Psoroptes cuniculi infestation in pet rabbits in Tabasco, Mexico, 2021-2022.

BACKGROUND: Rabbits are an important worldwide meat- and fibre-producing animal, and they are popular pets. The rabbit ear mite, Psoroptes cuniculi, causes severe dermatological disease. Epidemiological data on P. cuniculi infestations are important for public health. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of P. cuniculi infestation in pet rabbits and evaluate epidemiological factors associated with infestation. ANIMALS: Two hundred pet rabbits presented for veterinary care between 2021 and 2022. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Physical examination, otoscopy and microscopy were used for ear mite identification. Association with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), breed, feeding and housing management was analysed. RESULTS: Of the 200 rabbits, 59 (29.5%) were positive for P. cuniculi. Only female sex had a positive association with P. cuniculi. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Psoroptes cuniculi in pet rabbits has a similar frequency to that reported in meat-producing rabbits, and female sex had a positive association.

Utilisation of collagenolytic enzymes from sierra fish (Scomberomorus sierra) and jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) viscera to generate bioactive collagen hydrolysates from jumbo squid muscle.

Crude extracts of collagenases from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) hepatopancreas and sierra fish (Scomberomorus sierra) viscera were used to hydrolyse squid muscle collagen into peptides with inhibitory capacity over angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) and ABTS free radicals [2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)], as a measure of their antihypertensive potential and antioxidant activity, respectively. Proteins from 20 to 200 kDa were found in both enzyme extracts; however, in comparison to the jumbo squid extract (JSE), the extraction yield and specific activity of the enzymatic sierra fish extract (SFE) were ≈ 40% greater, suggesting the presence of enzymes with different collagenolytic activity. Moreover, the utilised collagen was obtained with a yield of 0.98 ± 0.09 g/100 g muscle from jumbo squid arms, which after an incubation with JSE and SFE generated peptides with different biological activity. However, the collagen hydrolysates from the enzymatic SFE contained a higher proportion of low-molecular-weight peptides than that obtained from JSE (15.2 and 7.9% of < 3 kDa peptides, respectively). Finally, the antioxidant potential and ACE-inhibitory activity were increased after hydrolysis, being the SFE the one that showed a greater increase of both biological activities (82.28% of ACE inhibition and 64% of ABTS inhibition).

Rickettsia parkeri (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) detected in Amblyomma maculatum ticks collected on dogs in Tabasco, Mexico.

The present study was carried out to identify Rickettsia species with zoonotic potential in ticks collected from dogs in a rural area in Tabasco, Mexico. In total 197 Amblyomma maculatum ticks were collected from 40 domestic dogs. The collected specimens were pooled and subjected to DNA extraction. A fragment (380 bp) of citrate synthase gene (gltA) was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using universal primers for Rickettsia. A second PCR was later performed to amplify a fragment (420 bp) of the outer membrane protein B gene (ompB). The PCR products were purified, sequenced and compared using the basic local alignment search tool (BLAST). Twenty out of 40 (50%) tick pools assayed were positive for rickettsial DNA using both primer pairs. The consensus sequence obtained from the ompB gene fragments showed 99.5-100% of identity with strains of Rickettsia parkeri. This study provides the first molecular evidence of the presence of R. parkeri in A. maculatum ticks infesting domestic dogs from southeastern Mexico. Close contact between dogs and humans should lead to consider the infection caused by this species of Rickettsia among the differential diagnoses for people of Tabasco, Mexico, who show acute febrile syndrome associated to inoculation eschar and have a clinical history of tick exposure.

Variation in phenotypic resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in hair sheep in the humid tropics of Mexico.

