Role of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 in clofibrate-mediated hepatoprotection from acetaminophen.

Mice pretreated with the peroxisome proliferator clofibrate (CFB) are resistant to acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity. Whereas the mechanism of protection is not entirely known, CFB decreases protein adducts formed by the reactive metabolite of APAP, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is an enzyme with antioxidant properties that is responsible for the reduction of cellular quinones.

Hemodynamic impact of an ephedra-free multicomponent weight-loss supplement.

Purpose: The effect of Metabolife Ephedra-Free on blood pressure (BP) and hemodynamics was studied.

Methods: Healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to take a single dose of Metabolife Ephedra-Free or matching placebo and then crossed over to the opposite treatment after a seven-day washout period. BP was measured at baseline and one, three, and five hours after administration.

Electrocardiographic effects of an Ephedra-Free, multicomponent weight-loss supplement in healthy volunteers.

Study Objective: Metabolife 356, an ephedra-containing weight-loss product, substantially increases the corrected QT (QTc) interval. Metabolife Ephedra Free, a similar supplement, contains caffeine and extracts of green tea, garcinia cambogia, and yerba mate. Its electrocardiographic (ECG) effects are not known.