Long non-coding ribonucleic acid H19 and ten-eleven translocation enzyme 1 messenger RNA expression levels in uterine fibroids may predict their postoperative recurrence

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the predictive value of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 and the ten-eleven translocation enzyme 1 (TET1) transcriptional expression in postoperative recurrence of uterine fibroids (UFs). METHODS: Seventy-five patients with UF, who underwent surgical treatment, were enrolled in the treatment group, and 60 healthy individuals were enrolled in the control group. The relative expression levels of lncRNA H19 and TET1 mRNA in the serum and UF tissues were analyzed. The patients were further divided into a better curative (BC) group and a poor efficacy (PE) group to analyze the predictive value of lncRNA H19 and TET1 and the independent risk factors affecting the recurrence of UF. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, lncRNA H19 expression levels were significantly higher, while TET1 expression levels were significantly lower in the treatment group (p<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) values of the two indicators for diagnostic importance were found to be 0.872 and 0.826, respectively. Compared with the PE group, lncRNA H19 expression levels were significantly lower, while TET1 expression levels were significantly higher in the BC group (p<0.001). The AUC values of the two indicators for their predictive efficacy were 0.788 and 0.812, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, menarche age, maximum diameter of UFs, number of UFs, lncRNA H19 levels, and TET1 levels were independent risk factors affecting UF recurrence. The AUC values of lncRNA H19 and TET1 for their predictive value for postoperative recurrence were 0.814 and 0.765, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The lncRNA H19 and TET1 have high diagnostic and predictive efficacy for determining the postoperative recurrence of UFs.

Determination of insecticides' lethal concentrations and metabolic enzyme levels in Triatoma dimidiata / Determinación de concentraciones letales y niveles de enzimas metabólicas de insecticidas en Triatoma dimidiata

Abstract: Objective: The feasibility of the use of WHO impregnated paper and biochemical assays to determine lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC99) and insecticide metabolic enzyme levels of Triatoma dimidiata. Materials and methods: LC50 and LC99 were calculated with WHO papers impregnated at different concentrations of malathion, propoxur and deltamethrin; the percentage of insensitive acetylcholinesterase (iAChE); and the levels of esterases, glutathione S-transferases, and monooxygenases in laboratory nymphs of the first stage (5 to 7 days), were undertaken using the WHO biochemical assays. Results: Respectively the LC50 and LC99 µg/cm2 obtained for malathion were 43.83 and 114.38, propoxur 4.71 and 19.29, and deltamethrin 5.80 and 40.46. A 30% of the population had an iAChE, and only a few individuals had high P450 and β-eterase levels. Conclusion: Impregnated papers and biochemical tests developed by WHO for other insects, proved to be feasible methods in monitoring insecticide resistance and metabolic enzymes involved in T. dimidiata.

Resumen: Objetivo: La factibilidad de usar los papeles impregnados y ensayos bioquímicos según la OMS para determinar concentraciones letales (CL50 y CL99) y niveles enzimáticos en la resistencia a insecticidas en Triatoma dimidiata. Material y métodos: Se calcularon la CL50 y CL99 con papeles impregnados según la OMS a diferentes concentraciones de malatión, propoxur y deltametrina; el porcentaje de acetilcolinesterasa insensible (iAChE); y los niveles de esterasas, glutatión S-transferasas, y monooxigenasas en ninfas de laboratorio del estadio I (5-7 días) se determinaron usando los ensayos bioquímicos según la OMS. Resultados: Se obtuvieron las CL50 y CL99 µg / cm2 respectivamente para malatión 43.83 y 114.38, propoxur 4.71 y 19.29, y deltametrina 5.80 y 40.46. Un 30% de las chinches tuvo iAChE, y sólo pocos individuos tuvieron niveles superiores de P450 y β-eterasas. Conclusión: Los papeles impregnados y ensayos bioquímicos que describe la OMS para otros insectos demostraron ser métodos factibles para monitorear la resistencia a insecticidas y las enzimas metabólicas involucradas en T. dimidiata.

