Use of nitrous oxide in the treatment of major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis nitrous oxide in depressive disorders.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has, as a conventional treatment, pharmacological therapy with selective monoamine reuptake inhibitors. However, the medication does not always have a rapid action for exacerbated cases, and moreover, it is estimated that 15 to 30% of patients do not respond effectively to conventional treatment, leading to 'treatment-resistant depressive mood disorder' (TRD). Thus, it is necessary to search for new therapeutic methods for exacerbated and resistant cases. The objective of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of nitrous oxide (N2O) in patients with MDD and TRD. The study was characterized as a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Search strategy was developed using the keywords "nitrous oxide," "treatment-resistant depression," "Depression disorder," and their synonyms, searched in the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and American Psychological Association. Four articles were included in the systematic review, with two of them being utilized for the meta-analysis, which comprised a total of 23 patients with MDD and 86 with TRD. A standardized mean difference (SMD) for the HDRS score at 24 h of -2.36 was found, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of -3.37 to -1.34 (p < 0.0001; I2 = 46%). For the evaluation of the score after one week, an SMD of -0.60, 95% CI of -1.13 to -0.07 (p = 0.03; I2 = 0%) was found. In conclusion, N2O has a rapid action for managing decompensated patients, with a potential therapeutic effect for TRD. However, more studies needed to determine N2O's effectiveness duration.

Vitamin E deficiency and associated factors among Brazilian school children / Deficiência de vitamina E e fatores associados entre crianças escolares brasileiras

ABSTRACT: Objective: Brazilian national data show a significant deficiency in pediatric vitamin E consumption, but there are very few studies evaluating laboratory-proven nutritional deficiency. The present study aimed to settle the prevalence of vitamin E deficiency (VED) and factors associated among school-aged children attended at a primary health unit in Ribeirão Preto (SP). Methods: A cross-sectional study that included 94 children between 6 and 11 years old. All sub-jects were submitted to vitamin E status analysis. To investigate the presence of factors associated with VED, socio-economic and anthropometric evaluation, determination of serum hemoglobin and zinc levels, and parasitological stool exam were performed. The associations were performed using Fisher's exact test. Results: VED (α-tocopherol concentrations <7 µmol/L) was observed in seven subjects (7.4%). None of them had zinc deficiency. Of the total of children, three (3.2%) were malnourished, 12 (12.7%) were anemic, and 11 (13.5%) presented some pathogenic intestinal parasite. These possible risk factors, in addition to maternal-work, maternal educational level, and monthly income, were not associated with VED. Conclusions: The prevalence of VED among school-aged children attended at a primary health unit was low. Zinc deficiency, malnutrition, anemia, pathogenic intestinal parasite, maternal-work, maternal educational level, and monthly income were not a risk factor for VED. (AU)

RESUMO: Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência da deficiência de vitamina E (DVE) e os fatores associados a essa deficiência em escolares atendidos em uma unidade básica de saúde de Ribeirão Preto (SP). Métodos: Estudo transversal que incluiu 94 crianças entre 6 e 11 anos de idade, atendidas em uma unidade básica de saúde. Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos à análise do status de vitamina E. Para investigar a presença de fatores associados à DVE, foi realizada avaliação socio-econômica e antropométrica, determinação dos níveis séricos de hemoglobina e zinco, e exame parasitológico de fezes. As associações foram realizadas por meio do teste exato de Fisher. Resultados: A DVE (concentrações de α-tocoferol <7 µmol/l) foi observada em sete indivíduos (7,4%). Nenhum sujeito apresentou deficiência sérica de zinco. Do total de crianças, três (3,2%) eram desnutridas, 12 (12,7%) anêmicas e 11 (13,5%) apresentavam algum parasita intestinal patogênico. Estes possíveis fatores de risco, além do trabalho materno, escolaridade materna e renda mensal, não foram associados à DVE (p>0,05). Conclusão: A prevalência de DVE em escolares atendidos em uma unidade básica de saúde foi baixa. Desnutrição, anemia, parasitose intestinal, renda mensal e trabalho e nível educacional maternos não se apre-sentaram como fatores de risco para a DVE. (AU)

