RESUMO
PURPOSE: Theoretical and experimental evidences support the hypothesis that Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (ELF-EMF) can modulate voltage-gated channels. In this work we investigated the effect of ELF-EMF on Kv1.3, a member of the family of the voltage-gated potassium channels that is thought to be involved in key physiological functions, including the regulation of T-cells activation during the immune response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Kv1.3 expressing CHO-K1 cells were exposed to a 20 Hz electromagnetic field at two different intensities: 268 µT and 902 µT. Kv1.3 potassium currents were recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp before, during and after field exposure. RESULTS: We found that the Kv1.3 current was increased significantly by the ELF-EMF in a subpopulation of CHO-K1 cells. The increase developed after a few seconds from the start of exposure, reached a steady-state and took several minutes to return to the baseline after field removal. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that Kv1.3 may mediate interactions between ELF-EMF and living cells, disclosing new research opportunities on the molecular mechanisms with which electromagnetic fields affect physiological and pathological processes, including immunomodulation, inflammation and cancer.
Assuntos
Campos Eletromagnéticos , Canal de Potássio Kv1.3/metabolismo , Animais , Células CHO , Cricetulus , Fenômenos Eletrofisiológicos/efeitos da radiação , Ativação Linfocitária/efeitos da radiação , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Linfócitos T/metabolismo , Linfócitos T/efeitos da radiaçãoRESUMO
A method to measure the detector-to-object distance from the images obtained with stationary high-spatial-resolution gamma-ray cameras for in vivo studies has been developed. It exploits the shift of the imaged object in the image plane, obtained at a certain tilt of the parallel-hole collimator. A linear dependence of the image displacement on the distance to the object has been measured using a high-spatial-resolution scintillation camera employing an yttrium-aluminium perovskite (YAP) scintillator. It is shown that the modified YAP camera can be used to obtain three-dimensional information without moving the camera or the object. The method could be applied in scintimammography and radioguided surgery, in lymphoscintigraphy, as well as in the analysis of the biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals.
Assuntos
Algoritmos , Câmaras gama , Aumento da Imagem/métodos , Interpretação de Imagem Assistida por Computador/métodos , Imageamento Tridimensional/métodos , Tomografia por Emissão de Pósitrons/instrumentação , Tomografia por Emissão de Pósitrons/métodos , Desenho de Equipamento , Análise de Falha de Equipamento , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Sensibilidade e EspecificidadeRESUMO
Physical properties of a position-sensitive camera for the analysis of biodistributions of gamma- and beta-emitting radiopharmaceuticals in small animals have been studied, in order to achieve optimal operating conditions. The camera consisted of a highly segmented yttrium-aluminate perovskite (YAP) scintillator, coupled to a position-sensitive photomultiplier. The energy resolution, the detection efficiency, the spatial resolution, the spatial linearity and the count-rate linearity of the YAP camera have been determined. Images related to initial activity levels and successive biodistribution evolution in mice organs are presented as an illustration of the camera performance.
Assuntos
Alumínio/uso terapêutico , Compostos de Cálcio/uso terapêutico , Câmaras gama , Óxidos/uso terapêutico , Fótons , Compostos Radiofarmacêuticos/farmacocinética , Contagem de Cintilação/instrumentação , Contagem de Cintilação/métodos , Titânio/uso terapêutico , Ítrio/uso terapêutico , Animais , Partículas beta , Desenho de Equipamento , Processamento de Imagem Assistida por Computador , Luz , Camundongos , Projetos de Pesquisa , Fatores de Tempo , Distribuição Tecidual , Tomografia Computadorizada de Emissão/métodosRESUMO
The karyotypes of 33 Philadelphia-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia patients during the blastic phase are reported. Only three patients (9%) had a Philadelphia clone without further chromosomal aberrations, whereas, all the others had karyotype evolution. Aside from some nonrandom abnormalities (+8, i(17q), +Ph, +19) we found a higher frequency of clones with random structural rearrangements (13 cases, 39.4%) than previously reported. From a clinical point of view, however, the additional chromosomal (structural) abnormalities do not significantly influence the patients' survival.