The objective of the study was to evaluate phenotypic resistance against gastrointestinal nematodes in Blackbelly, Pelibuey and Katahdin ewes before pregnancy in the humid tropics of Mexico. Individual faecal and blood samples were taken in 59 Pelibuey, 69 Blackbelly and 73 Katahdin ewes. The egg count per gram of faeces (EPG) of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) was determined. The percentage of packed cell volume (PCV) and body condition score (BCS) of each animal were also recorded. The ewes were segregated as susceptible, intermediate or resistant based on the EPG using the quartile method. The data were analysed using the general linear method, and the means between breeds were compared by Tukey's test. The relationships between the EPG, PCV and BCS were evaluated by Spearman correlation. The Katahdin ewes showed the highest EPG counts (3613.6 ± 5649) compared to the Blackbelly and Pelibuey ewes (576.1 ± 1009 and 56.8 ± 187, respectively, P < 0.01). The PCV values between breeds were similar (P > 0.05). The susceptible ewes had the highest EPG counts and the lowest PCV percentage (5069 ± 6404 and 22.8% ± 8.1% respectively) compared to the resistant ewes (P < 0.01). A higher percentage of Katahdin ewes were susceptible compared to the other breeds (P < 0.05). The main GIN species were Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Cooperia curticei. In conclusion, Katahdin ewes showed susceptibility to GIN compared to Blackbelly and Pelibuey ewes before the pregnancy period in the humid tropics of Mexico.

Effect of temperature on the actomyosin-paramyosin structure from giant squid mantle (Dosidicus gigas).

BACKGROUND: The secondary structure of a protein determines its functional properties, such as its gelling capacity. The α-helix and ß-sheet comprise its main structures. Myofibrillar proteins from jumbo squid are composed mainly of the actomyosin-paramyosin complex; this complex contains a high percentage of α-helix, because actin, paramyosin, and myosin constitute 30%, 100%, and 55% of the α-helix, respectively. It is important to elucidate the role of the secondary structures in the gelation of giant squid proteins as they form gel. The role of the secondary structures in the gelation of giant squid proteins is therefore very important. For this reason, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of temperature on the structural behavior of actomyosin-paramyosin isolate (API) from Dosidicus gigas. RESULTS: The unfolding of the API system, which is composed of the actomyosin-paramyosin complex, was clarified by studying surface hydrophobicity and viscosity. Three characteristic peaks were found, associated with myosin, paramyosin, and actin. Infrared and circular dichroism corroborated the view that API undergoes major structural changes, because it proceeds from mostly an α-helix structure to 100% ß-sheet. CONCLUSION: The structural rearrangement favors gelation by cross-linking, generating new protein-protein and water-protein interactions, which create a more stable structure compared to mantle proteins (MP). Likewise, the presence of sarcoplasmic and stromal proteins in D. gigas muscle prevents the unfolding of myofibrillar proteins, favoring gelation by agglomeration, decreasing the ability to trap water and thus its gelling capacity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Molecular detection of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs and mosquitoes in Tabasco, Mexico.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Dirofilaria immitis is a filarial nematode that causes heartworm disease in domestic as well as wild canines and felines; and cutaneous or pulmonary infections in humans. The purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence of D. immitis in domestic dogs in Tabasco, Mexico and to assay mosquitoes temporally and spatially associated with dogs for evidence of infection. METHODS: Blood was collected from 1050 dogs in 1039 houses during a random household survey performed in 2016 and 2017. Genomic DNA was extracted and assayed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using pan-filarial primers and various species-specific primers. Dog owners were interviewed using a structured questionnaire designed to collect information on factors that may impact the occurrence of filarial infection. The association between canine dirofilariasis prevalence and factors likely to impact infection was determined by univariate logistic regression analysis, followed by multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis. Indoor and outdoor resting mosquitoes were collected from houses by manual aspiration. Mosquitoes were identified according to species, homogenized and tested by PCR for filarial nematodes. RESULTS: A total of 84 (8%) dogs were positive for D. immitis DNA, while 3 (0.3%) dogs contained Acanthocheilonema reconditum DNA. Several factors were significantly associated with D. immitis infection. For example, dogs that lived <100 m from a large source of open standing water were significantly more likely (p = 0.002) to become infected with D. immitis than other dogs. Additionally, dogs with infrequent or no anthelmintic treatment were significantly more likely (p = 0.0) to become infected than dogs that were regularly treated. The entomologic investigation yielded 2618 female mosquitoes from 14 species. Four pools of Culex quinquefasciatus were positive for D. immitis DNA and the minimum infection rate, calculated as the number of positive pools per 1000 mosquitoes tested, was 2.9. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The study identified several factors positively associated with an increased risk of D. immitis infection in domestic dogs in Tabasco and provides evidence that Cx. quinquefasciatus is potentially an important vector in this region. This information can be used by local veterinarians and dog owners to reduce the burden of D. immitis on canine health.

