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1.
Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal ; 28(1): e65-e71, 2023 Jan 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36173718

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Descending necrotising mediastinitis is one of the most lethal and least frequent forms of mediastinitis. It is a life-threatening infection most frequently originating from an oropharyngeal or odontogenic infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 6 patients diagnosed and treated for descending necrotising mediastinitis between 2015 and 2020 is reported. RESULTS: All patients were male, mean age of 34.83 years; 66% were smokers. 83% had an orocervical infection and 34% had initial mediastinal spread. All patients were treated initially with empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical drainage, with subsequent admission to the Intensive Care Unit; only one of them required tracheostomy. The mean hospital stay was 27.37 days. After a mean follow-up of 6 months, 100% of the cases had a complete recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and surgical treatment combined with improved life-support treatment in intensive care units and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy leads to a decrease in associated mortality.


Subject(s)
Mediastinitis , Humans , Male , Adult , Female , Mediastinitis/diagnosis , Mediastinitis/surgery , Survival Rate , Retrospective Studies , Necrosis , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
2.
Biomed J ; 45(4): 654-664, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34314900

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease with worldwide presence and a major cause of death in several developing countries. Current diagnostic methodologies often lack specificity and sensitivity, whereas a long time is needed to obtain a conclusive result. METHODS: In an effort to develop better diagnostic methods, this study aimed at the discovery of a biomarker signature for TB diagnosis using a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance based metabolomics approach. In this study, we acquired 1H NMR spectra of blood serum samples of groups of healthy subjects, individuals with latent TB and of patients with pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB. The resulting data were treated with uni- and multivariate statistical analysis. RESULTS: Six metabolites (inosine, hypoxanthine, mannose, asparagine, aspartate and glutamate) were validated by an independent cohort, all of them related with metabolic processes described as associated with TB infection. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study are according with the WHO Target Product Profile recommendations for a triage test to rule-out active TB.


Subject(s)
Aspartic Acid , Tuberculosis , Asparagine , Biomarkers , Glutamates , Humans , Hypoxanthines , Inosine , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , Mannose , Metabolomics/methods , Tuberculosis/diagnosis
4.
Eur Cell Mater ; 38: 201-214, 2019 11 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31682278

ABSTRACT

Dental implants are the usual therapy of choice in the dental clinic to replace a loss of natural teeth. Over recent decades there has been an important progress in the design and manufacturing of titanium implant surfaces with the goal of improving their osteointegration. In the present work, the aim was to evaluate the usefulness of hDPSCs (human dental pulp stem cells), in combination with autologous plasma components, for in vitro bone generation on biomimetic titanium dental implant materials. In this context, the combination of hDPSCs stimulated by PRGF or PRF and cultured on standard Ti6A14V and biomimetic BAS™ (Avinent Implant System) titanium surfaces were studied in order to evaluate possible enhancements in the osteoblastic differentiation process out of human mesenchymal cells, as well as bone matrix secretion on the implant surface. The results obtained in this in vitro model of osteogenesis suggested a combination of biomimetic rough titanium surfaces, such as BAS™, with autologous plasma-derived fibrin-clot membranes such as PRF and/or insoluble PRGF formulations, but not with an addition of water-soluble supplements of plasma-derived growth factors, to maximise osteoblastic cell differentiation, bone generation, anchorage and osteointegration of titanium-made dental implants.


