Expression of urokinase type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in the bovine oviduct: Relationship with uPA effect on oviductal epithelial cells.

Urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA) is an oviductal fluid component whose activity is regulated by binding to urokinase type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). In this study uPAR and uPA gene expression in bovine oviduct were evaluated and similar expression patterns for both uPAR and uPA mRNAs were observed during the estrous cycle. Immunolocalization of uPAR at the apical zone of epithelial cells suggests that uPA action would be focalized in the oviductal lumen, triggering intracellular signaling pathways. As uPAR expression was also observed in in vitro cultures of oviductal epithelial cells, the effect of uPA was explored using this culture model. Real-time RT-PCR demonstrated that c-fos expression in oviductal cell cultures increases under uPA stimulation. These results suggest that uPA/uPAR binding would be involved in signaling pathways that activate transcription factors and would regulate the synthesis of molecules concerned with the arrangement of a particular oviductal microenvironment.

In vivo and in vitro sperm interaction with oviductal epithelial cells of llama.

Sperm reservoirs in South American Camelids would be crucial for successful fertilization. Since ovulation occurs approximately 36 h after mating, the maintenance of the sperm viability in the oviduct waiting for the ovum is a critical reproductive event. Our study aimed at determining whether the isthmus or the utero tubal junction (UTJ) could function as a sperm reservoir in llama by means of in vivo and in vitro experiments. For the in vivo experiments, the oviducts of adult females with a dominant follicle bigger than 7 mm were examined for the presence of sperm at 6, 18, 24, 28 and 35 h after mating. The results using scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed ultrastructural differences between isthmus and UTJ with respect to (1) predominance of secretory cells in the UTJ and ciliated cells in the isthmus epithelium and (2) cytoplasmic bulbous projection of the secretory cells in the UTJ. Sperm adhered by a mucus-like substance were seen only in the UTJ at 6, 18, 24 and 28 h postmating. Lack of sperm adhered to oviductal mucosa was observed around ovulation (35 h). In vitro experiments demonstrated higher ability of UTJ epithelial cell explants with respect to isthmus explants to bind sperm in a co-cultured system. The anatomical features and the presence of a sperm bonding agent in the UTJ together with the in vitro differential binding of sperm to UTJ explants strongly suggest that both may be feasible mechanisms that facilitate sperm storage in this oviductal region in llama.

Molecular studies in the GJB2 gene (Cx26) among a deaf population from Bogotá, Colombia: results of a screening program.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a pilot screening program to define the prevalence of non-syndromic deafness and establish the frequency of mutations in the GJB2 gene (Cx26) in a population of children with congenital deafness in Bogotá, Colombia. METHOD: From a cohort of 731 children in 8 institutions for the deaf, we identified 322 (44%) with presumed non-syndromic deafness. These were invited to a more detailed evaluation, but 46 chose not to participate. The remaining 276 individuals received a complete ophthalmological evaluation that was normal in 205 (74.3%) and showed salt and pepper retinopathy in 55 (19.9%) and other ocular abnormalities in 16 (5.8%). A comprehensive medical history, and a detailed physical examination were performed in the 205 children with normal ocular exam. Of these, 93 were found to have acquired deafness and/or associated anomalies and 112 (15.3% of the initial 731 children), non-syndromic deafness. The GJB2 gene was sequenced in these 112 individuals. RESULTS: Based on family history, 59.8% (67/112) of these cases had autosomal recessive non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss and the remaining 40.2% (45/112) were sporadic, without apparent known cause. We identified three mutations in the GJB2 gene: 35delG, S199F, and 167delT, all of which have been previously reported in the literature, the variant M34T, and the polymorphism V27I. S199F was the most frequent mutation (17.9%), followed by 35delG (17.0%) and 167delT (0.4%). The mutations in the GJB2 gene were present in 50.7% of the autosomal recessive group and in 33.3% of the sporadic cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot study showed that 15.3% of institutionalized deaf children in Bogotá have non-syndromic deafness and among them, the frequency of the S199F mutation was higher than reported in previous studies, whereas the frequency of the 35delG is similar to Caucasian populations. The fact that the S199F mutation was the most frequent allele in our study confirms the fact that the prevalence of GJB2 mutations depends on the ethnic origin. We emphasize the need to follow a strict protocol to identify bona fide cases of non-syndromic deafness among individuals with congenital hearing loss in order to identify the molecular basis of this condition.

Progesterone receptors: their localization, binding activity and expression in the pig oviduct during follicular and luteal phases.

