RE: Aged Garlic Extract Proven a Useful Adjunct Therapy to Conventional Medications in Uncontroll... more RE: Aged Garlic Extract Proven a Useful Adjunct Therapy to Conventional Medications in Uncontrolled Hypertension Ried K, Frank OR, Stocks NP. Aged garlic extract lowers blood pressure in patients with treated but uncontrolled hypertension: a randomized controlled trial. Maturitas. 2010 Oct;67(2):144-150. Garlic (Allium sativum) supplements have been associated with a clinically significant blood pressure lowering effect in patients with untreated hypertension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure [DBP] ≥ 90 mmHg) similar to that achieved by first line treatment with antihypertensive medication. 1,2 The antihypertensive properties of garlic have been linked to stimulation of intracellular nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) production, as well as blockage of angiotensin II production, which promote vasodilation and reduction in BP. Current evidence suggests aged garlic extract (AGE) to be a safe and more reliable treatment option than raw or cooked garlic due to its higher tolerability, superior antihypertensive properties, 3 and because its active constituent S-allylcysteine (SAC) is more easily standardized than the more volatile allicin in garlic powder. 4 This double-blind, parallel, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in Adelaide, South Australia, between March and September 2009 to investigate the effect, tolerability, and acceptability of AGE as an adjunct treatment to existing antihypertensive medication in patients with treated, uncontrolled hypertension. Fifty adult patients (mean age ± standard deviation [SD]: 66 ± 9 years) treated with conventional antihypertensive medications were randomly allocated to the treatment or placebo group for 12 weeks. Patients in the treatment group were assigned 4 capsules daily of Kyolic ® (Garlic High Potency Everyday Formula112, Wakunaga/Wagner ® ; Vitaco Health [NZ] Ltd; Auckland, New Zealand) containing 960 mg of AGE, equivalent to 2.4 mg SAC. Placebo capsules were matched to the active capsules in number, size, color, and odor. Comparison of baseline characteristics revealed no significant difference between placebo and treatment groups in most parameters and borderline significance in the mean number of BP medication classes prescribed. Primary outcome measures were SBP and DBP at 4, 8, and 12 weeks compared with baseline. Tolerability of the trial medication was monitored by questionnaire at the 4
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) root has a long history of use for treating inflammation and arthritis. ... more Turmeric (Curcuma longa) root has a long history of use for treating inflammation and arthritis. Within the compounds isolated from turmeric root, curcumin has been extensively investigated and shown to be effective in treating inflammation, in part, by suppressing the expression and function of a series of cellular agents (enzymes, cytokines, transcription factors) associated to this condition. Despite this and evidence of other bioactivity, the clinical exploitation of curcumin has lagged behind because of poor bioavailability. The researchers in this two-armed study have addressed curcumin's potential in alleviating osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms, capitalizing on the improved bioavailability of curcuminoids formulated with phospholipids, as in Meriva (Indena S.p.A.; Milan, Italy).
Elderly patients may be at higher risk for herb-drug interactions than other populations. The put... more Elderly patients may be at higher risk for herb-drug interactions than other populations. The putative mechanism for many herb-drug interactions is "phytochemical-mediated modulation of cytochrome P450." There is also evidence that cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity may decrease with age. Since this group is more likely to be ingesting prescription drugs concurrently with botanical supplements "herb-mediated changes in CYP activity may take on greater clinical relevance in this population."
