Neuroprotective effect of oral choline administration after global brain ischemia in rats.

Choline - now recognized as an essential nutrient - is the most common polar group found in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane bilayer. Brain ischemia-reperfusion causes lipid peroxidation triggering multiple cell death pathways involving necrosis and apoptosis. Membrane breakdown is, therefore, a major pathophysiologic event in brain ischemia.

Gender influence on treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1.

Introduction: Although various studies have been published regarding the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with peginterferon (Peg-IFN) and ribavirin, little is known regarding the real impact of gender on the characteristics that influence the effectiveness and safety of antiviral treatment for CHC patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of gender on HCV treatment outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective analytical study was conducted among selected carriers of CHC genotype 1, who were treated with Peg-IFN alpha-2b at a dose of 1.