Subject(s)
Biomimetic Materials/chemistry , Cell Adhesion , Dental Pulp/cytology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects , Osseointegration , Osteogenesis , Platelet-Rich Plasma/chemistry , Adult , Biomimetic Materials/pharmacology , Cells, Cultured , Dental Implants , Fibrin/pharmacology , Humans , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/pharmacology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/physiology , Osteoblasts/cytology , Osteoblasts/drug effects , Osteoblasts/physiology , Titanium/chemistry
5.
J Med Econ ; 21(5): 468-473, 2018 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29429371

ABSTRACT

AIM: To elicit patients' preferences for HIV/AIDS treatment characteristics in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A best-worst scaling case was used to provide a ranking of 26 HIV/AIDS treatment characteristics that were similar to a previous study conducted in Germany. In each choice task, participants were asked to choose the most important and the least important treatment characteristics from a set of five from the master list. Using the Hierarchical Bayes method, relative importance scores were calculated. Sub-group analyses were conducted according to sex, education, source of infection, symptoms, and age. RESULTS: A total of 195 patients fully completed the questionnaire. The three most important characteristics were "drug has very high efficacy" (relative importance score [RIS] = 10.1), "maximum prolongation of life expectancy" (RIS = 9.7), and "long duration of efficacy" (RIS = 7.4). Sub-group analysis showed only three significant (but minor) differences between older and younger people. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that treatment characteristics regarding efficacy and prolongation of life are particularly important for patients in Colombia. Further investigation on how patients make trade-offs between these important characteristics and incorporating this information in clinical and policy decision-making would be needed to improve adherence with HIV/AIDS medication.


Subject(s)
Anti-Retroviral Agents/therapeutic use , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Patient Preference , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/drug therapy , Adult , Age Factors , Anti-Retroviral Agents/administration & dosage , Anti-Retroviral Agents/adverse effects , Bayes Theorem , Choice Behavior , Colombia , Decision Making , Drug Administration Schedule , Educational Status , Health Behavior , Humans , Life Expectancy , Male , Middle Aged , Severity of Illness Index , Sex Factors , Socioeconomic Factors
6.
Exp Brain Res ; 234(12): 3483-3495, 2016 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27491682

ABSTRACT

Daily life events confront us with new situations demanding responses to usual and unusual rules. Diazepam (DZ), a clinically important drug, facilitates the inhibitory activity of the GABAergic system. Prefrontal cortex, rich in DZ receptors, coordinates necessary resources to direct actions according to rules. The balance between excitatory and inhibitory activity is critical to achieve optimal function of brain systems leading to complex functions. Major sex differences in the physiological mechanisms of the GABAergic system have been reported. However, the differential influence of DZ on men and women in neural activity during behavior directed by frontal lobes remains unexplored. The ability of healthy volunteers to select responses following usual/congruent and novel/incongruent rules, and brain correlates were measured with fMRI under the administration of DZ and a placebo. 10 mg of DZ was enough to decrease the performance in a different manner between men and women. While reaction times increased in both men and women, women committed more errors selecting responses than men under DZ. Men demonstrated increased activity, while women demonstrated decreased activity in frontal regions involved in response selection of rules. These findings could have important consequences in understanding the differential influences of DZ between the sexes in complex daily life situations. More importantly, this study emphasizes the importance of understanding the differential effects on men and women of drugs widely employed by society, thereby achieves better therapeutic results and avoids side effects that the present study revealed to be different between sexes.


Subject(s)
Brain/drug effects , Decision Making/drug effects , Diazepam/adverse effects , Hypnotics and Sedatives/adverse effects , Prefrontal Cortex/drug effects , Sex Characteristics , Adult , Analysis of Variance , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Female , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Neuropsychological Tests , Oxygen/blood , Reaction Time/drug effects , Young Adult
7.
J Clin Lab Anal ; 29(6): 432-6, 2015 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25132099

