Serum hepcidin recalibrated values in Mexican schoolchildren by demographic characteristics, nutritional and infection/inflammation status.

Hepcidin production is regulated by iron concentration, erythropoietic activity, and inflammation. There is no reference method for determining its levels, but results obtained through various methods strongly correlate and can be compared using recalibration equations. OBJECTIVE: To describe recalibrated serum hepcidin values at different percentiles in schoolchildren, considering age, sex, inflammatory processes, H. pylori infection, and iron status. METHODS: Secondary analysis of data incorporating information on inflammation, H. pylori infection, and iron status of 349 schoolchildren. Hepcidin analysis was performed using a competitive ELISA, and recalibrated hepcidin values were calculated using the inverse of the linear regression model equation obtained by van der Vorm et al. Results: Recalibrated hepcidin values were lower than non-calibrated values. In schoolchildren without infection/inflammation and without iron deficiency, recalibrated values at the 50th percentile (25th-75th) were 4.89 ng/mL (2.68-8.42). For schoolchildren without infection/inflammation but with iron deficiency, recalibrated values were 2.34 ng/mL (1.10-6.58), the lowest hepcidin values observed. The highest values were found in the group with infection/inflammation, regardless of iron deficiency status. CONCLUSIONS: Recalibrated hepcidin values were lower than non-calibrated values. The highest values were observed in schoolchildren with infectious or inflammatory processes, and the lowest values were observed in schoolchildren with iron deficiency but only in the absence of infectious or inflammatory processes. Using recalibrated hepcidin values allows comparison between data obtained using different analytical methods.

Soluble MIC-A, IPI, and response to treatment strongly predict survival in patients with germinal center diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most frequent lymphoma. MIC-A and MIC-B are the natural ligands for NKG2D, a receptor expressed in NK cells. MIC-A soluble isoforms (sMICA) have been described in different malignancies. OBJECTIVES: To analyze lymphocyte subsets and sMIC-A in germinal center DLBCL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: sMICA, sMICB, and peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets (CD4+, CD8+, NK, NKT, γδ T cells, and dendritic cells) were analyzed in 59 patients and 60 healthy donors. RESULTS: Patients had decreased numbers of type 1 and type 2 dendritic cells, NK, iNKT, CD4 T, and CD8 T cells, and higher levels of sMIC-A. The 2-year PFS for high IPI scores and high sMIC-A was 24% and 28%, respectively. The 2-year OS for high IPI scores and high sMIC-A was 42% and 33%. The 2-year PFS and OS for patients not achieving response to treatment were 0% and 10%, respectively. The MICPI score (one point each for high IPI score and high sMIC-A) showed that those patients summing two points had worse PSF and OS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DLBCL have decreased numbers of peripheral lymphocyte subsets and high levels of sMIC-A. The addition of sMIC-A to IPI could improve its prognostic relevance.

Pentoxifylline and Norcantharidin Modify p62 Expression in 2D and 3D Cultures of B16F1 Cells.

Three-dimensional cell cultures have improved the evaluation of drugs for cancer therapy, due to their high similarity to solid tumors. In melanoma, autophagy appears to show a dual role depending on the progression of the disease. p62 protein has been proposed for the evaluation of autophagic flux since its expression is an indicator of the state of autophagy. Pentoxifylline (PTX) and Norcantharidin (NCTD) are drugs that have been shown to possess anticancer effects. In this work, we used B16F1 mouse melanoma cells in two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures and three-dimensional (3D) spheroids to test the effect of PTX and NCTD over the p62 expression. We analyzed the effect on p62 expression through Western blot and immunofluorescence assays. Our results indicate that PTX decreases p62 expression in both cell culture models, while Norcantharidin increases its expression in 3D cultures at 24 h. Therefore, these drugs could have a potential therapeutic use for the regulation of autophagy in melanoma, depending on the state of evolution of the disease.

