PCR identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in a clinical sample from a patient with symptoms of tuberculous spondylodiscitis.

A 42-year-old male complaining of thoracic spine pain was admitted to the hospital for evaluation. An X-ray and computer tomography of the thoracic spine showed spondylodiscitis of the L3 lumbar and L2-L3 intervertebral disk. The tuberculin skin test (PPD) was strongly positive. A radioscopy-guided fine needle aspirate of the affected area was cultured but did not reveal the cause of the disease. Two biopsy attempts failed to reveal the cause of the disease by culturing or by acid-fast-resistant staining (Ziehl Neelsen) of the specimens. A third biopsy also failed to detect the infectious agent by using microbiological procedures, but revealed the presence of a 245-bp amplicon characteristic of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex after PCR of the sample. The result demonstrates the efficacy of PCR for the identification of M. tuberculosis in situations in which conventional diagnosis by culturing techniques or direct microscopy is unable to detect the microorganism. Following this result the patient was treated with the antituberculous cocktail composed by rifampicin, pirazinamide and isoniazid during a six-month period. At the end of the treatment the dorsalgia symptoms had disappeared.

Healing activity of proteolytic fraction (P1G10) from Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis in a cutaneous wound excision model.

The proteolytic enzymes from Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis have demonstrated efficacy to accelerate healing of skin lesions. We report here the efficacy of the proteolytic fraction - P1G10 during repair of excisional wounds in rodent model and analyze possible mediators involved. Using 0.05% P1G10 we observed on day 3rd increased wound contraction accompanied by an increase in activated neutrophils and VEGF relative to the control. On day 7th neutrophils returned to normal levels, and at 0.01% P1G10, an increase in NAG activity used to monitor monocyte/macrophage, was observed. On the other hand, on day 7th, we observed a decrease in TGF-ß at 0.05% P1G10, accompanied by an increased transformation of the latent TGF-ß to its active form. Also, on day 7th a reduction in MMP-9 activity and the number of apoptotic cells was observed along with an increase in fibroblast levels. Morphometrically, it appears that treatment with P1G10 accelerates the decline of initial inflammatory phase and reduces some unwanted effects likely caused by remaining TGF-ß or MMPs, thus enhancing the quality of scar. Overall, these data suggest that the active proteolytic fraction P1G10 enhances the efficacy of repair in excisional cutaneous wounds.

Methyl-accepting RNA in 13762 mammary adenocarcinoma correlated with low adenine methyltransferase levels.

Methylation reactions carried out with mammalian transfer RNA (tRNA) methyltransferases and RNA prepared from the homologous source do not normally show significant incorporation of methyl groups into the tRNA. However, our studies with the transplantable mammary adenocarcinoma 13762 indicate that tRNA from this tumor can be methylated in vitro with the homologous methyltransferases at a level 10 times higher than seen when tRNA from rat liver is reacted with its own enzyme. Analysis of the methylated nucleosides formed in vitro shows that greater than 80% of the methyl groups incorporated into 13762 RNA is found as 1-methyladenosine. Examination of the tRNA methyltransferase content of adenocarcinoma 13762 indicates that this tumor possesses unusually low levels of the adenine-1 methyltransferase responsible for methylating the invariant adenine at position 58 on tRNA. The nature of the methyl-accepting RNA from 13762 tumors has been examined using highly purified adenine-1 methyltransferase prepared from rat liver. Methylation of tumor RNA eluted from polyacrylamide gels after separation by electrophoresis indicated that while methyl-accepting material is found throughout the RNA-containing region of the gel, RNAs migrating slower than the bulk of mature tRNA are particularly good substrates for adenine methyltransferase. Similarly, when 13762 RNA is first methylated by the adenine-methylating enzyme and then run on acrylamide gels, several peaks of methyl-3H are seen in the region of slow-migrating tRNA. These results indicate that the 1-methyladenine deficiency in adenocarcinoma 13762 results in the appearance of selected populations of tRNA which are substrates in vitro for adenine-1 methyltransferase. The electrophoretic mobility of the methyl-accepting RNA in 13762 adenocarcinomas suggests that at least some of these may be precursor tRNAs.

[Anesthetic management during removal of a giant intrathoracic mass]. / Manejo anestésico en la exéresis de un tumor intratorácico gigante.

