Human & experimental toxicology
-
Many patients present to emergency departments (EDs) with an altered state of consciousness. Fast exclusion of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)-associated intoxication in these patients may optimize diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms and decisions in the ED. ⋯ GHB quantification in the ED provides specific additional information for intoxication, which can lead to more precise diagnostic and therapeutic decisions and may also be important for legal aspects. We believe that GHB analysis in unconscious patients with suspected intoxication may improve the efficient treatment of intoxicated patients.
-
Radiocontrast-induced nephropathy (RCN) is the third most common cause of acute renal failure among inpatients. Although the number of patients undergoing exams using radiocontrast is increasing, little progress has been made for RCN treatment. The pathophysiology of RCN is known as tubular injury due to oxidative stress. ⋯ Malondialdehyde measured for oxidative stress was increased by iohexol, and it was accentuated by autophagy inhibition, which resulted in increase of cytochrome c Apoptosis, increased by iohexol treatment, was augmented with autophagy inhibition. Macrophage infiltration and increase of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in kidneys were induced by iohexol, and it was aggravated with autophagy inhibition. This study showed that autophagy was involved with the pathophysiology of RCN, and the role of autophagy in modulation of apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cell infiltration was supposed as mechanisms mitigating RCN.