Morphological alterations in endometrium after use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: a case report / Alterações morflógicas no endométrio após uso de dispositivo intrauterino com liberação de levonorgestrel: relato de caso

Case Report: A 44-year-old patient attended the gynecology service for routine consultation. The patient reported implantation of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), five years ago. No macroscopic changes were seen in the uterus or in the endometrium cavity during the procedure, but an endometrial biopsy was performed. Histopathological analysis revealed an endometrium with an expanded stroma by pseudo-decidualization and mucoid (mucinous) alterations, forming small puddles of mucin, also presenting with polypoid indentations, ectatic vessels, lymphoid cell foci, including plasma cells and deposits of calcium salts. Conclusion: As the use of this type of contraceptive method becomes more usual, knowledge of LNG-IUS-induced changes becomes increasingly relevant for the assessment of its long-term efficacy and safety.

Relato de Caso: Paciente de 44 anos compareceu ao serviço de ginecologia para consulta de rotina. Relatou implante de dispositivo intrauterino com liberação de levonorgestrel (DIU-LNG) há cinco anos. Durante o exame físico, o fio do dispositivo não foi visualizado. À histeroscopia, para remoção do dispositivo, não foram evidenciadas alterações na cavidade endometrial. Material foi, então, colhido para biópsia. O estudo histopatológico evidenciou um endométrio com estroma expandido por pseudodecidualização e alterações mucoides, formando pequenos aglomerados de mucina, também se apresentando com endentações polipoides, vasos ectásicos, focos de células linfoides e depósitos de sais de cálcio. A presença de DIU-LNG na cavidade uterina causa uma série de alterações histopatológicas e funcionais no endométrio, as quais não são relacionadas, exclusivamente, ao efeito contraceptivo do dispositivo. Conclusão: Com o aumento da utilização desse método anticoncepcional, o conhecimento das alterações provocadas pelo seu uso se torna cada vez mais relevante para avaliação de sua eficácia e segurança em longo prazo.

IGF-1R mRNA expression is increased in obese children.

OBJECTIVES: Obese children are often taller than age-matched subjects. Reports on GH and IGF-I levels in obese individuals are controversial, with normal and reduced GH-IGF-I levels having been reported in this group of patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyse insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF-IR) mRNA expression in obese children. METHODS: Forty-seven pre-pubertal children were included in this study: 29 were obese and taller than their target height, and 18 were normal eutrophic controls. Fasting blood samples were collected for IGF-IR mRNA expression in isolated lymphocytes and serum IGF-I, ALS, IGFBP-3, and IGFBP-1 concentration analysis. RESULTS: Relative IGF-IR gene expression (2-ΔΔCT) was significantly (P=0.025) higher in obese children (median 1.87) than in controls (1.15). Fourteen of the 29 obese subjects showed 2-ΔΔCT values greater than or equal to 2, while only 2 individuals in the control group showed values above 2 (P=0.01). Obese children showed significantly (P=0.01) higher IGF-I concentrations than the control group (237ng/ml and 144ng/ml, respectively). Among obese patients, 65.5% had IGF-I values above the 75 percentile of the control group (P=0.02). ALS concentration was significantly (P=0.04) higher in the obese group, while IGFBP-3 levels were similar in obese and control children. IGFBP-1 concentration was lower in obese children, while insulin levels and HOMA-IR index were higher than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: The higher IGF-IR mRNA expression observed in obese children, associated with the higher IGF-I and ALS and the lower IGFBP-1 levels, suggest that the higher stature observed in these children may be due to increased IGF-I bioactivity.

