine varied directly with dose. The ED50 was estimated to be 0.4 ng base/foot pad. No systemic effects or contralateral involvement were seen. The rat foot pad contains eccrine sweat glands that are innervated by sympathetic cholinergic fibers. This relationship is analogous to that in the eccrine sweat glands of man. The rat data suggest that antihistamines, possibly via an anticholinergic effect, may be useful as potential antiperspirants in man.

Animals↗

Sensory requirements for noncontact penile erection in the rat.

Physical contact is not necessary for male rats to display penile erection when placed in the vicinity of females in estrus (noncontact erection, NCE). The modality and reception of sensory stimuli for the induction of NCE were analyzed. Olfactory bulbectomy eliminated NCE, and destruction of olfactory mucosa by zinc sulfate solution caused a significant suppression of NCE, whereas removal of the vomeronasal organ had no effect. Fresh urine collected from estrous females, but not fresh feces, induced NCE. Neither devocalization of estrous females by cutting the inferior laryngeal nerve nor deprivation of visual cues by placing an opaque barrier between the subjects and stimulus females disrupted NCE. The results indicate that olfactory cues emitted by estrous females induce NCE via the olfactory epithelium. Contrary to what had been suggested by previous experiments, vomeronasal inputs are not indispensable for the induction of NCE.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

ErbB-4 and neuregulin expression in the adult mouse olfactory bulb after peripheral denervation.

ErbB-4 is expressed by the periglomerular and the mitral/tufted cells of the adult mouse olfactory bulb (OB) and in the present work we tested whether this expression is regulated by the olfactory nerve input to the OB. Reversible zinc sulphate lesions of the olfactory mucosa were made in adult mice and the deafferented OB analysed by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and semiquantitative RT-PCR. Following deafferentation, the expression of erbB-4, erbB-2 and neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) mRNAs in the OB was altered. At early stages (7-14 days) after lesion the levels of expression of olfactory marker protein (OMP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), erbB-4 and NRG-1 mRNAs were decreased, whilst expression of erbB-2 increased and that of NRG-2 was not significantly altered. We observed at least two distinct time courses for these expression changes. The lowest amounts of mRNA for erbB-4 and NRG-1 were observed at day 7 after lesion, whilst mRNAs for TH and OMP were lowest at day 14. At day 28 after the lesion, when olfactory receptor neuron axons had reinnervated the olfactory bulb, the expression levels of OMP, TH, erbB-2, erbB-4 and NRG-1 were identical to control values. These results indicate that the expression of erbB-4 mRNA and protein in periglomerular and mitral cells is controlled by peripheral olfactory innervation. The tight correlation in NRG-1 and erbB-4 expression levels also suggests a possible functional link that deserves further exploration.

Animals↗

Simultaneous occurrence of folliculitis decalvans capillitii in identical twins.

Folliculitis decalvans is a chronic purulent folliculitis resulting in permanent hair loss and follicular atrophy. We report 32-year-old identical female twins presenting with relapsing pruritic outbreaks on the scalp resulting in areas of permanent baldness. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in the lesions of both women. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of folliculitis decalvans. Immunological testing showed no alteration of the immune system. To our knowledge, this is the first report on folliculitis decalvans occurring in identical twins, suggesting a possible genetic component in this disease.

Adult↗

Oral zinc sulphate in the treatment of recalcitrant viral warts: randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Viral warts are common dermatological diseases; although the rate of spontaneous recovery is high, it usually takes a long time, and some patients might not show this spontaneous healing. Zinc has an important effect on the immune system and it has been used as an immunomodulator to treat a variety of skin disorders. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether oral zinc was effective in treating viral warts of patients evaluated between May 1999 and April 2000. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eighty patients with viral warts (common, plantar and plane) were all resistant to all forms of treatment. Each patient had > 15 warts. Forty patients were treated by oral zinc sulphate at a dose of 10 mg kg(-1) daily up to 600 mg day(-1) and followed-up for resolution of their warts and for any evidence of recurrence for 2-6 months. Another 40 patients were given a placebo oral treatment in the form of glucose, and followed-up for the same period. RESULTS: Only 23 patients of the first group (zinc treated) and 20 patients of the second group (placebo treated) completed the study. In all patients the serum level of zinc was low. In the zinc-treated group, the overall response was complete clearance of warts observed in 20 patients (86.9%) after 2 months of treatment. Fourteen patients (60.9%) showed complete disappearance of their warts after 1 month. Three patients (13.3%) failed to respond to the treatment after 2 months of therapy. The response to treatment was directly related to the increment in serum zinc level. No patient of the placebo-treated group showed any response. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that zinc sulphate at a dose of 10 mg kg(-1) daily seems to be a highly efficacious therapeutic option for recalcitrant viral warts and proved to be safe with few adverse effects.

Administration, Oral↗

Oral zinc sulphate in the treatment of acute cutaneous leishmaniasis.

