1.
Advances in the pathogenesis and prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy.
Zhang, F, Lu, Z, Wang, F
Life sciences. 2020;:118379
Abstract
With the increasing application of medical imaging contrast materials, contrast-induced nephropathy has become one of the leading causes of iatrogenic renal insufficiency. The underlying mechanism is associated with renal medullary hypoxia, direct toxicity of contrast agents, oxidative stress, apoptosis, immune/inflammation and epigenetic regulation in contrast-induced nephropathy. Up to date, there is no effective therapy for contrast-induced nephropathy, and thus risk predication and effective preventive strategies are keys to reduce the occurrence of contrast-induced nephropathy. It was found that the proper use of contrast medium, personalized hydration, and high-dose statins may reduce the occurrence of contrast-induced nephropathy, while antioxidants have not shown significant therapeutic benefits. Additionally, the role of remote ischemia preconditioning and vasodilators in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy needs further study. This review aims to discuss the incidence, pathogenesis, risk prediction, and preventive strategies for contrast-induced nephropathy.
2.
Recent progress in therapeutic and diagnostic applications of lanthanides.
Zhang, J, Li, Y, Hao, X, Zhang, Q, Yang, K, Li, L, Ma, L, Wang, S, Li, X
Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry. 2011;(8):678-94
Abstract
The biological properties of the lanthanides, primarily based on their similarity to calcium, have been the basis for research into potential therapeutic applications of lanthanides since the early part of the twentieth century. Up to date, cerium nitrate has been used as a topical cream with silver sulfadiazene for the treatment of burn wounds. A lanthanide texaphyrin complex (motexafin gadolinium) has been evaluated through Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer. Lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenol) as a phosphate binder has been approved for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in renal dialysis patients in both the USA and Europe. This review will highlight therapeutic applications of the lanthanides for burn wounds, cancer, hyperphosphatemia, immune function, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents and osteoporosis, and discuss their future potential in the medical fields.
3.
Immediate reactions to contrast media: mediator release and value of diagnostic testing.
Laroche, D
Toxicology. 2005;(2):193-4
Abstract
Immediate reactions to iodinated contrast media (ICM) resembles anaphylaxis. The recent literature demonstrates that histamine is released in vivo, with a peak concentration correlating within the severity grade of the reaction. Mast cells participate in severe reactions, as shown by several authors through the release of tryptase. In patients with severe reactions, intradermal testing with immediate reading appear positive to the culprit ICM, confirming an immune mechanism. For further procedures, a strict avoidance of the culprit ICM must be observed. The injection of another ICM giving negative skin tests has proved safe in a few patients.