Hipertensión arterial mal controlada secundaria a quiste vascular suprarenal / Vascular adrenal cyst causing difficult to control high blood pressure

La hipertensión arterial supone un importante problema de salud pública en los países desarrollados. Las masas suprarrenales pueden pasar desapercibidas, ya que no son lesiones frecuentes y no producen síntomas o no se les atribuyen directamente. Estas circunstancias hacen que sea fundamental la actuación médica multidisciplinar. Comunicamos el caso de una mujer de 72 años, hipertensa mal controlada de años de evolución (3 fármacos antihipertensivos, sin alcanzar la tensión arterial en rango de normalidad), remitida por hallazgo incidental de lesión retroperitoneal derecha. Se diagnostica de quiste de origen suprarrenal posiblemente responsable del cuadro hipertensivo. Realizamos revisión de la literatura analizando diferentes actitudes diagnósticas y terapéuticas. Tras adrenalectomía por abordaje laparoscópico, conseguimos estabilizar a la paciente en cifras de tensión arterial dentro de la normalidad. La integración coordinada de servicios médicos y quirúrgicos es clave para el manejo de situaciones clínicas poco frecuentes. La cirugía laparoscópica constituye el tratamiento de elección en la enfermedad retroperitoneal (AU)

Hypertension is a prevalent disease in developed countries. Adrenal masses, and especially adrenal cysts, are a rare and usually asymptomatic finding, which can go unnoticed or be detected as incidental findings in imaging tests. These circumstances make the multidisciplinary approach mandatory. The case is presented on a 72 year-old woman with uncontrolled high blood pressure referred to the Urology Department due to the incidental finding of a right retroperitoneal mass. A functional and imaging study was performed, establishing a diagnosis of adrenal cyst causing hypertensive symptoms. A literature search was performed in order to assess diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. With the diagnosis of adrenal cyst causing uncontrolled high blood pressure, a right laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed. After surgery the patient has maintained blood pressure within the normal range. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the management of rare diseases. The surgical approach, if possible, should be laparoscopic (AU)

[Vascular adrenal cyst causing difficult to control high blood pressure]. / Hipertensión arterial mal controlada secundaria a quiste vascular suprarrenal.

Hypertension is a prevalent disease in developed countries. Adrenal masses, and especially adrenal cysts, are a rare and usually asymptomatic finding, which can go unnoticed or be detected as incidental findings in imaging tests. These circumstances make the multidisciplinary approach mandatory. The case is presented on a 72 year-old woman with uncontrolled high blood pressure referred to the Urology Department due to the incidental finding of a right retroperitoneal mass. A functional and imaging study was performed, establishing a diagnosis of adrenal cyst causing hypertensive symptoms. A literature search was performed in order to assess diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. With the diagnosis of adrenal cyst causing uncontrolled high blood pressure, a right laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed. After surgery the patient has maintained blood pressure within the normal range. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the management of rare diseases. The surgical approach, if possible, should be laparoscopic.

Comparability and reproducibility of adult male anogenital distance measurements for two different methods.

The distance from the genitals to the anus, anogenital distance, reflects androgen concentration during prenatal development in mammals. The use of anogenital distance in human studies is still very limited and the quality and consistency of measurements is an important methodological issue. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and reproducibility of adult male anogenital distance measurements by two different methods. All men were attending an outpatient clinic at a university hospital and underwent an andrological examination and completed a brief questionnaire. Two variants of anogenital distance [from the anus to the posterior base of the scrotum (AGDAS ) and to the cephalad insertion of the penis (AGDAP )] by two methods (lithotomy or frog-legged position) were assessed in 70 men. Within and between coefficient of variations, intra-class correlation coefficients, two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance, and scatter and Bland-Altman plots were calculated. The two methods produced similar values for AGDAP but different estimates for AGDAS . Nonetheless, the overall agreement (ICC ≥ 0.80) was acceptable for both measures. Therefore, both methods are internally consistent and adequate for epidemiological studies, and may be used depending on the available medical resources, clinical setting, and populations.

