3-Week passive acclimation to extreme environmental heat (100± 3 °C) in dry sauna increases physical and physiological performance among young semi-professional football players.

This manuscript aims to evaluate the influence of a novel passive heat acclimation program among human participants in the physical performance, as well as in several physiological parameters. 36 male football players were acclimated using a dry sauna bath to extreme hot (100 ± 3 °C), performing a total of nine sauna sessions with a weekly frequency of three sessions. The players were randomly into the sauna group (SG; n = 18; age: 20.69 ± 2.09 years) and the control group (CG; n = 18; age: 20.23 ± 1.98 years). All participants performed maximal effort test until exhaustion as well as hamstring flexibility test before and after the acclimation program. Anthropometric, respiratory, circulatory, hematological and physiological variables were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the survey. Statistical analysis consisted of a Mann-Whitney U test to determine differences between groups at the beginning and at the end of the survey and a Wilcoxon test for paired samples to compare the differences for each group separately. Additionally, size effects of the pre-post acclimation changes were calculated. After the acclimation program SG participants experienced a diminution in body weight (p < 0.01), body mass index (p < 0.01), body fat (p < 0.05) and fat percentage (p < 0.05) decreased. Hamstring flexibility (p < 0.05) and work capacity (p < 0.05) increased. External basal temperature decreased (p < 0.05) as well as post-exercise systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p < 0.05). Finally, maximal oxygen uptake (ml Kg-1 min-1) (p < 0.05), maximal minute ventilation (p < 0.05) and maximal breath frequency (p < 0.05) increased at the end of the intervention. There were no significant changes in the CG in any variable. Favorable adaptations have been observed in this survey, suggesting a beneficial effect of extreme heat acclimation on physical performance. Several of the observed responses seem interesting for sport performance and health promotion as well. However, this is a novel, extreme protocol which requires further research.

Three weeks of passive and intervallic heat at high temperatures (100±2 °C) in a sauna improve acclimation to external heat (42±2 °C) in untrained males.

Currently, the effect of passive heat acclimation on aerobic performance is still controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to observe the effect of passive and intervallic exposure to high temperatures (100 ± 2 °C) in untrained males. Forty healthy untrained men participated in this investigation. They were randomised into a Control Group (CG; n = 18) and an Experimental Group (EG; n = 22). Both groups performed maximum incremental tests until exhaustion in normothermia (GXT1; 22 ± 2 °C), and 48h afterwards, in hyperthermia (GXT2; 42 ± 2 °C). The EG performed 9 sessions of intervallic exposure to heat (100 ± 2 °C) over 3 weeks. Subsequently, both groups performed two maximal incremental trials in normothermia (GXT3; 22 ± 2 °C) and 48h later, in hyperthermia (GXT4; 42 ± 2 °C). In each test, the maximal ergospirometric parameters and the aerobic (VT1), anaerobic (VT2) and recovery ventilatory thresholds were recorded. The Wilcoxon Test was used for intra-group comparisons and the Mann-Whitney U for inter-group comparisons. There were improvements in absolute VO2max (p = 0.049), W (p = 0.005) and O2pulse (p = 0.006) in hyperthermia. In VT1 there was an increase in W (p = 0.046), in VO2 in absolute (p = 0.025) and relative (p = 0.013) values, O2pulse (p = 0.006) and VE (p = 0.028) in hyperthermia. While W increased in hyperthermia (p = 0.022) at VT2. The results suggest that passive and intervallic acclimation at high temperatures improves performance in hyperthermia. This protocol could be implemented in athletes when they have to compete in hot environments.

