Omalizumab as a therapeutic option for nasal polyposis in moderate-to-severe persistent allergic asthma: evidence from a prospective study in a real-world setting

No disponible

Osteopontin gene SNPs (rs9138, rs11730582) mediate susceptibility to external root resorption in orthodontic patients.

OBJECTIVE: External apical root resorption (EARR) is a frequent iatrogenic effect of orthodontic treatment. Substantial variability in responses to postorthodontic EARR has been observed among patients even when similar treatment protocols were used. This observation suggests that environmental and/or genetic variations between individuals may confer susceptibility or resistance to developing EARR. The objective of this study is to determine whether variants in the osteopontin gene, an essential mediator in the odontoclast fusion and attachment process, are positively/negatively associated with postorthodontic EARR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genetic screening of eighty-seven orthodontic patients was performed for two polymorphisms in the osteopontin gene cluster (rs9138 and rs11730582). Subjects were divided into groups, according to the presence or absence of EARR (>2 mm). Genotype distributions and allelic frequencies were calculated using the chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the extent to which clinical-related parameters interfered with the EARR. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated. RESULTS: Data from this study show that subjects heterozygous and homozygous for the most frequent allele of the osteopontin gene at position 89261521 [OR: 0.035 (P = 0.035*) (allele A)] and 89253600 [OR: 0.20 (P = 0.025*) (allele T)], respectively, are protected against postorthodontic EARR. Nevertheless, a highly significant association was found in the comparative analysis of homozygous subjects [2/2 (CC)] for the osteopontin gene (rs9138), resulting in an increased risk of suffering postorthodontic EARR[OR: 4.10; P = 0.045*; CI: 95%]. Subjects who were homozygous [2/2 (CC)] for the osteopontin gene (rs11730582) were more likely, and to a greater extent, to be affected with EARR [OR: 11.68; P < 0.039*; CI: 95%] compared with other genotypes. CONCLUSION: Variations in the osteopontin gene (rs9138 and rs11730582) are determinants of a genetic predisposition to suffer EARR secondary to orthodontic treatment.

Head and neck cancer. An aetiopathogenetic study of non-endemic lymphoepithelioma.

An aetiopathogenetic analysis of non-endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in European and Southern American patient groups was performed. Specifically, the study sought to determine the proportion of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-positive tumour cells in NPC patients in two very different populations (Europe and South America) in areas not associated with a high incidence of NPC. Clinical data (age, sex and onset of clinical disease) were also analyzed. A total of 50 NPC samples, 24 from a European hospital (EH) and 26 from two South American hospitals (SAH), were included. Nuclear staining for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER) was performed by in situ hybridization (ISH). Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) expression was measured by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. A higher incidence of NPC was observed in patients > 40 years of age in EH; in SAH, by contrast, the incidence was higher in patients aged ≤ 40 years. Cervical lymph node metastasis was detected in 31 patients (of whom 84.6% were from SAH). A total of 72% of samples were EBERpositive; the incidence of EBER positivity was greater in type 3 NPCs. EBV was detected in a large proportion of epithelial cells in samples from both EH and SAH (75% vs. 69.2%, respectively). An association was found between EBER detection in lymphocytes and patient origin (p = 0.0001). LMP1 expression was detected in 64% of patients. ISH for the detection of EBER is the most sensitive technique for demonstrating EBV in tumour tissue. The incidence of EBV was not significantly greater in either of the study populations, but was significantly higher in patients with type 3 NPC. Definitive histological diagnosis of NPC was reached earlier in EH than in SAH, where metastases were more frequently diagnosed, suggesting that the disease had reached a more advanced stage by the time treatment was started.

The use of gene therapy vs. corticotomy surgery in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement.

