1.
Antioxidant properties of N-acetylcysteine: their relevance in relation to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Dekhuijzen, PN
The European respiratory journal. 2004;(4):629-36
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Both reactive oxidant species from inhaled cigarette smoke and those endogenously formed by inflammatory cells constitute an increased intrapulmonary oxidant burden. Structural changes to essential components of the lung are caused by oxidative stress, contributing to irreversible damage of both parenchyma and airway walls. In addition, oxidative stress results in alterations in the local immune response, increasing the risk of infections and exacerbations, which, in turn, may accelerate lung function decline. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, a glutathione precursor, has been applied in these patients in order to reduce symptoms, exacerbations and the accelerated lung function decline. This article reviews the presently available experimental and clinical data on the antioxidative effects of N-acetylcysteine in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
2.
[Clinical study on effect and therapeutical mechanism of composite Salvia injection on acute cerebral infarction].
Min, LQ, Dang, LY, Ma, WY
Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi jiehe zazhi = Chinese journal of integrated traditional and Western medicine. 2002;(5):353-5
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the curative effect and therapeutical mechanism of composite salvia injection (CSI) in treating ischemic cerebral infarction in the respect of oxygen free radical and apolipoprotein. METHODS Sixty-eight cases of ischemic cerebral infarction within the first 72 hrs after onset were divided randomly into the CSI group (treated with CSI) and the control group (treated with Xueshuantong). Serum lipid peroxide (LPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured by colorimetry and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and ApoB100 were measured with unidirectional immune diffusion method. RESULTS Serum levels of LPO and ApoB100 were obviously lower, and levels of SOD and ApoA1 significantly higher in the CSI group than those in the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The total effective rate of CSI in treating cerebral infarction was 88.24%, which was significantly higher than that of the control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION CSI shows definite effect in treating cerebral infarction, to reduce the oxygen free radical damage and regulate the apolipoprotein metabolism possibly was the important therapeutical mechanism.