Reduced platelet aggregation in women after intercourse: a possible role for the cyclooxygenase pathway.

We hypothesise that molecules in the cyclooxygenase pathway affect platelet activity when seminal fluid (SF) is present. We considered the influence of SF on platelet aggregation in women, and believe that the prostanoids in SF signalling are significant. Thirty-one female subjects were studied, 20 of whom were sexually active. Male partners were given either aspirin or indomethacin to inhibit cyclooxygenase. The 6-keto prostaglandin F1α (6-keto PGF1α) and prostaglandin E metabolite (PGE-M) in SF were measured by competitive assay. Platelets and prostanoids were evaluated in women, periodically, before and after intercourse. The platelets were tested with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid (AA). To block the interaction between the uterus and SF, some couples used condoms. We found that the 6-keto prostaglandin F1α in urine at 2 hours post-intercourse (1418.75 pg/mL, Std 688.39) was greater than pre-intercourse (772.68 pg/mL, Std 116.54). Post-intercourse, a transient decrease in platelet aggregation was observed in women whose partners did not use condoms. Averages for platelet aggregation were 20.16% with ADP, and more significantly, 37.79% with AA after 2 hours. In contrast, couples using condoms showed no changes, averaging 64.02% with ADP and 72.06% with AA. Women whose partners were taking aspirin or indomethacin also showed no changes. SF from men taking aspirin or indomethacin led to no reduction in platelet aggregometry in their partners. These results indicate that in cases of exposure to SF, the transient change in women's platelet activity could be related to the cyclooxygenase pathway.

Engineering Extracellular Microenvironment for Tissue Regeneration.

The extracellular microenvironment is a highly dynamic network of biophysical and biochemical elements, which surrounds cells and transmits molecular signals. Extracellular microenvironment controls are of crucial importance for the ability to direct cell behavior and tissue regeneration. In this review, we focus on the different components of the extracellular microenvironment, such as extracellular matrix (ECM), extracellular vesicles (EVs) and growth factors (GFs), and introduce engineering approaches for these components, which can be used to achieve a higher degree of control over cellular activities and behaviors for tissue regeneration. Furthermore, we review the technologies established to engineer native-mimicking artificial components of the extracellular microenvironment for improved regenerative applications. This review presents a thorough analysis of the current research in extracellular microenvironment engineering and monitoring, which will facilitate the development of innovative tissue engineering strategies by utilizing different components of the extracellular microenvironment for regenerative medicine in the future.

Alucinaciones secundarias a tratamiento en paciente con Parkinson / Hallucinations after treatment in a patient with Parkinson’s

La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) se puede considerar como la segunda enfermedad neurodegenerativa en cuanto a prevalencia se refiere. La EP es una enfermedad de carácter crónico que evoluciona en fases consecutivas, con un diagnóstico inicial insidioso y de manejo complejo para el médico de Atención Primaria. En este artículo presentamos un caso de una interacción medicamentosa poco estudiada entre fármacos antidepresivos y antiparkinsonianos. La paciente acudió a revisión de neurología y, en un ajuste de medicación realizado por el compañero de neurología, se añadió rasalagina a su tratamiento habitual (levodopa/carbidopa) y ello creó a la paciente un cuadro de alucinaciones. Tras un estudio pormenorizado del caso, se llegó a la conclusión de que la rasalagina debía ser retirada y el cuadro neurológico de alucinaciones remitió.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) can be deemed the second neurodegenerative disease in terms of prevalence. PD is a chronic disease that evolves in consecutive phases, with an insidious initial diagnosis and complex management for the primary care physician. In this paper we report a case of a poorly studied drug interaction between antidepressant and antiparkinsonian drugs. The patient went to a neurology review where, in a medication adjustment made by a neurology colleague, Rasalagin was added to her usual treatment (levodopa/carbidopa), which created hallucinations in the patient. After a minor case study, the conclusion was drawn that rasalagin should be withdrawn and the neurological picture of hallucinations remitted.(AU)