Association of BDNF, HTR2A, TPH1, SLC6A4, and COMT polymorphisms with tDCS and escitalopram efficacy: ancillary analysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Objective: We investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with neuroplasticity and activity of monoamine neurotransmitters, such as the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, rs6265), the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4, rs25531), the tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1, rs1800532), the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A, rs6311, rs6313, rs7997012), and the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT, rs4680) genes, are associated with efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in major depression. Methods: Data from the Escitalopram vs. Electrical Current Therapy for Treating Depression Clinical Study (ELECT-TDCS) were used. Participants were antidepressant-free at baseline and presented with an acute, moderate-to-severe unipolar depressive episode. They were randomized to receive escitalopram/tDCS-sham (n=75), tDCS/placebo-pill (n=75), or placebo-pill/sham-tDCS (n=45). General linear models assessed the interaction between treatment group and allele-wise carriers. Additional analyses were performed for each group and each genotype separately. Results: Pairwise group comparisons (tDCS vs. placebo, tDCS vs. escitalopram, and escitalopram vs. placebo) did not identify alleles associated with depression improvement. In addition, exploratory analyses also did not identify any SNP unequivocally associated with improvement of depression in any treatment group. Conclusion: Larger, combined datasets are necessary to identify candidate genes for tDCS response.

Reporte de caso clínico neonato con hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita por déficit de 21 hidroxilasa en su forma clásica perdedora de sal / Neonatal clinical case report with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency in its classic salt-losing form

La hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita (HSC), es un desorden endócrino genético debido a alteraciones en la esteroidogénesis adrenal por déficit de una de las enzimas participantes en este ciclo, caracterizado por diferentes grados de alteración en la síntesis de glucocorticoides y mineralocorticoides más una sobreestimulación de la vía androgénica provocando durante el desarrollo embrionario la virilización de los genitales externos. En el 90 a 95 % de los casos la enzima más afectada es la 21 hidroxilasa y de éstas el 75% tiene déficit de aldosterona con pérdida de sal que da lugar a crisis adrenal con riesgo de vida. Se clasifica en su forma clásica y no clásica. El diagnóstico prenatal es fundamental para delinear estrategias de tratamiento perinatal. El déficit de 21-hidroxilasa es el primer diagnóstico que se plantea ante un recién nacido con genitales ambiguos y se debería iniciar terapia de reemplazo hormonal. Presentamos un caso clínico de un neonato con hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita por déficit de 21-hidroxilasa en su forma clásica perdedor de sal.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an endocrine genetic disorder due to alterations in adrenal steroidogenesis due to a deficiency of one of the enzymes participating in this cycle, characterized by different degrees of alteration in the synthesis of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids plus an overstimulation of the androgenic pathway causing during the embryonic development the virilization of the external genitalia. In 90 to 95% of the cases the most affected enzyme is 21 hydroxylase and of these 75% have aldosterone deficit with salt loss that leads to adrenal crisis with life risk. It is classified in classical and non-classical form. Prenatal diagnosis is essential to delineate perinatal treatment strategies. Deficiency of 21-hydroxylase is the first diagnosis that is presented to a newborn with ambiguous genitalia and should initiate hormone replacement therapy. We present a clinical case of a neonate with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to a deficiency of 21-hydroxylase in its classical salt-losing form.