Evolución de las características del paciente candidato a prostatectomía radical y de los resultados obtenidos con la técnica / Evolution of the patient characteristics of candidates for radical prostatectomy and the results obtained with the technique

Objetivos: Evaluar el perfil oncológico y el riesgo de recidiva bioquímica de pacientes con cáncer de próstata sometidos a prostatectomía radical en función del periodo en el que fueron intervenidos. Evaluar las diferencias en el PSA al diagnóstico de los pacientes con o sin recidiva bioquímica en función de dichos periodos. Material y métodos: Diseño observacional hacia delante de una cohorte de 972 prostatectomías radicales realizadas en 3 periodos (1994-2000, 2001-2006, 2007-2011). La importancia del PSA al diagnóstico en los periodos y en la recidiva bioquímica se evaluó mediante modelo lineal generalizado. El comportamiento predictivo independiente de recidiva bioquímica se analizó mediante regresión de Cox. Resultados: La mediana de seguimiento fue de 38 (16-76) meses. El PSA diagnóstico fue más alto en el periodo 1994-2000 (12,97 ng/ml, p < 0,001). Un 72% de los pacientes del periodo 2007-2011 frente al 55% de los del periodo 1994-2000 se diagnosticaron con estadio clínico T1c (p < 0,001). El porcentaje de extensión extracapsular en la pieza disminuyó del 27 al 18% del periodo 1994-2000 al periodo 2007-2011 (p < 0,001). El porcentaje de pacientes con recidiva bioquímica pasó del 38 al 14% del primer al tercer periodo (p > 0,001). La diferencia entre el PSA al diagnóstico de los pacientes con o sin recidiva bioquímica fue independiente del periodo (p = 0,84). El periodo en que se realiza la cirugía no es un factor predictivo independiente de recidiva bioquímica (p = 0,09). Conclusiones: Los pacientes del periodo 2007-2011 presentan menos enfermedad extracapsular en la prostatectomía radical. El periodo no es un factor predictivo independiente de recidiva bioquímica

Objectives: To evaluate the oncological profile and risk of biochemical recurrence of patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy based on the time period in which the patients were operated. To evaluate the differences in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at diagnosis of patients with or without biochemical recurrence based on these time periods. Material and methods: Observation carried forward study of a cohort of 972 radical prostatectomies performed during 3 time periods (1994-2000, 2001-2006, 2007-2011). The importance of PSA at diagnosis on the time periods and on biochemical recurrence was assessed using a generalized linear model. The independent predictive behavior of biochemical recurrence was analyzed using Cox regression. Results: The median follow-up was 38 (16-76) months. PSA levels at diagnosis were higher in the period 1994-2000 (12.97 ng/mL, P < .001). Seventy-two percent of the patients from the period 2007-2011 were diagnosed as clinical stage T1c (P < .001), compared with 55% from the period 1994-2000. The percentage of extracapsular extension in the specimen decreased from 27% to 18% from the period 1994-2000 to the period 2007-2011 (p<.001). The percentage of patients with biochemical recurrence went from 38% to 14% from the first to the third period (P > .001). The difference between PSA levels at diagnosis for the patients with or without biochemical recurrence was independent of the period (P = .84). The period during which surgery was performed was not an independent predictive factor for biochemical recurrence (P = .09). Conclusions: Patients from the 2007-2011 period had less extracapsular disease in the radical prostatectomy. The period was not an independent predictive factor for biochemical recurrence

