PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of heat and massage application on autonomic nervous system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-nine subjects volunteered and completed this study. Heat and massage was daily applied for 40 minutes, 5 days a week for 2 weeks. Primary-dependent measures included heart rate variability, sympathetic skin response, and serum cortisol and norepinephrine levels. RESULTS: Serum cortisol levels were significantly decreased at 2 weeks compared to baseline (p=0.003). Plasma norepinephrine levels at 4 weeks were significantly decreased compared to baseline (p=0.010). Heart rate, using the power spectra, increased significantly after 2 weeks compared to baseline. Of autonomic nerve conduction measures, latency was significantly increased at 2 and 4 weeks compared to baseline (p=0.023, 0.012), and amplitude was significantly decreased at 4 weeks compared to baseline (p=0.008). There were no serious adverse events such as burns or other major complications. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that heat and massage applications provide relaxation to the autonomic nervous system without serious adverse events.
Autonomic Nervous System/*physiopathology ; Female ; Heart Rate/*physiology ; Hot Temperature/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone/blood ; Male ; Massage/adverse effects/*methods ; Norepinephrine/blood

Cardiac Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; Circadian Rhythm ; physiology ; Cognition Disorders ; etiology ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; blood ; Melatonin ; blood ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology

INTRODUCTIONLong-term, high-dose corticosteroid therapy is well-known to cause systemic and ocular complications. A lesser known complication is chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Although idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is known to be mild with spontaneous recovery and minimal effects on the final visual acuity, chronic CSCR as a complication of long- term steroid therapy behaves differently, and may cause irreversible visual impairment.

CLINICAL PICTUREThree cases of chronic, recurrent CSCR were precipitated by longterm corticosteroids prescribed for post-renal transplant immunosuppressive therapy, postpituitary surgery and pemphigus vulgaris.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOMETwo cases resolved with tapering of corticosteroids while one case was treated by focal laser photocoagulation. Two eyes had severe impairment of vision as a result of subretinal scar formation while the other 4 eyes had mild reduction of visual acuity from retinal epithelium pigment atrophy.

CONCLUSIONLong-term corticosteroid therapy can be complicated by severe, chronic and recurrent CSCR and occasionally peripheral exudative retinal detachment. This may result in subretinal fibrosis and permanent loss of vision.

Adult ; Blindness ; chemically induced ; Choroid Diseases ; chemically induced ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Fluorescein Angiography ; Glucocorticoids ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; adverse effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prednisolone ; adverse effects ; Retinal Detachment ; chemically induced ; diagnosis ; therapy

Ca45 resorption and incoporration into albino rat-bones in tissue culture was considered in studying the pathogenesis of osteoporosiscaused by cotinued administration of glucocorticoid, hydrocortisone succinate. 18-day old tibias were cultured in a chemically defined media, (BGJb). Hydrocotisone showed no effect on Ca45 resorption and little increase of Ca45 incorporation into bone. This may suggest that hydrocortisone produces osteoporosis not by direct effect but by secondary effects on calcium metabolism.
Animal ; Bone Development ; Bone and Bones/embryology ; Bone and Bones/metabolism* ; Calcification, Physiologic/drug effects ; Calcium/metabolism* ; Calcium Radioisotopes ; Hydrocortisone/adverse effects ; Hydrocortisone/pharmacology* ; Osteoporosis/chemically induced* ; Rats ; Tibia ; Tissue Culture

BACKGROUNDCorticosteroid treatment of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been one of the most controversial clinical issues in critical care. Although the administration of high-dose corticosteroids does not benefit patients with early septic shock and ARDS, recent clinical trials have indicated that treatment with relatively low-dose corticosteroids (2 to 3 mg/kg/day of methylprednisolone or equivalent) may improve outcome when used for late ARDS or persistent septic shock. The underlying mechanism was not fully clarified. Whether the administration of corticosteroids can arrest neutrophil-driven organ injury once started remains to be elucidated.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of hydrocortisone (HC, 6 mg/kg) on oxygen free radicals (OFR) released by PMN and pulmonary pathological changes in rat ALI model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to investigate the possible mechanism through which corticosteroids exert protective effect on ALI.

METHODSA rat model of ALI was induced by peritoneal injection of 2 x 10(12) Escherichia coli/kg. Fifty-six rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group, LPS group and HC group (6 mg/kg). Samples were collected 2 h, 4 h and 6 h after giving LPS to LPS and HC group (6 h after giving normal saline in normal control group) to measure the level of OFR released by PMN using chemiluminescence method based on lumino, and to compae of pulmonary pathological changes among the three groups.