Bone Remodeling and Bone Structural Genes in Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: The OPG rs2073618 and IL-6 rs1800795 Are Associated with High Risk in Mexican Patients.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is an idiopathic avascular necrosis of the pediatric femoral head. Bone remodeling and bone structural genes have the potential to contribute to the progression of LCPD when there is disequilibrium between bone resorption and bone formation. A case-control study was performed to search for associations of several common polymorphisms in the genes Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor κappa B (RANK), Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor κappa B Ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), interleukin (IL)-6, and type 1 collagen (COL1A1) with LCPD susceptibility in Mexican children. A total of 23 children with LCPD and 46 healthy controls were genotyped for seven polymorphisms (rs3018362, rs12585014, rs2073618, rs1800795, rs1800796, rs1800012, and rs2586498) in the RANK, RANKL, OPG, IL-6, and COL1A1 genes by real-time polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan probes. The variant allele (C) of IL-6 rs1800795 was associated with increased risk of LCPD (odds ratio [OR]: 3.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.08-13.54], p = 0.033), adjusting data by body mass index (BMI) and coagulation factor V (FV), the association with increased risk remained (OR: 4.9, 95% CI: [1.14-21.04], p = 0.025). The OPG polymorphism rs2073618, specifically GC-GG carriers, was associated with a more than fourfold increased risk of developing LCPD (OR: 4.34, 95% CI: [1.04-18.12], p = 0.033) when data were adjusted by BMI-FV. There was no significant association between RANK rs3018362, RANKL rs12585014, IL-6 rs1800796, COL1A1 rs1800012, and rs2586498 polymorphisms and LCPD in a sample of Mexican children. The rs1800975 and rs2037618 polymorphisms in the IL-6 and OPG genes, respectively, are informative markers of increased risk of LCPD in Mexican children.

Asociación de la RPCA con mutaciones Leiden y Cambridge del factor V de la coagulación en pacientes mexicanos con trombofilia primaria / Association of resistance to activated protein with the presence of Leiden and Cambridge Factor V mutations in Mexican patients with primary thrombophilia

Introducción: Las mutaciones Leiden y Cambridge del factor V de la coagulación y la resistencia a la proteína C activada (RPCA) son alteraciones que se relacionan con trombosis venosa y arterial. En este trabajo se analizó si la RPCA está asociada con las mutaciones Leiden y Cambridge, y la frecuencia de éstas en población mestiza mexicana. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron 150 pacientes mexicanos con trombofilia primaria y 100 sujetos sanos. Se determinó la RPCA empleando método comercial y los genotipos factor V Leiden y factor V Cambridge mediante PCR-RFLPs. Resultados: La RPCA fue positiva en cuatro pacientes y en un individuo control; sin embargo, no se encontró la mutación Leiden o Cambridge en la población estudiada, por lo que la RPCA no se correlacionó con ninguna de las mutaciones investigadas. Conclusiones: Los resultados indican que existen otras causas primarias o secundarias diferentes a las analizadas, que condicionan la RPCA. Además, la frecuencia obtenida para la RPCA en nuestra población trombofílica mestiza mexicana fue menor comparada con la obtenida en población caucásica, quizá por tratarse de poblaciones genéticamente diferentes.

BACKGROUND: Leiden and Cambridge factor V coagulation mutations and activated protein C resistance (RaPC) are alterations related with vein and artery thrombosis. In this study we aimed to determine whether RaPC is associated with the presence of Leiden and Cambridge mutation and the frequency of these mutations in the racially mestizo Mexican population. METHODS: We included 150 Mexican patients with primary thrombophilia and 100 healthy subjects in this study. RaPC was determined using commercial methods and genotypes FV Leiden and FV Cambridge with PCR-RFLPs. RESULTS: RaPC was positive in four patients and in one control individual; however, there was no presence of Leiden or Cambridge mutation in the studied group; thus, RaPC was not correlated with the presence of any of the studied mutations. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that there are other primary or secondary causes different from those studied, which condition the presence of RaPC. Furthermore, the frequency obtained for RaPC in our thrombophilic population of racially mixed Mexicans is lower compared to that obtained in the Caucasian population, most probably because they are genetically different populations.