Continuous insulin therapy versus multiple insulin injections in the management of type 1 diabetes: a longitutinal study / Insulinoterapia contínua versus múltiplas injeções de insulina no tratamento da diabetes tipo 1: um estudo longitudinal

To compare multiple doses of insulin and continuous insulin infusion therapy as treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods: 40 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (21 female) with ages between 10 and 20 years (mean=14.2) and mean duration of diabetes of 7 years used multiple doses of insulin for at least 6 months and after that, continuous insulin infusion therapy for at least 6 months. Each one of the patients has used multiple doses of insulin and continuous insulin infusion therapy. For analysis of HbA1c, mean glycated hemoglobin levels (mHbA1c) were obtained during each treatment period (multiple doses of insulin and continuous insulin infusion therapy period). Results: Although mHbA1c levels were lower during continuous insulin infusion therapy the difference was not statistically significant. During multiple doses of insulin, 14.2% had mHbA1c values below 7.5% vs. 35.71% while on continuous insulin infusion therapy; demonstrating better glycemic control with the use of continuous insulin infusion therapy. During multiple doses of insulin, 15–40 patients have severe hypoglycemic events versus 5–40 continuous insulin infusion therapy. No episodes of ketoacidosis events were recorded. Conclusions: This is the first study with this design comparing multiple doses of insulin and continuous insulin infusion therapy in Brazil showing no significant difference in HbA1c; hypoglycemic events were less frequent during continuous insulin infusion therapy than during multiple doses of insulin and the percentage of patients who achieved a HbA1c less than 7.5% was greater during continuous insulin infusion therapy than multiple doses of insulin therapy.

Comparar terapia com múltiplas doses de insulina e o sistema de infusão continua de insulina no tratamento da diabetes melito tipo 1. Métodos: 40 pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 1 (21 mulheres) com idades entre 10 e 20 anos (média=14,2) e duração média do diabetes de sete anos utilizaram múltiplas doses de insulina durante pelo menos seis meses e, depois disso, sistema de infusão continua de insulina por pelo menos seis meses. Todos os pacientes usaram múltiplas doses de insulina e sistema de infusão continua de insulina. Para a análise de HbA1c, níveis médios de hemoglobina glicada (mHbA1c) foram obtidos em cada período de tratamento (múltiplas doses de insulina e sistema de infusão continua de insulina). Resultados: Embora os níveis de mHbA1c tenham sido menores com o uso de sistema de infusão continua de insulina a diferença não foi estatisticamente significante. Durante o uso de múltiplas doses de insulina, 14,2% tiveram valores de mHbA1c <7,5% vs. 35,71% quando usando sistema de infusão continua de insulina; demonstrando melhor controle glicêmico com o uso de sistema de infusão continua de insulina. Durante o uso de múltiplas doses de insulina, 15-40 pacientes tiveram eventos hipoglicêmicos graves contra 5–40 com sistema de infusão continua de insulina. Não foram registrados episódios de cetoacidose. Conclusões: Esse é o primeiro estudo cujo desenho comparou o uso de múltiplas doses de insulina e sistema de infusão continua de insulina no Brasil, não demonstrando nenhuma diferença significativa nos níveis de HbA1c. Eventos hipoglicêmicos foram menos frequentes com o uso de sistema de infusão continua de insulina do que com múltiplas doses de insulina e a porcentagem de pacientes que obteve um HbA1c <7,5% foi maior com sistema de infusão continua de insulina do que com múltiplas doses de insulina.

[Continuous insulin therapy versus multiple insulin injections in the management of type 1 diabetes: a longitutinal study]. / Insulinoterapia contínua versus múltiplas injeções de insulina no tratamento da diabetes tipo 1: um estudo longitudinal.