Diabetic microangiopathy is associated with pathologic alterations of blood capillaries, involved... more Diabetic microangiopathy is associated with pathologic alterations of blood capillaries, involved in typical complications in diabetes, such as retinopathy, nephropathy and diabetic ulcers. In the lower extremities diabetic microangiopathy is characterized by edema (swelling). The development of diabetic microangiopathy is associated with alterations in skin flux (blood micro-circulation) at rest in the foot (RF), venoarteriolar response (VAR), and other microcirculatory parameters. Currently, there is no standard treatment for diabetic microangiopathy. Treatment often consists of regular exercise, elevation of the affected area, and compression stockings or socks. The goal of this prospective clinical trial was to examine the efficacy of Pycnogenol® (Horphag Research; UK), a standardized French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) bark extract, in the treatment of diabetic microangiopathy. The authors of this study have previously demonstrated efficacy for Pycnogenol in the treatment and prevention of chronic venous insufficiency. 1
Study Design. This study used an in vivo model of subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure measu... more Study Design. This study used an in vivo model of subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure measurement. Objectives. To examine the relation between subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the cervical and lumbar spine and varying body positions, and to test the hypothesis that increasing body inclination and lumbar subarachnoid drainage decreases cervical cerebrospinal fluid pressures. Summary of Background Data. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks are a recognized complication of anterior or posterior cervical surgery. Conflicting opinion exists regarding the benefits of postoperative patient positioning and lumbar subarachnoid drainage. Methods. Subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure of 7 beagles was monitored via two angiocatheters attached to pressure transducers inserted into the subarachnoid space through laminectomies at C3 and L4. Pressure measurements were taken when body position was inclined to 30°, 60°, and 90°. A lumbar durotomy was performed to simulate the effects of lumbar subarachnoid drainage. The body was repositioned to 90°, and pressure was measured. Results. As inclination increased from 0°to 90°, the mean cervical cerebrospinal fluid pressure significantly decreased. The mean lumbar subarachnoid pressure significantly increased as inclination increased from 0°to 90°. Lumbar durotomy plus repositioning to 90°resulted in a significant reduction in cervical cerebrospinal fluid subarachnoid pressure, with pressures dropping by 46%. Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid subarachnoid pressure dropped to zero after lumbar durotomy plus repositioning to 90°. Conclusions. Cerebrospinal fluid pressures in the subarachnoid space of both the cervical and lumbar spines are affected by changes in body position. Both patient positioning and lumbar drainage may be important in reducing cervical cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and may reduce the occurrence of cerebrospinal fluid leaks after primary dural repair in the neck.
Study design: This study used in vivo an model of subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure measu... more Study design: This study used in vivo an model of subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure measurement. Objectives: To examine the relation between subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the cervical and lumbar spine and varying body positions, and to test the hypothesis that increasing body inclination and lumbar subarachnoid drainage decreases cervical cerebrospinal fluid pressures. Summary of background data: Cerebrospinal fluid leaks are a recognized complication of anterior or posterior cervical surgery. Conflicting opinion exists regarding the benefits of postoperative patient positioning and lumbar subarachnoid drainage. Methods: Subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure of 7 beagles was monitored via two angiocatheters attached to pressure transducers inserted into the subarachnoid space through laminectomies at C3 and L4. Pressure measurements were taken when body position was inclined to 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees. A lumbar durotomy was performed to simulate the effects of lumbar subarachnoid drainage. The body was repositioned to 90 degrees, and pressure was measured. Results: As inclination increased from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, the mean cervical cerebrospinal fluid pressure significantly decreased. The mean lumbar subarachnoid pressure significantly increased as inclination increased from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Lumbar durotomy plus repositioning to 90 degrees resulted in a significant reduction in cervical cerebrospinal fluid subarachnoid pressure, with pressures dropping by 46%. Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid subarachnoid pressure dropped to zero after lumbar durotomy plus repositioning to 90 degrees. Conclusions: Cerebrospinal fluid pressures in the subarachnoid space of both the cervical and lumbar spines are affected by changes in body position. Both patient positioning and lumbar drainage may be important in reducing cervical cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and may reduce the occurrence of cerebrospinal fluid leaks after primary dural repair in the neck.
This study investigated the role of strain and vendor differences on the outcome of focal cerebra... more This study investigated the role of strain and vendor differences on the outcome of focal cerebral ischemia in the rat induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery by an intraluminal thread. The cortical infarct volumes (Mean + S.E.M.) were: 14.2 + 6.2 mm 3 in Simonsen Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats; 84.0 + 22.9 mm 3 in Simonsen Laboratories Wistar rats; 223.3 + 23.6 mm 3 in Taconic Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats; and 239.5 + 30.7 mm 3 in Charles River Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats. Middle cerebral artery occlusion combined with bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 60 min increased cortical infarct volumes to: 113.0 + 18,8 mm3; 152.4 + 21.1 ram3; 227.8__+ 19.3 mm3; and 248.4 + 24.0 mm 3, respectively. To control the effect of blood pressure as a variable contributing to the outcome of ischemia, additional experiments where performed in which the blood pressure in Simonsen Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats was lowered to the level of the blood pressure in Taconic Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats. Although this manipulation increased the cortical infarct volumes in Simonsen Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats, the volumes were still less than those in Taconic Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats. The results of the present study indicate that the outcome of ischemia in the intraluminal thread model may dramatically differ depending on the strain and vendor of animal used.