Role of Endogenous and Exogenous Tocopherols in the Lipid Stability of Marine Oil Systems: A Review.

In marine organisms primarily intended for human consumption, the quality of the muscle and the extracted oils may be affected by lipid oxidation during storage, even at low temperatures. This has led to a search for alternatives to maintain quality. In this sense, antioxidant compounds have been used to prevent such lipid deterioration. Among the most used compounds are tocopherols, which, due to their natural origin, have become an excellent alternative to prevent or retard lipid oxidation and maintain the quality of marine products. Tocopherols as antioxidants have been studied both exogenously and endogenously. Exogenous tocopherols are often used by incorporating them into plastic packaging films or adding them directly to fish oil. It has been observed that exogenous tocopherols incorporated in low concentrations maintain the quality of both muscle and the extracted oils during food storage. However, it has been reported that tocopherols applied at higher concentrations act as a prooxidant molecule, probably because their reactions with singlet oxygen may generate free radicals and cause the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oils. However, when tocopherols are included in a fish diet (endogenous tocopherols), the antioxidant effect on the muscle lipids is more effective due to their incorporation into the membrane lipids, which can help extend the shelf life of seafood by reducing the lipid deterioration that occurs due to antioxidant synergy with other phenolic compounds used supplements in fish muscle. This review focuses on the most important studies in this field and highlights the potential of using tocopherols as antioxidants in marine oils.

Effect of infestation with Psoroptes cuniculi on reproduction and behavior of obese rabbit does (Oryctolagus cuniculi).

Parasites and obesity are health problems worldwide. Rabbits are production animals yielding one of the healthiest meats, also taking advantage of skin, hair, limbs and excreta. It is among the most frequent pets in some countries and widely used as animal model in research. Psoroptes cuniculi is a mite of high transmission rate, affecting welfare and production and obesity causes multiple metabolic, endocrine and immunological disorders, being an emerging problem in domestic animals. Obesity and acarosis are prolonged stressors, modifying the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis that can induce metabolic and behavioral disorders. Alterations caused by comorbidities could be similar to or different from those induced by each morbidity separately. We analyzed the influence of obesity on the infection degree with P. cuniculi and on behavior and production. Rabbit does induced to obesity were infected and mated; behaviors in the open field test, obesity estimation indices and productive parameters at delivery and weaning were analyzed. The acarosis induced a decrease in feed intake and a decrease in body weight, a decrease in locomotor, exploratory and chinning behaviors in normal weight and obese does. The infection induced 23% mortality at birth, obesity 45% and comorbidity 74%, while in normal weight rabbits a 6.5% was observed. Weight gain from birth to weaning was lower in the comorbid group, reaching a litter weight of 4.5±0.13 kg in healthy normal weight does and 2.6±0.67 kg in comorbid does. The disturbances induced by the comorbidity were magnified in both behavioral and productive parameters.

Shrimp lipids: a source of cancer chemopreventive compounds.

Shrimp is one of the most popular seafoods worldwide, and its lipids have been studied for biological activity in both, muscle and exoskeleton. Free fatty acids, triglycerides, carotenoids, and other lipids integrate this fraction, and some of these compounds have been reported with cancer chemopreventive activities. Carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids have been extensively studied for chemopreventive properties, in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Their mechanisms of action depend on the lipid chemical structure and include antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-mutagenic, and anti-inflammatory activities, among others. The purpose of this review is to lay groundwork for future research about the properties of the lipid fraction of shrimp.

EVALUATION OF PELIBUEY LAMBS BORN TO MOTHERS PHENOTYPICALLY SEGREGATED ACCORDING TO RESISTANCE TO GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES IN THE HUMID TROPICS OF MEXICO.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of the resistance of ewes to gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) on the parasitologic and productive performance of their lambs during preweaning and postweaning periods. Offspring from 44 Pelibuey ewes classified as resistant or susceptible to GIN were evaluated. During the preweaning period, birth weight (BW), live weight (LW) at 35 and 70 days of age, and live weight changes (LWC) were determined in 73 lambs. During the postweaning period, 20 lambs to susceptible or resistant ewes were evaluated. The lambs were challenged under natural GIN infections and artificial infection with L3 of Haemonchus contortus. The fecal egg count (FEC), hematocrit (HT), peripheral eosinophil count, plasma protein, LW, and LWC were determined. There were no differences among parameters evaluated during preweaning (P > 0.05). The type of lambing (single or multiple) affected the BW, LW, and LWC (P < 0.01). The sex (male) of the lamb had a positive effect on BW at 35 and 70 days of age (P < 0.05). After weaning, lambs of susceptible ewes showed higher FEC than resistant ewes (P < 0.05). The HT of lambs to resistant ewes was higher than those the susceptible group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, offspring of resistant ewes show low FEC compared with those susceptible during the postweaning stage.

