Effects of the Antioxidant Quercetin in an Experimental Model of Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

Background and Objectives: Quercetin, a member of the flavanol family found in many fruits, vegetables, leaves and grains has been found to have a wide range of biological effects on human physiology. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of quercetin, when administered orally in the form of the water-soluble inclusion complex with hydroxypropyl-b-cyclodextrin (Que-HP-β-CD), in an experimental model of ulcerative colitis in mice. Materials and Methods: Animals received either Dextran Sodium Sulphate (DSS), to induce colitis, + Que-HP-β-CD (Group A), DSS alone (Group B) or no intervention (control, Group C) for 7 days. All animals were weighed daily, and evaluation of colitis was performed using the Disease Activity Index (DAI). On day 7 a blood sample was taken from all animals, they were then euthanised, the large intestine was measured, and histological and immunochemical analyses were performed. Results: The DAI demonstrated an increase over time for the groups receiving DSS (Groups A and B) compared with the control group (Group C), with a significant degree of protection being observed in the group that also received quercetin (Group A): The DAI over time slope for Group B was higher than that for Group A by 0.26 points/day (95% Cl 0.20−0.33, p < 0.01). Weight calculations and immunohistochemistry results validated the DAI findings. Conclusions: In conclusion, the administration of quercetin in an ulcerative colitis model in mice presents a therapeutic/prophylactic potential that warrants further investigation.

Distal pancreatectomy after pancreatic injury, in two pediatric patients

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Blunt trauma to the abdomen, accounts for the majority of abdominal injuries in children.

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Pancreas injury from blunt abdominal trauma in children is very rare.

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The emergent use of ERCP in children has not been implement widely.

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Operative vs non-operative management of blunt pancreatic trauma in children.

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A key is the status of pancreatic duct.

Introduction

Although serious trauma is rare in pediatric patients, the management of blunt force trauma to the abdomen remains a challenge for Child Surgery Departments. Pancreatic injury comprises the fourth most common injury among the solid organs and cases accompanied by rupture of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) present a further challenge for physicians (Fayza Haider et al.; Wood et al., 2010; Jobst et al., 1999; Grosfeld et al., 2006).

Case presentation

Two adolescents, both 13 years old, where referred to our Pediatric Hospital, due to blunt force abdominal trauma. During admission, both patients were hemodynamically stable, in good general condition but suffering from abdominal pain and vomiting. After a full diagnostic check-up, grade IV pancreatic injury was diagnosed in both patients and they were taken to the operation room 3 and 6 days post-injury. Intra-operatively a distal pancreatectomy along with splenectomy was performed in both cases, with catheterization and ligation of the main pancreatic duct. Both patients were admitted to the pediatric ICU for 2 and 4 days. Both made an uneventful recovery and remain well 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

While hemodynamically stable, patients with Grade IV pancreatic injury, benefit from sub-acute management, allowing for planning of the surgical intervention. Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, along with catheterization and ligation of the main pancreatic duct, has excellent post-operative results.

The chief of the Pediatric Hospital, said that in 35 years at pediatric surgery, is the first time with the need of operative management, in pancreatic injury. The hepatobiliary surgical expert in adults, who was consulted in both cases, said that without the surgeries, both children were going to die.

Exposure to PM10 as a risk factor for the development of nasal obstruction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether air pollution is a potential risk factor for airways obstruction.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study (11.3 +/- 2.9 years) that took place in two areas (Eordea where concentration of PM10 was high and Grevena, Greece). We used the MRC questionnaire, spirometry, and anterior rhinomanometry at both visits.

RESULTS

Initially we examined 3046 subjects. After excluding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, we re-examined 872 subjects and 168 of them had developed COPD (Grevena: 24.3%, Eordea: 18.5%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the area of residence and thus exposure to air pollution was not a risk factor for the development of COPD (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.18-1.46, P = 0.21). On the other hand, residence in Eordea was strongly related to the development of severe nasal obstruction (OR: 11.47, 95% CI: 6.15-21.40, P < 0.001). Similar results were found after excluding patients with COPD stage I as well as in the subgroup of never smokers.

CONCLUSION

Air pollution was associated with severe nasal obstruction but not with COPD development.