Dose- and Time-Dependent Effects of Luteolin on Liver Metallothioneins and Metals in Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of luteolin on liver Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn content in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. Additionally, liver metallothionein (MT) expression was studied. Luteolin was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) as a single 5- or 50-mg/kg dose or once daily for two consecutive days, respectively. Two hours after the last injection, the mice were treated with CCl4 (20 mg/kg, i.p.). CCl4 injection reduced hepatic level of all metals except Ca, with an intense cytoplasmic staining pattern in hepatocytes located in periportal areas, indicating induction of MTs. Pretreatment with 50 mg/kg of luteolin for 2 days remarkably elevated metal content to control values (Mg and Cu) or even above them (Zn and Fe). Luteolin pretreatment increased pericentral MTs immunopositivity and histological architecture improvement in a time- and dose-dependent manner, being the most prominent in mice pretreated with 50 mg/kg for 2 days. The liver in this group showed pronounced MT expression in almost all hepatocytes throughout the liver parenchyma. In conclusion, these results suggest the protective effect of luteolin on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and an enhancement of hepatocyte proliferative capabilities.     

Analysis of colon cancer features in Croatia

Qualitative and quantitative parametars were evaluated in 186 colorectal cancer patients. Quality of life was evaluated in subgroup of 84 patients. Correlation between Dukes stage of disease and qualitative (gender, blood type, marital status, region of Croatia from where patients were coming) and quantitative biological parametars (age, body mass index) was analysed. There was no statistically significant difference considering distribution of the patients disease stage and gender, blood type, marital status, region of Croatia from where patients were coming and body mass index (p > 0.05). Patients with Dukes D stage of colorectal cancer were statistically significantly younger in comparison to other stages (p < 0.05). Quality of life was the best before surgery, significantly deteriorated immediately after and partially improved three months after the surgery without significant differences between investagted groups with different colorectal cancer stage and type of surgery.     

Trigonopsis variabilis D-amino acid oxidase: control of protein quality and opportunities for biocatalysis through production in Escherichia coli

Trigonopsis variabilis D-amino acid oxidase accounts for 35% of Escherichia coli protein when added D-methionine suppresses the toxic activity of the recombinant product. Permeabilized E. coli cells are reusable and stabilized enzyme preparations. The purified oxidase lacks the microheterogeneity of the natural enzyme. Oriented immobilization of a chimeric oxidase maintains 80% of the original activity in microparticle-bound enzymes.     

Patients review: drug-induced movement disorders

Objective of this paper is to review drug-induced movement disorders (D-IMD) treated patients on Department of Neurology in University Hospital Osijek. We reviewed patients treated during 10 years period (from 1992 to 2002). Analysed group consisted of 14 patients. Reasons for hospitalisation were swallowing problems in 6 patients, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) in 3 patients, stroke in 2 patients, bolus choking in 2 patients, and speech disturbance in 1 patient. Working diagnosis for most of our patients was neurological disease, yet only later D-IMD diagnosis was established excluding primary neurological disease, or as associated disease to basic neurological disorder. Nine patients have diagnosed as Parkinson syndrome, 3 patients as NMS, and 4 as orolingual dyskinesia, either autonomously, or in combination with Parkinson syndrome. D-IMD was most frequently caused by neuroleptics. Thus the small number of patients hospitalised regarding this syndrome on Department of Neurology.     

Partial cecal necrosis treated by laparoscopic partial cecal resection

Acute colonic ischemia is the common cause of colitis in elderly population. However, isolated ischemic necrosis of cecum is rare entity, often associated with variety of conditions. Here we present a case of a 73-year old woman with a past history of hypertension presented with clinical symptoms of right lower quadrant abdominal pain and tenderness localized to the right lower quadrant, guarding and rebound tenderness. With diagnosis of acute appendicitis, the patient underwent laparoscopy where the cecal partial necrosis was discovered. Necrotic area of cecum was excised using two endoscopic cutters and laparoscopic appendectomy was performed. Pathologist report showed thrombosis of vessels and necrosis of entire cecal wall. The patient completely recovered without any surgical complications. This is the first case of partial cecum necrosis laparoscopicaly managed and with a partial cecal resection only.     

Anthropological determinants of success in young judoists

There is an evident lack of experimental studies dealing with the anthropological determinants of success in judo, especially concerning young athletes. In this paper we have attempted to establish some of the anthropological factors potentially related to judo competition achievement in 15-16 year old athletes. A set of 14 anthropometric and 12 motor-endurance variables was tested on the best young judoists in Croatia (all males, N = 34). All the subjects had competed on the National Championship (NC), and the criterion was defined according to their final NC achievement. Factor analysis and discriminant canonical analysis (DISCRA) were calculated separately on the motor-endurance and anthropometric status variables. DISCRA showed the successful judoists as dominant in strength and endurance status. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the anthropometric dimensions regarding any differentiation between the more and less successful athletes. Possible explanations are discussed.     

Interleukin-1alpha production in human corneal scars

We studied IL-1alpha level in corneal scars with/without neo-vascularization. A total of 27 patients underwent grafting for corneal scar. Recipients were grouped according to number of vascularized quadrants (0 to IV/IV): none (n = 12), one (n = 5), two (n = 4) and four (n = 6). Recipient corneas were collected during surgery and IL-1alpha measured by immunoassay. Controls were donor corneas unsuitable for transplantation. Graft rejection rate was calculated for each group. Mean IL-1alpha concentration in corneal scars was 6 +/- 3.93 pg/mm3; significantly higher as compared to controls (1.25 +/- 2.03 pg/mm3). IL-1alpha correlated well with amount of blood vessels, except in IV/IV scars: 5.17 +/- 3.65 pg/mm3 for 0/IV; 8.02 +/- 2.51 pg/mm3 for I/IV; 8.27 +/- 3.62 pg/mm3 for II/IV and 4.47 +/- 5.03 pg/mm3 for IV/IV corneal scars. Vascularization of corneal scar is associated with increased IL-1alpha level (in all but highly vascularized scars), indicating that IL-1alpha promotes early stages of vascularization. Graft rejection rate increases in patients with higher vascularization, independently of IL-1alpha level.     

Conjunctival amelanotic melanoma--a case report

Conjunctival melanoma is a relatively rare malignancy. It is presented as pigmented nodule in any area of conjunctiva, amelanotic tumors are pink with smooth appearance. The authors describe an amelanotic melanoma of the conjunctiva in an 82-year-old female patient. Cytological, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies revealed an invasive amelanotic melanoma exhibiting S-100 and MART-1 positivity. The patient undervent surgical and chemotherapy treatment and three years after the initial treatment is in the terminal stage of metastatic disease. Absence of pigmentation delayed early clinical detection and treatment. Awareness of this nonpigmented melanoma is crucial for early recognition and appropriate management.