Bioactive peptides and depsipeptides with anticancer potential: sources from marine animals.

Biologically active compounds with different modes of action, such as, antiproliferative, antioxidant, antimicrotubule, have been isolated from marine sources, specifically algae and cyanobacteria. Recently research has been focused on peptides from marine animal sources, since they have been found as secondary metabolites from sponges, ascidians, tunicates, and mollusks. The structural characteristics of these peptides include various unusual amino acid residues which may be responsible for their bioactivity. Moreover, protein hydrolysates formed by the enzymatic digestion of aquatic and marine by-products are an important source of bioactive peptides. Purified peptides from these sources have been shown to have antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effect on several human cancer cell lines such as HeLa, AGS, and DLD-1. These characteristics imply that the use of peptides from marine sources has potential for the prevention and treatment of cancer, and that they might also be useful as molecular models in anticancer drug research. This review focuses on the latest studies and critical research in this field, and evidences the immense potential of marine animals as bioactive peptide sources.

Systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide induces hyperexcitability of prelimbic neurons via modulation of sodium and potassium currents.

In C57BL/6 J mice, systemic inflammation was induced by administering bacterial LPS (1 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. In response, animals exhibited hypokinesia, piloerection, and a slight decrease in body temperature accompanied by increased serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α. 24 h after the immunogenic challenge, acute cortical slices were prepared, and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed in morphologically identified prelimbic neurons of the mice's prefrontal cortex. Electrophysiologic alterations included changes in the kinetics parameters of the fast-inactivating sodium and slow-inactivating potassium currents. In current-clamp mode, our recordings revealed alterations in several conductances that shape the intrinsic excitability of prelimbic neurons. The action potential exhibited changes in latency, amplitude, and the rheobase current to elicit firing discharge. Likewise, phase plots of the action potentials uncovered alterations in the repetitive firing of prelimbic neurons. Consistent with these changes, the afterhyperpolarization conductance and the slowly decaying, calcium-dependent after-hyperpolarization current that follows an action potential were decreased in response to systemic LPS. Our data demonstrate that immune activation alters the ionic currents that shape the intrinsic excitability and predicts dysregulation of non-synaptic forms of neuronal plasticity modulated by the intrinsic excitability of prefrontal cortex neurons.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Ectoparasite Infestations in Dogs from the State of Tabasco, Mexico.

This study was carried out to identify the ectoparasites that infest owned dogs in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. In total, 1,302 dogs were sampled in the 5 ecological regions of Tabasco. The dog owners were surveyed to identify the factors associated with infestations. Ectoparasites were identified using taxonomic keys. Eleven species of ectoparasites were observed. General prevalence was 26.65%. Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis were the most prevalent and abundant ectoparasites. The most important factors associated with ectoparasite infestations in the studied dogs were living outdoors, being a non-purebred, having short hair, being dark-haired, and having a body condition <3. Ectoparasite studies such as the one presented herein generate important information to create control programs focused on decreasing infestations in companion animals and thus the likelihood of zoonotic transmission of pathogens.

Dirofilaria immitis proteins recognized by antibodies from individuals living with microfilaremic dogs.

INTRODUCTION: Dirofilaria immitis is a nematode that affects human health in several countries of the world. This study was conducted to examine whether serum samples from the owners of microfilaremic dogs present immunoreactivity to parasite proteins. METHODOLOGY: Eight serum samples from the owners of microfilaremic dogs were examined. Total proteins were extracted from adult worms and 12% SDS-PAGE was performed. The gel was electroblotted to a nitrocellulose membrane, and a Western blot (WB) was performed. Reactive bands of 22, 33, 39, 49, and 63 kDa in WB were excised from the gel and analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS). RESULTS: The MS results showed the presence of 10 different proteins of D. immitis recognized by the human serum samples. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that in endemic areas of D. immitis, owners of infected dogs recognize specific proteins of the parasite, suggesting a possible infection.

