Antiapoptotic effects of cannabidiol in an experimental model of cognitive decline induced by brain iron overload.

Iron accumulation in the brain has been recognized as a common feature of both normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Cognitive dysfunction has been associated to iron excess in brain regions in humans. We have previously described that iron overload leads to severe memory deficits, including spatial, recognition, and emotional memory impairments in adult rats. In the present study we investigated the effects of neonatal iron overload on proteins involved in apoptotic pathways, such as Caspase 8, Caspase 9, Caspase 3, Cytochrome c, APAF1, and PARP in the hippocampus of adult rats, in an attempt to establish a causative role of iron excess on cell death in the nervous system, leading to memory dysfunction. Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychotropic component of Cannabis sativa, was examined as a potential drug to reverse iron-induced effects on the parameters analyzed. Male rats received vehicle or iron carbonyl (30 mg/kg) from the 12th to the 14th postnatal days and were treated with vehicle or CBD (10 mg/kg) for 14 days in adulthood. Iron increased Caspase 9, Cytochrome c, APAF1, Caspase 3 and cleaved PARP, without affecting cleaved Caspase 8 levels. CBD reversed iron-induced effects, recovering apoptotic proteins Caspase 9, APAF1, Caspase 3 and cleaved PARP to the levels found in controls. These results suggest that iron can trigger cell death pathways by inducing intrinsic apoptotic proteins. The reversal of iron-induced effects by CBD indicates that it has neuroprotective potential through its anti-apoptotic action.

Neoplasia de sítio primário desconhecido: abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica / Cancer of onknown primary site: diagnostic and therapeutic approach

Introdução: As neoplasias de sítio primário desconhecido (NSPD) são responsáveis por 3-5% de todas as neoplasias malignas, definidas pela falha de identificação do sítio primário após a investigação diagnóstica. Métodos: Revisão bibliográfica da literatura entre abril e maio de 2018, em artigos de revisão, seminários e artigos originais, em inglês, dos últimos 20 anos. Resultados: A investigação diagnóstica das NSPD envolve uma extensa anamnese, exame físico, exames laboratoriais, exames de imagem, análise anatomopatológica e imuno-histoquímica da lesão metastática. Com base nessa investigação, são classificadas de acordo com critérios clínico-patológicos para melhor conduta terapêutica. Conclusão: As NSPD são um grande desafio para o clínico e oncologista, é imprescindível a investigação adequada dessas neoplasias para o melhor tratamento da doença.

Introduction: Cancer of unknown primary site (CUP) accounts for 3-5% of all malignant neoplasms, which is defined when the anatomical site of origin remains occult after detailed investigations. Methods: Review articles, seminars, and original articles in English for the last 20 years. Results: The diagnostic investigation of CUP involves an extensive anamnesis, physical examination, laboratory exams, imaging, anatomopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of the metastatic lesion. Based on this investigation, the neoplasms are classified according to clinical pathological criteria. Conclusion: CUP can be a challenge for the clinician and medical oncologist, it is essential to adequately investigate these neoplasms in order to define the best treatment approach.

Neutropenia febril: abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica / Febrile neutropenia: diagnostic and therapeutic approach

Introdução: A neutropenia febril (NF) é uma das mais graves complicações em pacientes com câncer submetidos a quimioterapia. Estes casos exigem pronta avaliação diagnóstica e instituição de terapêutica adequada. A conduta frente a tal emergência ainda é muito discutida apesar dos avanços no tratamento. O objetivo do estudo foi revisar na literatura as medidas mais eficazes de manejo sindrômico da NF. Métodos: Este artigo é uma revisão bibliográfica realizada entre abril e maio de 2018 sobre neutropenia febril. Foi realizada pesquisa de artigos científicos de revisão, guidelines e artigos originais, dos últimos 15 anos. Resultados: O reconhecimento imediato do paciente com NF e seu adequado tratamento com início imediato de terapia empírica, conforme o risco do paciente, são definidores de qualidade do manejo desta síndrome. Conclusão: A avaliação inicial de todos os pacientes com NF deve ser ágil para que terapia empírica seja imediatamente iniciada.

Introduction: Febrile neutropenia (NF) is one of the most serious complications in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These cases require prompt diagnostic evaluation and management. The objective of the study was to review the most effective aspects of NF syndromic management in the literature. Methods: This article is a bibliographical review performed between April and May of 2018 on febrile neutropenia. Research was done on review articles, seminars and original articles of the last 15 years. Results: The immediate recognition of the patient with NF and its appropriate treatment with immediate onset of empirical therapy, according to the risk of the patient, are critical and impact clinical outcomes. Conclusion: The initial assessment of all NF patients should be agile for empirical therapy to be initiated immediately.