Estrogens (E) and progesterone (P) are known to require their respective steroid receptors in order to exert structural and functional effects on the oviduct. Cyclic changes in progesterone receptor (PR) localization in the oviductal tissue of female pigs were determined using an immunohistochemical technique with mouse monoclonal antibody mPRI against PR. The variations observed during the estrous cycle in the progesterone receptor (PR) intensity and proportion between ampulla and isthmus probably reflect different response of these regions to progesterone. Immediately before ovulation, during follicular phase, no staining was observed in either the ampulla or the isthmus stroma. However, a low expression of PR in the epithelium of the ampulla was observed. After ovulation, during luteal phase, PR immunostaining was more intense in the whole oviduct. According to immunohistochemical assays, the binding assays for nuclear and cytosolic PR (PRn and PRc, respectively), by using [3H] R5020 at 4 degrees C for 15 h, also showed a higher specific binding during luteal phase. However, the PR mRNA in the oviduct, analyzed by RT-PCR, showed similar levels at both stages of the estrous cycle. Although this methods could not be quantitative, indicate the possibility that a post-transcriptional control could differentially regulate the PR in the pig oviduct.

Construcción y caracterización de un sensor electroquímico de interés médico y farmacológico / Construction and characterization of a electrochemical sensor of interest medical and pharmacologic

La necesidad en la detección de elementos trazas en los fluidos biológicos y en determinados medicamentos ha incrementado la demanda de técnicas cada vez más sensibles y selectivas para tal fin. En la actualidad se requiere de técnicas de análisis que además de ser sensibles y selectivas abaraten el costo del análisis clínico. La técnica electroquímica de Voltometría de Redisolución Anódica (VRA) ha mostrado ser una técnica bastante adecuada para este propósito, si se utilizan sensores electroquímicos específicos. Iones metálicos como Pb²+, Cu²+ y Zn²+ presentes en muestras de orina y semen previamente pretratadas, así como, iones Pb²+ y Cu²+ en preparaciones farmacéuticas fueron detectados simultáneamente utilizado la técnica VRA con un sensor electroquímico construido de carbón vítreo y modificado electroquímicamente con una película delgada de mercurio en el laboratorio

[Plasma concentration of biochemical markers in pre-eclampsia-eclampsia and its association with the severity of the disease]. / Concentración plasmática de indicadores bioquímicos en la preeclampsia-eclampsia y su asociación con la severidad de la patología.

UNLABELLED: It has been demonstrated that the concentrations of molecules related to endothelial cell dysfunction, coagulation and vasoconstriction are altered in preeclamptic patients, but they have not been evaluated in their relationship with the severity of preeclampsia. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between the plasmatic concentrations of fibronectin ED1+, antithrombin III, prostacyclin and thromboxane, and the severity of preeclampsia. METHODS: Peripheral blood was collected from 215 women in the third trimester of pregnancy, admitted to the Luis Castelazo Ayala Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital with mild preeclampsia (n = 103), severe preeclampsia (n = 71), HELLP syndrome (n = 25) or eclampsia (n = 16). Plasma aliquots were stored at -70 degrees C until analysis. Fibronectin ED1+ was measured by ELISA; antithrombin III activity was determined using an automated amidolytic technique, and the concentrations of the stable metabolites 6-keto-prostagiandin F1a and thromboxane B2 were measured by RIA. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and logistic regression. RESULTS: Maternal age was similar in all participants. Prematurity and low birth weight were present in the patients with severe preeclampsia, HELLP and eclampsia. The values for fibronectin were similar among the 4 groups of patients. Antithrombin III activity was significantly lower in the patients with HELLP. In patients with severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, prostacyclin (Pc) and thromboxane (Tbx) concentrations were significantly higher, and the Pc/Tbx ratio was lower than in patients with mild preeclampsia. Those patients who had the highest thromboxane levels and the lowest Pc/Tbx ratio had a higher chance to develop severe preeclampsia or HELLP (5 times), as well as to have premature babies (12 times) than patients with mild preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates relationships among antithrombin III activity, prostacyclin and thromboxane concentrations, and the severity of preeclampsia. These compounds were significantly more altered in patients with HELLP syndrome, probably due to a higher organic and vascular dysfunction. Plasma determination of these compounds may be valuable as a tool in the screening of preeclampsia, and as an indicator of severity of the disease.

[The participation of apoptosis in the development and function of the male gonad]. / Participación de la apoptosis en el desarrollo y función de la gónada masculina.

The normal development and function of the male and female gonads is characterized by a massive cell decrease in which apoptosis plays a key role. This event is a controlled program of cell death, fundamental for development and homeostasis. In the male gonad up to 75% of the germinal cells undergo this process, probably as a mechanism to eliminate the germinal cells incompatible with the preservation of the species. It has been demonstrated the participation of the transforming growth factors beta 1 and beta 2, as well as the role of the Fas system, polypeptide and steroidal hormones in the regulation of this process. The study of apoptosis in physiological and pathological events among insects, nematodes and mammals has allowed to understand the role of genes, endonucleases and the deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation as part of the molecular mechanisms involved in this event. In this paper were analyzed the molecular mechanisms mentioned above, during different stages of the development and function of the male gonad.

