Multidisciplinary strategies to promote self-care in patients with early nephropathy / Estrategias multidisciplinarias para fomentar autocuidado en pacientes con nefropatía temprana

In Mexico, there is a high prevalence of early nephropathy that usually goes unnoticed and may in part be due to the acquisition of "moderns" negative habits a lifestyle from an early age like physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, smoking and alcohol intake abuse associated with the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, diabetes and hypertension, leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Mexico. These behaviors are difficult to control by medical intervention alone and may be associated with lack of resources of patients to perform self-care activities and the health care-model predominant in México also may be insufficient to generate healthy behaviors. To improve the care of patients from early stages of CKD, is necessary to implement multidisciplinary strategies to empower the patient and develop their self-efficacy to carry out self-care actions to manage their disease, control risk factors, promotion of healthy habits and modify risk behaviors. Promoting self-care is an area of opportunity with potential benefits to reduce the progression of kidney damage and complications. The aim of this article is to review the main multidisciplinary strategies to promote self-care in patients with early nephropathy in primary health-care.

En México, existe una alta prevalencia de nefropatía temprana que puede pasar desapercibida y deberse a los "modernos" hábitos negativos de un estilo de vida; la inactividad física, la dieta poco saludable, el tabaquismo y el abuso en el consumo de alcohol, asociados al incremento de la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad, diabetes e hipertensión arterial, son las principales causas de enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en nuestro país. Para mejorar la atención de los pacientes desde los estadios tempranos de la ERC, es necesario implementar estrategias multidisciplinarias para empoderar al paciente y desarrollar su autoeficacia para llevar a cabo acciones de autocuidado para el manejo de su enfermedad, control de factores de riesgo, promoción de hábitos saludables y modificar conductas de riesgo. Fomentar el autocuidado constituye un área de oportunidad con potenciales beneficios para reducir la progresión del daño renal y sus complicaciones. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar las principales estrategias multidisciplinarias para fomentar el autocuidado en pacientes con nefropatía temprana en atención primaria.

Dosage of Sex Chromosomal Genes in Blood Deposited on Filter Paper for Neonatal Screening of Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy.

AIMS: In this study, we examined the doses of the stature homeobox (SHOX), vesicle-associated membrane protein 7 (VAMP7), and SRY genes to establish a protocol for using peripheral blood samples deposited on filter paper for the screening of sex chromosome aneuploidy in neonates. We also measured correlations with karyotypes to assess this method as a neonatal screening strategy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational, descriptive, comparative blind study. Thirty-two healthy young adults (17 women, 15 men; age, ≥18 years), four patients with known sex chromosome aneuploidy (positive control group), and 1000 healthy newborns were included. Gene dosages were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Values with standard deviations (SDs) of three or more were considered abnormal. RESULTS: Men and women differed in the gene dosage of the SRY gene. Cases with Turner syndrome showed values below 3 SDs for SHOX and VAMP7 genes, and cases with Klinefelter syndrome showed values above 3 SDs for SHOX and VAMP7 genes. Two suspected cases of sex chromosome aneuploidy were diagnosed using our neonatal screening strategy; these cases were confirmed as Turner syndrome and 47,XYY syndrome by karyotyping. CONCLUSIONS: Our data establish a basis for the determination of chromosomal sex and neonatal screening of sex chromosome aneuploidy using RT-PCR.

Cáncer de mama y enfermedad de Mondor: una curiosa pareja / Breast cancer and Mondor's disease: a curious couple

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Intracerebral injection of oil cyst content of human craniopharyngioma (oil machinery fluid) as a toxic model in the rat brain.

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are benign epithelial cystic tumors of the sellar and suprasellar region with a high survival rate and high recurrence in children. CPs contain dense oily fluid, but little is known yet about this content and its contribution to tissue damage and tumoral growth. In this study, we developed a simple experimental model produced by intracortical injection to rats of the cyst fluid content collected from human CPs to explore its possible contribution to brain tissue damage. The cyst fluid of the CPs ("oil machinery fluid") was collected during surgical removal, briefly preserved and further tested in rats through intracortical infusion. The group receiving "oil machinery fluid" presented increased reactive oxygen species formation, oxidative damage to lipids and reactive gliosis accompanied by augmented immunoreactivity to peroxiredoxin and thioredoxin reductase 1 at 15, 30 and 45 days post-injection. Other markers of inflammation and cell damage were stimulated at all post-lesion days tested. There was also a body weight gain. The persistence of tissue damage and oxidative stress suggests that "oil machinery fluid" exerts progressive alterations similar to those observed in patients with CPs, supporting the concept that some components of cyst fluid may contribute to brain tissue damage in these patients.

Prevalence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency in Mexican children aged 1 to 6 years in a population-based survey.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the magnitude and distribution of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency in Mexican children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Folate and vitamin B12 serum concentrations were measured in a probabilistic sample of 2 099 children. Adjusted prevalence, mean concentrations and relevant associations were calculated based on series of logistic and linear regression models. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency were 3.2% and 7.7%, respectively. The highest prevalence of folate was found in the 2-year-old (7.9%), and of vitamin B12 in the 1 year-old (9.1%) groups. Being a beneficiary of the fortified milk program Liconsa was protectively associated with serum folate (p=0.001) and daily Intake of milk with vitamin B12 (p=0.002) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the magnitude of folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies in Mexican children. The deficiency of both vitamins in children under 2 years old is a moderate public health problem in Mexico.