Enzymatic potential of heterotrophic bacteria from a neutral copper mine drainage

Abstract Copper mine drainages are restricted environments that have been overlooked as sources of new biocatalysts for bioremediation and organic syntheses. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the enzymatic activities (esterase, epoxide hydrolase and monooxygenase) of 56 heterotrophic bacteria isolated from a neutral copper mine drainage (Sossego Mine, Canaã dos Carajás, Brazil). Hydrolase and monooxygenase activities were detected in 75% and 20% of the evaluated bacteria, respectively. Bacterial strains with good oxidative performance were also evaluated for biotransformation of organic sulfides. Fourteen strains with good enzymatic activity were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, revealing the presence of three genera: Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas. The bacterial strains B. megaterium (SO5-4 and SO6-2) and Pseudomonas sp. (SO5-9) efficiently oxidized three different organic sulfides to their corresponding sulfoxides. In conclusion, this study revealed that neutral copper mine drainages are a promising source of biocatalysts for ester hydrolysis and sulfide oxidation/bioremediation. Furthermore, this is a novel biotechnological overview of the heterotrophic bacteria from a copper mine drainage, and this report may support further microbiological monitoring of this type of mine environment.

Estudio genético de la hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita por deficiencia de 21-hidroxilasa en pacientes peruanos y sus familiares / Genetic study of congenital adrenal hyperplasia 21-hydroxylase deficiency in Peruvian patients and their families

Antecedentes: La deficiencia de 21-hidroxilasa es la causa de cerca del 95% de casos de hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita y en nuestro medio es responsable de 1 de cada 3000 consultas en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño. El gen que codifica la producción de enzima 21OH es el CYP21B está localizado en el brazo corto del cromosoma 6. Objetivos: Conocer la frecuencia de las principales mutaciones en pacientes peruanos con las formas clásica y no clásica de HSC con deficiencia de 21-hidroxilasa, así como las deleciones del gen CYP21B. Materiales y pacientes: La técnica utilizada para el estudio genético fue la de la polymerase chain reaction (PCR) y se analizaron las mutaciones y delecciones más frecuentes encontradas tanto en Japón como en los EE.UU. de NA. Se han estudiado 20 pacientes que fueron diagnosticados y seguidos en el Servicio de Endocrinología del Instituto de Salud del Niño, 13 padres, 13 madres y 5 hermanos para el estudio genético. Cuando el padre estaba ausente se estudió un familiar de la línea paterna de sexo masculino abuelo o tío, en nuestro estudio se hizo con un abuelo paterno. Resultados: De los 20 pacientes estudiados, 11 fueron de sexo femenino y 9 de sexo masculino; de otro lado, 16 pacientes eran portadores de la variedad perdedora de sal y 4 de la forma virilizante. Tres hermanos de los pacientes no estuvieron afectados y 2 presentaron alteraciones genéticas y cuadro clínico (nacieron cuando se realizaba este estudio). Los pacientes portadores de HSC en el Perú presentan en la variedad perdedora de sal como mutaciones más frecuentes la I172N (7,42%), la P30L (7,42%) y la R356W (7,42%), 7,42% corresponden a deleciones y 21,4% a alteraciones genéticas no detectadas con las técnicas utilizadas; en el caso de la variedad virilizante simple 14,28% de mutaciones corresponden al alelo V28IL, 52,14% a deleciones y 28,57 a alteraciones genéticas no detectadas con la técnica empleada...

Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in 95% of cases is due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency and of one of every 3000 consultations in the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño in Lima, Peru. Deficiency of 21OH is related to mutations in gene CYP21B, located in chromosome 6p. Objectives: To assess the frequency of the main disorders of the CYP 21B gene in peruvian patients with classic and non classic CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Methods: 20 patients with CAH of the Endocrinology unit of the IESN were studied. Also, 13 fathers, 13 mothers and 5 brothers where studied. In one case, the paternal grandfather was studied in absence of the father. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used in order to determine the mutations and deletions of the samples. The results were compared with those of similar studies in Japan and USA. Results: The frequency by sex in the 20 patients was: 11 females and 9 males. 16 patients had salt loss- CAH and 4 had simple virilizing CAH. Gene disorders and clinical characteristics of CAH were detected in 2 siblings (both were born during the study). The most frequent allele mutations found in salt loss-CAH were I172N (7,42%), P30L (7,42%) and R356W (7,42%). Deletions were detected in 7,42% of cases and unknown gene disorders in 21,4%. In the virilizing CAH cases, the most frequent allele mutation was V281L (14,28), deletions were present in 52,14% and were detected in 28,57% of cases the gene anomaly could not be detected. Conclusions: The frequency of allele mutations in CAH was similar to those found in Japan and USA. The unknown gene disorders may be mutations the gene anomaly could not be detected.