We report the case of a young woman with a giant intrathoracic angiomyolipoma accounting for 10% of her weight and occupying 75% of the right hemithorax and 30% of the left. Before anesthetic induction, an arterial line and a central venous catheter were applied for monitoring; neck and thoracic punctures were avoided. The trachea was intubated with a double lumen tube after provision of sedation and analgesia with remifentanil-midazolam and topical anesthesia of the larynx. A rigid bronchoscope and extracorporeal circulation were available at all times and muscle relaxants were avoided. Ventilation was maintained with pressure support until the mass effect was resolved. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, extubated after 24 hours, and discharged 5 days after surgery. We describe the recommendations for perioperative management in cases involving this type of tumor and the complications that can develop. Recent symptoms, diagnostic images, and the results of lung function tests provide information for guiding the anesthetic approach. The obstructive ventilatory compromise caused by a giant mass depends more on location than size. Extracorporeal circulation or rigid bronchoscopy might be needed at any time during surgery.

Mature methyl-deficient tRNA isolated from a mammary adenocarcinoma.

A transplantable rat tumor, mammary adenocarcinoma 13762, accumulates tRNA which can be methylated in vitro by mammalian tRNA (adenine-1) methyltransferase. This unusual ability of the tumor RNA to serve as substrate for a homologous tRNA methylating enzyme is correlated with unusually low levels of the A 58-specific adenine-1 methyltransferase. The nature of the methyl-accepting RNA has been examined by separating tumor tRNA on two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels. Comparisons of ethidium bromide-stained gels of tumor vs. liver tRNA show no significant quantitative differences and no accumulation of novel tRNAs or precursor tRNAs in adenocarcinoma RNA. Two-dimensional separations of tumor RNA after in vitro [14C]methylation using purified adenine-1 methyltransferase indicate that about 25% of the tRNA species are strongly methyl-accepting RNAs. Identification of six of the tRNAs separated on two-dimensional gels has been carried out by hybridization of cloned tRNA genes to Northern blots. Three of these, tRNALys3 , tRNAGln and tRNAMeti , are among the adenocarcinoma methyl-accepting RNAs. The other three RNAs, all of which are leucine-specific tRNAs, show no methyl-accepting properties. Our results suggest that low levels of a tRNA methyltransferase in the adenocarcinoma cause selected species of tRNA to escape the normal A58 methylation, resulting in the appearance of several mature tRNAs which are deficient in 1-methyladenine. The methyl-accepting tRNAs from the tumor appear as ethidium bromide-stained spots of similar intensity to those seen for RNA from rat liver; therefore, methyladenine deficiency does not seem to impair processing of these tRNAs.

Changes in DNA methyltransferase induced by treatment with N-2-acetylaminofluorene.

We have compared the levels of DNA methyltransferases from rat liver and spleen in both sexes following a single injection of N-2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF). Enzyme extracts from treated animals were obtained at different intervals (2-34 days) after treatment. The extracts were assayed in the presence of chicken erythrocyte DNA and S-adenosyl-L-[Me-3H]methionine. A 55% increase in male rat-liver methyltransferase activity measured by Me-3H incorporation into DNA occurred on day 14. By contrast, female methyltransferase after a similar period revealed a 33% decrease in activity. Between days 21 and 34, there is a progressive return to normal methyltransferase levels. Spleen-derived enzyme studied between days 7 and 14, showed a decrease in methylating activity in both sexes. After replacing corn seed oil by ethanol as the vehicle for AAF injection, we observed a change in liver methyltransferase 48 h after injection. Quantification of radioactive eluates in m5C fractions together with the increase in the integrated area identified as m5C in HPLC chromatograms allowed positive identification of methylated products.

Chemical characterization and biological activity of Macfadyena unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae).

Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) has been widely used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antimalarial and antivenereal. The purpose of this study was to chemically characterize the main plant components, and to evaluate the biological properties of some of the fractions derived from leaves (MACb) and liana (MACa) of this plant. Chemical characterization allowed the identification of the compounds corymboside, vicenin-2, quercitrin, chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid, lupeol, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterylglucoside, allantoin and lapachol. The biological screening of fractions and/or purified substances derived from fractions revealed antitumoral and antitrypanosomal activities in fractions MACa/lapachol and MACb/MACb21, respectively. The anti-lipoxygenase and anti-cyclooxygenase effect seen in fractions MACa and MACb showed a partial correlation with the anti-inflammatory property attributed to this plant.

