Purpose Our purpose was to compare the efficacy of ‘epithelium-off’ and ‘epithelium-on’ cross-linking (CXL) in treatment of progressive keratoconus. Patients and methods This study included 48 eyes of 26 patients who met our inclusion criteria. The Epi- Off CXL group included 32 eyes of 17 patients, and the Epi-On CXL group included 16 eyes of nine patients. Preoperative assessments of uncorrected and bestcorrected visual acuities, refractive errors, keratometry, and corneal tomography including pachymetry, were compared with the postoperative values. Results Preoperatively, there was a statistically nonsignificant difference between the two groups in all studied variables except for the pachymetry at thinnest location. In the Epi-Off group, there was a significant improvement of uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, Kmax, and inferior–superior value at the 12-month visit. There was late significant worsening of the back elevation and spherical equivalent at the 12-month visit and also significant thinning of pachymetry at thinnest location associated with significant worsening of the average thickness increase. All other variables showed nonsignificant change (stabilization) at both postoperative visits. In the Epi-On group, there was significant thinning of pachymetry at thinnest location and stabilization of uncorrected corrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, K1, Kmax, (inferior–superior), Y-coordinate, and front elevation at both postoperative visits, and early stabilization with late worsening of all of other variables. Conclusion The Epi-Off CXL was found to be more superior to Epi-On CXL in terms of stabilization of progressive keratoconus but was inevitably associated with complications related to epithelial debridement.

Aims: Few studies have compared the interaction of single and repeated administration of amitriptyline (amit) with the nitrergic system and glutamatergic system in the experimental model of neuropathic pain. We aimed to evaluate theantinociceptive effectofsingleandrepeatedadministrationofamitandtoassesswhetherglutamate preceded inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition as a mechanism of the analgesic effect of amit in the neuropathic model of pain. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were subjected to left sciatic nerve ligation. The effect of single (25mgkg−1) and repeated (10mgkg−1 daily for 3weeks) administration of amit intraperitoneally (i.p.) alone or in combination with aminoguanidine (AG i.p., 100mgkg−1 for 3days, a selective iNOS inhibitor) and MK801 (0.05mgkg−1i.p., NMDA antagonist) on resting paw posture and mechanical hyperalgesia were studied. Glutamate level and iNOS protein expression in hippocampus were detected. Key findings: Single and repeated administration of amit alone or in combination with AG or MK-801 demonstrated a significant decrease in resting pain score and increase in the pain threshold. Both glutamate and nitrite levels decreased in the hippocampi of single and repeated amit+MK-801 groups. Immunohistochemistry showed a marked decrease in iNOS immunoreactivity in rats treated with single and repeated amit+MK-801. Significance: Our results suggest that glutamate-dependent mechanisms are involved in the analgesic responses to amit administration. Importantly, glutamatergic system and its upstream nitrergic system play an important role in the antinociceptive action of amit.

Aims: Few studies have compared the interaction of single and repeated administration of amitriptyline (amit) with the nitrergic system and glutamatergic system in the experimental model of neuropathic pain. We aimed to evaluate theantinociceptive effectofsingleandrepeatedadministrationofamitandtoassesswhetherglutamate preceded inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition as a mechanism of the analgesic effect of amit in the neuropathic model of pain. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were subjected to left sciatic nerve ligation. The effect of single (25mgkg−1) and repeated (10mgkg−1 daily for 3weeks) administration of amit intraperitoneally (i.p.) alone or in combination with aminoguanidine (AG i.p., 100mgkg−1 for 3days, a selective iNOS inhibitor) and MK801 (0.05mgkg−1i.p., NMDA antagonist) on resting paw posture and mechanical hyperalgesia were studied. Glutamate level and iNOS protein expression in hippocampus were detected. Key findings: Single and repeated administration of amit alone or in combination with AG or MK-801 demonstrated a significant decrease in resting pain score and increase in the pain threshold. Both glutamate and nitrite levels decreased in the hippocampi of single and repeated amit+MK-801 groups. Immunohistochemistry showed a marked decrease in iNOS immunoreactivity in rats treated with single and repeated amit+MK-801. Significance: Our results suggest that glutamate-dependent mechanisms are involved in the analgesic responses to amit administration. Importantly, glutamatergic system and its upstream nitrergic system play an important role in the antinociceptive action of amit.