Evolution of the patient characteristics of candidates for radical prostatectomy and the results obtained with the technique.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the oncological profile and risk of biochemical recurrence of patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy based on the time period in which the patients were operated. To evaluate the differences in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at diagnosis of patients with or without biochemical recurrence based on these time periods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observation carried forward study of a cohort of 972 radical prostatectomies performed during 3 time periods (1994-2000, 2001-2006, 2007-2011). The importance of PSA at diagnosis on the time periods and on biochemical recurrence was assessed using a generalized linear model. The independent predictive behavior of biochemical recurrence was analyzed using Cox regression. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 38 (16-76) months. PSA levels at diagnosis were higher in the period 1994-2000 (12.97ng/mL, P<.001). Seventy-two percent of the patients from the period 2007-2011 were diagnosed as clinical stage T1c (P<.001), compared with 55% from the period 1994-2000. The percentage of extracapsular extension in the specimen decreased from 27% to 18% from the period 1994-2000 to the period 2007-2011 (p<.001). The percentage of patients with biochemical recurrence went from 38% to 14% from the first to the third period (P>.001). The difference between PSA levels at diagnosis for the patients with or without biochemical recurrence was independent of the period (P=.84). The period during which surgery was performed was not an independent predictive factor for biochemical recurrence (P=.09). CONCLUSIONS: Patients from the 2007-2011 period had less extracapsular disease in the radical prostatectomy. The period was not an independent predictive factor for biochemical recurrence.

Litiasis en divertículo uretral. Diagnóstico y tratamiento / Urethral diverticulum lithiasis. Diagnostic and therapeutic management

Introducción: la incidencia del divertículo uretral es menor en hombres, siendo más frecuentes los casos adquiridos. Es extraordinario encontrar una litiasis ocupando la totalidad del divertículo. Caso clínico: presentamos varón de 34 años con litiasis en divertículo uretral secundaria a intervención quirúrgica previa. Conclusión: mujeres el tratamiento de elección será la diverticulectomía con la técnica más simple posible

Introduction: the urethral diverticulum incidence is lower in men than in women. Acquired cases are more frequent. Is extremely rare to find a diverticulum lithiasis. Case report: we present a 34 years old male with urethral diverticulum lithiasis due to previous urethral surgery. Conclusion: treatment of choice is diverticulectomy with lithiasis removement

Tumor miofibroblástico de epididímo / Myofibroblastic tumor of epididymis

No disponible

Corrección de curvatura peneana utilizando la técnica de "Plicatura de 16 puntos" / Corrrection of penile curvature using the 16-Dot plication technique

En 1965 Nesbit describió por primera vez la corrección quirúrgica de la curvatura de pene siendo posteriormente modificadapor múltiples autores. Presentamos dos pacientes con incurvación peneana corregida mediante la técnica de "plicatura de 16 puntos" (AU)

In 1965 Nesbit first described the surgical correction of penile curvature that was later modified by many authors. We present two patients with penile curvature corrected using the 16-dot plication technique (AU)

Lung histopathological findings in fatal pandemic influenza A (H1N1) / Resultados histopatológicos pulmonares en la gripe a (H1N1) pandémica letal

Objective: To describe the lung pathological changes in influenza A (H1N1) viral pneumonia. We studied morphological changes, nitro-oxidative stress and the presence of viral proteins in lung tissue. Methods and patients: Light microscopy was used to examine lung tissue from 6 fatal cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) viral pneumonia. Fluorescence for oxidized dihydroethydium, nitrotyrosine, inducible NO synthase (NOS2) and human influenza A nucleoprotein (NP)(for analysis under confocal microscopy) was also studied in lung tissue specimens. Results: Age ranged from 15 to 50 years. Three patients were women, and 5 had preexisting medical conditions. Diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) was present in 5 cases (as evidenced by hyaline membrane formation, alveolo-capillary wall thickening and PMN infiltrates), and interstitial fibrosis in one case. In the fluorescence studies there were signs of oxygen radical generation, increased NOS2 protein and protein nitration in lung tissue samples, regardless of the duration of ICU admission. Viral NP was found in lung tissue samples from three patients. Type I pneumocytes and macrophages harbored viral NP, as evidenced by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Conclusions: Lung tissue from patients with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) viral pneumonia shows histological findings consistent with DAD. Prolonged nitro-oxidative stress is present despite antiviral treatment. Viral proteins may remain in lung tissue for prolonged periods of time, lodged in macrophages and type I pneumocytes (AU)