OBJECTIVE: Alveolar corticotomy surgery is an adjunctive therapy for reducing orthodontic treatment duration. The activation pathways of bone resorption involved in the tooth movement (TM) process are directly linked to the receptor activator of the nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL). Whether similar molecular pathways through RANKL, are shared by the acceleratory TM process (corticotomy-induced or not), sustained acceleration would therefore be expected with transgenic overexpression of this factor. We hypothesize that maintaining transgenic overexpression of RANKL will accelerate TM under force over time rather than at the beginning of therapy only; this contrasts with the corticotomy procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We transfected the pcDNA3.1(+)-mRANKL transgene in vitro into NIH3T3 cells, then evaluated by PCR, Western blot and ex vivo resorption assay. Quantification of RANKL immunofluorescence, fluorescence-based tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase+ (TRAP+) osteoclast counts and histological analyses of the bone resorption area were performed and clinically correlated after a 32-day in vivo experiment comparing corticotomy and gene therapy. RESULTS: In vitro experiments resulted in increased level of RANKL protein (46%, p<0.05) and greater mineral resorption (39%, p<0.05) compared to the controls. In vivo results showed increased RANKL immunoexpression for both corticotomy (twofold) and transfection groups (threefold) after 10 days. After 32 days, a similar result was obtained for the transfected group but not for the surgery group. These data correlate with the clinical effect of decelerating TM in the surgery group. CONCLUSIONS: Selective gene therapy with RANKL has been experimentally tested as an alternative method to corticotomy surgery, showing higher effectiveness than surgical methods used for acceleratory purposes in orthodontics.

Aplicación clínica de la terapia génica al movimiento dentario ortodóncico. Comparativa frente a la corticotomía alveolar / No disponible

El movimiento dentario ortodóncico se sustenta en bases biomoleculares y genéticas específicas en cada paciente. Sin embargo, existen determinados nexos comunes que rigen la velocidad del movimiento dentario a través de la estructura ósea alveolar. La disminución en el tiempo de tratamiento ortodóncico constituye aún hoy un reto pendiente por los profesionales de la materia, dependiendo éste directamente de la biología ósea. En la efervescente actualidad son muchos los autores que proponen la corticotomía alveolar como una técnica de apoyo a la ortodoncia en búsqueda de una aceleración inducida del movimiento dentario ortodóncico. Sin embargo, tal aceleración radica en última instancia en las bases biológicas del conocido como fenómeno de aceleración regional (RAP) desencadenado en el entorno óseo. Por otro lado, las vías moleculares de activación osteoclásticas y por tanto de reabsorción ósea, están íntimamente relacionadas con el (..) (AU)

Coenzyme Q10 distribution in blood is altered in patients with fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ(10)) is an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a strong antioxidant. Signs and symptoms associated with muscular alteration and mitochondrial dysfunction, including oxidative stress, have been observed in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). The aim was to study CoQ(10) levels in plasma and mononuclear cells, and oxidative stress in FM patients. METHODS: We studied CoQ(10) level by HPLC in plasma and peripheral mononuclear cells obtained from patients with FM and healthy control subjects. Oxidative stress markers were analyzed in both plasma and mononuclear cells from FM patients. RESULTS: Higher level of oxidative stress markers in plasma was observed respect to control subjects. CoQ(10) level in plasma samples from FM patients was doubled compared to healthy controls and in blood mononuclear cells isolated from 37 FM patients was found to be about 40% lower. Higher levels of ROS production was observed in mononuclear cells from FM patients compared to control, and a significant decrease was induced by the presence of CoQ(10). CONCLUSION: The distribution of CoQ(10) in blood components was altered in FM patients. Also, our results confirm the oxidative stress background of this disease probably due to a defect on the distribution and metabolism of CoQ(10) in cells and tissues. The protection caused in mononuclear cells by CoQ(10) would indicate the benefit of its supplementation in FM patients.

Cytotoxic effects of amitriptyline in human fibroblasts.

