New vegetable varieties of Brassica rapa and Brassica napus with modified glucosinolate content obtained by mass selection approach.

Background: Glucosinolates (GSLs) constitute a characteristic group of secondary metabolites present in the Brassica genus. These compounds confer resistance to pests and diseases. Moreover, they show allelopathic and anticarcinogenic effects. All those effects are dependent on the chemical structure of the GSL. The modification of the content of specific GSLs would allow obtaining varieties with enhanced resistance and/or improved health benefits. Moreover, the attainment of varieties with the same genetic background but with divergent GSLs concentration will prompt the undertaking of studies on their biological effects. Objective and Methods: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two divergent mass selection programs to modify GSL content in the leaves of two Brassica species: nabicol (Brassica napus L.), selected by glucobrassicanapin (GBN), and nabiza (Brassica rapa L.), selected by gluconapin (GNA) through several selection cycles using cromatographic analysis. Results: The response to selection fitted a linear regression model with no signs of variability depletion for GSL modification in either direction, but with higher efficiency in reducing the selected GSL than in the increasing. The selection was also effective in other parts of the plant, suggesting that there is a GSL translocation in the plant or a modification in their synthesis pathway that is not-organ specific. There was an indirect response of selection in other GSL; thus this information should be considered when designing breeding programs. Finally, populations obtained by selection have the same agronomic performance or even better than the original population. Conclusion: Therefore, mass selection seems to be a good method to modify the content of specific GSL in Brassica crops.

Mitochondrial Complex I Inhibition by Metformin: Drug-Exercise Interactions.

Metformin has antidiabetic, anticancer, and prolongevity effects, but seems to interfere with aerobic training mitochondrial adaptations. The primary mechanism of action has been suggested to be the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I. Recent papers (Wang et al. and Cameron et al.), however, provide evidence to deny the hypothesis of a direct action of metformin on complex I.

Low pre-transplant levels of mannose-binding lectin are associated with viral infections and mortality after haematopoietic allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a key component of innate immunity. Low serum MBL levels, related to promoter polymorphism and structural variants, have been associated with an increased risk of infection. The aim of this work was to analyse the incidence and severity of infections and mortality in relation to the MBL2 genotype and MBL levels in patients underwent allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT). RESULTS: This was a prospective cohort study of 72 consecutive patients underwent Allo-HSCT between January 2007 and June 2009 in a tertiary referral centre. Three periods were considered in the patients' follow-up: the early period (0-30 days after Allo-HSCT), the intermediate period (30-100 days after Allo-HSCT) and the late period (> 100 days after Allo-HSCT). A commercial line probe assay for MBL2 genotyping and an ELISA Kit were used to measure MBL levels. A total of 220 episodes of infection were collected in the 72 patients. No association between donor or recipient MBL2 genotype and infection was found. The first episode of infection presented earlier in patients with pre-transplant MBL levels of < 1000 ng/ml (median 6d vs 8d, p = 0.036). MBL levels < 1000 ng/ml in the pre-transplant period (risk ratio (RR) 2.48, 95% CI 1.00-6.13), neutropenic period (0-30 days, RR 3.28, 95% CI 1.53-7.06) and intermediate period (30-100 days, RR 2.37, 95% CI 1.15-4.90) were associated with increased risk of virus infection. No association with bacterial or fungal disease was found. Mortality was associated with pre-transplant MBL levels < 1000 ng/ml (hazard ratio 5.55, 95% CI 1.17-26.30, p = 0.03) but not with MBL2 genotype. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent Allo-HSCT with low pre-transplant MBL levels presented the first episode of infection earlier and had an increased risk of viral infections and mortality in the first 6 months post-transplant. Thus, pre-transplant MBL levels would be important in predicting susceptibility to viral infections and mortality and might be considered a biomarker to be included in the pre-transplantation risk assessment.

Effects of 3-butenyl isothiocyanate on phenotypically different prostate cancer cells.