Aims: Few studies have compared the interaction of single and repeated administration of amitriptyline (amit) with the nitrergic system and glutamatergic system in the experimental model of neuropathic pain. We aimed to evaluate theantinociceptive effectofsingleandrepeatedadministrationofamitandtoassesswhetherglutamate preceded inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition as a mechanism of the analgesic effect of amit in the neuropathic model of pain. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were subjected to left sciatic nerve ligation. The effect of single (25mgkg−1) and repeated (10mgkg−1 daily for 3weeks) administration of amit intraperitoneally (i.p.) alone or in combination with aminoguanidine (AG i.p., 100mgkg−1 for 3days, a selective iNOS inhibitor) and MK801 (0.05mgkg−1i.p., NMDA antagonist) on resting paw posture and mechanical hyperalgesia were studied. Glutamate level and iNOS protein expression in hippocampus were detected. Key findings: Single and repeated administration of amit alone or in combination with AG or MK-801 demonstrated a significant decrease in resting pain score and increase in the pain threshold. Both glutamate and nitrite levels decreased in the hippocampi of single and repeated amit+MK-801 groups. Immunohistochemistry showed a marked decrease in iNOS immunoreactivity in rats treated with single and repeated amit+MK-801. Significance: Our results suggest that glutamate-dependent mechanisms are involved in the analgesic responses to amit administration. Importantly, glutamatergic system and its upstream nitrergic system play an important role in the antinociceptive action of amit.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Mirabegron is a novel beta-3 receptor agonist. It has potential antiobesity and antidiabetic effects. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the possible antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of mirabegron as well as its effect on serum leptin and adiponectin in diabetic rats alone and in combination with sitagliptin. Materials and Methods: Five groups of Wistar rats were used. Diabetes was induced in group 2, 3, 4 and 5 using streptozotocin in dose of 100 mg/kg. The third, fourth and fifth group were treated for 20 days with sitagliptin (10 mg/kg), mirabegron (10 mg/kg) and combination of the 2 drugs, respectively. Blood samples were used for determination of blood glucose, serum level of leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH). Results: Streptozotocin caused induction of type-2 diabetes, increased TNF-α and MDA with reduction in the leptin, adiponectin and GSH. Sitagliptin caused a significant reduction of blood glucose, TNF-α and MDA with significant increase in leptin, adiponectin and GSH. Mirabegron caused a non-significant reduction of blood glucose, TNF-α and MDA with significant increase in the leptin and GSH. There was non-significant difference between the effect of the combination of sitagliptin and mirabegron and the effect of sitagliptin alone. Conclusion: Sitagliptin has a moderate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Mirabegron has a modest antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and failed to normalize the low serum levels of leptin and adiponectin of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The addition of mirabegron to sitagliptin shows no additional or synergistic effects.

Background: Liraglutide is an incretin mimetic agent that approved recently in type-2 diabetes. The use of vitamin D is associated with an improvement of diabetic neuropathy. The aim of the study: Evaluation of the effect of liraglutide and vitamin D each alone and in combination with each other on diabetic neuropathy induced by streptozotocin in rats. Materials and Methods: Five groups of Wistar rats were used in the experiment. Diabetic neuropathy was induced in group 2, 3, 4 and 5 using single i.p. injection of streptozotocin in dose of 60 mg/kg. The third, fourth and fifth group were treated for 4 weeks with liraglutide (0.8 mg/kg), vitamin D3 (12 µg/kg) and combination of the 2 drugs, respectively. Then the behavioral tests were done (hot plate, tail flick, paw withdrawal pressure and the rotarod tests). Blood samples were used for assessment of blood glucose, TNF-α and IL-Iβ. Malondialdehyde and glutathione were measured in the sciatic nerve homogenate. Results: Liraglutide caused significant improvement of the behavioral tests of the diabetic rats with significant reduction in the blood glucose, TNF-α, IL-1β and malondialdehyde. Vitamin D caused mild improvement in the behavioral tests, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The combined use of liraglutide with vitamin D caused more improvement in diabetic neuropathy tests, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Conclusion: Liraglutide has a moderate neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in cases of streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy which are enhanced by the addition of vitamin