Objetivo: Describir la histopatología pulmonar de pacientes que fallecieron con neumonía por virus de la influenza A (H1N1), el tipo celular infectado por el virus y la presencia de stress oxidativo y nitrosativo. Métodos: Hemos examinado tejido pulmonar de 6 pacientes fallecidos en la UCI con el diagnóstico de infección por el virus influenza A (H1N1) (15-50 años de edad) mediante (i) microscopía óptica, (ii) microscopia confocal con tinciones específicas para diferentes tipos celulares (aquoporina 5, factor Von Willebr and, proteína D del surfactante), (iii) inmunofluorescencia (IF) parasonda de dihidroetidio oxidado, óxido nítrico sin tasa inducible (NOS2), anti-3-nitrotirosina y nucleoproteína (NP) del virus de la influenza A (H1N1).Resultados: (1) En 5 casos se encontró daño alveolar difuso (DAD), evidenciado mediante la observación de membranas hialinas, engrosamiento de la pared alveolo-capilar e infiltración de PMN, asociado con hemorragia intensa en un paciente. Un caso presentó fibrosis intersticial.(2) Se demostró en todos los casos aumento de la inmuno-reactividad para DHE oxidado, NOS2y 3-nitrotirosina independientemente de la duración de la estancia en la UCI. (3) Se encontró NP viral en tres pacientes. (4) El virus se localiza en los neumocitos tipo I y en macrófago salveolares. Conclusiones: El tejido pulmonar de pacientes fallecidos con neumonía por virus de la influenza A (H1N1) evidencia hallazgos histológicos compatibles con DAD. El estrés nitro-oxidativo prolongado está presente a pesar del tratamiento antiviral. Las proteínas virales pueden permanecer en el tejido pulmonar durante períodos prolongados de tiempo, albergándose en los macrófagos y neumocitos tipo I (AU)

Lung histopathological findings in fatal pandemic influenza A (H1N1).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the lung pathological changes in influenza A (H1N1) viral pneumonia. We studied morphological changes, nitro-oxidative stress and the presence of viral proteins in lung tissue. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Light microscopy was used to examine lung tissue from 6 fatal cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) viral pneumonia. Fluorescence for oxidized dihydroethydium, nitrotyrosine, inducible NO synthase (NOS2) and human influenza A nucleoprotein (NP) (for analysis under confocal microscopy) was also studied in lung tissue specimens. RESULTS: Age ranged from 15 to 50 years. Three patients were women, and 5 had preexisting medical conditions. Diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) was present in 5 cases (as evidenced by hyaline membrane formation, alveolo-capillary wall thickening and PMN infiltrates), and interstitial fibrosis in one case. In the fluorescence studies there were signs of oxygen radical generation, increased NOS2 protein and protein nitration in lung tissue samples, regardless of the duration of ICU admission. Viral NP was found in lung tissue samples from three patients. Type I pneumocytes and macrophages harbored viral NP, as evidenced by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Lung tissue from patients with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) viral pneumonia shows histological findings consistent with DAD. Prolonged nitro-oxidative stress is present despite antiviral treatment. Viral proteins may remain in lung tissue for prolonged periods of time, lodged in macrophages and type I pneumocytes.

Prostatectomía radical laparoscópica. ¿Afecta la anatomía patológica de la pieza en la forma de seguimiento posterior? / Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Does the histopathological examination of the specimen have an effect on the postoperavie follow-up?

OBJETIVO. Analizar la capacidad predictiva del Gleason definitivo, la afectación extracapsular y la afectación de márgenes respecto a la recurrencia bioquímica y al PSA Doubling Time, en pacientes con prostatectomía radical. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO. Estudio retrospectivo. Se realizó un análisis de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meyer y una comparación de medias del PSA DT mediante la “t” de Student. RESULTADOS. De 110 pacientes estudiados, 9 presentaron recidiva bioquímica. La media de seguimiento fue de 22.57 meses. La media de meses libres de recurrencia bioquímica fue de 65.28 meses para Gleason <7 y de 35.29 meses para ?7 (p=0.03). La media de PSA DT en el grupo con afectación extracapsular fue de 24.83 meses mientras que en los que no la tenían fue de 35.66 (p=0,028). CONCLUSIONES. Pese al limitado número de pacientes y el escaso tiempo de seguimiento demostramos que un Gleason elevado, o la afectación extracapsular pueden indicar la necesidad de un seguimiento más exhaustivo (AU)

