The effect of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition on aminoglycoside-induced acute tubular necrosis in rats.

Introduction: Aminoglycosides (AG) cause nephrotoxicity in 10 - 20% of patients. One of the mechanisms is by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to DNA destruction and activation of poly(ADPribose) polymerase (PARP) causing necrotic tubular cell death. PARP inhibition on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity was studied.

Adiponectin as an independent predictor of left ventricular hypertrophy in nondiabetic patients with hypertension.

We evaluated novel and traditional biomarkers as well as hemodynamic parameters associated with the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in nondiabetic patients with hypertension. Nondiabetic patients with hypertension (n = 86) were evaluated for lipids, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), adiponectin, aldosterone, renin, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and endothelin. Arterial elasticity was evaluated using pulse wave contour.

Determinants of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients: identification of high-risk patients by metabolic, vascular, and inflammatory risk factors.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is recognized as an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients. Thus, it is critical to understand the mechanisms underlying the development of LVH for formulation screening and treatment strategies. This study was designed to determine the association between echographically determined LVH measures and markers of inflammation, neurohormonal activity, glomerular function, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and vascular endothelial function.

Big breakfast rich in protein and fat improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetics.

Objective: Our goal was to evaluate the effect of breakfast size and composition on body weight, glycemic control, and metabolic markers in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: 59 overweight/obese adults with T2DM were randomized to one of two isocaloric diabetic diets for 3 months; big breakfast (BB), breakfast was rich in fat and protein and provided 33% of total daily energy or small breakfast (SB), breakfast was rich in carbohydrates and provided 12.5% of total daily energy.

Institutional point-of-care glucometer identifies population trends in blood glucose associated with war.

Background: Acute physiological stress has been shown to impair glucose homeostasis. War is a period of acute psychological stress, and its effect on glucose control is unknown. In this study random point-of-care (POC) glucose levels were measured using an automated, institutional glucometer in hospitalized adult patients prior to versus during the Israeli Pillar of Defense campaign (November 7-10, 2012).

Effect of atorvastatin on IgA nephropathy in the rat.

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common chronic glomerulonephritis in humans and is a major cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. There is no agreement on the exact underlying mechanism or therapeutic intervention for this disorder. Mesangial proliferation typifies the renal histopathology in IgAN.

MEasuring Nutrition risk in hospitalized patients: MENU, a hospital-based prevalence survey.

Background: Depending on the definition used, malnutrition is prevalent among 20-50% of hospitalized patients. Routine nutritional screening is necessary to identify patients with or at increased risk for malnutrition. The Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS 2002) has been recommended as an efficient tool to identify the risk of malnutrition in adult inpatients.

Relation between augmentation index and adiponectin during one-year metformin treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatosis: effects beyond glucose lowering?

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is the major driving force behind development and progression of atherosclerosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, correction of IR is a relevant therapeutic target.We performed the current trial to evaluate whether 12- month metformin therapy improves vascular stiffness in patients with NAFLD and to assess if this improvement is associated with change in glucose control, insulin resistance or circulating adiponectin.

Efficacy and safety of prolonged-release melatonin in insomnia patients with diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.

Background: Diabetes is a major comorbidity in insomnia patients. The efficacy and safety of prolonged-release melatonin 2 mg in the treatment of glucose, lipid metabolism, and sleep was studied in 36 type 2 diabetic patients with insomnia (11 men, 25 women, age 46-77 years).

Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, the subjects were treated for 3 weeks (period 1) with prolonged-release melatonin or placebo, followed by a one-week washout period, and then crossed over for another 3 weeks (period 2) of treatment with the other preparation.

Treatment with insulin sensitizer metformin improves arterial properties, metabolic parameters, and liver function in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Insulin resistance has an important role in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is involved in both pathological processes: hepatic steatosis and atherosclerosis. Therefore, treatment of NAFLD with insulin sensitizers is likely to have a favorable effect toward hepatic steatosis and cardiovascular outcomes. The present study investigated the effect of metformin on arterial properties, metabolic parameters, and liver function in patients with NAFLD.

Placental transfer of the insulin analog glargine in the ex vivo perfused placental cotyledon model.

Objective: The aim was to characterize the transfer of the insulin analog glargine across the placenta using the placental perfusion model.

Methods: Placentas were obtained and selected cotyledons were cannulated and dually perfused. Glargine, 50 mU/L (n = 2) and 200 mU/L (n = 1), and a reference marker, antipyrine (50 μg/mL), were added to the maternal circulation.

Oxidative stress contributes to hemolysis in patients with hereditary spherocytosis and can be ameliorated by fermented papaya preparation.

In the present study, we questioned the role of oxidative stress in hereditary spherocytosis (HS), where red blood cells (RBC) have a shortened survival due to primary deficiency in membrane proteins. Using flow cytometry techniques, we showed that RBC derived from 17 HS patients of seven families generate more reactive oxygen species, membrane lipid peroxides, and less reduced glutathione than normal RBC. Following in vitro incubation of HS-RBC from seven patients with a fermentation bioproduct of Carica papaya (fermented papaya preparation (FPP)) with known antioxidative properties, oxidative stress markers were significantly reduced.