Prevalence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency in Mexican children aged 1 to 6 years in a population-based survey / Distribución de la prevalencia de deficiencia de folato y vitamina B12 en niños mexicanos de 1 a 6 años de edad. Encuesta con base poblacional

OBJECTIVE: To describe the magnitude and distribution of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency in Mexican children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Folate and vitamin B12 serum concentrations were measured in a probabilistic sample of 2 099 children. Adjusted prevalence, mean concentrations and relevant associations were calculated based on series of logistic and linear regression models. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency were 3.2% and 7.7%, respectively. The highest prevalence of folate was found in the 2-year-old (7.9%), and of vitamin B12 in the 1 year-old (9.1%) groups. Being a beneficiary of the fortified milk program Liconsa was protectively associated with serum folate (p=0.001) and daily Intake of milk with vitamin B12 (p=0.002) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the magnitude of folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies in Mexican children. The deficiency of both vitamins in children under 2 years old is a moderate public health problem in Mexico.

OBJETIVO: Describir la magnitud de la deficiencia de folato y vitamina B12 en niños mexicanos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se midieron las concentraciones séricas de folatos y vitamina B12 en una muestra probabilística de 2 099 niños. Se calcularon prevalencias ajustadas, medias de las concentraciones y las asociaciones relevantes mediante una serie de modelos de regresiones logísticas y lineales. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia global de deficiencia de folatos y vitamina B12 fueron 3.2% y 7.7%, respectivamente. La prevalencia más alta de folatos se encontró en el grupo de 2 años (7.9%) y de la vitamina B12 en los de 1 año de edad (9.1%). Ser beneficiario del programa de leche fortificada Liconsa estuvo asociado de manera protectora con el folato serico (p=0.001) y la ingestión diaria de leche con la de vitamina B12 (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONES: La deficiencia de ambas vitaminas, en los niños menores de dos años, es un problema de salud pública de magnitud moderada en México.

La plaqueta como marcador biológico periférico de la función serotoninérgica neuronal

