Role of the nitric oxide pathway in ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated perfused guinea pig lungs.

We examined the role of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway on ischemia-reperfusion injury via the use of isolated perfused guinea pig lungs. We administered both L-Arginine and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) to the lungs in or after 3 h of ischemia. We observed pulmonary artery pressures as well as tissue and perfusate malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels.

Effects of melatonin in reducing the toxic effects of doxorubicin.

Anthracycline antibiotics, such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin, constitute a group of wide spectrum therapeutic agents. Application of these drugs in chemotherapy is limited because of their toxic effects. Melatonin, the main secretory product of pineal gland, was recently found as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant.

Prevention of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by melatonin.

Anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin, are highly effective anticancer agents. Cardiotoxicity made by these agents develops as a complication of the cancer chemotherapy. Melatonin, the chief secretory product of the pineal gland, was recently found to be a free radical scavenger and antioxidant.

Effects of ischemic preconditioning in human heart.

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ischemic preconditioning (IP) on myocardium and the level of nitric oxide (NO) in patients undergoing aorta-coronary bypass surgery.

Methods: Twenty consecutive patients with coronary artery disease were subjected into two equal groups; the IP group and the control group. Following the onset of cardiopulmonary bypass in the study group, hearts were preconditioned with two 3-minute periods of cross-clamping separated by 2 minutes of reperfusion.

Effects of simvastatin treatment on oxidant/antioxidant state and ultrastructure of streptozotocin-diabetic rat lung.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of simvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, on lipid metabolism, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities and ultrastructure of diabetic rat lung. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (45 mg kg(-1), i.p.