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Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of psyllium in type 2 diabetic patients. Design: The study included three phases: phase 1 (1 week), phase 2 (treatment, 14 g fibre=day, 6 weeks) and phase 3 (4 weeks). At the end of each phase a clinical evaluation was performed after the ingestion of a test breakfast of 1824.2 kJ (436 kcal). Measurements included concentrations of blood glucose, insulin, fructosamine, GHbA 1c , C-peptide and 24 h urinary glucose excretion. In addition, uric acid, cholesterol and several mineral and vitamin concentrations were also evaluated. Setting: The study was performed at the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Nursing at the University of Leó n (Spain). Subjects: Twenty type 2 diabetic patients (12 men and 8 women) participated in the study with a mean age of 67.4 y for men and 66 y for women. The mean body mass index of men was 28.2 kg=m 2 and that of women 25.9 kg=m 2 . Results: Glucose absorption decreased significantly in the presence of psyllium (12.2%); this reduction is not associated with an important change in insulin levels (5%). GHbA 1c , C-peptide and 24 h urinary glucose excretion decreased (3.8, 14.9 and 22.5%, respectively) during the treatment with fibre (no significant differences) as well as fructosamine (10.9%, significant differences). Psyllium also reduced total and LDL cholesterol (7.7 and 9.2%, respectively, significant differences), and uric acid (10%, significant difference). Minerals and vitamins did not show important changes, except sodium that increased significantly after psyllium administration. Conclusions:The results obtained indicate a beneficial therapeutic effect of psyllium (Plantaben 1 ) in the metabolic control of type 2 diabetics as well as in lowering the risk of coronary heart disease. We also conclude that consumption of this fibre does not adversely affect either mineral or vitamin A and E concentrations. Finally, for a greater effectiveness, psyllium treatment should be individually evaluated.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate, under the same experimental conditions and in the same subjects, the effects of ispaghula husk and guar gum on postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations in healthy female subjects. Design: An oral glucose load with and without ®ber was administered in the morning after an overnight fast. The study of the ®ber effect was planned according to a randomized and cross-over design. Setting: The study was performed at the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Nursing at the University of Leo Ân (Spain). Subjects: Ten healthy female volunteers aged 30 ± 48 y with normal body mass indices participated in this study. Results: A signi®cant decrease in mean serum insulin concentrations was observed from 30 to 90 min in the presence of both ®bers. The area under the insulin curve was signi®cantly reduced by 36.1% for ispaghula husk and 39.4% for guar gum. The area under the glucose curve was reduced by 11.1% (signi®cant difference) for ispaghula husk and 2.6% for guar gum (no signi®cant difference). Conclusions: According to the results obtained in this study, the administration of ispaghula husk may be bene®cial due to its ability to reduce glucose postprandial concentration and especially insulin requirements. Individualization of the treatment would be advisable due to large individual variations observed in glycemic and insulinemic postprandial responses.

The pharmacokinetics of doxycycline were investigated in sheep after oral (PO) and intravenous (IV) administration. The IV data were best described using a 2-(n = 5) or 3-(n = 6) compartmental open model. Mean pharmacokinetic parameters obtained using a 2-compartmental model included a volume of distribution at steady-state (V ss ) of 1.759 ± 0.3149 L/kg, a total clearance (Cl) of 3.045 ± 0.5264 mL/ kg/min and an elimination half-life (t 1/2b ) of 7.027 ± 1.128 h. Comparative values obtained from the 3-compartmental mean values were: V ss of 1.801 ± 0.3429 L/kg, a Cl of 2.634 ± 0.6376 mL/kg/min and a t 1/2b of 12.11 ± 2.060 h. Mean residence time (MRT 0À1 ) was 11.18 ± 3.152 h. After PO administration, the data were best described by a 2-compartment open model. The pharmacokinetic parameter mean values were: maximum plasma concentration (C max ), 2.130 ± 0.950 lg/mL; time to reach C max (t max ), 3.595 ± 3.348 h, and absorption half-life (t 1=2k 01 ), 36.28 ± 14.57 h. Non-compartmental parameter values were: C max , 2.182 ± 0.9117 lg/mL; t max , 3.432 ± 3.307 h; F, 35.77 ± 10.20%, and mean absorption time (MAT 0-1 ), 25.55 ± 15.27 h. These results suggest that PO administration of doxycycline could be useful as an antimicrobial drug in sheep.