RESULTSPathological examination with light microscope in LPS group showed thickened pulmonary interstitia, inflammatory cell infiltration, edema and hemorrhage, which were in accordance with the features of ALI. There were significant differences in the release of OFR by PMN among the three groups (P < 0.01). The level of OFR released by PMN in LPS group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and continued to increase during the observation period (2 - 6 h after LPS). The release of OFR by PMN in HC group was significantly suppressed as compared with LPS group, which was peaked at 4 h after LPS injection (to 98.2%); there were also significant differences in the grades of ALI pathologic changes among the three groups (P < 0.01). The grades of ALI pathologic changes in LPS group were significantly increased when compared with the normal control group (P < 0.05) while significantly decreased in HC group as compared with LPS group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIt was demonstrated in the LPS induced ALI model that OFR might play an important role in onset of ALI. Intervening with HC (6 mg/kg) treatment could ameliorate the lung injury and exert significant and sustained suppression on the release of OFR by PMN, showing that HC has a protective effect on LPS induced ALI and its theraputic effect occurs possibly through suppression on the release of OFR by PMN.

Acute Lung Injury ; etiology ; immunology ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Free Radicals ; metabolism ; Glucocorticoids ; pharmacology ; Hydrocortisone ; pharmacology ; Lipopolysaccharides ; adverse effects ; Lung ; immunology ; pathology ; Mice ; Neutrophils ; drug effects ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the hormonal and metabolic responses of fetal lamb during cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODSSix pregnant ewes underwent fetal cardiopulmonary bypasses with artificial oxygenators and roller pumps for 30 minutes, which maintained the blood gas value at the fetal physiological level. The fetal blood pressure, heart rate, pH value and blood lactate levels were monitored. The levels of catecholamine, cortisol and insulin were measured pre-bypass and then again 30 minutes later. The blood glucose and free fatty acid levels were monitored continuously during the bypass. Fetal hepatic PAS staining was also carried out.

RESULTSThere were no changes before and during the bypass in fetal blood pressure, heart rate and blood gas. However, pH values decreased and blood lactate levels increased (P < 0.05). The fetal catecholamine and cortisol levels increased significantly (P < 0.01), while the levels of insulin did not change. The blood glucose and free fatty acid levels increased at the beginning of the bypass (P < 0.01), and then gradually slowed down during the bypass. The fetal hepatic PAS staining showed that hepatic glycogen was consumed in large amounts. After 30 minutes of bypass, the fetal lamb would not survive more than 1 hour.

CONCLUSIONThe fetal lamb has a strong negative reaction to cardiopulmonary bypass.

Animals ; Blood Gas Analysis ; Blood Glucose ; analysis ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; adverse effects ; Catecholamines ; blood ; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified ; blood ; Fetus ; physiology ; Hemodynamics ; physiology ; Hydrocortisone ; blood ; Lactates ; blood ; Sheep

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; blood ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Cold Temperature ; Environmental Exposure ; adverse effects ; Hydrocortisone ; blood ; Interleukin-10 ; blood ; Interleukin-4 ; blood ; Swine

Objective: To explore the value of catheter-based adrenal ablation in treating Cushing's syndrome (CS)-associated hypertension. Methods: A clinical study was conducted in patients with CS, who received catheter-based adrenal ablation between March 2018 and July 2023 in Daping Hospital. Parameters monitored were blood pressure (outpatient and 24-hour ambulatory), body weight, clinical characteristics, serum cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) at 8 am, 24-hour urinary free cortisol (24 h UFC), fasting blood glucose and postoperative complications. Procedure effectiveness was defined as blood pressure returning to normal levels (systolic blood pressure<140 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and diastolic blood pressure<90 mmHg), cortisol and 24 h UFC returning to normal and improvement of clinical characteristics. The parameters were monitored during follow up in the outpatient department at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after catheter-based adrenal ablation. Results: A total of 12 patients (aged (40.0±13.2) years) were reviewed. There were 5 males, with 5 cases of adenoma and 7 with hyperplasia from imaging studies. Catheter-based adrenal ablation was successful in all without interruption or surgical conversion. No postoperative complication including bleeding, puncture site infection, adrenal artery rupture or adrenal bleeding was observed. The mean follow up was 28 months. Compared to baseline values, body weight declined to (59.48±11.65) kg from (64.81±10.75) kg (P=0.008), fasting blood glucose declined to (4.54±0.83) mmol from (5.53±0.99) mmol (P=0.044), outpatient systolic blood pressure declined to (128±21) mmHg from (140±19) mmHg (P=0.005), diastolic blood pressure declined to (78±10) mmHg from (86±11) mmHg (P=0.041), and the mean ambulatory daytime diastolic blood pressure declined to (79±12) mmHg from (89±8) mmHg (P=0.034). Catheter-based adrenal ablation in 8 patients was defined as effective with their 24 h UFC significantly reduced after the procedure (1 338.41±448.06) mmol/L from (633.66±315.94) mmol/L, P=0.011). The change of 24 h UFC between the effective treatment group and ineffective group was statistically significant (P=0.020). The postoperative systolic blood pressure in the treated adenoma group was significantly lower than those of hyperplasia group (112±13) mmHg vs. (139±20) mmHg, P=0.026). Conclusions: For patients with CS-associated hypertension who are unwilling or unable to undergo surgical treatment, catheter-based adrenal ablation could improve the blood pressure and cortisol level. Catheter-based adrenal ablation could be a safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapy. However, our results still need to be validated in further large-scale studies.
Male ; Humans ; Cushing Syndrome/complications* ; Hydrocortisone ; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/surgery* ; Feasibility Studies ; Blood Glucose ; Hyperplasia/complications* ; Hypertension/complications* ; Adenoma/complications* ; Body Weight ; Catheters/adverse effects*