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Human obesity is characterized by high levels of leptin, and leptin levels may change with weight loss and dietary restriction. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of Lys656Asn polymorphism in the leptin receptor gene on cardiovascular risk factors, weight loss, and serum leptin levels to a high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) hypocaloric diet in obese patients. DESIGN: A sample of 132 obese patients was analyzed in a prospective way with a dietary intervention. The enriched PUFAs hypocaloric intervention consisted in a diet of 1,459 kcal, 45.7% of carbohydrates, 34.4% of lipids, and 19.9% of proteins. RESULTS: In wild-type group, BMI (-1.9 ± 1.4 kg/m(2) ), weight (-4.4 ± 3.2 kg), fat mass (-4.2 ± 3.8 kg), waist circumference (-4.1 ± 3.1 cm), systolic blood pressure (-7.0 ± 12.1 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (-3.9 ± 6.8 mmHg), insulin (-1.8 ± 5.6 MUI/l) and HOMA-IR (-0.5 ± 1.5 Units) decreased. In mutant genotype group, BMI (-2.0 ± 2.1 kg/m(2) ), weight (-3.6 ± 4.1 kg), waist circumference (-3.1 ± 4.1 cm), total cholesterol (-25.2 ± 19.6 mg/dl), LDL cholesterol (-16.6 ± 25.6 mg/dl), and tryglicerides (-26.6 ± 39.1 mg/dl) decreased. Only leptin levels have a significant decrease in wild genotype group (-6.6 ± 10.2 ng/ml) (25.1%). CONCLUSION: Carriers of ASn656 allele have a different response than wild-type obese, with a lack of decrease in insulin levels, leptin levels, and HOMA-IR. However, obese patients with this mutant allele have a better lipid profile after weight loss.


Subject(s)
Adipokines/blood , Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology , Diet, Reducing , Obesity/complications , Polymorphism, Genetic/genetics , Receptors, Leptin/genetics , Body Mass Index , Cardiovascular Diseases/blood , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Insulin Resistance , Leptin/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity/blood , Obesity/genetics , Obesity/pathology , Prognosis , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors
9.
Eur Neurol ; 71(1-2): 65-74, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24334999

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Palliative techniques such as partial corpus callosotomy (CC) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) may be effective for adequate control of seizures in pharmacoresistant patients who are not candidates for resective surgery. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the efficacy of the combination of these two techniques in patients where the first surgery had not achieved adequate control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 6 patients with refractory epilepsy in which both types of surgery were performed, CC and VNS. We analyzed variables such as age, sex, age at onset of epilepsy, seizure types, electroencephalogram and magnetic resonance imaging results, and number of pre- and postoperative seizures. RESULTS: Three patients first underwent VNS and then CC, and 3 patients were treated in reverse order. All patients had some improvement after the first surgery, but they continued to experience persistent falls, so a second palliative technique was used. The mean improvement after both surgeries was 89% (90% in patients first receiving CC and 87% in patients who first underwent VNS). CONCLUSIONS: In adequately studied patients who are not optimal candidates for resective surgery, palliative surgery is a choice. The combination of VNS and CC shows good results in our series, although the right order to perform both procedures has not been defined. These results should be confirmed in a larger group of patients.


Subject(s)
Corpus Callosum/surgery , Epilepsy/surgery , Epilepsy/therapy , Seizures/surgery , Seizures/therapy , Vagus Nerve Stimulation , Adult , Age Factors , Age of Onset , Brain/pathology , Brain/physiopathology , Electroencephalography , Epilepsy/pathology , Epilepsy/physiopathology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods , Retrospective Studies , Seizures/pathology , Seizures/physiopathology , Sex Factors , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
10.
J Cell Physiol ; 229(2): 172-80, 2014 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24328034

ABSTRACT

T cells are increasingly used for passive immunotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. Proper ex-vivo management of the cells is important for the desired therapeutic effects. For differentiation into effector cells of the Th1 and Th2 phenotypes, T-cells require signals from IFNγ and IL-4, respectively. Naïve cells have an extremely low expression of the specific receptors that recognize these cytokines, indicating that in order to differentiate, cells need to perceive other signals that will enable them to sense the cytokine milieu. CD43 has been proposed as one of the molecules that make the initial contacts with antigen presenting cells. We report here that in cord blood, adult naïve and total human T cells, CD43 signals induced the expression of both IFNγ and IL-4 receptors, mediate their capping, increased their signaling and augmented differentiation mediated by these receptors. CD43 signals also stimulated the expression of IFNγ and in neonatal cells that of IL-4 as well. These data demonstrate an important role for CD43 signals in T-cell preparedness for differentiation into effector cells.


