Gluteal muscle fibrosis with abduction contracture of the hip.

Purpose: Gluteal muscle fibrosis with hip contracture is a rare condition and causes major disability; literature reports are sparse. The aim of this study is to present, for the first time in Iraq and the region, a case series of gluteal fibrosis and the results of surgical treatment.

Methods: Seven children--six boys and one girl--diagnosed as having gluteal muscle fibrosis with hip contracture, were investigated and treated by open surgical release of fibrotic bands and physiotherapy.

Cardiovascular effects of copper deficiency on activity of superoxide dismutase in diabetic nephropathy.

Background: Copper (Cu) is essential both for its role in antioxidant enzymes, like Cu/zinc (Zn) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ceruloplasmin, as well as its role in lysyl oxidase, essential for the strength and integrity of the heart and blood vessels. With such a central role in cardiovascular health, Cu has been generally overlooked in the debate over improving our cardiovascular health. Cu deficiency has produced many of the same abnormalities present in cardiovascular disease.

Amelioration of doxorubicin-induced cardiac and renal toxicity by pirfenidone in rats.

Purpose: Doxorubicin (DXR) is an anthracycline glycoside with a broad spectrum of therapeutic activity against various tumors. However, the clinical use of DXR has been limited by its undesirable systemic toxicity, especially in the heart and kidney. This study was designed to test the effectiveness of dietary intake of pirfenidone (PD) against DXR-induced cardiac and renal toxicity.

Effect of pirfenidone against vanadate-induced kidney fibrosis in rats.

Renal fibrosis is a complication of kidney injury and can contribute to organ failure. Currently, there are no drugs for the treatment of renal fibrosis. Pirfenidone (PD) has been proven to have antifibrotic effects in animal models of fibrosis.