A biochemical comparison between latex from Carica candamarcensis and C. papaya.

1. A group of plant proteinases is present mainly in the unripe fruit of the papaya tree (Carica papaya), which is a member of the genus Carica. C. candamarcensis is another species that belongs to this group. Its latex contains several proteinases displaying high proteolytic activity. 2. We used several electrophoretic techniques to compare the protein composition of the latex from the two species. Acid electrophoresis followed by staining or Western blot revealed a total of 17 proteins in C. candamarcensis and 7 proteins in C. papaya. Some of the proteins observed in C. papaya have been previously reported in the literature. 3. Electrophoresis on denaturing gels, followed by staining or Western blot revealed the presence of 14 proteins in C. candamarcensis and 6 proteins in C. papaya. Non-equilibrium isoelectrofocusing of the latex from both species showed a larger array of proteins in C. candamarcensis. The analysis of esterase and proteolytic activities on gel fractions after electrophoresis revealed the presence of distinct areas presenting enzyme activity. Some proteins detected in C. candamarcensis have different mobilities when compared with proteins from C. papaya. 4. These results support the view that latex from C. candamarcensis contains a wider diversity of proteins compared to C. papaya, and that some of the proteins not in C. papaya present esterase and proteolytic activity.

Changes in protein profile during coagulation of latex from Carica papaya.

We describe the changes in peptide composition by SDS-PAGE analysis of latex from Carica papaya collected at various times after incision of the unripe fruit. The data show that during latex coagulation several peptides are processed in an orderly fashion.

Transfer RNA nucleoside composition in 13762 rat adenocarcinoma.

1. Abnormalities in patterns of tRNA methylation and in the activities of tRNA methyltransferases are well-documented phenomena. In this study, we focused our attention on tRNA from adenocarcinoma, a 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene-induced mammary tumor, because prior evidence has suggested the occurrence of an abnormal pattern of tRNA methylation. 2. Chemical postlabeling of tumor vs normal rat liver and mammary gland tRNAs revealed tumor specific differences in the modified nucleoside distribution, i.e., a 5.8-fold increase in tumor N-2-methylguanosine together with a 2.7-, 2.8-, 2.6- and 2.8-fold decrease in tumor 1-methyladenosine, dihydrouridine, pseudouridine and 5-methylcytidyne, respectively. 3. Class A tRNAs, a slower gel migrating group of tumor tRNAs, exhibited even lower 1-methyladenosine levels. Most of the remaining nucleosides in class A tRNAs showed molar ratios similar to those found in bulk tumor tRNA. However, N-2-methylguanosine levels in class A tRNA are intermediate between bulk tumor tRNA (2.8%) and mammary gland tRNA (0.49%). 4. The only qualitative difference found in tumor tRNA seems to be the absence of inosine usually present in tRNAs from liver and mammary tissues. 5. In spite of its abnormal methylation pattern adenocarcinoma tRNA binds to glucocorticoid receptor protein from mouse AtT-20 cells, generating a 6S tRNA-protein complex, in a fashion similar to that previously described for the endogenous tRNA isolated from the same cells.

BCG lymphadenopathy detected in a BCG-vaccinated infant.

Large-scale vaccination with BCG, the live attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis, is being adopted around the world, although sporadic complications have occurred after the procedure. Lymphadenopathy is not uncommon especially in babies under one year (0.73% of vaccinated infants), but the swelling subsides within 2 months in most cases, with no medical or surgical treatment. Brazil adopted BCG vaccination program earlier in the seventies and by 1995 more than 96% of the infant population received this immunization. We report here the occurrence of lymphadenopathy in a two-year-old child vaccinated with the Brazilian BCG strain. The diagnosis was made using a lymph node biopsy and intestinal aspirates that yielded a positive mycobacterial culture. The isolate was resistant to isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and thiophen-2-carbonic acid hydrazide, sensitive to streptomycin, ethambutol, and p-nitrobenzoic acid, and reacted positively to cyclo-serine and negatively to niacin. The pncA gene involved in bacterial activation of pyrazinamide contains in M. bovis a point mutation that renders pyrazinamidase unable to catalyze drug activation. Therefore, this polymorphism is a good option for developing methods to differentiate M. bovis and M. tuberculosis. Taking advantage of this difference we further analyzed the isolates by single-stranded conformation polymorphism electrophoresis of DNA following PCR of the pncA gene. The isolate identity was confirmed by RFLP electrophoretic analysis of the amplified fragment following Eco065I digestion, which selectively cleaves M. tuberculosis DNA. From this result it is proposed that RFLP of pncA gene represents an alternative for differential diagnosis of M. bovis.

