No abstract

BackgroundGlomerular filtration rate (GFR) is widely estimated by serum creatinine based equations such as Cockcroft-Gault (CG) standardized for body surface, and an abbreviated formula derived from MDRD (modification of diet in renal disease) study. However, some studies suggested that creatinine based estimation of GFR formula can be replaced by cystatin C based formula.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine whether cystatin C based equation could be used as an indicator for renal function in hemodialysis patients compared to MDRD equation; and whether cystatin C, a dialyzable molecule, was related to Kt/V, the marker for dialysis adequacy.Patients and MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 98 patients on chronic hemodialysis were included. Plasma levels of urea and creatinine were measured before and after dialysis, and cystatin C was measured before dialysis. GFR was calculated and compared.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 55.50 ± 16.10 (24-86) years and 66 cases were male (67.3%). The GFR was estimated at 6.05 ± 2.36 and 5.83 ± 2.19 cc/min by MDRD and cystatin C based formulas, respectively, with a significant correlation (r = 0.51; P < 0.001). Serum cystatin C level was 9.74 ± 2.47 mg/L which showed significant reverse correlation with both MDRD (r = -0.46; P < 0.001) and cystatin C based formulas (r = -0.87; P < 0.001). Neither creatinine nor serum cystatin C showed correlation with Kt/V, as the marker of dialysis adequacy.ConclusionsSerum cystatin C may be considered as an indicator of renal function in patients under maintenance hemodialysis.

No abstract

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the putative antidepressant-like effects of pomegranate fruit extract including seeds (PFE) on the performance of male mice in the forced swimming test (FST), after acute administration, after short-term treatment (7 days) and, after repeated administration in a 24-h period (24, 12 and 1 h before swimming test). A single dose (20 ml/kg p.o.) of PFE, in male mice provoked a significant reduction of the immobility time. Such effect was also observed with short-term treatment (7 days) with doses of 1 and 10 ml/kg/day of PFE. Moreover, it was noted that there were important differences in the onset of the antidepressant-like effect in the FST, depending on the modality of treatment with PFE. Both efficacy and potency were higher when repeated administration of PFE was used, and surprisingly the dose of 10 ml/kg (24, 12 and 1 h before swimming test) was as effective as Fluoxetine. In the same way, the short term administration (7 days) improved significantly efficacy and potency of the PFE in comparison to a single dose treatment. These results indicate an antidepressant-like profile of action for PFE which deserves further research.

No abstract