OBJECTIVE. Our aim was to analyze the predictive ability of final Gleason score, extracapsular extension and peritumoral margins affection with regard to the biochemical relapse and the PSA Doubling Time, in patients treated with radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Retrospective study. The Kaplan Meier method was used for survival analysis. The nonpaired Student's t test was used to compare the mean PSA DT. RESULTS. Of the 110 patients studied, 9 presented biochemical relapse. Median follow-up period was 22.57 (DE 16,2) months. Mean time from surgery to biochemical relapse was 65.28 months for Gleason <7 and 35.29 months for ?7 (p=0.03). The average PSA-DT for the patients in the group with extracapsular affection was 24.83 months whereas in the group without extension it was 35.66 (p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS. Despite the limited number of patients and the scarce follow-up time, our study suggests that patients with high Gleason grade or extracapsular affection are likely to need of a more exhaustive control (AU)

Heat shock protein 70 and cellular disturbances in cochlear cisplatin ototoxicity model.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to cisplatin leads to cochlear cell death by apoptosis; these changes are most marked on the seventh day after exposure. Heat shock proteins are induced in inner ear cells in response to a variety of stimuli. This study examined the role of heat shock protein 70 in cisplatin-induced cochlear cell death. METHODS: Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were involved. Some were injected with cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight), some with cisplatin plus the caspase inhibitor Z-Asp(OMe)-Glu(OMe)-Val-Asp(OME)-fluoromethylketone (5 mg/kg body weight) and others were left as controls (being injected only with saline). Seven days later, we examined the expression of heat shock protein 70 and several other apoptosis-related proteins within the rat cochlear cells; we also assessed total superoxide dismutase activity, auditory brainstem response and auditory steady state response. RESULTS: Seven days after cisplatin injection, significantly increased expression of heat shock protein 70 was found within the rat cochleae. This correlated with increased executioner caspase levels, total superoxide dismutase activity and auditory brainstem response thresholds, and a significant elevation in auditory steady state response thresholds. Inhibition of caspase-3 activity significantly reduced cochlear heat shock protein 70 expression and total superoxide dismutase activity, and improved auditory brainstem response and auditory steady state response thresholds. CONCLUSIONS: Seven days after cisplatin exposure, we found disturbances of the cochlear cellular machinery involving heat shock protein 70, other apoptotic proteins and total superoxide dismutase.

Adaptación transcultural y validación del Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire-15 para su uso en población española / Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire-15 for use in the Spanish population

Objetivo: Realizar una adaptación transcultural y una validación del cuestionario Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire-15 (PPE-15) al español para explorar la percepción de los pacientes sobre el proceso de información y la participación en la toma de decisiones durante el ingreso hospitalario. Incorporar nuevas dimensiones que, al no estar recogidas por el PPE-15, se consideren relevantes para pacientes españoles en relación con la información y la toma de decisiones durante la hospitalización. Material y métodos: Estudio de adaptación transcultural y validación del cuestionario PPE-15 a través de la traducción de la versión original, la validación del contenido y la ampliación del cuestionario en una nueva versión llamada PPE-33. Se llevó a cabo una prueba piloto para comprobar la aceptabilidad y la viabilidad del cuestionario. Finalmente, se evaluó la validez de concepto, fiabilidad y consistencia interna a través de un estudio transversal. Los participantes fueron pacientes adultos posthospitalizados, a los que se les administraron las sucesivas versiones del cuestionario. Resultados Se obtuvo un alto grado de concordancia entre el PPE-15 original y el PPE-33 (índice de Kappa de 0,872). El PPE-33 mostró un alto grado de estabilidad a los 15 días (test de McNemar; p>0,05). Se consiguió un valor de 80 (muy fácil de leer) en la fórmula de perspicuidad de Szigriszt. El PPE-33 obtuvo una alta consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach de 0,792). Conclusiones El cuestionario PPE-15 adaptado al español en el PPE-33 es un instrumento fiable y válido para explorar la percepción sobre la información y la participación en la toma de decisiones durante la hospitalización (AU)