OBJECTIVE: To compare multiple doses of insulin and continuous insulin infusion therapy as treatment for type 1 diabetes melito. METHODS: 40 patients with type 1 diabetes melito (21 female) with ages between 10 and 20 years (mean=14.2) and mean duration of diabetes of 7 years used multiple doses of insulin for at least 6 months and after that, continuous insulin infusion therapy for at least 6 months. Each one of the patients has used multiple doses of insulin and continuous insulin infusion therapy. For analysis of HbA1c, mean glycated hemoglobin levels (mHbA1c) were obtained during each treatment period (multiple doses of insulin and continuous insulin infusion therapy period). RESULTS: Although mHbA1c levels were lower during continuous insulin infusion therapy the difference was not statistically significant. During multiple doses of insulin, 14.2% had mHbA1c values below 7.5% vs. 35.71% while on continuous insulin infusion therapy; demonstrating better glycemic control with the use of continuous insulin infusion therapy. During multiple doses of insulin, 15-40 patients have severe hypoglycemic events versus 5-40 continuous insulin infusion therapy. No episodes of ketoacidosis events were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study with this design comparing multiple doses of insulin and continuous insulin infusion therapy in Brazil showing no significant difference in HbA1c; hypoglycemic events were less frequent during continuous insulin infusion therapy than during multiple doses of insulin and the percentage of patients who achieved a HbA1c less than 7.5% was greater during continuous insulin infusion therapy than multiple doses of insulin therapy.

Relationship between mental health and spiritual wellbeing among hemodialysis patients: a correlation study.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The stress of living with a terminal disease has a negative impact on the mental health of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Spirituality is a potential coping mechanism for stressful experiences. Studies on the relationship between spirituality and mental health among HD patients are scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between mental health and spiritual well-being among HD patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional observational study on hemodialysis patients at a single center in Brazil, between January and December 2011. METHODS: Mental health was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire and spiritual wellbeing was assessed using the Spiritual Wellbeing Scale; 150 HD patients participated in the study. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between mental health and spiritual wellbeing (P = 0.001). Spiritual wellbeing was the strongest predictor of mental health, psychological distress, sleep disturbance and psychosomatic complaints. CONCLUSION: Poor mental health was associated with lower spiritual wellbeing. This has important implications for delivery of palliative care to HD patients.

Relationship between mental health and spiritual wellbeing among hemodialysis patients: a correlation study / Relacao entre saude mental e bem-estar espiritual em pacientes de hemodialise: um estudo correlacional

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The stress of living with a terminal disease has a negative impact on the mental health of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Spirituality is a potential coping mechanism for stressful experiences. Studies on the relationship between spirituality and mental health among HD patients are scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between mental health and spiritual well-being among HD patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional observational study on hemodialysis patients at a single center in Brazil, between January and December 2011. METHODS : Mental health was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire and spiritual wellbeing was assessed using the Spiritual Wellbeing Scale; 150 HD patients participated in the study. RESULTS : A significant correlation was found between mental health and spiritual wellbeing (P = 0.001). Spiritual wellbeing was the strongest predictor of mental health, psychological distress, sleep disturbance and psychosomatic complaints. CONCLUSION: Poor mental health was associated with lower spiritual wellbeing. This has important implications for delivery of palliative care to HD patients. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: O estresse de viver com uma doença terminal tem impacto negativo sobre a saúde mental de pacientes em hemodiálise. A espiritualidade é um mecanismo de enfrentamento em potencial para experiências estressantes. Estudos sobre a relação entre espiritualidade e saúde mental de pacientes em hemodiálise são escassos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a relação entre saúde mental e bem-estar espiritual dos pacientes em hemodiálise. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo observacional e transversal de pacientes em tratamento de hemodiálise de centro único no Brasil, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2011. MÉTODOS: A saúde mental foi avaliada pelo Questionário Geral de Saúde e o bem-estar espiritual foi avaliado usando a Escala de Bem-Estar Espiritual. Participaram do estudo 150 pacientes em hemodiálise. RESULTADOS: Foi encontrada correlação significante entre a saúde mental e o bem-estar espiritual (P = 0,001). Bem-estar espiritual foi o mais forte preditor de saúde mental, sofrimento psíquico, distúrbios do sono e queixas psicossomáticas. CONCLUSÃO: A saúde mental deficiente associou-se com menor bem-estar espiritual. Isso tem implicações importantes para a prestação de cuidados paliativos para pacientes em hemodiálise. .