Erythrocyte concentrations of chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc in subjects with different physical training levels.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine changes occurring in the erythrocyte concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) in male subjects with different training levels living in the same region (Spain). METHODS: Thirty sedentary subjects (24.34 ± 3.02 years) formed the control group (CG); 24 moderately trained (4-7 h/week) subjects (23.53 ± 1.85 years) formed the group with a moderate degree of training (MTG) and 22 professional cyclists (23.29 ± 2.73 years), who performed more than 20 h/week of training, formed the high-level training group (HTG). Erythrocyte samples were collected from all subjects in fasting conditions, washed and frozen at - 80 °C until analysis. Erythrocyte analysis of trace elements was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: The results showed that there was a statistically significant lower erythrocyte concentration of Cu, Mn, Mo and Zn in the MTG and HTG than CG. Se was only significantly lower in HTG than CG. The correlation analysis indicates that this change was correlated with training in the case of Cu, Mn, Se and Zn. All results are expressed in µg/g Hb. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that physical training produces a decrease in erythrocyte concentrations of Cu, Mn, Se and Zn, which can cause a decrement in athletes' performance given the importance of these elements. For this reason, erythrocyte monitoring during the season would seem to be advisable to avoid negative effects on performance.

Influence of a high-temperature programme on serum, urinary and sweat levels of selenium and zinc.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of hyperthermia on the antioxidant system in the human organism is well known. AIM: The objective of this study was to observe the effects of heat on the concentration of Se and Zn, elements related to antioxidant systems. METHODS: Twenty-nine subjects voluntarily participated in this study. They were divided into a control group (CG; n = 14) and an experimental group (EG; n = 15). All of them underwent two incremental tests until exhaustion in normothermia (22 °C, 20-40%RH) and hyperthermia (42 °C, 20-40%RH). EG experienced nine sessions of repeated heat exposure at high temperatures (100 °C, 20%RH) for three weeks (HEHT). After the intervention, the initial measurements were repeated. Urine and blood samples were collected before and after each test. Additionally, sweat samples were collected after tests in hyperthermia. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in serum. An increase in the elimination of Zn and Se in EG was observed in urine after HEHT (p < .05). The elimination of Zn by sweating decreased after HEHT in EG (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to heat at high temperatures increases the urinary excretion of Se and Zn.

Serum, erythrocyte and urinary concentrations of iron, copper, selenium and zinc do not change during an incremental test to exhaustion in either normothermic or hyperthermic conditions.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the performance of an incremental exercise test until exhaustion in normothermic and hyperthermic conditions on serum, erythrocyte and urine concentrations of Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Selenium (Se) and Zinc (Zn). METHODS: Nineteen adult males (age: 22.58 ±â€¯1.06 years) performed two maximum incremental exercise tests on a cycloergometer in normothermia (22 ±â€¯2 °C) and hyperthermia (42±2 °C) separated by 48 h. Urine, serum and erythrocyte samples were collected before and after each test. RESULTS: Serum Se (p < 0.01) and Cu (p < 0.05) levels were altered after each test, but the significance disappeared with the correction for haematocrit. The rest of the values did not undergo alterations in either condition. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that a higher stimulus is necessary to obtain changes in these minerals. The study reveals the need to correct serum concentrations concerning possible changes in these volumes after an acute effort.

Influence of a 6-month physical training program on serum and urinary concentrations of trace metals in middle distance elite runners.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this survey was to determine the effects of an aerobic physical training program of six months duration on the serum and urinary concentrations of essential trace elements among middle distance runners and untrained, non-sportsmen participants. METHODS: 24 well-trained, middle-distance (1500 and 5000 m), aerobic male runners (AG) were recruited at the beginning of their training season and 26 untrained males formed the control group (CG). All participants were from the same region of Spain, and all of them had been living in this area for at least two years. Serum and urine of samples of Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Selenium (Se), Vanadium (V) and Zinc (Zn) were obtained at the beginning of the training season, and six months later, from all participants. All samples were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences relative to group effect in serum concentrations of Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn. Attending to time effect, there were differences in Mn (p = 0.003) and Zn (p = 0.001). The group x time interaction revealed differences only in the case of Mn (p = 0.04). In urine, significant differences between group were obtained in Co, Cu, Mn, Se and V. Time effect showed changes in Co, Cy, Mo and Se. Finally, the group and time interaction revealed significant differences in urinary Cu (p = 0.001), Mn (p = 0.01) and Se (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A six-month aerobic training program for well-trained athletes induced modifications in the body values of several minerals, a fact which may reflect adaptive responses to physical exercise. The obtained data could be interesting for physicians or coaches in order to consider specific modifications in sportsmen's diets as well as to determine specific nutritional supplementation strategies.