Urinary prolactin as a reliable marker for preeclampsia, its severity, and the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

CONTEXT: It has been proposed that preeclampsia may result from of an imbalance in angiogenic factors. Although prolactin (PRL) is mainly related to lactation, it is also involved in other biological functions, including angiogenesis. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the relationship among preeclampsia, serum and urinary PRL (uPRL) levels, and excretion of antiangiogenic PRL fragments in urine. STUDY DESIGN: Using a cross-sectional design, uPRL and serum PRL levels, and the presence of PRL isoforms were determined in 546 pregnant women: 207 healthy pregnant, 124 with gestational hypertension, 48 with mild preeclampsia, and 167 with severe preeclampsia (sPE). RESULTS: uPRL concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in preeclampsia (11.99 ng/mg creatinine) than in healthy pregnancy (0.20 ng/mg creatinine) and gestational hypertension (0.19 ng/mg creatinine), and were even higher in sPE compared with mild preeclampsia (21.20 vs. 2.77 ng/mg creatinine, respectively; P < 0.001). Antiangiogenic PRL fragments (14-16 kDa) were detected in 21.6% of urine samples from women with sPE but in none from other groups. Patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count syndrome, and/or eclampsia, placental abruption, acute renal failure, and pulmonary edema exhibited highest uPRL concentrations (P < or = 0.028) and frequency of antiangiogenic PRL fragments in urine (P < or = 0.036). High-serum PRL levels were associated with sPE independently of gestational age, proteinuria, and prolactinuria (P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Preeclampsia is characterized by increased uPRL excretion. uPRL concentrations and their isoforms appear to be suitable markers to assess the severity of preeclampsia and occurrence of adverse outcomes. PRL and and/or its isoforms might be involved in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.

[Umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry and adverse perinatal outcome in severe pre-eclampsia]. / Velocimetría Doppler de la arteria umbilical y resultado perinatal adverso en preeclampsia severa.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal placentation is a main preeclampsia characteristic. Its cause is a maternal spiral veins trophoblastic invasion failure, which conditions vascular resistances raise and uterus-placental perfusion decrease. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between umbilical artery Doppler waveform and adverse perinatal outcome in patients with severe preeclampsia. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A prospective, observational and transversal study was done to analyze patients between 27 to 33 weeks of gestation with expectant management of severe preeclampsia from January 2004 to January 2006. Umbilical artery velocimetry studies were performed at least once a week by means of pulsed Doppler equipment with a 3.5 MHz transducer. Only the results of the last Doppler examination performed within 7 days of delivery were considered in the correlation with perinatal outcomes. The indications for delivery were maternal or fetal (non reassuring nonstress test or biophysical profile < or = 4). An abnormal Doppler velocimetry was defined as pulsatility index being higher than percentile 95 for gestational age, or absent or reversed end diastolic velocity waveforms in umbilical artery. The statistical analysis was done with chi2 test and Student t test. RESULTS: There were included 43 patients in this study. Twenty-two (52%) had an abnormal Doppler umbilical artery pulsatility index and 21 (49%) obtained a normal umbilical artery waveform. In the first group 13 (59%) had a positive end diastolic velocities with elevated pulsatility index values, end diastolic velocities were absent in seven cases (32%) and reversed in two cases (9%). Neonates with abnormal pulsatility index had a lower birth weight (1,174 vs 1,728 g), lower Apgar score at 5 minutes, higher admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (86.4 vs 43%), and significant neonatal morbidity compared with those with normal velocimetry (p < 0.05). There were no perinatal deaths with normal umbilical Doppler waveform. There were six perinatal deaths in the abnormal Doppler velocimetry. Two cases occurred with positive end diastolic velocity (15%), two cases with absent end diastolic velocity (28%) and two deaths with reversed flow of the umbilical artery (100%). CONCLUSION: An abnormal Doppler umbilical artery waveform is associated with poor perinatal outcome and is a strong predictor of perinatal mortality.

Anxiety Associated With Increased Risk for Emergency Department Recidivism in Patients With Low-Risk Chest Pain.