Assuntos
Crise Blástica , Leucemia Mieloide/genética , Cromossomo Filadélfia , Translocação Genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Marcadores Genéticos , Humanos , Cariotipagem , Leucemia Mieloide/patologia , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
Four variants of the Ph chromosome translocation in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients are described. Two had an unusual simple translocation involving chromosomes #7 and #17. In two cases, the translocation, aside from involving #9 and #22, involved a third chromosome, chromosome #6 and chromosome #11, respectively. Three cases showed also karyotypic evolution during the blastic phase of the disease: in two cases, a new reciprocal translocation was found that involved a chromosome #9 at band q34. The clinical and cytogenetic significance of these results is briefly discussed.
Assuntos
Cromossomos Humanos 16-18 , Cromossomos Humanos 21-22 e Y , Cromossomos Humanos 6-12 e X , Leucemia Mieloide/genética , Translocação Genética , Adolescente , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Cariotipagem , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fenótipo , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Seven cases of acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia showing t(8;21)(q22;q22) at diagnosis are described. Involvement of a sex chromosome was found in all patients (in six cases as a loss, and in one as a Y duplication), thus, confirming the suggestion of a correlation between these two chromosomal abnormalities. The constitutional folic acid-sensitive fragile site fra(8)(q22) was not detected, in spite of careful analysis of over 300 metaphases of cells grown in folic acid-free medium. Morphologic diagnoses and clinical aspects are briefly discussed.
Assuntos
Cromossomos Humanos 21-22 e Y , Cromossomos Humanos 6-12 e X , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/genética , Translocação Genética , Adulto , Idoso , Medula Óssea/patologia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Cariotipagem , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/patologia , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Aberrações dos Cromossomos Sexuais/genéticaRESUMO
The interface effects arising in the measurement of absorbed dose by ionization chambers, owing to the inhomogeneity between the walls and the gas, have been evaluated by an analytical model. The geometrical situation considered here is appropriate for representing the behaviour of a plane-parallel ionization chamber exposed to a radiotherapeutic beam of protons. Two gases, dry air and tissue equivalent gas (methane based), as well as six materials commonly used in ionization chamber walls, i.e. graphite, A-150 tissue equivalent plastic, C-522 air equivalent plastic, nylon type 6, polymethyl methacrylate and polystyrene, have been examined. The analysis of the results shows that, within the limits of the detector dimensions and proton energies commonly used in the dosimetry of radiotherapeutic beams, these effects, if not taken into account in the measurement interpretation, can entail deviations of up to about 2% with respect to the correct absorbed dose in gas.
Assuntos
Terapia com Prótons , Radiometria/métodos , Fenômenos Biofísicos , Biofísica , Gases , Humanos , Modelos Teóricos , Imagens de Fantasmas , Radiometria/instrumentação , Planejamento da Radioterapia Assistida por Computador , Radioterapia de Alta EnergiaRESUMO
The treatment of DIC often presents problems that are not easily solved given the difficulty of interpreting symptoms and haematological findings, the seriousness of the clinical situation and the rapid development of disease phenomena. Diagnostic questions must be answered before physiopathologically rational therapy can be applied. The identification and cure of the condition which triggers coagulation are also of primary importance in selecting a therapeutic response. Apart from specific treatment of the causal disease, the treatment of DIC is based on the one hand on the use of anticoagulants (heparin) to halt intravascular coagulation and transfusional integration with haemoderivatives and platelet concentrates to correct the haemostasis deficiency secondary to such massive consumption. On the other, direct methods are needed to control the state of shock, cardiorespiratory compromise and acute renal insufficiency which often complicate the course of the defibrination syndrome. Therapeutic success depends on timely intervention allied to the employment of adequate measures for each individual case.