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant widely used in the treatment of chronic pain. The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential cytotoxic effects of amitriptyline in human fibroblasts primary culture. Human fibroblast cells were cultured from healthy subjects and incubated with 50 microM and 100 microM amitriptyline. Cell counting was performed to study dose-dependency of toxicity. Lipid peroxidation analysis and western blotting for antioxidants catalase and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) were carried out in order to evaluate oxidative stress. To investigate mitochondria damage the following determinations were made: cytochrome c, citrate synthase, and mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)). Amitriptyline reduced significantly the number of cultured cells, resulting in a decrease of 45.2%, 65.0% and 94.9% when treated with 20 microM, 50 microM and 100 microM amitriptyline, respectively. This drug enhanced the production of oxidized products during lipid peroxidation, inverting the reduced/oxidized ratio to 25% reduction and 75% oxidation after 24h of amitriptyline administration. A decreased in catalase protein levels has been also observed. Moreover, amitriptyline treatment induced a significant decrease of cytochrome c, DeltaPsi(m), and citrate synthase activity; revealing mitochondrial damage. These findings suggest that amitriptyline has a strong cytotoxic effect in human fibroblasts, decreasing growth rate and mitochondrial activity, and increasing oxidative stress.

[Renal involvement by AA amyloidosis in inclusion body myositis]. / Afectación renal por amiloidosis AA en paciente con miositis por cuerpos de inclusión.

Inclusion body myositis is currently considered a variant of adult inflammatory myopathies. Clinical course is insidious and besides typical proximal muscles disorder, extension to distal ones is found in up to 95% of cases. Mean survival ranges from 3 to 5 years. Infections are the first death cause, secondary to existing disability a few years after diagnosis. Chronic rheumatic diseases related amyloidosis has became the most frequent kind of reactive amyloidosis or AA amyloidosis. Clinical manifestations of AA amyloidosis mainly affect the kidney. We present the case of a woman with Inclusion body myositis and renal involvement by AA amyloidosis. In our review of literature we haven t found any article relating AA amyloidosis with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies of the adult, what would turn this case into the first ever reported. We can probably find the reason in the bad prognosis of this entity. So we propose making a renal biopsy to all those patients with a long lasting rheumatologic disease and unexpected impaired renal function.

Afectación renal por amiloidosis AA en paciente con miositis por cuerpos de inclusión / Renal involvement vy AA amyloidosis in inclusion body myositis

La miositis por cuerpos de inclusión (MCI) se considera actualmente una variante de las miopatías inflamatorias del adulto. El curso clínico es insidioso y además de la típica afectación de la musculatura proximal termina involucrando a los músculos distales en el 95% de los casos. La supervivencia media oscila entre los 3-5 años. La primera causa de muerte son las complicaciones infecciosas, debido a la incapacidad a los pocos años de su diagnóstico. La amiloidosis secundaria a enfermedades reumáticas crónicas se ha convertido en el tipo más frecuente de amiloidosis secundaria o tipo AA. Las manifestaciones clínicas de la amiloidosis AA predominan principalmente en riñón. Presentamos el caso de una mujer con MCI y afectación renal por amiloidosis AA. En la bibliografía no hemos encontrado ninguna comunicación relacionando la amiloidosis AA con miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas del adulto, por lo que nuestra paciente sería el primer caso descrito. Probablemente el sombrío pronóstico de esta entidad sea el motivo por el que no han sido descritos otros casos. Creemos conveniente plantear la realización de biopsia renal en los pacientes con enfermedad reumatológica de larga evolución y deterioro inexplicado de la función renal

Inclusion body myositis is currently considered a variant of adult inflammatory myopathies. Clinical course is insidious and besides typical proximal muscles disorder, extension to distal ones is found in up to 95% of cases. Mean survival ranges from 3 to 5 years. Infections are the first death cause, secondary to existing disability a few years after diagnosis. Chronic rheumatic diseases related amyloidosis has became the most frequent kind of reactive amyloidosis or AA amyloidosis. Clinical manifestations of AA amyloi- dosis mainly affect the kidney. We present the case of a woman with Inclusion body myositis and renal involve- ment by AA amyloidosis. In our review of literature we haven´t found any article rela- ting AA amyoloidosis with idiopatic inflamatory myopaties of the adult, what would turn this case into the first ever reported.We can probably find the reason in the bad prognosis of this entity. So we propose making a renal biopsy to all those patients with a long lasting rheumatologic disease and unexpected impaired renal function

[Association between membranous glomerulonephritis and Crohn's disease]. / Asociación de glomerulonefritis membranosa y enfermedad de Crohn.