Síndrome de Peutz Jeghers

Se presenta el caso de un hombre joven son Síndrome de Peutz Jeghers quien presentó hemorragia digestiva alta manejada endoscópicamente e intusucepción intestinal que requirió manejo quirúrgico. Se revisa el tema

Esclerosis endoscópica con oleato de etanolamina: tratamiento para la úlcera péptica sangrante

Se evaluó el uso de oleato de etanolamina al 5 por ciento para escleroterapia endoscópica en úlcera péptica sangrante y en aquellos pacientes con signos predictores de resangrado. Ingresaron al estudio 60 pacientes y se distribuyeron en 2 grupos: los primeros 30 constituyeron el grupo control y los restantes 30 el grupo de esclerosis. A las 48 horas de observación 5 de 30 (16.6 por ciento) del grupo esclerosis y 15 de 30 (50 por ciento) del grupo control presentaron resangrado y fueron operados de urgencia (p menor 0.01). El requerimento promedio de transfusión en el grupo de esclerosis fue de 2.25 unidades de glóbulos rojos, y en el grupo control fue de 5.04 unidades(NS). Se observó disminución de la mortalidad en el grupo de esclerosis en comparación con el grupo control (p<0.01). De acuerdo al tamaño de la úlcera, disminuyó significativamente la necesidad de cirugía urgente en el grupo de esclerosis (p<0.05) para úlceras de menos de 2 centímetros, y (p<0.05) para úlceras mayores de 2 cms. En conclusión, la esclerosis endoscópica con oleato de etanolamina es una manera eficaz de producir hemostasia en pacientes con úlcera péptica sangrante y con signos predictores de alto riesgo para resangrado

Cáncer gástrico: revisión del tema y experiencia en el Hospital General Universitario de la Samaritana

Se revisan los aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y terapéuticos del cáncer gástrico, resaltando la importancia del diagnóstico precoz de esta enfermedad. se analizan en forma comparativa las revisiones realizadas en el Hospital de La samaritana entre 1966 y 1976, y 1982 y 1992

[Evaluation and preparation of gametes]. / Evaluación y preparación de gametos.

The aim of this paper is to review some topics related to the management and evaluation of the male and female gametes to be used in any assisted reproduction procedure. First, the international criteria for the quantitative morphological and biochemical evaluation of the semen samples are presented, both for the initial analysis and when chosen procedure is performed. Next, we discuss the biochemical characteristics of the solutions used to in vitro induce capacitation and acrosome reaction, indispensable events previous to the in vivo or in vitro interaction of the gametes. We also present the methodology for the in vitro management of the spermatozoa and to evaluate the efficiency of these cells to achieve in vitro acrosome reaction, as well as the utilization of the zone-free hamster egg penetration test to evaluate the human sperm capacity to penetrate the female gamete. Finally, the morphological characteristics of the cumulus oophorus-corona radiate-zona pellucida-vitellus complexes are analyzed, as well as the biochemical and hormonal composition aspiration, in order to assess the quality of the recovered oocytes, their probabilities to be fertilized and their potential to develop into subsequent stages which culminate with the birth of full term, viable and healthy babies.

Cisapride and metoclopramide in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

In a double-blind, randomized study, the clinical effects of 5 mg and 10 mg of cisapride three times daily were compared with those of 10 mg of metoclopramide three times daily in 114 patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, mainly diurnal and nocturnal heartburn and regurgitation. The symptoms significantly (P less than 0.001) improved in the three groups; the mean severity score decreased by at least 78% after four weeks of treatment. Initial symptoms were more severe in the cisapride-treated patients, especially in those receiving 10 mg three times daily; however, the patients' condition after four weeks was similar in the three groups. Central nervous system side effects were reported by one patient from each of the cisapride-treated groups and by nine of the 43 metoclopramide-treated patients (P less than 0.02). Six metoclopramide-treated patients and one cisapride-treated patient dropped out of the study because of side effects. These findings favor the use of cisapride when prokinetic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux is considered.

Estudio cuantitativo de movilidad y reaccion acrosomal en espermatozoides de individuos euspermicos y oligozoospermicos infertiles. / Quantitative study of mobility and achrosomal reaction in spermatozoa in euspermic and infertile oligospermic subjects

Debido a que consideramos que la capacidad fertilizante del gameto masculino depende de una estricta correlacion estructura-funcion, mas que del numero de espermatozoides presentes en el semen humano, estudiamos comparativamente las caracteristicas cuantitativas de la movilidad y la reaccion acrosomal en espermatozoides eyaculados de 10 individuos euspermicos y 10 individuos oligozoospermicos. Se conjugo tanto un metodo fotografico de exposicion multiple, asi como la capacitacion reaccion acrosonal in vitro con una tecnica histoquimica de triple tincion, con la finalidad de que estas expresiones de funcion espermatica traduzcan las alteraciones subcelulares y/o funcionales de la incapacidad fertilizante de esta celula.Nuestros resultados indicaron que tanto la movilidad como la reaccion acrosomal estan significativamente disminuidas en el gameto masculino de los individuos olizoospermicos infertiles. Por lo tanto proponemos que la espermatobioscopia debe integrarse el estudio objetivo de la movilidad y la reaccion acrosomal espermatica para una mayor precision en el diagnostico y pronostico del varon infertil