Isothiocyanates (ITCs) have gained increasing attention since they have been attributed the merits for the potential beneficial effects of cruciferous vegetable dietary consumption on cancer. The aim of the present study was to determine the cytotoxic effects of 3-butenyl ITC (3-BI) on prostate cancer (PC) cells under in vitro conditions. Two androgen-insensitive human PC cell lines, PC-3 and DU145, were assayed. Cells were cultured in the presence of increasing concentrations of 3-BI (5, 10, 30 and 50 µM) in the absence or presence of the chemotherapeutic drug docetaxel (DOCE) (1 and 2 nM). The cytotoxic effects of these compounds were analyzed using the trypan blue exclusion assay at 24, 48 and 72 h. Apoptosis and migration assays were also performed. The results showed that 3-BI induced a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on PC-3 cells at 24, 48 and 72 h. These effects were significantly higher than those found with DOCE at 72 h of culture. Moreover, 3-BI also potentiated the effects of DOCE in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, 3-BI showed inhibition of the migration of PC-3 cells. Nevertheless, 3-BI was not effective in the DU145 PC cell line. These results show a promising role for the 3-BI compound as a co-adjuvant agent in DOCE-based therapy in certain types of PC.

Genotypification of the MSP3 Gene in patients with complicated Malaria / Genotypification of the MSP3 Gene in patients with complicated Malaria

Objetivo. Se estudió la diversidad genética de las poblaciones naturales de parásitos de Plasmodium vivax mediante el estudio de la región variable del gen Pvmsp-3α. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó PCR-RFLP en 29 muestras de pacientes con malaria por P. vivax con complicaciones (PC) y 32 pacientes con malaria por P. vivax sin complicaciones (PNC), todos los pacientes provenientes de la región Bajo-Córdoba-Uraba, zona altamente endémica para malaria. Fueron colectadas muestras de sangre total para la extracción de DNA utilizando la tecnica saponina/chelex-100. Se usó la tecnica de RFLP usando las enzimas de restricción HhAI y AluI. Diez patrones de restricción fácilmente distinguibles, se detectaron después que los productos de la PCR fueron digeridos con la enzima Alu I y 9 con la enzima Hha I. Resultados. El gen Pvmsp-3α exhibió gran polimorfismo y los resultados sugieren que este gen puede ser utilizado en Colombia como un marcador molecular epidemiológico para el genotipado de P. vivax, ademas el patron PH1con la enzima AluI mostró mayor frecencia en los pacientes complicados. Conclusiones. El gen Pvmsp3α puede ser un marcador genetico de variabilidad en las cepas circulantes de P. vivax y el PH1 sugiere ser un marcador para predecir una complicación en pacientes con malaria vivax.

Objective. The genetic diversity of the natural populations of Plasmodium vivax parasites was studied by studying the variable region ofthe Pvmsp-3α gene. Materials and methods. PCR-RFLP was performed in 29 samples of patients with P. vivax malaria with complications (PC) and 32 patients with P. vivax malaria with out complications (PNC), all patients from the Bajo-Córdoba-Uraba region, Highly endemicto malaria. Total blood samples were collected for DNA extraction using the saponin /chelex-100 technique. The RFLP technique was used using there striction en zymes HhA Iand AluI. Teneasily distinguis hablere striction patterns were detected after the PCR products were digested with the enzyme Alu I and 9 with the enzyme Hha I. Results. The Pvmsp-3α gene exhibited large polymorphismand the results suggest that this gene can be used in Colombia asa moleculare pidemiological marker for the genotypin go fP. vivax. Further more, the PH1 pattern with the AluIen zyme showed higher frequency in the complicated patients. Conclusions. The Pvmsp3 gene may be agenetic marker of variability in the circulating strain so fP. vivax and the PH1 suggest samarker for predicting a complication in patients with vivax malaria.

Ligand-dependent Hedgehog pathway activation in Rhabdomyosarcoma: the oncogenic role of the ligands.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children. The Hedgehog (HH) pathway is known to develop an oncogenic role in RMS. However, the molecular mechanism that drives activation of the pathway in RMS is not well understood. METHODS: The expression of HH ligands was studied by qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. Functional and animal model studies were carried out with cells transduced with shRNAs against HH ligands or treated with HH-specific inhibitors (Vismodegib and MEDI-5304). Finally, the molecular characterisation of an off-target effect of Vismodegib was also made. RESULTS: The results showed a prominent expression of HH ligands supporting an autocrine ligand-dependent activation of the pathway. A comparison of pharmacologic Smoothened inhibition (Vismodegib) and HH ligand blocking (MEDI-5304) is also provided. Interestingly, a first description of pernicious off-target effect of Vismodegib is also reported. CONCLUSIONS: The clarification of the HH pathway activation mechanism in RMS opens a door for targeted therapies against HH ligands as a possible alternative in the future development of better treatment protocols. Moreover, the description of a pernicious off-target effect of Vismodegib, via unfolded protein response activation, may mechanistically explain its previously reported inefficiency in several ligand-dependent cancers.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium intake, and bone mineral density in Spanish adults.