Subject(s)
Cell Differentiation/physiology , Cytokines/metabolism , Leukosialin/metabolism , T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Adult , Cytokines/genetics , Fetal Blood , Gene Expression Regulation , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Receptors, Interferon/genetics , Receptors, Interferon/metabolism , Receptors, Interleukin-4/genetics , Receptors, Interleukin-4/metabolism , Signal Transduction , T-Lymphocytes/cytology , Interferon gamma Receptor
11.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 17(20): 2810-5, 2013 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24174365

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of -55CT polymorphism of UCP3 gene on metabolic response, weight loss and serum adipokine levels to a high monounsaturated fat hypocaloric diet in obese patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A sample of 128 obese patients was analyzed in a prospective way during 3 months. RESULTS: Eighty eight patients (21 males/67 females) (68.8%) had the genotype 55CC (wild genotype group) and 40 patients (8 males/32 females) (31.3%) 55CT (mutant genotype group). In wild genotype group, BMI (-1.6±1.3 kg/m2), weight (-4.3±3.7 kg), fat mass (-3.5±3.3 kg), waist circumference (-5.1±2.9 cm), total cholesterol (-7.2±10.6 mg/dl), LDL cholesterol (-5.3±12.8 mg/dl) and leptin (-4.7±10.1 ng/ml) decreased. In mutant genotype group, BMI (1.3±2.2 kg/m2), weight (-3.0±1.4 kg), fat mass (-2.5±1.1 kg), waist circumference (-2.8±3.1 cm) and leptin (-5.8±10.7 decreased. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with -55CC UCP3 genotype, a high mono-unsaturated hypocaloric diet reduced BMI, weight, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, fat mass, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol and leptin levels. Carriers of T allele had a different response than -55CC patients, with a significant decrease of the same antropometric parameters, but lower than in the wild genotype group, and without significant changes in cholesterol levels.


Subject(s)
Diet, High-Fat , Ion Channels/genetics , Mitochondrial Proteins/genetics , Obesity/genetics , Polymorphism, Genetic , Weight Loss/genetics , Adult , Body Mass Index , Cholesterol, LDL/blood , Energy Intake , Female , Humans , Leptin/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity/metabolism , Uncoupling Protein 3
12.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 17(15): 2059-64, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23884827

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to study the association of insulin resistance expressed by HOMA and adipokines in obese type 2 diabetic patients with or without hyper-transaminasemia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A population of 72 obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was analyzed. HOMA-IR was calculated as indicator of insulin-resistance. Adipocytokines blood levels were measured. RESULTS: Patients were classified as group I (n=37) when serum ALT activity was normal or group II (NAFLD patients: n=35) when serum ALT activity was greater than the median value of the group (≥ 28 UI/L). In NAFLD group, BMI, weight, fat mass, waist to hip ratio, waist circumference, triglycerides, HOMA and insulin levels were higher than control group. In the logistic regression analysis with a dependent variable (ALT) and the statistical univariant variables as independent variables, the HOMA-IR remained in the model, with an Odd's ratio of 1.21 (CI:95%: 1.11-1.35) to have a high ALT level with each 1 unit of HOMA-IR adjusted by age, sex, weight, and dietary intake. CONCLUSIONS: Some metabolic parameters are associated with elevated ALT in female obese patients. However, adjusted by other variables, only insulin resistance remained associated.


