Precise calculation of total body surface area (TBSA) or premarked surface areas (P-MSAs) is of great importance in many biomedical applications. The aim of the paper was to present a simple procedure of measurement of P-MSAs in small animals and to determine a more accurate Meeh's constant ( k), for a commonly used weight range of laboratory rats. A series of 30 Wistar rats, weighing 195–240 g, were anaesthetized and weighted. The TBSA of each animal was measured using a clear pocket and a planimeter. The data obtained were entered into the Meeh's formula (TBSA = kW^2/3), the most commonly used for small experimental animals, so that a k value for each animal as well as a mean k value (9.83) were obtained. The TBSA of the animals was also calculated using the aforementioned mean k value and compared with that obtained using k values reported in previous studies. According to our findings, the new mean k value, determined with the use of our procedure of surface area measurement, ensured greater accuracy in the determination of the TBSA of experimental rats of a specific weight range. We also suggest a new procedure of surface area measurement which is easy, accurate and does not require animal sacrifice.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of catechin and epicatechin on the activity of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (as well as the total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) of rats after intra-peritoneal (i.p.) administration. Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group which was administered daily with a 1:1 mixture of epicatechin and catechin at a concentration of 23 mg/kg body weight for 10 days and the control group which was injected daily with an equal amount of saline. Blood and urine samples were collected before and after the administration period, as well as 10 days after (follow-up). Intra-peritoneal administration of catechins led to a potent decrease in GPx levels and a significant increase in SOD levels. TAC was significantly increased in plasma and urine. Malonaldehyde levels in urine remained stable. In the animals treated with catechins, SOD activity showed a moderate negative correlation with GPx activity. Boosting the activity of the antioxidant enzymes could be a potential adjuvant approach for the treatment of the oxidative stress-related diseases.

There are several therapeutic approaches in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). When diet and exercise fail to control hyperglycemia, patients are forced to start therapy with antidiabetic agents. However, these drugs present several drawbacks that can affect the course of treatment. The major disadvantages of current oral modalities for the treatment of T2DM are mainly depicted in the low bioavailability and the immediate release of the drug, generating the need for an increase in frequency of dosing. In conjugation with the manifestation of adverse side effects, patient compliance to therapy is reduced. Over the past few years nanotechnology has found fertile ground in the development of novel delivery modalities that can potentially enhance anti-diabetic regimes efficacy. All efforts have been targeted towards two main vital steps: (a) to protect the drug by encapsulating it into a nano-carrier system and (b) efficiently release the drug in a gradual as well as controllable manner. However, only a limited number of studies published in the literature used in vivo techniques in order to support findings. Here we discuss the current disadvantages of modern T2DM marketed drugs, and the nanotechnology advances supported by in vivo in mouse/rat models of glucose homeostasis. The generation of drug nanocarriers may increase bioavailability, prolong release and therefore reduce dosing and thus, improve patient compliance. This novel approach might substantially improve quality of life for diabetics. Application of metal nanoformulations as indirect hypoglycemic agents is also discussed.

Recent studies in USA, Europe, and across the world have revealed a continuous increase of mean birth weight in the last 2 decades. Strong evidence exists from several studies indicating that individuals born with a low birth weight are more likely to present cardiometabolic complications in later life. So far, the long-term consequences of high birth weight have not been clearly defined. This review examines the role of high birth weight on the development of cardiometabolic consequences (obesity, body composition, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease) in childhood and adulthood. The majority of the studies show that high BW is associated with an increased risk for obesity. To a certain extent high birth weight affects diseases of the heart and circulatory, but does not constitutes a risk for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the general population. Maternal glycemia and the subsequent fetus hyperinsulinemia appear to be the key component for increased fetal growth. With the increase in incidence of diabetes mellitus and obesity over the years, the number of high birth weight infants is likely to increase. The elucidation of the relationship between high birth weight and the cardiometabolic disorders will be particularly important.