The present study was designed to evaluate whether the neuroprotective efficacy of MK-801 in foca... more The present study was designed to evaluate whether the neuroprotective efficacy of MK-801 in focal cerebral ischemia was dependent on strain and/or vendor differences. MK-801 (0.12 mg/kg i.v. bolus followed by 0.108 mg/kg/h infusion or 0.60 mg/kg i.v. bolus followed by 0.540 mg/kg/h infusion) or saline was administered just after intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Administration of 0.540 mg/kg/h MK-801 provided strain/line-dependent neuroprotection in the following rank order: Simonsen Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats > Simonsen Laboratories Wistar rats > Taconic Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats. After 0.108 mg/kg/h MK-801 treatment, Simonsen Laboratories Wistar rats were the only strain/line that were significantly neuroprotected. These results indicate that the neuroprotective effect of an experimental drug may be influenced by rat strain and vendor differences.
Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, May 1, 1997
Recently we observed inter-and intrastrain differ ences in cortical infarct volumes after middle ... more Recently we observed inter-and intrastrain differ ences in cortical infarct volumes after middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, Variations in the anastomoses providing col lateral blood supply could account for different lesion sizes, Our objectives were to compare number and internal diameters of the MCA-anterior cerebral artery (MCA-ACA) anastomoses and to determine if the lesion extended beyond branches of the MCA territory into the field of the ACA in the rat strainsllines. Sprague-Dawley rats and Wi star rats from Simonsen Labora tories (SLSD and SLWIS) and Sprague-Dawley rats from Taconic Laboratories (TLSD) and Charles River Laboratories (CRSD) were anesthetized and injected with papaverine and Vultex (white latex) for arterial visualization. Some rats were also subjected to MCA occlusion. Significantly fewer anasto
Sleep cycles go through a sleep-wake rhythm during the entire night. The rhythm is related to cha... more Sleep cycles go through a sleep-wake rhythm during the entire night. The rhythm is related to changes in adenosine concentration within the central nervous system (CNS). Studies have shown that CNS administration of adenosine induces sleep. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L., Valerianaceae) and hops (Humulus lupulus L., Cannabaceae) are used as sleep aids. Valerian contains constituents that can bind to the adenosine receptor. This enables some of these valerian compounds, and/or their metabolites, to act like adenosine in the brain. Their action resembles that of a "partial agonist" in that they do not stimulate the receptor as fully as adenosine itself.
Vasomotor symptoms of menopause are generally treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT); how... more Vasomotor symptoms of menopause are generally treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT); however, a recent randomized controlled trial—the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) — showed "serious [cardiovascular and cancer] risks with even short-term use." As a result, women and health care providers are seeking safe and effective alternatives to HRT to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, and the use of herbal supplements for such has grown dramatically. The authors of this study designed the Herbal Alternatives for Menopause Trial (HALT) to evaluate the efficacy of 3 herbal regimens and HRT in the management of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system. Its major func... more The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system. Its major function is to contribute seminal fluid. Located inside the body cavity, the prostate sits in front of the rectum and just below the bladder. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine exits the body. Prostate gland enlargement ean be caused by prostate cancer, but 80% of the time it is attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia.' As men age, the prostate gland increases in size, making benign prostatic hyperplasia one of the most common age-related conditions in men." The enlarged gland puts pressure on the urethra, acting like a partial clamp and thus causing numerous urinary symptoms. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a progressive disease, but it does not usually cause problems until late in life.' Although it rarely causes symptoms in men younger than age 40, benign prostatic hyperplasia affects more than 50% of men in their sixties and 90% of m...
Gynaecol. 2009;70(4):630-639. A urinary tract infection (UTI), often considered a minor illness, ... more Gynaecol. 2009;70(4):630-639. A urinary tract infection (UTI), often considered a minor illness, can cause severe discomfort and if not treated appropriately can lead to more serious infections involving the kidneys. UTIs, with an estimated incidence ranging from 4 to 15%, are common in postmenopausal and elderly women, and have been widely studied in relation to pregnancy, postpartum period, and after genital surgery. UTIs are caused by bladder mucosal invasion, most commonly by enteric coliform bacteria (e.g. Escherichia coli) that ascend into the bladder through the urethra. The usual UTI treatment is a short course of antibiotics. Antibiotics, however, often eliminate lactobacilli along with harmful bacteria increasing the risk of subsequent UTIs (low growth of lactobacilli is associated with higher frequency of vaginal colonization with E. coli). The increasing prevalence of UTIs caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria makes treatment even more challenging. Cranberry (Vaccinium...
