INTRODUCTION: Activation of the renin-angiotensin system which is common in diabetes mellitus might affect heme oxygenase (HO-1) gene expression.

AIM: Assessment of the effects of administration of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonist (losartan) with HO-1 inducer or inhibitor on erectile signaling in diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy male rats were divided equally into seven groups; healthy controls, streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, rats on citrate buffer, diabetic rats on losartan, diabetic rats on HO-1 inducer (cobalt protoporphyrin [CoPP]), diabetic rats on losartan and CoPP, and diabetic rats on losartan and HO-1 inhibitor (stannus mesoporphyrin [SnMP]).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: HO enzyme activity, HO-1 gene expression, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) assay, intracavernosal pressure (ICP), and cavernous tissue sinusoids surface area.

RESULTS: HO-1 gene expression, HO enzymatic activity, and cGMP were significantly decreased in the cavernous tissue of diabetic rats. These parameters were significantly elevated with the use of CoPP that restored the normal control levels of HO enzyme activity. Administration of losartan exhibited a significant enhancing effect on these parameters compared with the diabetic group, but not restored to the control levels, whereas administration of CoPP combined with losartan led to the restoration of their normal levels. ICP demonstrated significant decline in diabetic rats. The use of CoPP and/or losartan led to its significant improvement compared with diabetic rats. Administration of either losartan and/or CoPP led to a significant increase in the cavernous sinusoids surface area of diabetic rats. Administration of losartan with SnMP significantly decreased the enhancing effect of losartan on the studied parameters.

CONCLUSION: The decline in erectile function in diabetes mellitus could be attributed to the downregulation of HO-1 gene expression. HO-1 induction added to Ang II receptor antagonist could improve erectile function.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to detect the accuracy of routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) done in different centres and its agreement with arthroscopy in meniscal and ligamentous injuries of the knee. We prospectively examined 70 patients ranging in age between 22 and 59 years. History taking, plain X-ray, clinical examination, routine MRI and arthroscopy were done for all patients. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, P value and kappa agreement measures were calculated. We found a sensitivity of 47 and 100%, specificity of 95 and 75% and accuracy of 73 and 78.5%, respectively, for the medial and lateral meniscus. A sensitivity of 77.8%, specificity of 100% and accuracy of 94% was noted for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). We found good kappa agreements (0.43 and 0.45) for both menisci and excellent agreement (0.84) for the ACL. MRI shows high accuracy and should be used as the primary diagnostic tool for selection of candidates for arthroscopy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Tylosin concentrations and its disposition kinetics in serum, urine, and milk of lactating goats following a single intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) injection (10 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) were carried out using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).The concentration-time curve of tylosin after i.v. injection could be described by a two-compartment open model. Tylosin was rapidly distributed and eliminated from goat's bodies with t(1/2(beta)) value of 1.25 h. The V((d)) was less than one litre/kg and the MRT was 1.40 h. Concomitant administration with albendazole decreased tylosin concentrations in serum after its i.v. injection and the MRT was 1.17 h. The AUC and AUMC showed a significant decrease in goats given albendazole prior to injection as compared with those given tylosin only. Following i.m. administration, the absorption half-life and the corresponding t(max) revealed rapid absorption rate with systemic bioavailability (F%) of 76.2 %. Albendazole when given concurrently with tylosin decreased its serum concentrations due to lower bioavailability (43.25 %). Following i.v. or i.m. injection, tylosin was excreted rapidly in urine in concentration much higher than those determined in serum and milk. Tylosin administered in goats pretreated with albendazole was excreted at lower concentration in urine, with a significant decrease from 1(st) to 10(th) hours as compared with animals given tylosin only. Following i.v. or i.m. administration of tylosin, the drug was excreted in high concentrations in milk. A significant decrease in milk concentrations was reported in goats pretreated with albendazole.

Tylosin concentrations and its disposition kinetics in serum, urine, and milk of lactating goats following a single intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) injection (10 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) were carried out using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).The concentration-time curve of tylosin after i.v. injection could be described by a two-compartment open model. Tylosin was rapidly distributed and eliminated from goat's bodies with t(1/2(beta)) value of 1.25 h. The V((d)) was less than one litre/kg and the MRT was 1.40 h. Concomitant administration with albendazole decreased tylosin concentrations in serum after its i.v. injection and the MRT was 1.17 h. The AUC and AUMC showed a significant decrease in goats given albendazole prior to injection as compared with those given tylosin only. Following i.m. administration, the absorption half-life and the corresponding t(max) revealed rapid absorption rate with systemic bioavailability (F%) of 76.2 %. Albendazole when given concurrently with tylosin decreased its serum concentrations due to lower bioavailability (43.25 %). Following i.v. or i.m. injection, tylosin was excreted rapidly in urine in concentration much higher than those determined in serum and milk. Tylosin administered in goats pretreated with albendazole was excreted at lower concentration in urine, with a significant decrease from 1(st) to 10(th) hours as compared with animals given tylosin only. Following i.v. or i.m. administration of tylosin, the drug was excreted in high concentrations in milk. A significant decrease in milk concentrations was reported in goats pretreated with albendazole.

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A 38-year-old multiparous woman with post thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism developed pruritic erythematous patches with multiple pustules on its margins on her thighs and groin accompanied by fever few days after delivery by caesarean section. Impetigo herpetiformis was diagnosed based on the typical clinicopathological findings. The patient was treated with intravenous fluids, calcium, Calcitrol and corticosteroids. The correction of hypocalcaemia was accompanied with rapid improvement of her skin disease and general condition. Our case is the fourth case of impetigo herpetiformis initially presented during puerperium and the first case of puerperal impetigo herpetiformis that is precipitated by secondary hypoparathyroidism. The awareness of the possible occurrence of impetigo herpetiformis during the puerperium allows early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of maternal complications.

A 38-year-old multiparous woman with post thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism developed pruritic erythematous patches with multiple pustules on its margins on her thighs and groin accompanied by fever few days after delivery by caesarean section. Impetigo herpetiformis was diagnosed based on the typical clinicopathological findings. The patient was treated with intravenous fluids, calcium, Calcitrol and corticosteroids. The correction of hypocalcaemia was accompanied with rapid improvement of her skin disease and general condition. Our case is the fourth case of impetigo herpetiformis initially presented during puerperium and the first case of puerperal impetigo herpetiformis that is precipitated by secondary hypoparathyroidism. The awareness of the possible occurrence of impetigo herpetiformis during the puerperium allows early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of maternal complications.

A 38-year-old multiparous woman with post thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism developed pruritic erythematous patches with multiple pustules on its margins on her thighs and groin accompanied by fever few days after delivery by caesarean section. Impetigo herpetiformis was diagnosed based on the typical clinicopathological findings. The patient was treated with intravenous fluids, calcium, Calcitrol and corticosteroids. The correction of hypocalcaemia was accompanied with rapid improvement of her skin disease and general condition. Our case is the fourth case of impetigo herpetiformis initially presented during puerperium and the first case of puerperal impetigo herpetiformis that is precipitated by secondary hypoparathyroidism. The awareness of the possible occurrence of impetigo herpetiformis during the puerperium allows early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of maternal complications.

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