Subject(s)
Adipokines/blood , Alanine Transaminase/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood , Insulin Resistance , Obesity/blood , Adult , Aged , Blood Glucose/analysis , Body Fat Distribution , Body Mass Index , Body Size , Cholesterol/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/blood , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/epidemiology , Obesity/epidemiology , Odds Ratio , Spain/epidemiology , Triglycerides/blood
13.
J Endocrinol Invest ; 36(6): 402-6, 2013 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23817228

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It has been found that the expression of fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2) mRNA is under dietary control. This polymorphism was associated with high insulin resistance, and fasting insulin concentrations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of Thr54 polymorphism in the FABP2 gene on metabolic response, weight loss and serum adipokine levels secondary to a high monounsaturated fat hypocaloric diet. DESIGN: A sample of 122 obese patients was analyzed in a prospective way. The hypocaloric diet had 1342 kcal, 46.6% of carbohydrates, 34.1% of lipids and 19.2% of proteins, with a 67.5% of monounsaturated fats, and lasted 3 months. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (45.1%) had the genotype Ala54/Ala54 (wild group) and 67 (64.9%) patients a mutant genotype, Ala54/Thr54 (54 patients, 44.3%) or Thr54/Thr54 (13 patients, 10.7%). In wild group, body mass index (-1.5±1.2 kg/m2), weight (-4.1±3.6 kg), fat mass (-3.6±3.3 kg), waist circumference (-4.9±2.9 cm), insulin (-1.7±3.6 mUI/l), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (-0.6±1.8 units) and leptin levels decreased (-7.6±7.1 ng/ml). In mutant group, anthropometric parameters improved, without changes in biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: Carriers of Thr54 allele have a different response than wild type obese, with a lack of decrease of insulin levels, leptin levels and HOMA-IR.


Subject(s)
Diet, High-Fat , Dietary Fats, Unsaturated/pharmacology , Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins/genetics , Insulin Resistance/genetics , Leptin/blood , Obesity/blood , Obesity/genetics , Adult , Alanine/genetics , Amino Acid Substitution/genetics , Female , Genotype , Humans , Leptin/metabolism , Male , Middle Aged , Mutation, Missense/physiology , Obesity/metabolism , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/physiology , Threonine/genetics
14.
Ann Nutr Metab ; 62(4): 303-9, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23736006

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the role of Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta 3-adrenergic receptor (beta 3-AR) gene on metabolic changes and weight loss secondary to a high monounsaturated fat versus a high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diet in obese subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A population of 260 obese subjects was analyzed. In the basal visit, patients were randomly allocated for 3 months to either diet M (high monounsaturated fat hypocaloric diet) or diet P (high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diet). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the positive effects (on weight, body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass) in either genotype group with both diets. With diet P and in genotype Trp64Trp, glucose levels (-6.7 ± 12.1 vs. -1.2 ± 2.2 mg/dl; p < 0.05), total cholesterol (-11.2 ± 8.1 vs. -1.0 ± 7.1 mg/dl; p < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (-9.7 ± 10.1 vs. -2.2 ± 8.1 mg/dl; p < 0.05), triglycerides (-11.7 ± 13.1 vs. +1.7 ± 10.3 mg/dl; p < 0.05), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-R; -0.7 ± 1.1 vs. -0.3 ± 2.1 units; p < 0.05) and insulin levels (-1.8 ± 4.6 vs. -1.0 ± 9.1 mIU/l; p < 0.05) decreased. CONCLUSION: The metabolic effect of weight reduction by the two hypocaloric diets is greatest in subjects with the normal homozygous beta 3-AR gene. Improvements in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, insulin and HOMA-R levels were better than in the heterozygous group.