UNLABELLED: Vitamin D insufficiency is very common among Spanish community-dwelling adult subjects. A threshold of serum 25(OH)D around 30 ng/ml would be necessary for the prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism and hip bone loss in our population, regardless of the dairy calcium ingestion. INTRODUCTION: This study aims to assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D-25(OH)D-status in Spanish adult subjects and to analyze its relationships with serum PTH levels, calcium intake, and bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: A total of 1811 individuals (1154 postmenopausal women and 657 men) aged 44-93 years participated in the study. Serum 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), aminoterminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP), and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ß-CTX) levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence. BMD was determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D levels were below 10, 20, and 30 ng/ml in 5, 40, and 83 % of participants, respectively. There was a significant seasonal difference in mean serum 25(OH)D, with higher levels in summer-autumn. In multivariate analysis, 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with age, serum PTH and creatinine, body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, and a number of chronic diseases, but positively with dairy calcium intake. The magnitude of the difference in serum PTH according to 25(OH)D quartiles was not influenced by calcium intake. A threshold of serum 25(OH)D around 30 ng/ml was observed for serum PTH and hip BMD. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D insufficiency is very common among Spanish community-dwelling adult subjects. A threshold of serum 25(OH)D around 30 ng/ml would be necessary for the prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism and hip bone loss in our population, regardless of the dairy calcium ingestion. Programs to improve vitamin D status may be required in our country.

Reliability of radiologic evaluation of abdominal aortic calcification using the 24-point scale.

OBJECTIVE: Calcification of the abdominal aorta is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity, so a reliable method to quantify it is clinically transcendent. The 24-point scale (AAC-24) is the standard method for assessing abdominal aortic calcification on lateral plain films of the lumbar spine. The aim of this study was to determine the intraobserver and interobserver agreements for the AAC-24, taking into account the heterogeneity of the distribution of the calcifications in the design of the statistical analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the intraobserver agreement (in plain films from 81 patients, with a four-year separation between observations) and the interobserver agreement (in plain films from 100 patients, with three observers), using both intraclass correlation and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: The intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI95%]: 0.6-0.9), and the interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.91 (CI95%: 0.8-0.9) with an increase in the coefficient in the tercile with the greatest discrepancy. The difference in means ranged from 0.3 to 1.2 points, and the distance between the limits of agreement ranged from 4.7 to 9.4 points. These differences increased significantly as the calcification progressed. CONCLUSIONS: Using the AAC-24 on lateral plain films of the lumbar spine is a reliable and reproducible method of assessing calcification of the abdominal aorta; both intraobserver and interobserver agreement are higher during the initial phases of calcification.

Prevalencia y factores asociados a la adherencia al tratamiento no farmacológico en pacientes con hipertensión y diabetes en servicios de baja complejidad / Prevalence and factors associated with adherence to non-pharmacological treatment of hypertensive and diabetic patients at low complexity services / Prevalência e fatores associados à aderência ao tratamento não-farmacológico em pacientes com hipertensão e diabete em serviços de baixa complexidade