Polimorfismos de los genes cytochrome P450 y VKORC1 afectan la terapia anticoagulante oral / Polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 genes and VKORC1 affect the oral anticoagulant therapy

Los llamados factores vitaminas k dependientes (FII, FVII, FIXy FX), requieren ser carboxilados por la enzima gamma carboxilasa de los hepatocitos para ser funcionales. Esta enzima utiliza como cofactor vitamina K reducida, condición que se logra por acción de la enzima epóxido reductasa. Los anticoagulantes orales (ACO) son antagonistas de la vitamina K, quedando esta última en forma oxidada, no pudiendo actuar como cofactor. La variabilidad interindividual del tratamiento anticoagulante (TAC) se explica por factores ambientales, desconocidos y genéticos. Entre estos últimos los polimorfismos genéticos del cytochrome P450 (CYP2C9) y de la vitamina K epóxido reductasa (VKOR), los cuales se han relacionado con la variación en las dosis de ACO en distintas poblaciones del mundo. En dicho contexto se muestran resultados preliminares de un polimorfismo de CYP2C9 obtenidos en el Programa de Investigación de Factores de Riesgo de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (PIFRECV). Además se describen brevemente otros polimorfismos que podrían influir sobre la variabilidad en la respuesta al TAC.

Susceptibilidad de Aedes aegypti a DDT, deltametrina y lambdacialotrina en Colombia / Susceptibility of Aedes aegypti to DDT, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin in Colombia

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar el estado de susceptibilidad a insecticidas piretroides deltametrina y lambdacialotrina y al organoclorado DDT, e identificar los mecanismos bioquímicos asociados con resistencia en 13 poblaciones naturales de Aedes aegypti recolectadas en localidades de Colombia donde el dengue es un grave problema de salud pública. MÉTODOS: Se recolectaron y criaron en condiciones controladas formas inmaduras de diferentes criaderos naturales del vector para cada localidad. Con la generación F2 se realizaron bioensayos utilizando las metodologías OMS 1981 (papeles impregnados) y CDC 1998 (botellas impregnadas). En las poblaciones con mortalidades compatibles con disminución de la susceptibilidad, se midieron los niveles de esterasas no específicas (ENE), oxidasas de función mixta (OFM) y acetilcolinesterasa modificada (ACEM) mediante pruebas colorimétricas. RESULTADOS: Todas las poblaciones del mosquito evaluadas evidenciaron resistencia al organoclorado DDT. En cuanto a los piretroides, se encontró resistencia generalizada a lambdacialotrina pero no a deltametrina. Los mecanismos bioquímicos de resistencia evaluados permitieron encontrar 7 de 11 poblaciones con ENE elevadas y una población con OFM incrementadas. CONCLUSIONES: Se descarta la resistencia cruzada de tipo fisiológico entre el DDT y lambdacialotrina en las poblaciones de A. aegypti evaluadas. La resistencia fisiológica a lambdacialotrina parece asociarse con el incremento de las ENE. El comportamiento diferencial en los niveles de susceptibilidad y los valores enzimáticos entre poblaciones se asociaron con la variabilidad genética y presión de selección química a nivel local.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the susceptibility status of 13 natural populations of Aedes aegypti (collected from sites in Colombia where dengue is a serious public health problem) to the pyrethroids, deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin, and to the organochlorine, DDT, and to identify any biochemical mechanisms associated with resistance. METHODS: Immature forms of the vector were collected from natural breeding spots at each site and then raised under controlled conditions. Using the F2 generation, bioassays were performed using the World Health Organization's 1981 methodology (impregnated paper) and United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1998 methodology (impregnated bottles). In populations where mortality rates were consistent with decreased susceptibility, levels of nonspecific esterases (NSE), mixed-function oxidases (MFO), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were measured using colorimetric tests. RESULTS: All of the mosquito populations that were tested showed resistance to the organochlorine DDT. In the case of the pyrethroids, widespread resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin was found, but not to deltamethrin. Assessing the biochemical resistance mechanisms showed that 7 of the 11 populations had elevated NSE, and one population, increased MFO. CONCLUSIONS: Physiological cross-resistance between DDT and lambda-cyhalothrin in the A. aegypti populations tested was dismissed. Physiological resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin appears to be associated with increased NSE. The differences in susceptibility levels and enzyme values among the populations were associated with genetic variations and chemicals in use locally.