Effect of heat exposure and physical exercise until exhaustion in normothermic and hyperthermic conditions on serum, sweat and urinary concentrations of magnesium and phosphorus.

AIM: The aim of this survey was to ascertain the difference in the levels of Magnesium (Mg) and Phosphorus (P) after an exercise test in normothermia and hyperthermia before and after heat acclimation in comparison to their respective pre-test values. METHODS: Twenty-nine male university students were divided into an Experimental Group (EG) (n = 15) and a Control Group (CG) (n = 14). All of them voluntarily participated in this investigation. Both groups performed an incremental test until exhaustion on a cycloergometer in normothermia (22 °C) and hyperthermia (42 °C). EG underwent 9 sessions of heat acclimation (100 °C) in a sauna (Harvia C105S Logix Combi Control; 3-15 W; Finland). Once the experimental period was completed, all initial measurements were carried out again under identical conditions. Urine and blood samples were obtained before and after each trial. Sweat samples were collected at the end of every test performed in hyperthermia. The samples were frozen at -80 °C until further analysis by ICP-MS. RESULTS: Lower seric Mg levels were observed in both groups at the end of pre-acclimation tests. After acclimation, only EG experimented a decrease of Mg in serum after testing (p < .01). The urinary excretion was unaffected in the pre-acclimated period, but EG experimented an increase in Mg after trials in the post-acclimation evaluation (p < .01). Mg sweat loss decreased significantly after heat acclimation (p < .05). P did not undergo changes, except in its urinary excretion, which was elevated after the normothermia trial in the post-acclimation period (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that exercise in hyperthermia altered Mg status but not P homeostasis. Additionally, heat acclimation reduces Mg losses in sweat while increasing its loss in urine. Thus, Mg supplementation should be considered in unacclimated and acclimated subjects if physical exercise is going to be performed in hyperthermic conditions.

Influence of a physical exercise until exhaustion in normothermic and hyperthermic conditions on serum, erythrocyte and urinary concentrations of magnesium and phosphorus.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the performance of a maximal exercise test until exhaustion in normothermic and hyperthermic conditions on body concentrations of magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P). METHODS: 19 adult males (age: 22.58 ±â€¯1.05 years) performed two maximum incremental exercise tests on a cycloergometer separated by 48 h. The first was performed in normothermia (22 ±â€¯2 °C) and the second in hyperthermic conditions induced with a sauna (42 ±â€¯2 °C). Blood and urine samples were taken before and after each test. RESULTS: The tests in hyperthermia did not produce ergospirometric alterations or a noticeable cardiovascular drift. Serum Mg concentrations underwent a reduction after the stress test in hyperthermia (p > 0.05) but not in normothermia. Nevertheless, urinary and erythrocyte concentrations of Mg, and urinary, erythrocyte and serum concentrations of P did not undergo alterations in either conditions. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that exercise in hyperthermic conditions induces a tissue redistribution of Mg in the body, a fact which was not observed in normothermic conditions.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for spasticity: A systematic review. / Estimulación eléctrica nerviosa transcutánea como tratamiento de la espasticidad: una revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: Although transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has traditionally been used to treat pain, some studies have observed decreased spasticity after use of this technique. However, its use in clinical practice is still limited. Our purpose was twofold: to determine whether TENS is effective for treating spasticity or associated symptoms in patients with neurological involvement, and to determine which stimulation parameters exert the greatest effect on variables associated with spasticity. DEVELOPMENT: Two independent reviewers used PubMed, PEDro, and Cochrane databases to search for randomised clinical trials addressing TENS and spasticity published before 12 May 2015, and selected the articles that met the inclusion criteria. Of the initial 96 articles, 86 were excluded. The remaining 10 articles present results from 207 patients with a cerebrovascular accident, 84 with multiple sclerosis, and 39 with spinal cord lesions. CONCLUSIONS: In light of our results, we recommend TENS as a treatment for spasticity due to its low cost, ease of use, and absence of adverse reactions. However, the great variability in the types of stimulation used in the studies, and the differences in parameters and variables, make it difficult to assess and compare any results that might objectively determine the effectiveness of this technique and show how to optimise parameters.

