No abstract available.
Humans

No abstract available.
Humans

No Abstract available.
Humans

No abstract available.
Humans

Hemolysis is one of the side effects of cyclosporine(CsA). Some experimental and clinical data have strongly suggested that CsA-induced hemolysis is resulted from the increased production of free radical species by CsA. Melatonin, a pineal secretory product, acts as a highly efficient free radical scavenger. Thus, melatonin may have a protective effect on the CsA-induced hemolysis. To test this hypothesis, the final concentration of 4.2x106/mL with human erythrocytes was incubated in test tube at 37 degrees C water bath with 1.67 mg/mL of CsA and 72 nmol/mL of melatonin. The degree of hemolysis and the amount of malondialdehyde which gives an indirect index of oxidative injury were measured in group 1 containing only isotonic buffer solution, in group 2 containing only CsA, and in group 3 containing both CsA and melatonin. The degrees of hemolysis in group 2 were higher than those of group 1. The degrees of hemolysis in group 3 were higher than those of group 1, and lower than those of group 2. The amounts of malondialdehyde in group 2 were higher than those of group 1. The amounts of malondialdehyde in group 3 were higher than those of group 1, and lower than those of group 2. These results indicate that the direct contact of erythrocytes with CsA results in free radical mediated hemolysis and the hemolysis by CsA can be prevented with melatonin.
Humans

High glucose activates protein kinase C, induces reactive oxygen species generation, and upregulates expression of transforming growth factor-beta1(TGF-beta1) and fibronectin by human peritoneal mesothelial cells(HPMC). High glucose also induces premature senescence in mesothelial cells. Mesothelial cells shrink after exposure to hypertonic medium and intracellular uptake of amino acids increase to ensure subsequent volume increase. Based on these observations, new and more biocompatible peritoneal dialysis solutions that are glucose free and/or iso-osmolar have been developed. We investigated the effects of different osmolality and different osmotic agents including glucose, mannitol, and icodextrin on viability and proliferation of HPMC. HPMC were obtained from the omental tissues of consenting patients undergoing Cesarean section or elective abdominal surgery. All experiments were performed using cells in the 2nd or 3rd passage. Near-confluent HPMC grown in culture dishes were incubated with serum-free medium for 48 hours to arrest and synchronize cell growth. Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) release was measured for cell viability and [3H]-thymidine incorporation for proliferation of cultured HPMC, after exposing HPMC to different concentrations of glucose, mannitol, and icodextrin for up to 96 hours. High glucose and mannitol at concentrations up to 100 mM(375 mOsm) did not increase LDH release up to 96 hours compared to control M199. When HPMC were exposed to 2, 4, 7.5, and 9% of icodextrin for 24-96 hours, LDH release did not increase. Glucose at 30, 50, and 100 mM significantly inhibited [3H]-thymidine incorporation by HPMC at 24 and 48 hours. Mannitol at 30, 50, and 100 mM for 24 hours and at only 100 mM for 48 hours also significantly inhibited cell proliferation. Icodextrin 9% (305 mOsm) inhibited cell proliferation compared with control M-199 at 24 hours. In conclusion, high osmolality per se dose not appear to increase HPMC death. However, high osmolality appears to inhibit HPMC proliferation at early stage. In addition, high glucose appears to inhibit HPMC proliferation independent of osmolality since high glucose continues to inhibit cell proliferation at 48 and 72 hours when mannitol at the same concentration did not. Icodextrin 9% of which osmolality is 305 mOsm inhibits HPMC proliferation at early stage but does not appear to increase HPMC death.
Humans

No abstract available.
Humans

No abstract available.
Humans

No Abstract Available.
Humans

The theory of unpleasant symptoms is a middle-range theory proposed by Lenz and her colleagues (1997). Analysis and evaluation of this theory was performed using Fawcett (1999) and Fawcett and Downs's (1992) guidelines. Results of the theory analysis and evaluation suggest that the theory of unpleasant symptoms has theoretical and social significance and parsimony. However, a lack of internal consistency was evident. For empirical adequacy of the theory, it is recommended that research be conducted examining the complexities of the interaction effects, reciprocal relationships, and medication effects among physiological, psychologic, and situational factors, symptoms, and performance. The knowledge derived from the research findings should be used in practice for patients experiencing symptoms.
Humans