AgNOR polymorphism association with squamous intraepithelial lesions and invasive carcinoma with HPV infection / Asociación de los polimorfismos AgNORs con lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas, carcinoma cervical e infección por VPH

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the relationships between AgNORs polymorphisms and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with HPV infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study was carried out on sixty women from the state of Guerrero, Mexico. HPV detection was performed by PCR. AgNORs were identified by argentic impregnation. One hundred cells per slide were counted and classified according to the polymorphism of AgNORs dots; typical (spherical) and atypical (large, kidney-shaped and clustered). RESULTS: A total of 100 percent of the cases were positive for HPV infection. Nine different high-risk HPV genotypes were found, type16 was the most common (48.6 percent). The AgNORs showed a significant decrease in spherical shape according to neoplastic development. The three atypical shapes showed a significant increase in SIL and SCC (p-trend<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: AgNORs polymorphism rises progressively according to the grade of histological lesions that can be useful as a prognosis for progression of SCC.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la relación entre los polimorfismos de AgNORs con las lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas (LIE) y carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron sesenta mujeres del estado de Guerrero, México. La detección del VPH fue por PCR y los AgNORs por impregnación argéntica; se contaron 100 células y se clasificaron por tipo de polimorfismo de AgNORs: típico (esférico) y atípicos (largo, forma de riñón o de racimo). RESULTADOS: El 100 por ciento de los casos presentaron infección por VPH, se encontraron nueve genotipos diferentes de VPH de alto riesgo, el 16 fue el más común (48.6 por ciento). La forma esférica de los polimorfismos de AgNORs mostró una disminución con el desarrollo neoplásico y las atípicas incrementaron progresivamente con SIL y SCC (p-tendencia<0.001). CONCLUSIONES: Los polimorfismos AgNORs se incrementan progresivamente con el grado de lesión histológica, y pueden ser útiles en el pronóstico de progresión del carcinoma cervical.

Estudio ultraestructural de las plaquetas de pacientes con hemoglobinuria paroxística nocturna / Ultrastructural study of platelets patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

Introduction. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a hemolytic anemia characterized by intravascular hemolysis, cytopenias and venous thrombosis. Previous studies in patients with PNH have shown platelet abnormalities; however, their association with the clinical development of the sickness has not still been determined. Material and methods. In this study, we compared the morphology and distribution pattern of actin, myosin, tubulin and p-selectin in resting and activated platelets from 22 PNH patients and healthy donors by transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence. Results. The PNH platelet ultrastructure of resting and activated with different agonists (ADP, collagen and thrombin) showed morphological changes which suggested the presence of circulating platelets. The developed structures during the adhesion process (filopodia and lamellipodia formation), as well as the pattern distribution of actin, myosin, tubulin and p-selectin in PNH platelets were not modified in relation to control platelets. Conclusion. Morphological changes in resting platelets were related with p-selectin expression suggesting its determination as thrombosis indicator.

Introducción. La hemoglobinuria paroxística nocturna (HPN) es una anemia hemolítica caracterizada por hemolisis intravascular, citopenias y trombosis venosa. Estudios previos en pacientes con HPN han revelado anormalidades plaquetarias; sin embargo, no se ha determinado su asociación con el desarrollo clínico de la enfermedad. Material y métodos. En el presente estudio se comparó la morfología y el patrón de distribución de actina, miosina, tubulina y P-selectina en plaquetas en reposo y activadas provenientes de 22 pacientes con HPN y de individuos sanos por microscopía electrónica de transmisión e inmunoñuorescencia. Resultados. La ultraestructura de las plaquetas de individuos con HPN en reposo y activadas en suspensión con diferentes agonistas (ADP, colágena y trombina) mostró cambios morfológicos que sugirieron la presencia de plaquetas activadas circulantes. Las estructuras desarrolladas durante el proceso de adhesión (formación de filopodios, lamelipodios), así como el patrón de distribución de actina, miosina, tubulina y P-selectina, no se modificaron en las plaquetas de los pacientes con HPN en relación con el testigo. Conclusión. Los cambios morfológicos en plaquetas en reposo fueron relacionados con la expresión de P-selectina, por lo que se sugiere su determinación como un parámetro indicativo de un posible riesgo trombótico.

Asociación entre el polimorfismo 4G/5G en el gen del inhibidor del activador del plasminógeno-1 (PAI-1) y el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del ST en pacientes jóvenes / Association of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphism with ST elevation acute myocardial infarction in young patients