Measurement of salivary cortisol as a marker of stress in newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit.

AIMS: The study was designed to evaluate the newborn (NB) stress response during the inpatient time in the neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: A quantitative, prospective, observational study was conducted with two NB groups. The first group consisted of 12 NB patients in the neonatal intensive care unit as the experimental group (EG), and the second included 43 NBs who were sent to their own homes and were considered the control group (CG). The EG's salivary cortisol concentration was measured on the 2nd day (D2) and 9th day (D9) of life. The CG's salivary cortisol concentration was measured on the 14th day of life at the child's own home. RESULTS: The salivary cortisol concentration levels for the EG on D2 and D9 and for the CG were 4.3151 ± 2.6492, 1.826 ± 1.2252, and 1.0166 ± 0.8300 ng/dl, respectively. These findings indicated the presence of an adrenal response to stress during the first inpatient days. CONCLUSIONS: The salivary cortisol concentration is an accurate method to indicate neonatal stress. The glucocorticoids frequently used in the prenatal period suppress the adrenal glands and interfere with the stress response.

Impact of hypoxia on IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, ALS and IGFBP-1 regulation and on IGF1R gene expression in children.

UNLABELLED: Hypoxia is one of many factors involved in the regulation of the IGF system. However, no information is available regarding the regulation of the IGF system by acute hypoxia in humans. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute hypoxia on the IGF system of children. DESIGN: Twenty-seven previously health children (14 boys and 13 girls) aged 15 days to 9.5 years were studied in two different situations: during a hypoxemic state (HS) due to acute respiratory distress and after full recovery to a normoxemic state (NS). In these two situations oxygen saturation was assessed with a pulse-oximeter and blood samples were collected for serum IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-3, ALS and insulin determination by ELISA; fluoroimmunometric assay determination for GH and also for IGF1R gene expression analysis in peripheral lymphocytes by quantitative real-time PCR. Data were paired and analyzed by the Wilcoxon non-parametric test. RESULTS: Oxygen saturation was significantly lower during HS than in NS (P<0.0001). IGF-I and IGF-II levels were lower during HS than in NS (P<0.0001 and P=0.0004, respectively). IGFBP-3 levels were also lower in HS than in NS (P=0.0002) while ALS and basal GH levels were higher during HS (P=0.0015 and P=0.014, respectively). Moreover, IGFBP-1 levels were higher during HS than in NS (P=0.004). No difference was found regarding insulin levels. The expression of IGF1R mRNA as 2(-ΔΔCT) was higher during HS than in NS (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: The above results confirm a role of hypoxia in the regulation of the IGF system also in humans. This effect could be direct on the liver and/or mediated by GH and it is not restricted to the hepatocytes but involves other cell lines. During acute hypoxia a combination of alterations usually associated with reduced IGF action was observed. The higher expression of IGF1R mRNA may reflect an up-regulation of the transcriptional process.

Desigualdade social em pacientes renais crônicos / Social inequality in chronic renal patients