Review of the novelties from the 32nd ECTRIMS Congress, 2016, presented at the 9th Post-ECTRIMS Meeting (II). / Revision de las novedades del XXXII Congreso ECTRIMS 2016, presentadas en la IX Reunion Post-ECTRIMS (II).

For the ninth year in a row the Post-ECTRIMS Meeting has been held in Madrid (Spain) with the aim of presenting and discussing the hottest issues debated at the ECTRIMS Congress by renowned specialists in multiple sclerosis in our country. One outcome of this scientific activity, endorsed by the Spanish Neurology Society, is this review article, which is published in two parts. This second part reflects the current controversy over the management of multiple sclerosis, especially as regards the progressive forms and their differential diagnosis. The work presents the latest advances in remyelination, where the use of the micropillar technique in laboratory stands out, and in neuroprotection, which is reviewed through a study of the optic nerve. Anti-CD20 antibodies are a very promising development and we find ourselves before a new mechanism of action and therapeutic target in cells to which little attention has been paid to date. Another notable fact is the high correlation between the levels of neurofilaments in cerebrospinal fluid and in serum, which could make it possible to avoid the use of cerebrospinal fluid as a biological sample in future studies of biomarkers. The review also provides a preview of the advances in clinical research, which will converge in clinical practice in the future, thereby conditioning the steps that should be taken in the therapeutic management of multiple sclerosis.

TITLE: Revision de las novedades del XXXII Congreso ECTRIMS 2016, presentadas en la IX Reunion Post-ECTRIMS (II).Por noveno año consecutivo se ha celebrado en Madrid (España) la Reunion Post-ECTRIMS con el objetivo de presentar y discutir los temas mas debatidos en el congreso ECTRIMS de la mano de reconocidos especialistas en esclerosis multiple de nuestro pais. Fruto de esta reunion cientifica, avalada por la Sociedad Española de Neurologia, se genera este articulo de revision que sale publicado en dos partes. En esta segunda parte se pone de manifiesto la controversia actual en el manejo de la esclerosis multiple, especialmente en cuanto a formas progresivas y diagnostico diferencial se refiere. Se presentan los ultimos avances en remielinizacion, donde destaca el uso de la tecnica con micropilares en el laboratorio, y en neuroproteccion, la cual se revisa a traves del estudio del nervio optico. Los anticuerpos anti-CD20 ofrecen grandes expectativas, y estamos ante un nuevo mecanismo de accion y diana terapeutica en unas celulas a las que les habiamos prestado poca atencion hasta la fecha. Otro hecho destacable es la elevada correlacion entre los niveles de neurofilamentos en el liquido cefalorraquideo y el suero, que podria evitar el uso del liquido cefalorraquideo como muestra biologica en futuros estudios de biomarcadores. Tambien se anticipan los avances en investigacion clinica que en el futuro acabaran convergiendo en la practica clinica, condicionando los pasos que se deberan seguir en el abordaje terapeutico de la esclerosis multiple.

Influence of the bacterial growth phase on the magnetic properties of magnetosomes synthesized by Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense.