OBJETIVO: determinar la prevalencia y los factores relacionados con la adherencia no farmacológica en pacientes con hipertensión arterial (HTA) y diabetes mellitus (DM). METODOLOGIA: estudio observacional transversal en pacientes adultos mayores de 35 años con diagnóstico de HTA o DM, atendidos en un programa de Renoprotección en cuidado primario en Cali, Colombia. Se excluyeron aquellos pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en estadío KDOQI 4-5, los que presentaran comorbilidades adicionales que deterioraran la función renal o con trastornos neuropsiquiátricos diagnosticados previamente. La adherencia no farmacológica se determinó mediante un cuestionario de autoreporte y los factores asociados a la misma se determinaron mediante regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta. RESULTADOS : la prevalencia de la adherencia no farmacológica fue de 9,4%. La inactividad física estuvo presente en 75% de los pacientes, y más del 19% de la población consumía sal frecuentemente. Entre los diabéticos, 18% consumía carbohidratos con frecuencia. Los hombres mostraron ser menos adherentes que las mujeres (RP: 0,21; p = 0,002). Los factores asociados positivamente con la adherencia no farmacológica fueron: estar estudiando, desempleado o pensionado (RP: 4,42; p = 0,019), recibir apoyo del equipo de salud (RP: 3,17; p = 0,032), tener diagnóstico de diabetes (RP: 7,79; p = 0,000) y la función renal en KDOQI-3 (RP: 5,14; p = 0,008). CONCLUSION: la adherencia no farmacológica fue muy baja en la población de estudio, en particular en relación con la inactividad física. Los factores asociados positivamente a la adherencia fueron el sexo femenino, tener una ocupación diferente al hogar, diagnostico de diabetes, enfermedad renal en KDOQI-3 y contar con apoyo del equipo de salud.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with adherence to non-pharmacological treatment in patients with high blood pressure (HBP) and diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional and observational study conducted with adult patients older than 35, diagnosed with HBP or DM and receiving health care in a primary care renal protection program in Cali, Colombia. Patients with chronic kidney disease at the KDOQI 4-5 stage, additional comorbidities which impair the renal function or with previously diagnosed neuropsychiatric disorders were excluded. Adherence to non-pharmacological treatment was determined using a self-report questionnaire. Factors associated with adherence were obtained through a Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS : The prevalence of patient adherence was 9.4%.Physical inactivity was present in 75% of the patients and 19% of the population often consumed salt. Among the diabetics, 18% often consumed carbohydrates. Men showed less adherence than women (RP: 0.21; p = 0.002). Factors positively associated with adherence to non-pharmacological treatment were: being a student, unemployed or retired(RP: 4.42; p = 0.019), getting help from the health care team (RP: 3.17; p = 0.032), being diagnosed with diabetes (RP: 7.79; p = 0.000) and having the renal function in the KDOQI-3 stage (RP: 5.14; p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Adherence to non-pharmacological treatment was very low in the studied population, particularly in relation to physical inactivity. The factors positively associated with treatment adherence were being female, not being a housewife, having diabetes, having a renal disease at the KDOQI-3 stage and having the support of a health care team.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência e os fatores ligados à aderência não-farmacológica em pacientes com hipertensão arterial (HTA) e diabetes mellitus (DM). METODOLOGIA: Estudo observacional transversal em pacientes adultos maiores de 35 anos com diagnóstico de HTA ou DM, atendidos em um programa de Renoproteção em cuidado primário em Cali, Colômbia.Foram excluídos aqueles pacientes com doença renal crônica em etapa KSOQI 4-5, aqueles com comorbilidades adicionais que deterioram a função renal ou com transtornos neuropsiquiátricos diagnosticados previamente.A aderência não farmacológica foi determinada por meio de um questionário de auto-relato e os fatores associados a ela foram determinados por meio de regressão de poisson com variância robusta. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da aderência não farmacológica foi de 9.4%.A inatividade física esteve presente em 75% dos pacientes e mais de 19% da população consumia sal frequentemente.Entre os diabéticos 18% consumia frequentemente carboidratos. Os homens mostraram ser menos aderentes do que as mulheres (RP: 0,21; p = 0,002). Os fatores associados positivamente à aderência não farmacológica foram os fatos de estarem estudando, desempregados ou aposentados(RP: 4,42; p = 0,019), receber apoio da equipe de saúde (RP: 3,17; p = 0,032), ter diagnóstico de diabetes (RP: 7,79; p = 0,000) e a função renal em KDOQI-3 (RP: 5,14; p = 0,008). CONCLUSÃO: Aderência não farmacológica foi muito baixa na população analisada, em particular em relação com a atividade física.Os fatores associados positivamente à aderência foram o gênero feminino, ter uma ocupação diferente do lar, diagnóstico de diabetes, doença renal em KDOQI-3 e contar com apoio da equipe de saúde.