Subject(s)
Diet, Reducing/methods , Insulin Resistance/genetics , Obesity/genetics , Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3/genetics , Weight Loss/genetics , Adipokines/blood , Adult , Analysis of Variance , Blood Glucose/analysis , Dietary Fats, Unsaturated , Female , Genetic Variation , Genotype , Humans , Insulin/blood , Insulin Resistance/physiology , Lipids/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity/blood , Obesity/metabolism , Polymorphism, Genetic , Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3/metabolism
15.
Diabetes Metab Res Rev ; 29(7): 576-81, 2013 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23704051

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Serum visfatin concentrations are associated with cardiovascular risk factors and obesity. Relation of this adipokine with metabolic syndrome is unclear. We decide to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome and visfatin levels in female obese subjects. SUBJECTS: A sample of 826 female obese subjects was analyzed. A complete nutritional and biochemical evaluation was performed. Serum visfatin levels were measured and to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, the definitions of the Adult Treatment Panel III was considered RESULTS: Mean age was 48.1 + 12.6 years. Patients were divided in three groups by tertiles of visfatin value, group I (<7.94 ng/ml), group II (7.95-11.78 ng/ml) and group 3 (>11.79 ng/ml). A total of 350 women had metabolic syndrome (42.4%). Values of body mass index, weight, fat mass and waist circumference were lower in patients in the highest tertile group of visfatin than the lowest and middle tertiles of visfatin. Values of C reactive protein were higher in patients in the highest tertile group of visfatin than the lowest and middle tertiles of visfatin. Correlation analysis showed a significant correlation among serum visfatin levels and the independent variables; total cholesterol (r = 0.14;p < 0.05) and C reactive protein (r = 0.12;p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, only visfatin concentration increase 0.123 ng/ml (CI95%:0.033-0.445) for each mg/dl of C reactive protein. CONCLUSION: Only C reactive protein remained associated in an independent way. Serum visfatin was not associated with the accumulation of metabolic syndrome factors or the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in obese female subjects.


Subject(s)
Cytokines/blood , Metabolic Syndrome/blood , Metabolic Syndrome/etiology , Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase/blood , Obesity/blood , Adult , Biomarkers/analysis , Body Weights and Measures , Cross-Sectional Studies , Eating/physiology , Feeding Behavior , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Obesity/complications , Risk Factors
16.
Bull Entomol Res ; 103(2): 127-39, 2013 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22929006

ABSTRACT

The field of ecological immunology currently relies on using a number of immune effectors or markers. These markers are usually used to infer ecological trade-offs (via conflicts in resource allocation), though physiological nature of these markers remains elusive. Here, we review markers frequently used in insect evolutionary ecology research: cuticle darkening, haemocyte density, nodule/capsule formation, phagocytosis and encapsulation/melanization via use of nylon filaments and beads, phenoloxidase activity, nitric oxide production, lysozyme and antimicrobial peptide production. We also provide physiologically based information that may shed light on the probable trade-offs inferred when these markers are used. In addition, we provide a number of methodological suggestions to improve immune marker assessment.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers , Insecta/immunology , Animals , Biological Evolution , Ecology/methods , Entomology/methods
17.
Hernia ; 17(3): 409-14, 2013 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22009147

ABSTRACT

We report two cases of one of the most infrequent types of internal abdominal hernias, i.e. incarcerated herniation through the Foramen of Winslow, with emphasis on appropriate preoperative radiological diagnosis using multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) in both cases, and their successful surgical treatment.


Subject(s)
Hernia/diagnostic imaging , Herniorrhaphy , Intestinal Diseases/surgery , Aged , Cecal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Cecal Diseases/surgery , Colonic Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Colonic Diseases/surgery , Female , Humans , Ileal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Ileal Diseases/surgery , Intestinal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Multidetector Computed Tomography
18.
Nutr Hosp ; 27(4): 1190-5, 2012.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23165529