RE: Aged Garlic Extract Proven a Useful Adjunct Therapy to Conventional Medications in Uncontroll... more RE: Aged Garlic Extract Proven a Useful Adjunct Therapy to Conventional Medications in Uncontrolled Hypertension Ried K, Frank OR, Stocks NP. Aged garlic extract lowers blood pressure in patients with treated but uncontrolled hypertension: a randomized controlled trial. Maturitas. 2010 Oct;67(2):144-150. Garlic (Allium sativum) supplements have been associated with a clinically significant blood pressure lowering effect in patients with untreated hypertension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure [DBP] ≥ 90 mmHg) similar to that achieved by first line treatment with antihypertensive medication. 1,2 The antihypertensive properties of garlic have been linked to stimulation of intracellular nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) production, as well as blockage of angiotensin II production, which promote vasodilation and reduction in BP. Current evidence suggests aged garlic extract (AGE) to be a safe and more reliable treatment option than raw or cooked garlic due to its higher tolerability, superior antihypertensive properties, 3 and because its active constituent S-allylcysteine (SAC) is more easily standardized than the more volatile allicin in garlic powder. 4 This double-blind, parallel, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in Adelaide, South Australia, between March and September 2009 to investigate the effect, tolerability, and acceptability of AGE as an adjunct treatment to existing antihypertensive medication in patients with treated, uncontrolled hypertension. Fifty adult patients (mean age ± standard deviation [SD]: 66 ± 9 years) treated with conventional antihypertensive medications were randomly allocated to the treatment or placebo group for 12 weeks. Patients in the treatment group were assigned 4 capsules daily of Kyolic ® (Garlic High Potency Everyday Formula112, Wakunaga/Wagner ® ; Vitaco Health [NZ] Ltd; Auckland, New Zealand) containing 960 mg of AGE, equivalent to 2.4 mg SAC. Placebo capsules were matched to the active capsules in number, size, color, and odor. Comparison of baseline characteristics revealed no significant difference between placebo and treatment groups in most parameters and borderline significance in the mean number of BP medication classes prescribed. Primary outcome measures were SBP and DBP at 4, 8, and 12 weeks compared with baseline. Tolerability of the trial medication was monitored by questionnaire at the 4
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) root has a long history of use for treating inflammation and arthritis. ... more Turmeric (Curcuma longa) root has a long history of use for treating inflammation and arthritis. Within the compounds isolated from turmeric root, curcumin has been extensively investigated and shown to be effective in treating inflammation, in part, by suppressing the expression and function of a series of cellular agents (enzymes, cytokines, transcription factors) associated to this condition. Despite this and evidence of other bioactivity, the clinical exploitation of curcumin has lagged behind because of poor bioavailability. The researchers in this two-armed study have addressed curcumin's potential in alleviating osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms, capitalizing on the improved bioavailability of curcuminoids formulated with phospholipids, as in Meriva (Indena S.p.A.; Milan, Italy).
Elderly patients may be at higher risk for herb-drug interactions than other populations. The put... more Elderly patients may be at higher risk for herb-drug interactions than other populations. The putative mechanism for many herb-drug interactions is "phytochemical-mediated modulation of cytochrome P450." There is also evidence that cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity may decrease with age. Since this group is more likely to be ingesting prescription drugs concurrently with botanical supplements "herb-mediated changes in CYP activity may take on greater clinical relevance in this population."