A clinical trial to evaluate the efficiency of oral zinc sulphate in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis was conducted. One-hundred and four patients with parasitologically proven cutaneous leishmaniasis were included in the trial. Patients were assigned randomly to receive 2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg of zinc sulphate orally, and a control group of patients did not receive any treatment. All patients were followed up for 45 days. At the end of the follow-up period, lesions were assessed and parasitological proof of cure or otherwise was sought. Results showed that the cure rate for the 2.5 mg/kg group was 83.9%, for the 5 mg/kg treatment group it was 93.1% and for the 10 mg/kg treatment group it was 96.9%. No lesions in the control group showed any sign of healing during the follow-up period. Therefore, oral zinc sulphate can be recommended as a very safe therapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Administration, Oral↗

Effects of exogenous zinc supplementation on intestinal epithelial repair in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Substitution of zinc modulates antioxidant capabilities within the intestinal mucosa and improves intestinal wound healing in zinc-deficient patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize the modulating effects of zinc on intestinal epithelial cell function in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of zinc on intestinal epithelial cell morphology were assessed by phase contrast and transmission electron microscopy using the non-transformed small intestinal epithelial cell line IEC-6. Zinc-induced apoptosis was assessed by DNA fragmentation analysis, lactate dehydrogluase (LDH) release and flow cytometry with propidium iodine staining. Furthermore, the effects of zinc on IEC-6 cell proliferation were assessed using a colorimetric thiazolyl blue (MTT) assay and on IEC-6 cell restitution using an in vitro wounding model. RESULTS: Physiological concentrations of zinc (25 microM) did not significantly alter the morphological appearance of IEC-6 cells. However, a 10-fold higher dose of zinc (250 microM) induced epithelial cell rounding, loss of adherence and apoptotic characteristics. While physiological zinc concentrations (< 100 microM) did not induce apoptosis, supraphysiological zinc concentrations (> 100 microM) caused apoptosis. Physiological concentrations of zinc (6.25-50 microM) had no significant effect on intestinal epithelial cell proliferation. In contrast, physiological concentrations of zinc (12.5-50 microM) significantly enhanced epithelial cell restitution through a transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta)-independent mechanism. Simultaneous addition of TGFbeta and zinc resulted in an additive stimulation of IEC-6 cell restitution. CONCLUSION: Zinc may promote intestinal epithelial wound healing by enhancement of epithelial cell restitution, the initial step of epithelial wound healing. Zinc supplementation may improve epithelial repair; however, excessive amounts of zinc may cause tissue injury and impair epithelial wound healing.

Animals↗

Effects of diameter, chemical impregnation and hydration on the tensile strength of gingival retraction cords.

Gingival retraction cords are useful clinical aids but little information is available regarding desirable physical features that would preserve their integrity under tensile forces. The study aimed to establish under experimental conditions the extent to which tensile strength is affected by variation in cord diameter; impregnation with ferric sulphate (FS) or aluminium sulphate (AS); and cord hydration (wet/dry). Commercial cords and standard cotton cords were assayed in an Instron 1137 machine. Data were analysed using t-test, and one- and four-way ANOVA. Results indicated that tensile strength for 200 commercial cords was 1.4950 +/- 1.032 kg; and for 560 cotton cords was 1.2964 +/- 1.4560 kg. Cord hydration had no significant effect on tensile strength, whereas impregnation with AS or FS, a smaller diameter, and/or being a cotton cord decreased tensile strength (P < 0.001). Bivariate analyses showed that hydrated commercial cords had higher tensile strength than dry specimens; hydrated or dry cotton cords were not different. The FS-impregnated cotton cords had lower tensile strength than AS-impregnated or control cords, and the effect was greater at higher FS concentrations. This study is one of the first evaluations of the physical properties of cords, highlighting characteristics that may minimize the risk of tearing.

Alum Compounds↗

Viability of fibroblasts in cell culture after treatment with different chemical retraction agents.

Prior to fixed prosthodontic impression procedures, temporary horizontal retraction of the free gingival tissue should be accomplished apically to the preparation finishing line. The mechanical-chemical method using cotton retraction cords of various sizes impregnated with various retraction chemicals is the most commonly employed retraction technique. Most retraction agents have pH values from 0.8 to 0.3, and are therefore hazardous to the cut dentine and periodontal tissues. Sympathomimetic vasoconstrictors introduced recently have a pH of 5.6, and are free of systemic side-effects. The present study using the dye exclusion test, colony forming ability test and colorimetric assay was undertaken to evaluate cytotoxic effects of four chemical retraction agents on cultured V-79 fibroblasts, and the dependence of cytotoxicity on the agent concentration and time of exposure. Original concentrations of retraction agents produced stronger cytotoxic effects than dilutions of 1:1 and 1:10. The most aggressive agent, 25% aluminium chloride, took only 1 min to damage all cell cultures. The proportion of cells damaged after 10 min of exposure to tetrahydrozoline was 60%, which was significantly less compared with other chemicals tested. With the colony forming ability test using retraction agents diluted to 1:10 the greatest number of colonies emerged in samples treated with tetrahydrozoline (statistical significance: P < 0.01). The colorimetric assay showed equal cytotoxic effects for 25% aluminium sulphate and tetrahydrozoline. The colorimetric test used in the study has proved an ergonomic, accurate and reliable test for cytotoxicity determination.

Alum Compounds↗