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The alteration in the protein expression of UCP3 could reduce energy consumption and increase energy storage as fat. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of -55CT polymorphism of UCP3 gene in the metabolic response, weight loss and serum levels of adipokines following a hypocaloric diet rich in polyunsaturated fat in obese patients. DESIGN: A sample of 133 obese patients were analyzed prospectively for 3 months. The hypocaloric diet was 1459 kcal, 45.7% carbohydrate, 34.4% from 19.9% lipids and proteins. The fat distribution was, a 21.8% saturated fat, 55.5% monounsaturated and 22.7% of polyunsaturated fat (7 g per day of fatty acids w6, 2 g per day of w -3 and a ratio w6/w3 of 3.5). RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (28 males/72 females) (75.2%) had genotype - 55CC (wild genotype group) and 33 patients (8 males/25 females) (24.8%) -55CT genotype (group mutant genotype). In the wild genotype, body mass index (-2.5 ± 5.3 kg/m²), weight (-4.2 ± 3.7 kg), fat mass (-3,7 ± 3.3 kg), waist circumference (-4.1 ± 2.9 cm), systolic blood pressure (-4.9 ± 10.1 mmHg), total cholesterol levels (- 16.1 ± 23.6 mg / dl), LDL cholesterol (-11.1 ± 26.8 mg/dl), triglycerides (-12.0 ± 46.8 mg/dl), insulin (-1.8 ± 4.5 IU/L), HOMA-R (-0.6 ± 1.5) and leptin (-6.2 ± 8.4 ng/ml) decreased. In the mutant genotype anthropometric parameters were significantly decreased without significant changes in biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: The T allele carriers of -55CT UCP3 polymorphism exhibit no metabolic response to weight loss induced by a hypocaloric diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids.


Subject(s)
Fatty Acids, Unsaturated/therapeutic use , Ion Channels/genetics , Mitochondrial Proteins/genetics , Obesity/diet therapy , Weight Loss/physiology , Adipokines/blood , Adult , Alleles , Body Mass Index , Female , Genotype , Heterozygote , Humans , Male , Polymorphism, Genetic/genetics , Prospective Studies , Uncoupling Protein 3
19.
Nutr Hosp ; 27(4): 1184-9, 2012.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23165561

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Common polymorphisms of the fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) have been linked to obesity in some populations. The aim of our study was to analyze the relationship of the rs9939609 FTO gene polymorphism on body weight, cardiovascular risk factors and serum adipokine levels in morbid obese patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 129 patients with obesity was analyzed in a cross sectional design. Weight, blood pressure, basal glucose, c-reactive protein (CRP), insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA), total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides blood and adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, resistin, TNF alpha, and interleukin 6) levels were measured. A tetrapolar bioimpedance and a prospective serial assessment of nutritional intake with 3 days written food records were realized. Genotype of FTO gene polymorphism (rs9939609) was studied. RESULTS: Forty three patients (31.8%) had TT genotype, 55 patients (42.6%) TA genotype and 33 patients (25.6%) AA genotype. Body mass index (43.6 (2.6) kg/m² vs. 44.1 (2.9) kg/m²; p < 0.05), fat mass (52.0 (12.5) kg vs. 56.3 (11.7) kg: p < 0.05), weight (111.6 (16.2) kg vs. 114.9 (18.9) kg; p < 0.05), levels of C reactive protein (6.1 (4.3) mg/dl vs. 9.8 (7.1) mg/dl; p < 0.05) and levels of leptin (65.9 (52.2) ng/ml vs. 110.9 (74.1); < 0.05) were higher in mutant type group (A allele) than wild genotype group (TT). CONCLUSION: The FTO gene polymorphism, rs9939609, was found to be associated with weight, fat mass, C reactive protein and leptin levels in morbid obese patients with A allele.


