Biomedical subjects

Kassem Barada

Publications and source records attributed to Kassem Barada.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Morphological and biochemical alterations in the jejunum following iodoacetamide-induced colitis in rats.

This study aims to describe the morphological alterations in the small and large intestines as well as the expression of some enterocyte enzymes and carriers in a rat model of iodoacetamide-induced colitis. Biopsies from the large and small intestines were taken at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 days postinduction and studied by light microscopy. The expressions of lactase, sucrase, aminopeptidase, and Glut-5 in the jejunum were studied by immunohistochemistry. Gene expressions of enterocyte lactase and sucrase were determined by RT-PCR using specific oligonucleotides. Microscopic examination of the large intestines revealed manifestations concordant with inflammation. Such alterations peaked at 2 days, were maintained to a lesser extent for 4 days, regressed by 8 days, and healed by 16 days. In the jejunum, the expression of lactase, sucrase, and aminopeptidase decreased 2 days after colitis induction, and recovered 2 days later. Similarly, Glut-5 expression decreased transiently with partial recovery by day 8. Compared with sham, gene expression of jejunal brush border enzymes sucrase and lactase showed a 4-fold increase in lactase and a 9-fold increase in sucrase after 4 days. We conclude that colitis can induce significant functional abnormalities in distant noninflamed small bowel regions.

Aminopeptidases↗

PubMed2005

A randomized single-blind trial of split-dose PEG-electrolyte solution without dietary restriction compared with whole dose PEG-electrolyte solution with dietary restriction for colonoscopy preparation.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy preparation regimens are poorly tolerated, requiring the use of a large volume of an unpalatable solution and diet restriction for adequate cleansing. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two regimens of bowel preparation before colonoscopy: a whole dose of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (PEG-E), with diet restriction vs. a split dose with no diet restriction. METHODS: A total of 141 patients (ages 20-84 years, 81 men) were randomly assigned to receive either 4 L PEG-E, along with a liquid diet the day before colonoscopy (Group A) or 2 L PEG-E with a regular diet the day before colonoscopy followed by another 2 L PEG-E on the day of the procedure (Group B). The quality of the preparation was graded by the endoscopist (poor to excellent), who was blinded to the type of preparation. Tolerability of the assigned preparation and adverse effects were recorded by an independent investigator by using a questionnaire administered before colonoscopy. Intra- and interobserver variability was studied by using randomly chosen videotapes of colonoscopies performed as part of the study. RESULTS: There were 73 patients in Group A and 68 patients in Group B. The quality of the preparation was significantly better in Group B ( p = 0.011). The tolerability of the preparation regimen was not different overall between study groups in terms of side effects (except for bloating, which was more frequent in Group B, p = 0.039) or willingness to repeat the preparation. There was a nonsignificant trend toward improved adherence to the assigned preparation in favor of Group B ( p = 0.062). Inter- and intraobserver variability analysis showed good to excellent correlation among endoscopists. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic preparation with split-dose PEG-E and no dietary restriction provides better quality colon cleansing than whole-dose preparation, with no significant impact on patient tolerability and side effects.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Hepatorenal syndrome: pathogenesis and novel pharmacological targets.

Hepatorenal syndrome is functional, reversible renal failure that occurs in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis or acute hepatic failure. The fundamental problem in hepatorenal syndrome is renal ischemia secondary to hypotension and profound renal cortical vasoconstriction. Sinusoidal hypertension and its associated splanchnic arterial vasodilatation initiate a cascade of events leading to activation of systemic and local vasoconstrictors and depletion of local renal vasodilators. Therapy with vasopressin V(1) receptor and alpha-adrenergic agonists, and plasma expanders, reverses type I and type II hepatorenal syndrome and improves survival. Large randomized, controlled, multicenter trials are needed to determine which drug is most effective, as well as the optimal dose and duration of treatment.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