Objective: To carry out a transcultural adaptation and validation of the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire-15 (PPE-15). To incorporate new dimensions such as informed consent and decision making, that are not addressed in the PPE-15 but are considered relevant for Spanish patients on information and decision making in hospital. Material and method: Cross-culture adaptation and validation of the (PPE-15). Material and method: A translation of the original version of the questionnaire PPE-15 has been carried out. Content validity has been studied and a new Spanish version has been designed and validated, the PPE-33 questionnaire. The original version of the PPE-15 was translated into Spanish and the content and construct validity of the PPE-33 were studied. A pilot test assessed the acceptability and feasibility of the questionnaire and eventually, construct validity, reliability and internal consistency were evaluated. Results: A high concordance between the original version of the PPE-15 questionnaire and the PPE-33 (Kappa 0,872). The PPE-33 showed good stability within 15 days (McNemar Es Test P>0.05). The Szigriszt Readability Score was 80 (very easy to read). The PPE-33 obtained a high internal consistency (Cronbach Es alpha 0.792). Conclusions: The PPE-15 adapted to Spanish as the PPE-33, is a reliable and valid instrument to measure the perception and satisfaction of patients that have been hospitalised, regarding information, treatment received and participation in decision making (AU)

[Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire-15 for use in the Spanish population]. / Adaptación transcultural y validación del Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire-15 para su uso en población española.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out a transcultural adaptation and validation of the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire-15 (PPE-15). To incorporate new dimensions such as informed consent and decision making, that are not addressed in the PPE-15 but are considered relevant for Spanish patients on information and decision making in hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cross-culture adaptation and validation of the (PPE-15). A translation of the original version of the questionnaire PPE-15 has been carried out. Content validity has been studied and a new Spanish version has been designed and validated, the PPE-33 questionnaire. The original version of the PPE-15 was translated into Spanish and the content and construct validity of the PPE-33 were studied. A pilot test assessed the acceptability and feasibility of the questionnaire and eventually, construct validity, reliability and internal consistency were evaluated. RESULTS: A high concordance between the original version of the PPE-15 questionnaire and the PPE-33 (Kappa 0.872). The PPE-33 showed good stability within 15 days (McNemar's Test P>0.05). The Szigriszt Readability Score was 80 (very easy to read). The PPE-33 obtained a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.792). CONCLUSIONS: The PPE-15 adapted to Spanish as the PPE-33, is a reliable and valid instrument to measure the perception and satisfaction of patients that have been hospitalised, regarding information, treatment received and participation in decision making.

The anticancer drug cisplatin induces an intrinsic apoptotic pathway inside the inner ear.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ototoxicity is a known adverse effect of cisplatin (CDDP). Since apoptosis is involved in the development of some pathological conditions associated with the administration of anticancer drugs, we examined, using immunohistochemical and electrophysiological techniques, the apoptotic changes in the cochlea of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats after an injection of CDDP (5 mgkg(-1) body weight). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Luciferase assays were used to determine the different caspase activities and ATP levels in protein extracts of whole cochleae. The expression of several apoptotic-related proteins was measured by means of Western blotting. These analyses were performed 2, 7 and 30 days after the CDDP injection. The auditory brain stem response was obtained before and at the different times after the injection of CDDP, before the animals were killed. KEY RESULTS: CDDP significantly increased the levels of caspase-3/7 activity and active caspase-3 protein expression and caspase-3 immunofluorescence staining, caspase-9 activity, and Bax protein expression but decreased Bcl-2 protein expression within the rat cochleae. Threshold shifts were significantly elevated 2 days after CDDP treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings support the hypothesis that cisplatin-related apoptosis evokes an intrinsic pathway of pro-apoptotic signalling within the rat cochleae. Thus, selective inhibition of the sequence of events involved in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway could provide a strategy to minimize cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