Isoinertial and isokinetic sprints: muscle signalling.

To determine if the muscle signalling response to a 30 s all-out sprint exercise is modulated by the exercise mode and the endocrine response, 27 healthy volunteers were divided in 2 groups that performed isokinetic (10 men and 5 women) and isoinertial (7 men and 5 women) Wingate tests. Blood samples and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were taken before, immediately after, 30 and 120 min after the sprints. Groups were comparable in age, height, body weight, percentage of body fat, peak power per kg of lower extremities lean mass (Pmax) and muscle fibre types. However, the isoinertial group achieved a 25% greater mean power (Pmean). Sprint exercise elicited marked increases in the musculus vastus lateralis AMPKα, ACCß, STAT3, STAT5 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation (all P<0.05). The AMPKα, STAT3, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation responses were more marked after the isoinertial than isokinetic test (interaction: P<0.01). The differences in muscle signalling could not be accounted for by differences in Pmax, although Pmean could explain part of the difference in AMPKα phosphorylation. The leptin, insulin, glucose, GH, IL-6, and lactate response were similar in both groups. In conclusion, the muscle signalling response to sprint exercise differs between isoinertial and isokinetic sprints.

New insights into antioxidant activity of Brassica crops.

Antioxidant activity of six Brassica crops-broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, nabicol and tronchuda cabbage-was measured at four plant stages with DPPH and FRAP assays. Samples taken three months after sowing showed the highest antioxidant activity. Kale crop possessed the highest antioxidant activity at this plant stage and also at the adult plant stage, while cauliflower showed the highest antioxidant activity in sprouts and in leaves taken two months after sowing. Brassica by-products could be used as sources of products with high content of antioxidants. Phenolic content and composition varied, depending on the crop under study and on the plant stage; sprout samples were much higher in hydroxycinnamic acids than the rest of samples. Differences in antioxidant activity of Brassica crops were related to differences in total phenolic content but also to differences in phenolic composition for most samples.

Notch-mediated induction of N-cadherin and α9-integrin confers higher invasive phenotype on rhabdomyosarcoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the commonest type of soft-tissue sarcoma in children. Patients with metastatic RMS continue to have very poor prognosis. Recently, several works have demonstrated a connection between Notch pathway activation and the regulation of cell motility and invasiveness. However, the molecular mechanisms of this possible relationship remain unclear. METHODS: The Notch pathway was manipulated pharmacologically and genetically. The mRNA changes were analysed by quantitative PCR and protein variations by western blot and immunofluorescence. Finally, the capabilities of RMS cells to adhere, heal a wound and invade were assessed in the presence of neuronal cadherin (N-cadherin)- and α9-integrin-blocking antibodies. RESULTS: Cells treated with γ-secretase inhibitor showed lower adhesion capability and downregulation of N-cadherin and α9-integrin. Genetic manipulation of the Notch pathway led to concomitant variations in N-cadherin and α9-integrin. Treatment with anti-N-cadherin-blocking antibody rendered marked inhibition of cell adhesion and motility, while anti-α9-integrin-blocking antibody exerted a remarkable effect on cell adhesion and invasiveness. CONCLUSION: Neuronal cadherin and α9-integrin are postulated as leading actors in the association between the Notch pathway and promotion of cell adhesion, motility and invasion, pointing to these proteins and the Notch pathway itself as interesting putative targets for new molecular therapies against metastases in RMS.

Prevalencia de trastornos mentales en una población que demanda servicios de salud en una IPS de baja complejidad y su asociación con la ideación suicida y la discapacidad percibida / Prevalence of mental disorders in a population requesting health services at a primary health care center and its association with suicidal ideation and perceived disability