The radioprotective effect of a new aminothiol (20-PRA).

We examined the radioprotective effect of aminothiol 2-N-propylamine-cyclo-hexanethiol (20-PRA) on a human leukemic cell line (K562) following various radiation doses (5, 7.5 and 20 Gy) using a source of 60Co gamma-rays. At 5 Gy and 1 nM 20-PRA, a substantial protective effect (58%) was seen 24 h after irradiation, followed by a decrease at 48 h (11%). At the high radiation dose (20 Gy) a low protective effect was also seen (35%). In addition, the antitumorigenic potential of 10 nM 20-PRA was shown by the inhibition of crown gall formation induced by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The radioprotective potency of 20-PRA is 10(5)-10(6) times higher than that of the aminothiol WR-1065 (N-(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,3-diaminopropane) whose protective effect is in the 0.1 to 1.0 mM range.

Use of a cysteine proteinase from Carica candamarcensis as a protective agent during DNA extraction.

We describe the use of a plant cysteine proteinase isolated from latex of Carica candamarcensis as a protective agent during isolation of bacterial DNA following growth in culture of these cells. Between 100 to 720 units of proteinase (1 microgram = 6 units) afforded good DNA protection when incubated with various kinds of microorganisms. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the resulting DNA was similar in size to DNA preparations obtained by treatment with proteinase K. The viability of the resulting material was checked by PCR amplification using species-specific primers. After standing at room temperature (25 degrees C) for 35 days, the enzyme lost 10% of its initial activity. The enzyme stability and good yield of DNA suggest the use of this proteinase as an alternative to proteinase K.

Hemodynamic changes after an intensive short-term exercise and nutrition program in hypertensive and obese patients with and without coronary artery disease.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of the Pritikin diet and exercise program on cardiovascular hemodynamics using the noninvasive technique of Thoracic Electrical Bioimpedance (TEB). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty subjects divided in two groups, according to their body habitus and hemodynamic disturbances. These data were compared to a group of 10 healthy individuals not involved in the program. Hemodynamic parameters were collected at admission and at the end of the intensive 26-day program of exercise and nutrition. RESULTS: In obese and hypertensive subjects not on medication we observed that cardiac index increased from 3.27 +/- 0.4 to 3.58 + 0.5 L/min/m2; mean arterial pressure decreased from 100 +/- 8.5 to 94.8 +/- 7.9 mmHg while systemic vascular resistance index decreased from 2362 +/- 391 to 1934 +/- 357 dynes. sec. cm-5/m2; p less than 0.05 (Data obtained in supine position). Also documented was a improvement in ventricular performance after postural changes from upright to supine based on indices of left ventricular performance, uniquely obtained by the TEB technique. From admission to discharge, changes were: Ejection fraction 48% to 53%; Peak flow index 295 to 316 ml/s/m2 and Index of contractility 40 to 47 s-1, explained by a shift on the ascending limb of the Starling curve. CONCLUSION: In a selected population, this rehabilitation program is effective for hemodynamic improvement that can be partially explained by metabolic and biochemical changes already reported from this Center.

A phytopathogenic cysteine peptidase from latex of wild rubber vine Cryptostegia grandiflora.

A 24,118 Da (MALDI-TOF) cysteine peptidase (EC 3.4.22.16) was purified from the latex extract of Cryptostegia grandiflora by two chromatographic steps involving ion exchange and Reverse-phase HPLC. The purified protein (Cg24-I) exhibits a single band profile following reduced SDS-PAGE and a unique amino terminal sequence, 1VPASIDWREKGTVL14, that is similar to other plant cysteine peptidases. Cg24-I displayed optimal proteolytic activity at pH 8.0 with 25 mM phosphate buffer. The proteolytic activity was inhibited with 0.2 mM E-64 and 1 mM iodoacetamide and was stimulated with 1 mM DTT. Cg24-I fully inhibited spore germination of phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium solani at a dose of 28.1 µg/mL. Its toxicity involves the membrane permeabilization of spores as probed by propidium iodide uptake. These results show that latex peptidases are part of the plant's defensive strategy against phytopathogens and that they most likely act synergistically with other recognized defensive proteins.