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Abstract: Among all neurotransmitters, serotonin or 5-hydroxi-triptamine (5-HT) is probably the most studied in neuropsychopharmacology. Interest in this neurotransmitter is due to cumulative evidences showing that neuronal serotonergic systems are altered in depressed patients, as well as in several behavior dysfunctions like aggressiveness, impulsiveness, and suicide attempts, among others. Also, specific agonists and antagonists have been synthesized, which has enabled the characterization of the serotonergic receptor subtypes. Furthermore, highly selective inhibitors ofserotonin uptake have been developed, and these are capable of working in the synaptic terminals, as well as in other cell systems, such as platelets. This has allowed for the understanding and characterization of the action mechanisms of diverse psychoactive drugs interacting with the serotonergic system. Platelets have been proposed as an outlying model resembling that of serotonergic neurons due to the similarities they present in the uptake, storage, and serotonin release mechanisms, as well as the presence in platelet membranes of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. The platelets have a serotonergic system consisting of four main components: 1. an uptake mechanism, 2. intracellular storage organelles, 3. serotonergic receptors in the plasmatic membrane, and 4. a mitochondrial enzyme, the monoamine oxidase (MAO), which metabolizes serotonin. All these elements show physiologic similarities with the neuronal serotonergic system. Serotonergic similarities in neurons and platelets In the Central Nervous System (SNC) serotonin acts mainly as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. The precursor for its synthesis is the aminoacid tryptophan. This is taken from the blood to the cerebral interstice, where it is taken up by the nervous terminals and converted into 5-hidroxytryptophan (5-HTP) by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxilase. The conversion to 5-HTP is a key regulatory step in serotonin synthesis, and is converted quickly in 5-HT by the action of the aromatic L-acid descarboxilase. However, platelets do not synthesize 5-HT, since they do not possess tryptophan hydroxilase. Thus they only display uptake, storage, and serotonin release functions. Serotonin actions The neurotransmitter functions of neuronal serotonin, generally inhibitory, depend on the serotonergic receptor characteristics it interacts with. Its action mechanism can be mediated through second messengers (metabotrophic receptors) or through a direct action over ionic channels (ionotrophic receptors). In the platelets, serotonin is stored in a slow replacement depot, where it can be released from by exocythotic mechanisms. Serotonin participates in the platelet activation that allows for their aggregation to each other for blood clotting process. Serotonin uptake To stop the serotonin neurotransmitter function, neuronal serotonin is taken up from the synaptic cleft by transporter proteins. The serotonin neuronal uptake is impelled by a proton gradient that requires ATP. The 5-HT uptake can follow two paths: the 5-HT can be metabolized by the MAO into 5-hydroxy-indolacetic acid, or it can be reintroduced into release vesicles in order to be reutilized as a neurotransmitter. The serotonin uptake by platelets occurs either by passive diffusion or by active transport mechanisms. Under physiological conditions, the active uptake mechanism is the most effective. This uptake is mediated by proteins similar to the ones required for the neuronal serotonin uptake in the brain. It requires energy and the presence of Na+ and Cl-. The platelet uptake system has a relatively high affinity (Kd) for 5-HT, being similar in magnitude from platelets to neurons. The platelet storage of 5-HT is located mainly in the dense bodies and in the storage granules. Serotonin transporters in platelets and synaptic terminals The main form of ending a serotonergic transmission pulse is by taking up 5-HT molecules from the synaptic cleft directed to reduce the serotonin concentration, which then stops the serotonergic neurotransmission. The uptake process involves a molecular recognition of 5-HT by the transporter, its binding, and passing through the membrane to be released within the cellular. Serotonin molecules bound to its transporter protein cross through the membrane using Na+ as a driving force. The return ofthe transporter to its original position requires K+ as the driving force to step this protein toward its original position. When a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor is administered, the 5-HT concentration increases in the synaptic cleft, which enhances serotonin neurotransmission. This increase induces a down regulation cascade of both: serotonin autoreceptors (presynaptic) and postsynaptic receptors, that may finally reestablish the resting state of the neuron. It has been confirmed that the protein for neuronal as well as platelet serotonin uptake transport are synthesized by the same gene. Experimental evidence has shown that the platelet transporter presents the same functional and pharmacological characteristics than the neuronal transporter. Serotonergicreceptors Seven types of pre and post synaptic serotonin receptors, which have also several subtypes, have been characterized. Pre and post synaptic 5-HT 1 receptors . The 5-HT1 receptors are involved in both pre and post synaptic serotonergic neurotransmission. The presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors are autoreceptors. Due to their localization in the cellular body and in the dendrites, they have been named somatodendritic autoreceptors, which control the serotonin release. The postsynaptic receptors may play a role in hypothalamic thermoregulation. The presynaptic 5-HT1D receptors are autoreceptors that perform a regulation by blocking the 5-HT release. These receptors are not synthesized in platelets. Postsynaptic 5-HT 2 receptors . The 5-HT2 receptor subtypes are 5-HT2A,BandC. When postsynaptic 5-HT2Areceptors are bound to serotonin, they drive the transduction of neuronal impulses through the production of second messengers within the postsynaptic neuron. These second messengers induce the synthesis of intracellular proteins denominated transcription factors, which may regulate the expression of several neuronal genes. Platelet 5-HT2A receptors correspond to the neuronal 5-HT2A metabothropic receptors and induce alterations in platelet density and affinity. 5-HT 3 receptors . These receptors were originally described in the periphery, specifically as part of the enteric nervous system. In the CNS 5-HT3 receptors are densely present in the solitary tract nucleus and in the area postrema. These receptors are the onlymonoaminergic receptors consistingofionic channels operated by aminergic neurotransmitters. The stimulation of 5-HT3 receptors is responsible of several secondary effects of the selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake (SISR). These effects are not mediated only in the CNS, but also in sites outside the brain, such as the intestine, which possess this type of receptors also. These receptors are not located in the platelets. 5HT 4-7 serotonergic receptors . These receptors are distributed throughout the body, where they stimulate the alimentary tract secretions and facilitate peristaltic reflexes. Their localization in serotonergic areas in the brain and platelets has not been established. Notwhithstanding their limitations, the characteristics reviewed support the conclusion that platelets can be used as partial models to study the neuronal serotonin 5-HT2 binding and uptake functions. As Alfred Pletscher stated: "although the incomplete of the pattern demands care in its application, they could have the advantage of the relative simplicity".

Decline of neural tube defects cases after a folic acid campaign in Nuevo León, México.

BACKGROUND: Nuevo León is a state in northeastern Mexico, near the border of Texas. Mean mortality rate from 1996-98 due to anencephaly cases was 0.6/1,000. In 1999 a surveillance program for the registry and prevention of neural tube defects (NTD) cases was initiated. METHODS: Cases were obtained from hospitals and OB-GYN clinics by immediate notification, death certificates, or fetal death registries. Only isolated cases of NTD were included. In August 1999 a folic acid campaign was initiated with the free distribution of the vitamin to low-income women with a recommendation to take a 5.0-mg pill once a week. Number of cases and rates from 1999 to 2001 were compared (chi(2) test). RESULTS: After 2 years there has been a significant reduction in the number of cases and rates. In 1999 there were 95 NTD cases and in the years 2000 and 2001 there were only 59 and 55 respectively (P < 0.001). NTD rate decreased from 1.04/1,000 in 1999 to 0.58/1,000 in 2001. Anencephaly and spina bifida rates decreased from 0.55/1,000 to 0.29/1,000 and from 0.47/1,000 to 0.22/1,000 respectively, from 1999-2001. Decrease of female cases was higher than male cases for both phenotypes. CONCLUSION: After 2 years there was a 50% decrease in the incidence of anencephaly and spina bifida cases with a significant reduction of infant mortality and disability. These results encourage us to propose the use of a single tablet of 5.0-mg of folic acid per week as an alternative to supplementation on a daily basis.