Objetivo: conocer los trastornos mentales más frecuentes y el impacto en la percepción de discapacidad e ideación suicida en una Institución prestadora de servicios de salud de baja complejidad en Cali. Metodología: se realizó un estudio transversal con 254 pacientes a los que se les aplicó el instrumento prime-md. En el análisis se utilizó estadística descriptiva para determinar los trastornos más frecuentes y un análisis múltiple por regresiones logística y de Poisson con varianza robusta para determinar la influencia de los trastornos mentales en la discapacidad e ideación suicida. Resultados: la mayoría de los pacientes eran del sexo femenino, adultos jóvenes y maduros. La depresión estuvo presente en 66.8% de los casos, seguido del trastorno de somatización y la ansiedad. Casi la mitad de los pacientes habían tenido ideas suicidas alguna vez en la vida y 3 de cada 4 refirieron algún tipo de discapacidad. Después de ajustar por covariables, los trastornos ansiosos-depresivos mostraron una alta asociación con la ideación suicida y la discapacidad percibida, que es sobrestimada por la regresión logística. Conclusión: la depresión y la ansiedad son los trastornos mas frecuentes y tienen una alta asociación con la ideación suicida y la discapacidad y es por esto necesario realizar tamizaciones en la atención del adulto en servicios de baja complejidad. Se recomienda considerar el uso de la regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta en los estudios transversales en los servicios de salud.

OBJECTIVE: this study's goal was to determine the most prevalent mental disorders and the impact on the perception of disability and suicidal ideation among the population from a primary health care center in the city of Cali.METHODOLOGY: a cross sectional study was conducted on 254 patients who were screened with the PRIME–MD instrument. Descriptive statistics was used in the analysis to determine the most frequent disorders. Similarly, a multiple analysis with logistic and Poisson regressions using robust variance was conducted to determine the influence of mental disorders on disability and suicidal ideation.RESULTS: most patients were female, young, and mature adults. Depression was present in 66,8% of all cases, followed by somatization disorder and anxiety. Half of the patients had had suicidal ideations at some point in their lives, and three out of four patients claimed to suffer from some kind of disability. Upon adjusting for the covariables, depression and anxiety disorders had a strong association with suicidal ideation and perceived disability that was overestimated by the logistic regression.CONCLUSION: depression and anxiety were the most common disorders and showed a strong association with suicidal ideation and disability. This is why it is necessary to screen for those disorders among adults using primary health care services. Likewise, we suggest considering Poisson regression with robust variance in cross–sectional studies in health services.

[Chromosomal translocations in soft tissue sarcomas: from molecular biology to clinical application]. / Translocaciones cromosómicas en los sarcomas de partes blandas: de la biología molecular a la aplicación clínica.

Recent advances in the knowledge of the molecular biology of paediatric sarcomas, especially the characterisation of chromosomal translocations associated specifically with particular types of cancer, have established bases for the introduction of new diagnostic tools. This article reviews the main chromosomal translocations associated with paediatric tumours, and summarises their molecular characteristics regarding their oncogenic capabilities, possible usefulness as a differential diagnostic tools and possible correlation with clinical parameters.

Influence of interleukin-6 promoter polymorphism -174 g/c on kidney graft outcome.

BACKGROUND: The cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is important in both immune responses and cardiovascular diseases. The IL-6 promoter polymorphism -174 G/C is associated with increased plasma concentrations of IL-6. The relationship between IL-6 polymorphisms and graft survival, cardiovascular events, and new-onset diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether IL-6 (-174 G/C) polymorphism influences kidney graft survival or development of chronic allograft nephropathy, cardiovascular events, or new- onset diabetes. METHODS: The IL-6 promoter polymorphism (-174 G/C) was analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers in 335 kidney transplant recipients. Data for graft survival, chronic graft nephropathy, cardiovascular events, and new-onset diabetes were obtained retrospectively from clinical records. Categorical variables were compared between individuals with CC, GG, and GC genotypes using χ2 tests. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, comparing groups using the log-rank test. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in 5-year graft survival between individuals with CC and GC/GG genotypes (85.3% vs 77.1%; P=.22). Nor were significant differences noted in the rates of chronic allograft nephropathy (37.5% vs 33.8%; P=.48), cardiovascular events (10.0% vs 23.0%; P=.10), or new-onset diabetes (7.5% vs 11.8%; P=.28). CONCLUSION: There is no association between IL-6 (-174 G/C) polymorphism and graft survival or development of chronic allograft nephropathy, cardiovascular events, or new- onset diabetes.