BACKGROUND: The magnetosome biosynthesis is a genetically controlled process but the physical properties of the magnetosomes can be slightly tuned by modifying the bacterial growth conditions. METHODS: We designed two time-resolved experiments in which iron-starved bacteria at the mid-logarithmic phase are transferred to Fe-supplemented medium to induce the magnetosomes biogenesis along the exponential growth or at the stationary phase. We used flow cytometry to determine the cell concentration, transmission electron microscopy to image the magnetosomes, DC and AC magnetometry methods for the magnetic characterization, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to analyze the magnetosome structure. RESULTS: When the magnetosomes synthesis occurs during the exponential growth phase, they reach larger sizes and higher monodispersity, displaying a stoichiometric magnetite structure, as fingerprinted by the well defined Verwey temperature. On the contrary, the magnetosomes synthesized at the stationary phase reach smaller sizes and display a smeared Verwey transition, that suggests that these magnetosomes may deviate slightly from the perfect stoichiometry. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetosomes magnetically closer to stoichiometric magnetite are obtained when bacteria start synthesizing them at the exponential growth phase rather than at the stationary phase. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The growth conditions influence the final properties of the biosynthesized magnetosomes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Recent Advances in Bionanomaterials" Guest Editors: Dr. Marie-Louise Saboungi and Dr. Samuel D. Bader.

On the mineral core of ferritin-like proteins: structural and magnetic characterization.

It is generally accepted that the mineral core synthesized by ferritin-like proteins consists of a ferric oxy-hydroxide mineral similar to ferrihydrite in the case of horse spleen ferritin (HoSF) and an oxy-hydroxide-phosphate phase in plant and prokaryotic ferritins. The structure reflects a dynamic process of deposition and dissolution, influenced by different biological, chemical and physical variables. In this work we shed light on this matter by combining a structural (High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and Fe K-edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS)) and a magnetic study of the mineral core biomineralized by horse spleen ferritin (HoSF) and three prokaryotic ferritin-like proteins: bacterial ferritin (FtnA) and bacterioferritin (Bfr) from Escherichia coli and archaeal ferritin (PfFtn) from Pyrococcus furiosus. The prokaryotic ferritin-like proteins have been studied under native conditions and inside the cells for the sake of preserving their natural attributes. They share with HoSF a nanocrystalline structure rather than an amorphous one as has been frequently reported. However, the presence of phosphorus changes drastically the short-range order and magnetic response of the prokaryotic cores with respect to HoSF. The superparamagnetism observed in HoSF is absent in the prokaryotic proteins, which show a pure atomic-like paramagnetic behaviour attributed to phosphorus breaking the Fe-Fe exchange interaction.

Allergenicity and cross-reactivity of pine pollen.

BACKGROUND: Pine pollen has long been considered a non-allergenic pollen. The large size of the grain and its low levels of proteins are the main reasons invoked to explain this low allergenicity. The aim of this study was to describe the main allergenic bands of Pinus radiata (PR) and its cross-reactivity with other pine species, other conifers and grass pollen. METHODS: Sixty-five pine-pollen-allergic patients (51% also sensitized to grass pollen) were studied. Skin prick tests (SPT) to a battery of allergens including PR, Pinus pinea, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus nigra and Cupressus sempervirens pollens and specific IgE determination to PR and Pinus strobus were performed. IgE-immunoblotting to a PR extract and other pine pollens was also carried out. UniCAP inhibition and immunoblotting inhibition studies were performed to assess the cross-reactivity between different pollens. RESULTS: The SPTs were positive with all the pine pollen extracts tested in 69% of the patients. Specific IgE was positive to PR or P. strobus in 77% of the patients, and to Lolium perenne in 51%. Nine different allergenic bands were detected. The two main allergens were a 42 kDa band recognized by 85% of the patients and a band of approximately 6-8 kDa recognized by 40%. A high degree of cross-reactivity was observed between different pine pollen species, but not between pines and C. sempervirens pollen. A partial cross-reactivity could be seen between pine and grass pollens only in patients also sensitized to L. perenne. CONCLUSIONS: Pine pollen should be considered as a potential allergenic pollen especially where this pollen is abundant. The detection of a high number of patients that were monosensitized to pine pollen suggests the possibility of treating these patients with specific immunotherapy.

Allergy to laxative compound (Plantago ovata seed) among health care professionals.

BACKGROUND: The seeds of Plantago ovata (psyllium, ispaghula) used in the manufacture of bulk laxatives are known to be the cause of occupational allergy (rhinitis, asthma) in health care and pharmaceutical workers. OBJECTIVE: We studied the prevalence of P ovata seed allergy among health care workers in geriatric care homes and compared it with a group of health care professionals not exposed to P ovata seed. Cross reactivity with Plantago lanceolata pollen was also studied. METHODS: Two groups of health professionals were recruited: 58 health care workers from geriatric care homes who were exposed daily to laxatives containing P ovata and 63 nonexposed health care professionals. The prevalence of allergy and sensitization to P ovata seed was determined based on clinical history, skin prick test, and analysis of specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E. IgE immunoblotting was performed to calculate the molecular weights of the P ovata seed allergens. Cross reactivity to P lanceolata pollen was studied by enzyme allergosorbent test (EAST) and immunoblot inhibition techniques. RESULTS: The prevalence of sensitization and clinical allergy to P ovata seed in the exposed group was 13.8% and 8.6%, respectively. No sensitization was observed in the nonexposed group. IgE-binding proteins of 17, 20, 25, 32-34, 54, 73-77, and > 97 kDa were identified. EAST inhibition and immunoblot inhibition demonstrated the existence of cross reactivity between P ovata seed and P lanceolata pollen extracts. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of sensitization to P ovata seed is high among health care workers in geriatric care homes (13.8%). A mild cross reactivity between P ovata seed and P lanceolata pollen was observed.

Anti-inflammatory effect of virgin olive oil in stable coronary disease patients: a randomized, crossover, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of two similar olive oils, but with differences in their phenolic compounds (powerful antioxidant compounds), on inflammatory markers in stable coronary heart disease patients. DESIGN: Placebo-controlled, crossover, randomized trial. SETTING: Cardiology Department of Hospital del Mar and Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica (Barcelona). SUBJECTS: Twenty-eight stable coronary heart disease patients. INTERVENTIONS: A raw daily dose of 50 ml of virgin and refined olive oil (ROO) was sequentially administered over two periods of 3-weeks, preceded by 2-week washout periods in which ROO was used. RESULTS: Interleukin-6 (P<0.002) and C-reactive protein (P=0.024) decreased after virgin olive oil intervention. No changes were observed in soluble intercellular and vascular adhesion molecules, glucose and lipid profile. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of virgin olive oil, could provide beneficial effects in stable coronary heart disease patients as an additional intervention to the pharmacological treatment.

Copeptin, derived from isotocin precursor, is a probable prolactin releasing factor in carp.

Control of prolactin (PRL) release is of crucial importance for the multiple functions exerted by PRL in vertebrates. Recently identified hypothalamic PRL-releasing peptides displayed additional neuromodulatory activities and in fish only few could be detected close to lactotrophs. Here we describe the C-terminal peptide processed from the carp isotocin precursor as probable physiologically relevant regulator of PRL release in carp. The amino acid sequence derived from the complete isotocin precursor gene of Cyprinus carpio, predicted a C-terminal peptide uncleaved between the neurophysin (Np) and copeptin (Cp) domain. Accordingly, antibodies against synthetic Np- and Cp-specific oligopeptides both immunodetected a 13kDa protein (cNpCp) in total pituitary proteins and showed abundant immunoreaction in hypothalamic axons in direct contact with lactotrophs in the rostral pars distalis of carp pituitary gland sections. Finally, incubation of cultured carp pituitary explants with purified carp cNpCp resulted in a potent stimulation of PRL release.