We report the case of a 37 year old man who suffered from Crohn's Disease (CD), and was receiving treatment with mesalazine (5-ASA). Nine years after the diagnosis, because of detecting a slight proteinuria, a renal biopsy is made, being the anatomo-pathologic result compatible with membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN). Checking previous literature we have only found two cases reported of MGN in coincidence with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), one in association with Ulcerative Colitis and the other with Crohn's Disease in a 12 years old boy. This is, therefore, the second case presenting MGN associated with CD and the first in an adult patient.

Osteal complications as first manifestation in a patient with primary Sjögren's Syndrome and with associated distal tubular acidosis (type 1) and chronic renal insufficiency.

Renal affection is among the complications associated with the Sjögren's Syndrome. Tubulo-interstitial nephritis constitutes the most frequent renal lesion and distal tubular acidosis (Type 1) is the most important clinical manifestation of this tubular dysfunction, although the occurrence of chronic renal insufficiency is not an uncommon finding in the presence of distal renal tubular acidosis. Osteomalacia is a clinical consequence of tubular acidosis caused by buffering of H+ in the bone. We present the case of a woman with osteal complication a year before being diagnosed with primary Sjögren's Syndrome and with distal tubular acidosis and renal insufficiency associated at diagnosis.

[Study of the derivations to an external consultation of Internal Medicine: can be managed the waiting list?]. / Estudio de las derivaciones a una consulta externa de Medicina Interna: se puede gestionar la lista de espera?

BACKGROUND: The lack of coordination and organization between primary and specialized attention, generates inefficiency bags in the area of external consultations. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The characteristics of the attention of 120 patients derived consecutively to an external Internal Medicine consultation of a local hospital are analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 120 mentioned patients 19 did not appear (16.23%). 70.3% of the taken care of patients came from primary attention and 29.7% did it of specialized attention. Of the patients derived by primary attention: 63.3% went without data adapted in the derivation leaf, 59.2% did not contribute complementary diagnostic tests and 40.8% were registered in the first consultation. Of the patients derived from specialized attention: 100% contribute clinical information to the consultation, 90% contribute complementary studies and 56.65% are registered in the first consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The discontinuity in the attention between primary and specialized attention generates an inefficient use of the resources, that in the area of external consultations influences in the appearance of waiting lists.

Estudio de las derivaciones a una consulta externa de Medicina Interna: ¿se puede gestionar la lista de espera? / Study of the derivations to an external consultation of internal medicine: can be managed the waiting list?

Fundamento: La falta de coordinación y organización entre atención primaria y especializada, genera bolsas de ineficiencia en el área de consultas externas. Material y método: Se analizan las características de la atención de 120 pacientes citados consecutivamente en una consulta externa de Medicina Interna de un hospital comarcal. Resultados: De los 120 pacientes citados no comparecieron 19 (16,23 por ciento). El 70,3 por ciento de los pacientes atendidos procedían de atención primaria y el 29,7 por ciento lo hacían de atención especializada. De los pacientes derivados por atención primaria: el 63,3 por ciento acudieron sin datos adecuados en la hoja de derivación, el 59,2 por ciento no aportaba pruebas diagnósticas complementarias y el 40,8 por ciento fue dado de alta en la primera consulta. De los pacientes derivados de atención especializada: el 100 por ciento aporta información clínica a la consulta, el 90 por ciento aporta estudios complementarios y el 56,65 por ciento es dado de alta en la primera consulta. Conclusiones: La discontinuidad en la atención entre atención primaria y especializada genera una ineficiente utilización de los recursos, que en el área de consultas externas influye en la aparición de listas de espera (AU)

Prognostic value of DNA flow cytometry in sympathoadrenal paragangliomas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether ploidy patterns are related to prognosis in sympathoadrenal paragangliomas (SAP) using flow cytometry. STUDY DESIGN: DNA flow cytometric analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 36 patients with SAP was performed. Eight cases fulfilled at least one of the following malignancy criteria: (1) extensive invasion of adjacent structures (5 cases), (2) local recurrence (3 cases), or (3) metastases (4 cases). RESULTS: Of the 36 tumors, 22 (61%) showed nondiploid patterns (12 aneuploid, 10 tetraploid). All diploid tumors were benign, while all malignant cases showed nondiploid patterns (P = .0131). The differences between diploid and aneuploid tumors and between diploid and tetraploid tumors, with regard to the malignancy of the disease, were statistically significant (P = .03311 and .01976, respectively). Only one malignant tumor had a DNA index < 1.75 (P = .00259). CONCLUSION: Anomalous DNA ploidy patterns are frequent in SAP, without necessarily implying malignancy. However, diploid DNA content may be a marker of a good prognosis. The likelihood of malignancy is greater in the tetraploid and peritetraploid range.