[Enterocystoplasty for interstitial cystitis. Deferred results]. / Enterocistoplastia por cistitis intersticial. Resultados diferidos.

INTRODUCTION: Interstitial cystitis is clinically diagnosed entity, characterized by irritative bladder symptoms and suprapubic pain. It is reported that up to 10% of patients are refractory to conservative management. In these patients' supratrigonal cystectomy and bladder enlargement enterocystoplasty has been used. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of our series of patients that underwent this surgical technique due they were suffering interstitial cystitis refractory to conservative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients that underwent supratrigonal cystectomy and bladder enlargement enterocystoplasty in our hospital between 1999 and 2006. Mictional rhythm, pre and postoperative bladder capacity measured by cystodistention, postoperative bladder capacity measured as mictional volume, surgical complications and the degree of satisfaction of patients measured by means of application of a survey were recorded. Mictional rhythms and pre and postoperative bladder capacity were compared. RESULTS: 15 interventions were performed. Mean preoperative bladder capacity was 125 cc, Mean preoperative mictional rhythm was 30.5 times a day. There were perioperative complications in 5 patients. The mean postoperative mictional volume was 355 cc and mean frequency was 8.26. When comparing pre and postoperative rythms and urinary volume there were statistically significant differences (p:0.0008 y p:0.0007 respectively). Regarding the survey, 13 patients were satisfied in terms of mictional frequency and 11 patients were satisfied in terms of suprapubic pain.

Cytokine polymorphisms and risk of infection after kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Infection remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after solid organ transplantation. Genetic background has an influence on the incidence of infection. The aim of our study was to analyze the relationship between cytokine polymorphisms and infection in our kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: DNA from 255 kidney transplant recipients was isolated routinely. Polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primer was performed using commercially available cytokine genotyping primer packs to determine polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor-beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, IL-6, IL-4, IL-2, IL-12, IL-4R alpha, IL-1RA, IL-1R, IL-1 beta, and IL-1 alpha. The appearance and number of infections within the first year after transplantation were identified retrospectively. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two patients experienced at least one episode of infection in the first year after transplant. The frequency of the -511 IL-1beta CC genotype and the frequencies of the -1188 IL-12 CA and CC genotypes were significantly higher among the infected patients compared with the noninfected patients. We failed to observe significant differences in the genotype distribution of the other analyzed cytokines regarding the incidence of infection. After adjusting, recipient IL-1beta (-511 CC) genotype (relative risk [RR] 2.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30 to 5.49, P = .007) and recipient IL-12 (-1188 CA and CC) genotypes (RR 2.57, 95% CI 1.22 to 5.38, P = .012) predicted independently the risk of infection in the first year after kidney transplantation. CONCLUSION: Kidney transplant recipients with -511 IL-1beta CC genotype or with -1188 IL-12 CA and CC genotypes were at higher risk of developing infections in the first year after transplantation. Patients with genetic susceptibility to infection may benefit from less potent immunosuppressive therapy and more intense preventive measures.

Prevalencia de marcadores serológicos ANCA y ASCA en una población con colitis ulcerosa / Presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and anti Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) among patients with ulcerative colitis

Background: The diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease is supported by clinical findings and complementary tests. The presence of specific serological markers could be helpful in the characterization of this condition. Aim: To assess the prevalence of ANCA and ASCA in a group of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and its association with clinical features. Material and Methods: Sixty four patients with UC in remission (age range 16-72 years, 33 males) were studied. In a venous blood sample ANCA were measured by indirect immunofluorescence and ASCA by enzyme immune assays for IgG and IgA. Results: Forty four percent of patients were positive for ANCA, 9 percent for ASCA and 6 percent for both markers. There was a significant correlation between the presence of ANCA and duration of the UC (<5 years 50 percent, 5-10 years 42.9 percent, 15 years 30 percent) and the number of crises (one crises 31 percent, 2-5 crises 51.9 percent and >5 crises 87.5). The proportion of colectomized patients with positive ANCA was higher (57.1 percent). Conclusions: The prevalence of ANCA in the studied population is similar to the published data. The presence of ANCA was significantly higher in UC patients with shorter evolution, higher number of crises and in those with a history of colectomy. There was a low prevalence of ASCA positive patients.