Biochemical and immunological characteristics of Peruvian Loxosceles laeta spider venom: neutralization of its toxic effects by anti-loxoscelic antivenoms.

This manuscript describes the general biochemical properties and immunological characteristics of Peruvian spider Loxosceles laeta venom (PLlv), which is responsible for the largest number of accidents involving venomous animals in Peru. In this work, we observed that the venom of this spider is more lethal to mice when compared with L. laeta venom from Brazil (BLlv). The LD50 of PLlv was 1.213 mg/kg when the venom was intradermally injected. The venom displayed sphingomyelinase activity and produced dermonecrotic, hemorrhagic and edema effects in rabbits. 2-D SDS-PAGE separation of the soluble venoms resulted in a protein profile ranging from 20 to 205 kDa. Anti-PLlv and anti-BLlv sera produced in rabbits and assayed by ELISA showed that rabbit antibodies cross-reacted with PLlv and BLlv and also with other Brazilian Loxosceles venoms. Western blotting analysis showed that bands corresponding to 25-35 kDa are the proteins best recognized in every Loxosceles spp venoms analyzed. The immunized rabbits displayed protective effect after challenge with PLlv and BLlv. In vitro assays with horse anti-loxoscelic antivenoms produced in Brazil and Peru demonstrated that these commercial antivenoms were efficient to inhibit the sphingomyelinase activity of PLlv and BLlv.

Molecular characterization by LSSP-PCR and DNA sequencing of a pathogenic isolate of Leptospira interrogans from Brazil.

We report the initial characterization of a leptospiral isolate, Leptospira interrogans, serogroup Sejroe, serovar Hardjo, genotype Hardjoprajitno, strain Norma, and its relatedness with L. interrogans, serogroup Sejroe, serovar Hardjo, genotype Hardjoprajitno, strain Hardjo and Leptospira borgpetersenii, serogroup Sejroe, serovar Hardjo, genotype Hardjobovis, strain Sponselee. The Norma strain singled out during a leptospirosis outbreak in cattle immunized with antigens from the reference strain Hardjoprajitno (OMS). By applying a microscopic agglutination serological test (MAT) to cattle (n = 2966) with symptoms of leptospirosis between 2003 and 2007, more than 50% of sera were found positive for one of the following serotypes: Hardjoprajitno (31-21%), Hardjo Norma (46-40%), Hardjo hardjobovis (18-10%), Mini (8-4%) and Wolffi (7-4%). In immunization trials using six isolates plus Norma isolate, the remission of MAT in these isolates was observed following 6 months of the initial vaccination. To provide molecular ground for the high MAT Norma frequency found in these isolates, a DNA polymorphic analysis was conducted by comparing the Norma isolate with reference strains Hardjoprajitno and Sponselee. The polymorphic analysis in secY showed five base changes in Norma relative to Hardjoprajitno strain, corresponding to 98% identity, while Sponselee displayed 49 polymorphic sites relative to the Hardjoprajitno strain, representing 80% identity. The alignment of secY translated sequences shows no differences between Hardjoprajitno and Norma, and eight polymorphisms between genotype hardjoprajttno and strain Sponselee. Three-dimensional modelling located these variations within the loop region connecting helices 7 and 8 from secY which is less conserved. DNA sequencing of 23S ribosomal conserved fragment revealed a single polymorphism between Hardjoprajitno and Norma, and 13 polymorphisms between strains Sponselee, Hardjoprajitno and Norma. The differences between Hardjo and Norma were confirmed by low stringency single-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (LSSP-PCR) signature experiments with the primer G2, using as template the 285 bp fragment initially amplified with G1/G2 primers.

Bmoo FIBMP-I: A New Fibrinogenolytic Metalloproteinase from Bothrops moojeni Snake Venom.