Background: Liraglutide is an incretin mimetic agent that approved recently in type-2 diabetes. The use of vitamin D is associated with an improvement of diabetic neuropathy. The aim of the study: Evaluation of the effect of liraglutide and vitamin D each alone and in combination with each other on diabetic neuropathy induced by streptozotocin in rats. Materials and Methods: Five groups of Wistar rats were used in the experiment. Diabetic neuropathy was induced in group 2, 3, 4 and 5 using single i.p. injection of streptozotocin in dose of 60 mg/kg. The third, fourth and fifth group were treated for 4 weeks with liraglutide (0.8 mg/kg), vitamin D3 (12 µg/kg) and combination of the 2 drugs, respectively. Then the behavioral tests were done (hot plate, tail flick, paw withdrawal pressure and the rotarod tests). Blood samples were used for assessment of blood glucose, TNF-α and IL-Iβ. Malondialdehyde and glutathione were measured in the sciatic nerve homogenate. Results: Liraglutide caused significant improvement of the behavioral tests of the diabetic rats with significant reduction in the blood glucose, TNF-α, IL-1β and malondialdehyde. Vitamin D caused mild improvement in the behavioral tests, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The combined use of liraglutide with vitamin D caused more improvement in diabetic neuropathy tests, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Conclusion: Liraglutide has a moderate neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in cases of streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy which are enhanced by the addition of vitamin

Introduction Mirabegron is a selective β-3 receptor agonist that is used now for the management of overactive urinary bladder disease. It has potential antiobesity and antidiabetic effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective and antiobesity effects of mirabegron against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic toxicity in obese rats. Materials and methods Five groups of animals were used in the experiment. The first group was used as a control nonobese group. The second group included obese control rats that were fed on a high-fat diet. The third group was obese rats with hepatotoxicity, which was induced by injection of CCl4. The fourth and fifth groups were obese rats with hepatotoxicity and treated with mirabegron (10 mg/kg orally) and silymarin (25 mg/kg orally), respectively. After 30 days of treatment, blood samples were used for evaluation of hepatic function markers and the liver homogenate was used for the determination of malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels as indicators of oxidative stress. Results Mirabegron 10 mg and silymarin 25 mg/kg caused a significant reduction of body weight and Lee index of obese rats. CCl4 caused abnormalities in liver enzymes with an increase in oxidative stress markers. Treatment with mirabegron and silymarin caused improvement of hepatic function parameters and a significant reduction of malondialdehyde and increase in glutathione. Conclusion Mirabegron has a modest antiobesity effect and is useful in the treatment of hepatotoxicity. It also has antioxidant activity, which may be responsible for its effectiveness in the treatment of CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.

Introduction Mirabegron is a selective β-3 receptor agonist that is used now for the management of overactive urinary bladder disease. It has potential antiobesity and antidiabetic effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective and antiobesity effects of mirabegron against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic toxicity in obese rats. Materials and methods Five groups of animals were used in the experiment. The first group was used as a control nonobese group. The second group included obese control rats that were fed on a high-fat diet. The third group was obese rats with hepatotoxicity, which was induced by injection of CCl4. The fourth and fifth groups were obese rats with hepatotoxicity and treated with mirabegron (10 mg/kg orally) and silymarin (25 mg/kg orally), respectively. After 30 days of treatment, blood samples were used for evaluation of hepatic function markers and the liver homogenate was used for the determination of malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels as indicators of oxidative stress. Results Mirabegron 10 mg and silymarin 25 mg/kg caused a significant reduction of body weight and Lee index of obese rats. CCl4 caused abnormalities in liver enzymes with an increase in oxidative stress markers. Treatment with mirabegron and silymarin caused improvement of hepatic function parameters and a significant reduction of malondialdehyde and increase in glutathione. Conclusion Mirabegron has a modest antiobesity effect and is useful in the treatment of hepatotoxicity. It also has antioxidant activity, which may be responsible for its effectiveness in the treatment of CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.

This trial investigated activity of praziquantel and commiphora molmol (mirazid) combination regimen in the treatment of urinary Schistosomiasis infected patients. The sample population was composed of 845 individuals (400 school children and 445 adult). Screening for Schistosoma haematobium was done using microscopical examination of urine samples either directly or after centrifugation. Three samples were examined for each case. All positive eligible subjects were randomly assigned into four groups, the first received mirazid at a dose of 600 mg/day (two capsules before breakfast) for three consecutive days, the second received praziquantel at a single dose of 40 mg/kg and the third received combination of praziquantel at a single dose of 40 mg/kg followed by mirazid at a dose of 600 mg/day (two capsules before breakfast) for three consecutive days. Fourth group used as a control group. AII treated subjects were examined three days, one, two, and four weeks post-treatment. Mirazid showed low cure rates of 45 and 50 % for school children and household members, respectively, 73.6 and 81.8%, respectively, in those treated with praziquantel compared with 100% cure rate in both school children and household members with the combination regimen. Therefore, we recommend this combination as an agent to control Schistosomiasis.