Actividad antiplasmodial de alcaloides aporfínicos de rollinia pittieri y pseudomalmea boyacana (ANNONACEAE) / Antiplasmodial activity of aporphine alkaloids from rollinia pittieri and pseudomalmea boyacana (ANNONACEAE)

En el desarrollo de estudios etnobotánicos o quimiotaxonómicos en búsqueda de sustancias biológicamente activas con efectos antiparasitarios a partir de plantas colombianas de la familia Annonaceae, fue observada la actividad antiplasmodial sustancial para los extractos de acetato de etilo de tallos de Rollinia pittieri y Pseudomalmea boyacana (Annonaceae). Los alcaloides aislados a partir de éstas fueron estudiados. De los compuestos, liriodenina presentó la mayor actividad contra las cepas de Plasmodium falciparum, sensible y resistente a cloroquina (CI50 = 8.0-10,0 µg/ml). Igualmente fue evaluada la capacidad de inhibición de la formación de la â-hematina (If?-h) a los metabolitos aislados. O-metilmoschatolina y melosmina presentaron porcentajes de inhibición mayor del 96 (por ciento) cuando fueron evaluados a una concentración de 2 mg/ml. Algún grado de actividad citotóxica fue observada en todos los alcaloides oxoaporfínicos aislados contra células U-937

Alergia al polen de las oleáceas en un lugar donde no hay olivos / Oleaceae pollen allergy in a place where there’s no olive trees

Antecedentes y objetivos: El polen del fresno (Fraxinus excelsior), árbol perteneciente a la familia Oleaceae, se ha descrito recientemente como un alérgeno relevante en algunos países centroeuropeos. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar la importancia que este polen tiene como factor desencadenante de los síntomas alérgicos que sufren, al final del invierno y principio de la primavera, algunos pacientes que viven en País Vasco, donde no existen olivos pero el fresno es un árbol abundante. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 48 pacientes que se clasificaron en tres grupos en función de la sensibilización predominante: pacientes alérgicos a oleáceas (O), alérgicos a gramíneas (G) y alérgicos a ambos pólenes (M). Los pacientes se dividieron además en dos grupos en función de la época en la que tenían los síntomas: pacientes con síntomas tempranos o pacientes con síntomas tardíos. Se les realizó la prueba del prick con una batería de pólenes, pruebas de exposición conjuntival con extractos de polen de olivo y de fresno y la determinación de IgE específica (EAST) frente a varios pólenes. Resultados: En el grupo O, el 100% de los pacientes tuvo síntomas tempranos, esto es, coincidiendo con la floración del fresno y antes de aparecer el polen de las gramíneas. En los grupos M y G los porcentajes de pacientes con síntomas tempranos fueron del 40% y 16%, respectivamente. Las pruebas de provocación conjuntival con polen de olivo y fresno resultaron positivos en el 100% y 70%, respectivamente, de los pacientes del grupo O, en el 78% y 50% del grupo M y en el 58% y 31% del grupo G. Los pacientes con síntomas tempranos tuvieron con mayor frecuencia pruebas cutáneas positivas frente al polen de F. excelsior (p < 0,05) y unas concentraciones de IgE específica frente a F. excelsior significativamente mayores (p < 0,05) que los pacientes con síntomas tardíos. Las pruebas de provocación conjuntival con polen de O. europaea fueron de mayor intensidad en los pacientes con síntomas tempranos. Conclusión: Los pacientes que residen en País Vasco y sufren síntomas durante el final del invierno y el comienzo de la primavera tenían una sensibilización predominante al polen del fresno y del olivo, en comparación con los pacientes que únicamente tenían síntomas tardíos (en mayo y junio). El polen del fresno puede considerarse una posible causa de polinosis en aquellos lugares donde su presencia es frecuente