Diabetic microangiopathy is associated with pathologic alterations of blood capillaries, involved... more Diabetic microangiopathy is associated with pathologic alterations of blood capillaries, involved in typical complications in diabetes, such as retinopathy, nephropathy and diabetic ulcers. In the lower extremities diabetic microangiopathy is characterized by edema (swelling). The development of diabetic microangiopathy is associated with alterations in skin flux (blood micro-circulation) at rest in the foot (RF), venoarteriolar response (VAR), and other microcirculatory parameters. Currently, there is no standard treatment for diabetic microangiopathy. Treatment often consists of regular exercise, elevation of the affected area, and compression stockings or socks. The goal of this prospective clinical trial was to examine the efficacy of Pycnogenol® (Horphag Research; UK), a standardized French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) bark extract, in the treatment of diabetic microangiopathy. The authors of this study have previously demonstrated efficacy for Pycnogenol in the treatment and prevention of chronic venous insufficiency. 1
Study Design. This study used an in vivo model of subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure measu... more Study Design. This study used an in vivo model of subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure measurement. Objectives. To examine the relation between subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the cervical and lumbar spine and varying body positions, and to test the hypothesis that increasing body inclination and lumbar subarachnoid drainage decreases cervical cerebrospinal fluid pressures. Summary of Background Data. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks are a recognized complication of anterior or posterior cervical surgery. Conflicting opinion exists regarding the benefits of postoperative patient positioning and lumbar subarachnoid drainage. Methods. Subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure of 7 beagles was monitored via two angiocatheters attached to pressure transducers inserted into the subarachnoid space through laminectomies at C3 and L4. Pressure measurements were taken when body position was inclined to 30°, 60°, and 90°. A lumbar durotomy was performed to simulate the effects of lumbar subarachnoid drainage. The body was repositioned to 90°, and pressure was measured. Results. As inclination increased from 0°to 90°, the mean cervical cerebrospinal fluid pressure significantly decreased. The mean lumbar subarachnoid pressure significantly increased as inclination increased from 0°to 90°. Lumbar durotomy plus repositioning to 90°resulted in a significant reduction in cervical cerebrospinal fluid subarachnoid pressure, with pressures dropping by 46%. Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid subarachnoid pressure dropped to zero after lumbar durotomy plus repositioning to 90°. Conclusions. Cerebrospinal fluid pressures in the subarachnoid space of both the cervical and lumbar spines are affected by changes in body position. Both patient positioning and lumbar drainage may be important in reducing cervical cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and may reduce the occurrence of cerebrospinal fluid leaks after primary dural repair in the neck.
Study design: This study used in vivo an model of subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure measu... more Study design: This study used in vivo an model of subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure measurement. Objectives: To examine the relation between subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the cervical and lumbar spine and varying body positions, and to test the hypothesis that increasing body inclination and lumbar subarachnoid drainage decreases cervical cerebrospinal fluid pressures. Summary of background data: Cerebrospinal fluid leaks are a recognized complication of anterior or posterior cervical surgery. Conflicting opinion exists regarding the benefits of postoperative patient positioning and lumbar subarachnoid drainage. Methods: Subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid pressure of 7 beagles was monitored via two angiocatheters attached to pressure transducers inserted into the subarachnoid space through laminectomies at C3 and L4. Pressure measurements were taken when body position was inclined to 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees. A lumbar durotomy was performed to simulate the effects of lumbar subarachnoid drainage. The body was repositioned to 90 degrees, and pressure was measured. Results: As inclination increased from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, the mean cervical cerebrospinal fluid pressure significantly decreased. The mean lumbar subarachnoid pressure significantly increased as inclination increased from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Lumbar durotomy plus repositioning to 90 degrees resulted in a significant reduction in cervical cerebrospinal fluid subarachnoid pressure, with pressures dropping by 46%. Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid subarachnoid pressure dropped to zero after lumbar durotomy plus repositioning to 90 degrees. Conclusions: Cerebrospinal fluid pressures in the subarachnoid space of both the cervical and lumbar spines are affected by changes in body position. Both patient positioning and lumbar drainage may be important in reducing cervical cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and may reduce the occurrence of cerebrospinal fluid leaks after primary dural repair in the neck.
This study investigated the role of strain and vendor differences on the outcome of focal cerebra... more This study investigated the role of strain and vendor differences on the outcome of focal cerebral ischemia in the rat induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery by an intraluminal thread. The cortical infarct volumes (Mean + S.E.M.) were: 14.2 + 6.2 mm 3 in Simonsen Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats; 84.0 + 22.9 mm 3 in Simonsen Laboratories Wistar rats; 223.3 + 23.6 mm 3 in Taconic Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats; and 239.5 + 30.7 mm 3 in Charles River Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats. Middle cerebral artery occlusion combined with bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 60 min increased cortical infarct volumes to: 113.0 + 18,8 mm3; 152.4 + 21.1 ram3; 227.8__+ 19.3 mm3; and 248.4 + 24.0 mm 3, respectively. To control the effect of blood pressure as a variable contributing to the outcome of ischemia, additional experiments where performed in which the blood pressure in Simonsen Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats was lowered to the level of the blood pressure in Taconic Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats. Although this manipulation increased the cortical infarct volumes in Simonsen Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats, the volumes were still less than those in Taconic Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats. The results of the present study indicate that the outcome of ischemia in the intraluminal thread model may dramatically differ depending on the strain and vendor of animal used.