Síntesis de serotonina y presencia de hidroxilasa de triptófano en linfocitos de pacientes con depresión mayor tratados con fluoxetina y ácido fólico / Synthesis of serotonin and tryptophan hydroxylase in lymphocytes from patients with major depression treated with fluoxetine and folic acid

El ácido fólico ha sido utilizado como coadyuvante antidepresivo, y se han reportado bajos niveles séricos en deprimidos. Debido al papel del ácido fólico y a la relevancia del sistema serotonérgico linfocitario en la depresión, el objetivo de este estudio es determinar la capacidad de producción de serotonina y la presencia de la hidroxilasa del triptófano en linfocitos de pacientes deprimidos tratados con fluoxetina y ácido fólico. Los pacientes fueron diagnosticados con los criterios del Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de la Asociación Psiquiátrica Americana, la intensidad del episodio depresivo se determinó mediante la Escala de Hamilton para Depresión. Veintisiete pacientes (21-58 años) fueron seleccionados, no presentaban otra patología ni riesgo suicida. Se distribuyeron en forma aleatoria en dos grupos experimentales, unos (14) recibieron fluoxetina, 20 mg/d, más ácido fólico, 10 mg/d y otros (13) fluoxetina más placebo. El grupo control fue constituido por 15 sujetos aparentemente sanos (26-49 años). Se tomaron muestras de sangre al principio y después de seis semanas. Diez pacientes de cada grupo experimental culminaron el estudio. La homocisteína plasmática disminuyó con la administración de ácido fólico. Los linfocitos fueron aislados por gradientes de densidades con Ficoll/Hypaque y adhesión diferencial al plástico. Las concentraciones de serotonina en linfocitos se determinaron por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución con detector electroquímico y no difirieron entre los dos grupos ni en relación al control, pero fueron bajas en los que recibieron el tratamiento. La síntesis de serotonina a partir de triptófano fue menor en los pacientes en relación a controles, y disminuyó después de los dos tratamientos. El número de linfocitos con la enzima fue menor en los pacientes y decreció después del ácido fólico.

Adelantos recientes en genética molecular y presentación clínica de la deficiencia de 21-hidroxilasa / Recent advances in the molecular genetics and clinical presentation of 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to deficiency of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase (21-OH), is distinguished in its classical and nonclassical form and it is also one of the most common autosomal recessive inherited diseases in humans. The classical form appears in a rate between 1:5 000 and 1:15 000 among the live neonates of North America and Europe while the non-classical form occurs in approximately 0.2 percent of the general white populations. Three alleles are associated with the 21-OH locus and can be combined in various ways to individuals who are either unaffected, heterozygote carriers, or affected with classical or nonclassical disease. Variable signs and symptoms of hyperandrogenism are common to both types of the disorder. The significant advances in molecular biology and gene analysis over the past two decades have led to the development of novel sensitive methods of DNA analysis and study, such as polymerase chain reaction and southern blot analysis. Thus it has been revealed that the synthesis of 21-OH is controlled by two genes, the active CYP21B gene and the CYP21A pseudogene. All three forms of the disease have a known sequence of gene changes owing to mutations in isolated proteins or whole series of genes owing to translocations or deletions of genetic material

La hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita debida a una deficiencia de la enzima 21-hidroxilasa (21-OH) se distingue en sus formas clásica y no clásica y también es una de las enfermedades hereditarias autonómicas recesivas más frecuentes de los seres humanos. La forma clásica se presenta con una tasa de 1:5 000 a 1:15 000 entre los recién nacidos vivos de Estados Unidos y Europa, mientras que la forma no clásica se presenta normalmente en el 0.2% de la población blanca general. Tres alelos se asocian con el locus de 21-OH y pueden combinarse de distintas formas en los individuos que no están afectados, aquellos que son portadores heterocigotas o los que están afectados por la enfermedad clásica o no clásica. Los signos y síntomas variables de hiperandrogenismo son comunes a ambos tipos de trastornos. Los adelantos importantes en biología molecular y análisis genético de las últimas dos décadas han conducido a la creación de nuevos métodos sensibles para el análisis y el estudio del ADN, como la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa y el análisis por Southern blot. Por lo tanto, se ha descubierto que la síntesis de 21-OH está controlada por dos genes, el gen CYP21B activo y seudogén CYP21A. Las tres formas de la enfermedad tienen una secuencia conocida de cambios genéticos debidos a mutaciones en proteínas aisladas o series completas de genes a causa de translocaciones o deleciones de material genético

CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms in a Brazilian population living in Rio de Janeiro

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) is a superfamily of enzymes involved in the metabolism of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. CYP2A6 catalyzes the oxidation of nicotine and the activation of carcinogens such as aflatoxin B1 and nitrosamines. CYP2E1 metabolizes ethanol and other low-molecular weight compounds and can also activate nitrosamines. The CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 genes are polymorphic, altering their catalytic activities and susceptibility to cancer and other diseases. A number of polymorphisms described are ethnic-dependent. In the present study, we determined the genotype and allele frequencies of the main CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms in a group of 289 volunteers recruited at the Central Laboratory of Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto. They had been residing in the city of Rio de Janeiro for at least 6 months and were divided into two groups according to skin color (white and non-white). The alleles were determined by allele specific PCR (CYP2A6) or by PCR-RFLP (CYP2E1). The frequencies of the CYP2A6*1B and CYP2A6*2 alleles were 0.29 and 0.02 for white individuals and 0.24 and 0.01 for non-white individuals, respectively. The CYP2A6*5 allele was not found in the population studied. Regarding the CYP2E1*5B allele, we found a frequency of 0.07 in white individuals, which was statistically different (P < 0.05) from that present in non-white individuals (0.03). CYP2E1*6 allele frequency was the same (0.08) in both groups. The frequencies of CYP2A6*1B, CYP2A6*2 and CYP2E1*6 alleles in Brazilians are similar to those found in Caucasians and African-Americans, but the frequency of the CYP2E1*5B allele is higher in Brazilians.

Efeitos da vacina pertussis sobre monooxigenases hepáticas de camundongos / Hepatic pertussis effect of the vaccine on monooxigenases of mice

Neste trabalho investigamos os efeitos dos da vacina pertussis sobre a atividade de monooxigenases hepáticas em camundongos C57BL6, machos e fêmeas, ao longo de 3 semanas que se seguiram ao tratamento e comparamos também os efeitos da vacina pertussis com os da endotoxina da bactéria E.coli na modulação das CYPs hepáticas. Após o tratamento por via intraperitoneal com a vacina pertussis (1, 2, 5, 7, 14 e 21 dias após a administração) ou com o LPS de E.coli (1 e 7 dias após a administração), os animais foram sacrificados por deslocamento cervical sendo o fígado imediatamente retirado e a fração microssomal preparada por homogeneização e duas ultracentrifugações (100.000 g por 60 minutos) sucessivas. As atividades de reações marcadoras de isoenzimas CYPs - das subfamílias 1A (EROD), 2B (BROD) e 2E (PNP hidroxilase) – foram medidas nos microssomos hepáticos de camundongos machos e fêmeas tratados com a vacina, com o LPS de E.coli, ou com seus respectivos controles. Os resultados mostraram que a vacina pertussis causou acentuada depressão das atividades de monooxigenases hepáticas (EROD, BROD e PNP hidroxilase) 24 horas após o tratamento. Nos dias subseqüentes houve uma recuperação parcial que foi no entanto seguida de nova queda da atividade que atingiu os níveis mais baixos por volta do 7° dia após a injeção, permanecendo deprimida em relação aos controles pelo menos até o 21° dia pós-administração. As fêmeas foram mais susceptíveis aos efeitos inibitórios da vacina sobre as atividades das monooxigenases. A diferença entre o curso temporal da inibição observada nos animais tratados com a vacina pertussis e com o LPS de E.coli, sugere que a modulação da atividade de CYPs pela vacina pertussis, na sua fase inicial, seria mediada pela endotoxina nela contida (resposta rápida, 24 – 48 horas), resultando porem a depressão posterior (resposta máxima aos 7 dias) de efeitos da toxina pertussis.