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A pobreza influencia a evolução dos pacientes com doenças crônicas porque contribui para o seu agravamento e dificulta o acesso à assistência médica. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os aspectos relacionados à desigualdade social de pacientes em hemodiálise.MÉTODO: Estudo transversal com 123 pacientes em hemodiálise no Hospital Samuel Libânio de Pouso Alegre, MG, divididos,de acordo com a classe econômica, em três grupos: AB (n= 23), C (n = 60) e DE (n = 40). Foram coletados dados sócio-demográficos e econômicos, antecedentes clínicos e informações sobre o acesso a serviços de saúde. Para a análise dos resultados foi utilizada estatística analítica e descritiva. Adotou-se p ? 0,05.RESULTADOS: O grupo AB apresentou menor número de pacientes jovens (4,3% em AB versus 40% em C e 25% em DE; p < 0,05), maior número de indivíduos com mais anos de escolaridade (65,3% em AB versus 18,3% em C e 2,5% em DE; p < 0,05),predomínio de pacientes com menos de um ano em tratamento de hemodiálise (65,2% em AB versus 10% em C e 5% em DE; p < 0,05), menor número de usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) (40% em C e 25% em DE versus 4,3% em AB; p < 0,05), maior acesso ao tratamento com nefrologista (73,9% em AB versus 46,7% em C e 52,5 em DE; p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: As classes economicamente desfavorecidas agregam indivíduos mais jovens, com menor escolaridade, usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde, com maior tempo em hemodiálise e pior acesso ao tratamento com nefrologista.(AU)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The poverty influence on the evolution of patients with chronic diseases because it contributes to its aggravation and hinders access to health care. Our goal was to evaluate the aspects related to social inequality on hemodialysis patients.METHOD: Cross-sectional study with 123 patients on hemodialysisin Samuel Libânio Hospital, Pouso Alegre, MG, divided according to the economic class, into 3 groups: AB (n = 23), C (n = 60) and DE (n = 40). Were collected socio-demographic and economic data, clinical background and information aboutaccess to health services. For analysis of the results has been usedanalytical and descriptive statistical. A p-value of less than 0.05was considered statistically significant.RESULTS: The AB group has fewer young patients (4,3% in ABvs 40% in C and 25% in DE, p < 0.05), a greater number of individuals with more years of schooling (65.3% in AB vs 18.3% inC and 2.5% in DE; p < 0.05), predominance of patients with less than a year on hemodialysis treatment (65.2% in AB vs 10% in C and 5% in DE, p < 0.05), smaller number of users of the Brazilian Health System (40% in C and 25% in DE vs 4.3% in AB;p < 0.05), greater access to treatment with nephrologist (73.9% in AB vs 46.7% in C and 52.5% in DE; p < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Economically disadvantaged classes bring younger patients, with less schooling, users of public health,greater time on hemodialysis and worse access to treatment withnephrologist.(AU)

[Physiology of the GH-IGF axis]. / Fisiologia do eixo GH-sistema IGF.

Growth, the main characteristic of childhood and adolescence, has a similar pattern in the majority of the individuals. Genetic background and GH-IGF axis are the factors that directly influence this process. Pituitary GH acts on growth mainly through the regulation of IGF system. The IGFs (IGF-1 and IGF-2) are growth factors produced in the majority of the organs and body tissues. They have autocrine, paracrine and endocrine actions on metabolism and cell proliferation, growth and differentiation. The IGFs bind with high specificity and affinity to a family of 6 binding proteins, called IGFBPs (1 to 6) that modulate their bioactivity. Most of the known IGF actions are mediated via IGF type 1 receptor (IGF1R). In this article we are going to review the composition and regulation of the GH-IGF axis and the role of each component in the regulation of the growth process.

Fisiologia do eixo GH-sistema IGF / Physiology of the GH-IGF axis

O crescimento, principal característica da infância e da adolescência, apresenta padrão semelhante na maioria dos indivíduos. A herança genética e os componentes do eixo GH-IGF são os fatores que diretamente influenciam esse processo. O GH, produzido na hipófise, exerce sua ação sobre o crescimento mediante regulação do sistema IGF. Os IGFs (IGF-1 e IGF-2) são fatores de crescimento produzidos na maioria dos órgãos e tecidos do organismo, possuindo ações autócrinas, parácrinas e endócrinas sobre o metabolismo intermediário, proliferação, crescimento e diferenciação celular. Associam-se com elevado grau de especificidade e de afinidade à família de seis proteínas carreadoras, denominadas IGFBPs (IGFBP-1 a -6), as quais modulam suas bioati-vidades. A maioria das ações conhecidas dos IGFs é exercida mediante sua ligação com o receptor tipo 1 (IGF-1R). Neste artigo será revisada a composição e a regulação do eixo GH-sistema IGF, assim como a participação de cada um dos seus diferentes componentes no processo de regulação do crescimento humano.

