Polymorphisms in endothelin system genes, arsenic levels and obesity risk.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity has been linked to morbidity and mortality through increased risk for many chronic diseases. Endothelin (EDN) system has been related to endothelial function but it can be involved in lipid metabolism regulation: Receptor type A (EDNRA) activates lipolysis in adipocytes, the two endothelin receptors mediate arsenic-stimulated adipocyte dysfunction, and endothelin system can regulate adiposity by modulating adiponectin activity in different situations and, therefore, influence obesity development. The aim of the present study was to analyze if single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the EDN system could be associated with human obesity. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We analyzed two samples of general-population-based studies from two different regions of Spain: the VALCAR Study, 468 subjects from the area of Valencia, and the Hortega Study, 1502 subjects from the area of Valladolid. Eighteen SNPs throughout five genes were analyzed using SNPlex. RESULTS: We found associations for two polymorphisms of the EDNRB gene which codifies for EDN receptor type B. Genotypes AG and AA of the rs5351 were associated with a lower risk for obesity in the VALCAR sample (p=0.048, OR=0.63) and in the Hortega sample (p=0.001, OR=0.62). Moreover, in the rs3759475 polymorphism, genotypes CT and TT were also associated with lower risk for obesity in the Hortega sample (p=0.0037, OR=0.66) and in the VALCAR sample we found the same tendency (p=0.12, OR=0.70). Furthermore, upon studying the pooled population, we found a stronger association with obesity (p=0.0001, OR=0.61 and p=0.0008, OR=0.66 for rs5351 and rs3759475, respectively). Regarding plasma arsenic levels, we have found a positive association for the two SNPs studied with obesity risk in individuals with higher arsenic levels in plasma: rs5351 (p=0.0054, OR=0.51) and rs3759475 (p=0.009, OR=0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that polymorphisms of the EDNRB gene may influence the susceptibility to obesity and can interact with plasma arsenic levels.

Factors associated with mortality in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease hospitalized in General Medicine departments.

We aim to improve knowledge on risk factors that relate to mortality in subjects with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are hospitalized in General Medicine departments. In a cross-sectional multicenter study, by means of a logistic regression analysis, we assessed the possible association of death during hospitalization with the following groups of variables of participating patients: sociodemographic features, treatment received prior to admission and during hospitalization, COPD-related clinical features recorded prior to admission, comorbidity diagnosed prior to admission, clinical data recorded during hospitalization, laboratory results recorded during hospitalization, and electrocardiographic findings recorded during hospitalization. A total of 398 patients was included; 353 (88.7%) were male, and the median age of the patients was 75 years. Of these patients, 21 (5.3%) died during hospitalization. Only 270 (67.8%) received inhaled ß(2) agonists during hospitalization, while 162 (40.7%) received angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. The median of predicted FEV(1) prior to admission was 42%. A total of 350 patients (87.9%) had been diagnosed with two or more comorbid conditions prior to admission. An association was found between increased risk of death during hospitalization and the previous diagnoses of pneumonia, coronary heart disease, and stroke. In conclusion, comorbidity is an important contributor to mortality among patients hospitalized in General Medicine departments because of COPD exacerbation.

Infección de prótesis articular por Listeria monocytogenes: caso clínico y revisión de la literatura médica / Listeria monocytogenes prosthetic joint infection: Case report and review of the literature

Introducción Listeria monocytogenes es una causa poco común de enfermedad en la población general. Es una causa importante de bacteriemia y meningoencefalitis en recién nacidos, embarazadas, ancianos e inmunodeprimidos. Además, se ha descrito de forma excepcional como agente patógeno en infecciones de prótesis articular. Métodos Descripción de un caso de infección sobre prótesis de rodilla en un adulto de 74 años. Se realizó revisión sistemática de la literatura médica (Medline, hasta noviembre de 2007) y síntesis de los casos previamente comunicados. Resultados Se han comunicado 16 casos de infección de prótesis articular por L. monocytogenes, que afectaron preferentemente a ancianos (media de 67,4 años; moda de 70 años) e inmunodeprimidos. En la mayoría de los casos la infección fue tardía. Conclusión La L. monocytogenes se debe tener en consideración como agente causal en las infecciones de prótesis articular, especialmente en el caso de pacientes ancianos o con enfermedades o tratamientos que conlleven inmunodepresión. De la revisión realizada se puede concluir que el tratamiento antibiótico de elección es la ampicilina parenteral durante al menos 6 semanas. Siempre que sea posible, se debe asociar la retirada de la prótesis infectada (AU)

Introduction Listeria monocytogenes is an unusual pathogenic agent in the general population, but is an important cause of bacteriemia and meningoencephalitis among newborns, pregnant women, the elderly population, and immunosuppressed patients. In rare cases, it has been described in joint prosthesis infections. Methods A case description of prosthetic joint infection caused by Listeria in a 74-year-old man is presented. A systematic review of the literature (MEDLINE up to November 2007) was performed, and the reported cases are summarized. Results Sixteen cases of prosthetic joint infection by L. monocytogenes have been reported, mainly in patients of advanced age (mean, 67.4 years; mode, 70 years) and immunosuppressed patients. Most cases were late infections. ConclusionL. monocytogenes should be kept in mind as a pathogen involved in joint prosthesis infection, particularly among the elderly and immunosuppressed populations. Based on the literature review, parenteral ampicillin for at least 6 weeks is the treatment of choice. If possible, prosthesis removal should also be performed(AU)

[Listeria monocytogenes prosthetic joint infection: Case report and review of the literature]. / Infección de prótesis articular por Listeria monocytogenes: caso clínico y revisión de la literatura médica.

INTRODUCTION: Listeria monocytogenes is an unusual pathogenic agent in the general population, but is an important cause of bacteriemia and meningoencephalitis among newborns, pregnant women, the elderly population, and immunosuppressed patients. In rare cases, it has been described in joint prosthesis infections. METHODS: A case description of prosthetic joint infection caused by Listeria in a 74-year-old man is presented. A systematic review of the literature (MEDLINE up to November 2007) was performed, and the reported cases are summarized. RESULTS: Sixteen cases of prosthetic joint infection by L. monocytogenes have been reported, mainly in patients of advanced age (mean, 67.4 years; mode, 70 years) and immunosuppressed patients. Most cases were late infections. CONCLUSION: L. monocytogenes should be kept in mind as a pathogen involved in joint prosthesis infection, particularly among the elderly and immunosuppressed populations. Based on the literature review, parenteral ampicillin for at least 6 weeks is the treatment of choice. If possible, prosthesis removal should also be performed.