The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of clomipramine in carrageenan- and lipopolysaccharide-induced (LPS-induced) models of inflammation by investigating the changes in serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β after single and repeated administration of the drug.

Background: Betula pendula is widespread in Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. Birch leaf extracts are known to exhibit a number of pharmacological activities. Antioxidant activity has also been reported. Aim: The aim of this work was to investigate the antioxidant activity of a dry leaf extract from Betula pendula Roth. Materials and methods: The total flavonoid content was determined. Some of the most commonly used methods were applied to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the extract in vitro and in vivo. The ability of the extract to scavenge DPPH free radicals was evaluated by the method described by Brand-Williams with suitable modifications. ABTS decolorization assay was also applied. The in vivo assay was performed after acute and chronic administration of the extract into white albino rats, in a dose of 100 and 500 mg/kg bw. The antioxidant potential of the plasma was determined using FRAP reagent. Results: A total flavonoid content of 42.5 mg/g was found, expressed as quercetin. The antioxidant activity against ABTS was concentration and time dependent. For example the concentration of 200 μg/ml led to 70.95% – 99.46% scavenging activity. DPPH scavenging activity was found to be about 98% at a concentration of 80 μg/ml. The extract possesses antioxidant potential, comparable with that of Trolox, in acute application. In chronic application, poorer results are observed, probably due to biotransformation and elimination processes. Conclusion: Dried birch leaf extract has a relatively high antioxidant potential and could be used as a natural source of antioxidants.

INTRODUCTION: Androgen deficiency anemia occurs most frequently in pharmacogenic suppression of androgen synthesis or with advancing age in men. Bilateral orchiectomy is a surgical modality used in the treatment of metastatic prostate carcinoma. It is accompanied by marked decrease in circulating serum levels of androgens. AIM: The aim of the experimental study was to determine the effect of substitution therapy with testosterone propionate (TP) on some haematological parameters of erythropoiesis in male rats after orchiectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty Wistar male rats with mean weight of 252.3 g were used in the study. The animals were allocated into 2 control orchidectomized groups, 2 shamoperated groups and 4 experimental orchidectomized groups. Testosterone propionate was administered intramuscularly, once a week at a dose of 4 mg and 8 mg per kilogram of body weight for 15 days and for 15 weeks. Erythrocyte count was performed and hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were measured. RESULTS: In the chronic experiment there was a significant decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin, and a tendency of decrease in hematocrit after orchiectomy. The effect of TP on erythropoiesis in orchiectomised rats is dose-dependent. CONCLUSION: TP replacement therapy in doses of 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg has a stimulating effect on erythropoiesis only in chronic administration.