A new fibrinogenolytic metalloproteinase (Bmoo FIBMP-I) was purified from Bothrops moojeni snake venom. This enzyme was isolated through a combination of three chromatographic steps (ion-exchange, molecular exclusion, and affinity chromatography). Analyses by reverse phase chromatography, followed by mass spectrometry, showed the presence of enzyme isoforms with average molecular mass of 22.8 kDa. The SDS-PAGE analyses showed a single chain of 27.6 kDa, in the presence and absence of reducing agent. The protein has a blocked N-terminal. One of the peptides obtained by enzymatic digestion of a reduced and S-alkylated isoform was completely sequenced by mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Bmoo FIBMP-I showed similarity with hemorrhagic factor and several metalloproteinases (MP). This enzyme degraded Aα-chain faster than the Bß-chain and did not affect the γ-chain of bovine fibrinogen. The absence of proteolytic activity after treatment with EDTA, together with the observed molecular mass, led us to suggest that Bmoo FIBMP-I is a member of the P-I class of the snake venom MP family. Bmoo FIBMP-I showed pH-dependent proteolytic activity on azocasein, but was devoid of coagulant, defibrinating, or hemorrhagic activities. The kinetic parameters of proteolytic activity in azocasein were determined (V max = 0.4596 Uh(-1)nmol(-1) ± 0.1031 and K m = 14.59 mg/mL ± 4.610).

Malestar psicológico en familiares de pacientes con daño neurológico durante la fase subaguda de NeuroRehabilitación / Psychological distress in relatives of patients with neurological damage during the subacute phase of NeuroRehabilitation

Durante la última década la Neurorehabilitación ha comenzado a prestar mayor atención a las familias de personas que adquieren un daño neurológico. Este giro parece responder a un creciente número de estudios describiendo importantes niveles de malestar psicólogico en dichas familias y advirtiendo de su impacto en el proceso de rehabilitación. En Chile, lamentablemente, no contamos con estudios que exploren el estado emocional de familiares en ninguna de las etapas de rehabilitación, esto, a pesar de existir guías clínicas que sugieren el abordaje familiar como meta central. Dicha falta de información limita tanto la capacidad diagnóstica como interventiva de los equipos de rehabilitación. El objetivo de este artículo es describir, y comparar, el perfil de malestar psicológico en familiares de personas con lesión cerebral y medular en etapa subaguda de rehabilitación. Método. 89 familiares de personas con daño neurológico (Lesión Cerebral Adquirida = 50; Trauma Raquimedular = 39) respondieron el General Health Questionnaire-28 como medida de malestar psicológico. Este instrumento que se compone de cuatro subescalas: síntomas somáticos, ansiedad e insomnio, disfunción social y depresión grave. Resultados. En ambas poblaciones el puntaje total del GHQ-28 se observó por encima de los estándares poblacionales, sugiriendo niveles clínicos de malestar psicológico en 90 por ciento de la muestra. No se observaron diferencias entre ambas poblaciones en términos de puntaje total o puntaje de subescalas, sugiriendo similares perfiles de malestar psicólogico. Dicho perfil se caracterizó por altos niveles de ansiedad e insomnio, seguido en menor grado de síntomas somáticos...

During the last decade NeuroRehabilitation has begun to pay more attention to the families of people with neurological damage. This shift seems to respond to a growing number of studies describing significant levels of psychological distress in families, and warning professionals of its potential impact in the process of rehabilitation. In Chile, unfortunately, we have no studies that explore the emotional state of families in any stage of the rehabilitation process, this, despite the existence of clinical guidelines suggesting to address family needs as a central goal. This lack of information limits rehabilitation teams’ ability as well as their capacity to develop interventions. The aim of this article is to describe, and compare, the profile of psychological distress in relatives of people with brain damage and spinal cord injuries, during the sub-acute phase of rehabilitation. Method. 89 relatives of people with neurological damage (Acquired Brain Injury = 50; Spinal Cord Injury = 39) completed the General Health Questionnaire-28, a self-report measure of psychological distress. This instrument has four subscales, each of them screening for different types of symptoms: somatic, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. Results. Both neurological groups presented GHQ-28 total scored above population standards, thus suggesting clinical levels of psychological distress in 90 percent of the sample. No differences were observed between the two groups in terms of GHQ-28 total score or subscale score, thus, suggesting similar profiles of psychological distress. High levels of anxiety and insomnia, followed to a lesser degree by somatic symptoms, characterized this profile...