[Dietary and personal hygiene habits of adolescents in a rural population]. / Hábitos dietéticos y de higiene personal en adolescentes de una población rural.

BACKGROUND: A healthy diet and adequate personal hygiene are essential factors for good health. Adolescents gradually achieve a degree of autonomy in these areas. The aim of the study is to find out the diet and hygiene habits of adolescents in Navalcarnero, a rural town in the Autonomous Region of Madrid (Spain). METHODS: A descriptive study of a cross section of the relevant population, by previously validated, self-completed and anonymous questionnaire, filled in by adolescents (3 degrees BUP/ESO/FP) in by 13- and 14-year old school children (EGB.) The diet survey assessed the weekly consumption frequency of different foodstuffs. RESULTS: The respondents normally had milk and cocoa for breakfast, with toast or a bun. Lunch was more abundant than the evening meal, and more fruit was consumed more often in the former. Most of the children drank milk every day, usually in its natural state, but in two out of three cases, the consumption of dairy products was not as recommended, vegetable consumption was low. Among the children of BUP/ESO/FP, the girls consumed greens, salad, fruit and sliced bread more often, this difference being particularly marked in the case of the bread, and the boys consumed considerably more meat and bread of the French-stick kind. With respect to personal hygiene, most of them have a shower and wash their hair every two or three days and brush their teeth and change their underwear on a daily basis; the girls proved to be much more assiduous in having a shower, brushing their teeth and changing their underwear. CONCLUSIONS: In some areas, behaviour as regards diet and hygiene shows differences depending on the sex of the individual, certain habits ought to be improved upon.

Induction of thyroid proliferative changes in rats treated with antithyroid compound.

This study was designed to investigate the histologic changes in goitrogen-induced thyroid growth of the rat. The animals were orally treated by 1% potassium perchlorate except the controls and were sacrificed in intervals ranging from 1 to 12 months. The thyroid weight increased progressively along the treatment and after 2 months showed a diffuse homogenous hypertrophy and hyperplasia of follicular cells, decreased amount of colloid and increased vascularity. After sixth month of treatment true nodules appeared with complex morphology.

Cytologic diagnosis of a case of recurrent adamantinoma.

The cytologic features of a case of recurrent adamantinoma of the tibia diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA) in a 31-year-old patient are described. The FNA smears contained single-lying cells and cells arranged in small clusters and Indian files, with some nuclear molding. Three cell types were present: (1) large polygonal cells with chromatin clearing, (2) smaller cells with poorly defined cytoplasm and dense chromatin and (3) fusiform cells. The first two were interpreted as epithelial in nature and the third one as being derived from the stroma. These cytologic features appear to be sufficiently characteristic to suggest an FNA diagnosis of adamantinoma, especially in the case of a recurrent tumor.

Mucosubstances in medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.

We have studied mucosubstances in 12 cases of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid using histochemical techniques and a number of different lectins. Immunohistochemical staining for calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen was also performed. We have found that the presence of mucosubstances is a constant finding in medullary carcinomas; they were present extracellularly in 100% of cases and intracellularly in 53.3%. In both these compartments there was a predominance of neutral over acid mucosubstances. Receptors for UEA-I, Con A, RCA-I, Succ-WGA and SBA were found in many cells in the majority of cases, but there were differences in the affinity from one case to another. Because of this lack of specificity lectin histochemistry is not of diagnostic value in medullary carcinomas of the thyroid. The possible relationships of the lectin-binding results to glycosylated hormone precursors and carcinoembryonic antigen are discussed.