Effect of long-term treatment with antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium) on arterial compliance, humoral factors and inflammatory markers in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Background: Antioxidant supplementations have the potential to alleviate the atherosclerotic damage caused by excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The present study evaluated the effects of prolonged antioxidant treatment on arterial elasticity, inflammatory and metabolic measures in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods: Study participants were randomly assigned to two groups.

Effect of Long-Term L-Arginine Supplementation on Arterial Compliance and Metabolic Parameters in Patients with Multiple Cardiovascular risk Factors: Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVES:: This study was designed to determine the effect of long-term L-arginine supplementation on arterial compliance, inflammatory and metabolic parameters in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS:: In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 90 patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 received daily oral L-arginine, Group 2 received matching placebo capsules. Patients were evaluated for lipid profile, glucose, HbA1C, insulin, hs-CRP, renin and aldosterone .

Institutional blood glucose monitoring system for hospitalized patients: an integral component of the inpatient glucose control program.

Background: The ability to measure patient blood glucose levels at bedside in hospitalized patients and to transmit those values to a central database enables and facilitates glucose control and follow-up and is an integral component in the care of the hospitalized diabetic patient.

Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of an institutional glucometer employed in the framework of the Program for the Treatment of the Hospitalized Diabetic Patient (PTHDP) at E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel.

Inhibition of immune-mediated concanavalin a-induced liver damage by free-radical scavengers.

Background/aims: The aims of the present study were to elucidate whether oxidative stress has a role in Con A-induced hepatitis and to examine if antioxidants may protect against liver damage in this model.

Methods: Hepatitis was induced in Balb/c mice by administration of Con A (18 mg/kg) to the tail vein. Liver enzymes and histology were determined 24 h after Con A injection.

Long-term effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ligand bezafibrate on N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide in patients with advanced functional capacity impairment.

Background: The effects of pan-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) ligand bezafibrate on N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (ProBNP) level in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is unknown. The current study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of bezafibrate on ProBNP level in patients with pre-existing CAD and advanced functional capacity impairment.

Methods: Metabolic and inflammatory parameters were analyzed from stored frozen serum samples obtained from 108 patients enrolled in the Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention (BIP) Study.

Reducing blood transfusion requirements in preterm infants by a new device: a pilot study.

Objective: To test a new device designed to salvage red blood cells (RBCs) from blood samples drawn from preterm infants, with the intent of decreasing blood loss and lowering the requirements for RBC transfusions.

Design: A case-controlled pilot study was conducted in two Israeli neonatal intensive care units in large municipal hospitals. Twenty low-birthweight preterm infants were randomly and equally divided into the ErythroSave group or a control group.

Relation of haptoglobin phenotype to early vascular changes in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Haptoglobin (Hp) is an antioxidant protein and the major susceptibility gene for atherosclerosis in diabetic patients. The effect of Hp phenotype on arterial compliance and metabolic and inflammatory parameters was investigated. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to Hp phenotype of Hp 2-2, Hp 2-1, and Hp 1-1.

Low HDL levels and the risk of death, sepsis and malignancy.

Background: High density lipoprotein (HDL) plays an important role as an anti-atherogenic molecule, but also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties. The effect of extremely low levels of HDL on the risk of sepsis and malignancy were therefore examined.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized at the Edith Wolfson Medical center was conducted.

C-reactive protein, bezafibrate, and recurrent coronary events in patients with chronic coronary heart disease.

Background: Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are related to increased coronary risk in healthy subjects and in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The aims of the present study were to assess the following: (1) the association between CRP and subsequent coronary risk in patients with chronic coronary heart disease (CHD), (2) the effect of long-term bezafibrate treatment on CRP levels, and (3) to evaluate the consequences of change in CRP level over time on subsequent risk.

Methods: Patients with chronic CHD (n = 3122) were recruited to a secondary prevention study that assessed the efficacy of bezafibrate versus placebo.

Low serum LDL cholesterol levels and the risk of fever, sepsis, and malignancy.

Lipid lowering therapy of serum LDL cholesterol (LDL) has proved beneficial in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Lately the recommended target LDL level in very high risk patients was reduced to <70 mg/dl, raising the question of what the price of such a low level will be. To elucidate this concern, we investigated the associations of low serum LDL cholesterol levels (< or = 70 mg/dl) and the incidences of fever, sepsis, and malignancy.

Thioacetamide-induced hepatic damage in a rat nutritional model of steatohepatitis.

Background: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is most often attributed to the effects of obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus and drugs. It is still unknown whether livers with steatohepatitis are more vulnerable to toxic damage.

Aim: To determine the effect of the hepatotoxicant thioacetamide in a rat nutritional model of hepatic steatohepatitis.

Insulin resistance is associated with increased risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with preexisting coronary artery disease.

Background: Over the past years it has been recognized that insulin resistance (IR) is an independent risk factor for the development of diabetes, whereas its association with cardiovascular events remains controversial. The aim of our study was to explore the association between IR per se and cardiovascular events among patients with preexisting coronary artery disease.

Methods: The mean follow-up period of this prospective study was 6.