Assuntos
Coagulação Intravascular Disseminada/terapia , Heparina/uso terapêutico , Antifibrinolíticos/uso terapêutico , Deficiência de Antitrombina III , Anuria/prevenção & controle , Aprotinina/uso terapêutico , Aspirina/uso terapêutico , Transfusão de Sangue , Dipiridamol/uso terapêutico , Fator VIII/uso terapêutico , Feminino , Humanos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/complicações , Masculino , Agregação Plaquetária/efeitos dos fármacos , Gravidez , Complicações Hematológicas na Gravidez , Choque Séptico/terapia , Tromboembolia/prevenção & controleRESUMO
We report a case of Coombs positive autoimmune hemolytic anemia occurring in a patient with chronic hepatitis C, never treated with interferon-alpha. Prednisone treatment induced the complete remission of both clinical and hematological findings after 2 months. The indirect Coombs test turned negative, while the direct Coombs test remained weakly positive. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia during chronic hepatitis C has been reported to develop only after or simultaneously with interferon-alpha therapy. After discarding other possible causes such as drugs, infectious, neoplastic, lymphoproliferative diseases, and essential mixed cryoglobulinemia, we made the hypothesis of a correlation between autoimmune hemolytic anemia and hepatitis C virus infection.
Assuntos
Anemia Hemolítica Autoimune/imunologia , Hepatite C Crônica/complicações , Idoso , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
Factor VIII inhibitors are antibodies of the IgG class that block functional epitopes or antigenic sites of factor VIII. They occur in about 5-20% of hemophilia A patients after infusions of factor VIII concentrate. Antibodies to factor VIII can also arise spontaneously in association with various autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, certain drugs, dermatologic conditions, and in puerperium. In the majority of cases, the clinical course is characterized by severe hemorrhages. Strategies to treat such inhibitors are controversial. We present the case of a patient with prostatic cancer who developed acquired factor VIII inhibitor. His severe bleeding complications were treated successfully with cyclophosphamide in combination with methylprednisolone. Within a few months, moreover, the immunosuppressive therapy brought about complete disappearance of the inhibitor and normalization of coagulation parameters. Our case illustrates that, although the clinical course in patients with acquired factor VIII inhibitor is not predictable, and the inhibitor may disappear spontaneously, combined therapy with cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone should be considered for patients with severe hemorrhages.
Assuntos
Transtornos da Coagulação Sanguínea/tratamento farmacológico , Transtornos da Coagulação Sanguínea/etiologia , Ciclofosfamida/uso terapêutico , Fator VIII/antagonistas & inibidores , Glucocorticoides/uso terapêutico , Metilprednisolona/uso terapêutico , Neoplasias da Próstata/complicações , Transtornos da Coagulação Sanguínea/imunologia , Fator VIII/imunologia , Humanos , Imunoglobulina G/imunologia , Terapia de Imunossupressão , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
An etiologically important role has been suggested for hepatitis C virus infection in the development of low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, such as splenic marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. We present a study of 3 patients with splenic marginal zone B-cell lymphoma and chronic hepatitis C, and describe clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical features and the response to therapy in these cases. All 3 patients underwent splenectomy, polychemotherapy and alpha-interferon therapy. The first patient achieved complete remission; the second died of hepatic failure and anasarca 3 months after admission; as this writing, the third remains in complete remission 4.5 years after diagnosis. In the second patient, a long latency period of chronic hepatitis C virus infection was observed. Our data indicate that when early detection of the disease is possible, splenic marginal zone B-cell lymphoma has a relatively favorable prognosis. Our results could furthermore suggest an etiologic role for hepatitis C virus infection in the development of splenic B-cell lymphoma through multistep cooperating events. A fuller understanding of the virus-related mechanisms of lymphoproliferation could contribute significantly to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Assuntos
Hepatite C Crônica/complicações , Hepatite C Crônica/patologia , Linfoma de Células B/complicações , Linfoma de Células B/patologia , Neoplasias Esplênicas/complicações , Neoplasias Esplênicas/patologia , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
This work considers the new advances in hairy cell leukemia therapy. During the last decades the only useful treatments were splenectomy, or, in case of failure or relapse, various chemotherapeutic approaches. Sometimes leukapheresis, radiotherapy, androgens, allogenic bone marrow transplantation, corticosteroids and lithium salts were used with few good results. Interferon and 2-deoxicoformycin recently introduced for the treatment of HCL have determined a dramatic change in the outlook of this disease, producing a high percentage of complete and partial remission.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Coformicina/uso terapêutico , Interferons/uso terapêutico , Leucemia de Células Pilosas/terapia , Ribonucleosídeos/uso terapêutico , Coformicina/análogos & derivados , Humanos , Leucemia de Células Pilosas/tratamento farmacológico , Leucemia de Células Pilosas/cirurgia , Pentostatina , EsplenectomiaAssuntos