Induction of liver monooxygenases by annatto and bixin in female rats

Annatto or urucum is an orange-yellow dye obtained from Bixa orellana seeds. It has been used as a natural dye in a variety of food products, drugs and cosmetics, and also in Brazilian cuisine as a condiment ('colorau'). Bixin, a carotenoid devoid of provitamin A activity, is the main pigment found in annatto. Some carotenoids (canthaxanthin, astaxanthin and á-Apo-8'-carotenal) are known to be potent inducers of CYP1A1, a property not shared by others (á-carotene, lycopene and lutein). Little is known, however, about the CYP1A1-inducing properties of bixin and annatto. The present study was performed to determine the effects of an annatto extract (28 percent bixin) and bixin (95 percent pure) on rat liver monooxygenases. Adult female Wistar rats were treated by gavage with daily doses of annatto (250 mg/kg body weight, which contains approximately 70 mg bixin/kg body weight), bixin (250 mg/kg body weight) or the vehicle only (corn oil, 3.75 g/kg body weight) for 5 consecutive days, or were not treated (untreated control). The activities of aniline-4-hydroxylase (A4H), ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase (ECOD), ethoxy- (EROD), methoxy- (MROD), pentoxy- (PROD) and benzyloxy- (BROD) resorufin-O-dealkylases were measured in liver microsomes. Annatto (250 mg/kg containing 70 mg bixin/kg) induced EROD (3.8x), MROD (4.2x), BROD (3.3x) and PROD (2.4x). Bixin (250 mg/kg) was a weaker inducer of EROD (2.7x), MROD (2.3x) and BROD (1.9x) and did not alter PROD, A4H or ECOD activities. These results suggest that constituents of the extract other than bixin play an important role in the induction of CYP1A and CYP2B observed with annatto food colorings

Increased sleeping time after pentobarbital anesthesia in rats treated with intravenous injection of BCG

Intravenous injection of BCG in rats induces protection against liver cell necrosis produced by CCl4. Impairment of hepatic mixed function oxidases by cytokines produced by activated Kupffer cells is the mechanism proposed to explain that protection. To verify the function of hepatic mixed function oxidases after Kupffer activation, the sleeping time after sodium pentobarbital anesthesia was evaluated in rats after intravenous injection of BCG. Male adult albino rats received BCG (50 mug, intravenous) and 48 h or 6 days after were anestethized with sodium pentobarbital (33 or 66 mg/g i.p.). The sleeping time was measured from the beginning of sleep until animal started having spontaneous movement and stand up on the forepaws. The results showed that the animals treated with BCG presented a significative increase in the sleeping time, indicating reduced inactivation of the pentobarbital, an indirect evidence of inhibittion of mixed function oxidase system. BCG treated rats showed hepatic and splenomegaly, both 48 and 6 days after treatment. Histology showed increase in number of mononuclear cells in the sinusoids in the liver and in the red pulp of the spleen 48 h after injection. Small epitheliod granulomas scattered in the hepatic lobules and in the red pulp were observed in rats killed six days after the BCG injection. Hepatocyte injury, induced by activated macrophages, would be not responsible for the reduced pentobarbital inactivation, because at six days there were several granulomas scattered in lobules, but the increase of sleep time in this group was similar to that observed in rats 48 h after injection of BCG. These results demonstrate that activation of Kupffer cells with BCG induces impairment of mixed function oxidase system soon as 48 h after injection of activator, probably due to production of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF alpha by activated Kupffer cells and other mononuclear cells migrated to the liver.