Objective: To explore the value of catheter-based adrenal ablation in treating Cushing's syndrome (CS)-associated hypertension. Methods: A clinical study was conducted in patients with CS, who received catheter-based adrenal ablation between March 2018 and July 2023 in Daping Hospital. Parameters monitored were blood pressure (outpatient and 24-hour ambulatory), body weight, clinical characteristics, serum cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) at 8 am, 24-hour urinary free cortisol (24 h UFC), fasting blood glucose and postoperative complications. Procedure effectiveness was defined as blood pressure returning to normal levels (systolic blood pressure<140 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and diastolic blood pressure<90 mmHg), cortisol and 24 h UFC returning to normal and improvement of clinical characteristics. The parameters were monitored during follow up in the outpatient department at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after catheter-based adrenal ablation. Results: A total of 12 patients (aged (40.0±13.2) years) were reviewed. There were 5 males, with 5 cases of adenoma and 7 with hyperplasia from imaging studies. Catheter-based adrenal ablation was successful in all without interruption or surgical conversion. No postoperative complication including bleeding, puncture site infection, adrenal artery rupture or adrenal bleeding was observed. The mean follow up was 28 months. Compared to baseline values, body weight declined to (59.48±11.65) kg from (64.81±10.75) kg (P=0.008), fasting blood glucose declined to (4.54±0.83) mmol from (5.53±0.99) mmol (P=0.044), outpatient systolic blood pressure declined to (128±21) mmHg from (140±19) mmHg (P=0.005), diastolic blood pressure declined to (78±10) mmHg from (86±11) mmHg (P=0.041), and the mean ambulatory daytime diastolic blood pressure declined to (79±12) mmHg from (89±8) mmHg (P=0.034). Catheter-based adrenal ablation in 8 patients was defined as effective with their 24 h UFC significantly reduced after the procedure (1 338.41±448.06) mmol/L from (633.66±315.94) mmol/L, P=0.011). The change of 24 h UFC between the effective treatment group and ineffective group was statistically significant (P=0.020). The postoperative systolic blood pressure in the treated adenoma group was significantly lower than those of hyperplasia group (112±13) mmHg vs. (139±20) mmHg, P=0.026). Conclusions: For patients with CS-associated hypertension who are unwilling or unable to undergo surgical treatment, catheter-based adrenal ablation could improve the blood pressure and cortisol level. Catheter-based adrenal ablation could be a safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapy. However, our results still need to be validated in further large-scale studies.
Male ; Humans ; Cushing Syndrome/complications* ; Hydrocortisone ; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/surgery* ; Feasibility Studies ; Blood Glucose ; Hyperplasia/complications* ; Hypertension/complications* ; Adenoma/complications* ; Body Weight ; Catheters/adverse effects*

BACKGROUNDThe high incidence of neuropsychologic deficits after cardiac surgery, including cognitive dysfunction and mood status, has significantly influenced the prognosis, outcome of treatment and long-term quality of life of patients. With a circadian secretion pattern, melatonin and cortisol are capable of modulating the human physiological processes and neuropsychological status, whereas disorder of their secretion pattern may lead to many diseases. However, it is unclear whether neuroendocrine variations are related to the neuropsychologic status in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODSForty male patients scheduled for CABG with hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (n = 20) or off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) (n = 20) were studied. Blood samples were taken intraoperatively at specific time-points and every 3 hours within the first postoperative 24 hours to determine plasma concentrations of melatonin and cortisol. A neuropsychologic test battery including depression and anxiety was administered preoperatively and 7 to 10 days postoperatively. Statistical methods included the nonparametric analysis, multiple linear regression and cosinor analysis.

RESULTSThe patients in the CPB group exhibited more severe neuropsychologic deficits and more anxious than those in the OPCAB group after surgery. In both groups, patients were more depressed postoperatively than preoperatively and recovered 3 months after surgery. Depression and anxiety were correlated with some factors of cognitive dysfunctions. In the postoperative 24 hours, 2 patients in the CPB group, and 6 patients in the OPCAB group showed a circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion. As for cortisol secretion, there were 3 patients in the CPB group and 7 in the OPCAB group respectively. Parameters of circadian rhythm of melatonin in the CPB group and those of secretion rhythm of cortisol in both groups were correlated with depression and some neuropsychologic tests.

CONCLUSIONSThe incidence of neuropsychological deficits was higher in patients receiving CABG with CPB than in those without CPB. The status of mood may contribute to the perioperative cognitive dysfunctions. The disordered circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion in patients undergoing CABG with CPB and the disordered cortisol secretion may correlate directly or indirectly through mood with neuropsychological deficits.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; adverse effects ; Circadian Rhythm ; physiology ; Cognition Disorders ; etiology ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; blood ; secretion ; Male ; Melatonin ; blood ; secretion ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology