Protective effects of melatonin on changes occurring in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Melatonin has been related to the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), and its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties have been proved in numerous neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to find out whether a melatonin supplement in MS is able to act as a benefit to its clinical status, i.e. oxidative stress, inflammation and indirect biomarkers of bacterial dysbiosis, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding protein (LBP), verifying its therapeutic potential and its possible clinical use in patients with MS. METHODS: The animal MS model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), was employed whereby 25 male Dark Agouti rats (5 animals per group) were divided into: a control group (not manipulated); a control+vehicle group; a control+melatonin group; an EAE group; an EAE+melatonin group. Melatonin was administered daily for 51 days, at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight/i.p., once a day, five days a week. RESULTS: The results from the administration of melatonin demonstrated an improvement in clinical status, a diminution in oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as in bacterial dysbiosis. CONCLUSION: Melatonin could play an effective role against MS, either alone or as a therapy combined with traditional agents.

Neuroprotective effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on a Huntington's disease rat model: effects on neurotrophic factors and neuronal density.

There is evidence to suggest that the neuroprotective effect of exposure of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) may be due, at least in part, to the effect of these fields on neurotrophic factors levels and cell survival, leading to an improvement in behavior. This study was undertaken to investigate the neuroprotective effects of ELFEF in a rat model of 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP)-induced Huntington's disease. Behavior patterns were evaluated, and changes in neurotrophic factor, cell damage, and oxidative stress biomarker levels were monitored in Wistar rats. Rats were given 3NP over four consecutive days (20 mg/kg body weight), whereas ELFEF (60 Hz and 0.7 mT) was applied over 21 days, starting after the last injection of 3NP. Rats treated with 3NP exhibited significantly different behavior in the open field test (OFT) and the forced swim test (FST), and displayed significant differences in neurotrophic factor levels and oxidative stress biomarkers levels, together with a neuronal damage and diminished neuronal density, with respect neuronal controls. ELFEF improved neurological scores, enhanced neurotrophic factor levels, and reduced both oxidative damage and neuronal loss in 3NP-treated rats. ELFEF alleviates 3NP-induced brain injury and prevents loss of neurons in rat striatum, thus showing considerable potential as a therapeutic tool.

Toxicidad pulmonar asociada al empleo de oxígeno hiperbárico: procedimientos de cálculo / Pulmonary toxicity is associated with the hyperbaric oxygen: methods of calculation

OBJETIVOS: Estudiar si una exposición hiperbárica de larga duración motivada por la aparición de una enfermedad descompresiva bajo presión, presenta alteraciones espirométricas y si éstas están acompañadas de sintomatología clínica pulmonar compatible con toxicidad pulmonar por oxígeno. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: 3 buceadores profesionales que durante una inmersión a 100 metros de profundidad, uno de ellos presenta, antes de terminar la inmersión una patología descompresiva que requiere aumentar los tiempos de respiración de oxígeno, se realizan espirometrías pre- y post-inmersión midiendo: FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75, FEF 75-85, FEF 25, FEF 50, FEF 75. RESULTADOS: Los resultados post-inmersión demuestran un descenso global de todos los parámetros estudiados destacando el descenso de PEF (12.8%), FEF 50 (9,3%) y FEV1 (8.8%), de forma individual 2 buceadores mostraron descenso de todos los parámetros mientras que un buceador de los nueve parámetros estudiados solo experimentó descenso en cinco. Estos resultados no estuvieron acompañados de sintomatología pulmonar y carecieron de significado estadístico. CONCLUSIONES: Tras esta exposición hiperbárica se alteró el flujo y la capacidad sin la presencia de sintomatología clínica pulmonar y papel importante de la susceptibilidad individual. Los estudios de función pulmonar se deberían extender a colectivos sometidos a: cambios constantes de presión y a la respiración de oxígeno, gas con efectos tóxicos agudos y a largo plazo (AU)

INTRODUCTION: We studied if one hyperbaric exposition in the long term with decompression sickness under pressure causes disturbances in the pulmonary functions and if they are related with clinical manifestations which are compatibles with pulmonary oxygen toxicity. PATIENTS AND METHOD.-Three professional divers carried out one immersion at 100 meters of deep, only one person displayed, before the immersion was finished, one decompression pathology which need increase the times breathing of oxygen, we valued the pulmonary functions pre and post immersion so we measured: FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75, FEF 75-85, FEF 25, FEF 50 and FEF 75. RESULTS: The post immersion results showed one total decline of all studied parameters showed the decrease of PEF (12.8%), FEF 50 (9.3%) and FEV1 (8.8%), two divers showed one decline of all parameters meanwhile that one diver registered decrease only in five parameters. These results are not accompanied of pulmonary symptoms and of significant statistic. CONCLUSIONS: After this hyperbaric exposure, the flow and the capacity were disturbed but they did not show neither clinic pulmonary symptoms nor had one important role in the personal susceptibility. The studies of pulmonary function should include group with constant pressure changes and the breathing of oxygen, this gas have acute toxic effects in the long term (AU)

Respuesta pulmonar ante una exposición hiperóxica controla. Valoración de 4 buceadores militares / Pulmonary response to a controlled hyperroxidic exposure

El oxígeno a presiones superiores a la atmosférica se emplea en la oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (OHC), buceo en saturación tratamiento de las patologías disbáricas. La OHB expone al sujeto a los efectos tóxicos de los radicales libres que pueden afectar la función pulmonar. Las tablas de tratamiento de accidentes de buceo presentan valores UPTD dentro de rangos no tóxicos, lo que no implica una afectación pulmonar. Realizamos a 4 buceadores tratados, al mismo tiempo, con tabla 6 (Uptd=625) estudios de función pulmonar al concluir el tratamiento y 14 horas después. El uso de la tabla 6 para accidentes de buceo produce una afectación pulmonar de carácter asintomático y reversible (AU)

Oxygen, with higher pressures than atmosphere ones, is used in hyperbaric oxygen theraphy (OHB), saturation´s diving and for the treatment of the disbaric pathologies. The subject is exposed by the OHB to the toxic effects of the free radicals, which can effect the pulmonary function. The tables of treatments for diving accidents present UPTD values within no toxic ranges, an it does not implies a pulmonary damage. We have done to 4 divers treated, at the same time, using table 6 (UPTD=625) studies of pulmonary function at the end of treatment and 14 hours later. After treatment values: FVC% (104,75 ±7.9), FEV1% (91,25±10,81), FEV1/FVC% (74±3.55), FEF 25-75% (70.5±12.23) FEF, 75-85% (69.5±15.5). Values of 14 hours later. FVC% (109.25±8.09), FEV1% (96,75±11.84), FEV1/FVC (74.75±3.77), FEF 25-75% (76±14.16), FEF 75-85% (76.5 ± 15.84). The use of table 6 for diving accidents produces an asymptomatic and reversible pulmonary affection (AU)

Occupational rhinitis and bronchial asthma due to TBTU and HBTU sensitization.

Exposure to an increasing amount of products in the work environment is leading to new cases of occupational asthma among workers. We report the case of a worker at a pharmaceutical plant who developed occupational rhinitis and bronchial asthma due to HBTU: 2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate and TBTU: 2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate sensitization, two chemical products widely used in peptide synthesis and coupling. Skin tests (prick test) with HBTU and TBTU solutions in PBS were positive at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. Skin tests with the same solutions in 10 atopic controls yielded a negative result. Nasal challenge tests with these products were positive with HBTU at a concentration of 0.01 mg/ml and TBTU at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. In both cases PNIF (peak nasal inspiratory flow) decreased by more than 60% and severe sneezing and rhinorrhea were induced. Nasal challenge tests performed on 10 atopic controls with TBTU and HBTU at a concentration of 1 mg/ml were negative. We conclude that the patient presents occupational rhinitis and bronchial asthma due to TBTU and HBTU; the operational mechanism is probably immunological IgE-mediated given the positive prick tests and nasal challenge with these products.

Neumonía extrahospitalaria con bacteriemia por Ochrobactrum anthropi en un niño inmunocompetente / Community-acquired pneumonia and Ochrobactrum antrhopi bacteraemia in an immunocompetent child

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Quantification of profilins by a monoclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA.