Anxiety contributes to the chest pain symptom complex in 30% to 40% of patients with low-risk chest pain seen in the emergency department (ED). The validated Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale (HADS-A) has been used as an anxiety screening tool in this population. The objective was to determine the prevalence of abnormal HADS-A scores in a cohort of low-risk chest pain patients and test the association of HADS-A score with subsequent healthcare utilization and symptom recurrence. In a single-center, prospective, observational cohort study of adult ED subjects with low-risk chest pain, the HADS-A was used to stratify participants into 2 groups: low anxiety (score <8) and high anxiety (score ≥8). At 45-day follow-up, chest pain recurrence was assessed by patient report, whereas ED utilization was assessed through chart review. Of the 167 subjects enrolled, 78 (47%) were stratified to high anxiety. The relative risk for high anxiety being associated with at least one 30-day ED return visit was 2.6 (95% confidence interval 1.4 to 4.7) and this relative risk increased to 9.1 (95% confidence interval 2.18 to 38.6) for 2 or more ED return visits. Occasional chest pain recurrence was reported by more subjects in the high anxiety group, 68% vs 47% (p = 0.029). In conclusion, 47% of low-risk chest pain cohort had abnormal levels of anxiety. These patients were more likely to have occasional recurrence of their chest pain and had an increased risk multiple ED return visits.

Myocardial perfusion and ventricular function assessed by SPECT and Gated-SPECT in end-stage renal disease patients before and after renal transplant.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal transplant is known to improve left ventricle hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction in selected groups of patients. METHODS: We assessed myocardial perfusion, wall motion and functional parameters by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and Gated-SPECT in 30 consecutive ESRD patients with normal coronary angiograms before and after renal transplantation. RESULTS: Uremic cardiomyopathy improved significantly after the transplant. The proportion of patients with angina decreased from 26 to 0%; the frequency of cardiomegaly decreased from 57 to 20% (p <0.01); the frequency of segments with perfusion defects decreased from 42.7 to 10.2% (p <0.001); the proportion of patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) dropped from 53.3 to 20% (p <0.001); and mean LVEF increased from (48.0 +/- 9.7% to 58.2 +/- 8.2%). Similarly, the proportion of segments showing systolic wall thickening, hypokinesia and dyskinesia also decreased significantly after renal transplant (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Uremic cardiomyopathy may be potentially reversible in patients with normal angiographic coronary arteries after renal transplant in a relatively short period of time. SPECT and Gated-SPECT are objective gateway methods to determine myocardial perfusion, hypokinesia, dyskinesia, and functional parameters (left ventricular ejection fraction and systolic wall thickening) and may be useful to establish diagnostic, coronariographic, prognostic, and therapeutic indications.

Global methylation and promoter-specific methylation of the P16, SOCS-1, E-cadherin, P73 and SHP-1 genes and their expression in patients with multiple myeloma during active disease and remission.

Tumor suppressor gene promoter CpG island methylation is a well-recognized mechanism in cancer pathogenesis, but its role in multiple myeloma (MM) is controversial. The present study investigated the methylation status and expression of P16, suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS-1), P73, E-cadherin and Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1), as well as global methylation in patients with MM during active disease and remission. Bone marrow samples were obtained from 43 patients at the Multiple Myeloma Clinic, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán (Mexico City, Mexico) during active disease and remission. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and ELISA were performed on bisulfite-treated or untreated DNA to determine promoter-specific or genomic methylation, respectively. Gene expression was measured using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated that SOCS-1 methylation occurred more frequently during active disease than remission [29 vs. 3.2% (P=0.021)] and was associated with more advanced forms of the disease [international staging system (ISS) 3, 16.67% vs. ISS 1, 8.3% (P=0.037)]. SHP-1 methylation during active disease was associated with a lower probability of survival at 39-month follow up (median), 52.5 vs. 87.5% (P=0.025). The percentage of methylation was associated with active disease at remission, but this was not significant. Global hypomethylation at remission was a negative predictor factor for overall survival (OS). The results indicated that methylated P16, SOCS-1 and SHP-1 were associated with clinical variables of poor prognosis in MM, likewise the persistence of global hypomethylation at remission. The negative impact on OS of global hypomethylation at remission must be confirmed in a larger sample. Future studies are necessary to investigate whether patients with global hypermethylation at remission should receive more aggressive treatments to improve their OS.