Background: Ash tree belongs to the Oleaceae family; it has been recently described as a relevant allergen in some countries. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the importance of the ash pollen as a triggering factor of the allergic symptoms showed in early spring by a group of patients who live in the Basque Country, where ash are common trees and olive trees are not present. Methods: In accordance with their predominantly sensitisation we selected and classified 48 pollen-allergic-patients in three groups: oleaceae allergic patients (O), grass allergic patients (G) and oleaceae + grass allergic patients (M). Patients were also divided in two groups depending on the season when they showed the symptoms: patients with early or late symptoms respectively. Skin prick tests (SPT) and specific IgE (EAST) to Olea, Fraxinus and Lolium, patient’s scores of symptoms and rescue medication between February and July 2000, and conjunctival challenge tests with ash and olive pollen extracts were performed. Results: 100% of O patients, 40% of M patients and 16% of G patients suffered from early symptoms, coinciding with the flowering of ash, when grass pollen is not present yet. Conjunctival challenge tests with ash and olive pollen extracts were positive in 70% and 100% respectively in O patients, 50% and 78% in M patients and 31% and 58% in G patients. Conjunctival challenge tests in patients who suffered from early symptoms with olive extract were positive with lower concentrations of the extract. The patients with early symptoms had a higher rate of positive SPT with ash pollen (p < 0,05) and had significant higher levels of specific IgE to F. excelsior pollen (p < 0,05) than late symptomatic patients. Conjunctival challenge test to O. europaea pollen produced more symptoms to patients with early symptoms. Conclusion: Patients living in the Basque Country and suffering from symptoms during early spring had a predominant sensitisation to ash and olive pollen compared to those patients showing only late symptoms. Ash pollen can be considered as a potentially cause of hay fever in these areas where it is present in considerable amounts

[Carcinoid tumor of the ileum and self-limited colitis]. / Tumor carcinoide ileal y colitis autolimitada.

Carcinoid tumors of the ileum represent the most frequent localization of this type of tumor in the gastrointestinal tract. The association of this tumor with the presence of inflammatory bowel disease is well characterized. Self-limiting colitis is an entity that poses serious difficulties when performing a differential diagnosed by other causes of colitis. We present the case of a patient who was diagnosed with carcinoid tumor of the ileum. Clinical and histological findings of self-limiting colitis were also observed.

Noise exposure induces up-regulation of ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases 1 and 2 in rat cochlea.

Extracellular ATP acting via P2 receptors in the inner ear initiates a variety of signaling pathways that may be involved in noise-induced cochlear injury. Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase)1/CD39 and NTPDase2/CD39L1 are key elements for regulation of extracellular nucleotide concentrations and P2 receptor signaling in the cochlea. This study characterized the effect of noise exposure on regulation of NTPDase1 and NTPDase2 expression in the cochlea using a combination of real-time RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and functional studies. Adult Wistar rats were exposed to broad band noise at 90 dB and 110 dB sound pressure level (SPL) for 72 h. Exposure to 90 dB SPL induced a small and temporary change of auditory thresholds (temporary threshold shift), while exposure to 110 dB SPL induced a robust and permanent change of auditory thresholds (permanent threshold shift). NTPDase1 and NTPDase2 mRNA transcripts were upregulated in the cochlea exposed to 110 dB SPL, while mild noise (90 dB SPL) altered only NTPDase1 mRNA expression levels. Changes in NTPDases expression did not correlate with levels of circulating corticosterone, implying that the up-regulation of NTPDases expression was not stress-related. Semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry in the cochlea exposed to 110 dB SPL localized the increased NTPDase1 and NTPDase2 immunostaining in the stria vascularis and up-regulation of NTPDase2 in the intraganglionic spiral bundle. In contrast, NTPDase1 was down-regulated in the cell bodies of the spiral ganglion neurones. Distribution of NTPDases was not altered in the cochlea exposed to 90 dB SPL. Functional studies revealed increased ectonucleotidase activities in the cochlea after exposure to 110 dB SPL, consistent with up-regulation of NTPDases. The changes in NTPDases expression may reflect adaptive response of cochlear tissues to limit ATP signaling during noise exposure.