Profilins are plant allergens responsible for cross-reactivities in pollen and fruit-allergic patients. A two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay has been developed for the quantification of profilins and its suitability for quantifying profilin in different plant extracts has been evaluated. The assay is based on two profilin-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with different epitope specificities. These antibodies were immobilized on ELISA plates and incubated with samples containing profilin. Bound profilin was detected by a combination of biotinylated profilin-specific antiserum and peroxidase-streptavidin conjugate. The optimized ELISA measured profilin concentrations ranging from 4 to 250 ng/ml and could quantify profilins from plant species of a variety of different botanical families. No reactivity to mites, molds, or crustaceans was detected, suggesting that the immunoassay is plant-specific. The results indicate that this sensitive profilin-assay will be helpful both for quantifying the profilin content of allergenic extracts intended for clinical use and for studying cross-reactivities between pollen extracts.

Protective role of melatonin and retinol palmitate in oxidative stress and hyperlipidemic nephropathy induced by adriamycin in rats.

We have studied the effects of melatonin and retinol palmitate (RP) on the nephropathy and oxidative stress induced by a single and high dose of adriamycin (AD) in Wistar male rats. A dose of melatonin (75 microg/kg/day) and a dose of RP (0.25 g oily solution/kg/day, s.c.) were injected 3 and 9 days before and after the administration of AD (25 mg/kg, i.p.), respectively. After the decapitation, samples were taken from the neck vascular trunk in order to determine the triglycerides, total cholesterol, phospholipids, HDL-cholesterol, total proteins, urea, lipoperoxides, and reduced glutathione (GSH). We estimated the lipoperoxide and glutathione (GSH) contents in renal homogenates, and the excretion of proteins in urine over a 24 hr period. The administration of AD caused significant increases in proteinuria and in the other parameters studied [lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, phospholipids, and HDL-cholesterol), non-protein nitrogen compounds, and lipoperoxides]. AD increased the lipoperoxide content, but it decreased the GSH content in the kidney. Both melatonin and RP, although melatonin more significantly, decreased the intensity of the changes produced by the administration of AD alone. In fact, melatonin was quite efficient in reducing the formation of lipoperoxides, restoring renal GSH content and decreasing remarkably the severity of proteinuria. These results support the powerful antioxidant action of melatonin at renal level and a lower antioxidant action of retinol. Likewise, these data reinforce the hypothesis which supports the pathogenetic role and the close relation between the oxidative stress and the expression of the nephropathy induced by AD. However, in spite of this obvious antioxidant effect of melatonin in the kidney, additional studies are required to establish accurately the role of this pineal indole in the regulation and dynamics of the antioxidative defense enzyme system, which neutralizes the damaging effect of free radicals, both endogenous and exogenous, in this organ.

Sensitization to Zygophyllum fabago pollen. A clinical and immunologic study.

Zygophyllum fabago is a herbaceous plant found widely in the Mediterranean area. There are no previous reports of its allergenicity. An aerobiologic and clinical survey was conducted in Murcia, southern Spain, to determine the quantity of airborne pollen and establish the possible role of this pollen as a cause of allergic symptoms. With a Hirst volumetric trap, we determined the atmospheric concentrations of this pollen in 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996. Of 1180 patients tested, 181 (15.34%) had a positive skin test. To determine its allergenicity, we divided 47 patients into three groups: in group 1, all the patients had symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis plus asthma; in groups 2 and 3, rhinoconjunctivitis. In group 1, we performed a bronchial provocation test (BPT); in groups 2 and 3, we performed nasal provocation (NPT) and conjunctival provocation (CPT) tests, respectively. SDS-PAGE was used to characterize the antigenic fractions and RAST inhibition to determine cross-reactivity with other pollens. The pollen dispersion period is from May to September (445 grains/m3). BPT was positive in 13 of 15 patients, NPT in 14 of 16 patients, and CPT in 13 of 16 patients. RAST inhibition revealed cross-reactivity with Mercurialis, Ricinus, Olea, and Betula. SDS-PAGE identified 25 IgE antibody-binding components, five of which (60, 65, 41, 38, and 15.5/14.7 kDa) were recognized by 40% of the sera. By SDS-PAGE immunoblotting with sunflower antiprofilin rabbit serum and affinity chromatography we established that the Z. fabago extract has profilin. This study shows that this pollen becomes airborne and elicits an IgE response which triggers respiratory symptoms in allergic subjects.