Growth, the main characteristic of childhood and adolescence, has a similar pattern in the majority of the individuals. Genetic background and GH-IGF axis are the factors that directly influence this process. Pituitary GH acts on growth mainly through the regulation of IGF system. The IGFs (IGF-1 and IGF-2) are growth factors produced in the majority of the organs and body tissues. They have autocrine, paracrine and endocrine actions on metabolism and cell proliferation, growth and differentiation. The IGFs bind with high specificity and affinity to a family of 6 binding proteins, called IGFBPs (1 to 6) that modulate their bioactivity. Most of the known IGF actions are mediated via IGF type 1 receptor (IGF1R). In this article we are going to review the composition and regulation of the GH-IGF axis and the role of each component in the regulation of the growth process.

Localization of myosin-Va in subpopulations of cells in rat endocrine organs.

Myosin-Va is a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-regulated unconventional myosin involved in the transport of vesicles, membranous organelles, and macromolecular complexes composed of proteins and mRNA. The cellular localization of myosin-Va has been described in great detail in several vertebrate cell types, including neurons, melanocytes, lymphocytes, auditory tissues, and a number of cultured cells. Here, we provide an immunohistochemical view of the tissue distribution of myosin-Va in the major endocrine organs. Myosin-Va is highly expressed in the pineal and pituitary glands and in specific cell populations of other endocrine glands, especially the parafollicular cells of the thyroid, the principal cells of the parathyroid, the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas, the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla, and a subpopulation of interstitial testicular cells. Weak to moderate staining has been detected in steroidogenic cells of the adrenal cortex, ovary, and Leydig cells. Myosin-Va has also been localized to non-endocrine cells, such as the germ cells of the seminiferous epithelium and maturing oocytes and in the intercalated ducts of the exocrine pancreas. These data provide the first systematic description of myosin-Va localization in the major endocrine organs of rat.

The emergence of the cortisol circadian rhythm in monozygotic and dizygotic twin infants: the twin-pair synchrony.

OBJECTIVE: Studies on the influence of genetic factors on the ontogeny of cortisol circadian rhythm in infants are lacking. This study evaluated the influence of twinning and the heritability on the age of emergence of salivary cortisol rhythm. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A longitudinal study was performed using salivary samples obtained during morning and night, at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks of postnatal life in 34 infants, 10 monozygotic (MZ) and 7 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs. Salivary cortisol was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Zigosity was verified by DNA analysis of at least 13 short tandem repeat polymorphisms. Difference of the emergence of cortisol circadian rhythm, within each twin pair, the intraclass correlation coefficient and the heritability index (h(2)) were calculated. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SEM) age of emergence of salivary cortisol circadian rhythm was similar in MZ and DZ (7.8 +/- 1.0 vs 7.4 +/- 1.3 weeks). Seven pairs showed coincidence of the emergence of cortisol rhythm. Ten pairs were not coincident; among them the within-pair difference of emergence of salivary circadian rhythm was similar in both MZ and DZ groups. The intraclass correlation coefficients were rMZ = 0.60, P = 0.02; and rDZ = 0.65, P = 0.03, respectively. The heritability index (h(2)) was 0.21 (ns). CONCLUSIONS: Salivary circadian rhythm appeared at the same postnatal age in MZ and DZ twin infants. Although several physiological aspects might be involved, the heritability index, obtained in the present study, suggests less genetic than environmental impact on the age of the onset of the cortisol circadian rhythm. Our data also indicated that each twin-pair show synchrony because they probably shared prenatal and postnatal environmental synchronizers.