The present study was designed to evaluate whether the neuroprotective efficacy of MK-801 in foca... more The present study was designed to evaluate whether the neuroprotective efficacy of MK-801 in focal cerebral ischemia was dependent on strain and/or vendor differences. MK-801 (0.12 mg/kg i.v. bolus followed by 0.108 mg/kg/h infusion or 0.60 mg/kg i.v. bolus followed by 0.540 mg/kg/h infusion) or saline was administered just after intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Administration of 0.540 mg/kg/h MK-801 provided strain/line-dependent neuroprotection in the following rank order: Simonsen Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats > Simonsen Laboratories Wistar rats > Taconic Laboratories Sprague-Dawley rats. After 0.108 mg/kg/h MK-801 treatment, Simonsen Laboratories Wistar rats were the only strain/line that were significantly neuroprotected. These results indicate that the neuroprotective effect of an experimental drug may be influenced by rat strain and vendor differences.
Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, May 1, 1997
Recently we observed inter-and intrastrain differ ences in cortical infarct volumes after middle ... more Recently we observed inter-and intrastrain differ ences in cortical infarct volumes after middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, Variations in the anastomoses providing col lateral blood supply could account for different lesion sizes, Our objectives were to compare number and internal diameters of the MCA-anterior cerebral artery (MCA-ACA) anastomoses and to determine if the lesion extended beyond branches of the MCA territory into the field of the ACA in the rat strainsllines. Sprague-Dawley rats and Wi star rats from Simonsen Labora tories (SLSD and SLWIS) and Sprague-Dawley rats from Taconic Laboratories (TLSD) and Charles River Laboratories (CRSD) were anesthetized and injected with papaverine and Vultex (white latex) for arterial visualization. Some rats were also subjected to MCA occlusion. Significantly fewer anasto
Sleep cycles go through a sleep-wake rhythm during the entire night. The rhythm is related to cha... more Sleep cycles go through a sleep-wake rhythm during the entire night. The rhythm is related to changes in adenosine concentration within the central nervous system (CNS). Studies have shown that CNS administration of adenosine induces sleep. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L., Valerianaceae) and hops (Humulus lupulus L., Cannabaceae) are used as sleep aids. Valerian contains constituents that can bind to the adenosine receptor. This enables some of these valerian compounds, and/or their metabolites, to act like adenosine in the brain. Their action resembles that of a "partial agonist" in that they do not stimulate the receptor as fully as adenosine itself.
Vasomotor symptoms of menopause are generally treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT); how... more Vasomotor symptoms of menopause are generally treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT); however, a recent randomized controlled trial—the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) — showed "serious [cardiovascular and cancer] risks with even short-term use." As a result, women and health care providers are seeking safe and effective alternatives to HRT to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, and the use of herbal supplements for such has grown dramatically. The authors of this study designed the Herbal Alternatives for Menopause Trial (HALT) to evaluate the efficacy of 3 herbal regimens and HRT in the management of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system. Its major func... more The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system. Its major function is to contribute seminal fluid. Located inside the body cavity, the prostate sits in front of the rectum and just below the bladder. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine exits the body. Prostate gland enlargement ean be caused by prostate cancer, but 80% of the time it is attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia.' As men age, the prostate gland increases in size, making benign prostatic hyperplasia one of the most common age-related conditions in men." The enlarged gland puts pressure on the urethra, acting like a partial clamp and thus causing numerous urinary symptoms. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a progressive disease, but it does not usually cause problems until late in life.' Although it rarely causes symptoms in men younger than age 40, benign prostatic hyperplasia affects more than 50% of men in their sixties and 90% of m...
Gynaecol. 2009;70(4):630-639. A urinary tract infection (UTI), often considered a minor illness, ... more Gynaecol. 2009;70(4):630-639. A urinary tract infection (UTI), often considered a minor illness, can cause severe discomfort and if not treated appropriately can lead to more serious infections involving the kidneys. UTIs, with an estimated incidence ranging from 4 to 15%, are common in postmenopausal and elderly women, and have been widely studied in relation to pregnancy, postpartum period, and after genital surgery. UTIs are caused by bladder mucosal invasion, most commonly by enteric coliform bacteria (e.g. Escherichia coli) that ascend into the bladder through the urethra. The usual UTI treatment is a short course of antibiotics. Antibiotics, however, often eliminate lactobacilli along with harmful bacteria increasing the risk of subsequent UTIs (low growth of lactobacilli is associated with higher frequency of vaginal colonization with E. coli). The increasing prevalence of UTIs caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria makes treatment even more challenging. Cranberry (Vaccinium...
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