Peripheral cytokine expression in Standardbred mares at different adiposity during the periparturient period.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the peripheral cytokine expression could be affected by differences in fat thickness in healthy mares during the periparturient period (last weeks of pregnancy and first weeks of lactation). At the beginning of the 11th month of gestation, 18 mares with normal body condition score (BCS; 5) were divided into two groups with low (L; ≤12 mm; n = 12) and high (H; >12 mm; n = 6) fat thickness. Blood samples were collected every 10 days from the 11th month of gestation to 20 days post partum. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), -1ß (ILß), -2 (IL-2) and -6 (IL-6) gene expressions were performed by using reverse transcriptase PCR. TNF-α and IFN-γ expressions were affected by fatness group, as the sampling period influenced the expression of all cytokines with the exception of IFN-γ. The interaction between fatness group and sampling period tended to be significant (P < 0.10) only for IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-2. In H group, compared with L group, IL-1ß and IL-2 significantly (P < 0.05) increased at parturition. TNF-α peripheral expression increased from parturition to reach the peak at +10 days (P < 0.05) only in H group. In conclusion, in normal BCS periparturient mares, small body fat thickness variations influence the peripheral cytokine expression, showing a possible role for cytokines in parturition and lactation, events strongly linked to adipose tissue availability.

Lepidium meyenii (Maca) does not exert direct androgenic activities.

Maca is the edible root of the Peruvian plant Lepidum meyenii, traditionally employed for its purported aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties. This study aimed at testing the hypothesis that Maca contains testosterone-like compounds, able to bind the human androgen receptor and promote transcription pathways regulated by steroid hormone signaling. Maca extracts (obtained with different solvents: methanol, ethanol, hexane and chloroform) are not able to regulate GRE (glucocorticoid response element) activation. Further experiments are needed to assess which compound, of the several Maca's components, is responsible of the observed in vivo effects.

The monochromatic green argon laser in the management of macular disorders.

The authors have been using an argon laser photocoagulator equipped with a green filter for about 21/2 years. Compared to the usual blue-green argon laser, the advantage of such an instrument is that green radiation is not absorbed to any significant degree by macular pigment. This ensures a selective action on hemoglobin and pigment epithelium. The green wavelength appears to be extremely useful in the management of macular disorders. The authors report the criteria they follow and the technique they use in the treatment of subretinal neovascular membranes and of macular edema arising from different retinal vascular disorders.

Argon laser photocoagulation in the management of retinal detachment and predisposing lesions.

During the years 1979-1982 we treated by argon laser photocoagulation 863 eyes of 551 patients affected by peripheral retinal degenerations and breaks. No case of progression to retinal detachment has been registered so far. In the same period, we treated 42 patients affected by retinal detachment of different topography (three posterior pole and 39 peripheral detachments) and size (mostly limited detachments, 12 as large as a quadrant, two larger than a quadrant). In 41 of these 42 eyes, the retina is still firmly attached after a 1- to 4-year follow-up, while in one case it was necessary to proceed surgically following a relapse. While argon laser photocoagulation is certainly the first choice treatment of retinal degenerations and breaks, it also appears to be a reliable alternative to scleral buckling in the management of specific cases of retinal detachment.