La biodiversidad humana y sus efectos sobre la variabilidad farmacologica: enzimas CYP2D6 y NAT2 en poblaciones amerindias de Panama, Colombia y Costa Rica / Human biodiversity and its effects on the pharmacological variability: CYP2D6 and NAT2 enzymes in Amerind populations of Panama, Colombia and Costa Rica

Human biodiversity originates partially from human microevolution, which have produced different populations. This biodiversity is responsible for most of the variability in drug response. We present the methodology employed in population pharmacology studies and general information about the CYP2D6 and NAT2 systems. We report results obtained in Embera and Ngawbe Amerindians, who are characterized by a low phenotypic and genotypic CYP2D6 diversity. In regard to NAT2, Amerindians are distinguished by a high allelic frequency of S3 and low ones of S1 and S2, situation which is reversed in Caucasians

Hirsutismo en mujeres chilenas: importancia de la deficiencia congénita de 21-hidroxilasa de manifestación tardía / Hirsutism in Chilean women: importance of 21-hydroxylase congenital deficiency of late onset

The prevalence of steroid 21-hydroxylase (21-O Hase) deficiency of late onset was investigated in a Chilean population of hirsute women. In 33 hirsute patients, not family related, plasma 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone (170H-P) was measured under basal conditions and after ACTH stimulation. Three cases of complete deficiency of late onset or post menarchia type were found, a prevalence of 91% similar to that reported by others. Affected patients were indistinguishable from other hirsute women, except in 170H-P concentrations after ACTH. Plasma testosterone and dihydroepiandrosterone sulphate were significantly higher in hirsute women, either deficiet of without enzyme deficiency, compared with a control group of 19 normal women. The 170H-P post ACTH levels of hirsute women who did not comply with criteria for enzyme deficiency were similar to control's. However, in these patients there was a significant correlation between hirsutism and 170H-P post ACTH, suggesting the presence of patients with mild enzyme deficiency, perhaps heterozygous for the defective gene. In conclusion, measurement of basal and post ACTH 170H-P during diagnostic work up in hirsute patients allows the detection of a significant number of cases with enzyme deficiency

Hiperplasia adrenal congênita: aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais / Adrenal hyperplasia congenital: clinic and laboratorial aspects

Na análise retrospectiva dos prontuários dos pacientes com hiperplasia adrenal congênita acompanhados pela Endocrinologia Pediatrica do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, verificamos 38 crianças, o que é uma boa casuística devido a a baixa frequência desta doença. Notamos maior número de hiperplasia adrenal congênita por deficiência de 21-hidroxilase (84,2%), principalmente a forma perdedora de sal (59,4%), como na literatura. Destacamos as formas tardias de deficiênia de 21-e11.b-hidrocilase com freqüência crescente a medida que estäo sendo melhor investigadas. Quase todos os pacientes com deficiência de 21-hidroxilase tiveram valores aumentados de 17-KS urinários, pregnanetriol (metabólito urinário da 17 OH-progesterona), 17 OHCS urinários (metabólitos do cortisol que paradoxalmente estäo aumentados, pois precursores do cortisol em excesso falseiam o exame) e 17 OH-progesterona (basal ou pós-estímulo com ACTH). As crianças, com deficiência de 11.b-hidroxilase, tiveram 17-KS e 17-OHCS urinários aumentados e composto S plasmático basal ou pós-estímulo com ACTH aumentados