Cephalometric, muscular and swallowing changes in patients with OSAS.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) is believed to be associated with craniofacial and neuromuscular changes, although the interplay among these variables still is poorly recognised. The objective of this study was to identify hyoid, muscular and swallowing changes associated with OSAS, and to correlate these alterations with OSAS severity. Cross-sectional study, in a tertiary referral centre. Seventy-two adult individuals participated in this study: 12 controls (without apnoea) and 60 patients with apnoea (mild, moderate and severe OSAS-20 individuals in each group). All participants were initially evaluated by otorhinolaryngologist and neurologist and underwent polysomnography for OSAS stratification. Cephalometric data, clinical myofunctional status and swallow videofluoroscopy exam were assessed. A hybrid effect model was used to analyse swallowing parameters; dependent variables were age, body mass index (BMI) and cephalometric measures. Individuals with OSAS presented lower hyoid position and narrower posterior airway distance when compared to controls. These parameters correlated to OSAS severity. Additionally, OSAS patients exhibited significantly lower myofunctional scores. Both velum and hyoid contraction times were significantly lower in the OSAS group at videofluoroscopy, regardless of its severity. Premature leakage into pharynx was more common in OSAS groups. Laryngeal penetration phenomenon occurred only in two patients (both from OSAS group). Our results suggest that hyoid bone position is associated with OSAS severity. Muscular pattern and swallowing are impaired in OSAS patients, irrespective of OSAS severity and facial profile. These findings indicate a higher predisposition of OSAS patients to present an inferior hyoid positioning, accompanied by myofunctional and swallowing disorders.

Cannabidiol can improve complex sleep-related behaviours associated with rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder in Parkinson's disease patients: a case series.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main non-psychotropic component of the Cannabis sativa plant. REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterized by the loss of muscle atonia during REM sleep associated with nightmares and active behaviour during dreaming. We have described the effects of CBD in RBD symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. CASES SUMMARY: Four patients treated with CBD had prompt and substantial reduction in the frequency of RBD-related events without side effects. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: This case series indicates that CBD is able to control the symptoms of RBD.

Acute treatments with GMP produce antidepressant-like effects in mice.

This study examined the effect of GMP in two models of depression in mice. The immobility times in the forced swimming test (FST) and in the tail suspension test (TST) were significantly reduced by GMP (dose range: 5-50 mg/kg and 5-100 mg/kg, i.p., respectively), without accompanying changes in ambulation in an open-field. I.c.v. injection of GMP (320-480 nmol/site) also reduced the immobility in the FST without affecting ambulation. The immobility of mice treated with MK-801 (0.01 mg/kg) + GMP (50 mg/kg) was not significantly different from the result obtained with MK-801 or GMP alone, but GMP (or MK-801) + imipramine (15 mg/kg) treatment induced a stronger effect in FST than administration of either drug alone. Pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine (100 mg/kg, 4 days) completely blocked the anti-immobility effect of GMP, MK-801 or fluoxetine (32 mg/kg), but only partially that of imipramine in the FST. The results suggest that the antidepressant-like effects produced by the administration of GMP, like MK-801, may be due to an indirect serotonin activation resulting from blockade of NMDA receptors.