Analysis of the prevalence of polymorphisms in the glutathione S transferase gene (GST) in cataract patients from Goiânia.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of polymorphisms in the glutathione S-transferase genes GSTM1 and GSTT1 in patients with lens opacity (cataract). Peripheral blood samples were obtained from male and female patients (N = 23) with cataract. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphic regions were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and the amplification products were electrophoresed on a 2% agarose gel. The obtained bands were by staining with ethidium bromide. The results were compared by a chi-square test using the BioEstat software (v.5.0). The frequencies of the GSTM1- and GSTT1-null genotypes were higher than those of the GSTM1- and GSTT1-present genotypes. The frequency of GSTT1-null genotypes was approximately 1.7 times higher than that of GSTM1, which was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0019). Although a consensus remains to be reached on the correlation between genetic polymorphisms in GSTs and cataract susceptibility, the observations from most scientific studies are similar to those reported in this study. Thus, we conclude that the absence of these genes, particularly GSTT1, is correlated with the development of lens opacity.

Measles vaccination: influence of age on its efficacy.

The authors compare the serologic efficacy and the clinical protection afforded by three different measles vaccination schemes in adequately nourished children in São Paulo city, Brazil. Two hundred forty two children were divided into three groups. Group A, comprising 117 children who had received the vaccine before 12 months of age and a second dose at 12 months of age or more. Group B, comprising 46 children who had received only one dose, before 12 months of age. Group C, comprising 79 children who had received only one dose, at 12 months of age or more. The geometric mean titer of antibodies in Group A was 790.1; in Group B, 251.1; and in Group C, 550.3. There was no statistically significant difference between Groups A and C. The exposure to the measles virus was probably similar in all groups, and the children in Group A and C had similar chances of acquiring the disease after vaccination whereas in Group B the chances were higher when compared to the other two groups. The results obtained in this study favor the use, in developing countries, of a vaccination program against measles that includes an early first dose at eight months of age and revaccination after 12 months of age.

Monitoring treatment demand for drug abuse in Spain: perspective over a decade.

The Spanish Information System on Drug Abuse (SEIT) was established in 1987 by the National Plan on Drugs, based on three indirect indicators that reflect the health effects of drug use: treatment, emergency and mortality. The treatment indicator is the core of the system, the one with the best consolidation, higher coverage and greater quantity of reliable data accumulated. The configuration of the system has a regional basis (Autonomous Communities), which strongly influences its potentialities, operation, results, strengths and limitations. Only outpatient treatment admissions, reported by ambulatory treatment centres and prison units, are recorded. Double counting is eliminated at the regional level. Over a decade of existence, the SEIT, and mainly its treatment indicator, has proven to be an excellent tool for public health action, planning and decision making, as well as for research and co-operation between regions.