Introducción y objetivos. Determinar la participación del polimorfismo 4G/5G en el gen del inhibidor del activador del plasminógeno tipo 1 (PAI-1) en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST y edad ≤ 45 años y su influencia en la regulación de la concentración plasmática de PAI-1. Métodos. En un estudio de casos y controles se incluyó, entre enero de 2006 y marzo de 2007, a 127 pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST ingresados a la unidad de cuidados intensivos cardiovasculares y 127 controles. Se realizó genotipificación del polimorfismo 4G/5G mediante técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa-polimorfismos en la longitud del fragmento de restricción, y la determinación de la concentración plasmática de PAI-1. Todos los pacientes firmaron consentimiento informado. Resultados. Se identificó una diferencia con significación estadística en la distribución genotípica entre los grupos (p < 0,002). La frecuencia del alelo 4G fue mayor en el grupo de estudio (p = 0,032). Se asociaron en forma independiente al infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST el alelo 4G (4G/4G + 4G/5G) (odds ratio [OR] = 2,29; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,12-4,68; p = 0,022), el tabaquismo (OR = 23,23; IC del 95%, 8,92-60,47; p < 0,001), el antecedente familiar de enfermedad cardiovascular (OR = 4,66; IC del 95%, 2,06-10,52; p < 0,001) y la hipertensión arterial (OR = 5,42; IC del 95%, 1,67-17,56; p = 0,005). Las concentraciones plasmáticas de PAI-1 fueron mayores en los homocigotos 4G (p < 0,001). Conclusiones. Estos resultados indican que el alelo 4G es un factor independiente de riesgo de infarto agudo de miocardio en pacientes jóvenes, al igual que el tabaquismo, la hipertensión arterial y los antecedentes hereditarios familiares de enfermedad cardiovascular (AU)

Introduction and objectives. To investigate the role of the 4G/5G polymorphism in the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) aged ≤45 years and its influence on regulation of the plasma PAI-1 concentration. Methods. This case-control study included 127 consecutive patients aged ≤45 years with a diagnosis of STEMI who were admitted to a cardiovascular intensive care unit and 127 controls recruited between January 2006 and March 2007. Participants were genotyped for the 4G/5G polymorphism using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, and their plasma PAI-1 concentrations were measured. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results. There was a significant difference in genotype distribution between the 2 groups (P < .002). The 4G allele occurred more frequently in the patient group (P=.032). In addition, there were significant independent associations between STEMI and the 4G allele (ie, 4G/4G plus 4G/5G; odds ratio [OR] =2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-4.68; P=.022), smoking (OR=23.23; 95% CI, 8.92-60.47; P < .001), a family history of cardiovascular disease (OR=4.66; 95% CI, 2.06-10.52; P=.001) and hypertension (OR=5.42; 95% CI, 1.67-17.56; P=.005). The plasma PAI-1 concentration was higher in individuals who were homozygous for the 4G allele (P < .001). Conclusions. The study findings indicate that the 4G allele is an independent risk factor for acute myocardial infarction in young patients, as are smoking, hypertension, and a family history of inherited cardiovascular disease (AU)

Recognition of Streptococcus pyogenes and skin autoantigens in Guttate psoriasis

Background. Guttate psoriasis is associated with infections by Streptococcus pyogenes and cross-reaction between skin and streptococcal antigens have been reported, suggesting an autoimmune component in the disease. Methods. In this work, the authors looked for antibodies against S. pyogenes M-5 antigens by immunoblot in 52 sera of psoriasis patients and in 52 sera of normal individuals. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis in skin biopsies from lesions of another group of 16 clinically diagnosed guttate psoriasis patients and four healthy controls were also carried out. Results. All guttate psoariasis patients studied (11) had IgG antibodies that intensively recognized three different proteins of 70,60 and 14 kDa, as compared to sera from patients with other forms of psoriasis or from healthy controls. The diagnosis of psoariasis was confirmed in 14 of the patients by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Of the other two patients, one was diagnosed as parapsoriasis and the other as liquen. By indirect immunofluorescence (IFI), all 14 psoriatic patients had autoantibodies against their own lesional skin that did not recognized normal skin from control subjects or from the two non-psoriatic patients. The parapsoriatic and the liquen patients did not have autoantibodies. A rabbit immune serum against S. pyogenes antigens reacted with lesional skin from the 14 guttate psoriatic patients, but not with normal skin from controls or with lesional skin from the 2 non-psoriatic patients. Conclusions. The recognition by immunoblot of streptococcal antigens by serum of guttate psoriasis patients, the presence of autoantibodies against their own skin, and recognition of the same skin antigens by anti-streptococcal rabbit antibodies confirm the participation of the immune system and of streptococcal infection in guttate psoriasis