Plaquetas , Esplenectomia , Esplenomegalia , Adolescente , Adulto , Anemia Hemolítica/complicações , Feminino , Doença de Hodgkin/complicações , Humanos , Leucemia Mieloide/complicações , Cirrose Hepática/complicações , Linfoma Difuso de Grandes Células B/complicações , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeAssuntos
Aspirina/uso terapêutico , Transtornos Plaquetários/tratamento farmacológico , Dipiridamol/uso terapêutico , Adesividade Plaquetária/efeitos dos fármacos , Doenças Vasculares/tratamento farmacológico , Adulto , Idoso , Arteriosclerose/tratamento farmacológico , Coagulação Sanguínea/efeitos dos fármacos , Testes de Coagulação Sanguínea , Doença das Coronárias/tratamento farmacológico , Feminino , Humanos , Arteriosclerose Intracraniana/tratamento farmacológico , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Trombose/tratamento farmacológico , Trombose/prevenção & controleAssuntos
Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/efeitos adversos , Doença de Hodgkin/terapia , Leucemia Induzida por Radiação/etiologia , Leucemia/induzido quimicamente , Radioterapia/efeitos adversos , Doença Aguda , Adulto , Feminino , Doença de Hodgkin/tratamento farmacológico , Doença de Hodgkin/radioterapia , Humanos , Masculino , Mecloretamina/efeitos adversos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prednisona/efeitos adversos , Procarbazina/efeitos adversos , Vincristina/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Familial clustering of Hodgkin's disease (HD) and increased risk of developing the disease among the siblings of affected patients suggest that both environmental and genetic factors may play an important role in its pathogenesis. An association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and HD has been widely demonstrated. Recently, latent membrane protein of EBV has also been detected in CD30-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Familial aggregation of HD and a three- to seven-fold-increased risk among the siblings of affected patients suggest increased genetically determined susceptibility. No data about genetic factors are available for anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. In this study, the authors report the case of a woman with anaplastic-lymphoma-kinase (ALK)-negative CD30-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma, whose brother had developed HD 11 years previously. The clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical features of the 2 lymphomas were studied. Both siblings showed bulky mediastinal involvement, effacement of normal lymph node architecture by large, atypical cells, resembling Reed-Sternberg cells, expression of EBV latent membrane protein-1 in the lymph node specimens, concordance of both HLA classes I and II. The clinical presentations and immunological studies disclose numerous similarities between the 2 cases and can suggest that their association is not fortuitous. At present, in problematic cases, a combination of morphologic, immunophenotypic and genetic studies may contribute to better define the tumour type.
Assuntos
Doença de Hodgkin/enzimologia , Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes/enzimologia , Proteínas Tirosina Quinases , Quinase do Linfoma Anaplásico , Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/complicações , Saúde da Família , Feminino , Doença de Hodgkin/virologia , Humanos , Linfonodos/patologia , Linfonodos/virologia , Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes/virologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Núcleo Familiar , Proteínas Oncogênicas Virais/metabolismo , Receptores Proteína Tirosina Quinases , Proteínas da Matriz Viral/metabolismoRESUMO
A patient with dermoid cyst of the ovary and erythrocytosis is described. Surgical removal of the tumour was followed by a progressive decrease of the red cell mass with remission of the haematological abnormalities. Tumor fluid contained significant erythropoietic stimulating activity. This seems to be the first documented case of erythrocytosis associated with ovarian cyst.
Assuntos
Cisto Dermoide/sangue , Eritropoese , Eritropoetina/biossíntese , Neoplasias Ovarianas/sangue , Policitemia/etiologia , Idoso , Feminino , HumanosRESUMO
Using an in vitro method that allows the study of the colony forming capacity of phytohemagglutinin stimulated peripheral blood T lymphocytes, we have detected an impaired T cell colony formation in hemodialyzed renal failure patients. By contrast a near normal pattern of responses was observed in patients treated with a conservative therapy. The poor in vitro T cell responsiveness of hemodialyzed patients was not corrected by supplementing the cultures with an adherent cell contitioned medium prepared from normal donors. We conclude that an intrinsic defect of the T cell colony forming capacity exists in hemodialyzed patients.