The Journal of surgical research
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To examine the effects of pioglitazone, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ), on mortality and omental adipocyte function in mice with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). ⋯ The anti-inflammatory effects of pioglitazone on omental adipocyte function appear to be mediated in part by PPAR-γ activation, which down-regulates the production of inflammatory mediators.
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Sepsis is a major health threat that remains refractory to treatment. Impairment of normal cellular function due to oxidative stress is implicated in organ injury during systemic inflammatory responses. We investigated whether the new anti-oxidative drug, ETS-GS, could inhibit secretion of cytokines and mono-nitrogen oxides, thus reducing organ damage in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis. ⋯ ETS-GS blocked the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response and protected against acute lung and liver injury normally associated with endotoxemia in this rat model of systemic inflammation. Further, this protection may be mediated through the inhibition of nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells activation. Our results suggest that ETS-GS is a potential therapeutic agent for sepsis.
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Intra-abdominal adhesions are a major cause of morbidity and a significant drain on healthcare resources. Numerous anti-adhesion products have reached clinical use but none has been wholly satisfactory. This study examines the application of a modified chitosan-dextran (CD) gel to the intraperitoneal cavity to reduce adhesion formation. This is a unique synthetic gel, its active ingredients being succinyl chitosan and dextran aldehyde. ⋯ Chitosan-dextran gel appears to significantly reduce the formation of intra-abdominal adhesions without adversely affecting wound healing. This is a noteworthy advancement in the safe prevention of post operative, intra-abdominal adhesions.