Subject(s)
Adipokines/blood , Obesity/blood , Proteins/genetics , Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO , Blood Chemical Analysis , Body Mass Index , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Cardiovascular Diseases/genetics , Cross-Sectional Studies , Diet , Electric Impedance , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Polymorphism, Genetic/genetics , Risk Factors
20.
Nutr. hosp ; 27(5): 1637-1642, sept.-oct. 2012. tab
Article in English | IBECS | ID: ibc-110199

ABSTRACT

Background: Considering the evidence that endogenous cannabinoid system plays a role in metabolic aspects of body weight and metabolic syndrome components such as non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of this polymorphism on insulin resistance, liver histological changes, anthropometric parameters and adipocytokines in patients with NAFLD. Material and methods: A population of 71 patients with NAFLD was recruited in a cross sectional study. A biochemical analysis of serum was measured. Genotype of G1359A polymorphism of CB1 receptor gene CB1 receptor was studied. Forty one patients (36.9%) had the genotype G1359G (wild type group) and twenty nine (26.1%) patients G1359A or A1359A (mutant type group). Results: Twenty four 24 patients (32,3%) had a Brunt grade > 4 and 12 patients (17%) had a significative fibrosis (F > = 2). HOMA values were higher in wild type group than mutant type group. Adiponectin and visfatin levels were higher in mutant type group. Moreover, TNF-alpha and resistin levels were higher in wild type group than mutant type group. Patients with mutant genotype showed less frequently elevated levels of AST. AST > 40 UI/L was detected in 28.5% of patients in the mutant vs. 53% of patients with wild genotype, p < 0.05. Patients with mutant type group presented a percentage of Brunt grade > = 4 less frequently than patients with wild type group (28.5%vs 7.1%). Conclusion: A variant of the polymorphism G1359A CBR1 is associated with lower levels of HOMA, TNF-alpha, resistin and higher levels of adiponectin than patients with the wild variant of this polymorphism. Besides, patients with A allele variant shown lower Brunt grade in liver biopsy (AU)


Antecedentes: Teniendo en cuenta la evidencia de que el sistema cannabinoide endógeno juega un papel importante en aspectos metabólicos, peso corporal y componentes del síndrome metabólico como la enfermedad hepática NO alcohólica (EHNA). El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue investigar la influencia de este polimorfismo en la resistencia a la insulina, cambios en la histología hepática, parámetros antropométricos y adipocitoquinas en pacientes con hígado graso no alcohólico. Material y métodos: Una población de 71 pacientes con hígado graso no alcohólico fue reclutado en un estudio de corte transversal. Se realizó un análisis bioquímico de suero. El genotipo del polimorfismo G1359A del gen del receptor CB1 se ha estudiado en todos los pacientes. Cuarenta y un pacientes (36,9%) tenían el genotipo G1359G (grupo de tipo salvaje) y veintinueve (26,1%) de los pacientes o G1359A A1359A (grupo mutante). Resultados: Veinticuatro 24 pacientes (32,3%) tenían un grado de Brunt > 4 y 12 pacientes (17%) tenían una fibrosis significativa (F > = 2). Los valores de HOMA fueron mayores en el grupo con genotipo salvaje que el grupo mutante. Los niveles de adiponectina y visfatina fueron mayores en el grupo con genotipo mutante. Por otra parte, el TNF-alfa y los niveles de resistina fueron más altos en el grupo con genotipo salvaje que el grupo mutante. Los pacientes con genotipo mutante mostraron niveles elevados de menor frecuencia de AST. AST > 40 UI/L se detectó en el 28,5% de los pacientes con el genotipo mutante frente a 53% de los pacientes con genotipo salvaje, p < 0,05. Los pacientes con genotipo mutante presentaron un porcentaje de grado de Brunt > = 4 con menos frecuencia que los pacientes con genotipo salvaje (28,5%vs 7,1%). Conclusión: Una variante del polimorfismo G1359A CBR1 se asocia con menores niveles de HOMA, TNF-alfa, resistina y mayores niveles de adiponectina que los pacientes con la variante salvaje de este polimorfismo. Además, los pacientes con una variante del alelo muestra menor grado de Brunt en la biopsia hepática (AU)


Subject(s)
Humans , Polymorphism, Genetic/genetics , Receptors, Cannabinoid/genetics , Insulin Resistance/genetics , Fatty Liver/genetics , Adipokines/genetics , Biopsy , Risk Factors
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