Pro-inflammatory effects of early non-enzymatic glycated proteins in human mesothelial cells vary with cell donor's age.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diabetes mellitus is prevalent in the elderly population. It is also a disease causing tissue damage through several different mechanisms. Some of these mechanisms are also activated by ageing and this overlap raises questions about how diabetes induces damage in the elderly. Early products of non-enzymatic glycation of proteins (Amadori adducts), and the ageing process share the capacity to induce oxidative stress and inflammation in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). We have evaluated the interactions between the age of the donor of the HPMCs and the pro-inflammatory effects of Amadori adducts in those cells. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: HPMCs were isolated from 20 individuals (age range 21-81 years) and grown in culture. Using different experimental approaches we determined NF-kappaB dependent transcriptional activity and different NF-kappaB-related pro-inflammatory gene and protein expressions in basal (or non-stimulated) conditions and after stimulation with two Amadori adducts; highly-glycated haemoglobin and glycated bovine serum albumin. KEY RESULTS: Amadori-induced effects on NF-kappaB dependent-transcription and on the activity of NOS, COX and several NF-kappaB-related pro-inflammatory genes (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL6) diminished as the donor's age increased, being practically absent in cells from donors more than 65 years old. Such decreased effects were inversely correlated with an increased basal expression and activity of these pro-inflammatory markers with age. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Pro-inflammatory effects of Amadori-adducts in HPMCs were strongly dependent on cell donor's age. This may have significant implications for the mechanisms underlying diabetes-induced tissue damage in patients of different ages.

Síndrome de Lemierre y Mycoplasma pneumoniae / Lemierre´s syndrome and mycoplasma pneumoniae

Se ha sugerido que una infección faríngea previa viral o bacteriana puede favorecer el desarrollo del síndrome de Lemierre, una entidad hoy en día poco frecuente. Se describe un caso de síndrome de Lemierre en el que coexiste una infección por Mycoplasma pneumoniae, hecho comunicado en la literatura sólo en otros 2 casos. Se trata de una adolescente de 16 años con tromboflebitis yugular izquierda, bacteriemia por Fusobacterium necrophorum y émbolos sépticos en pulmón, que requirió ventilación mecánica por insuficiencia respiratoria grave. A pesar del tratamiento precoz con penicilina G y clindamicina, persistió la fiebre y parte de la afectación pulmonar hasta la introducción, tras la confirmación serológica de infección por M. pneumoniae, de un antibiótico activo frente a este patógeno. Los clínicos debemos saber reconocer fácilmente esta enfermedad porque su presentación clínica es muy característica, y debemos considerar la posibilidad de coinfección con otros microorganismos, incluido M. pneumoniae

It has been suggested that a previous viral or bacterial pharyngitis may predispose to Lemierre´s syndrome, an uncommon entity nowadays. A case of Lemierre´s syndrome and co-infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae is described, association published before in only 2 other cases. A 16-year-old girl with trombophlebitis of the left jugular vein, Fusobacterium necrophorum bacteremia and septic emboli in the lung requiring mechanical ventilation due to severe respiratory insufficiency. Despite early treatment with penicillin G and clindamycin, fever and part of pulmonary affectation persisted until that an antibiotic agent active against M. pneumoniae was instaurated, after its serological confirmation. The physicians should be easily recognized this disease because of its characteristic clinical findings, and co-infection with other organisms including M. pneumoniae, should be considered

[Lemierre's syndrome and Mycoplasma pneumoniae]. / Síndrome de Lemierre y Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

It has been suggested that a previous viral or bacterial pharyngitis may predispose to Lemierre's syndrome, an uncommon entity nowadays. A case of Lemierre's syndrome and co-infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae is described, association published before in only 2 other cases. A 16-year-old girl with trombophlebitis of the left jugular vein, Fusobacterium necrophorum bacteremia and septic emboli in the lung requiring mechanical ventilation due to severe respiratory insufficiency. Despite early treatment with penicillin G and clindamycin, fever and part of pulmonary affectation persisted until that an antibiotic agent active against M. pneumoniae was instaurated, after its serological confirmation. The physicians should be easily recognized this disease because of its characteristic clinical findings, and co-infection with other organisms including M. pneumoniae, should be considered.